2 $ MAY 3, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 10 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Is being homeless a criminal act? Supreme Court to decide. Page 6 JULIANO SANCHEZ #174 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT WOULD YOU BRING TO A COOKOUT? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. U-M Tahrir Coalition joins nationwide student movement for university divestment from Israel. page 4 "Popular University of Gaza" on the first day of the encampment, April 22. Photo by Mike Jones. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER MAY 3, 2024 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Jim Clark Christopher Ellis Cindy Gere Izzy Hedin-Urrutia Kaylie Karsch Ken Parks Elizabeth Reidy Scoop Stevens Erin Turn Wei Zhou PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Jane Atkins Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Emily Paras Holden Pizzolato Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MAY 3, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What would you bring to a cookout? Lentils, rice, hummus and organic garlic bread. — Juliano Sanchez, #174 Charcoal or a soccer ball. Or both. — Jim Clark, #139 Water. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Ribs. — Shawn Swoffer, #574 Potato salad. — Wayne Sparks, #615 Probably some beef ribs and watermelon! — Pony Bush, #305 Barbecue ribs, mac 'n' cheese and corn. — Derek Allen, #177 An appetite! — Ken Parks, #490 Barbecue sauce — good for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters! — Monte Smith, #487 Whatever is needed. Soda, chips, potato salad, hot dogs and buns are the classics. — Hosea' Hill, #532 Vienna sausages and crackers. — Denise Shearer, #485 Macaroni and cheese. — Joe Woods, #103 On a hot day? Cold water! — Mike Jones, #113 People. Me, myself and I. — Tony Schohl, #9 I love every year walking through the wonderful W.E. Upjohn Peony CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Visit the Peony Gardens for some fun in the sun! Garden at the Nichols Arboretum (what I like to call Peonies Park)! I start in the woods on the Washington Heights entrance. With my love for dogs, I am often happy to run into many on their daily walks. As we make our way through the bushes, we come out onto a vista overlooking the rest of the Arboretum. As I wander through the woods, I come out onto the back end of the peony park where I often see wedding parties taking pictures of the brides walking down between the flowers in their big fluffy wedding dresses. Professional and amateur photographers are often there as well, taking many pictures. But what I find so much fun is the number of people who come to admire the peonies for the brief time they are in full bloom. So between April and May this is a fun event for friends and family — a day in the park and fun in the sun! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 People’s Food Co-op annual meeting discusses A2 development goals SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor On April 16 the People's Food Co-op had its annual meeting at the Downtown Ann Arbor Public Library and it started with a 45-minute panel discussion. PFC Vice President Conner Levy started the discussion by stating that the primary objective of the PFC downtown development plan was food justice and food accessibility. Ann Arbor City officials who participated in the panel discussion were Lisa Disch (City Council member), Maura Thompson (Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority) and Jane Dixon (City planning consultant). At the end of the discussion these officials were asked about their shopping credentials at PFC. All of them shopped extensively at PFC; Dixon mentioned that while she was a graduate student she didn't shop there because the prices were too high. Even though PFC is the only grocery store in downtown Ann Arbor, many people do not shop there because of those high prices. Right now, they are far from accomplishing food justice and food accessibility. Before the COVID-19 pandemic shocked the world into submission with its draconian lockdowns, mandatory mask wearing and social distancing reminders, there were already shopping and workplace changes happening. The pandemic only accelerated the pace of these new trends, like working from home at least part of the time and, as they stated in the panel discussion, social spaces outside of business establishments (mostly restaurants, I assumed). A PFC downtown development plan taking these trends into consideration could create a vibrant social life and new type of prosperity. This would make food tap into a different view of what makes for prosperity (that is, outside of the Gross National Product mindset) and possibly even bring down prices if it generated enough business of a social nature.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GAZA U-M Tarihr Coaltion joins nationwide student movement for university divestment from Israel There are tents on the Diag, but they are not occupied by people experiencing homelessness. The encampment is the “Popular University for Gaza at U-M,” and is composed of University of Michigan students, faculty, staff and community supporters of university divestment from Israel. On Monday, April 22, at 6 a.m., over 60 student members of the Tahrir Coalition joined the national call from Students for Justice in Palestine to “occupy college campuses and demand that their institutions end their complicity in the ongoing genocide in Palestine.” This Diag occupation began four days after Students for Justice in Palestine at Columbia University began occupation of the East Butler Lawn in New York City, escalating this nationwide student-led movement for divestment from Israel. Hundreds of student activists at Columbia have been arrested or suspended, but the repression has only led to more and more support. The U-M Tahrir Coalition was formed in November 2023 in response to Central Student Government ballot initiatives AR 13-025 and counter-initiative AR 13-026, calling on U-M to LINDSAY CALKA Publisher formal inquiry into anti-palestinian, anti-Arab, and islamophobic racism and harassment. 3. Support and reaffirm the faculty and staff members who are being vilified for their support of Palestine. 4. Release a formal statement that clearly defines the massacre in Gaza as a genocidal ethnic cleansing campaign led by Israel and aided by the United States.” The encampment intends to occupy condemn the state of Israel, and Hamas, respectively. The coalition is composed of more than 80 U-M student organizations that are “united for the liberation of Palestine at the University of Michigan.” To join the coalition, an individual or organization affiliated with U-M must sign on to the following demands to the University of Michigan President Santo Ono and the Board of Regents: “1. Divest from any and all companies that presently, or in the future, profit off of the human rights violations committed by Israel, and aid in the apartheid system maintained against Palestinians. 2. Conduct a the Diag — disrupting business as usual — until they achieve divestment from Israel at the U-M. Dozens of other universities across the country are organizing similar direct actions, with near-identical demands. What business does an academic institution have investing in another country, and what does “divest from Israel” really mean? The University of Michigan maintains an endowment of $17.9 billion that is invested in multiple companies in order to grow funds. There are staff persons that manage everyday decisions about the endowment, but at the end of the day, the University President and the statewide-elected Board of Regents make the final call about where funds are allocated. “Divestment from Israel” is a condensed phrase that draws the connections between large multinational companies that receive investments from the endowment that directly fund Israeli military activity in Gaza. The University has over $6 billion invested in funds that profit from Israeli companies or military contractors. This includes Hewlett-Packard, which supplies the electronic identification systems used to immobilize Palestinians at Israeli military checkpoints; Lockheed Martin, which has supplied Israel with billions of dollars worth of military equipment and training since 2001; and the Boeing Company, which expedited delivery of 1,000 bombs to aid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. Other investments include drone manufacturer Skydio, military contractors Cobham and Ultra Electronics, Israeli spyware firm Oosto, and Israeli prisoner surveillance company Attenti. In a public letter, the Tahrir Coalition stated, “As long as U-M invests in these companies, we are paying tuition to a university that profits from apartheid, see TAHRIR page 7  MAY 3, 2024 Who's in charge? If you have been on a picket line or march for peace and justice, you likely heard the police asking, “Who’s in charge?” The usual response is “Everybody” or “No one.” I think a better response would be, “I am in charge of what I do, are you in charge of what you do, or do you have orders?” Chain of command thinking begins early. Two-year-olds have learned the word “NO” and use it often enough to have a reputation … THE TERRIBLE TWOS. As adults we are more likely to hear, ”You can’t do that here.” Your assembly may be declared illegal or more commonly, ”You can’t sleep here!” Camping on the commons, on any unused land, is usually a big “NO!” You can discreetly disappear into the bush but if you are discovered, you may lose all your possessions and be issued a ticket to appear in court where you will be fined and/or jailed. The hypocrisy of property rights becomes obvious as your body becomes the property of the state. We have yet to abolish slavery in prisons. Those who have eyes to see and a KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 heart that feels will be inspired to continue the struggle for freedom. “An injury to one is an injury to all” is a quote on the letterhead of some unions. It is a poignant expression of universal truth. Hillsdale College talks of transcendental truth and the constitution as if it is the domain of conservatives. We need some deep debate here. Nial Ferguson presents the conservative view in his “Treason of the Intellectuals.” As the Rev. James K. Parks said, “A little bit of truth is a dangerous thing.” How to be in charge of your life My 77 years of post-kindergarten graduate studies continue: life is an experiment, and I have discovered that I am a true son of Western civilization, that is Judaeo-Christian, Marxist and Einsteinian culture. It was the Vietnamese, then the Tibetans, who helped me weave all those Western threads into a workable fabric. Some Western threads need critical reflection, in particular the Enlightenment ideology and its bourgeois expressions of capitalism and rocket science. Relativity and quantum theory stand on the shoulders of Isaac Newton just as Marx stands on the shoulders of Hegel. The conceptual world of thinking and how we understand reality is a dialectical process that requires exploration of whatever limits, obstacles or insights arise. Rene Descartes, whose work became the Cartesian worldview, is author of the famous quote “I think, therefore I am.” This puts being in the context of thinking as understood by reason. The rational mind decides what is real. Any experience outside compliance with this model is dismissed as “illusion.” What if the appearances of the material world are so complex and interrelated that they only make sense in the light of a holistic view, before thinking imposes its prejudice of being the judge? If you observe your mind you will see that “Who is the thinker and who is the observer?” is the question we all face. Google gave me a wonderful essay on the difference between Descartes and Newton written by a philosophy student, Stephen Trochimchuk, actually a review of Thomas Kuhn’s “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.” I got lost trying to follow Descartes, largely because I disagree with his assumptions, in particular dualism as best illustrated by the mind/body split which plagues us to this day. Descartes can only be understood by accepting his assumption that the world is a machine. Isaac Newton focused on the mechanics of the machine and gave us rocket science. Are the thinker and observer aspects of one mind, or is this see CHARGE page 8  MAY 3, 2024 GAZA A HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR MIGHT MUZE GAZA Where is the pogrom here, we were the real survivors, the ghetto were at our backs, not this small GALILEE; (WE DON’T COMPARE) Night trains stole away, against moonless dark skies our ghost-like shadowy forms, toward BUCHENWALD We were butchered in the heart, our children pierced in the streets, not this Delilah missile dropped on dusty sandled schoolboys at soccer: (WE DON’T COMPARE) THEN, a frenzied black-booted, dictator circled the terrified, barbwired the psyche in ovens, killed, and killed. not small fire pouring from Jehoavuh’s sky (WE DON’T COMPARE) We were skulls, bones, soulless skeletons, praying for our death, not the feeble wails of Galilee mothers, this: (WE DON’T COMPARE) Go down Moses, GO down there, can you see the sea is it red Moses is it red Moses IS IT CHRISTOPHER ELLIS Groundcover vendor No. 483 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 RED. Author’s note: I trust that this poem will be received in the spirit, conscience and humanity in which it was composed. There is no attempt to ostracize any part of our collective humanness. It is solely an artistic endeavor to speak about our oneness, with a view toward unification and the betterment of all peoples and races. exp. 01/31/2025

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS Cartoon by Izzy Hedin-Urrutia Is being homeless a criminal act? SCOTUS to decide MAY 3, 2024 come in and say as to that, [you can], but as to that, you can't do that?” Kagan continued, “For a person who has no place to go, sleeping in public is kind of like breathing in public. Your statute says that a person cannot take himself and himself only and take a blanket and sleep some place without it being a crime. It just seems like you're criminalizing a status." "If every city, every village, every town lacks compassion and passes a law identical to this? Where are they supposed to sleep?" asked Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said it seems, "... both cruel and unusual to punish people for acts that constitute basic human needs. We're talking about sleeping. That is universal, that is a basic function." One of the striking things about the In Grants Pass, Ore., there is a conflict between the City Council and locals experiencing homelessness. The case Johnson v. Grants Pass began in 2018 with lower level courts and has escalated to become a U.S. Supreme Court case. The main argument is whether or not punishing people with fines and incarceration for sleeping outside violates the eighth amendment, which prohibits cruel or unusual punishment. The plaintiffs Gloria Johnson and John Logan are being represented by the Oregon Law Center. Both Johnson and Logan are residents of Grants Pass who lost their housing. They have been sleeping in their vehicles since and have been given many citations for sleeping in public. They are involuntarily homeless as are many of the 600 people who are currently experiencing homelessness in Grants Pass. The city has expensive housing and has no homeless shelter, so anyone who loses their housing may end up sleeping on the street but Grants Pass has made that illegal. There is absolutely no place for them to survive. The Grants Pass City Council does not want homeless people to sleep in public parks. The ordinance makes outdoor camping a criminal offense punishable by a $1,250 fine and up to 30 days in jail. The City Council president, Lily Morgan, said at a council meeting, “The point is to make it uncomfortable enough for them [the homeless] in our city so they will want to move on down the road.” On April 22, SCOTUS heard oral arguments for Grants Pass v. Johnson. “Grants Pass says civil and criminal punishments are necessary for enforcing laws banning homeless individuals from public spaces. Lawyers representing a class of homeless residents argue to address root causes of homelessness and only exacerbates the crisis.” Another advocate for the homeless JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 in Grants Pass is The National Homelessness Law Center, a team of human rights attorneys and advocates fighting to solve homelessness by challenging criminalization and protecting the rights of homeless people across the United States. The National Homeless Law Center penalizing people who have nowhere else to go constitutes cruel and unusual punishment — a violation of the Eighth Amendment,” Jeremiah Hayden reported in Portland, Ore. street newspaper “Street Roots.” An April 2023 press release by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition stated, “The court will soon decide whether localities that have failed to address the affordable housing and shelter needs of their community can issue fines or arrest people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside even when there is no adequate housing or shelter.” An amicus brief is a court document submitted by someone not directly involved in a legal case; it provides information, expertise, or insight relevant to the case. These briefs aim to inform the court about the consequences of a ruling. One entity that submitted an amicus brief in the case was the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, “dedicated to achieving racially and socially equitable public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes have quality homes that are accessible and affordable in communities of their choice.” The NLIHC brief argued that "criminalization fails recently entered the arena by delivering “over 42 friend of the court briefs in the landmark case. These [amicus] briefs reflect support from more than 1,100 groups and public figures who join us in calling for protection under the U.S. Constitution of the rights of over 260,000 Americans who sleep outside every night,” stated a newsletter from Jesse Rabinowitz, Campaign & Communications Director. During the two hour hearing on Monday, April 22, the justices made these comments: "How do we draw these difficult lines as to whether the Eighth Amendment would prohibit a municipality from punishing other acts like public urination if there are no facilities available or trespassing,” asked Justice Amy Coney Barrett. "Many people have mentioned this is a serious policy problem, and it's a policy problem because the solution of course is to build shelter, to provide shelter for those who are otherwise harmless," Justice John Roberts said. "But municipalities have competing priorities. What if there are lead pipes in the water? Which one do you prioritize?” Justice Elena Kagan asked Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler, "Where is the line where the city can say our legitimate municipal interests can case is that some of the judges don’t believe they should weigh in on the matter at all. The arguments were already heard by a district court and the 9th circuit court who determined the unconstitutionality of the ordinances. In 2020, the district court in Medford ruled that the city's ordinances regulating homelessness were unconstitutional. Grants Pass appealed that decision to the 9th Circuit Court, based in San Francisco, which upheld it in a three-judge decision. Arguments in favor of keeping the laws and ordinances come from the belief that state and local authorities are closer to the problem so have a better perspective on addressing it. Also, since the impact of homelessness and the solutions for it directly impact the community they are in, the local government should have the final say. Those who support the imposing of fines and penalties argue that these things are commonly used to address criminal activity and are not cruel or unusual. The case also brought a discussion about “where to draw the line.” For instance, is someone who lays out a blanket at night to watch the stars and ends up falling asleep guilty of camping in public? What if someone urinates in public because there are no public toilets? What is the difference between camping for survival and camping for recreation? Should they both be prohibited? As of the time of publication, the decision is waiting to be made. If the Supreme Court upholds the 9th circuit court’s decision, what will be the ramifications for people who are camping for survival? How would that impact Washtenaw County? If they decide to overturn the ruling, allowing municipalities to draft laws targeting the homeless, will Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the rest of Washtenaw County adopt tougher laws and ordinances against their homeless citizens? MAY 3, 2024 DIVESTMENT  TAHRIR from page 4 genocide and mass ethnic cleansing.” According to an article published by the University Record on March 28, “The Board of Regents has announced it will not divest from companies linked to Israel, reaffirming its longstanding policy to shield the endowment from political pressures and base investment decisions on financial factors such as risk and return. ‘The Board of Regents has heard multiple calls for divestment from our endowment of companies linked to Israel. We have listened carefully,’ Regent Sarah Hubbard said at the board’s March 28 meeting. “We are not moving to make any divestment of any kind.’” The Regents nor President Santa Ono have made a public statement since the beginning of the encampment, although a University spokesperson issued a statement to the Michigan Daily that it supports the right to peaceful protest. Interviews from “It’s Hot in Here with Silver Lining” Students and community members have been giving updates and reports about the encampment through social media, messaging apps and freeform radio. WCBN DJ “Silver Lining” interviewed campers and played live interviews over the radio during their show on April 24. The first student they interviewed is Palestinian and has relatives who survived the 1948 Nakba. “There is a sense of urgency … I am grateful for that … we need to recenter ourselves and remember the reason we’re out here… is for Gaza and for the people who are facing the worst of it. "We get to use new tents that we set up with no threat of bombardment. While people are sleeping in makeshift tents, among the rubble, [with] multiple family members lost, missing and deceased … We are definitely privileged … we should be using that privilege any way we can to fight for them and to get the university to stop funding genocide.” They continued, “The University pushed us to this point. We didn’t just wake up and decide ‘Oh this is what we’re gonna do.’ We got to this point from the disruptive action policy proposal, where the University was trying to suppress student protestors through arrests of peaceful protest, refusal to meet with us, refusal to listen to what we have to say, ignoring it when we do say it. “We’re forcing the University to listen to our demands and listen to what we have to say.” A sign flies above the camp reading “Liberated Zone.” To another interviewee, this simply means that participants “have control over what is happening [at the camp].” This second camper said, “[The police] are aware this movement on campus is popular. They saw that when the [New York Police Department] arrested 150 students at Columbia, over 200 took their place. So, we hope that the administration knows they can’t successfully repress this movement … If the university tries to repress this encampment, the community will come out and will respond … What it will look like in the next few days, no one knows. We fully intend to grow; we anticipate having a lot of community support. We’re only growing stronger.” “It’s Hot in Here with Silver Lining” airs on WCBN (88.3 FM-Ann Arbor) Wednesdays at 2 p.m. You can also listen to the archived show on Spotify by searching “It’s Hot in Here with Silver Lining.” Legacy of student movements for divestment In the spring of 1977 the U-M Southern African Liberation Committee and the African Students’ Association began a campaign for divestment from South African apartheid. Through similar actions led by student organizers — protests at Regents meetings, campus pickets, building a “shanty” GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 on the Diag and occupying it 24/7 — divestment from South Africa was achieved. On April 14, 1983 the Board of Regents passed a historic “90% Resolution” that directed administration to divest “from all American corporations with operations in South Africa except for those with notable economic presence in Michigan.” Before that, from 1965-1972, the anti-Vietnam War movement led by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Students for a Democratic Society organized anti-war actions that disrupted the university’s involvement in the Vietnam War. Notably, the U-M Central Student Government originated from these student protests. A detailed history of these student movements can be found at michiganintheworld.history.lsa.umich.edu/ antiapartheid/ The Tahrir Coalition carries this torch. Activities at the Popular University for Gaza at U-M include rallies, teach-ins, movies, art builds, Passover ceremonies, traditional prayers and more — and are led and attended by the many, increasing encampment participants. Amidst it all, you can still find students working on finals and end-of-semester assignments. At the time of publication, the encampment stands: alive, well and growing. 6 24/7 mental health and substance use support 734-544-3050 LEARN MORE about programs funded by the community mental health and public safety preservation millage

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CONTINUED  CHARGE from page 4 dualism permanent? We can only resolve this dilemma by choosing the assumption that speaks to us and living it out. We tend toward dualism or holism based on our current understanding and stay with it because it works or change it because it is not working. Mindfulness training usually begins with mindfulness of the breath. Mindfulness can be used with all the senses and go from tranquility to insight meditation. A teacher will help you navigate the stages of the path and master them a step at a time. We are fortunate to have Khenpo Choephel at the Karuna Buddhist Center, located in Bethlehem United Church of Christ. Khenpo is an honorific for those who have taken Dharma vows and mastered years of study and practice. Dharma is a Sanskrit word meaning reality, particularly the sacred reality that is full and complete enlightenment, that is awakening to the buddha nature inherent in all sentient beings. Ignorance, with its many habitual patterns, becomes an addiction to illusion. Splitting reality into its constituent parts in search of something substantial becomes an obsession. Dualism becomes a habit as we look for the missing part. The most common dualism is self and other. This egocentric view is powerful and promotes a very competitive lifestyle. It makes some people rich and powerful. Wealth is a social marker of success in bourgeois society. The disparities in wealth and the destruction of nature by wealth extraction has brought us to the point where we must look at our assumptions and choose what works best. You may be a bit crazy as you leave bourgeois compliance culture and embrace the struggle for something more authentic. This choice is becoming more popular during my lifetime. Many aspire to a more cooperative and compassionate life and are beginning the shift. We are in a period when there is a growing sense that something is wrong, that our lives are out of control. We are not able to stop the war machine and its declared purpose of full spectrum domination which may lose one war after the other but continues vigorously in the financial and ideological fronts. These two fronts continue into space as the colonization of Mars is the next step towards the sole superpower of the universe which will storm the gates of heaven in its quest for dominance. "The Great Taking” by David Rogers Webb and “The Trading Game” by Gary Stephenson clarify our current situation of centralization of power. Lynette Zang is important in this analysis and I believe summarizes a growing collective view that the only solution to our growing crisis is to build community. We can start by growing our own food in community. Willow Run Acres and the Argus Farm Stop ethic that “The Future Is Local” will thrive when we come together as human beings who are children of the earth. Remember “The Earth Is My Witness” in the March 8, 2024 edition of Groundcover News. Our relationship to Earth Day and annarborcommunitycommons.org is an excellent opportunity to focus on a felt sense of the body and accept the wisdom of the body as the best advisor on the proper direction for the MAY 3, 2024 next step and inspire us to step onto and stay on Freedom Road. May Day celebrates the solidarity that keeps us together. May 27 is Memorial Day. Veterans For Peace celebrates this day with the Arlington Midwest display of crosses all day at Grand Circus Park in Detroit. It’s a collaboration of southwest Michigan veterans. They need a truck to move the many crosses in the display. I will use mindfulness of the breath as a step to mindfulness of the body — and eventually mindfulness of the mind as we mature on the stages of the path. The completion stage awaits us as our ego dissolves into the all good expanse of primordial purity. MAY 3, 2024 PUZZLES Either Way by Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming 1234 5678 13 17 20 21 24 25 28 30 36 41 42 46 47 49 50 52 54 62 65 55 56 57 63 66 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. 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If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1 "Getting closer," in a guessing game 5 Soy-based broth 9 Inflict serious injury on 13 Vicinity 14 Take in or take on 16 Defeat, barely 17 "Mean Girls" song about being "hot" in silly Halloween costumes 18 Follower of an Afro-Jamaican religion 19 ___ as dishwater 20 Rubber duckie locale 22 It's cast at the polls 24 Start of a humorous quip about decision-making 28 "Yes, captain!" 29 Like thick fog, figuratively 30 Fang output 31 Deliver, as a pitch 32 Loafer or flip-flop 36 Abbr. after a comma 37 Part 2 of the quip 40 DuVernay who directed "Selma" 41 Actress Seehorn or Perlman 43 Cuts off, as branches 44 Toddler's booboos 46 "Another Saturday Night" singer Sam 48 ___ in motion (gracefulness) 49 End of the quip 52 Caught in a downpour, perhaps 53 Peril 54 "Beloved" author Morrison 55 Encourage persistently 58 Caught in a drizzle, perhaps 62 British prep school of note 63 Coffee break snack 64 Some are golden 65 19th-century Democrat opponent 66 "No ifs, ands or ___" 67 Baseball great Berra known for humorous quips like the one in this puzzle 51 53 58 59 60 61 64 67 DOWN 1 Existed 2 "Butterflies ___ Free" (1972 romcom) 3 Latin word for "king" 4 "It's possible" 5 Joan of Arc, for one 6 Pocatello's state 7 Distress signal 8 Get off the fence, say 9 Relatives of "mashups," in music 10 Former minor 11 Domed home 12 Become liquid 15 Side order at Haifa Falafel 21 Jungian principle 23 Band's sound booster 24 "Christina's World" artist Andrew 25 "It follows that ..." 26 Illegally seized 27 Party poppers 28 Declare 31 Pipe type 33 Port-au-Prince's land 34 Conspicuous 35 "No sweat" 38 Deluged 39 Alcoves 42 Loser to a pair of deuces 45 Timeslot for many soaps and talk shows 47 Assayer's material 48 Art supplies 49 Fang 50 Capital northeast of Bangkok 51 Fish in the Au Sable 52 All-in-one meal 56 Uncertain amount 57 African antelope 59 In times past 60 Oldest daughter in "Little Women" 61 Tire gauge reading: Abbr. 37 38 43 48 31 39 44 45 26 27 29 32 33 34 35 40 14 18 22 23 15 9 16 19 10 11 12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS STUDENT SOLUTIONS Street medicine: bridging the gap of accessibility ELIZABETH REIDY U-M student contributor I recently spent a Saturday morning serving potatoes and scrambled eggs at a house of hospitality in Ann Arbor. As I left the house, I noticed a group of volunteers standing on the back porch, clad in their Michigan merch, casually sipping on coffee from their thermoses. As I emerged from the crowded kitchen, carrying the scent of grease and charred potatoes with me, I wondered what these volunteers were doing relaxing on the back porch. I would’ve remained naively judgemental of them had they not been approached by a breakfast-goer at the house. I watched as they leaned over the man, intently examining his arm. It wasn’t until one of them pulled out a little red kit with a white cross on it that I realized what they were there for: it was the Wolverine Street Medicine group providing medical care. In hindsight, I felt very foolish for not realizing that sooner. This was my first time ever seeing medical services being provided at a gathering center. I was surprised to see that this was being provided, and even more surprised to find that there is a term for this type of medical care. “Street medicine” is the practice of providing medical care to unhoused populations. The street medicine movement was first established in 1992 by a Pittsburgh physician, Dr. Jim Withers, who later founded the Street Medicine Institute, a national nonprofit organization and membership community that promotes accessible healthcare for the homeless. According to the SMI, there are an estimated 50 independent street medicine programs operating across the United States today, and Wolverine is one of them. These organizations are funded in a variety of ways; some programs are run by students and volunteers, some are independent nonprofit organizations and some are facilitated by hospitals. Street medicine has been revolutionary in promoting accessible healthcare for low-income communities. Through organizations like SMI, healthcare is tailored to address the unique needs of those on the streets. Street medicine is even advancing towards becoming its own health care discipline. Despite its undeniable value, the existence of the street medicine movement in the United States is somewhat ironic. The United States is one of the richest nations in the world, and yet — according to a September 2023 report from the Census Bureau — 26 million people remain uninsured. In such an affluent country, how is it that 7.9% of the nation’s population are denied healthcare? MAY 3, 2024 Wolverine Street Medicine volunteers retrieve medical supplies from their van in downtown Detroit. Photo courtesy of Michigan Medicine. Street medicine is an invaluable service for many, but its existence indicates a glaring flaw in the current U.S. healthcare system. Rather than select hospitals, nonprofits, or even student organizations providing this service, accessible healthcare should be regulated across all healthcare providers. Accessible healthcare shouldn’t be a practice provided out of the kindness of one's heart. Healthcare is a right, but it is treated as a privilege in the United States. While it is daunting to consider the deeply-rooted, systemic issue of inaccessibility pertaining to healthcare in the United States, it is comforting to know that there are initiatives that prioritize marginalized communities. In Ann Arbor and across the world, street medicine is taking steps to provide assertive, coordinated and collaborative care management to those who need it most. Student organizations and initiatives striving to alleviate homelessness WEI ZHOU U-M student contributor One of the greatest challenges that homeless and low-income people face is the accessibility of free or lowcost goods and services within a community. This is especially true in Washtenaw County, home to the University of Michigan which prides itself as being one of the wealthiest school systems in the world. The University offers free and low-cost services (such as healthcare and food pantries) to those who are a part of the school system; to others, these services are locked behind the University of Michigan paywall. Recently, however, student organizations and other student-led initiatives have begun to take notice and strive for change, paving a path for addressing the needs of the homeless people in Washtenaw County. Michigan Health Aid is a student-run organization that focuses on providing health checkups and other related services for the homeless. They typically operate biweekly on the second floor of the Delonis Center on West Huron Street, where certified and trained volunteers take and interpret health metrics (such as blood pressure, blood sugar level) and provide insights on how to manage these health symptoms. Paul Silaghi, the president of MHA, describes MHA as “striving to provide basic health information to temperature andpeople who may not have the opportunity to know it otherwise.” He also describes MHA’s goals for expansion, which was guided by their surveying effort after collecting over 50+ responses on what resources the responders would need. They recently started pushing for an increased rate of checkups as well as funding from the University to provide over the counter medicines. After asking Paul if he thinks he - made a difference, he responded: “I hope so. We heard great things from the resource partners coordinator from the Delonis Center, who we have been working with very closely to implement this. We’ve had great testimonials from people who both had great things to say and also have offered some feedback on maybe where they would want certain tests they would want, or certain services that they want in addition to what we have, and we’ve been doing our best to implement those, especially if we see patterns in what people want that they may not have access to right see STUDENTS next page  MAY 3, 2024 STUDENT SOLUTIONS Meet and greet with Michigan Movement ERIN TURNER U-M student contributor You might sometimes wonder what the students at the University of Michigan care about. Here’s one of the thousands of answers to that question: homelessness. Students care about combating homelessness and they care about the people experiencing it. This is evident in the multiple organizations founded by students that work to address this very pressing issue. I did a deep dive on one of these clubs, Michigan Movement (MIM), to highlight the efforts of this specific club and bring awareness to those who want to get involved in the fight against homelessness. In order to get a better understanding of this club and its inner workings I interviewed one of its presidents, Liem Swanson. He explained to me some of their ongoing projects and what he hopes for the future of the club. Founded in 2015, Michigan Movement’s mission is to provide aid to those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Ann Arbor, increase community involvement and reduce the harmful stigma surrounding homelessness. They do this by providing basic necessities, promoting the idea of self-governance through education, health and wellness and having a passion for community engagement and activism. They have one focus: empower those struggling by working WITH them. It’s a great launching pad for those who want to get involved but are new to the scene. Right now, the club’s main efforts go towards clothing and food drives, group volunteering at the Delonis Center and Mercy House, and educational club meetings. One of their biggest projects, which occurs a few times over the school year, is Project Connect. This is a one-day event where students in MIM distribute care packages, known as MIM Kits, that contain food, masks, clothing, hygiene products and more, to people experiencing homelessness. They also provide testing strips for drug and overdose prevention, menstrual products, blankets, ponchos and whatever else is appropriate for the time of year. They get doctors, dentists and barbers involved so those stopping by can get vaccinated and screened, update their documentation, or get a dental exam, a fresh haircut or any of a broad list of benefits. Students also distribute a meal during the event as well as have music playing in the background. This event usually aids anywhere from 25 to 50 individuals. This is made possible by partnerships with Mercy House, the Delonis Center, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and others. A club of 20 plus active members, MIM is intending to put their effort into new activities that will get more students involved, according to Swanson. He hopes that the club will continue to grow its numbers and expand its influence within the university and City of Ann Arbor. He told me that there is currently an idea of creating a club social media account GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Project Connect at Mercy House on April 13. Photo credit: Liem Swanson. that posts interviews of Groundcover News vendors for the general public to get to know the people and their stories. Another idea for the future is hosting homework help and resume workshops for people trying to find jobs or go back to school. The Michigan Movement is a great starting place to get involved in this noble cause. This club allows community-oriented students to make a difference and grow their own perspective. They make meaningful connections within the club and outside the university community. If you are a student and want to join the fight against homelessness, join the Michigan Movement! Project Connect at Liberty Plaza on October 29, 2023. Photo courtesy of Michigan Movement.  STUDENTS from last page now”. He concluded by saying: “It’s always our goal to do our best for the people we serve, and we have gotten a lot of great feedback and were always willing to improve as well.” Another service that the students provide is the returnable shelves initiative, which is part of the University-wide sustainability effort. Recently, the initiative started installing returnable shelves on trash cans around central campus in which passing people can deposit their “returnables.” Returnables, in this context, are bottles and cans that are recyclable and have a cash value (deposit value), which is paid once the returnable is brought back to the store that sold or carries it. Not all bottles and cans are returnables. Despite their cash value, these cans and bottles typically end up in landfills, so this initiative strives to not only prevent them from ending up in the landfills, but also benefit those in need with a small additional income. I recently had the opportunity to interview Josh Davis, who brainstormed this project idea after being inspired by similar shelves in Copenhagen where he studied abroad. I asked, what is the goal of the project? He responded, “The goal of this project aims to enhance recycling efforts and support community members in reclaiming bottle and can deposits. This not only promotes environmental sustainability, but also economic benefit through a simple yet accessible innovation.” He hopes that this initiative will provide a “tangible solution to the challenge of recycling public spaces” through offering a designated spot for people to leave their recyclable cans and bottles. He hopes it can help the homeless through “simplifying the process for those who collect these items for the 10-cent deposit return, reducing the need to search through the trash bins.” On campus, the overall attitude towards homelessness has been shifting, especially with the rise of student organizations that actively strive to create a solution to the homelessness problem within Washtenaw County. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS W A R M 1 13 17 A R E A S B 24 28 30 36 41 A V E R Y E S I R E N O M T C 37 A H E A 42 46 49 T 52 54 62 65 W H I G S O A K E D 55 T O N I T O N 63 E 56 57 E G G O N D O N U T B U T S 66 50 H 47 C O O K E E R O A D T 51 53 R 38 F 43 L O P S 48 P O E T R Y A K E I T I S K 58 64 67 59 60 61 D A M P A G E S Y O G I 31 25 W H E X Y 20 2 3 4 5 14 18 21 A R A S T A 22 T H E N Y O U 26 29 S O U P Y 32 H U R L O R K I N 39 44 45 O W I E S 33 A 34 35 S H O E 40 V A 27 C O M E T O B 23 A 6 M I A 7 8 9 S O D O P T 15 16 19 E D G E D U L L L L O T 10 M A 11 12 I M

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Chicken fajitas KAYLIE KARSCH Groundcover contributor Ingriedients: ¼ cup lime juice ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ¼ cup (+1 tablespoons) neutral oil 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 lb boneless chicken breast 2 large bell peppers 1 large yellow onion Tortillas Salt and pepper to taste Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, red pepper flakes, ¼ of oil, and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Add salt and pepper seasoned chicken into bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. While marinating, chop vegetables and remove bell pepper seeds. When the chicken is finished, add the DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 MAY 3, 2024 remaining teaspoon of oil to a saucepan on medium heat, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through, around 8 minutes per side). Remove from heat, let rest, then slice into strips. In the same saucepan, add bell peppers, onion, remaining cumin, and salt and pepper, sauteing until soft (around 7 minutes). Combine chicken and mix. Take off the heat and serve with tortillas.

2 $ APRIL 19, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 9 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. End of an era: rest in peace to my mentor, John Sinclair! page 3 MEET YOUR VENDOR: MICHAEL BROWN PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER SOLAR ECLIPSE NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. page 3 Groundcover vendors Joe Woods (pictured left) and Glen Page (pictured right) look up to view the solar eclipse on April 8. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS TALK TO THE EXPERTS EDITION This special edition magazine of Groundcover News aims to put expert perspectives on social issues in conversation: "citizen experts" and "expert citizens." In other words, on topics of the carceral system, addiction, housing policy, sheltering and food insecurity, we will be comparing the solutions and ideas of both people who have expertise through experience, and those who are traditional, “institutional” experts. Writers are encouraged to write creative, personal narratives about their experience with incarceration, addiction, housing policy, shelters, and food insecurity. How do these issues intersect with, and perpetuate, homelessness? What should be done to make these systems easier to navigate? What changes should be made in Washtenaw County to address these issues? Alternatively, writers can interview traditional experts and ask their thoughts on the same questions above. DEADLINE: MAY 3RD, 12PM EMAIL TO SUBMISSIONS@GROUNDCOVERNEWS.COM PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Roberto Isla Caballero Jim Clark La Shawn Courtwright Cindy Gere Mike Jones Loren Markona Love James Manning Eric Protein Mosely Denise Shearer Tony Smith Wayne Sparks GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Emily Paras Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons APRIL 19, 2024 APRIL 19, 2024 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS End of an era: rest in peace to my mentor, John Sinclair! Michael Brown, vendor No. 306 In one sentence, who are you? Michael Ray Brown. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? The tennis shoe store. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Sell my papers. What words do you live by? The Truth. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I am 62 years old. What motivates you to work selling Groundcover News? It’s a job! If you had a warning label, what would it say? Don’t be sorry. What are your hobbies? Football. What do you wish you knew more about? Cars. What was your first job? Cleaning up. What song do you have completely memorized? Sugarhill Rappers Delight. ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 Solar eclipse In 1970, in Havana, Cuba at the age of 10 or 11, I saw the solar eclipse for the first time in Cuban history. At that time, in order to see the solar eclipse, we all made glasses out of dark plastic trash bags because we did not have glasses. 55 years ago, my teacher in Cuba told me and the other students to use plastic bags to see the eclipse. Around the same time, I saw the Soviets put a man on the moon. I was able to see the solar eclipse again yesterday. It was glowing orange and later the shadow of the moon covered the entire street. While watching the eclipse, I began to think of many things across Cuban history. The conquistadors travelling across the sea, of nature, of marriage. I thought of the old man, and the boy and the mother of destruction with a cross between their hands. I thought of fathers and the nuns and those converted in the spirit. They say everything must come to an end. But with the end also comes a new beginning. As with people, ideas manifest themselves as good or evil. My first exposure to someone who could supply information to help me determine whether people and ideas are good or evil, and guide me through decision-making of this magnitude, came in my long conversations with John Sinclair starting when I was 14. Similarly, he was a mentor to a whole generation of confusing, finding-your-ownway, life-altering decisions that we could not do alone. Thank you begins. As we honor one, the search begins for another. We will be watching for him or her to appear — or maybe they're already here. I could tell the heroes I have WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 known. At the top John stands alone with his army of one. John Sinclair born October 2, 1941, in Flint Michigan. Spouse: Leni (from 1965-1977) Died April 2, 2024 in Detroit John for all you did while you were here — and what I know you'll do through your legacy. Another lost soldier, another downed hero, another search Receiving Hospital from congestive heart failure, following an illness. I know what John would say: “POWER TO THE PEOPLE AND KICK OUT THE JAMS!” 3 "The Princess and the Frog" can teach us about beauty I remember when "The Princess and the Frog" Disney movie came out at the theater. Me and my boyfriend Richard went to see it together. We went to see it at the Dollar Theater when they had it at Briarwood Mall. I would talk about how I miss dollar theaters … but that's a subject for another story. Anyway, I love the fact that the Princess and the Frog movie finally had a Black fairy princess. It's a good thing to talk about for Black history. "The Princess and the Frog" is not only a good moment in Black history but a beautiful movie. In "The Princess and the Frog," the depend on anyone else to do her hard work for her. Tiana has a good friend and her family helps her, too, with what she needs and wants. Tiana comes from a loving, DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 princess, Tiana, is a very hard worker. She is determined to get what she needs and wants out of life. She works hard and does not depend on, or try to hard-working family. She was raised on the fact that it takes hard work and faith to do anything and get anything in life. Her dad was a great chef and he made great gumbo. Her goal was to open up her own restaurant. When Tiana was a little girl she met her prince, the frog, in her window and kissed him. And even though she was a frog throughout the whole movie, she was beautiful, and it was a beautiful movie. I think frogs have their own beauty too. Frogs come in all colors and shapes. They can make a pond or yard beautiful. The Princess was not looking for her future prince to provide her with her restaurant and things. She ended up getting a restaurant by a lot of hard work and effort and creativity and faith in herself. Her and her prince ended up becoming human beings again and being happy in the moment. It was a very beautiful, colorful, interesting movie and I recommend it to anybody of any age.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WASHTENAW COUNTY In conversation with Commissioner Labarre Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy Labarre (District 7) and I spoke for about a half an hour on March 20. We talked about money; we talked about barriers and red tape; we talked about sweeps and we talked about a community-run shelter. Most importantly, we talked about human lives. Labarre is acutely aware people are sleeping outside and informed enough to know the number of people fluctuates and is difficult to track. He said he vaguely understood what is meant by a “sweep,” which is a camp eviction carried out by the police. He did not know about the showdown at the downtown Farmers Market in Ypsi on August 27 of last year, when community activists defended a homeless encampment against law enforcement. This event gave rise to the Shelter Now Action Group (SNAG). Labarre explained the money part. Lots of different funds, lots of different acronyms, lots and lots of money. I asked him specifically about a unanimous vote of approval last April to open two vacant County buildings for two extra shelters and the approval of three million dollars over two years to get them running. He said that the allocated money was diverted into other programs when the American Rescue Plan Act brought federal emergency situations, or “putting out fires” as the saying goes. The concern is that there are no plans to get from the emergency state to a long-term viable housing situation. A County funding source Labarre told me about that may help in a very broad sense is the New Human JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 Services Partnership. From the Washtenaw County Office funding to Washtenaw County. In other words, it didn't actually go anywhere, it just got absorbed into the other programs. We stopped talking about it here. The plan for those vacant buildings was never mentioned again. However, Labarre did mention his idea for using the Learning Resource Center and parts of the Towner campus (home to Ypsilanti Community Mental Health) as places for day shelters. These are needed in addition to what ARPA offers to cover. In terms of short versus long-term solutions, Labarre said, “County response is not strategic, it’s play by play.” Labarre is concerned about the lack of options for solutions. He feels we spend a lot of time on “long-term solutions” which just means building more apartments, and short term of Community and Economic Development website: “The New Human Services Partnership Mini-Grant funding round will occur annually to award 10 grants of up to $40,000 for one year to human service organizations. The main goal of this funding round is to provide smaller organizations that are addressing poverty, racism and trauma as a root cause of institutional inequity in Washtenaw County an opportunity to receive funding. The total funding allocation is currently $407,707. Organizations with overall budgets of $1 million or less are eligible to apply. The goal for grantees is to have 60% with leaders with underrepresented identities.” This funding opportunity for 2024 has already passed. We talked about the community-run shelter that SNAG is advocating for, and what it would take to make it happen. Labarre is not sure how a community-run shelter would look. APRIL 19, 2024 Commissioner Andy Labarre represents the eastern half of Ann Arbor (District 7). His concerns are autonomy and self-regulation — would it be able to operate safely? Is the homeless community network equipped for this? Do they have the skills? Who will be accountable? The money is there, but the infrastructure for a community-run shelter is not. It seems to me that Labarre is sympathetic towards the homeless community and their advocates. His hands are tied by bureaucratic procedures, but at the end of the day, Andy Labarre is not turning a blind eye to the homeless in our community. Prioritizing homelessness: take action for change ERIC PROTEIN MOSELY Homeless activist With the rise of social media and the increasing accessibility of information, discussions about politics have become more prevalent. People are more engaged and interested in political matters than ever before, as the decisions made by politicians directly impact their lives. Political issues, policies and debates have infiltrated society, from social gatherings to workplace discussions. The polarization of political ideologies has further fueled the intensity of these conversations. As a result, politics has become a dominant and unavoidable subject in both personal and public spheres, shaping how we think, interact and make decisions — but not everyone agendas. agrees on the The main concerns on Michigan voters' minds In a recent set of reports tracking public opinion on the economy and Trump-era tax policy, voters in swing districts demonstrated a deep concern about the state of the economy, giving both Democrats and Republicans dismal ratings on their economic performance. In July 2023, progressive pollster Navigator Research conducted interviews with 1,500 likely voters in 61 battleground districts nationwide and released the results in an online briefing. Voters from Michigan's 3rd Congressional District (represented by Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids), 18th Congressional District (controlled by Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Flint), and 10th Congressional District (represented by Rep. John James, R-Shelby Twp.) were included in the polls. One of the reports stated that 40% of same voters across the battleground identified inflation as their top concern. What rounded out the top three priorities of Michigan voters varied depending on which party they represented. Homelessness was nowhere to be found within the top five of the majority of surveys conducted and not even mentioned in others as a concern from either party. Do politicians care about the unhoused? A politician is a public servant who is voted into office to fulfill the duties of those who elect them to do so. In reality, they most likely structure their campaign on what the people determine to be a problem and not so much on what is problematic. It is not their fault when the underlying problem stems from the lack of concern of the voters to make a particular situation more highlighted than others — in this situation we are talking about homelessness. see CHANGE page 11  APRIL 19, 2024 WASHTENAW COUNTY Undercover art intel: Gilbert Sam Struggling veterans on the street need help too. Gilbert Sam is a U.S. Army veteran who discovered that he had real art talent at the age of 23 when he met a homeless man who created macrame art. This man used very thin yarn and created intricate designs. When he learned this new art form, the man taught Gilbert a few ideas and how to make patterns. They had a lot of fun creating necklaces, bracelets, anklets and chokers. He then passed on the art form to Gilbert. Then, one day, he got up and told Gilbert, “Look buddy you got this now,” and with that he went on his way. This art form helped Gilbert out of a lot of bad spots. He used this macrame style for some time in the 2000s. Later he discovered paracord (the lines attached to parachutes) and he works in this style to this day — from dark black, to neon yellow and all colors in between. Traveling on his motorcycle all over the western United States, he visited many places in California and Nevada. Each year he would travel back to Ann Arbor for Hash Bash to sell the artwork he made during winter. As soon as the last Michigan football game took place, he would hit the road with his CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 100-pound backpack. He came back to Michigan more permanently in the late 1980s. Revenue from selling his art helped with basic needs such as shampoo, conditioner, clothes and other necessities. Considering the massive economic and wage difference in goods and services as well as food and snacks, Gilbert feels that art helps him get back on his feet at the end of the month. He sells around 10 items a day. This puts money directly in his hands so he can get extras that very day. Gilbert got into paracord for therapy. One day when Gilbert was out and about with his artwork, this gentleman surprised him by buying out all his items that very day. He made around $80 so he could chill for the rest of the day. Gilbert Sam's paracord bracelets. Gilbert makes kids’ bracelets as well, and kids love the bright colors. It makes them happy! So come get a paracord bracelet or keychain at his location next to the Knight's restaurant across from the Michigan Theater. He is usually there on Mondays and Fridays in the morning around eight or nine until 11. He loves talking to customers and passersby about his military service and riding his motorcycle across the nation. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library The Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library is a non-profit organization that sells gently used books and other items at low prices with proceeds going to support Ann Arbor District Library services and programs like the Summer Game! Anyone can become a member and receive a quarterly e-newsletter, an invitation to an appreciation luncheon, and more! Visit faadl.org for more details. Save the Date for the Friends Spring Bag Sale Saturday, May 18 • 10am–4pm Sunday, May 19 • 1pm–4pm Downtown Library The Friends will hold a huge bag sale in preparation for their upcoming move to Parkland Plaza! Fill a bag for $5! exp. 01/31/2025 Thousands of books in many subjects, including hundreds of kids’ books available. Come early for the best selection! 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS YPSILANTI APRIL 19, 2024 Left: Kat Layton, Pastor Anna, Monique Taylor-McCants and Justin Banks taking a break during the clean-up day on April 7. Right: Volunteers cleaning windows of the building upfront of the Growing Hope MarketPlace Hall, FedUp's new home base! “A ministry of presence:” With a new downtown location, FedUp continues to grow hope in Ypsi I want to start by giving a big shoutout to Growing Hope for sharing their Farmers Marketplace (16 S. Washington St.) with the community. I myself have visited FedUp church service and food truck several times this past year and have always enjoyed my time spent there. I say, thank you to Growing Hope! After some time looking around Ypsilanti for a building to provide needed services to the downtown Ypsi area, FedUp Ministries made an agreement with Growing Hope. They decided to rent the front space, the old bank on Washington Street (now called Black Lives Matter Boulevard). The agreement outlines that FedUp Ministries will rent the building to continue to provide services for those in need of food, clothing, showers, laundry, bathroom access and more. FedUp will rent space for the summer on a trial basis to see how things go. I got a chance to talk to the founder of FedUp Ministries, Rev. Anna Then I asked her when FedUp MinMIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 istries plans to officially open up for service in the new space. She said, “We will start our weekly Sunday church service in May. In June, we plan to have portable showers, laundry and bathrooms, and to serve breakfast and lunch two to three times a week because unlike Ann Arbor, the downtown area of Ypsi has limited bathrooms available due to the temporary downtown library closure. "Also, the Ypsilanti community does Taylor-McCants, after Sunday service April 7. The first question I asked her was, “How did the first day of clean-up go after church service Sunday?” She replied, “It was really good. We had a dozen or more people come out to support and volunteer. It was a beautiful thing, people from all around the community, people from different backgrounds came to help clean and now we are about to enter our painting phase.” not have a breakfast program, and if a person who can’t afford bus fare won’t be able to get to Ann Arbor for the St. Andrew’s breakfast program, [they won’t be able to access food early in the morning]. On the weekend the bus starts at 8 a.m., thus leaving the Ypsilanti community without the most important meal of the day. Ypsilanti mainly has dinner programs like the Hope Clinic that serves dinner every evening, and other churches also have less frequent dinner programs. We plan to fill the gap for our community. Our services will be just like we've been running our services, everybody can eat free, and if you can afford it you can donate.” I also interviewed Sheri Wander of Peace House, a supporter and friend of the FedUp Ministries community, about her thoughts on the new space for worship and survival services. She said, “I think it is great because a lot of people gravitate to that area, being right downtown, even though people and business owners had their grievances and some legitimate concerns about the area and the unhoused community. Last summer people from the neighborhood and local business owners had a problem with the unhoused community sleeping in that area and took action to remove the unhoused and attempted to put up a fence around the area…” “[In August 2023 there was] a mini-protest and confrontation between the unhoused and advocates vs. neighbors and local business. Since that time to this present moment, FedUp has continued their presence there and throughout the Washtenaw County area providing free meals and showers for those in need. “So now that there is no more daytime warming center and the Ypsilanti nighttime shelter program [has closed], FedUp’s presence will be needed for hot meals, clothing and showers throughout the week. “‘A ministry of presence’ Pastor Anna calls it. A lot got done [at the clean-up day] and a really diverse group of people came out in support and to help, like people from Growing Hope, people who are unhoused and formerly unhoused and people from all walks of life who made connections through volunteering working side by side. It was a beautiful day, we were playing Motown music, and everybody was working and having fun. “There will be food, drinks, showers, laundry, bathrooms, church service, other services and activities. Peace House will be in full support.” FedUp Ministries summertime schedule starting in May: Church service 10 a.m. and food truck 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Growing Hope every Sunday. Showers and bathrooms available. Every Wednesday food truck will be at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor at noon and will be at the Ypsilanti Transit Center at 1:30-2:30 p.m. Starting in June: Breakfast, lunch, showers, laundry, bathrooms and other services to be continued multiple times a week throughout the summer. APRIL 19, 2024 ANN ARBOR TONY SMITH Groundcover contributor On April 3 there was an opportunity for residents of the Delonis Center to participate in what was called “a client advisory / action meeting” (a community meeting where a sample of residents were sought for input). The meeting was held on the third floor after lunch with special guest Dr. Barry Bateman. Bateman is a member of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County Board of Directors and head of program development for the Delonis organization. Barry is a U-M graduate who spent most of his professional career as a primary care physician in New York City. When he retired from medicine he returned home and became involved in philanthropy. Accompanying him at the meeting were staff members and a ton of Girl Scout cookies. Bateman is a likable guy and after he discussed his background, he had us look at a list of themes for what I would describe as kind of a Delphi meeting (defined as “a structured communication technique or method, originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method that relies on a panel of experts en .w ik ip e di a . or g /w ik i/ Delphi_method) The meeting proceeded this way: 1. Overwhelming general praise for services and staff 2. Case management and housing service issues 3. Clients who feel neglected 4. Concerns about client behavior 5.Concerns about residential programs 6. Concerns about staff behavior. Behavior is inconsistent. (My comment: This is an area I'm not sure about because it kind of depends on the individual's perception.) 7. A newsletter would be helpful addressing housing/shelter/jobs 8. Valued resources external to the Shelter Association and other services for the homeless. These points are typed as they appeared on the sheet that was given. Between bites of Girl Scout cookies we Board member Dr. Barry Bateman and Program Director Kate D'Alessio were among those listening to those sheltering at Delonis. attempted to make it down the list. The “clients” being served (Bateman views it as a service industry) had not been briefed very long before the meeting took place so it was not very organized. However it will likely lead to more focus groups in the coming weeks; reports are to be made to the board about possible improvements. I think that much of what I see that needs improvement is bad manners; impoliteness and jive turkeys with a chip on their shoulder. LOL. I absolutely hate listening to people yell at someone on the phone in the cafeteria or get into it with each other. A bit of discretion with heated personal matters would be nice. A bad attitude and a sense of entitlement are not helpful. Some had said they felt members of the staff might be racist. I think this is a load of bunk, I think everyone I’ve met see CLIENT page 10  GROUNDCOVER NEWS Reportback from Delonis' client advisory meeting 7 Tenant Talk: Loren's dryer testimonial LOREN Ann Arbor Tenants Union So, I have to admit that I don't feel like the issue I want to discuss today is the biggest issue facing renters, and I understand and know there are larger problems facing renters every day. That being said — why is the dryer always broken? Almost every month since I started renting my current apartment, one of the dryers, or a washer — sometimes both! — have been broken. Dryers running without heat, washers not running or filled with water, money being deducted but not starting — and it’s been this way for all three years. One of my earliest memories at my apartment was finding my clothes still wet in the dryer I used; when I discovered them one of my neighbors came in saw me in frustration, and then told me it’s always broken. He had, at the time, been renting there for a few years himself. When I spoke with McKinley Inc., my landlord, I was informed that they didn’t own the machines, so the request would have to go to the thirdparty company that owns them. Weeks went by, and at some point that dryer was finally fixed, but the other one had started acting up. My frustration grew over time, and I started taking the bus or a car service to the laundromat — spending more money and time on the issue because it was better than losing money to the machines. Eventually, I realized this was unsustainable, so I went back to using the machines. One day when I was so annoyed that both dryers were running without heat, I filed a complaint with the third-party company, and weeks later received a paper check for $7 to refund the money I lost. I haven’t requested a refund since; it just didn’t seem worth the time and postage. There seems to be this confusion with landlords about who is responsible for laundry machines. Even if they don't own them, I certainly don't own them, and it’s one of the amenities that they offer — one of the only ones I genuinely care about — so why am I unable to confidently go to the laundry room and complete this basic process from start to finish? The sharing aspect doesn’t really work when tenants have varying laundry needs — students, families with kids and newborns, overnight shifts, differently abled and elders — all using two washers and two dryers multiple days a week. Of course, they break often. Try being used by 20+ renters week in and week out. I wish I could afford a place with machines in the unit, but in this current rental market that simply isn’t a luxury I can afford. So, at least once a month, a chore that should take maybe a couple of hours can take five or six. Whole days lost doing laundry. Or worse, not doing laundry at all, only exacerbating the problem for next week. I feel so silly even complaining about this, but as you can see it takes up so much of my free time. And I think, simply put, for the amount we pay in rent we deserve so much better than having to strategize doing the laundry in 2024, as if it’s an impossible task. Tired of broken laundry machines? Join the Ann Arbor Tenants Union and demand better. You’re invited to our next general meeting: Sunday, May 19, 2-4 p.m. — ICC Education Center, 1522 Hill St.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MENTAL HEALTH The homeless carousel has a pricey ticket MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 I’m sure that I miss my Ann Arborites more than they missed me. Maybe we could change that with a return to the page, with me writing about my new homeless adventures, re-starting our conversation. I bragged and boasted about the greatest little city on Earth as well as the most incredible homeless population … SHBs (Special Human Beings). Just a reminder about who Ann Arbor’s SHBs are: newspaper vendors, community volunteers and humanitarians lifting Ann Arbor from the bottom up. I am proud to say I was one. Ann Arbor was and always will be my home. I was born in Ann Arbor, lived in Scio, then Barton Hills, where my father was Man of the Year in Ann Arbor and in the Hall of Champions at Barton Hills Golf Club. Now I have taken my stories to the hard, conservative Boise, Idaho, … where being homeless is literally a crime. There are others in Boise who wish me to help start a street newspaper here. I came to Boise to visit my oldest son Anthony Martin (28) and my oldest daughter Asia Llana (30). Both spent a couple rounds in the pen, now out and trying to put their lives together — God willing. This is a whole other fight. I’m learning as I’m trying to teach. Father to son and daughter still with the stereotypical story, “Who knows best?” Through time and experience I have seen a hidden struggle of homeless people in Boise. SHBs here are in a mental health crisis in which they have been forced to choose between abusive, private behavioral health institutions or prison. I am now in the former and am witnessing these terrifying, heartbreaking stories of law-abiding, intelligent human beings being used to fuel a private and state mental industry to extract money from the federal government. This sickens me. I am in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, while the ACLU has filed their second federal lawsuit. I beg of our nation to step up their awareness, realize that this is a frontline to a national battle and please support and enlist in this national health crisis that has become a civil war. Are we all waiting for someone to be physically standing on our doormats? The Beatles said “HELP!” Why aren’t we? Why are we selling out our nation’s soul? Come on! Where is the love? Have we really emptied our hearts? Will we let the machine pound us all into a fine dust until we just finally blow away in a heated gust? Time to water the crops, not just the garden. Uncle Sam has forsaken its people; so enlist in our people’s revolution for our wellbeing. Why do we wait for this fight to endanger the next generation? “Love one another.” Please pay attention to how much profit is being made by private institutions to incarcerate citizens into a carousel that circulates homeless people from prisons to mental health facilities and back to the street … hoping to survive the ride. This horrifying carousel ride is making huge profits while suckling at society's very marrow — driving us into a final disrepair. One of these private behavioral health institutions is charging $3,000 per night, per person, to Medicare or Medicaid. These charges are paid with no therapy to the patients. I have witnessed this directly. I left one world to find another … left me pondering which one I truly belonged … one born, one loved. One step from beyond the abyss. We need a new world. All my Love in Solidarity to our special human beings. Please send comments or feedback to lovemarkona39@gmail.com APRIL 19, 2024 APRIL 19, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. ___ one's hands in exasperation 8. Thatched 15. Narrow margin 16. On the fritz 17. Secret ___ 18. One from a high-altitude, landlocked African country 19. Chamber groups 20. Bone dry 22. "Eh" 23. Charged particles 24. Basket material 25. 1999 Pulitzer Prize-winning play 26. Kind of pie made by children 27. Master of descending stairs 28. Characteristic carrier 29. Attempting 31. Cities with fortifications to keep outsiders away 32. Smooch an English person 33. Upper part of the earth's crust 35. Montezuma, e.g. 38. Shaped like a sword 42. "Buona ___" (Italian greeting) 43. Horrify 45. Born, in bios 46. Mary ___ Cosmetics 47. Jiffy 48. Full house, e.g. 49. "The Sound of Music" backdrop 51. "Darn it!" 52. Weighed the container of 53. Writes in the margins 55. Nocturnal rodent hunter on a farm 57. Fancy food 58. Circles of differently colored skin 59. Transfer of land ownership to "the man" upon death 60. A dutiful server's neverending task DOWN 1. 4:00, for some 2. Containing water 3. Refreshes the memory of 4. Hodgepodges 5. "Star ___" 6. Take advantage of 7. Wording 8. Yell 9. Chintzy 10. A Scandinavian weave 11. Barley beards 12. Man who survived his spouse 13. Destroying 14. Indicates 21. Cabal 24. Assortment 27. Harmony 28. Chasm 30. Fishing, perhaps 31. Get-out-of-jail money 33. Cineplex feature 34. "Cast Away" setting 35. Sideways 36. Devoted 37. Small intestine enzyme 38. "Beowulf," e.g. 39. Hot, in Vegas 40. It's often a euphemism for gentrification 41. Interferes 43. Acropolis figure 44. Arranged in advance 48. Vietnamese capital 50. Obi, e.g. 52. Not kosher 54. 20-20, e.g. 56. "___ we having fun yet?"

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Humanity did not happen to blink into existence yesterday. It wasn’t marooned on this planet by some childish god unwilling to shoulder the responsibility of creating us. Yes, we are a fledgling species that has existed for merely a blink compared to the fullness of time. However, the place we find ourselves in was reached by a lengthy road of trial and error, speculations and confirmations, wars and peace times. We have ventured from literally rubbing sticks together to manipulating atomic structures. We have learned and experienced a great deal. Ultimately we have reached a general consensus of what is right and what is wrong. So why then do we continue to be influenced by dark impulses that one knows better than to indulge in? Why do and how can we act so superior, yet embrace nihilism and its ultimate self destruction? Should our race cease to exist because of the actions of our worst representations? Well, yeah, definitely if we were to be labeled and stereotyped. These practices conveniently provide the excuse to wipe out the entire group for its offenders. I would love to believe that an external witness of humanity would have the impression that we are collectively a prospering and productive peace-loving species. Unfortunately I can’t say I confidently believe that is how we could be described. And if any such potential judges happen to be prone to the type of stereotyping and labeling that we employ, then we would have no justifiable right to hope for a positive outcome. Yet we continue to subject others to these methods we instinctively know are wrong. While we passively feign ignorance of such knowledge to satisfy some deep-seated dislike or hatred. This is anything but fair to its countless victims considering all one requires for such poor treatment is some false assumption backed by any kind of JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 existing statistic to affirm the attacker’s course of reception and at the extreme spectrum, action. Now what is truly tragic about this behavior is the fact the person who is judged happens to not be the mindless tool or trash you take them for and now are left with this experience, and it’s going to affect them in various ways, one way or another. And now with the practice of stereotyping, this unpleasant experience transcends from being an event to an element of their life and a withering assault. Not just that but I use the description withering because it’s a presumed assault on one’s character. So if you actually took the time to think about it, what do you suppose that would do to somebody? It’s no surprise that since this harmful trait is so common among people, everybody seems to be suffering from depression these days. Now going back to how this aspect of social behavior is indeed tragic, it should be obvious because it certainly does impact a person’s mental health and overall self-image and I imagine in cases severe enough would start to impact their actual life. This risks becoming a reality for them, as the consequences of assumptions develop into real events. For example, if you’re perceived as worthless (incorporating other people’s unwarranted opinions of you) then you may not be able to get a job. If a person’s treated as if they’re a bum, there’s the risk that could make  CLIENT from page 7 on the staff is very nice, mostly. I did run into a few in the past that I thought were misguided and they were probably pro-Black. Whoopdy dooo! The issue is, can someone differentiate between differences of opinion and institutional racism? (Reference trending conversations about “per capita” violence and criminal tendencies and specifically FBI statistics.) I'm not so sure some can — let's see if they can imagine not eating breakfast first. There may be people who are not capable of certain considerations. (There are some people who have aphantasia, in which people are unable to visualize from their imagination.) Another issue I had besides folks being loud or at times aggressive, is stinky people. I proposed a stink squad that might find stinky people and encourage them to bathe; deodorant is cheap! WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY!!! It may embarrass some people a bit. I think it's important, sheeeit some of the scurvy dogs got LICE!!!! I knew a few people that caught it. I think this will be reduced now that the warming center season is over. However, a stink squad could in the future help with this as it's a matter of public health, AND getting cleaned up can boost someone's self esteem. People who don't stink are not stigmatized and marginalized the same way stinky ones are. We didn't get to this too much at the - advisory meeting, but agenda item number seven (listed above) with the newsletter idea, seemed a bit redundant. Aren't I doing the newslettering now? LOL. Number eight on the other hand was interesting — lists whatever accusation, however untrue, a reality. But that’s not because they were what you assumed them to be, unremorsefully insisting that they belonged in such a punishing situation. Sticks and stones, people. You think this continues because people often choose the easiest, simplest route given any circumstance. And it’s always easier to label groups of people off some common trait and treat the whole accordingly. It’s wrong! You know it’s wrong! So why repeat the same shortcoming? Many would debate that it’s difficult to be compassionate. Yet it is as simple as asking yourself how you would feel if treated the same. No really, I’m not joking, that is the only question one needs to ask to avoid subjective ruin. Like I mentioned, how do you expect a person who looks down on a person to proceed? Well, luckily my money’s on the fact that any living race with a social system that continued such destructive habits wouldn’t last long enough to arrive at a point technology-wise to ever leave their solar system and contact other civilizations. How can we have faith in that when we do not have it in ourselves? Unfortunately APRIL 19, 2024 Humanity needs to reconsider its judgmentalism until we choose to discard such terrible and immature points of view and even worse approaches to them, we may well have no future compared to the bleak one we are trajected for. If we continue to behave this way, what will happen if we face catastrophe and our behaviors have separated us so we can’t form a united front to meet the challenge? So again, no magic answers, only my best realistic insight to a problem that plagues the masses. And I certainly implore you to take a half second of thought to consider the feelings of others likely to be affected by how you decide to treat them or at least consider that every cold shoulder, every insult and every condescending scowl for the supposed idiot before you can kill a little piece of them, yourself, and our collective race. There is no acceptable excuse for empathy to be considered a difficult behavior to employ. And you definitely should not dish out such judgment, knowing or rather not knowing the facts. All I’m really trying to say is we have a conscience for a reason and it would do some good if we listened to it more often. of resources are good, websites are cheap these days. Here is an interesting one: https://squattheplanet.com/ I look forward to many more of these client advisory meetings. Due to the nature of the “Delphi” meeting, I think the themes will evolve over time. If you the reader have any questions or concerns, bring them to my attention by emailing me at hirethisguy139@gmail. com. I’ll compile them on a list and bring them up at future meetings. APRIL 19, 2024 TRUTH OR LIES Truth or lies: Roary and the blind dog The nameless stray dog was born Beach. His in a cave on the island of Tasmania, Australia, on Cole's mother quickly abandoned him after five weeks. The red haired golden retriever grew up not knowing he was blind. He had a keen sense of smell and walked with such confidence you never would have known he was blind. Every evening after scrounging around for food he would always find his way back to his cove on the beach. Byron, who was 10 years old, and his brothers Noah (12) and Roary (13) were all at Cole's Beach building sand castles. Roary said to his brothers, “Please let’s go swimming now. It’s hot out here.” Roary was a natural-born swimmer, even though he could not see. His two brothers would often swim with him and guide him. This was his favorite thing to do, considering he loved the challenge. It made him feel as though he could see. Byron and Noah kept racing each other building sand castles. Noah said to Roary, “OK — in a minute. Soon as we finish, we’ll go take you swimming. Just wait a minute.” “Help! Help! (splash) Help, help (splash)! (splash) Help!” Roary was hollering. He had wandered into the water without his brothers. He was impatient and frustrated because of the heat. Roary figured if he swam before, he could do it again! But when the bottom went from under him, Roary panicked, realizing he did not know the direction of the shore. The unnamed dog was in the water cooling off. He sensed that Roary was in a panic, fighting the water. He swam over to Roary, barking. He then swooped under him, placing The boys explained what happened at the beach slowly. “Mom, can we keep him please?” “Are you all right, son? Do I need to take you to the doctor?” “I’m all right, no Mom,” said Roary. The dog was bumping into everyFELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 thing; he had never been in a house. Their mom turned around and looked at the dog running into everything. She said, “Looks like that dog can’t see.” “Yes, he can!” Roary hollered out. Roary on his back, still keeping his head above the water. Roary's two brothers were calling to the dog, “Here boy, here boy, over here boy!” and raced towards him. The unnamed dog was swimming towards the boys and the shore as though he could see. When they reached the shore, the brothers thanked the dog petting him, hugging him, loving all over him. Roary said, “It would be nice if we could keep him.” “Do you think Mom and Dad would let us keep him?” Byron asked. Noah said, “Well, let’s go see. Let’s take him home with us. We have to. He just saved your life! There’s no one else out here — so whose dog is it?” “He has no collar,” said Byron. They were so excited they forgot to scold their brother. Byron, Noah and Roary were so excited when they arrived home. Seeing their mom, they blurted everything out. “Roary went out into the water on his own! He almost drowned and the dog saved his life!” said Noah and Byron, talking at the same time. Mom said, “Wait a minute, what happened? Slow down!” Is "Roary and the bling dog" TRUTH or LIES? Samuel and Martha Waymeans, published March 8, was TRUE. “He saved me from drowning today. How could he find me in the water; and take me to the shore?” “I don’t know, but that dog surely can’t see, watch this! Here boy, come here boy,” she said to the dog. The dog moved in the direction of her voice. However, he still was bumping into things. She waved her hand in front of his eyes. She asked Noah to go get one of his small balls. Mom took the ball and waved it in front of the dog's eyes and his face. He did not respond. She took the ball again and repeated the same steps. Then she threw the ball. “Go get it boy.” He did not move or turn his head. Mom said, “He is blind. Don’t worry, we'll take him to the vet. Have him checked out and make sure he’s healthy. You can keep him. If he is blind, you have to be extra careful with him, like your brother. I’ll smooth the dog idea over with your dad. Right now we need to get him some food and give him a bath then he can stay.” The next day they took the dog to the vet. The veterinarian confirmed that the dog was blind. However, he was a healthy 10-month-old golden retriever. He also informed them that it would be difficult to train him, suggesting they send him to obedience school. The boys had a fuss with each other all evening, trying to decide the dog's name. They decided whoever the dog chose as his master should name him. He let the boys bathe him, however, he stuck under Roary. That evening at dinner, Roary decided to name him, announcing his name as Colander. As time passed, Roary and Colander became inseparable. He trusted his dog and his dog trusted him. Roary would tie a rope around Colander’s collar, then attach it to himself to swim with him. Even though Colander could not see, he was a great lead dog. He always knew how to return to the shore. Colander lived to be 21 years old, passing away on the 21st anniversary of their meeting. Roary never forgot how Colander had saved his life. He had a plaque made that said “My Superhero Colander.” GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  CHANGE from page 4 Homeless statistics in Michigan Since the housing market has tightened and government aid programs have dried up, more people in Michigan are facing a crisis of the unhoused. According to the most recent report from Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness, the number of homeless individuals in Michigan increased by 8% in 2022, from 30,113 to 32,589 persons. While other regions like West Michigan, mid-Michigan and the Detroit area also experienced double-digit increases, the western half of the Upper Peninsula witnessed a 47% increase — and Northern Michigan saw a 56% increase. In the meantime, the northeastern region of the state and southwest Michigan saw a population decline. Who is doing what? State Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) reintroduced a "Bill of Rights for the Homeless" in July 2023. This bill would have protected homeless individuals from discrimination in the workplace due to their lack of a permanent address, ensure that they are treated equally by all government agencies, and allow them to vote and receive the documentation required to prove their identity. According to House Bill 4919, an individual's rights, privileges or access to public services cannot be taken away from them or restricted just because they are homeless or thought to be homeless. Homeless people in the state of Michigan are entitled to the same rights and benefits as any other citizen. But much more needs to be done. This bill is currently in limbo, as it was referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business, but has not moved past introduction. Regarding the lack of concern about homelessness becoming a top priority for Michigan voters and those around the world, I have spearheaded a "Let us always remember that our true wealth lies not in the abundance of our possessions but in the compassion we show towards the poor and vulnerable." ~EPM worldwide campaign called Mandate Future Political Leaders to Prioritize Homelessness on Change.org to bring the issue to the forefront. And I hope that Republicans and Democrats alike come together and realize that homeless issues should become among the top concerns of the voters' minds along with the economy, abortion rights, immigration and more.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD + FUN Sweet potato and black bean chili ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 medium onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 5 teaspoons chili powder 4 teaspoons ground cumin Scant ½ teaspoon ground chipotle chile ¼ teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes 4 teaspoons lime juice ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro Directions: Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to soften (about four to six minutes). Add garlic, chili APRIL 19, 2024 powder, cumin, chipotle and salt and cook, stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often. Lower heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Serve hot. This has become a new, healthy favorite. So perfect for a blustery day lunch or dinner. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

2 $ APRIL 5, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 8 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Early Black literary movement: the poetry of Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. Page 10 ASHLEY POWELL #595 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT INSPIRES YOU? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Featuring 34 poems from 20 unique Washtenaw County poets — POETRY EDITION 2024 — now 16 pages! THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER national poetry month EVENTS YPSI WRITES POETRY OPEN MIC Thursday, April 18, 7-9 p.m. Corner Brewery, 20 Norris Street, Ypsilanti Join YpsiWrites in celebrating National Poetry Month by sharing your work at an open mic night at Corner Brewery. Writers are encouraged to share their work, in whatever stage it is currently in, with supportive members of the YpsiWrites community. All are welcome to come, read, listen and encourage the poets. POETRY at LITERATI: ALISON SWAN, FLEDA BROWN, and FRIENDS Friday, April 19, 6:30 p.m Literati Bookstore, 124 E Washington Street, Ann Arbor Michigan poets Fleda Brown, Teresa Scollon, Ellen Stone and Alison Swan read from and discuss their work. GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY OPEN MIC see details pictured right NIGHT of the LIVING WORD: EXPERIMENTAL POETRY Tuesday, April 30, 6 p.m. AADL Downtown Secret Lab, 343 S. 5th Avenue, Ann Arbor Poetry workshop with stations to create blackout poetry, Dadaist cutups, concrete poetry and other forms of experimental poetry. APRIL 5, 2024 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman Blue Moon Tailor Roberto Isla Caballero Jamie Cameron La Shawn Courtwright Sarah Darby-White Day Dreamer Eternity Believer Shelley DeNeve Diana Fead Robbie February Sasha Grindall Lorraine Lamey Markona Love Eva Moore Ken Parks Ron Pagereski Earl Pullen GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Julie Scheier Will Shakespeare Wayne Sparks Scoop Stevens Shawn Swoffer Karen Totten PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Jane Atkins Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Emily Paras Holden Pizzolato Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons APRIL 5, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What inspires you? People doing great things and poeple who work hard to help others. — Ashley Powell, #595 For my cartoons, Super Raton (Mighty Mouse) from Havana, Cuba in the 1970s. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Science fiction, anime, cyberpunk, steam punk — storytelling in fictional worlds overall. — James Manning, #16 Everything — music, animals, camping, swimming. I really do love life and I'm centered with creation! — Terri Demar, #322 Money! — Pony Bush, #305 A good smile. — Tony Schohl, #9 I think everything inspires me. — Glen Page, #407 GOD and HIS Word; the HOLY SPIRIT and singing praises in the HIGHEST to HIM WHO alone is WORTHY; other Christians through the ages who have REALLY walked with JESUS; The Nylons version of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" — it reminds me of "my Place," and Of ALL Of GOD'S GOODNESS Even So, In a VERY! Fallen World; the land and its animals and plants remind me of the GOD WHO created them and us; and of the original perfection, and one day the surpassing of that; of CARE and RELIEF we MUST be part of, for "The Here and Now." — Amanda Gale, #573 You do. — Ken Parks, #490 Agape, justice and hope. And good stories! — Austin Cash, #627 People who don't waste their time. — Wayne Sparks, #615 WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 GROUNDCOVER NEWS The last dinner of Groundcover News The laboratory of ignorance needs love. They do not discriminate, love does not need perdition. Evil is reality. The injustice is the bane of America. Poverty and selflessness and wisdom is the mentality of the wealthy. The poor person is happier than the one who works the land. The social service workers are the future of America. 3 ToGetHer DAY DREAMER ETERNITY BELIEVER Groundcover contributor To one I’ve never met, but have known all along. For whom I have longed. Your old friend’s gentle, silver-lined reminder edging across the storm clouds of life. Yet none of it lived. The bellow of your souls echoed longing across both time and space. Innately embraced. I never knew the truth of both the perfect heights and unspeakable horrors of what was real. Your old is my new. You dreamed during the night, and I the day. Each of each other. In between, the nightmare called reality separated us. Forced by bitter men. Apparently we both never stopped searching for one another. What will be, will be. Yet what was forced became the reality. Separate here we are. If love is the highest standard, the strongest reason, and the purest hope then this consortium diablos ultimately failed the moment they challenged The Creator of such. I bet all on Yah. YAHWEH, the God of Romance. He reveals in His time. Be it merely a fool’s errand here or the very foundational essence of life itself interlaced and perpetuating throughout all of creation. I will have no shame. Without err, within the correct confines, I love you both. We three are what they fear. The thousands of miles I have traveled to the millions of minutes you have waited. Together, but not. When I stopped breathing When the door clanged shut I stopped breathing. When I walked through the gate And knew I wasn’t leaving I stopped breathing The day you left me I stopped breathing I walk through days wondering When I can take a breath again Trying to figure out why I stopped Breathing

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Muz TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 We love you so, Glad you’re in our life, Never gonna do you wrong, We love you wit all of our heartz, We’re never gonna let you part, You’re our baby, We’ll never let anythang happen ta you, We’ll never let you go, You’ve waited for love too long, We’re not gonna let you go, You’re perfect in our eyez. Muz 2 TERESA BASHAM I love your way, Alwayz being so gentle wit me, You’re alwayz wit me every day, I’m so glad you can see, What you do, What you mean to me, & you know I love you, You have a good home, We let you do your own, Thang all thee time, You’re alwayz on our minds. SHELLEY DENEVE Groundcover vendor No. 22 First signs of spring APRIL 5, 2024 When the weather can't make up its mind Warm, Cold, Warm, Cold Then at night time I can hear baby frogs chirping Then the days and nights steadily get warmer And next thing ya know You're sweating at doing nothing Back in the days SHELLEY DENEVE In days of old, life was slow In days of new, life is fast Gloomy days If I don't find my way JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 Gloom and doom is all we hear, Trigger-happy dictators with nukes; Voting for one so dear became a fluke. One more solution, this current head; Only to sell us nothing and leave us for dead. Computer world JAMIE CAMERON The glee I had using ancient computers, nothing can compare; Times making reset buttons for PCI boards, computers I hoarded, a set so fair; Worthless they find and say, only to sell my set on EBay. JAMIE CAMERON Aside from friends and family, nothing to live for, Every day I contemplate my reasons for existence. “You’re loved” I hear from one percent, Yet non-existent to society’s rest, So what is my life for, why not cease to be? In days of new, life whizzes by I wish of old days And to know what I know now Streets to halls MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 My feet once pounding the streets and sidewalks now my feet dragging only across plastic formica. Once previously writing homeless, from the streets now rambling from corrupt halls. Institutional profit over patient progress cosmic rays burst thru the dark of night. Healing Light of Love insists to fill me obliged me to spread to last accepting souls. May we all awake to the Light of Love shining from within and back to a morning sun. APRIL 5, 2024 POETRY He's gotta tell himself, whoa! She is so beautiful, from the swells of Her mind, to the valleys of Her depths. Her beauty will knock you off of your feet, and please believe me, you will be swept Just by the breadth of Her conversations, to the manner in which She performs Her duties, to ensure She is well kept She is rounded, His idea of a woman who's whole, and something marvelous to behold As He sees, takes a deeper look into Her, even now, hopefully forever more Anticipating the moment He may be able to experience Her touch His senses are pleasantly driven Outta control He just can't help himself Every time He sees Her He's gotta tell Himself, Whoa!! For women's history month GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 The smile on a clown EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor To each his own of one of many sometimes we’re up sometimes we’re down but nothing can compare to the smile of a clown the love within a magical place it's all we can do to state our case. Shine in the night and glow with Grace and then you’ll know why the smile is on the clown’s face Riddle or rhyme EARL PULLEN To each his own I say one you Say two what do You think when I say I love you? Do you think it's A riddle or do you Think its a rhyme Or do you think I am a man out of Time? I’m not broke Down and I’m not From another time Earl Pullen and Roberto Isla Caballero wearing a clown nose. I’m just a man with Riddle and a rhyme Come to say I love You till the end Of time story of A man with a riddle And a rhyme Existence SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor The rain is coming and this I fear; now I must go and buy beer Under the Wayne Road Bridge again; my homelessness never seems to end Lived on Mark Twain the first year of life; then my parents took part in White Flight Grew up in NIL the most racist town; if you were born black it meant you were a Clown Conformed to the religion of my youth; until I learned Jesus was not the truth Blasphemy! Blasphemy! It cannot be; but I knew Reason was the way for me A new age of consciousness is soon to begin; She will be President to usher US in

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK HISTORY Early Black literary movement: the poetry of Langston Hughes and Claude McKay It would be an error of omission if we talk about the early Black literary movement without making a reference of gratitude to writers and poets such as Phillis Wheatley, Fredrick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, Countee Cullen, Gwendolyn Bennett, John Davis, Aaron Davis, James Weldon Johnson, W.E.B. Du Bois and Alain Locke. We also want to recognize the editor of “Fire” monthly magazine, John Wallace Thurman, and the editor of "Opportunity" monthly magazine, Charles Johnson. Their contributions are profound and enduring. All were active participants in the creation of a new African American literature, culture and artistic representation. In fact, they helped to build a tapestry of resistance against marginalization, stereotyping, racism, inequality and discrimination. Du Bois and Locke became the philosophical architects and inspiration for the literary movement known as the “Harlem Renaissance.” On March 19, 1968, about two weeks before his assassination, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said the Greeks may have Plato and Aristotle as great philosophers, but America has its own intellectual giants in W.E.B. Du Bois and Alaine Locke. Two literary giants and poets who have influenced new generations of African American writers since the early 20th century are presented in this article. They are Langston Hughes and Claude McKay. We will present a brief biography of the poets, along with their poetry. WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 and poetry from his older brother who was a teacher. He moved from Sunnyvale to Brown’s Town when he was 17. Eventually, he moved to the capital city of Kingston. He wrote that he experienced racism, discrimination and marginalization while in Kingston. The rampant bigotry he experienced in the capital city of Jamaica led him to write what Poets. org called “impressions of Black life in Jamaica in dialect.” Poets.org continued, “His publication of the work earned him a grant from the Jamaican Institute of Arts and Sciences.” McKay traveled to the United States and arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, in the late summer of 1912. He then enrolled at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. McKay moved from Tuskegee to Kansas State College, and he eventually arrived in New York City where he did several jobs, while trying to work in literary journals, including “Pearson’s Magazine" and the socialist magazine, “The Liberator.” In 1917, he published two sonnets: “The Harlem Dancer” and “Invocation” and later used the former to write about social and political concerns from his perspective as a Black man in the United States. In 1922, he published his third book collection titled, “Harlem Shadows.” The University of Illinois Press posthumously published, “The Passion of Claude McKay: Selected Poetry and Prose” in 2004. Langston Hughes (19011967) Langston Hughes was the most Claude McKay (1889-1948) The Academy of American Poets said in their summary of Poet Claude McKay that he was born Festus Claudius McKay in Sunnyvale, Jamaica on September 15, 1889. He died in Chicago, Illinois on May 25, 1948. He learned a lot about reading, writing prolific poet associated with the early Black literary movement and the Harlem Renaissance. He started writing poems and short stories when he was 17. James Mercer Langston Hughes was born on February 1, 1901 in Joplin, Missouri. He died on May 22, 1967, in New York City. The Academy of American Poets website stated that After graduating from high school, he spent a year in Mexico followed by a year at Columbia University. During this time, he worked as an assistant cook, a launderer and a busboy. He also traveled to Africa, working as a seaman. In November 1924, he moved to Washington, D.C. Hughes' first book of poetry, “The Weary Blues,” was published (by Alfred Knoff, 1926) with an introduction by Harlem Renaissance arts patron Carl Van Vechten. He finished his college education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania three years later. Hughes published his first novel, “Not Without Laughter” in 1930. When he was asked to name writers who had influenced his work, he cited Paul Lawrence Dunbar, Carl Sandburg and Walt Whitman. Poets. org noted that Langston Hughes' “life and work were enormously important in shaping the artistic contributions of the Harlem Renaissance of the1920s. Unlike other notable poets of the period, such as Claude Mckay, Jean Toomer and Countee Cullen, Hughes refused to differentiate between his personal experience and the common experience of Black America. He wanted to tell the stories of his people in ways that reflected their actual culture, including their love of music, laughter and language, alongside their suffering.” Hughes was a giant in America’s literary circles. His first poem, written the summer after his high school graduation, was published by “Crisis” Magazine in 1921, entitled “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” "Fire" magazine said that he explored Harlem when he came to Columbia University, “forming a permanent attachment to what he called ‘The Great Dark City.’” There are some poems from Langston Hughes collections on the next page. Conclusion The common denominator for most African American poets and literary giants of the early 20th century is civil rights activism. By circumstance of birth and cultural inclination, Dr. King drew inspiration from the written words and voices of America’s literary giants, especially African American writers. He never stopped praising the work of Black creators who were also civil rights activists. One of the early Black literary movement pioneers who received universal praises from Blacks and whites was James Weldon Johnson (18711938). Johnson was a co-founder of the NAACP, a native of the Bahamas, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance, and publisher of “The Book of American Negro Poetry.” He was also a filmmaker, a diplomat, a theater playwright and a musician. Moreover, Johnson was the composer of a poem titled, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This poem was written in the late 19th century, and James Weldon Johnson’s brother J. Rosamond Johnson converted the poem into an African American hymn which evoked the Biblical exodus from slavery to the freedom of the promised land. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is very popular and it’s now considered the Black National Anthem. Feel free to read and sing the poem below. Lift every voice and sing by James Weldon Johnson Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us. Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won. APRIL 5, 2024 APRIL 5, 2024 BLACK HISTORY Harlem LANGSTON HUGHES What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore — And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over — like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? Dreams LANGSTON HUGHES Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow. A machine out of gear, aye, tired, Yet forced to go on—for I’m hired. Just forced to go on through fear, For every day I must eat And find ugly clothes to wear, And bad shoes to hurt my feet And a shelter for work-drugged sleep! A mere drudge! but what can one do? A man that’s a man cannot weep! Suicide? A quitter? Oh, no! But a slave should never grow tired, Whom the masters have kindly hired. The Negro Speaks of Rivers LANGSTON HUGHES I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I’ve seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset. I’ve known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. My soul has grown deep like the rivers. But oh! for the woods, the flowers Of natural, sweet perfume, The heartening, summer showers And the smiling shrubs in bloom, Dust-free, dew-tinted at morn, The fresh and life-giving air, The billowing waves of corn And the birds’ notes rich and clear:— For a man-machine toil-tired May crave beauty too—though he’s hired. CLAUDE MCKAY There is joy in the woods just now, The leaves are whispers of song, And the birds make mirth on the bough And music the whole day long, And God! to dwell in the town In these springlike summer days, On my brow an unfading frown And hate in my heart always— GROUNDCOVER NEWS Joy in the woods 7 Poetry CLAUDE MCKAY If we must die CLAUDE MCKAY If we must die, let it not be like hogs Hunted and penned in an inglorious spot, While round us bark the mad and hungry dogs, Making their mock at our accursèd lot. If we must die, O let us nobly die, So that our precious blood may not be shed In vain; then even the monsters we defy Shall be constrained to honor us though dead! O kinsmen! we must meet the common foe! Though far outnumbered let us show us brave, And for their thousand blows deal one death-blow! What though before us lies the open grave? Like men we’ll face the murderous, cowardly pack, Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back! Sometimes I tremble like a storm-swept flower, And seek to hide my tortured soul from thee, Bowing my head in deep humility Before the silent thunder of thy power. Sometimes I flee before thy blazing light, As from the specter of pursuing death; Intimidated lest thy mighty breath, Windways, will sweep me into utter night. For oh, I fear they will be swallowed up— The loves which are to me of vital worth, My passion and my pleasure in the earth— And lost forever in thy magic cup! I fear, I fear my truly human heart Will perish on the altar-stone of art!

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AROUND TOWN A2P2 phase two public power progress The power is out again where I live. This happens many times throughout the year. Around town, for the last few months, a few signs have caught my attention. “Ann Arbor for Public Power” is brightly displayed upon them with a few notes about the current status of energy use in Ann Arbor. I investigated the organization (A2P2) and found it to be very enlightening. There is a struggle between corporate profits and renewable energy implementation in Michigan. There are consistent major power outages in our region and many corporate-owned power grids fall below municipal-owned power plants’ reliability averages. Currently, Ann Arbor is served by Detroit Edison (DTE), a corporate entity (although state-regulated) pursuing profits for investors instead of reliable renewable energy. A2P2 is advocating for a public-owned democratically-governed electric utility system called a Municipal Energy Utility or MEU, an idea that may be new to Ann Arbor but is the way many Michigan cities get their energy, including Lansing and Chelsea. One of the first things A2P2 did was to ask the City to conduct a phase one study to investigate municipal ownership. Ann Arbor complied, and the results came out in September 2023. One of that study’s recommendations was that the City ROBBIE FEBRUARY Groundcover contributor pursue a phase two study to support the MEU, intended to find out what it would cost to take over the local energy assets from DTE. A2P2, of course, strongly supported that second study but whether the City would approve it was uncertain. But A2P2 people were pleased when, on February 21, Ann Arbor Mayor Chris Taylor threw his support behind the study. As Mayor Taylor said at the time, “(A)n MEU … continues to intrigue, a chance to ensure that the utility is there for the people ... no shareholders or dividends, or campaign contributions. A utility run for the public good. To that end staff have identified the steps needed for us to continue to explore the cost and practicality of an MEU, and I support those steps.” Since that time, a line item for the study has appeared in the not-yetapproved budget. APRIL 5, 2024 I spoke to Greg Woodring, President of A2P2, about local benefits and the next steps for municipal power. He stated, “Public power utilities consistently outperform private utilities in terms of cost and reliability, because they are directly accountable to their customers, not shareholders.” There is a larger three-eyed fish to fry here. Power reliability is one thing, but protecting the environment is more important. Steps taken in green energy see A2P2 page 15  APRIL 5, 2024 AROUND TOWN “Putting poetry in places people don’t expect it” is the stated goal of Cameron Finch with their Poet Tree Town project. The goal is to take poems from the margins of people’s attention and surprise them into reading or listening to some so that the barriers – intimidation, suspicions that poetry is irrelevant — break down. Indeed, that relates very well to the goals of this issue of Groundcover News, so well in fact that Poet Tree Town and Groundcover will co-host an Open Mic on April 26 at Argus Farm Stop. As last year, the way Poet Tree Town will do this is to place a sheet of paper with the creator’s poem in the windows of many downtown and nearby businesses, as well as offer a QR code to hear the piece read in the poet’s own voice. The genres are diverse, the poems original. There are 87 poets represented this year and venues include Booksweet, both Argus Farm CYNTHIA PRICE Editor Stop locations, the Blake Transit Center, Found, Literati Bookstore, Teahaus (where Finch's own poem resides), Third Mind Books, West Side Book Shop, and many others. Poet Tree Town challenges people to make a trip to see all of the venues, which can be found at www.facebook.com/ PoetTreeTownA2/ These activities and many others spring from the designation of April as National Poetry Month. The creation of the Academy of American Poets, which also publishes “American Poets Magazine,” the celebration began in 1996. It is currently the largest literary celebration in existence, attracting tens of millions of readers and participants across the nation. For a list of 30 things you can do to celebrate National Poetry Month, visit poets.org/ national-poetry-month. Since last year, Finch has arranged for the “Ann Arbor Observer” to publish some of the original poems as a blog. These can be found at https:// annarborobserver.com/blog-title/ poet-tree-town/ They would love to partner with more people for more events, and are also looking for more volunteers, especially “at the leadership, production-side level,” they say. To contact Finch, email poettreetown@gmail.com Two poems are displayed in the window of Argus Farm Stop on Liberty — the venue for the joint Poet Tree Town/Groundcover Open Mic on April 26. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Again in 2024, project paints the town poetry 9 Crazy with the wisdom that matters KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 I once worked as a journeyman painter for Patton Painting, a union shop based in Ypsilanti. The core of the shop was Kentucky boys from the mountain country of eastern Kentucky. Among the first questions I was asked was, “Do you like country and western music?” I responded with, “Willie Nelson and Freddy Fender!” Willie and Waylon Jennings were outlaws in country music with such songs as “I’ve Always Been Crazy [but it’s kept me from going insane],” words that come naturally from my mouth. I was a natural to work with Aura Glaser to open Crazy Wisdom Bookstore in 1981. She found a location on Ann Street that needed a lot of plaster and paint work before they could open. Both of us had discovered Tibetan Buddhism as a door to a deeper experience of reality. The term “crazy wisdom” was in the air from the work of Choegyam Trungpa Rinpoche, one of the first Tibetan masters who came to Scotland with Akong Rinpoche, then settled in Boulder, Colorado. He founded Naropa University and what became Shambala publications. Zen Buddhism paved the way for Buddhism in the West, and there are many options now. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore in Ann Arbor has seen several incarnations and is once again alive. It is currently open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The upstairs is being remodeled. The tea room will not reopen but the event space will reopen in May. They have hosted many wonderful events over the years. Think of them for a workshop or presentation with the wide range of diverse and interesting events they are known for. The "Crazy Wisdom Community Journal" had an important article on the Community Farm of Ann Arbor in a back issue maybe one and half years ago. The role of biodynamic agriculture and the shift to new management could use an update as we shift from money-obsessed culture and go back to the basics. I hope we have an event on the second floor of the bookstore during the summer. I would like to see a collaboration between Willow Run Acres and the Community Farm of Ann Arbor as we build the networks of work that matters. I believe the Ann Arbor Community Commons is part of this work. Food not lawns is a good way to be with the earth. Crazy wisdom will point you to a more complete context. You will enjoy learning from those with whom you differ, in particular, your enemies. Eventually you will discover that ego-clinging is the main enemy. Everytime that ego distracts you can be a reminder to remember a fully present breath and tune in to a deeper felt sense. Focusing-oriented therapy does this and Joya d’Cruz, who was mentored by Eugene Gendlin, has helped me rediscover my inner child and play with the adult who protects and guides. We need each other. If you Google search her you will find she is fully booked now. I hope we can get her to do a presentation at the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore event room. That’s where I met her. It is revolutionary to see yourself in others. This does not mean that others should think like you think but rather that we can meet in common mind and give birth to the creativity that benefits all beings without exception. This assumption of one seamless reality of unconditional love works best for me. My mistakes can inspire me to remember that a natural breath paves the way to more authentic decision making. We can change direction at any time. I choose the holistic road despite the slips and falls that ordinary beings encounter every step on the path. Students and workers will matter when the unity of theory and practice comes together in the dialectical play that comes from the unity of opposites. When I graduated from college my informal graduate studies began. I declined an offer for a master’s in history and volunteered for Brethren Volunteer Service. I served two and a half years in Austria and Germany. I connected deeply with my European heritage as I was mentored by my Parks in front of Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, which reopened December 1, 2023. His shirt reads, "Water is mean to connect, not divide. — Juan B. Mancias" 6 supervisors, Horst Symanowski in particular, who was a veteran of the resistance to fascism during the Third Reich. I extended my service to do a six month seminar with him. I learned that better fascists than Hitler won World War II. If you read the autobiography of General Reinhard Gehlen you will learn how the best fascists were not prosecuted but were hired for Cold War One and to run the National Aeronautic and Space Administration. “Letter to the American Church” looks at the similarities see WISDOM page 14 

Ypsi recall election puts all eyes on Dez 10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POLITICS Ypsilanti City Council woman Desiraé Simmons faces a recall election. Ypsilanti Forward, as known as Love Ypsi, started a petition in Ypsilanti’s third ward to get enough signatures to have a recall election to have Council Member Desiraé Simmons removed from Ypsilanti City Council. The recall group got enough signatures to force a recall election, and Rod Johnson has filed to run for the Ward 3 council seat and attempt to unseat Council Member Simmons. Love Ypsi initially targeted three members of council; Mayor Nicole Brown, Council Member Jennifer Symanns of Ward 2 and Simmons because of their votes in November 2023 to approve the purchase of a $3.7 million industrial building to replace the old site for the Department of Public Services, among a list of other grievances. Brown has since had a change of mind on the approval of the purchase of the building, and during a re-vote on the purchase on December 5, 2023, voted against it. Simmons abstained. Jennifer Symmans had already announced her resignation. As a result, the recall group withdrew their campaign against Brown on Dec 6, leaving all eyes on Simmons. I got a chance to interview Council Member Desiraé Simmons and I had two questions: 1. What do you think is Ypsilanti Forward’s main misunderstanding with you? 2. Why should you be re-elected in the recall election? She responded, “I think their main misunderstanding of me is that they believe I do not consider a full picture, and an understanding of interest that includes them, too. In other words, they feel left out, and [feel] that I don’t consider their interests in my decision making. But I believe the decisions I make benefit them as well and my goal is for everybody to benefit as opposed to some people getting to benefit. I see them as part of everybody, and I don’t think they should be the only people able to benefit while other people don’t.” To the second question, she MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 responded, “There are two things I want to say. One, I want to make clear that the voters don’t have to re-elect me; they can just stop my removal. I’m still in office, they just have to say no to the recall to allow me to continue the term they elected in the first place. And why I should be allowed to continue is because my record and the roles I played on council speaks [sic] for itself. You can tune in to any meeting and see my involvement in the community; you can ask for a meeting one on one, or even call me. I am bringing forward the values I hold which are community engagement and collaborative leadership. I believe the government can be used to address real needs, like: housing, safety and thinking about the ways we are in public space together and how to make decisions. So, I have been able to make some progress around these areas and just getting started setting ground-work on these issues that APRIL 5, 2024 needs [sic] more time and attention than one year in office. And I believe that I will be able to continue to deliver for the residents of Ward 3 and for the fullness of Ypsilanti and the surrounding area.” Then I asked her if there was anything else she would like to add. She said, “Yes, I think local elections matter a lot. These local elections impact people's everyday lives. So, I encourage people who might not yet be registered to vote to know that Michigan’s laws allow you to register when you go to vote. That is, the day of the election at the City Clerk's office. If you care about issues like affordable housing and public safety get involved and vote for me on May 7.” The election will be held on Tuesday, May 7, and absentee ballots start in April; the winner will serve the remainder of the term through 2026. Rod Johnson declined an interview with Groundcover News. Ypsilanti Forward could not be reached for comment. APRIL 5, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY Answers KAREN TOTTEN Groundcover contributor “My heart hurts,” you, age five say one morning before school, and place your hand on the left side of your body, as if to take an oath. Your frantic parents whisk you to E.R. where doctors and nurses tap and jab, looking for lurking blood clots or infection in the criss-cross vein map of your chest, only to find, with relief, the usual inhabitants of strong, beating muscles. What you really mean is that the nightly war body count on tv is too loud and you can hear it in your sleep. What you really feel is the blunt edge of your dad’s shotgun pressed up against the wood ledge of the front porch those nights of the neighborhood troubles. You want his protection but you have friends out there. What is really happening is that you don’t know yet that you are supposed to act as if heartbreak isn’t real—ignore the nerves of your body standing on end, all the tears in your throat threatening to spill like water from a broken pipe. Voices of the lonely, the sad and hurting, the war sirens, finding their way to your tender young life. How could you know the answers? No one does. Our bodies all bleed red. Our hearts all hurt. Originally published in the Spring Peninsula Poets edition 2023 Viola's visitor KAREN TOTTEN It was Jesus Christ of Nazareth at the kitchen door last Tuesday, or so my Grandmother Viola was asked to call a thin, long-haired man in coveralls who wandered around her side yard in the steady rain, knocked quietly after lunch, chose her door along that stretch of highway. Years back, Viola owned tourist cabins behind her house, lodging for tired pilgrims dusty from the muddy roads, travelers heading up north to the vacation lakes each summer or south to Miami out of winter’s spindly grasp. Was this man looking for shelter from the storm? Had he heard of her hospitality in years before, the home-cooked breads and chowders, the warm lilac-scented blankets on the beds? Or did he long for affirmation, a nod from someone who just might recognize his divine face? True story. Golden hour is cast over the Michigan fields ADRIANA ALCALA Groundcover contributor And though I haven’t seen it I don’t need eyes to know in my heart that the sun is shining down on a blanket of moss in the backyard of the trailer park I called home. Faux dewed fruits in braided baskets, dirt covered shed, cobblestone path; This place casts a spell over me. Shadow lines crossing the median Deer legs dancing ghosts along the highway. Sun setting, remembering those fields of pink passing all of my homes. Ward off the darkness forever. Drive on and never return My grandmother was very Catholic, crosses and paintings of holy figures in her home, lots of religious iconography. Devout. Enamored of John F. Kennedy. A note: the name Viola was invented by Shakespeare for his play Twelfth Night. APRIL 5, 2024 HOPE DIANA FEAD Groundcover contributor I awake in the sun's shadows. Listening, I hear no sounds. Searching for hope in the darkness, Did you leave or are you around? I'm alone, where do I go now, Searching for your burning flame? If you're not alive within me, Do you go by some other name? Can feelings surprise and ring true, Or a song speak just the right words? A memory stirs in my daydream, Your voice crying out to be heard. Shout my name, you say, come together, Trust me to give us a chance. Follow my voice, and I'll hear you Singing that hope's still alive. APRIL 5, 2024 POETRY estranged to your danger BLUE MOON TAILOR Groundcover contributor the year came the year that marked the year to increase stranger danger a lack of presence for that which was done impressions of steamy haunts ghosts formed of Catholic guilt sensations remained only a little less foggy than my amount of groggy roots buried under your weight a burden they'd be if I didn't pull them clean I'd never be clear a year past the year the year that came that marked my increased capacity for stranger danger this year from when we began your excitableness bursting at the seams fog self-inflicted this time our own means 404 error no memory computed dread bleeding the pit of my stomach bursting cysts of betrayal all settled there pit large as an underworld poisonous peach pit rare quicksand fear nothing could compare RaGE a naming of pain fingers pointed stiff denial on your end stiff as my backbone would be for years for years on my end I couldn't name stiff twice what I couldn't reconvene no "custody" battle joy for my whiskered critter nothing can erase the danger you estranged me from Is this all that I have left to give you? Just a facade of the person I was? I lie next to you as if we’re connecting, but truly my passions are gone. Hollow and damaged, that’s all that I know. This daily routine getting tired. I am running in circles attempting to hide it, my soul shrinking like it’s on fire. Wandering round, wandering til the end. There is no light at the end of my tunnel. People say they are there to help me if needed, but are deaf to my crying for comfort. Listen to the whispers that knock at my door, those cruel and continuous words. They speak ugly truths, but I caused them myself, I have damaged their viewing, their regard. Can I fix this? Am I able? Oh where to begin? Digging deeply into the depths. I am fragile, gritty, raw, and hardened. Craving for more than I expect. I continue, I move forward, this cycle goes on. I seek after what’s better, improved. I can not know what will come to me next, But I can face it head on, with my smile. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Untitled JULIE SCHEIER Groundcover contributor Today I will not hear your voice. Grief pounds my heart today. You held me to myself. Your Presence, far away And by my side Palpable, Breathing, Soft, Quiet Hearing your Beautiful Vision Inside me Part of me Fragmented EVA MOORE Groundcover contributor My rhythm for life is fading. My highlights are fewer it seems. The zest for life I used to have, is a crumbling manic machine. Since breaking me down I’ve grown louder. Just to drown out the noise in my head. I’m still listening to lies, I tell myself daily. Now the lies are all truths that I bled. Forever. I wrote this the day I learned my brother’s partner died. For Trish and Carl. 13 exp. 01/31/2025

14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY Confusion SARAH DARBY-WHITE Groundcover contributor Tell me, what’s normal? It’s time that I know. I must know what’s normal, Cuz, I’m weird and it shows. It’s really not funny, This odd kind of thing. I’m a hamster just spinning Getting nowhere it seems. Skipping stones SARAH DARBY-WHITE Thought these feelings would pass, But they’re stronger than ever. Despair that’s just there That I never can sever. Confusion, delusions Of what I could be. Confusion intrusions Won’t let me be free. I have mastered skipping stones Upon the stillness of the early morning lake. It takes perfected skill and a flick of the wrist. A glassy surface and the water breaks. The lake speaks. A massive heartbeat. Telling stories of a life within. Of lessons learned, but what has changed? What is to come? Where have I been? So many questions unanswered. Each skipping stone begins a new chapter In this life that deceives. This life that lies. I’m anticipating what comes after. The waters are turbulent now. Not Calm and tranquil with the rising sun. As evening approaches, I’m out of stones, Out of chapters; All but one. My last chance to make it right, To salvage all that I treasure. Whether I get it right or get it wrong Skipping stones has been a pleasure. RONALD PAGERESKI Standing all alone in the cold on my deck, lookin kinda hungry, lookin like a wreck. Kitty showed up looking for a friend, with me, it has become a trend. Homeless kitties, their future unclear they all know me well, far and near. They all come by to see a friendly soul, knowing the cat chow will overflow the bowl. Eating their fill, then off they go, they'll be back soon, next day or so. Looking for this soul, hopin' I will fill the bowl. So come to me kitty,I won't give a fright. But stay safe young kitties, alone in the night. Late night visitor Cloudy day RONALD PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Dark clouds build above me. I need someone to love me. The one I had has gone away, made my world so dark and gray. What turned her so hard and mean? I'll always miss the Lady Marlene. I have to make my way alone, my heart is heavy, feels like stone. But, many folks are in the same boat, tears in the eyes, lump in the throat. We have to face the lonely night, all alone in our dismal plight. But, tomorrow brings a brand new day. Let's not let sorrow stand in our way. If we feel like we've been hit by a bus, remember many have it much worse than us.  WISDOM from page 9 If pursuit of the truth is your goal, between the German church of the 1930s and the American church today. At Easter we have another image of “you can kill the revolutionary but you can’t kill the revolution.” What reality do you believe in and what is the role of faith today? Visualize reality as a radiant diamond with infinite facets. Every appearance including you and me is in this view. To experience the interrelatedness of the facets in the context of the whole diamond is the breakthrough moment that the masters among our ancestors have taught us from beginningless time. Jesus, Buddha and a host of holy beings have taught that compassion, loving kindness and wisdom are the foundational truths of reality. If we surrender our ego fixations to this truth we can walk the path of freedom and learn to “Keep your eyes on the prize.” It’s the most worthy of goals. there are many ‘practical’ people who will consider you crazy for neglecting the most obvious rule of compliance culture, “The bottom line is the dollar sign,” and its corollary, “Follow the money.” It is true that if your financial life is in chaos you will find yourself too busy to do anything else. You may be overworked and have nothing to show for it. It can be so frustrating you may take your last dollar and go party. The distractions are everywhere, comfort food is a big one. The food industry is a pioneer in addictive engineering; feel good for a minute and be sick for life, similar to hard drugs but legal and a choice that is always in your face. Personal choice is an illusion for many as the need to survive this moment blocks the view of a long and happy life. It’s the trap of civilization and the hard struggle of decolonization. Remember “Peace of mind does not come from absence of struggle, it comes from absence of confusion and uncertainty.” If you look for what we share in common as human beings your discovery will likely look crazy to followers of compliance culture. We need the time and space to look at new approaches in our struggle for good health and a happy life. Let’s meet at Crazy Wisdom on Main between Washington and Huron. The Ann Arbor Community Commons is growing! Let us move forward with growing awareness until we are crazy with the wisdom that matters. Let’s meet on Earth Day, April 22, at - 4 p.m. at the Groundcover office (in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ at 423 S. 4th Ave) for a People's Peace Bank study and working group. We will view Werner's conversation at the Capital Club Dubai on Central Bank Digital Currencies and more. Earth Days celebrations are happening all weekend: April 20, 21 and 22. Go to annarborcommunitycommons.org for more details! POETRY GROUNDCOVER NEWS Home Grove LORRAINE LAMEY Groundcover contributor In the stand of pines the roots hold snugly to the eroding esker. The roots sing Hang in there! or Hang on! but mostly I’ve got you!, a weaving chorus of I got you!s. They crisscross each other like embroidery — tender, intricate, and whole. “Home Sweet Home” on a cliff edge. The trees are sewn together by and with each other defying gravity with their epic height praising to the sky We’ll grow and die together! You know it’s not true — the uniformity of action and experience, that is. But it sounds and feels right even as one by one they germinate, grow, disease, die, and decay in this one grove. Wind whisper, cardinal cheer, hunting hawk silence, gray squirrel scurry, breeze blown bole groan, Canada geese hronk overhead. I am stitched into this grove. A ladle of blood SASHA JADE Groundcover contributor A ladle of blood Sticky and thick, an iron taste to sear the tongue. It fills my throat, I want to scream but nothing comes. Nothing but a ladle of blood Gurgling and gagging, I heave with effort as I drown. It bubbles and pools as it drips to my chest, smothering me in crimson color. Painted in desire, viewed with desire, forced to desire. Forced to drink a ladle of blood Expected to drink a ladle of blood Just to create more ladles of blood Countless hearts. Endless hearts. All of them, just ladles of blood Perhaps one day, the gore will go down. Perhaps one day it will fill me with vigor and nothing but joy. Settle in my stomach and make my skin warm. Steal my perceived broken ladle. Be captured by one with ichor. But till that day comes, I’ll be here. Choking on ladles of blood 15  A2P2 from page 8 policy have not stemmed the environmental degradation which has continued for the last 30 years. Ann Arbor citizens and the city government itself have demonstrated a desire to move to 100% renewable energy for many years now. DTE has dragged their oil-stained feet all over the lush green carpet on these local renewable initiatives while continuing to invest in coal and gas energy sources. A2P2 offers a plan to provide 100% renewable energy by 2030, which would also lead to increased reliability. I, like many other members of my generation, spent many halcyon hours watching Saturday morning cartoons on my family's 16 inch television. We were empowered to reduce, reuse and recycle around four times per hour by singing raisins, Darkwing Duck, and the Crash Test Dummies. Many times, the children of the nineties were portrayed as the instructors for doddering fortyish parents in what trash goes where. Now I am the doddering fortyish parent and I am part of the problem. Steps taken by organizations like A2P2 are of critical importance if we are going to maintain a livable Earth for future generations. From the A2P2 website: “We believe a municipal utility is the only way Ann Arbor can reach its renewable energy goals. Municipal utilities across the country are almost always cheaper than investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and often more reliable. Additionally, a muni would create strong local union jobs and keep utility money within the community. Rather than relying on DTE and its shareholders to make decisions for us, the Ann Arbor community would have control over our power and create a pathway for other communities to break free from DTE as well.” An A2P2 press release continues, “The main objective of this phase two study should be to arrive at a technically sound and legally defensible valuation of DTE’s local distribution assets.” That is the next important step in the process. A2P2 continues to provide consumer education about their energy options at meetings and events throughout the city. On April 20 from 6-9 p.m., at Cobblestone Farms located at 2781 Packard Road, organizers will talk about the campaign to replace DTE with a municipal electric utility powered by 100% renewable energy for Ann Arbor. Bill McKibben, nationally-known environmental activist, author, and founder of 350.org will be providing the keynote via the Internet. Joining in person, Christy McGillivray, political and legislative director for the Sierra Club Michigan, will share her thoughts. Greg Woodring, A2P2 President, and advisory board members Yousef Rabhi, Mikal Goodman and Michelle Deatrick will also be present. Tickets cost $30 and a plant-based meal will be provided. Captain Planet is not scheduled at this time, but he would certainly approve.

16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Crustless spinach, mushroom and cheese quiche ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingriedients: ¾ pound fresh spinach (stems removed), cooked in a skillet and all water removed 8 oz. mushrooms (I like to use Baby Bella) 1 clove garlic, minced 1/8 tsp salt 1 tbsp cooking oil, divided 3 oz. feta cheese 4 large eggs 1/4 cup grated parmesan 1/4 tsp pepper 1 cup milk 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Directions: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cook and squeeze water out of spinach. Clean mushrooms and slice thinly. Add the mushrooms, garlic, salt, and a ½ tablespoon cooking oil to a skillet. Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until they have released all of their moisture and it has evaporated from the skillet. No water should remain in the skillet. Brush the other ½ tablespoon cooking oil inside a 9-inch pie plate. Layer the mushrooms, spinach, and crumbled feta into the pie plate. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, parmesan, pepper and milk. Pour the egg mixture into the pie plate. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the quiche in the preheated 350ºF oven for about 50 minutes or until it is golden brown on top. This is so good for any meal during the day! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Michigan's environment SHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 The sky brightens up and the winter clouds slowly drift away the mist I see through it calls on all to celebrate it's rebirth of the season and calls on all who are called APRIL 5, 2024

2 $ MARCH 22, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 7 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Alpha House expands capacity by eight families. page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: LONNIE BAKER PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. VICTORY! Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approves resolution to extend winter shelters until May 1. • County Commissioners are listening. page 6 • It feels like déjà vu. page 7 Shelter Now supporters rally outside of the Washtenaw County Administration building on March 20 before the Board of Commissioners meeting begins. Photo by Alexandra Granberg THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION community EVENTS THIS IS PARKDALE MOVIE SCREENING Saturday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Growing Hope Marketplace Hall (16 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti) "This is Parkdale" is a short film documenting a successful rent strike organized in Toronto, Ontario. The documentary is 35 minutes long, and a discussion on the film will follow. Masks required. 50th ANNUAL DANCE for MOTHER EARTH POWWOW Details pictured right. 28th ANNUAL EXHIBITION of ARTISTS in MICHIGAN PRISONS March 19 - April 2, gallery times vary by day James and Anne Duderstadt Center Gallery (2281 Bonisteel Blvd, Ann Arbor) A project of the Prison Creative Arts Project at the University of Michigan that showcases the work of artists incarcerated in Michigan prisons. FOOLMOON 2024: FOOLBLOOM Friday, April 5, 8-10 p.m. Washtington St., in between Ashley and Main St. Downtown festival of light-filled art, creative experiences and Foolish fun! FESTIFOOLS PARADE Friday, April 7, 4-5 p.m. Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor MARCH 22, 2024 PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Austin Cash Jim Clark La Shawn Courtwright David KE Dodge Heather Feather Mike Jones Lit Kurtz Ahmad Sakallah Wayne Sparks Shawn Swoffer David Winey GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Emily Paras Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MARCH 22, 2024 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS Obama Phones for low-income and unhoused people Barack Obama was elected Lonnie Baker, vendor No. 99 In one sentence, who are you? "A man of God." Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? 12 - 2 p.m. on Saturday at 4th and Catherine, and 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Sundays at Thompson and William. When and why did you start selling Groundcover News? In 2013 I had no job and no money. I was unemployed and broke. I needed food and shelter. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Meet and greet the community while selling Groundcover. What words do you live by? Do unto others as you want others to do unto you. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I have a dog. She is a boxer and pit mixed Brindle; her name is "Eden." She will be five in June. What motivates you to work selling Groundcover News? The income that I receive from selling Groundcover News is needed to keep my household afloat. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Blessing people that needed to be blessed. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chicken, baked potato, broccoli, corn, black eyed peas and cornbread! What’s the most interesting thing that has happened to you while selling Groundcover News? I have had a customer buy all of the papers that I had on me on more than one occasion. What was your first job? Selling "Ebony” magazine, Jet magazine, and the Michigan Chronicle newspaper, which was all one package. I was 12. What changes would you like to see in Washtenaw County? More affordable housing in Washtenaw County. I'm talking about housing affordable to a person working at McDonald's, Taco Bell, Meijer, Walmart or Groundcover. What would you do if you won the lottery? My first investment would be in my brand. My second investment would be a house. What song do you have completely memorized? I know the song "Amazing Grace" through and through. What’s the best way to start the day? I like to start my day in the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks. What would you become famous for? My reparations project and empowering the native Black American who are the descendants of the slaves who built this country. President of the United States of America in January 2009 and served two terms as President until 2017. Nowadays more than 6.9 million Americans have an Obama phone, as free government phones are now often called. Many people don't know the first president to start the Lifeline Program for affordable phone service was Ronald Reagan. Lifeline Program is a Federal Communications Commission’s program, established in 1985, intended to make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone and broadband service purchased from participating providers in the marketplace. Safelink Wireless offered the first free cell phone service in Tennessee in 2008. That means that the first free government cell phone was distributed during the Bush administration. But still, two administrations after the presidency of Barack receive SNAP benefits and/or Medicaid, you qualify. For the last two years, I used MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Obama, they are still referred to as Obama phones. Low-income households qualify for free or low-cost cell phone service under the Lifeline program. Lifeline is offered by major carriers such as Assurance, Safelink, and Access Wireless. In addition to the free smartphone, Lifeline provides voice, text and monthly minutes. How do you see if an individual or head of household qualifies? You simply go on any of the major carriers' websites and fill out an application, or you might encounter individual contractors on street corners distributing free cell phones and tablets. It is an easy and short process. If you an Obama phone. I used the phone carrier Q-link Wireless, and service was good until around a year later when my phone service cut off. As a result, I went without phone service for about two months because I needed to reapply for a new phone service. Then I started getting emails from all the different phone carriers who provide Lifeline service. I came to the conclusion that Lifeline phone service is good if you have no means to pay for phone service. Phone service helps people communicate and move forward toward employment or other means to be able to afford a monthly phone bill. Lifeline phone carriers often give customers unreliable and poorly made devices. I would advise those with Obama phones who can afford it to upgrade to a paid monthly service if you want to avoid phone service interruption and to be able to use your phone to its greatest potential. 3 Elder I’m trying to say what’s never been said before. I’m not a mentor. Call me an elder if you must. I’ve a story to tell that’s not been told before. I know things that are hidden that I know are true and I want soon to share them with you. As time goes by as the end is near I must unlock my thoughts. I owe the world a story and maybe someday I’ll have a chance to tell it. I have to tell you the most hurtful things and things that WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 are full of joy; as the story goes on it’s about love and humanity. When I get to the end it's all I want to see. I won’t get a second chance to say it so gather round and let an elder tell his story full of joy and sorrow because there will be no tomorrow. These might be promises unfulfilled. But when I feel like I’m feeling now, I feel like I can rule the world. Be ready to hear my tale whenever it’s told.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FAMILY SHELTER I recently visited Alpha House, the family shelter located in Ann Arbor, and was welcomed like a family member attending a family reunion. I arrived with the intention to discover what Alpha House is all about and learn the details of their current expansion project, but first let me describe how it was founded. History of Alpha House Initially there were 12 religious congregations in Washtenaw County, mostly in Ann Arbor, that came together in 2001 to operate a weekly rotating shelter for homeless families. They later became the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN). They found that these rotations were negatively impacting the school age children. Some children’s ability to get to and from school became problematic as was having to change schools in the middle of the school year, and/or prohibiting the freedom of desired choice. It was an unstable environment. The IHN needed a permanent location. St. Joseph’s Hospital had a rehab facility located at 4290 Jackson Rd. in Ann Arbor that was shut down, so they let IHN use it as a permanent shelter for only $1 a year rent. That is how it became IHN at Alpha House, better known as Alpha House. How about that for miracles? I reckon that the people of the IHN would probably just simply state that the Lord works in mysterious ways! Before I go any further, let me introduce four amazing members of the staff for IHN at Alpha House and an outstanding volunteer: Executive Director Shonagh Taruza, Director of Operations Brad White, Volunteer Coordinator Patty Page, Programs Director Denise Diggs-Taylor, and volunteer Greg Humbel. Words aren't enough to describe these beautiful souls, but further along in this article I will comment on their assets that I appreciate. Shelter experience I will now share some information and criteria for obtaining the services that Alpha House offers. Being homeless is number one and the city of origin doesn't matter, as long as potential clients are U.S. citizens or have a green card or legal rights to reside in the United States. If potential clients do not have proper required identifications, Alpha House staff are able to assist with obtaining these documents within legal parameters. Clients must also be pregnant, or have a child or children. If communication barriers present, someone on staff will reach out to interpreters. Upon arriving at Alpha House clients are immediately welcomed then assigned a case manager. The case manager conducts an assessment in order to better assist them with their needs while taking action with cooperation of the clients to make positive gainful progress possible. Clients can stay at the shelter for 60 days. I am not aware of policy for extensions at this time. Clients are provided with job assistance and encouraged to participate in their existing employment program entitled Career Scope. Within the vestibule of Alpha House is an area for pursuing job leads that includes a table, chairs, a phone, and a bulletin board that lists jobs and educational opportunities, as well as community events that may be partaken in. Yes, childcare is an essential priority to me! Alpha House volunteers and staff work closely with the Childcare Network to address any childcare needs. This broadens time availability for parents which increases employment opportunities. To add to that, the wonderful McKinney-Vento Hearth Act law requires all homeless school-age children residing in LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 shelters to be provided funded transportation for the benefit of being able to continue attending the school they are presently enrolled in, or the school of their choice within the Ann Arbor school district. For example, some children are bussed, cabbed or driven to school in unmarked vehicles with assigned staff members; this way no child is singled out for living in a shelter. The guardian of a child that has a personal vehicle is given a gas card for gas for the purpose of taking and picking the children up from school. It is tantamount that children receive all of the academic education that they can get in an ever-changing, technological society. There are volunteers who provide on-site childcare for non school-age children of their clients. This is another way the more fragile youths can remain in an environment that is safer healthwise; it decreases exposure to dangerous health hazards for a child who is not yet fully vaccinated. As most of us who have encountered toddlers know, they love to stick things in their mouths. We all pretty much know that credit scores can have a negative impact on our quality of life and the ability to apply for and/or obtain suitable housing or other things we may apply for. So this is why at Alpha House the clients are encouraged to obtain a credit score report for awareness and the opportunity to address any issues that may have lowered their score. Criminal background checks are performed to intently address any issues that would hinder or prevent clients from accessing gainful employment and suitable housing, but other barriers may exist or arrive because of MARCH 22, 2024 Alpha House expands capacity by eight families Shonagh Taruza, Alpha House Executive Director, Patty Page, Volunteer Coordinator, and Brad White, Director of Operations, pictured left to right. an unknown charge or warrant. So please do not be offended by this part of the process. Now let me describe what it is like inside of the Alpha House shelter, and report about the rooms being renovated for the expansion to serve more clients. As it operates now, Alpha House has six rooms that may accommodate six families ranging from one pregnant woman per room or a family of four that consists of at least one child. They have two congregate family rooms. One has two computers and printers, video games and a library; clients may keep books they like. There is a cafeteria area that has a view of the outside, and an adjoining patio for sitting or smoking. No drugs are allowed including medical or recreational marijuana. Clients may cook any food in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer, as long as it is made clear by staff that it's okay. The children have a large area in the basement stocked with all sorts of toys, games, crafts and play related activities, and a fully functioning playground that has a couple of bikes and scooters. The children are appropriately and safely monitored at all times. Increasing need inspires rennovation Last winter, because of higher rent rates, a lot of families became homeless and IHN at Alpha House wanted to do more. The IHN at Alpha House members and staff realized that a rotating shelter would be essential to see FAMILY next page  fully MARCH 22, 2024 FAMILY SHELTER  FAMILY from last page provide immediate shelter relief, however, injury to the childrens’ overall well-being could not be avoided in this way. It was discovered that the Ann Arbor City Council sold the Dental School on N. Ashley Street in Ann Arbor to the Ann Arbor Housing Commission for $1 with a plan to transform the property into affordable housing units. The groundbreaking for the affordable housing units wouldn't occur for two more years and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission did not want it to sit empty, so they asked Shonagh and Brad of Alpha House if they wanted to rent it and they did. There were not enough bathrooms so they opted to utilize the empty building for their offices, and renovate the now empty former offices at Alpha House into eight more rooms for families, another storage, and full bathroom. Two more washers and dryers will be added as well within the Alpha House facility during the renovations. The kitchen is being renovated, too. Volunteer Coordinator Patty Page shared that she was recently injured and it has totally impacted her abilities. She expressed how it made her feel like she couldn't be of any assistance. She had a spark of inspiration when asked to aid in the interior designing of the rooms being renovated. She refers to herself in a jocose manner as the interior design reference person. Patty has always put her decorative skills to use throughout Alpha House. Patty is very vocally energetic and full of enthusiasm. I couldn't tell that she was going through a setback. She wants the shelter to feel like a transitional home because she wants the clients to maintain the hope of having a home of their own to decorate as they please. I love the building trades, particularly carpentry, so meeting volunteer Greg Humbel who is renovating the kitchen at Alpha House was an added bonus. Greg stated that he loves what he is doing for Alpha House. He is also a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ann Arbor. We need lots more people of your integrity, Greg; keep being you. You build up more than buildings. Your work builds lives too! I enjoy talking to a person instead of an automated answering service; this is how I met Program Director Denise Diggs-Taylor. I needed to get a couple of answers about Alpha House and was unable to reach a live person earlier that day and left a message and my phone number. To my surprise, not even an hour later I received a call back from none other than Denise. I introduced myself again, asked my questions and got answers and the opportunity to talk briefly with Denise. She was very helpful, pleasant and patient with me. It takes me back to when I worked the switchboard and had a lot of pleasant, unique and brief talks with people for the first time. We have to keep live communications alive. We can now get to the highlight of this article: the renovation of the existing wing at Alpha House, that will provide more shelter for eight more families. The renovations began the second week of February and are expected to be complete by April 2. The Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House invites everyone to drop by their open house to tour the new residential wing on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 2-7 p.m. at 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. I personally am suggesting that you bring a donation if you can, but no worries if you can't. Do keep in mind that Alpha House only accepts brand new items. Conclusion I am very pleased and impressed by everyone I encountered there. I want to thank you all for receiving me with open arms and eyes. Brad is the kind of person that made me question one of my own fears. That is approaching people for any kind of interview. With him, being so willingly helpful to me, it erased that. It boosted my confidence level that day and made me smile inside. I was made aware that Brad considered a child client that needed help with homework and personally undertook the task of getting a tutor on board at Alpha House. The children are our future. Anyone who takes care of the babies is alright with me. I call all children under 18 babies, though I know they’re not. It is pretty difficult for me to put into such a few words the way that I felt when I met Shonagh. She made me feel like I was her sister and we'd talked many times before. I admire you for your faith and volition to empower, encourage, and help others. You are a take action person and I like that. Patty, if you aren't at 100% now, I can't wait until you are fully recovered. I was so filled with hope listening to how much you have to offer just being you. I thought of a project I can do to make something for Alpha House. Thank you all once again. Just a useful tidbit for anyone that I have experienced and witnessed, is that volunteering where you are or at other places can or may more likely result in landing a stable employment position where you are. The benefits are innumerable both personally and professionally. After all, there is nothing like hands-on experience! GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit. Book Clubs To Go Book Clubs To Go is a service available at each AADL location that provides the convenience of complete kits for book discussions. Inside, you’ll find 10 copies of the featured book, one movie DVD, and a resource folder. Request a kit today through the online catalog or by calling (734) 327-4200. FEATURED EVENT AADL GAME CON 2024 exp. 01/31/2025 Saturday, April 13 • 11:00am–5pm Downtown Library Game Con is a free, super-charged gaming extravaganza featuring gaming sessions, presentations, and a Vendor Hall to find the perfect accessory for your next game night! Gaming sessions will run all day long, with a schedule of presentations on topics related to RPGs and game design for attendees to participate in. Check out aadl.org/gamecon for a list of gaming sessions and additional Game Con details. Outdoor family play area at Alpha House. 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WINTER SHELTER County Commissioners are listening Late in the summer last year, a small group of people camping out under the awning at the Growing Hope farmers market in downtown Ypsilanti were evicted by the police. This incident on August 27, 2023 and the movement it sparked ignited a wave of action among homelessness advocates, peace and justice activists and radicals. Since then, we have been coming to the Washtenaw County and City of Ypsilanti meetings with three demands: 1) Create and fund a dignified 24/7 shelter in Ypsilanti before spring 2024 2) Open a temporary shelter immediately. Fund and do not interfere with unofficial and temporary shelter spaces. End street sweeps and camp sweeps. 3) Ensure that the houseless and housing-insecure communities have decision-making and veto power in all Ypsilanti shelter spaces, and in their creation. So far, none have been met. However, at the Washtenaw County Commissioners meeting on February 21, 2024, I heard in their bureaucratic chatter the words the homeless advocates have been shouting: stop the sweeps, acknowledge the weather is always a safety hazard, and provide wraparound care to support the homeless and the recently housed. My younger comrades are skeptical. They have heard this song and dance before. So have I — I've seen the dog and pony show, and the circus with all the monkeys. We won’t be convinced until we see action, and we won’t stop until we see change. But now the commissioners seem like they may be ready to make a difference. I interviewed Commissioner Annie Somerville (District 6, Ypsilanti) about the status of efforts to alleviate homelessness in our County. We spoke of would be safer. Each year the Delonis Center emerJIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 money, where it comes from, how it’s meant to be spent and how to get it. The American Rescue Plan Act distributed $2.5 million to help struggling Americans. Included in the local package was $150,000 for short-term emergency motel stays, $710,000 for eviction prevention and $250,000 to support shelters including the Delonis Center. The money is distributed through the Office of Economic and Community Development, which also oversees the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. Interesting factoid, according to Somerville: The Delonis Center is underutilized. She says: “We have space at the shelter, it isn’t used because some people do not like congregate sleeping arrangements.” What she may not know is that people are avoiding Delonis because of the drugs, violence, theft and corruption of the staff. Last year, Mission’s Weather Amnesty (an overnight program sponsored by A2Mission.org to help people during lethal weather) took in people who were trespassed from Delonis for violating the shelter's safety rules. This year the program offers respite shelter to the general homeless population. The guests who stay there have almost all been to Delonis and have for the most part decided sleeping outside gency weather program and associated shelters (night and day shelters) close at the end of March. Anyone from Michigan knows that April and even parts of May are still capable of dangerous weather. There is talk of extending the overnight sheltering program to May 1. When I asked Somerville if there were any programs in place for the summer, she said there weren’t. Something Somerville wants the activists to understand is that the programs that have been shut down are not due to lack of funding, but to lack of staffing. “We don’t have the capacity for a second shelter,” says Somerville. “Without staffing and infrastructure, our hands are tied.” We didn’t talk about how much staff members get paid, but apparently not enough. Volunteers are even harder to get. In fact, the February issue of the “Eastern Echo” (the Eastern Michigan University paper) reports a decline in health and human services enrollment. From Philanthropy News Digest: “As demand for nonprofit services has increased, the number of Americans who volunteer has continued to decline, leaving many nonprofits across the country straining to provide services, the Washington Post reports.” Although Somerville and I did not talk about camp evictions or “sweeps,” the Sheriff’s Department did at the County Commission meeting Feb. 21. A sweep is when law enforcement uses force to remove people from encampments, often causing them to lose what little property they have. At the meeting, the Sheriff's Department claimed they do not conduct sweeps; however they do conduct a “civil standby” while private security companies do the eviction when an eviction is court ordered. Commissioner Caroline Sanders (District 4) spoke of “wraparound” care which is a commonly-used term for services such as mental health treatment, medical treatment, food and clothing assistance, and help accomplishing necessary tasks. These things would be provided by the County after a solution to the lack of shelter is found. The irony is that often the lack of wraparound care contributes to recidivist homelessness — especially when it comes to mental health crises. Moving into spring will make it more difficult for homelessness advocates. Warmer weather dulls the public's awareness of homelessness. Because it’s warmer, people tend to think the homeless need less support. The County Commissioners will soon be swamped with requests to fix potholes and boost tourism. Homelessness is a year-round phenomenon. For it to be alleviated, solutions must be found that go deeper than what casual observation might suggest: to just build more housing. What is needed is deep systemic change. To get to that, the County needs to listen to those experiencing homelessness. The demands at the beginning of the article were derived from the voices of unsheltered people in Ypsilanti. These demands are not all that is needed, but are a foundation that must be laid in order for any real changes to be made. Update: On Wednesday, March 20, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted to approve "a resolution to extend winter sheltering activities through April 30, 2024," meeting another demand of Shelter Now. The Board waived the second reading which would have otherwise occured on April 3. MARCH 22, 2024 MARCH 22, 2024 WINTER SHELTER It feels like déjà vu To be frank, it felt like a serious case of déjà vu and in reality it was. Those were the words that I used when given an opportunity to address the Board of Commissioners during the Washtenaw County’s Board of Commissioners and Working Session Meeting held on March 6. Those who were gathered at the meeting expressed a variety of concerns during public input, but most centered around the lack of millage funding for critical needs facing both the unhoused and those who live with mental illness in the County. The intersection of the two was obvious and it became clear that there was a need for increased funding for both to reach the critical needs of the people they are designated to serve. Mental health advocates’ voices ranged from anger to disbelief that a majority of funds from the voter-funded Community Mental Health and Public Safety millage used by the County Sheriff’s office were crippling the efforts of those working on the levels of community engagement services. Those on the frontlines of the homeless crisis know that anything other than year round shelter is only a thin bandaid; they have been imploring the Washtenaw Commissioners for years to open up its coffers so that no one is vulnerable to the elements in any season. The seasonal timeline of the winter warming center dates are LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 meeting before the Commissioners walked away. An article that I penned that ran in the 2014 June issue of Groundcover News states, “…Our delegation listened in dismay as the commissioners closed the door on any further discussion, announcing that they were pleased with the current role that Delonis has played to provide shelter to the homeless community.” Undoubtedly, it was that abrupt dismissal of further communication ten artificial and do not reflect the frequent fluctuating temperatures in cold climates. But for some of us, March 6 was a replay of a similar meeting held a decade earlier on April 2, 2014, when what MLive referred to as a delegation representing the Delonis Center Warming Center approached the Board of Commissioners. During the meeting a decade earlier we requested that Warming Center hours not only be extended for another month from to the end of April, but that year round shelter be in place. So in 2014 after bickering and debating well past normal meeting hours, the Commissioners agreed to keep the shelter open that year by funding another 30 days. They also agreed to meet with our delegation throughout that year to develop a plan for year round shelter. There was only one years ago with those of us who were then experiencing this crisis that has allowed the problems at Delonis to fester and brings forth a new set of people grappling with the same fundamental issues of safety and year-round shelter. Nathan Bagget who is currently sheltering at the Delonis Warming Center gave insight into the conditions now. He said that since the Center removed drug testing, there has been a noticeable increase in crime. As has always been the case, shower access is limited and it is virtually impossible to do laundry based on the limited slots. The proverbial band-aid can no longer offer the solutions needed for those in need. Unless the commissioners commit to listening to those embroiled in this crisis, there will be no solutions. It is my hope that it will not take another decade to do so. APPROVED: A resolution extending winter sheltering activities through April 30, 2024 What does this mean? At the time of publication, logistics of what winter sheltering activities will be extended through April 30 have not been worked out or announced publicly. Many winter sheltering services utilize seasonal locations and employees that may not be available after March 31. Stay tuned on Groundcover News Facebook and Instagram for details on these service extensions. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS IN REVIEW A book report on "Healing Collective Trauma" DAVID KE DODGE Groundcover contributor I do not remember why, how or when I came into possession of “Healing Collective Trauma — a process for integrating our intergenerational and cultural wound” by spiritual teacher Thomas Hubl and ghostwriter Julie Jordan Avritt — but most likely I was prompted to purchase the book shortly after it was published, by an interview with the author which I viewed on Public Television. After I secured my copy, I set it aside to read after I finished a book I was then currently reading. But by the time I finished the then current book, other books had been purchased, and Hubl’s work had been relegated to a low place among my trove of books waiting to be even started. It was only after the events of October 7, 2023 and the following weeks in Israel, that I said to myself, “Those are two traumatized Peoples at each other’s throats. If only they could see that on their current course, only Satan stood to be the winner, like he was the winner of World War II; Hitler might conceivably be a loser of that war, but Satan won.” It was then that I recalled the existence of Hubl’s work, and decided it was overdue for a reading. I set aside the book I was then currently reading, and began reading Hubl. My feelings about Hubl’s work are mixed. Hubl is a self-described mystic, and I’ve always found the writings characteristic of mystics to be dense — incomprehensible. I often finished entire paragraphs without comprehending a word, and such paragraphs would sometimes merge into entire chapters. It may be that some other work on collective trauma would have been more beneficial to me, had I known of such a work, and procured and read it instead. But Hubl was worth reading. Among the “facts” I gleaned from it: • The impact of trauma on individual humans extends beyond the individual; when a group of people is traumatized, the entire culture is affected; the entire group of individuals express and reinforce the symptoms of their trauma to each other, to all other members of their society, and to members of other societies with which they have intercourse; • The impact of trauma on individual humans extends beyond the generation suffering the original blow of trauma; the impact is passed onto their children, and their children’s children, and so on. The impact is passed on by both of two processes: • By how the society of traumatized adults treat their immediate children and the children of their society in general, and • By a process which seems insidious to me, but which Hubl convinced me takes place; Hubl refers to the process as “epigenetics” — the change of the the common society’s individual’s genes, so the children and/or grandchildren of the originally traumatized are genetically predisposed to express maladjusted behavior, to their personal children, and the entire society’s children, the trauma of generations long ago passed. • There’s hope in all this: Hubl describes processes by which the cultural damage can be undone. I won’t attempt to describe the processes; that’s what Hubl’s work does. I will say that the processes involve group therapies, and that I have apprehension as to whether the therapies outlined and performed by Hubl and his colleagues are as effective as a group approach led by professionals certified by the state to do such work. One challenge faced by humanity is convincing the Peoples of the world who express historic trauma through their culture of their need for therapy. Another challenge is finding the leaders of such groups who are able to guide the participants toward an end both constructive, and intended. The harvest is great; the workers are few. Which is why I want to believe that Hubl and the folks who work alongside him know what they’re doing. From Hubl’s description, they do. In their current course, the Jews and Palestinians of Israel are simply planting the seeds, in each other’s children and in their own, of a plethora of future October sevenths. If a route to peace is ever to be followed by that country, it will not be forged by generals, Prime ministers, diplomats, or hack politicians. It will require the ministrations of capable humanitarians — psychotherapists. "Healing Collective Trauma" had a cover price of $25.99 when I purchased it. One copy is available from Ann Arbor District Library — downtown branch. Your favorite local brick and mortar bookstore needs your support. Buy it. Read it. Keep it. Healing Collective Trauma — a process for integrating our intergenerational and cultural wound” by Thomas Hubl C. 2020. Sounds True, publisher. MARCH 22, 2024 MARCH 22, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Ancient Briton 5. Alpine transport 9. Platters 14. Trendy South American berry often thought of as a good source of antioxidants 15. Ashtabula's lake 16. English race place 17. "___ we forget" 18. The Sun acting out 20. Mariner's aid 22. Thoroughly cleanse 23. "Gladiator" setting 24. Crystalline compound found in urine 26. Seed 27. Carl Bernstein, e.g. 31. "The Da Vinci Code" author Brown 32. Court ploy 33. Small fish often living in fresh, running water 36. Involving more than one country 41. Antares, for one 42. ___-tac-toe 43. Bird's beak 45. An operation to remove all or parts of the uterus 50. Indian lentil dish 53. All alternative 54. Magical wish granter 55. Descriptive nickname 58. Link 59. Sealed cylinder lacking air, used in electronics 62. Wood sorrels 64. Cake topper 65. Barely managed, with "out" 66. Destiny 67. "Take your hands off me!" 68. 1990 World Series champs 69. Beat it DOWN 1. Amigo 2. Cold treats for a hot day 3. Kidney-shaped nut 4. Giants of myth 5. It may be oral or written 6. "My man!" 7. Afflict 8. You, right now 9. Batty 10. "Cast Away" setting 11. Line of cliffs 12. Literally, "dwarf dog" 13. Prepare, as tea 19. Enlarge, as a hole 21. 50 Cent piece 23. "Go on ..." 24. "Once ___ a time..." 25. Paid back 28. "Aladdin" prince 29. "Much ___ About Nothing" 30. Indian bread 34. Like some great literary works 35. Remove 37. "Well, ___-di-dah!" 38. "Don't give up!" 39. Radial, e.g. 40. Rocks 44. "Ciao!" 46. Restrain 47. Self-conscious laugh 48. How to make a human look like a monster 49. Irritate 50. Man with horns 51. Posthaste 52. Allowed 56. ___ oil, used in varnish 57. Justice Black 58. "Bill & ___ Excellent Adventure" 60. Arthur Godfrey played it 61. Four-poster, e.g. 63. "Comprende?"

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS The not-so-great American essay Hello, readers! First time writer, and fresh reader here. Having personally experienced homelessness from coast to coast in recent years, and never having been homeless before the coronavirus panic, I feel like I bring a fairly fresh perspective upon the matter. I learned various tricks-of-the-trade quickly from “veterans” of the street, some of whom have had 30+ years experience on the matter. Ironically, most of that knowledge became obsolete overnight during periods of the changing socioeconomic landscape of these last several years, (such as public bathrooms and water faucets being locked down). Also, I experienced for myself both tyrannical enforcement by security forces (anti-warmth patrols concerning very public private property such as wide outside places or immovable objects) and bureaucratic xenophobia by social services. Apparently, need is often an exclusive club for identity stereotypes. But the last time I checked, need can happen to anyone, anytime. It was often other homeless people who were more willing to help than the pachinko-machine-of-a-system that we call public and private subdivisions of the Department of State and Department of Health and Human Services. (Pachinko is a Japanese roulette gambling machine. The additional rationale for the metaphor is the fact that gambling businesses don’t gamble — they all operate on statistics.) Not to When not homeless myself, I would AUSTIN CASH Groundcover vendor No. 627 say there aren’t heroic figures who go above and beyond to do their jobs at times, because there are. But if given enough time to tweak the system’s settings, authorities may abuse the ability to bottleneck within such top-heavy bureaucracies, due to such motivations as ego or polarized herd mentality. I’ve noticed within my short time here in Ann Arbor that Groundcover News gives a perfect excuse for the local mainstream society to safely approach homeless people (when they actually know about the paper). I think a decent chunk of people across the country would like to help people in general, but either can’t or don’t trust the average homeless person’s situation — be it a potential drug use problem or an unstable personality, or the unobservable, largely ineffective system. Although they still may “blind dump/give” into it occasionally hoping it will work out for the best. work around this issue by almost never giving money away, but would rather, when I had a moment, physically go to a place and buy a tangible object to hand off to an individual. Yahweh, the creator, commanded us to give 10% of our blessings in life to the causes important to Him, which is called a tithe, and frankly even someone making a mere $1,000 a month would have $100 to give by that standard. Now imagine if everyone walking down the street right now suddenly had $100, monthly, to give for meals, clothing or even communal housing for the less fortunate (no matter who they are)! People talk about social change more and more; they’re even getting closer to the grassroots design started around two millennia ago by the early “Christian” congregations, but the solution has been staring us right in the face as a society all along. We’re often too “sophisticated” for it now, but human issues are quite cyclical — we just tend to forget. The sin of Sodom (sin being a distortion of the divine perfect), after all, was documented as abundance plus pride while not giving to the poor (Ezekiel 16:49). But it seems familiarity has bred contempt for us in our recent generations. Also, sometimes people are just downright ignorant from not being taught in this day and age of disassociated social media groups, streaming, and algorithmic-induced endorphin rushes (that, too, preceded by the TV and radio). I grew up as a latchkey kid raised by the public grade school and the TV within postmodern American suburbia in a nominally Christian family, with really nothing more than Sunday school under my belt from kindergarten, and was eventually systemically put on a self-destructive path right before puberty — not even going to high-school. I did obtain a G.E.D. while working retail on the weekends during my later teenage years. Yet during my first 15 years of life I knew little to nothing about the foundational faith which I would personally profess later, and mostly was supplemented growing up by ideas of the humanism, new age and futurism that hovered around the coming of the new millennium. A family friend is the one who taught me about Yahshua of Nazareth, the Messiah (who western society calls Jesus Christ) more in depth. She even bought me my first Bible and began to counter the situation of me not attending high school via personal tutoring. Later, having been put off by the very homogenized, corporate herd culture that is the “Christianese” culture located in and around the Bible Belt of America, I started to consider myself personally “a believer in The Way” and not specifically a Christian (John 14:6, John 6:29). That being said, I struggled see ESSAY next page  MARCH 22, 2024 Memes sourced from ImageFlip.com MARCH 22, 2024 OPINION "This is a music article" ANONYMOUS It’s not incredibly comfortable to face reality at times, but some people just won’t hear the facts until it’s the end — too late. The problem is society often takes too much time and effort to discern the truth before it is able to apply intervention on ugly realities. The realities have been pretty ugly in the Middle East. In Palestine, the oppression is often met with dismissive attitudes instead of reflection. In other words, perhaps, a more intricate look at the finances of Zionism would prepare society to adapt for a new ending. A better one. Perhaps we should examine corruption from a different lens through linking participation in the Zionist movement with the music business. If we understood the business practices of these players, then we would be better able to adapt before the negative outcomes occur, even today. In the early 20th Century the copyright laws were in their nascent stages, but it was the player piano — the piano playing off perforated scrolls — that caused a conflict within influence on society but what people may not know is that Pannonica was born to the family responsible for creating the problems in the Middle East today —the Rothschild Banking Family. Her influence on the music industry is significant because her family’s wealth was responsible for renaissance-level accomplishments and corruption — ranging from biological organisms bearing their family name (e.g. Ornithoptera rothschildi) to war profiteering to the music business formation of the 20th century. It was not until 1954 when Prestige Records signed Mr. Monk, but in those 40 years Pannonica had been alive, her family was busy destabilizing governments and musicians alike. In order to understand a problem, the creative world: who earned the coins off the piano? The saloon owner? The person who composed the sheet music that went into the piano? Thus the royalty rates were born through the Copyright Act of 1909 and the establishment of American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1914. The jazz era was beginning and the relationships that came about in this era give us a rare look at the finances of the vanguards Zionism. Kathleen Annie Pannonica Koenigwarter was born four years before her jazz counterpart Thelonious Monk. The two shared a mutually fond relationship that funded the Jazz Bebop movement — she was largely liked by jazz people like Monk and Charlie Parker. They were infants when Zionism was beginning its of thorough research should be done inside and outside the context of the problem and its historical circumstances. In other words, to address the corruption surrounding Palestine, let us examine the money trail of this family in and outside of Palestine. In 1917, the Balfour Declaration was made: A letter from British politician Arthur Balfour to Walter Rothschild Jr. was the seed to establishing a colonial Jewish state in Palestine. This was Pannonica’s Uncle Walter, Charles Rothschild’s brother. Her father (Charles), her uncle Walter, her brother Victor, and her recently-deceased nephew Jacob, at different times, represented the banking dynasty, holding the title of Baron de Rothschild. As of February 26, 2024, her great-nephew, Jacob’s son Nat, became the new baron. These people are the most significant players in the creation of modern Zionism. They built the Israeli legislative house, the Knesset, and streets in Israel are named after them, which should indicate their major influence on the state, even today. Now it’s important that we investigate their contributions to the music business. If you played a soccer match and GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Thelonius Monk and Baroness Kathleen Annie Pannonica de Koenigswarter. Image from American Roots Music you lost, that imprints a memory, yes? The following match against the same opponent, what occurs? The following match you will try to adapt to eliminate the reasons you lost. Reality is if we have to wait till the end to learn the lessons, there will be a weaker grasp than if the learning commenced at the beginning. Today we stand in a world dominated by a money trail that can be almost impossible to track; however, with this information we have now, could we delve into Pannonica and her positive influences? Did Pannonica represent the same ideology? Being tied into the direct financiers of the State of Israel would highly suggest this is the case. How does her family’s involvement affect the music business today? Well, it entails the understanding of why we went from mechanical publishing to streaming. The era of digital copyright opened the floodgates to piracy that made it difficult for the corporations to manage their revenue streams, but what the lawsuits revealed were the heads of the music business and their ties to Zionism are quite prominent. Charles Bronfman Jr,. the former CEO of Warner Music Group and Seagrams heir, was the founder of Birthright Israel, the Zionist colonist project. It demonstrates the fact that if Zionist money has been and still is indeed the same money controlling Israel and the higher echelons of the music business perhaps the practices in Gaza and Music come from a similar place. I scoffed at the recent ironic legislation that Rashida Tlaib introduced to implement a rate of 1 cent a stream for the artists. The original rate was two cents and it got moved up to 8.1 cents by 1977. Imagine a business where someone collects your money for you — all of the money, before you see it. So you don’t know how much money was even earned in the first place. Then someone gives you an envelope and says “Here’s your take, be happy with it.” This article refelcts the opinion of the author, not Groundcover News. Logo of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.  ESSAY from last page coming of age through worldly deceptions caused by blinding social pain (betrayals happening like falling dominoes, mixed with soul-destroying verbal abuse, from the ages of 18 to 23), and started to not live fully for Yahweh after having already committed myself to Him. This fact was brought to my attention via a very rude awakening in my early thirties, which led me for the first time in over a decade to crack open the word of the Creator which is in the book collection we call the Bible. Having run the gamut, so to speak, I can relate to those who have lived for nothing but themselves while being subjected to the flow of causality that is called the zeitgeist; to becoming one who has personally applied faith in Messiah Yahshua (often considered an anachronism now); to one who has known what it means to struggle, even the reconciling of oneself; from life just breaking down amidst such opposing foundational backgrounds. It is within that picture of struggle, even potential reconciliation if dared, that society seems to find itself currently crescendoing in regards to the topics of homelessness and charity (let alone many of the other serious, parallel issues happening across the board in our current cultural consciousness). So, wherever you come from, whoever you are, and whatever your experiences thus far in life, I hope to have conveyed here a synopsis of not only my own personal life experiences plus travels as a street homeless person, but also to encourage you all, the readers, to reflect upon your own selves and situations in relation to these matters, along with the rest of these troubling times that we all communally share.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD + FUN Russian comfort tonic HEATHER FEATHER Groundcover vendor No. 54 This Russian Comfort Tonic is a soothing and revitalizing drink that combines the calming properties of chamomile tea with antioxidant-rich cranberry juice and the warming spices of ginger and cinnamon. It's designed to promote a sense of safety and well-being while providing a boost of brainpower and mental clarity. Enjoy this healing elixir whenever you need a comforting embrace for both body and mind. Ingredients: 1 cup brewed chamomile tea, cooled 1/2 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened) 1/4 cup honey (adjust to taste) 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon grated ginger A pinch of cinnamon A few sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish Ice cubes (optional) Directions: Brew chamomile tea and let it cool to room temperature. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Where's Panda? DAVID WINEY Groundcover contributor MARCH 22, 2024 In a pitcher or large mixing bowl, combine the cooled chamomile tea, cranberry juice, honey, lemon juice, grated ginger and cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Once chilled, serve the Russian Comfort Tonic in glasses over ice cubes, if desired. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing touch. DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 offer expires 04/05/2024

2 $ MARCH 8, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 6 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. The path to addiction and recovery. Page 4 KEN PARKS #490 ASK YOUR VENDOR: HOW CAN YOU TELL IT'S SPRING? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Youth in action: Ypsilanti middle schoolers interview candidates for Washtenaw County Sheriff. page 6 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Ypsilanti middle schoolers who interviewed the Washtenaw County Sheriff candidates. Photo courtesy of Ken Magee. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER wherever you go, WEAR GCN! Groundcover News is now offering three unique merchandise items so customers and supporters can express to the world how much they love GCN! WHAT (see images pictured right): • Cream canvas tote bags with "I Buy and Read Groundcover News" in black ink $15 • Black beanies with white, embroidered Groundcover logo $25 • Bright yellow hoodies with Groundcover logo and insignia in black ink $40 HOW: 1. Fill out the Google form linked below to indicate what you'd like to purchase 2. Submit payment online, by Venmo or by drop-off* 3. Come to the Groundcover office during office hours (Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) to pick up your purchase! The Groundcover News office is located at 423 S. 4th Ave in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. You can call 734-263-2098 if having trouble finding the office. *If paying cash please bring when picking up merchandise at the office. Special thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation for making these items available to Groundcover vendors for free! Order online via Google Form, pick up at the Groundcover office! PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman D.A Roberto Isla Caballero Misti Davis Cindy Gere Hosea Hill James Manning Ken Parks Ashley Powell Earl Pullen Denise Shearer Scoop Stevens Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Joe Woods PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Jane Atkins Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Emily Paras Holden Pizzolato Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MARCH 8, 2024 MARCH 8, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR How can you tell it's spring? When the red robin comes bob bob bobbing along. — Ken Parks, #490 Because of the birds chirping! — Mark Gigax, #620 When you're not freezing and you're not sweating. — Austin Cash, #627 I really don't know. Nowadays you think it's spring one day and then it blizzards the next day. — Joe Woods, #103 The spring flowers are out and so are the robins! — Cindy Gere, #279 I look at the ground; the grass comes, the flowers come. I can push a stick in the ground and it doesn't break. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 When the birds get up before me and the buds are on the trees. — Derek Allen, #177 You can tell it's spring to your back, love is in the air. — Shawn Swoffer, #574 CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 When the ground is WARMER and SOFT, and people's work commute is getting EASIER (and SAFER!). People and animals are playing outside. In Michigan it's not typically completely spring until May! :O — Amanda Gale, #573 It's cloudy! — Ashley Powell, #595 Because you have more daylight; it rains a lot and the temperature changes a lot. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 I’m really glad the new Barbie movie was made. Me and my boyfriend Richard went to see it and we both really enjoyed it. It was really colorful and musical. It was a very beautiful, playful movie. I really loved it because there were Barbies and Kens of all races, shapes and sizes. I loved the whole movie and it had some realistic parts that I loved. I loved all the playhouses and get-togethers and parties they had. I really loved at the end when the lady who made Barbie’s spirit was in the movie and we got a chance to see her. The only thing I didn’t like was the beginning when little girls GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 I love dolls and the new Barbie movie Dolls are very beautiful and cuddly. I really enjoy dolls of all kinds and books and magazines that show beautiful dolls. One of my favorite dolls is a DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 were tearing baby dolls up because I love dolls of all kinds. All my life, even as an adult, I’ve loved all kinds of dolls. I love Barbie dolls, baby dolls, stuffed animal dolls and cloth rag dolls. baby Chrissy doll. She looks real. I’ve watched documentaries where older adult women have dolls that they buy that look like real babies. That’s a great company keeper for someone who's lonesome, or just anybody. In a way, I’m a doll collector. But I will be careful not to be a hoarder. I share some of the dolls I collect with little girls and other people who like dolls because it's better to give than to hoard. Happy pet sitting! pets require noncommercial foods. Some pets even have refrigerated foods, as well. If you overfeed a pet they can get fat. Third is exercise. Some animals require going out for a walk or even a run to help keep their claws worn down and body healthy. Fourth is engagement. Animals are considered sacred when it comes to pets. There are many kinds, types and varieties of pets, from cats to dogs to snakes and birds. There are important protocols to consider before caring for any animal. When taking on another person’s pet there are five things that must be considered. The first is getting all the veterinarian paperwork that lists all illnesses and conditions, vaccination records, and special meds the pet must take. The second is diet. Many animals that are exotic do have special diets to consider. You need to know what to avoid with pets that have allergies and what they need to avoid so as not to get sick. Some Many animals want to play, but some animals want their alone time, such as for cats and older cats who are in pain. Remember, you are only keeping them until their owner wants them returned. Make sure you write up a contract for all care for the animal and the agreed-upon location and time you plan on helping that person. Considering all the time, energy and care you will shower on the pet, you want to make sure you get paid for your services. Pet sitting is a wonderful opportunity to make some cash and help very busy people who need the help when on vacations and business trips. Happy pet sitting! exp. 01/31/2025

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS STREET STORIES The path to addiction and recovery Growing up, I always felt as if I was a victim of circumstance, whether it was being parentless due to drug addiction or just being a pretty young girl. I have seen the world around me and how awful things can be for those who are affected by drug addiction. The families who love those who are suffering from addiction go through a lot because all they want to do is help that person. But some people don't know how to truly help someone suffering. Often the ones who are suffering from this disease are afraid to get help or are ashamed. I am one of those people who MISTI DAVIS Groundcover vendor No. 625 thought I would never be like that, especially with me having two parents who suffered from this disease, but not until I walked the same path as them did I understand the true struggle of addiction and the mental effect it has on you as well as physical. I was only 13 when I tried cocaine and it was fun at first because everybody else was doing it, but eventually it became not enough; I moved to crack cocaine which changed my whole life. I noticed I stopped caring about myself and about others. I became very selfish. It seems as if my days became harder. Without it I couldn't function and would do about anything just to get the crack cocaine; it took away everything and left me with demons that I couldn't face without crack cocaine. It made me homeless and shameless, as if I was not part of civilization, So if you know somebody who is suffering from a drug addiction, reach out and have a conversation with them. Maybe something you say might change their life; I know it did for me. I can now say I'm a proud recovering addict of nine years and it was not an easy road to become the woman I always wanted to be, a part of civilization and enjoying my life to the fullest. MARCH 8, 2024 Taking care of myself Back in 2014, I was unhoused in Washington state. I had health insurance and was able to set up an appointment with a doctor. I had my first colonoscopy. After the appointment, my doctor told me to come again in five years for a check-up. Unfortunately, I could not come back to this doctor because in 2019 I was no longer living in Washington. Since 2014 I have been moving around the country staying in Chicago, Arizona, Idaho and Michigan. Now that I am back in Michigan, I once again have health insurance through the help of my Community Mental Health case worker. I was able to schedule an appointment on February 28 to have my next colonoscopy. Because I needed My grandmother, my aunt and my ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 uncle all died from cancer. This is one reason why I need to see the doctor to make sure my health stays good, and so I can catch any issues early. I do my best to keep my personal hygiene clean because I know this helps with my health. I do have to watch my cholesterol but fortunately I am in good health overall. I think it is important to see the anesthesia and time to rest, my case worker got me a hotel for three days. Besides my colon, I also would like to have my chest checked out and hope to schedule an appointment for this soon. doctor and I am happy I have Medicaid so that I can. I am still unhoused, and I have to look out for myself. Author's note: My colonoscopy results came back and I have good news to share: I am a cancer survivor! In ten years I will return for another preventative test. Roberto and new vendor No. 631 Marc Robinson (pictured right) at the Groundcover office. Who are "the homeless?" SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor It is not uncommon these days for someone to solicit me for money under the pretext of helping "the homeless." I will give them $2 if I can afford to; this will not alleviate their homeless condition but it will give them enough money for a 24 ounce beer at the Main Street Party Store. A common expression these days is: feeding the homeless. Wouldn't it be better to feed the hungry and house the homeless? A real zinger coming from Westland, Michigan where I experienced long term homelessness, was that I was told that I chose to be homeless. If this was true and I had some type of moral defect that made me choose to be homeless then I would have abandoned my public housing apartment (Miller Manor) in Ann Arbor Michigan and lived on the streets instead. The fact of the matter is I choose to spend most of my time at home because of the assurances of 4th Amendment of the U.S Constitution. There is a great deal of intellectual dishonesty concerning homelessness, everyone seems to have their schtick, including Groundcover. It has become a self-evident truth that our economic system causes a great deal of injustice including homelessness and we need a new economic paradigm. Eamonn Ofoighil MARCH 8, 2024 POWWOW The earth is my witness Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha around 528 BCE (before the Christian era) at the age of 35. Buddha, the fully enlightened one, was called Shakyamuni, the sage of the Shakya clan. Society was transitioning from tribes to republics in India, so he was born in the city of Lumbini, in the republic of Shakya as a prince. He left that life to be a truth seeker. When he came to full and complete enlightenment he was challenged by the hosts of illusion led by Mara. Google Search wanted help to explain Mara, who represents the world of appearances and its illusory nature for those who want a more complete understanding of reality. Appearances can distract anyone from their most profound experience because they seem so compelling. Mara said, “You cannot do this!” and “Who is your witness?” Buddha touched the earth and said, “The earth is my witness.” You may have seen the famous Buddha statue as he touches the earth. Showers of flowers and a chorus of voices came forth bearing witness to his “awakening.” The earth is always bearing witness and our lives depend on this witness and how we relate to it. As we tune into our bodies and our intimate relationship with the earth we can mature in a good way. This year is the 50th Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. It will be at Skyline High School on March 23 and 24. It is the weekend after the spring equinox and the weekend before Easter. It is an auspicious time to tune into our bodies as an expression of Mother Earth and feel the vast interrelatedness of water, earth, air and sun and the infinite number of sentient beings in countless world systems. Our interrelatedness is increasingly clear as technology plays with rats, mice and viruses to learn the secret of life. The feedback can be shocking and we will learn when we dare. There is good science beyond bureaucratic compliance culture; anything that helps us know and be at home in our bodies. Healthy, happy and holy is the goal. The coming powwow will be a great opportunity to tune into yourself and the community, to feel the rhythm of the drums and dance with Mother Earth. The Native American Student Association at the University of Michigan has been working diligently from the beginning of the school year to prepare for the 2024 powwow. We can prepare ourselves now to attend and learn the importance of an indigenous-centered life. Any human being who looks deep into their heart will KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 feel some connection to the original people of the earth under our feet. Look at the sign on Chapin Street in West Park: “Who Walked Here Before You.” I recommend “The Dawn of Everything” for its more complete view of archeological research that explores some of the many civilizations of “prehistory.” There is a Downstream podcast which summarizes “Everything We Think We Know About Early Human History Is Wrong.” Homo sapiens have been on this earth for 200-300 thousand years. There are still mysteries to be explored so let us honor all creation stories and celebrate that we are here. “Our Fires Still Burn” is a good documentary by Audrey Geyer about the survival and persistence of original peoples in North America. Peoples of European heritage have mostly lost their indigenous connection as they adopted the supremacism that is inherent in the civilization that grew out of the Enlightenment ideology with its belief in the supremacy of the rational mind and narrow individualism. The vision of progress that comes with this materialistic determinism continues to plague us with unintended consequences. Since 1990, neoliberal globalism is in its latest phase. Yanis Varoufakis calls out a new development, naming it “cloud capitalism” in his book “Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism.” Yanis was the Greek finance minister at the time of the country’s economic meltdown after 2008. He speaks of cloud capitalism as the high-tech imaginary realm which concentrates power into fewer hands and the info warfare insistence that there is no other choice. David Rogers Webb mastered the financial world, especially mergers and acquisitions, and offers us important observations in “The Great Taking.” This book and podcast educates us how “secured investors” can legally seize all property rights in a crisis. The struggle continues. Keep your eyes on the prize. The answer is under our feet. We have some 350 years of history to compost since the creation of capital and its deification, the sacrifice of life to this idol. This is a necessary process for those with open hearts and minds willing to engage in the struggle for deep freedom and discover who we are as human beings. I believe Groundcover News will have a table at the powwow where we can meet; there will be many tables and displays, including food. Let’s celebrate and dance! The awareness of freedom gets a lot of lip service on the Fourth of July. If we are honest with ourselves we will recognize that the great advances of dignity and freedom after the American revolution came from the abolitionist, labor, civil rights and peace movements. It may look like capitalism has won complete victory but the end of history will be at the end of time, and the challenge of our time is to understand the seamless nature of past, present and future in the context of timeless time. Only unconditional love can help us make sense of the chaos and suffering we experience. Composting all our garbage, including the sins of commission and omission is an important skill to study and master. Mindfulness training is good for this challenge. We must turn to our ancestors, the elders and lineage holders among us, and practice with spiritual friends towards a calm and clear social awareness that promotes creative struggle. There is plenty of work to do individually. Please come to the powwow and tune into the rhythm of Mother Earth. I have just discovered Willow Run Acres. T.C. Collins is a farmer, gardener, educator and organizer whose roots are deep in the African diaspora. His work is bringing earth and community together in Washtenaw County. I see a growing awareness that industrial food is a war on the earth and our bodies. We are approaching cancer as if it is as inevitable as the common cold. We have healing work to do. The earth is here for us. Let us bear witness together! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MAKING CHANGE MARCH 8, 2024 Youth in action: Ypsilanti middle schools interview candidates for Washtenaw County Sheriff On February 22 I had the pleasure of attending an event, invited by Dr. Anna Gersh (who I met when she joined the board of directors of Groundcover News when I was also a board member), to sell and represent Groundcover News. Being a salesman, at first my mindset approaching the event was just based on the selling, not really knowing what the event was about. After attending, I found out that it was the Youth Lead Community Forum on the Washtenaw County Sheriff. It was an idea Gersh had that she activated through her organization called the One Love Symposium, which co-creates and co-facilitates exciting and unique learning events for all. With an election coming up for a new sheriff in November, Dr. Gersh thought the forum was a good civic learning opportunity for young people. She pitched the idea to Keith Johnson, a math teacher at Ypsilanti Community Middle School, who had worked with her previously on another research project, and he thought that JOE WOODS Groundcover vendor No. 103 it was a great idea. Bringing the idea to the principal of the school, Charles Davis, and him liking the idea also got the students on board. From October through December 2023 they had pizza and met once a week in Mr. Johnson's classroom for an hour and a half. After December, they met twice a week and the students took a stronger interest because they started learning stuff about the program. After four months of meeting it was showtime. About 200 people attended, 150 free community meals were served, Ypsilanti middle schoolers who interviewed the Washtenaw County Sheriff candidates. Photo courtesy of Ken Magee. and 14 community partnerships were represented in the vendor corridor. The Ypsilanti Community Middle School choir performed. During the event the students asked the new candidates running for sheriff great questions about the community and voiced their opinions. Despite these being middle school students, they asked the candidates Alyshia Dyer, Derrick Jackson and Ken Magee thoughtful questions such as: • How are you going to engage the community to gain their trust because of issues crime? • How are you going to deal with people with mental illness? • What are you going to do to make the community feel safe with law enforcement? Joe Woods and Anna Gersh (pictured right), one of the organizers of the event. It was a great experience to see the community come together with the youth and more importantly, how these young adults asked intelligent questions and displayed their talents. going on within law enforcement? • What are you going to do about Hone your power of persuasion! ASHLYN VICTORIA and LAWRENCE MOEBS Huron Valley Toastmasters Have you ever had an excellent idea, but when you tried to bring it to the table, it was completely overlooked? If so, know that you are not alone! As many of us know, it can be frustrating not to be heard, especially if your issue is extremely important. What would you do if you could reduce (or avoid) the possibility of this happening? What if you could supercharge your ability to inspire action? Well, here is your opportunity. Huron Valley Toastmasters, a diverse, inclusive group dedicated to improving leadership and public speaking skills, is putting on a free series of online workshops (we call it a “Speechcraft”) that will allow future changemakers to hone their persuasion skills. Although there are many techniques for improving these skills, this Speechcraft will focus on a technique called Monroe’s Motivated Sequence, a persuasive structure to guide listeners into action. This Speechcraft will be broken into four hour-long online sessions: Session 1: Honing Your Power of Persuasion: An Overview of Monroe’s Motivated Sequence in 5 Steps Session 2: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: Steps 1-3 in depth Session 3: Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: Steps 4-5 in depth Session 4: Review, Discussion, Application, and Ethics The sessions will take place every Sunday (except March 31) via Zoom from March 24 to April 21. Each session will be on Zoom, and will run for an hour, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. While beneficial, attending every session is not required. Each time you attend, you will have the opportunity to interact with a friendly, experienced Toastmaster (and hopefully a lively group of aspiring changemakers!) to build your persuasion skills and further your cause. No matter who you are, we at Huron Valley Toastmasters welcome you to sign up for this free Speechcraft! To do so, please scan the QR code to find our Linktree (or type the following link into a search engine: linktr.ee/huronvalleytoastmasters). There, you will be able to sign up for each of the four sessions individually. We look forward to meeting you! MARCH 8, 2024 VENDOR VOICES To sports and basketball fans and ALL people! Do y’all remember the Detroit Shock basketball team? If not, then I’ll refresh your memory. The Detroit Shock was a Women’s National Basketball Association team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They were the 2003, 2006 and 2008 WNBA champions! But, in 2009 the Shock were relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma and then in 2016 moved to Dallas, Texas where they were playing under their new name, the Dallas Wings. So, we all been missing the Shock the last 15 years in the Detroit area. However, I have exciting news! The Detroit Shock are BACK as part of the new Women’s Basketball League. Recently, I met up with their General Manager and coach, Coach Bill Schnorenberg. Here are the main points from our meeting: First, he talked about the many championship basketball teams he are “Defense and Run;” they will always be in attack mode! • The team goal, according to Coach Bill, is “To NOT lose a game but WIN a championship. • Watch in-person games in at the HOSEA HILL Groundcover vendor No. 532 Wayne State University Field House basketball arena in Detroit. So, we are excited and thrilled this season. Let’s go out to welcome back the Shock and support them. Thank you for supporting Groundhas coached. Yay, we can expect/ anticipate more championships in Detroit soon! • First game should be June 1 of this year. • The team will be incorporating a playing style similar to that of the Detroit Pistons Bad Boys team (known for their dominating defense play style in the NBA). • Coach said the team’s best skills cover News. I will be following the Shock team and updating everyone on their process in upcoming Groundcover issues. If you would like to listen to my interview/meeting with Coach Bill, then search YouTube for “Groundcover Detroit Shock” and enjoy! Also, I have some copies on CD, just request a CD from me (hosea.rap@yahoo.com) or Lindsay Calka and we will try to get that for you. Stay blessed! GROUNDCOVER NEWS The Motor City welcomes back the Detroit Shock 7 General manager and coach of Detroit Shock, Bill Schnorenburg (pictured right) and Hosea’ Hill at the Graduate Hotel in Ann Arbor. Questioning the role of social norms in fulfillment Regardless of whatever perceived role you play in the world, do you feel like you have fallen short of greatness you should have been destined for? Then you are one of many people occupying this world of silly and fantastical dreams that give the impression of some unidentified sense of competition, regardless of the nature of your character. This seems to be prevalent in most cultures, some more than others. Believe it or not, there are some tribes in Antarctica that value social unity versus the blatant one-upmanship found in Western culture. These are people with a very small population and they are quite isolated. The nature of their situation very likely requires cooperation for survival. It goes without saying that this is definitely not the case in our society. You could go so far as to say that this driven need of superiority over our peers could be viewed as a condition forced upon us, that regardless of our individual beliefs and ideologies the acquisition of wealth has been of the greatest importance in social norms. For people to be considered worthwhile in Western countries, monetary success is thought to be necessary. Generally we all desire happy productive lives, especially when one can acknowledge what a gift and blessing sentient life can be. Naturally, upon such a consideration you certainly wouldn't intend to squander it. Yet we find such privilege in a world that overlook: these imposed conditions and laws that seem to keep you on some predestined path are not laws of nature, nor a law of our observable universe. It's nothing more than the law established by the people who wield the largest measures of power. They are more or less JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 we're told has various conditions. You can be born into an assured paradise with endless possibilities, or the seemingly opposite side of the coin, the pure misery of a hell where you are condemned regardless of any actions you might take to mitigate the economic disadvantages dealt at birth. This can make life appear to be glaringly unfair and can psychologically condition people to experience limitless promise or inescapable despair. These experiences can further compound the belief that your life is rigged to follow some predestined path. Also these can be factors that would ultimately shape a person's outlook and even their personality. However this entire mind-warping mess can all be attributed to the type of world you find yourself living in. Especially if it is one that drills into your head that material gain is your only route to happiness. But this is not always the case with all people for a simple reason that we can easily play? People simply imitating actions that have proven beneficial to others? Is such behavior a major factor of the way things work? Or is it a small part in some complex design intended to manipulate a populace? It's something so perplexing and far-reaching dictators, whether pulling strings in obscurity or in your face 24/7. They're dictators and self-appointed gods of these warped values; sadly it's a very effective illusion. And so we navigate our lives in a way that can seem like a race to obtain greater wealth believing it will profit our existence. Yet what's funny is that many of us fundamentally know this is not always the case. Of course the achievement of wealth and power, while appealing to most, may not always play a vital role in an individual's desires. So why is it so damn prevalent? That's a question that utterly drives me up the wall. Is this perhaps some form of Darwinism at — and yet powerless over certain people, especially where a person's definition of value is concerned. Some people see value in rare metals and other representations of currency, while others stake worth in more crucial needs of life such as the air we breathe and food we consume. This article isn’t intended to provide any answers or life-changing insights. This is just an acknowledgment of the endless questioning and searching all of us share and of identifying what is truly important in the limited time we are given. I highlight the unending human inquisitiveness into the nature of existence. Life is what you make it. 6

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EMPLOYMENT MARCH 8, 2024 The United States Agriculture Corps starting platform: Detroit, and other rural parts of Michigan The United States Agriculture Corps is a Michigan based non-profit that I founded. Our mission is to create a program that can be duplicated in other cities and states. There are food shortages occurring all across the nation. With our population increasing and natural resources being stressed, we wanted to create a program where people of all walks of life could have an opportunity to learn, grow and have a sustainable job. Most commonly, people with just a high school diploma are left out of the equation of higher learning. So our training program was created just for them. Most of our nation’s farmers do not have a high level degree. We have a mobile app rolling out August 15. We feel this avenue was necessary because nearly everyone has a smartphone and communication is key. We are six months from launching in Detroit. We are currently in the process of acquiring 100 vacant lots from the City of Detroit with the help of a loan from our local USDA Office. There are many people farming in the city but they are not doing it for four seasons and they are not problem in communities is interest in agriscience or agriculture as a whole, which is why I want the USAGC program to be “get paid to learn” and target everyone from ASHLEY POWELL Groundcover vendor No. 595 youth to the retired. The program was designed to be short and not as in depth as many long programs that require some higher education for comprehensive purposes. Detroit has improved greatly over monopolizing it. By now the City should be known for growing food and turning it into a salable food product. Doing this puts money in residents’ households and provides cash flow for the City. Our goal is to launch in six months, grow seven crops for three years and then diversify to over 20 by 2030. The Greening of Detroit has done a great job so far but gardens aren't enough to cover what's going on in blighted neighborhoods. The City has yet to attract major agriculture investment aside from Hantz Farms who I will be touching base with soon about possible partnership. A common the years. However, simply put, in some neighborhoods housing redevelopment is not possible. There's not enough income to support a mortgage so developers don't want to build. The average yearly income for a Detroit resident is $17,000. The eye sore is there. The lack of education is there. Most cities are known for something. Ours is the Motor City but nearly half of the residents don't qualify for working for Big Auto either. The threshold for getting trained has to be lowered to “can you remember basic information,” with graduates and veterans as managers. The Detroit Future City Project did an excellent job of outlining what Detroit is set to become. Detroit needs to take advantage of the situation where there is so much blight. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Truth be told, there is so much going on with our arable land that any city in any state is where ag investment is heading if not already there. Our population is growing at a devastating rate and there have been issues with production due to climate. There are over 2,000 Walmart locations and 5,000 McDonald's across the United States and many other retailers and outlets with food constantly readily available. Is Detroit ready? Is America ready? If Detroit does not take on what could be, big ag will take over and gentrification will be worse. We need to care about the poor in the City. We need to care about how the City looks and what the future holds for an ever-changing landscape in reference to survival. We know no housing is going to be developed, so what is there to do other than farm the land? Even if there is a house sitting next to a burned down or lesser see CORPS next page  MARCH 8, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: POETRY EDITION Write poetry? Read poetry? Know a poet? April is National Poetry Month, and Groundcover News is celebrating with a special poetry-focused edition! We're looking for original poems, or stories about poets that inspire you. Remember, "poetry" has multiple definitions, so feel free to think outside the box and get creative! Like all Groundcover News publications, everyone in Washtenaw County is invited to submit! The submissions deadline is Monday, March 25 at noon. Please email to: submissions@groundcovernews.com.  CORPS from last page valued property, it still serves its occupants. The United States Agriculture Corps will begin in Detroit, Michigan with the following job openings: Executive Director, President, Treasurer, City Director, State Director, Recruiting Manager, Marketing Manager, Farm Plot Managers and Greenhouse Workers. USAGC Members will wear the same uniform as the Air Force, but with our own custom patches. To request the United States Agriculture Corps in your state email: info@unitedstatesagcorps.org

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK CULTURE MARCH 8, 2024 Harlem renaissance: a revolution in Black cultural expression, art and aesthetics The Harlem Renaissance transformed American culture, art and aesthetics. In fact, the new cultural expression in 1920s Harlem (part of the Manhattan borough of New York City) laid the groundwork for better race relations and the genesis of a post-war civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. According to History.com, “The Harlem Renaissance was a golden age for African American artists, writers and musicians. It gave these artists pride in and control over how the Black experience was represented in American culture…” Henry Louis Gates Jr. of Harvard says that by 1910, Harlem was home to upper class white New Yorkers. History.com says that “From 1910 to 1920, African American populations migrated in large numbers from the South to the North … By 1920, some 300,000 African Americans from the south had moved north, and Harlem was one of the most popular destinations for these families.” Black Scholars’ Perspectives on Harlem Renaissance In a short documentary produced by Henry Louis Gates and his colleagues, four scholars of the Harlem Renaissance shared their perspectives. They include Professor Gates, author/ journalist Isabel Wilkerson, and Columbia historians Farah Griffin and Brent Hayes Edwards. Their viewpoints are shown below: Henry Louis Gates: “The Harlem Renaissance is one of the most iconic cultural periods in African American history. Throughout the decade of the 1920s, Black writing, art and music flourished, ushering in a cultural revolution that rocked the United States … Amidst the fervor of the ‘Great Migration,’ bold, exciting forms of Black music evolved, along with venues to listen and dance to this music. Blues and jazz clubs became the central part of life in Harlem where artists such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, Bessie and Minnie Smith rose to prominence. The era also saw the burgeoning of literary work by and about African Americans, which the writer Alaine Locke compiled into an anthology. He called it ‘The New Negro,’ and its name came to define a movement.” Farah Griffin: “One of the most important factors that accounted for the rise of what we know as the Harlem Renaissance is the migration of Black peoples from the south to urban WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 centers like Harlem … Sometimes, in repressive times, we create the most extraordinary art ... The Harlem Renaissance is a facet of a larger movement that we think of when we say ‘Negro Movement,’ where you have a new generation of Black people, by this point two generations out of slavery, using the art as a way to help people gain broader civil and political rights.” Isabel Wilkerson: “The Jim Crow era began after Reconstruction, and every Southern African American had to think about what we should do. Should we go? Should we stay? For many of these people, it was a matter of life and death literally … The Harlem Renaissance is the flowering of creativity that had been suppressed for centuries. People had the sense that things were opening up, and finally, finally, finally, we can be the people that we imagine ourselves to be.” Brent Hayes Edwards: “Some of the framers of what became the Harlem Renaissance make the argument that the artistic work of the people has to be proven by the worth and literature that they produced, especially for a people that historically, over the centuries, have been defined as without culture, without history and without any record of achievement.” Conclusion — Impacts and Legacy The Harlem Renaissance changed America in more ways than one. Key figures who made a significant difference include Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Nelli Larson, Paul Robeson, Alaine Locke, Oscar Micheaux, Arturo Schomberg, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Josephine Baker, Countee Cullen, Cab Calloway, Bessie Smith, Fats Waller, John Bubbles and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. The night life at the Cotton Club and the Savoy received tremendous cross-over appeal between white and Black patrons. Jazz and blues Left: Duke Ellington was one of the original Cotton Club orchestra leaders. Right: Author Zora Neale Hurston. The Cotton Club, Harlem, New York City, early 1930s. Photo credit: Science History Images, Encyclopædia Britannica. music became huge sources of entertainment. Black filmmakers such as Oscar Micheaux produced movies which depicted the lived experience of Black people in Harlem and the injustice of racism and the oppressive Jim Crow system. Some of the historians and scholars cited in this article believe that the Harlem Renaissance provided America’s white society the opportunity to interact with Black people in clubs, theaters, movies, literary forums, shared community spaces and, of course, through New York City’s large public transportation system. The commingling of the races in Northern urban centers such as Harlem meant that the 1896 Supreme Court “Separate but Equal doctrine” decided on Plessy v. Ferguson were negated in Northern cities. Plessy was ignored by revelers in Harlem and other places in the north. The generations after the Harlem Renaissance have encouraged more integration of the races, and more inclusivity of diverse ethnic communities. About 100 years later, the music, the - visual art, the performance art, the literature, the architecture and the aesthetics of the African American community are thriving in every corner of America’s society. According to the Pew Research Center, younger Americans such as the Millennials and Generation Z learned to value racial equality, racial justice, and of course, DEI — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. That’s the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance came to an end in the mid-1930s. The reasons for the collapse, according to some historians, were the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression. In addition, during the Works Progress Administration, the government encouraged people to look for jobs out west, and leave the cities like New York and Chicago. The Harlem area went through a demographic change. But well-known people such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones have given credit to the music of the Harlem Renaissance for rock’n’roll and other musical genres. The influence of the Harlem Renaissance continues on. MARCH 8, 2024 CREATIVE ARTS Truth or lies: Samuel and Waymeans In 1945 Samuel and Martha Waymeans were known for their famous peanut recipes. They lived in the city of Cridden, Georgia on a 400 acre farm with lots of peanut plants and fruit and nut trees. They made peanut butter, peanut sauce for any meat, peanut butter cookies, peanut brittle and peanut butter ice cream. The farm offered a variety of fruit preservatives and Spanish peanuts, walnuts, pecans and hazelnuts. Samuel and Martha were wise people who had a little country store on their farm. They would often give to the community. They reared five children on their farm and had 17 grandchildren. The couple did not support slavery, hiring anyone who was willing to work for an honest living. Everyone had come home to visit and help with the store and farm except their only daughter, Julie. She was the only child who moved out of state. She lived with her husband until he was called into the war. They had one son named Sam. After losing her husband to the war, she decided to work instead of returning home to Georgia and became a Ford employee. Her job at Willow Run was very demanding due to the war. Julie helped build the B-24 Liberator, according to her own account. The job made her feel very independent and important. Julie felt that FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 went to bed, he laid there thinking, “Wow, everything you can do with peanuts!” He never paid attention to peanuts. He only ate them living in the city. Sam had a very exciting summer playing with his cousins, learning the farm and learning how to cook with peanuts. He did not want to leave. However, he had to return to his home in Michigan for school. Before he left, his grandmother gave him her secret recipe and said, she was making a difference knowing that the work she did would make history one day. After the war was over she decided to go take her son to see his grandparents. Julie drove her son to her parents’ farm. She explained to him all about the farm on the ride there. When they got out of the car, Sam said, “What are these trees? It’s lots of trees! And what are those fields?” Julie laughed and said, “Nut and fruit trees, and peanut fields, son.” Her parents, brothers and cousins were very happy to see her and her son. Grandma and grandpa were taking turns, showing him the farm. Grandpa rode him on a tractor all around the land, explaining all the trees and peanuts. Grandma took him in the kitchen and showed him her secret peanut sauce recipe. Sam was so exhausted when he “I am trusting you with my recipe — keep it with you always. When you get married, share it with your wife.” Sam felt honored, knowing he had his grandmother‘s secret recipe. Each summer until he was grown they returned to the farm. He learned so much. Once he decided to get married, the recipe was sewed on a handkerchief. Samuel had it cleaned and wrapped in a red velvet box with a red bow. It was a present to his wife. Even though his grandparents had passed away, he was grateful for the times he spent learning about the peanuts, how to preserve fruit and the love they gave to him. Martha's peanut sauce Ingredients: 1/2 cup homemade peanut-butter 1/3 cup Soy Sauce 2 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp chili paste Directions: Blend all the sauce ingredients together until smooth. To make one cup of peanut butter, crush and blend Spanish peanuts until smooth. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Thanks Groundcover News readers, Mr. Lover Lover was TRUE. What is spring D.A. Groundcover contributor Spring is a season I've just begun While a long time ago it seems I Sprung into action Spring is all sorts of things It's the renewing the present hour It's the beginning season of a Spring flower You can't always Spring forth warring against principalities and powers While people live in the streets during the Spring Night hours Condominiums sit at the very same corners as the homeless too, an upward Springing tower Not meant to house the one sitting down next to the Spring rain in the ditch I'm not Springing the idea that it's a negative thing to be rich I Spring out my door, head hung down Can't look up cause my woes Spring up and cast me down When is Spring gon’ come forth and let the sun in my heart shine? A day in the life of Earl EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor U can’t forget What u never knew As you love Me Like I love You from Dreams Of old and Days of new The facts Of life Aren’t Red or blue Both are all of Love when I See you as You cry and all I can say Is I love You

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Spinach cheese lasagna ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingriedients: 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (squeeze excess water out)* 15 ounces ricotta cheese 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided in half 1 egg ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 4 to 5 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce 10 to 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked 8 to 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 3/4 cup water *I like to use fresh spinach, ½ pound chopped (stems removed) Directions: Combine the spinach, ricotta, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix thoroughly, Spread ⅔ cup spaghetti sauce in a greased 12x8x2-inch pan. Arrange lasagna noodles side by side and one noodle crosswise to fill in the pan. Spoon half of the spinach-cheese mixture over noodles and MARCH 8, 2024 spread evenly. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and 1 1⁄2 cups spaghetti sauce. Repeat layering ending with spaghetti sauce on top. Sprinkle the casserole with remaining Parmesan cheese. Run a knife around the edges of the casserole and carefully spoon water around the edges. Cover TIGHTLY with foil, crimping edges. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for one hour 15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Allow to stand for 15 minutes and then cut into squares and serve hot. This is a family favorite, so good in the winter with fresh spinach. I use a very simple homemade spaghetti sauce but store bought jars also work! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

2 $ FEBRUARY 23, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 5 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Geezers hook up for Groundcover. page 6 MEET YOUR VENDOR: TRE MCALISTER PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Parts of my history. page 11 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM La Shawn Courtwright at Union Station in Washington, D.C. during her trip for the Poor People's Campaign March on Washington in June 2022. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Hear Me Out: EBT should allow the purchase of hot, prepared meals Those stuck in poverty and homelessness suffer in all categories of life, but when it comes to food and proper nutrition, I feel like they suffer the most. Gas stations and convenience stores that accept EBT (governmental food purchasing assistance) play a part in this suffering because the lack of fresh food encourages the consumption of processed foods, which leads to health problems. People experiencing poverty and homelessness often live in places called “food deserts.” A food desert is an area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious food. People who live in these areas have no other choice but to shop at the neighborhood gas stations and corner stores. Not only are the poor being under-served, but also overcharged for the products they purchase at these establishments. For Currently in Michigan, 710,500 MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 example, a bottle of water along with other items will cost twice as much at some gas station/corner store than it would at a major retailer like Walmart, Kroger or even Whole Foods. 41.2 million people in 21.6 million households received SNAP (which is the same as EBT) in America in 2022. households including more than 531,000 children receive SNAP. SNAP operates in all 50 states and is utilized frequently by individuals and families. I had a chance to interview individuals (who are the heads of their households) who receive SNAP benefits. I asked them two questions: Would you like to be able to purchase a hot prepared meal with your EBT card? And do you think you live in an area or neighborhood that provides affordable, nutritious food? I talked to an unhoused person who did not want his name to be disclosed and he said, “Yes, because when you're unhoused, you do not have anywhere to cook and to prepare the food.” For the second question he answered, “No, in the Ann Arbor downtown area, the gas stations and corner stores that accept EBT do not sell fresh food items such as fruits and vegetables.” Jim Dooley (aka Country), who lives in Ypsilanti Township said yes, he would like to be able to purchase a hot meal with his EBT card. And for the second question he answered “No, I am currently housed and disabled in a wheelchair with no transportation. The bus stop is half a mile away, so I have no other choice but to shop at these two stores in front of my apartment complex that both accept EBT cards. There is a corner store that prepares hot meals, and a gas station. I would like to purchase a hot meal at the corner store, but cannot purchase hot food with my EBT card.” Based on these responses, it seems clear that it would be beneficial if EBT allowed purchase of hot food. PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman Amy Burbury Jocelin Boyd La Shawn Courtwright Chris Ellis Cindy Gere Robbie February Mike Jones Will Shakespeare Wayne Sparks Shawn Swoffer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Emily Paras Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons FEBRUARY 23, 2024 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Homeless Tre McAlister, vendor No. 519 In one sentence, who are you? Who am I not? I am a leader in the world and strive for all of our success. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? I usually sell near the Blind Pig, People’s Food Co-op and Old Town. What’s the best way to start the day? Brush your teeth, facial cleanse and head to get coffee. What words do you live by? “Promise me you’ll be great” or “Bling Blow Wow.” What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? What my closet actually looks like and that I am vegetarian. What motivates you to work selling Groundcover News? I like getting feedback from our readers. That, plus when shoppers are just as excited for new papers as vendors are. What is the best and worst thing about selling Groundcover? Best: I get a break from the troubles of life. Worst: Just bad weather. What was your first job? McDonald’s and Hollister in high school. What are your hobbies? Photography, cooking, nature scene and gym. What’s the most impressive thing you know how to do? Rap or do 100+ reps on most exercises. What changes would you like to see in Washtenaw County? More work programs and college recruiting to go back to school. Being homeless, I’ve seen many new things, many people being there for one another, even treating each other as family. Those with money pretend like you don’t exist, like they are from another world completely – some act like they are simply better than us. I’ve seen churches helping but only to a certain extent. I’ve seen churches say on signs how they are open to all but aren’t. I've seen only men sleeping there get treated like kings and lez couples treated like they don’t count. My lez partener is my superman; stayed up past midnight a few nights just to protect us and keep from us getting robbed I’ve seen one guy in front of me SHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 OD. I’ve witnessed so many things — one guy got his throat slashed because of an opinion. I’ve seen a couple guys get caught trying to rob us while we slept. We’ve stayed with lots of people and they always had a hidden agenda. We stayed at one place to wake up to find my shoes gone but once my partner got involved they mysteriously showed up. My grandkid’s present for her birthday disappeared too. How could anybody do a thing like that to a three-year-old? We had to sleep with a pedophile unknown to us. Try to survive under zero degree weather overnight! It rained on us for four hours or more. We trusted some people and they took a bite out of us many times but we still survived because we had each other. We endured everything because together we could conquer all. We were badass because we survived by ourselves. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 I'm ashamed of this world I'm ashamed of this world. So many prejudiced people have torn this world apart; I feel that this is not a good thing for the upbringing of our kids. We need to love one another and stop hating our skin color — my heart cries out for the unspoken and people who can’t cry out loud. They act as if you don't even exist. They're mean and hateful, but late at night if we cut ourselves, we all bleed the same. Couldn't we straighten it out and make it a better world where we could raise our kids to love one another more? There's people that are starving, then go to jail for stealing when they simply need some help with food. Sometimes it’s bills, house payments or child support. It is hard to get a job these days, sometimes because of your skin color. Although it’s easier than at some previous times in history, it still may not always work. It can still be hard sometimes to just be yourself, but at the end of the day we're all human beings. I feel that it's God who created this world, he created humanity and just What song do you have completely memorized? Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. Lol! What do you wish you knew more about? Animal/pet health and karma. because of their skin color, tell them it shouldn’t matter. Tell them that it’s okay and it's not like it's going to be the end of the world. But if we don't do anything about it, humanity is going to go down the drain, then what do we do? I’m of mixed race — actually I’m JOCELIN BOYD Groundcover vendor No. 85 because our skin may differ it shouldn’t matter. It is awesome too that some of us are doing our best to help with hatred. We need to understand each other and have open communication and be responsible for what we do if we see somebody that's prejudiced. If you can help, it’s important especially for being human because we're entitled to make mistakes and we're also entitled to have a second chance at life. Please, when you see someone having a hard day, talk to them and let them know that they're special and let them know that they're human and if they’re suffering because someone has hurt them Creole — and when I was selling Groundcover all by myself, I had a couple of white people approach me and call me the N-word. This happened twice. Can this really be the kind of world we want everyone to survive in? Of course not, that should have never happened in Kerrytown or anywhere else. My story that I tell you is real. I was beaten up, put in the hospital and some of the people in my situation never make it. This is not fair, why are people hurting people? I'm ashamed of this world. We need to come together and tell each other that we love each other and that we want the whole world to do the same. This world will be a better place if we all come together and beat the skin color war. PEOPLE’S PEACE BANK an invitation from Ken Parks, Groundcover vendor No. 490 Study and working group on the work of Richard Werner and the Valhalla Network, a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization). Let’s meet on Earth Day, April 22, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the Groundcover office (in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ at 423 S. 4th Ave) to view Werner's conversation at the Capital Club Dubai on Central Bank Digital Currencies.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SHELTER FEBRUARY 23, 2024 Assault at Delonis Center challenges promise of safe overnight environment Naylor Dundee, 58, was sleeping at the Delonis overnight warming center when he was awakened with a punch to the face. It was 3 a.m., December 31, 2023. “I thought it was a dream, and that I was in a car accident. I had to open my eyes, or die. He used brass knuckles, hitting me two or three times. By the time one of the staff came over, I was already bloodied. “[Staff] called the ambulance. [Police] didn’t arrest him. He was taking a shower when I got in the ambulance. He stayed at the shelter that night, without trespass. “The police told me he was going to be arrested and then the police came to the hospital and talked to me. They tried to tell me that I didn’t want him arrested. “This same night, [AAPD] told me to wait to contact them again for two months. If they gave me a reason, I don’t remember. I didn’t do it, I waited to contact them again the next day. It felt like they wanted it to fall through the cracks. I know time is the enemy, especially when I wasn’t getting any help from the Delonis staff. “I asked one of my case workers, ‘Why hasn’t anyone representing the shelter said I’m sorry this happened to you?’ And when she told me that wouldn’t be happening, I filed a grievance. Nobody, still, has talked to me. “Delonis needs to be held accountable. They don’t want anyone to know about it. “I have a permanent stutter because of this. My face and body twitches. I need oral surgery. I don’t feel comfortable at all here [Ann Arbor]. Enough is enough.” Naylor struggles to speak in the interview. His balance is thrown off and he often falls simply standing up straight. I [Lindsay] observe bruises and lesions that Dundee attributes to recent falls post-assault. “This will affect every aspect of my life. And let’s be honest, it was already too much to handle. This has changed my life forever. I can’t play the piano anymore. I am a singer, and can’t do that anymore. Somebody has to pay for this. Something’s going on with my brain. “I only had known [the assailant] for three weeks. He’s never said anything to me. He never responded. I never thought he would do what he did. He could have killed me. “The Police Department was not LINDSAY CALKA Publisher responding either, so I had to take care of myself. I went to the courthouse and petitioned for them to get me a Personal Protective Order. By the time I called a lawyer, he said I had done everything I needed to do. “A safe environment is promised at the Delonis Center. It was not a safe environment.” When asked about the details of this assault, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County could not speak to specific incidents involving clients due to confidentiality agreements. Groundcover News asked SAWC Executive Director Dan Kelly what efforts the shelter has made to reduce assaults and contribute to a safe environment for clients. He replied, “First off, we take all incidents of violence very seriously and restrict access for folks who commit violent behaviors — which often means trespassing them from the shelter. One of our top goals is to be a safe place, while still being low-barrier — regardless of [clients’] background, drug use … “We work very closely with local authorities [AAPD] and only want them in seriously violent situations. We have on-site security to help us respond. We have a proactive internal response system for health and safety — a health and safety coordinator and a mental health coordinator. To stop issues from happening in the future, all staff are trained on de-escalation, CPR, first aid, Narcan. “Another thing that we also take seriously is lifting restrictions. We use a community based model; we have a grievance committee of formerly homeless individuals and staff. “If the client has a grievance, they can file it, no matter what it is. Anonymously or not. Most of them are trespass lift requests. “The need is so high that we choose to not turn anyone away. We know Delonis Center is not big enough. There are too many people. We need space for more residential-style programs. “It's a balancing act. Having everything in one place sometimes can cause issues, and we see that in the winter. “We did plan for record numbers. We opened the off-site Ypsi location that is open seven days a week, and we are trying to add more, to have more space, more dignified space, more choice. I wish we had beds for everyone so we don’t need to have congregate shelter. “The men’s rotating program is a high barrier program. If we had more resources, we would have more sites that serve specialized groups — for recuperative care (only eight beds), women and people in recovery.” Nowadays, Naylor stays at the men’s overnight rotating shelter where he has found a more peaceful environment. This off-site shelter closes April 1. FEBRUARY 23, 2024 HOUSING GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Flats used for Housing First in Finland are built alongside other types of housing to build community spirit and make the transition into mainstream society an easier process. The setup also offers employment opportunities. Photo credit: Y-Foundation, the Big Issue UK Homelessness is a crisis in America: lessons from Finland’s housing policy More than 300 mayors arrived in Washington, D.C. on January 16, 2004 for five days of meetings as part of the 92nd annual United States Conference of Mayors. They talked to lawmakers, the Secretary of State, the National Security Advisor and the U.S. President about important issues which affect their cities. Among the issues on their agenda were the homelessness crisis, violent crimes and public safety, dangerous drugs across the southern border, severe mental illness, anti-semitism and Islamophobia. With regards to homelessness, the mayors who appeared on national TV broadcasts (ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC) said that they wanted to ask lawmakers and the President to provide more support to HUD — the United States Department for Housing and Urban Development. The mayors said that they want more affordable housing for low-income people and people experiencing homelessness. The reality today is that the American Rescue Plan which was designed to help Americans deal with the challenges of COVID-19 has expired. Most of the emergency assistance and protection for rent and shelter were not reauthorized. In early 2021, the Biden-Harris Administration launched the Housing Americans Initiative. The HUD program sent out 75,000 emergency Section 8 housing vouchers to local governments to be distributed to people experiencing homelessness in their jurisdictions. Mayors were asked to do more by working with private sector developers to increase the supply of low-income affordable housing. What is the key reason for our thousands of migrants to northern cities as if they are human cargo. Mayors of urban cities along with county commissioners, policy makers and homelessness advocates, have searched for good models for ending homelessness. WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Alexandra’s Comments on Finland’s Housing First Policy affordable housing crisis and homelessness? Many housing policy experts blame the Faircloth Amendment of 1998. This amendment to the New Deal era 1937 National Housing Policy Act forbids HUD from building new low-income affordable housing which would have increased the supply of housing in cities where rent is high, eviction is high and housing demand pressure is exponential. Research evidence, including studies from HUD, shows that more than 582,000 residents of American cities are homeless. HUD’s “PointIn-Time” homeless data shows that hundreds of thousands of individuals and families are unsheltered and sleeping in street encampments and public recreational parks or under bridges. Some community observers say that a more troubling phenomenon now is the growing number of homeless families with infants and school-aged children. Another aggravating factor highlighted by the mayors is the busing of asylum-seeking migrants from Texas to northern cities such as New York, Chicago, Denver and Washington, D.C. The governor of Texas boasted that he had shipped more than 92,000 migrants to “blue cities” and plans to keep sending tens of Alexandra Granberg is a native of Finland. She has lived in the states for the past two and half years. She visited Finland last summer. Her testimony below is based on her eye-witness account and research on the topic of homelessness in Finland. “The policy that’s been implemented in Finland since 2008, called 'Housing First' is not unique to Finland. It has been tested in some other European countries as well. In my understanding, this means housing (as a constitutional guarantee) is provided directly to a person who is homeless. As the name implies, housing comes first and any other assistance or needed treatment follows after. Prevention and direct housing plus a support system with wraparound services are included in this model. Before this policy, housing was provided only after any underlying health condition like alcoholism or drug-addiction was treated. In other words, a person was required to “get their lives together” before they could obtain housing, apparently called the 'Staircase Model.' “With the housing first policy, the government converted some shelters into housing units, and see FINLAND page 8  Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Ann Arbor 200 2024 marks the 200th anniversary of Ann Arbor’s founding. To mark this occasion, AADL is undertaking a project called Ann Arbor 200. Throughout 2024, there will be 200 digital content releases exploring topics from Ann Arbor’s history. Visit aadl.org/ annarbor200 to learn more and check out the growing collection. Public Computers The AADL has public-access Internet computers available for use by both cardholders and noncardholders at all five locations. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest wifi speeds in town! FEATURED EVENT 5 Mario Day Celebration Sunday, March 17 • 11:00am–4pm Downtown Library Celebrate Super Mario Day at the Library with a packed day of fun for fans of all ages. Compete in our Mario Kart tournament, conquer live-action balloon battles, and end the day with a screening of The Super Mario Bros. Movie ! Check out aadl.org/marioday for more.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER NEWS FEBRUARY 23, 2024 and futuristic textures that she is now known for. T’onna’s style focuses on conveying and capturing the emotions of the African American experience currently in America.” I first became familiar with her work with the Black Lives Matter murals outside of the Ann Arbor District Library and was excited to see what she would bring for the event.The first piece depicts an older couple celebrating in a bar. With excelLeft: Crowd dancing underneath the disco ball to Jive Colossus. Right: Groundcover vendors Joe Woods (pictured left) and Derek Allen (pictured right) outside the venue welcoming attendees. Geezers hook up for Groundcover ROBBIE FEBRUARY Groundcover contributor Romance and Aqua Velva were in the air in early February as two elder organizational scenesters embraced for a few fleeting hours at a fundraiser at LIVE nightclub at the corner of First and Huron. It was the Early Bird Special of club nights; with an art auction, two bands, and multiple speakers all wrapping up by 9 p.m. The event was a certified hit and would have made Ed Sullivan return to “The Toast of the Town” with his tail tucked. Groundcover issues, merchandise and art were snapped up en masse by the finely aged crowd. It made for a highly successful event which I was happy to participate in. The Venue LIVE Nightclub and its competent and charismatic staff were excellent hosts for the event. The ample dance floor was packed with both Groundcover supporters and a bevy of gyrating grandparents. When I first lived in Ann Arbor, the venue was called Live at PJ’s and had a separate bar called Goodnight Gracie in the basement. My first forays into the establishment in the early 2000s left a fair amount to be desired. It had a grimy 90s feel to it, the sound system was hanging in there with duct tape, and the aura was a shade past threatening. Twenty years later, I was impressed with improvements. The nightclub is owned and run by a handful of local businessmen who have found a lot of success in the last decade. This group, Watershed Hospitality, has some great things to say about their intentions. “The establishments we own and operate are as unique and eclectic as the customers we serve. But the unifying motivation for all the food and drinks we create, or spaces we design, is to make it memorable, make it lasting, maybe even historic. Hence, Watershed Hospitality Group: named both for the place we work — Huron River Watershed — and for the goal of creating moments that help define the social culture of our colleagues, town and community." LIVE nightclub is the shining cornerstone of a multiblock entertainment district and will continue to provide excellent experiences for Geezers and non-geezers alike for many years to come. The Geezers Born in the 1970s, the “Ann Arbor Happy Hour” traversed many venues before arriving at Live nightclub. It has been organized by Randy Tessier for the last twenty years. He is a larger than life English professor at the University of Michigan. His students think very highly of him. He currently has a 100% “would take again” rating on Rate My Professor dot com, a website that has been helping students pick classes from the dawn of the internet. One student left this review. “A very chill professor! He really likes to talk about world events and get a grasp of what our generation thinks of certain topics in the media. Really down to earth and wants to see you do well in his class.” His rise to academia was on a non-standard path and he is a really great role model for many people who are seeking opportunities to do what they love no matter where they currently are in life. The “Geezer Dance Party” hit a cultural zenith as Covid protocols started relaxing in early 2023. An article in the New York Times called it “the coolest rock show in Ann Arbor.” Many other groups took notice nationwide and the durable dance phenomenon is spreading. The Bands What is a wild blue-hair-filled dance party without music? It is like one hand clapping at a silent disco. Luckily, we had The Switchbacks and Jive Colossus to stave off our existential ennui. The Switchbacks bill themselves as “a Jive Colossus performing at LIVE nightclub. T'onna Clemmons' Groundcover News art piece was set up onstage with the band. character-filled six-piece musical ensemble hailing from the Ann Arbor area. We like to groove. We like to have fun.” A hard-rocking country and blues quintet fronted by vocalist Janet Benson, they commanded the dance floor with many funky hits. Hip replacements or not, the groove inspired gyrations that nine out of ten doctors would approve of. After a not-so-brief interlude where Groundcover Director Lindsay Calka spoke about the amazing work and opportunities Groundcover provides in the Ann Arbor region, Jive Colossus took the stage. The 11-piece, horndriven Afrobeat, Funk, R&B, Jazz & Caribbean band were a force to be reckoned with. As the dance floor vibrated with a beat so deep that some attendees harkened back to the 1975 sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, one couldn’t help but become wistful at the generational gap shrinking before our very eyes. The Art Two paintings were created to be auctioned off at the event. Local artist T’onna Clemons provided her unique style and viewpoints to the pieces. Her interview with “Canvas Rebel” states: “T’onna Clemons is an Ann Arborbased freelance painter/ muralist and originally a graphic designer. She has been traveling around the world for the past several years, gaining experience in mediums such as oil, gouache, acrylic, watercolor and welding. She has continued to use these skills to develop her own style of mixed media lent use of color and form, the spirit of “Geezer Happy Hour” is captured in a way that only T’onna could depict. The second piece speaks directly to Groundcover’s efforts to give voice to underserved populations in the Ann Arbor Area. The artist herself speaks to this in the aforementioned interview. “Being from Ann Arbor I have found it is extremely hard to be a success as an African American in any facet, especially art. I have been successful in other states in regards to my art but never in the state or town I was raised in. I want to be able to be a success and open doors so that people who look like me will not have to struggle or have as hard of a time as I do/did,” she stated. Both pieces sold well at the silent auction and contributed to an amazing event. The Summation Randy Tessier said it well during our interview. “We LIVE folks, and we are a kindly and caring contingent, were thrilled to be a part of something that speaks to the role of community responsibility toward all who make up our citizenry. When I was asked about LIVE playing a role in supporting Groundcover News, how could we not? We see any endeavor that promotes a way of self-determination for those of us who may be between jobs, without other means of material support, and looking for a home, as not our moral choice but our moral duty. Thanks for allowing LIVE to participate." Through their actions, the participants shone a light on the important work of Groundcover News and inspire others to join them in the fight for a more just and equitable society. As the night came to an end, the echoes of their voices lingered, reminding us all of the power of collective action to effect change. FEBRUARY 23, 2024 ART INTEL CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Paul Wertz discovered his amazing art skill in grade school at around eight years old. He loved drawing and creating in-class projects, but he told me his favorite project was doing clay. In class he discovered Picasso's art and fell in love with the style. Paul's family recognized his love for the arts as well as his talents. “When I was young I needed a reference of some images or objects to draw but as time went by I found I could construct the idea from memory. This took me years to develop. Some artists have this talent already down: The ability to see an image in your mind and hold that one image in the mind's eye for a constant period of time, and even rotate the image to recreate the art in any form. Every artist comes to their talent in different ways, some people have it naturally from birth and others discover it at 50, and even 70. When art is found or rediscovered in one’s life, it really opens things up for personal change,” Paul said. Paul told me as a young artist he used to enjoy shows like Rick and Morty cartoons, as well as other cartoons. “For me, Rick and Morty along with Picasso truly transformed my personal style. I would say I have an eclectic form of art with a hidden art form as well. I create images and some of them stand out and others are in fact hidden in the image itself. It's fun to watch people look at my art and point out the different images hidden. I guess its a hidden cartoon style of art,” he said. The way I see it is that Paul is creating images that have unseen characters. He’ll rediscover that he created something in the art that he then brings out. He draws with a pencil and then a face, or an owl, or something will pop out. “My art form has been a real coping mechanism for me in dealing with homelessness and personal loss. It's become a form of escapism in dealing with what I am going through,” he said. “It literally helps me escape reality." He continued, “What I love doing is to find a public location and just start drawing. Soon I get people to see my art, I'll strike up a conversation and get new ideas and good comments from my work. I feel like sharing it with the world; this is one way to show my work. “My work is very versatile. No matter what direction you turn it, it is always right side up. I would love to have my work get registered at the Library of Congress and get a copyright for my work and have my style only be what GROUNDCOVER NEWS Undercover art intel: The amazing artist Paul Wertz 7 Above: 2D colored pencil pop art by Paul Wertz, who is pictured right. is made by me alone.” Paul added, “I also want to create an LLC and help out in the community with art and artists.” Paul's works are extremely vibrant with a use of colors and contrasts from dark to light. I was totally mesmerized by it. The image jumps out at you and the more you look at it the more you get out of it. Paul told me he has a hard time acquiring colored paints. He needs to continue his art form with drawing paper. So if anyone can help donate to Paul or bring any colored pencils, all items would be appreciated at this time. Bring them to the Groundcover office and I will get them to him. I see his art becoming public posters and being shown to the world. I do hope he can create more art for a show this summer.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING  FINLAND from page 5 distributed public housing throughout the city in an effort to create areas with residents of mixed economic backgrounds. According to the Finnish government, the number of long-term homeless persons between 2008 and 2015 decreased by 35%. As of 2016, homelessness decreased for the first time to under 7,000 people (out of a population of 5.6 million people), and continued to decrease in the years after. (The Finnish government uses a definition of homelessness which includes living temporarily with family and friends.) The majority of homeless people live in Helsinki, Finland's largest city.” Granberg also referred to an article titled, “The End of Homelessness in Finland.” It was published in the Journal Cityscape in 2022. She said, “According to this paper, the number of shelter and hostel beds fell from 2,121 in 1985 to 52 in 2016. In the same time, supportive housing units grew from 127 to 1,309, and rental apartments for people formerly experiencing homelessness increased from 65 to 2,433.” In January 2024, representatives of Finland’s Y Foundation visited Ottawa, Canada. They were invited by the Ottawa Alliance to end homelessness. The Y Foundation CEO noted that street homelessness in Finland is almost non-existent, and that sheltered homeless people are less than 4,000. Conclusion Historians have informed us that America witnessed large-scale homelessness after the Civil War and the Reconstruction period of the 1870s. The promise of 40 acres and a mule was not available to all. Another period in our history when we witnessed large-scale homelessness was during the Great Depression. The current homelessness crisis touches every major city, and every region of the country. From 1937 to 1998, federal, state and local governments were partners in the construction and management of affordable housing. During the 1996 Presidential election campaigns, Senator Robert Dole, who was running against President Bill Clinton, condemned affordable housing construction as the “last bastion of socialism in America.” Earlier in the 1980s, the Reagan Administration called for tearing down high-rise low-income housing without providing HUD with the money for replacing the lost housing stock. The Faircloth Amendment of 1998 worsened the Federal government’s ability to end homelessness and supply adequate low-income housing. Both Finland and America are considered western democracies. Each nation has learned from the other in the past. Leaders of the Y Foundation in Finland said that housing first was tested by clinical psychologist Sam Tsembiri and his team in New York City during the 1980s. It was a success, and Finland copied that homeless solution. They implemented the housing first model and said goodbye to the Staircase Model. Finland has a national consensus on how to end homelessness and succeed in the war against poverty, the war against drug abuse and addiction, and how to provide the housing security necessary for durable mental health treatment. It is incumbent on the U.S. Conference of Mayors to embark on cross-national comparisons of homelessness solution models that are sound and effective. They can start with the miracle of Finland. When they then lobby the U.S. President and Congress, they would be in a better position to say, “We have examples of nations that have solved their homeless crisis. Let’s talk! Let’s take action!! Let’s make a change!!!” FEBRUARY 23, 2024 exp. 01/31/2025 FEBRUARY 23, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Blood-typing system 4. Downer 8. Plant fungi 13. "___ a lender be" 14. ___ and aahed 16. Cliffside dwelling 17. "The Greatest" 18. Bat poo 19. Inexperienced 20. Starts eating 22. Always playing a similar role 24. Revised 25. On one's guard 26. List of food options 27. Sphere 29. "___ Loves You" (Beatles hit) 32. Kind of drive 34. Going to the dogs, e.g. 36. Text on tablets 41. Burger topper 42. Some tides 43. Cooking meas. 44. Lawman Earp 46. Attired 50. Brown ermine 52. Slips 54. Phonograph brand 57. Dutch cheese 58. It may be bid 59. Coach 61. Chit 62. Bristles 63. Nitrogen compound 64. Knight 65. Asian weight units 66. Knocked off, in a way 67. Absorbed, as a cost DOWN 1. Wreath for the head 2. Meteor that explodes in the atmosphere 3. Ancestry 4. Neglected calf 5. Type of bowling popular in cricket in the 1800s 6. "Bingo!" 7. Bodyguards of the British Monarch 8. Wiser 9. Compassion 10. Fertilizer compound 11. Associations 12. Mailed 15. Group's senior member 21. Building material 23. ___ green 28. Neighbor of Hung. 29. Wrath, e.g. 30. All the rage 31. Dash lengths 33. Family head 34. Babysitter's handful 35. Catch sight of 36. "Sesame Street" watcher 37. "Star Trek" rank: Abbr. 38. Nibble 39. After expenses 40. Longtime NBC show 44. Court 45. W.W. II conference site 47. Highfalutin' 48. Went to a restaurant 49. River in a Strauss waltz 50. Appropriate 51. Aligns 53. Extend, in a way 54. Gigantic 55. "I had no ___!" 56. Quote 60. Have a bug

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY Mory WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 I’m going to tell you a story. A story about Mory, Mory the Manitu. It's a sad story, I must say. If you get weepy and runny when you hear a sad story, you should turn away. But if you want to hear about Mory and his sad story I’ll begin my tale now. A grander mammal you won’t find, he makes children laugh to his delight. So he follows your boat and is a joy to see. Until he crosses the path of plastic in the sea. Plastic you say? No way! Yes, you see, the pollutants of the day find a way to put plastic in the sea, and the way is us — we’re to blame. Mory, you see, has no way to know his way of life is changing. Mory is just a big, loveable manitu with no PhD. It’s a sad story, I know, with a sad ending! I say no — we can save money and the rest if we make the world free of plastic. Do our best to fight this evil because it is created by people. Compacted in shivering sinews, nerves, and the fleshy white meat, her nature, her earthborn eyes question this world of violence; Dust, dirt muddied in blood, and sullied ivory horns hear the voice of injustice as this bull turns her head from side to side, turning in her silence as the world reels in a horrible poverty, seemly to a golden draped matador twirling his peculiar muleta around her head, Last words AMY BURBARY Groundcover contributor Slip and fall away, sweet pain Make your haste and leave I have but no time to weep And even less to grieve Pack your bags of what has been Then move where is no more You will not be made to stay As often times before I was never right for you And you weren't meant for me We are simply passing ships And that is all we'll be This is where we say goodbye For you and I are through Take no rest, shove off, depart So long, Farewell, Adieu Rage & hate TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 To my lil ones In the right time, There’s gonna be a way For you to have peace of mind You’ll find unconditional love A clear head, A warm heart, All you gotta do is find God, He’ll alwayz mend, Alwayz be right by your side You’ll learn ta think of, And you’ll have love, No matter how hard it is, Or how bad the storm seems, You’ll have that gleam, All your rage & hate, Will leave you and you’ll find, Your soulmate, And love the way you should of. WHIMPERING WHIMPERING WHIMPERING An estoque simulado sharp to the shoulders, blood sprays the arena raucous naive voices are heard, sophistry rules the dulled senses while the fierce bull is the brave creature who shoulders... BULL (bloodied) CHRISTOPHER ELLIS Groundcover contributor Luscious black fur, black Persian lamb surround her fierce massive head, her fierce hides a noble calm; resolute, strong, limbs stamp the noisy air, her rotund taut body the shape of the the United States, compass the whole universe; FEBRUARY 23, 2024 (humanity) PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 23, 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Parts of my history I want to share some parts of my history with you all, from when I was age three till now. I was a quiet and shy little girl. I was also a fast learner and very obedient to my parents and other adults. At age three, I learned to spell my full name, my mother’s and father’s name, my full address and phone number. My mom wanted me to know these things in case I ever got lost so I’d have a better chance of being reunited with my family. I learned that you could also get into trouble being obedient when I was four years old and in Head Start. I was at the crosswalk to the main entrance of the elementary school that I attended and innocently stated to Blair, the safety patrol boy that lived on the same street as I did, that I was not going to listen to him because my mother taught me how she wanted me to cross the street. He took me to the principal's office pulling me by the left shoulder part of my coat. I was made aware that that was called “insubordination.” I did not get a paddle for that because my cousin came to the office to intervene on my behalf, as she was my teacher and knew that I was just doing what I was taught. Thank God I didn’t get hit with that large piece of wood. Around age nine, me and my cousins would go together to pass out flyers for the United Auto Workers of Michigan. One of my family members was an active participant in the activities of the UAW Hall which was on Wyoming off of McNichols Road back then. She would monitor us from her vehicle as we would return to the car to get more flyers until they all had been distributed. I reckon that that fueled my passion for canvassing which I’ll speak to further into this article. Moving forward to my fifth grade year of elementary school, I played the leading role as Harriet Tubman, which I was very proud to play. I was also teased by some of my classmates. As we all know or learn, children can be very cruel to one another. I would cry about it at times because it made me sad and hurt my feelings, not understanding that it was really a compliment. I was in the spelling bee that year, too. Although I knew how to spell all of the words, I placed fifth in the spelling bee because when I was spelling one particular word, I looked into the audience for support and inspiration from my mom, then got nervous seeing all of those strange faces. I was glad to get off stage even though I said that I would win the spelling bee. Joining Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan Division at age 15 bolstered my confidence being in a leadership role. I was voted to be the telemarketing executive of our LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 company. I believe that there were three other companies in our division. First step was for everyone in our company to sell our $1 stock certificates for a 10% profit share to our investors. I decided that selling pin buttons was a great idea and my company agreed. We raised the most money from our chosen selling item for our company and won. In June 2008 I began canvassing for Clean Water Action which protected the Great Lakes of Michigan. I was able to make my weekly quota in one day. I was so proud of myself and was awarded a scholarship to attend the canvassers conference in Paducah, Kentucky that year where I met many lobbyists that won against big industry companies. I took a lot of photos at the Canvassers Conference. The cottages we lodged in were beautiful. The one I was in had a floor to ceiling window that revealed the stunning view of a hillside where you could see the orange colored clay and the trees that grew from that orange clay. I’d never seen anything like that before. It was also the place I discovered disc golf. I hope to be able to attend another event as great as this again. A couple years later, I’d often see the vendors selling Groundcover News around the downtown area of Ann Arbor. I was not moved by the idea of selling the paper, but I was eager to become a writer for the paper. In June 2011, I decided to go to the Groundcover office to check it out and to see if I could become a writer for the paper. I was met by volunteer Sandy Schmoker and vendor Rissa Haynes and was told that I could most certainly write for Groundcover News. I acknowledged that I mainly wrote poetry and was told I could publish my poems in Groundcover as well. I recently ran into Sandy on February 13 in downtown Ann Arbor; it was a pleasure to see her again. I miss Rissa’s warm, welcoming smile. I keep her alive in my memories of her. My first published article ‘“No one will hear the silent voice” was published in the July 2011 issue of Groundcover. “No one will hear the silent voice” was written in 10 minutes on the bus. I had to be somewhere, then returned to the Groundcover office to submit my writing and my poem. I didn’t realize how much the article I wrote matched the Groundcover News mission. That confirmed my belief that being a writer for this paper was one of my callings. By this time, Susan Beckett was in the office, too. She told me, ”How nice to have you with our paper.” The first published poem I wrote in March 2004 called “Not helpless, or hopeless, just homeless” was in the July 2011 issue of Groundcover, as well. That was it for me — I’ve been publishing my works in Groundcover News since. I received a scholarship to attend the North American Street Newspaper Association Award ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee in October 2011. There I met Tasha French, the president of NASNA, and Lee Stringer, former street paper editor in New York and author of “Grand Central Winter: Stories from the Street.” I remember me and Mr. Stringer were sitting outside of the building where the ceremony was being held, talking. I asked him about publishing my book, and expressing my concerns about it being published. He told me to just keep the faith. I met John Seiganthaler who was the longtime editor of The Tennessean Newspaper and fought for freedom of speech and consequently founded the First Amendment Center. We lodged for four days and three nights at the Vanderbilt University dorms. That was a college experience while not being in college. The awards ceremony was held in a historical bank building. That was another experience in itself, too. I had taken pictures of the original blueprint of the building and a lot of the artwork exhibited throughout the building. Unfortunately, I lost the phone that the pictures were on and I wasn’t able to retrieve them when I purchased another device. The memories are stored in my mind, though. In November 2011, Vickie Elmer hosted a writers workshop for the Groundcover News writers. She used to write a column for the Washington Post. I thank her for the writing skills that she taught me. I was featured on Michigan Radio in “Stories of the Homeless Writers with Kyle Norris” in January 2012. It was very fun working with Kyle on this interview. I did another interview with her before she was no longer with WUOM. People have done things for Groundcover on my behalf like Patrick Morgan who assisted in writing the proposal for the technologies fund that was for computers and office supplies. Terri Jones from the Michigan State University Extension facilitated two anger management courses free of charge. I am proud that I impressed these people in a way that led to them offering their services to Groundcover News. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 My experience on the CTN television FYI 1002 segment with Dana Denha, Lindsay Calka and myself, La Shawn Courtwright, was a challenge, but I was very proud of the way that the interview turned out. I am glad that I was able to give a broader perspective on what it is to be homeless. I have also authored a book of poetry in November 2019 titled “The Fold-A Collection of Poetry.” It is sold at the Blackstone Bookstore located at 214 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti. You may also purchase it online on Barnes and Noble, E-books, Apple i-Tunes, Kindle Store, Kobo, Google Play Books, Amazon, RedShelf, Wild Rumpus, eBay, Grit City Books, iMusic.co, bookshop.org, Dymocks, Flipkart, Adlibris and elefant.md. This is an excellent read, so please get your copy as soon as possible. Thank you! Before my accident I was learning about audio/videography, at CTN of Ann Arbor with Jamie Chiu. I was featured on Soapbox on September 26, 2022. I look forward to returning to learn radio broadcasting, TV production and about Greenroom. Hopefully I will be back at it before this year is out. My most monumental embarkment was my plan to travel alone and to be the only female from Groundcover News to attend the Poor People's Campaign Moral March on Washington D.C. I began my trip by train June 18, 2022, because it would take me two days to get from Ann Arbor to Union Station. Of course you have to consider there to be delays, which there were two — one in Ohio and one in Philly. Check out the beautiful pic I took of the Appalachian Mountains through the Shenandoah Valley. I arrived at Union Station one hour before my family picked me up, and then went off to Baltimore, Md. I spent two days enjoying Curt and Star. I enjoyed going to the Inner Habor by the Mariner watching the boats go by. On the morning of the March, I took the train back to D.C. and walked to see the Capital and the Washington Monument. I called Joe Woods and found him amongst the crowd. We then located Jay Gordon and Derek Allen and enjoyed the day and the people taking pictures. My favorite was the one in front of the African American Museum where I stood in front of the building and the fountains which sprout their own ballet. After the exuberance and excitement of the day, what better way to spend the night than at the Garden Hill Hotel on M and Third Street? They had gorgeous rooms, a pool, washers and dryers and room service. I had to take a photo in front of the bell at Union Station! As I hope you learned by reading this article, I am a multidimensional person with diverse interests and abilities that I like to put to good use.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Wheat berry salad with apples and cranberries ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Salad: I cup whole wheat berries, dry* 1 large apple, chopped 1 orange, peeled, segmented and cut into bite size pieces ½ cup dried cranberries 2 stalks green onion, thinly sliced 1 cup baby kale leaves 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⅛ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon ground pepper Combine dressing ingredients, whisking to combine well. In a heavy pot cover wheat berries with water (2 inches above the wheat berries). Boil for 45 to 60 minutes uncovered. Watch carefully. Cool and drain. In a large bowl combine all of the salad ingredients except the pecans. Toss with dressing. Sprinkle with the pecans just before serving. This is so wonderful to have during the winter months! *Wheat berries can be found in the bulk section of the People's Food Co-op Denise Shearer FEBRUARY 23, 2024

2 $ FEBRUARY 9, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 4 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Truth or Lies: Mr. Lover Lover. Page 10 MAURICE LEGGERT #618 ASK YOUR VENDOR: ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE BLUE ... GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Pull Over Prevention grows with community support. page 7 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Volunteer mechanic fixes car lightbulb. Photo courtesy of The Mutual Aid Network of Ypsilanti. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER letter to the EDITOR "CONTINUING ON THE COMMONS" Following last issue's article by Ken Parks on "Sharing the Commons," I thought an update on the Ann Arbor Community Commons would be appropriate. Several years ago I wrote a Groundcover report on the "Campaign for the Commons," its victory at the polls in 2018 and a City Task Force making recommendations to advance the commons — which the City Council accepted. In December 2019 they encouraged acceleration of development; funding came out of the parking revenue, still being collected since 2018, when the parking lot was repurposed from "Public Land-Parking" to "Public Land-Park." Since then, the Mayor has continued to oppose the commons, and seems to have aligned the current City Council and administration to ignore, or very slow-walk, the directions mandated by the People's vote and the democratic process. A "Council of the Commons" was set up to advise the City on what to do, and they refused actually to look at plans and talk about ideas and help the commons development; instead, they said the City should hire professional consultants to advise us on what to do, and that the private funds raised for physical development should instead be used to pay the professional consultants. This "out-sourcing of creativity" also limited attention to the "central park" only — ignoring both the "civic center" and the "commons” overall as the cooperative mode of development. The commons means "everyone is invited to use it, and to be responsible for it and to respect one another." The "it" is what we can get together, beginning with the Public Land, for which we People voted and won, and other things people can donate or lend or buy. "Commonly pooled resources self-managed by the users" is a definition of the commons. Needs include a stage and sound system, lights and shade and tables and chairs and signs, wi-fi, toilets and water … with some of this the City could easily have helped, and still could. On the Library Lane surface lot, the first need is to get the cars off, so the people can easily begin to use the space. The Civic Center Building element of the commons development is a longerrange plan, waiting for more local creativity, and depending on the building plans of other neighbors and further designing inspiration for connecting the Liberty Plaza with the Library Lane and providing terraces over the Library Lane Ramps and building the Civic Center Building over Library Lane. The Civic Center is imagined in many ways, where you can go to see what's happening and new, and it is a place of last resort when you have a problem that can't be solved anywhere else … including a multi-use mix of a local food conscious cafe, special events performance space, peace place, housing and service counseling, art galleries, local history and climate PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Pony Bush D.A Roberto Isla Caballero Lara Dendel Cindy Gere Mike Jones James Manning Ken Parks Ashley Powell Denise Shearer Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Jane Atkins Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Emily Paras Holden Pizzolato Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons classes. Lots of beautiful four-season ideas have been suggested, many partnering with the library and other possible developments including a warming place and continuing the gardens. If you want to put on a program on the commons, or are interested in helping, please contact the Ann Arbor Community Commons Initiating Committee: www.AnnArborCommunityCommons.org — Alan Haber, Commons Initiating Committee FEBRUARY 9, 2024 FEBRUARY 9, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR Finish the sentence: Roses are red, violets are blue ... Everything feels better when I'm with you. — Maurice Leggert, #618 What about the white one? — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 If you don't think its true, go to the zoo! — Wayne Sparks, #615 I like a lot of money, how about you? — Joe Woods, #103 I buy and read Groundcover, and you should too! — Cindy Gere, #279 When it rains, I think of you — drip, drip, drip! — Shelley DeNeve, #22 I don't know ... I love you. — Mike Jones, #113 Honey is sweet, and so are you! — Ken Parks, #490 Health minute Most people lead busy schedules: work, family and just organizing life as a whole. The most important thing we must do is prioritize our health — mind, body and spirit. In this guide I will start with the body, and teach you the methods of living a long time, as well as having mental clarity and focus while doing it. I have to admit, I am someone who gets bored with the same old routine of going to the gym. So I have to mix up my fitness. I bike, jog, lift weights, go to the yoga studio and hit the erg (rowing machine). If you're trying to lose weight, losing the weight can add extra stress. Just the thought of doing something extra and extenuating adds pressure. The first thing you need to know is eating the right foods is the first step to a healthy body and fitness Third, eliminate sugar comASHLEY POWELL Groundcover vendor No. 595 routine. When you eat the right foods you not only feel better but you perform better whether that be in sports or on the job. If you're eating bad food and working out, it defeats the purpose. Secondly, getting up at 5 a.m might seem like a challenge but it's the best time to work out. Working out at this time can fit into anyone's busy schedule. pletely. Open your fridge and cabinets … throw out any fattening food and replace it with all whole food. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking water sends stress packing and removes toxins from your system. Water is also key in moving key nutrients as well as oxygen production. Sports drinks and other teas on the market contain added sugar. Anything over 13 grams of sugar is bad. Bread, once digested, becomes sugar. If you eat rice it should be brown rice. Many pastas and other grains become sugar. Let's say, you like pancakes. Gluten free or spelt pancakes taste just as good and are a healthy alternative. Some brands even offer a proteinpacked box. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Ruminating on the Lions — support your home team! Going into the NFC playoffs, like many Lions fans, these were my thoughts: “I hope the Detroit Lions do good like Michigan did. Michigan won the national championship. The Lions play this week on Sunday. I hope they win. If they win against Tampa Bay, I think they’ll go to the Superbowl. I guess I’m a Lions fan. I like them because they’re my home team. I’m from Detroit, and I was born and raised in Michigan. So I like the Red Wings and the Tigers and the Pistons. The Pistons fell out right now, but maybe they’ll recover one day. It was good back in the day when they were called The Bad Boys, a long time ago. No one remembers that, but you can look it up, it’s true. Anyway, the Lions haven’t won a championship since 1957. I think that if we do win, it would be a really amazing thing, everybody would be really surprised and happy. I’ve never seen them in person, exp. 01/31/2025 only on TV. I think it would cost a lot to see the game live. I actually like it better on TV because I can pause it, I can go to the bathroom, cook something, and I don’t have to pay a lot of money for refreshments or anything like that. When you’re at the game you gotta pay for parking PONY BUSH Groundcover vendor No. 305 and all that — it just costs more. I don’t know the names of many of the players right now, but my favorite is Jared Goff, the quarterback. He’s doing good so far. He’s the best quarterback that they’ve had in a long time for the Lions. He’s doing better than Matthew Stafford, even though Matthew Stafford got paid more. Stafford was the highest paid quarterback as of 2017. I have friends who don’t like the Lions, and I used to not like them myself. They were the worst team in the NFL! I couldn’t stand them. I had no faith in them. I started to like them more now because they’re winning. I’m not saying that you need to like a team just because it’s your home team, but you need to support them. I supported the Lions even if they weren’t my favorite because I’m from Detroit. Let’s hope that they keep winning so that I can like the team that I support!” After the game reflections: I feel that they could've done better. They were doing good at the beginning but the second half they just fell off. I don’t know if they got tired or what it was. But I feel like they came a long way. Even though we lost, we made it almost to the Super Bowl, and I’d never seen them do that before.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS Housing the unhoused in Washtenaw County My name is Michael Jones. I am a writer, photographer and vendor for Groundcover News in Ann Arbor. Groundcover News was founded in April 2010, as a means to empower low-income persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Street newspapers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and combat the increase in poverty. Before I go any further, I would like to give a hardy thank you to the many who work tirelessly day and night to serve the unhoused and those in need: Peggy, Sheri, Lindsay, Ben and Brian from the Mercy, Peace, Hospitality and Purple Houses, respectively: I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. And we can’t forget the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County for all you guys do for the community. I say thank you to board members, staff and those who stand on the frontlines in this war on homelessness and poverty. Washtenaw County is facing a homelessness problem. During sub-zero temperatures in the middle of January, the Ypsilanti police threatened to evict unhoused people from their tent encampment along Michigan Avenue, leaving the homeless with nowhere to go. Facing imminent eviction, the people staying there chose to move on, and the county government helped with some hotel nights for them. You can read more about that in the January 26, 2024 edition. The Delonis Center, the Washtenaw County shelter, is over-capacity especially during the winter months. and what plans they have for this building, but I would like to use this structure as an example of what type of space is needed to house the unhoused in Washtenaw County. Not only would this be a place to MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and like most people who grew up here, had to relocate to Ypsilanti due to the unaffordability of Ann Arbor. I was once homeless here in Washtenaw County. I was also a cab driver for over ten years and homeless or unhoused at the same time. The number of unhoused people in the United States dropped from 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. But homelessness is spiking upward now, due to the high cost of living and to some degree the pandemic; and as a result, tens of thousands more people in the U.S. were unhoused in 2023 compared with 2022. On average 2,000-3,000 people in Washtenaw County are homeless each year; over half are children. I would like to share a small portion of my vision for a Washtenaw County Shelter for unhoused individuals and families. Located in Ypsi on Michigan Avenue between Hamilton and Adams Street is a beautiful building and structure; once upon a time it was part of the Eastern Michigan University Business School. I don’t know who owns that building Former site of Eastern Michigan University's College of Business, located at 300 W. Michigan Ave in Ypsilanti. house those in need, but could also be a refuge of resources within the campus area. Resources such as: mental health/ drug treatment clinics, job training and resource center, and programs to help those re-entering society from incarceration and young adults entering society from foster care. This facility will be community friendly and operated by professionals and volunteers who are passionate about helping and serving individuals and families in need. We who live in Washtenaw County are fortunate to have three fine educational institutions, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw Community College. I’m sure these institutions wouldn’t mind lending their expertise to help the homeless and provide internship opportunities for students to be involved in active work experience. This would be rewarding not only for the unhoused and those in need, but a life changing and consciousness upgrade for interns and volunteers, who are at such an impressionable age in their development as young adults. Institutions, organizations and people from all ages from various backgrounds would gather, and work for a great cause with the aim to enlighten and redeem. I would encourage Washtenaw County citizens to see if the County could purchase that site I mentioned, or consult a developer, and build a campus structure of this magnitude or greater to be able serve at the capacity needed. Editor's note: Michigan Innovation Headquarters has purchased the old EMU Business School. It will be rennovated to be a "life science and technology hub in downtown Ypsilanti, complete with medical offices, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art wet lab spaces," according to Ann Arbor SPARK. FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Giveaways do no good Editor's note: This is an opinion piece. Before, two or three years ago, there weren’t as many homeless people in Ann Arbor. Today, there’s too many people staying outside. I heard that all these people are coming from Detroit. I have been here for nine years; I came with nothing. Now all these people want free things. This county has thousands of people out there waiting for housing. My caseworker tries to help me anytime, but if I don’t need help I tell her, “for now I’m OK.” But sometimes I don’t know what’s happening to me. Sometimes I think I might be losing my mind. All the time, I see people asking for retirement and disability income]. I don’t understand why they pay this much money a year. This is the question: why is the United States doing so many things for these crazy people? They need to have more mental health care and hospitals so that these people are not outside in the cold. I remember in Cuba, in the 70s, ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 something, asking, asking, trying to work, real work. Now, in 2024, the social security administration pays a trillion dollars a year [total of both social security Castro said: either you work, or you go to jail. In America you don’t have laws like that. Everything is free. People don’t want to go to work, they want to stay in the street. The American Constitution needs to change many things. Why do people still come to America to become drug dealers, gang members, and pimps? Sometimes people come to America to work. That’s okay. But too many people come here and they don’t have a green card, or social security, or anything. Lots of bosses accept people and pay them cash money under the table. Immigration and police need to change. The White House and the Capitol are not doing anything. What needs to be done is: take out the Statue of Liberty because it’s looking bad. They need to change the Constitution. In 2016, Barack Obama went to Cuba and made a law that opened up the border. He did not make sure that people coming from Cuba wouldn't be deported though. I want to say thank you to America. I am a Cuban refugee. Finito. FEBRUARY 9, 2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH An old white man considers Black History Month JIM HUGHES Groundcover contributor Black History Month is an opportunity to discover more of the actual history of how people of color have been treated in the United States. The stories of enslaved people, indigenous Americans, indentured servants and immigrants are only recently getting told widely. The facts have always been there; the difference is that the facts are now being told in detail more and more by those descended from people of color. My own view is that more and more people have researched original documents, family stories and oral history so that 21st century Americans can (if we choose to) discover the whole story of our nation's history. For many years, school history books focused on the aspirational nature of the American experience as expressed in the founding documents. This gave an overview without the detail needed to listen and learn about the lived experience of people on the margins of society. Thankfully, this practice is changing from the platitudes I learned in high school. A closer look at how the United States carried out the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights reveals a series of hopes and dreams — both achieved and deferred. Perspective and context explains the arc of history for people in this country. The sad stories and hard lives of " STUDYING BLACK HISTORY? START AT GROUNDCOVERNEWS.ORG/ "Long and winding road toward Dr. King’s dream of ending hunger and poverty in America continues" by Will Shakespeare, January 2021 "The Black family in transition" by Will Shakespeare, February 2021 "Crossroads in STEM diversity, equity and inclusion: empowering underrepresented racial minorities" by Will Shakespeare, April 2021 "Juneteenth — a celebration of freedom" by Jaz Brennan, June 2021 "Don't take away my humanity! Remembering Anne Frank and George Floyd" by Will Shakespeare, July 2021 "Community town hall: Poverty, racism and trauma" by Ben Girodias, November 2021 "The tragedy of Aura Rosser: Police brutality, domestic violence and community policing reform" by Will Shakespeare, November 2021 "Black health and wellness before and after COVID-19" by Will Shakespeare, February 15, 2022 "Celebrating Black leadership in health equity and race disparities research" by Will Shakespeare, March 1, 2022 "The story of Ida B. Wells: Anti-lynching crusader, women's rights activitst" by Will Shapespeare, August 1, 2022 "Emmett Till's story — the horrific lynching of a 14-year-old boy in Mississippi" by Will Shakespeare, August 15, 2022 "Gentrification of Ann Arbor, my hometown, through the eyes of Shanty Wobagege" by Mike Jones, November 1, 2022 Celebrate Black History Month by competing in an online trivia contest for various prizes. marginalized folks have been obscured, causing widespread misunderstanding. What’s especially been missing from the common understanding of history has been any serious review of the myriad intentional policies, laws, cultural discrimination and economic policies that shut many Americans out of full participation in the benefits of society, politically and economically. The resulting ignorance of most Americans has infected public policy for years. As a result, we have experienced huge disparities in opportunity, wealth, home ownership, health outcomes, longevity and social capital across generations. The unfettered truth can be interesting and enlightening to those of us seeking to understand the deep divisions in our culture and society. Facing the pain and suffering of those who were once enslaved can be a liberating exercise. One important action we can take is to educate ourselves about history, to take a deeper look at the stories, culture and systems of people on the margins in America. This can be done by searching out and reading books and articles by Black authors and journalists, by visiting historic places and museums chronicling the Black experience in America, and by taking time to listen to those voices speaking out today in journalism, literature and the arts. Facts matter. Ignoring the facts and details about our history has caused repeated failure to address the disparities endemic to the American political and economic system. Despite these serious difficulties, I'm hopeful that the "Beloved Community" that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned can be realized. It will take constant effort. My own readings and explorations in recent years have caused me to believe that we white Americans should take the time to learn about and confront the sad realities of systematic, deliberate efforts to divide people since Europeans first arrived to colonize this land over 400 years ago. Sugarcoating this history has only served to maintain division, bigotry, hatred and white supremacy. I cannot change that history; however, I can learn about it and I can work to undo the disparities it has caused up to the present day in February, 2024. Honest reckoning with our past can lead to reconciliation, healing, justice and the dream Dr. King had for this nation. Jim Hughes is a Christian, influenced by the social gospel, the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Father John Kavanaugh and Dan Berrigan. Active in the Peace movement at St. Louis University, Hughes achieved conscientious objector status in 1970. He was drafted and worked with farmworkers and extended health care for his alternative service. Mr. Hughes has lived, worked and volunteered in Michigan nonprofits, churches, local and state government for many years, until retiring in 2015. GET TO KNOW YDL! WHERE TO FIND US: Online at ypsilibrary.org Call us at 734-482-4110. TO GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD: 1) Fill out the easy online form at ypsilibrary.org/library-cards. 2) Call 734-482-4110 3) Or stop by any YDL location! DON’T HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE? We can work with a variety of IDs to get you your card. TOOLS TO HELP Preschool and Kindergarten Resource Fair February 17 12-2pm YDL-Whittaker Chat with representatives of local schools and service organizations, enjoy school readiness hands-on activities, and take home a free book and tote bag. FEATURED EVENT Trivia Contests February 1-29 Virtual GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Predict the winners for the 2024 Academy and Razzie Awards and win a movie prize pack. Details at ypsilibrary.org/events.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RACIAL JUSTICE Support Krystal Clark LARA DENDEL Groundcover contributor Krystal Clark is incarcerated at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility in Ypsilanti. From the website freekrystal.com, “Krystal Clark is a 39-year-old mother of four, devoted friend and caring community member.” She has been incarcerated for the last 13 years, and is suffering severe health problems due to an allergy to mold which is present in the prison. Her health issues are so serious that she is slowly being killed by the conditions in the prison. Due to her speaking out about this injustice, she is being harassed by Michigan Department of Corrections and mocked by employees and other inmates. In addition, the prison has been messing with her mail. She has been seen by doctors within MDOC, but the diagnoses that the doctors give her do not make it into her medical file, and if a doctor says her issues are due to the mold, she never sees that doctor again. At the moment, she is in need of hearing aids, which she was told she would receive, but they are now delaying her getting them by claiming they need to run other tests first. Krystal is dealing with a large amount of pain every day, with no relief. In 2019 Krystal was among a group of women to file a two-count civil rights action against the MDOC, alleging the prison is full of dangerous conditions (leaky roofs, haphazard retrofitting, inoperable windows and more) which have made it a breeding ground for fungi and molds. Doctors within MDOC will not include mold as a cause of their health issues in their files, but when the women have been lucky enough to see an outside doctor, mold is clearly listed as the cause of their health ailments. This case was dismissed by the court because the judge said that there’s no established rights of prisoners to be free from mold. This means that even if a doctor finds that mold is the cause of their health ailments, the prison is not obligated to take any action. Since it is clear that the prison is not going to take action to fix the mold problem, this means that Krystal’s health will only continue to worsen. She was not given a death sentence, but serving the remainder of her sentence in these conditions could kill her. We’re calling for the compassionate release of Krystal Clark so she can access the life-saving medical care she needs and return to her family to heal. Please contact Governor Whitmer and tell her that Krystal is being killed in prison, which no one deserves. In Krystal’s own words: “Everyone incarcerated has somebody who cares about them. The Governor says all Michiganders matter. I can’t tell when she knows my situation and others. We’re still here sick and suffering and others are dying and she has yet to acknowledge this, let alone do anything about it. The Governor says we all matter, now we’re asking her to prove it. Myself and others have families out there who love and care about them who shouldn’t have to suffer or lose their lives in here. We know there is a lot going on in the world but, Michigan, we need help. We need y’all to support our prisoner advocates who are fighting for our lives and our rights.” Krystal has petitioned the Parole Board for a Pardon or Commutation of Sentence due to her health issues. Once it reviews her petition, the board will make a recommendation to the Governor. Please write to the Parole Board and the Governor, urging them to release Krystal Clark (#435064) so that she does not die in prison. FEBRUARY 9, 2024 Krystal Clark Additionally, please call the Director, Deputy Director and Healthcare Services Administrator of MDOC and demand that Krystal be given access to medical treatment for her mold allergy, and that MDOC must address the mold problem and fix the building conditions that are allowing its growth. Learn more about Krystal’s situation at freekrystal.com and listen to her on Prison Radio (prisonradio.org) Originally published in Fight to Win January 2024. FEBRUARY 9, 2024 RACIAL JUSTICE D.A Groundcover contributor The Pull Over Prevention program is a car repair clinic that started in southeast Michigan as a result of the murder of George Floyd and others during encounters with police officers. It began in August 2020, led by Natasha Abner of the Democratic Socialists of America and the Mutual Aid Network of Ypsilanti and other current volunteers. According to the Ypsilanti Mutual Aid Network, “Police and immigration officers use minor automotive issues as reasons to stop, search, fine and deport people. POP volunteers provide repair and advice for these issues, share repair skills and promote access to local resources.” Pull Over Prevention is a great endeavor that a lot of community organizations have got on board with in order to reduce unnecessary confrontations with law enforcement and bridge the gap for those experiencing financial difficulties, who are most likely unable to afford needed minor car repairs. Community organizations and the services and resources they offer include: • Bløm Meadworks donated part of their proceeds for the entire month of January 2024. They also sponsored a benefit fundraiser on January 21. I want to thank all who attended and supported this event. • Wee Wah Productions organized a big fundraiser in Ypsilanti, Michigan that raised over $1,000. • Masjid Ibrahim, a mosque in Ypsilanti, has hosted five to six POP events annually. • FedUp Ministries provides a freefood truck and lots of food assistance around Washtenaw County. • Pet Pals Mutual Aid provides free pet supplies. They do this because they realize that pets are family, too. • Car Seats of Michigan offers free car seat safety inspections and can sometimes provide free car seats. • Home of New Vision gives away harm reduction supplies like Narcan and they provide support for recovery from substance use disorders. • Packard Health dispenses free and low cost COVID and flu vaccines. • Peace House Ypsilanti is a house of hospitality that provides support for people experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity. Also on hand are harm reduction supplies and hand warmers, foot warmers and tents for people living outside. • Ypsilanti Bike Co-op helps with free bike repairs in the spring and summer. • Washtenaw County Health Department provides free health supplies and information about local resources, and works with Packard Health to do free vaccines. • Legal Services of South Central provides Michigan free legal assistance. • Good Wolff provides free support and information for dog training. • Washtenaw Camp Outreach provides free street survival resources and camping supplies. • Mutual Aid Network of Ypsilanti is POP volunteers and participating organizations. a nonprofit that fiscally sponsors the events and also furnishes a free store which offers a variety of items such as household goods and clothing. • Michigan General Defense Committee, inspired by and with help from southeast Michigan POP, started another Pull Over Prevention that happens the first Sunday of the month in Lansing. • Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America helps sponsor and support the POP events. I want to add that The Pull Over Prevention Program offers a booklet that lists some of your rights. I spoke briefly with Officer Bondy of the Ann Arbor Police Department and she told me that people can also be kinder to law enforcement agents. They have a very difficult job to do and they are also concerned for their safety, too. I hope to see more programs implemented by Prosecutor Eli Savit about safety when dealing with people with mental illness. I hope that we all can be treated with dignity, respect and fairness. If you’re a professional, hobbyist, curious or retired mechanic, you can help make POP Clinics and help requests possible. If you might know a mechanic, please let them know about POP. POP needs interpreters, too! Spanish and Arabic speakers often attend Pull Over Prevention. If you know someone who speaks a language other than English, either natively or fluently, please send them our way. The next Pull Over Prevention is Saturday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church Ypsilanti (120 N Huron St.). It occurs every second Saturday at rotating locations. Instagram: @ypsi_pop Facebook: @PullOverPrevention Email: pop@ypsimutualaid.org GROUNDCOVER NEWS Pull Over Prevention grows with community support 7 "The Color Purple" movie is awesome I really enjoyed the new “The Color Purple” movie written by Alice Walker. I really think the new “The Color Purple” movie is awesome. There’s also “The Color Purple” movie from back in the 80s, too. I like both versions. I love both versions. The new one is very colorful and musical. The new “The Color Purple” movie is also very detailed and very funny. The new “The Color Purple” movie has very sparkling, colorful and shiny clothing that the actors wear. I love all the pretty clothes they wore. I loved the music, too. I like the part where Celie tells Harpo to beat Sofia and Sofia confronts her about it. I thought it was so funny when she said, “You told Harpo to beat me!” and she responds “No!” and Sofia called “Push Da Button.” I liked the part where they go to church and I love gospel singing. Another part I love is when Celie DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 tells her she’s “A damn liar.” And then they start singing and dancing. I enjoyed the music because it was funny, too. There is a song called “Hell no!” The part where Celie and Shug Avery are singing and dancing is a song made all the colorful pants, and they were unique and different and Mister bought the one that no one was likely to buy. Another great part was when Celie reunited with her sister, kids and family. That was a very touching and happy-tears part that I really loved. I loved Shug Avery and Celie's friendship; Shug really brought happiness and joy to Celie. “The Color Purple” is a movie about friendship and love and family and Black culture and I will always love both versions of the story and movie. I recommend this movie for anyone to see.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMONS The financial commons as an expression of the primordial commons, unconditional love is more important than arithmetic, which of course has its place. Most of us play in money everyday and it's easy to get lost in what is a real priority and what you want. A natural breath will help you focus on your priorities. Loans, grants and donations are three significant manifestations of money play. When you purchase Groundcover, you may give an additional donation when you sense that the person has needs greater than $2. Some years ago, I was invited to a Thank you Common Cycle for a comfortable and safe method of transit! KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 “Sharing the Commons” in the January 12, 2024 edition of Groundcover News focused on unconditional love as the bedrock of all the commons we share. We are born into the life of this world with a Mother’s love that gives many of us an experience of unconditional love. From unconditional love to “money” is a big jump. The truth of our lives is obscured by the barrage of brilliant distractions that the digital world uses to commodify everything with its algorithms and data mastery. This full spectrum war to dominate our awareness is looking at artificial intelligence to help them in that mission. Richard Werner, the German economist, cut through the mountain of deception that hides the impermanence of money. He demonstrated empirically in an experiment with the Bank of England, that loans create money from nothing more than the social commons whose potential can be used productively, or to create debt in nonproductive activities such as war and other forms of corruption. My assumption is that natural intelligence is more profound and complete than artificial intelligence. Can artificial intelligence tell you what its assumptions are? I think AI designers are lost in the enlightenment ideology of rational thought and the belief that reality is a machine that the rational man can master. You can have the power of the gods at your command. So we have nuclear power with all its unexpected consequences. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists just updated the doomsday clock to 90 seconds from midnight. The rational mind cannot fathom unconditional love because it is wedded to the belief in its own supremacy, an individualism attempting to prove its permanence. Brothers and sisters, we cannot think our way into the complete experience of reality because the conceptual mind is a small player in the vastness of reality. Your therapy may have taught you that the subconscious and unconscious mind are full of habitual patterns that influence decisions and actions. Even our intestinal microbiome can be addicted to sugar and alcohol. When cravings become powerful, we need to interrogate them, listen to the deeper wisdom of the body and detach from immediate gratification. Of course we want to feel good so the struggle is complex. Taste is important but how you feel an hour or two later is the real test of your diet. Theory and practice need constant upgrading on the path to the truth that sets us free. Experience tells you the truth of your life. If you have some daily practice of mind training, even a few minutes can give you glimpses of the freedom you hoped for. Patience and perseverance are key. When the financial commons is seen Kwanzaa celebration at a national guard post in Hamtramck (see “A proud American revolutionary” or whatever in Groundcover News June 30, 2023). The focus was on cooperative (and community) economics, defined as “a commitment to the practice of shared social wealth and the work necessary to achieve it.” This is the practice of the financial commons. I believe the financial commons can be understood in a way that leads us to share and promote creative living as an expression of living democracy. I hope you remember Pastors For Peace and Veterans For Peace, two important organizations in the struggle for peace in the world. When we live in the shared commons there will be peace as described by Toni Morrison: “The peace I am thinking of is not just the absence of violence but the play of an open mind when it encounters an equally open mind.” Many of you know that my peace activism led to a core family in Cuba. The extended family has brought a young mother and son to center stage. We meditate together with our shared four year old son, Santiago Alberto, who enjoys our practice of breathing together. I held Daniela, the mother, in my hands shortly after her birth on August 21, 2000, at a ceremony in the cathedral. I committed to be padrino, i.e., protector, mentor and spiritual friend. A few years ago she expressed the desire to live with me to the end of my life. We have an application with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services which is in long delay and not likely to be approved if it is processed due to their terms and conditions. I have been sending most of my income to Cuba where Daniela administers it to several households. In past years we built two houses. If you are familiar with the geopolitics of U.S. policy, you know about the blockade with its sanctions and ongoing financial crisis in Cuba. Many are leaving to find jobs in another country. The Cuban diaspora is global and our core family now has an invitation to live in Brazil with extended family. The situation looks very positive with low FEBRUARY 9, 2024 rent and a job for Daniela. I won’t need to send so much to Cuba and she can help with the family still there. I am confident, largely because of our shared meditation practice, that we have a workable situation and I can write my autobiography “Born in 42, History, Mystery and You.” The few pages of my first efforts are calling for completion. The challenge to organize travel is complex. Many countries do not allow Cubans to enter from Cuba but they can enter from other countries. Mexico and Brazil are the two I know about. There is a refugee route from Cuba to Nicaragua then Mexico for those heading to the United States. I have a stepson on this route now. His wife is already in Florida. The route to Brazil is through Guyana, so Daniela and Santiago Alberto need two tickets each which may total $4,000. “What the market will bear,” one of the axioms of the “free market,” can make life very expensive. I am appealing to the financial commons as a visionary with the belief that we can organize ourselves to move forward with building a democratic commons that includes loans in particular. I am asking for a $4,800 community loan to help us get established in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I believe that we can pay it back and even contribute to a fund in the financial commons to be used for the common good. Of course grants and donations will be accepted but I am appealing for a loan because I feel we have some responsibility that our situation will promote a financial flow that will “Return to the Source,” which also the title of a great book featuring Amilcar Cabral from Guinea Bissou/Cape Verde Islands, which like Brazil was once a Portuguese colony. Even if I were to die before a loan was repaid I am confident that Daniela would complete the agreement. The relations that we build now may come to fruition in an amazing future. Of all the possible world systems, may we be reborn in a pure land and enjoy the commons of unconditional love. In the words of the Lord’s Prayer “On earth as it is in Heaven.” May this earth become a pure land. I have given up dualism for the all good expanse of primordial purity which is the seamless nature of reality in its completely natural state. It cannot be defined but can be experienced. Our ancestors point the way. I hope annarborcommunitycommons.org picks up on this work. I believe Groundcover News has a role to play. I was involved as a supporter of the World Social Forum which was in Detroit in 2010, which talked about the commons we all share. Let’s look at another forum as we see COMMONS next page  FEBRUARY 9, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website.  COMMONS from last page build on the ruins of the neoliberal edifice which is collapsing around us. Dollars are no foundation for humanity. Maybe we will meet in Brazil for another World Social Forum. Some of us will prepare by studying “The Fourth Alternative” by Alexander Dugin, the notorious Russian intellectual activist who is banned from some social media platforms but lives in translation by Michael Millerman, which points at deeper participation with the commons. There is a podcast. Explore your curiosity. May all beings benefit!

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VALENTINE'S DAY Truth or lies: Mr. Lover Lover Content warning: This article is intended for mature audiences. Alonzo was singing “Mr. Lover Lover, I hope the girls don’t discover that I’m a Playboy undercover, that’s why I have to use the rubber.” Alonzo often hummed this song on his way to his next date. Upon his arrival, he would pop his trunk, and retrieve his condoms that were hidden under his spare tire. Alonzo stood 6'2" tall, was buff with a six-pack, was well-groomed with his hair always smelling good. He dressed with a different swagger. Alonzo had three phones; “I am such a playboy,” he thought. Yeah two phones were for the ladies and the other phone was for family and business. He stored them in his trunk under the spare tire. He used them every free moment, before and after work, always competing to get the win. He would often find himself in competition with his bros. Yeah, such an arrogant attitude he just knew he would always win, being so handsome, smelling so good and being intelligent, too — he couldn’t lose. This past week alone he went on a date with five different women. He and his bros always wanted to smash. It was three days before Valentine’s FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 He never thought that any of the girls would meet with each other or that he would ever get caught. He was in college working a job at Winnie’s grocery store as a cashier and bag boy. It was the month of February, and all the bros were laughing and bragging they weren't getting no one anything for Valentine’s Day. However, even though he laughed with the guys, Alonzo always bought the ladies a gift. He knew that was the way to keep the peace and get what he wanted. He would secretly purchase every lady he was dating a Valentine’s Day gift. He had a plan to make it simple: Alonzo would purchase each one of them the same thing. He figured that way he would never forget what he got for each lady. Day. Finally, he scored a date with Keisha, one of his coworkers. Alonzo had been asking her out since he started working at the grocery store. Keisha would warn him, “You play too much. No you won’t play with my heart. You know I’ll hurt you if you play with my heart.” Alonzo would laugh while saying, “Girl you know I wouldn’t hurt you. I got you, come on, let me take you out and show you.” Keisha finally decided to go out with him after six months of him begging. He took her out to dinner and a movie. They both had a joyous time. Alonzo asked Keisha, “Could we go out again? And can I continue to call you?” Keisha agreed, thinking that he was serious. The next day, Keisha was off work and decided to go to the mall to buy a new outfit for her next date with Alonzo. While she was in line at the store, she heard this very loud lady shouting at the phone, “Alonzo you better pick up the phone and call me back you user!” She couldn’t help but pay attention, because how many Alonzos are there? “That’s a rare name,” Keisha was thinking. She didn’t even notice herself drifting over towards the lady to hear more of the conversation. She could not help herself, she asked the lady, “Your friend’s named is Alonzo? That’s quite a different name.” The lady looked at her and rolled her eyes and said, “What’s it to you?” Keisha immediately humbled herself and said, “Oh, I’m not trying to be in your business, I just was noticing what an odd name that was.” The lady replied, “Yeah great name, but awful person. He must think women can’t be without him.” That loud lady, Simone, was next in line. The cashier heard the whole conversation and asked, “What did he look like?” Simone replied to the cashier, “Oh, he’s good looking — tall, six pack and well groomed.” “Girl, you need to sneak up on him on his job! That’s all you need to do,” Keisha said. The cashier, whose name was Kelly, replied, “Yeah do you know where he works? Don’t let no man play you.” Simone answered, “Yeah at a grocery store on Main Street.” Keisha and Simone both looked at Kelly and said, “Seems like we are all dating the same man!” see MR. LOVER next page  FEBRUARY 9, 2024 FEBRUARY 9, 2024 MEDIA Could reality as we know it be broken? Throughout the course of my life the observable world has undergone many changes brought about by the discovery, creation and advancement of technology. When I was a kid I used to envy people with satellite TVs with seemingly endless channels and content to watch. We can certainly say that those days are long past and now all one needs to pay for is the internet and whatever specific streaming service. These days I often find myself watching anything I find interesting on YouTube. There's always something to watch on YouTube. Calling the content I stumbled across interesting would be an understatement – content that at times has had me question the nature of reality in my observable world. There is some weird stuff out there with countless theories and beliefs. Even though the majority of claims and corresponding videos are elaborate hoaxes, the sheer scale of these paranormal submissions begs that there is some amount of truth. I wanted to point out some theories I've come across that I found very interesting as well as difficult to dismiss — and it’s also just something downright fun to write about and speculate on. Thanks to modern technology many in developed countries possess smartphones with the means of taking pictures and videos. This obvious fact has been very impactful in documenting the realm of the unknown. I believe that paranormal JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 shown up in various philosophies throughout history. I struggle to really believe I'm living in a complex computer simulation, because it would render my existence pointless if I were just some random nonplayer character. However there is no way to know if that is really the case. And again, there are plenty of creepy glitch videos online. Now what interests me is the idea studies have exploded over the last decade and a half due to such access. I also believe it plays a part in milestone events such as governments around the world officially acknowledging the existence of UFOs and U.A.Ps (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena). These things just cannot be covered up as easily as they were decades ago. Of course it can always be argued that video evidence has been doctored with computer graphics and the like. However, that doesn't explain away the sheer number of submitted videos that are out there. Also not just anybody can utilize graphics alteration software, which definitely requires specific technical skills. Another interesting theory that has come along over the years and made popular thanks to the Matrix franchise concerns simulated reality and parallel universes. Note I mentioned “made popular.” These ideas are nothing new. These beliefs have of parallel and or multiple universes and the accompanying Mandela Effect associated with multiple-universe theory. The Mandela Effect is a memory you have that you would swear by that does not match up with reality. For example, remembering the Monopoly board game man wearing a monocle. A good one for me was remembering "The Berenstein Bears" but it's spelled Berenstain. This theory involves a belief that somewhere along the way the universes we reside in somehow got swapped out. There's even a belief that experiments involving particle accelerators such as those done at CERN in Switzerland to blame for screwing around with space and time. But whatever the case is, there's no shortage of content available through modern media, just YouTube alone has hundreds of thousands of channels and top 10 or 20 lists covering every topic you can think of, with a continuous inflow of content from the uploads of anyone carrying a smartphone. So when you're talking literally millions of daily uploads, damn near everything out of the ordinary is documented. Many incidents end up having multiple submissions from witnesses so now we have UFO sightings and other phenomenon with videos from different angles due to multiple people recording them. With all this material it is not all difficult to put together a show and the result is endless content to watch on television and online. Now with Smart TVs being so common I just see no point in having a basic cable, if that even exists anymore. I’m not sure. It certainly is obsolete in my opinion when I can just get on YouTube and look up what I feel like watching and always find something. So coming back to the paranormal angle — and that government organizations no longer flatly deny such things. There isn’t much out there that gets missed. So we’re living in a very different time from just a handful of decades prior. And things have to be viewed and approached differently by global governments. And they have made attempts to be more open, more transparent as a result of modern technology itself. The point I think I’m making here being is that the ease to document and share information has broad implications. Mostly I’m glad that it's been a while since I was able to complain that there is nothing to watch on TV and have that be true. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  MR. LOVER from last page They looked at each other, then Keisha said, “Yeah we should get him back on Valentine’s Day. The nerve of that man, thinking he can get away with dating all of us.” “He probably even has other women too,” said Simone. Kelly said, “Hey, I’ll pretend that I’m going over to his place for a booty call, then we can get him. All three of us on Valentine’s Day.” They all laughed. Keisha returned to work the next day — the day before Valentine’s Day. She accepted her gift with a big smile. He never knew that she was aware of his playboy moves. She was eager to get off work and call the other ladies and make the plan to get back at him. Kelly made a date with him, pretending that they were going to have a wild date for Valentine’s Day. Alonzo was knocking at Kelly’s door at 8 p.m. with the same gift he had given Simone and Keisha. Kelly answered the door, dressed in a black sexy outfit, with a whip and handcuffs in her hand. Alonzo was shocked, but he was so turned on. Kelly grabbed him by his collar, gently yanking him into the house. When Alonzo attempted to speak, she put her hand over his mouth. Kelly said to him, “You must be quiet. I’m the boss here.” She directed him towards the chair she had planned for him. Alonzo smiled and complied, sitting in the chair. Kelly handcuffed and blindfolded Alonzo. Keisha and Simone entered the room. Simone started pouring syrup all over him. Keisha poured honey all over him. Kelly cut her pillow open and put feathers all over him. Alonzo was shocked. All three women were in the same room with him. Alonzo’s heart dropped and he got scared. All three women were shouting at him, “You think you slick! Oh, you a playboy!” Keisha said to him, “We are going to put this picture of you on Facebook.” The ladies laughed at him while he pleaded to be released. “The next time you want to play games you need to go to Toys ‘R’ Us warehouse! They have over 1,000 toys and games you can play with! Wouldn’t you rather be a Toys ‘R’ Us kid than a tarred and feathered one!" The ladies laughed and snapped a picture and uploaded it to the Internet. Happy Valentine’s Day, Mr. Lover Lover. Thank you Groundcover readers. I appreciate all the love, support and your patience. Happy New Year and Happy Valentine’s Day! Currently, I am working a job in Alabama struggling to keep a home. I would appreciate if all my Truth or Lies Mystery Lane fans please subscribe to Groundcover News under Felicia Wilbert vendor No. 234. Once again, thank you for your support and love. Stay blessed. — Felicia Wilbert

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Carmelized onion dip ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingriedients: 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 onions, diced 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped 1 1/4 cups sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Potato chips, for serving Directions: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and brown (about 20 minutes). Set aside to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper. Add the onion mixture and stir until well combined. Cover and chill overnight. The dip can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Serve with potato chips. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FEBRUARY 9, 2024

2 $ JANUARY 12, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 2 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King's visit to Ann Arbor and Detroit. Page 8 ASK YOUR VENDOR: EAMONN OFOIGHIL #531 WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN 2024? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. We are football champions: Let's dance to the drum beat of victory. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator Photo by Mike Jones • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER JANUARY 12, 2024 save the date! two hyperlocal scenes together for one night only Groundcover Geezer Happy Hour Fundraiser @ Live Ann Arbor! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 102 S. First Ave 6:30-9:00PM NO COVER music by Jive Colossus Groundcover merchandise for purchase T’onna Clemmons Art for auction All proceeds go to Groundcover News RSVP, share, + invite your community PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Jane Atkins Elizabeth Bauman Suhita Chintalacharuvu Cindy Gere Mike Jones Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Joshua Lee Eamonn Ofoighil Ken Parks Ashley Powell Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer Scoop Stevens GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Jane Atkins Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Emily Paras Holden Pizzolato Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JANUARY 12, 2024 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What do you look forward to in 2024? I'm looking forward to my music career. — Eamonn Ofoighil, #531 Keeping my hopes high and expectations low. — Wayne Sparks, #615 To be at home in my body. —Ken Parks, #490 To get a tricyle. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 To buying a mini van; I want to travel and sell street papers! — Mike Jones, #113 Move into my apartment, stop drinking, read more and go fishing more! I got some ambitions. — Mansel Williams, #96 Getting married before its too late and getting a nice car. — Juliano Sanchez, #174 The world not ending would be nice. — James Manning, #16 Mo' money, mo' money, mo' money. — Derek Allen #177 2024 Presidential Candidate Ashley Powell lives in and loves Michigan. She just turned legal age to run for office August 30 this past summer, but she has been registered to run with the Federal Election Commission since 2019. Ashley has several things she's hoping to rally support for in her campaign. A few include: • The United States Agriculture Corps: a national program created to bring jobs to rural areas and finally create food security. • The Homeless Tier ACT which classifies the six major reasons people are homeless. • Providing a designated area with shelter, police, fire and medical services. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Vote Powell for President in 2024 ASHLEY POWELL Groundcover vendor No. 595 • She started the Motor City Brick to Farmer Challenge: 50 Million Bricks, One Challenge. The goal of the Challenge is to sell 50 million Bricks and use the funds to build greenhouses in Metro Detroit. www.50millionbricks.com When Ashley is not working to 3 save the world she can be found reading, at the gym or listening to music! Take care of your dogs! Dealing with anxiety is important Dogs are considered family members. We go to extraordinary lengths to make sure they are comfortable and well adjusted to living in their homes, but for some dogs it takes time to feel safe. For some dogs, like pound puppies, it can take even longer because of kennel cough and the trauma of being in doggy jail for months. Here are some ways to help your dog deal with your time away from home. They will feel better as time goes by. 1. Call your dog on a Ring Doorbell or even on TV and do two-waytalk — he will love seeing you on the time for your dog. Even recording your voice can help them. 3. Take a night t-shirt and wear it CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 the screen. Doing this one hour before you get home will help them know you are on your way. 2. Leave a radio on to help pass to bed and place that shirt on their day bed in the morning. It will help them feel your presence and can help calm them down as they nap. 4. Getting an anxiety jacket can help them calm down when you are away. This is a new thing that operates on the principle that if you apply pressure to the dog’s torso, it has a calming effect. They’re available online. I do hope this can help with your pet this wonderful year 2024 and beyond. Peace! Eamonn Ofoighil View more of Eamonn's artwork on Instagram @dj_chirish734

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL NEWS JANUARY 12, 2024 Did the City of Ann Arbor renege on its affordable housing promise? In the 2020 general election, Ann Arbor passed Proposal C with nearly 73% of voters in favor of what was considered to be “the most significant expansion of affordable housing in the region in over 40 years,” according to the City of Ann Arbor website. Affordable housing has always been a touchy issue in Ann Arbor and many cities around the country. It certainly raises eyebrows when a former city attorney questions whether monies appropriated to supply more affordable housing to citizens who live below the median income are being used appropriately. Proposal C assured taxpayers that that monies generated from the 2020 millage would be used for building, maintaining and acquiring new affordable housing units which would be permanently affordable to low-income households making up to 60% of area median income, and providing social services, not to exceed 20% of the millage revenues over the entire term of the millage, for the residents of such housing. Yet, according to an MLive article which ran this past November, former city attorney Bruce Laidlaw filed a lawsuit against the City of Ann Arbor claiming that the city misappropriated the millage funds which were intended for affordable housing. In his lawsuit he accuses the city of playing “a political shell game” with taxpayer dollars. At a time when housing shortages LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 are at an all time high, especially for unhoused individuals who need to find permanent housing, one might question why any of the funds allocated for providing more space to those who are experiencing this crisis would not be used to their fullest. Yet, it appears as though the city has fallen short on its promise. This past September MLive ran an article announcing the city’s plans to renovate a new elections center and TV studio on Miller Rd. in order to ensure the integrity of elections. The decision was unanimous. $5.2 million of the overall project cost involving the former YMCA parking lot is coming from the affordable housing millage funds. Another $800,000 is coming from the sale of city property at 350 S. Fifth Avenue to the city’s Housing Commission. According to MLive, Laidlaw is questioning the legality of the city’s move to essentially sell the 350 Fifth Avenue property, formerly home to the YMCA, to the city housing commission, noting that the housing commission is part of the city government. (The empty parking lot has long been problematic, with the city failing to garner enough support for any of the proposed uses for it.) Housing Commission Executive Director Jennifer Hall made a convincing argument to the City for the commission to oversee the property, citing that over the past 20 years “ … the site has been at the center of legal battles with developers and political disagreements on council.” The city agreed and the eventual cost was set at $6.2 million with one million coming from stimulus funding. While this is underway, Hall revealed plans to progressively include other affordable housing units on the various other planned sites within the city over the next few years. There are nine properties owned by the City available for development including: 353 S. Main, 121 Catherine, 404 S. Ashley, 721 N. Main, 309 S. Ashley, 350 S. Fifth Ave., 415 W. Washington, 1510 E. Stadium, and 2000 South Industrial. While this sounds promising, it seems doubtful that in coming years the city government will use all of its available funding resources to implement this or other plans for affordable housing. If this past year is any indication, it seems that the future funding of affordable housing under the auspices of city government is destined to shrink as the city becomes infatuated with other projects and is further distracted from the housing crisis and the need for affordable housing. GROUNDCOVER NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION Interested in volunteering with Groundcover News? Join us for a public volunteer meeting on January 19, 5:00 p.m. to learn more! As a volunteer, you can help contribute to the paper via writing or editing; attending and making food for article reviews; distributing papers to vendors; and more! We value our volunteers so much; come join our community! Friday, January 19, 2024, 5 p.m. Groundcover News office 423 S. 4th Avenue (basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ) We are football champions: Let's dance to the drum beat of victory! In the summer of 2023, I predicted the Michigan Wolverines, my favorite football team, would win the National College Football Championship. I was not the only person who made this prediction. Many other Michigan football fans hopeful like myself wished to see our Wolverines take it to another level. The Michigan Wolverines took it to the next level by defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide in the semi-final playoff game 27-20, and then played the Washington Huskies for the College Football Championship on January 8. WE DID IT!!!!! The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13, and are now NCAA College Football Champions. Go Blue!!! 10-7 Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Wild Card Game this Sunday at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions have made a comMIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 On a related topic, the Detroit Lions are back in the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2016, and clinched the NFC North for the first time in team history. The Lions will host former quarterback Matthew Stafford and the plete turn around under the leadership of Dan Campbell since he assumed the role of head coach 2021. The 1991 season was the last time the Lions won a NFL Playoff game and that was the only time since 1957 in which the Lions won a playoff game. The Lions finish this year's season 12-5 after defeating the Minnesota Vikings 30-20. I am going to put it on the line, the Detroit Lions are going to take it to the next level and win the conference championship and make their first appearance in the Super Bowl. U-M football fans no longer have to party like its 1997 — they can party like its 2024! JANUARY 12, 2024 HOUSING HOUSED: On being your own advocate and the fight to find a place LINDSAY CALKA Publisher For this edition of HOUSED, Groundcover News talked with Glen Page, Groundcover vendor No. 407, and discussed the challenging process of finding an apartment after being pulled for a Housing Choice Voucher, often know as Section 8. LC: Tell us about your journey to housing. GP: I had to make myself marketable so I was “user-friendly” when I filled out an application. I found a couple of jobs and stayed into that. I had to stay busy and maintain my situation. I worked at FedUp Ministries and Groundcover News and did odd jobs running errands for people. There were Beal Properties, McKinley Properties and smaller landlords. They always told me “if you start doing ‘this,’ than we can do ‘that.’” They want you to make three times the rent, or have a cosigner. RPI [an agent for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority who manages Housing Choice Vouchers] is dysfunctional; they moved offices three times on my watch and I had to chase them down each time in order to get my voucher. Being pushy helped me out. There is a great lack of communication in the system. Delonis is dysfunctional, too. When my caseworker left Delonis, everything slowed down. He was the only one really honest with me. I didn’t really have any help after that. Besides a handful of people, there’s no one really qualified to advocate for us to find housing. You have to know your shit, and not many people do. [Delonis is] already short-staffed. People are leaving to work at Avalon Housing, or just straight up leaving. It’s spookier than it used to be. Really, it took three tries. My first opportunity was at Courtyard Square. The front desk manager at the time made my life hell. There was no way I was going to come off the streets and live under her. I wasn’t scared to keep looking though. I knew I was looking for my house. The second opportunity was Aspen Chase. The third was where I’m at now, Huron Heights. What was the biggest barrier that you faced in obtaining housing? Knowing that there wasn’t help. I had to be my own advocate and find my own place. It took me nine months. I had to fight for that. Housing is a human right. A lot of kids, and even grownups, don’t realize that. We don’t need cats coming in here [Delonis] just looking for a paycheck. What is an unexpected positive thing that most people don’t think about when becoming housed? Just relaxing again. I’m so used to getting up, running out the door, to get where I’m at now. To get a job, find a place. Also, personalizing everything in the place just like how I do my clothes. My room is set up like a dojo and I make little movie nights by the window with my backyard and projector. But I’m still making it really feel like home. What is an unexpected struggle GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 that most people don’t think about when becoming housed? Wrapping my mind around the fact that I’m actually in my place. I’m still waking up swinging. Additionally, I want to help my friends get on their feet but I don’t want to jeopardize losing my apartment. It’s really hard to just sit down and let this happen to other people. I have a lot of family down here, but growing up, I couldn’t ask for help from any of them, so I had to make my own way. Thankfully I ran into a lot of people like me. People who did want to help. What pieces of advice would you give to people who are experiencing homelessness? Don’t trust anybody, anything. Ask questions and when people seem like they are avoiding answers, ask for their boss. And try not to screw it up for other people. What’s next for you? I want to go to school, and keep up with selling Groundcover. I’ve been asked to be President of Circling Back Peer Support Network. That’s an affirmation of my work ethic. I landed in the right place, with the right people around me. Any place called home is enchanted Everybody who has a home has an enchanted cottage. It is a blessing to have a home. When you have a home it is good for your health. A home is a place you can totally be yourself in. When you have your own home, you can rest and work. When you have your own home you can play when you want and have fun when you want, too. You can decorate your home and have it look the way you want. A home is very beautiful, no matter what it is, no matter where it is. A home gives you shelter from bad DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 weather. A home gives you shelter from wild animals that could attack you. No matter if you live in a hotel room or a rooming house or an apartment or house of your own, it is always good to have somewhere to live. You can also have get-togethers with family and friends when you have a place to be. You can cook lunches and dinners for company when you have a place to be. You can watch things on TV and dream when you have a place to be. You can have a comfortable place to talk to Jesus when you have a place to be. You can make your enchanted cottage however you want it when you’re the only one who lives there. People who share a place, that’s an enchanted cottage too — it just takes more compromise and consideration when you share a place. Any place to be is an enchanted cottage. Any place someone calls a home is an enchanted cottage as long as comfortable. someone is

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WINTER SAFETY JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor As winter's icy grip tightens, the looming threat of frostbite becomes an undeniable concern for those exposed to extreme cold. This cold-weather menace, where skin and underlying tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures, demands a keen awareness of its dangers and a proactive approach to prevention. Dangers of Frostbite: The repercussions of frostbite can be severe, ranging from tissue damage and infection risk to nerve damage and, in extreme cases, amputation. Extended exposure to cold triggers blood vessels to constrict, diminishing blood flow to extremities and causing harm to the skin, muscles, and even bones. Signs of Frostbite: Recognizing the early stages of frostbite mean that it can be caught in time for treatment to be effective. These early stages present with patches of reddish skin and burning pain, progressing to cold, numb, white or grayish skin that feels stiff or looks waxy. Expert Insights and Prevention Measures: Dr. Sarah Coleman, Chief Medical Officer at the Cold Weather Research Institute, highlights the gravity of frostbite's dangers and offers proactive prevention measures. From our exclusive interview, "Frostbite is dangerous due to its potential for irreversible damage to the skin and underlying tissues. Constricted blood vessels reduce blood flow and oxygen, leading to severe complications and, in extreme cases, amputation," warns Dr. Coleman. To preempt the risks, Dr. Coleman advises individuals to prioritize dressing in layers, ensuring thorough coverage of extremities. Opting for mittens over gloves and investing in insulated footwear are key to superior heat retention. Staying dry is crucial, as wet clothing elevates the risk of frostbite. Dr. Coleman also emphasizes taking breaks indoors to counteract exposure to extreme cold and wind, if possible. Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. Coleman dispels the notion that frostbite only occurs in extremely low temperatures. Wind chill, she emphasizes, plays a significant role, stripping away the body's protective heat layer and making it feel colder than the actual temperature. Early detection, Dr. Coleman stresses, is pivotal. Numbness, tingling and changes in skin color are early warning signs. Immediate action, such see FROSTBITE page 11  Stages of frostbite. Coyne Survival Schools. JANUARY 12, 2024 Battling the chill: navigating the perils of frostbite JANUARY 12, 2024 MAKING CHANGE Turning Houses2Homes SUHITA CHINTALACHARUVU U-M student contributor Six years ago, a small group of service-driven individuals and friends worked together to furnish a home for a single mother and her children. In 2017, they took that experience and turned it into a community-wide nonprofit organization. HouseN2Home is their name and furnishing homes for the homeless is their game. Their motto absolutely embodies what their mission is: “creating a space for people to thrive.” HouseN2Home operates mainly in the southeast Michigan region, with their office in Ypsilanti. Their workers are primarily volunteers, and they have grown in the past six years to over 100 volunteers. They have many community partners, such as United Way of Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation and Trinity Health. The organization targets people in the area who are moving out of homeless shelters and into rental housing. However, each homeless individual’s situation varies greatly, and the organization does their best to match everyone’s unique needs. Their process for furnishing homes is very in-depth and thorough. It begins when a caseworker from a local shelter finds a family that has housing and needs help with the move. HouseN2Home workers then meet with the family and assess their new home and their needs. They obtain all the necessary furniture and household goods, and remarkably, most of the items are donated. On the big move-in day, volunteers load up the furniture, move it to the new home, and arrange it to make the house feel like a home. Amazingly, with this process, they have completely furnished over 925 homes since 2017 for individuals and their families in Washtenaw County. Clearly, they have had a huge positive impact on the community! On their website, you can see the evidence of this impact in the last two years. In 2022, they performed 290 moves, which was a 30% increase from 2021, and they furnished over 500 moves in the past two years alone. Out of those clients, they served 199 children, crafting safe and stable home environments for these kids. In 2022, they contributed 16,000 volunteer hours, showing the importance and value of volunteers for this organization. They also added many new community partners, including the University of Michigan’s Office of Sustainability. A non-profit like HouseN2Home requires lots of support, and there are so many ways members of the community can get involved. The main way to participate is through volunteering. There are several different opportunities for volunteers such as refurbishing donations, cooking meals for clients or assisting on move-in days. HouseN2Home is an equal opportunity nonprofit organization, so any volunteer will feel welcomed and valued! Another great way to participate is by donating gently used furniture for the organization to use in the furnishing of new homes. Finally, contributors can also sponsor a move, which typically costs around $600, or also just donate to the organization to reduce the costs of each move. HouseN2Home provides such a great service to the community. They truly go above and beyond in their work, even providing families with items like toys, books and decorations to really make their clients’ new houses feel like homes. I would highly recommend checking out this amazing organization and helping them serve the community because it’s clear how much they value each of their clients and how big of a difference they have made in Michigan! Check out their website to coordinate donations and get involved: www.housen2home.org/ GROUNDCOVER NEWS Lansing’s “Fretail” Store is a good idea for Ann Arbor JANE ATKINS U-M student contributor Cardboard Prophets’ Fretail Store in the Lansing Mall looks just like a normal retail store: display racks, mannequin, and tags on each item. The twist? Everything is free. The “dignity tags” contain Cardboard Prophets’ phone number on the barcode and an inspirational message rather than a price. Cardboard Prophets is an outreach organization founded by Mike Karl, aiming to involve the community in real change for people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness in the Lansing area. The store is an innovative, direct response to the needs of homeless and low-income people in Lansing, and Ann Arbor should consider how its unique approach could benefit our community. The Fretail Store started as a diaper bank with no storefront. They were offered a space in the Lansing Mall to operate in, and Karl knew it could be used for more. It has grown exponentially since it opened in 2020. It has been a hub for thousands of Michigan families and individuals to shop with dignity and receive the items they need to maintain a good quality of life. The store has clothes, food, furniture and much more. In the past, the Fretail Store gave out 200,000 cans of formula to families all over Michigan during the formula shortage. Families from all over Michigan traveled to the Fretail store to get formula for their children. During Christmas time, the entire storefront transformed into a toy store, which helped 2,200 families get Christmas gifts. Karl said they are looking to double that this year as the holidays are approaching. The Fretail Store has had such a positive impact on the Lansing community that it comes as no surprise that people from across the state and the country are contacting Cardboard Prophets looking to replicate see FRETAIL page 11  7 CONTENT correction In the Dec. 15, 2023 edition of the Groundcover News, the words of a Jewish prayer were incorrect. The corrected version: "If the desire to honor the memory of your loved one impels you to do a mitzvah you otherwise would not have done, learn something you otherwise would not have learned or go higher and farther than ever before then the soul of the deceased lives on in you." Cultural appropriation was never intended. In the Oct. 20 GCN edition, Morgan Battle, one of the previous directors of The Breakfast at St. Andrew's, was omitted.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MLK DAY JANUARY 12, 2024 Remembering Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. visit to Ann Arbor and Detroit Dr. King came to Ann Arbor in the fall of 1962. Brian A. Williams of the University of Michigan’s Bentley Historical Library wrote that “King spoke on a cool fall day.” Williams also noted, “No recordings of King’s lectures are known to exist and newspaper coverage is scant at best.” In her January 16, 2023 article titled, “In Pictures: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visits Ann Arbor,” Meredith Bruckner of the Ann Arbor News confirmed Williams’ assertion and added, “Although no copies of his speeches exist, according to school records, King told U-M students, ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish as fools.’” It is fair to say that the coverage of Dr. King’s visit to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was inadequate for a transformative national civil rights leader. Bentley Historical Library Archivist, Ms. Karen Lee Jania, told the Michigan Daily newspaper that “there was little press coverage of King’s visit and details about his lecture were sparse.” Perspectives on Dr. King’s Visit to U-M Campus As the U-M’s Office of the President continues to support the new campus-wide initiative known as “The Inclusive History Project,” there is public interest in learning more about important events which have shaped the Michigan experience. In 2014, Michigan Radio’s Mark Brush reported on, “Martin Luther King Jr.’s forgotten visit to the University of Michigan’s Campus.” He mentioned what former U-M President, James Duderstadt told one Michigan Daily reporter, Haley Goldberg, in 2012. Duderstadt said, “There apparently was a controversy because in his speech, King suggested the importance of civil disobedience, and I guess a couple of the University regents raised concern about that.” He continued, “It was almost 50 years ago, and it was a time when Martin Luther King was a pretty controversial person. The FBI was tracking him and so forth.” A few weeks before Dr. King arrived on the Ann Arbor Campus, University President Harlan Hatcher admonished the students to obey the law and avoid holding large-scale demonstrations and rallies outside the Michigan campus. As the Bentley Historical Library noted, “King was on campus as the leader of the SouthernChristian Leadership Conference and was advocating student civil disobedience — something that the leaders of the University at the time were likely weary of.” and Alan Haber were on the tentative program list. U-M President Harlan Hatcher and his three vice presidents were also on the tentative list to lunch with Dr. King. Student reporters for the Michigan WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 The University of Michigan Office of Religious Affairs invited King to their annual religious lecture on November 5, 1962. They also invited University of Chicago Theology professor Preston Roberts and Northwestern University Philosophy professor Paul Schllpp. The Office of Religious Affairs asked other groups on campus to co-sponsor King’s visit; the U-M Office of Special Projects became a co-sponsor. The Women’s International League, Challenge and Voice also supported the event. The Bentley Historical Library noted “that all three associated organizations were sympathetic to the causes espoused by King." The Voice campus political party was established in 1960 by Tom Hayden. The Voice also became a key chapter of the new campus organization known as Students for a Democratic Society. The Voice platform called for “eliminating inequality, especially economic, social and racial inequality.” Although the Voice supported the civil rights bill proposed by President Kennedy in 1962, they felt that it did not go far enough. The Voice also supported what John Lewis’ Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee was trying to accomplish in the segregated South. The Challenge was a student organization established in 1960 in order to bring prominent national figures on campus to help discuss problems and issues of national importance. It originated at Yale University and spread to other campuses, including Michigan. The U-M student organizers who co-sponsored King’s visit were able to include the names of 23 faculty faculty sponsors. They included Robert C. Angell, Kenneth Boulding, Angus Campbell, William Haber, E. Lowell Kelly, Theodore Newcomb and Alan F. Smith. Planners of King’s visit wanted him to give a lecture in the morning, and another lecture in the evening. Invitations were made to 50 to 60 people, including student organizers, to join King for a luncheon at the Michigan Union. Voice Members Tom Hayden Daily — Majorie Brahms and Martha MacNeal — said that King framed his lecture and discussion by stating that every man is “heir to a legacy of dignity and worthiness,” and that man’s essential rights do not originate from the State, but rather are established by God. King touched upon integration and the immoral nature of racial discrimination. He expanded on that theme, pointing out that the American dream cannot be separated from the world dream of brotherhood. King told his audience at the Hill Auditorium that, “We must learn to live together as brothers or we will die together as fools.” The Bentley Historical Library mentioned that King condemned the concept which stated that one race is superior to another as outdated, and called for its abolition. The Historical Library also said the portion of King’s lecture which he directed specifically to students urged them to take action and join the growing student movement. Apparently, he had been briefed about the recent State of the University address given by President Hatcher in which Hatcher had encouraged students to limit their involvement in student movements and to restrict their activities to the campus. King sharply disagreed, telling students that they "have a responsibility to participate in the movement." He went on to tell them that to him, education meant "being true to studies yet devoting oneself to a significant cause like integration.” Dr. King inspired so many students who heard his lectures and/or talked with him on November 5, 1962. One such student became Dr. Larry Brilliant. In his 2013 commencement speech at the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr. Brilliant gave credit to Dr. King for “inspiring him to his life’s work, which included eradicating the world of smallpox and working for global sustainability.” Unfortunately, King did not agree to a second visit despite repeated attempts to bring him back to the Ann Arbor campus. We are grateful that he visited Ann Arbor during the heyday of the civil rights movement. He brought his perspectives on the concepts and techniques of citizen participation, humanity, moral compass, civil rights and of course, David Thoreau’s ideas of civil disobedience for peace and justice. Dr. King’s Visit to Detroit Detroit was a paradox in the early 1960s. It was the fourth largest city in the nation and the population was close to 2 million. There was extreme poverty alongside middle-class prosperity. Dr. King was invited by the Detroit Council for Human Right to participate in a civil rights march on the streets and a rally at Cobo Arena. What Dr. King called the “greatest demonstration for freedom” happened on June 23, 1963. More than 125,000 people walked down Woodward Avenue in Detroit as part of the Detroit Walk to Freedom. They also held a big rally inside and outside the Cobo Arena after the street March. They were marching in Detroit to promote civil rights. Writer Ken Coleman of the Michigan Advance newspaper noted that the idea behind the rally was “to highlight social inequities in the Motor City which included housing discrimination, poor police-community relations and lack of economic opportunities for Blacks and other people of color.” Participants who joined Dr. King in the street march and Cobo Arena rally were thousands of ordinary folks. Other influential people included Reverend C.L. Franklin, the father of famous singer, Aretha Franklin. Rev. Franklin was also the Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church. There were other clergymen, such as Pastor Albert Cleage of Central Congregational Church; and Rev. Nicholas Hood, Pastor of Plymouth United Church of Christ. Former Michigan Governor John Swainson, Detroit Mayor James Cavanaugh, UAW President Walter Reuthers and many more community leaders participated in the march. Michigan Advance noted that during the June 23, 1963 event at Cobo Arena, King delivered a precursor to the “I Have A Dream” speech which he gave in frontof the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. In King’s Detroit speech, he said: “Almost hundred and one years ago, on September the 22, 1862, to be exact, a great and noble American, Abraham Lincoln, signed an executive order, which was to take effect on January the first, 1863. This executive order was called the Emancipation Proclamation and it served to free the Negro from the bondage of physical slavery. But one hundred years later, the Negro in the United States of America still isn’t free.” The Detroit Walk to Freedom and the Cobo Arena speech by Dr. King gave much needed impetus to the “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington D.C. Subsequently, the Detroit and see MLK VISITS next page  JANUARY 12, 2024 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website.  MLK VISITS from last page Washington D.C. events contributed to the passage of the civil rights legislation of 1964 and the voting rights legislation of 1965. Many observers think that Dr. King’s visit to Detroit energized and empowered poor Blacks to fight for their rights. From the perspectives of some journalists and community observers, Dr. King’s visit gave rise to the harnessing of Black excellence in music, entertainment, art, science and scholarship. For example, Motown Founder and CEO Berry Gordy recorded Dr. King’s Cobo Arena speech. It is titled, “The Greatest Demonstration for Freedom.” Gordy also recorded Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech in Washington, D.C. In a January 17, 2011 article titled, “Martin Luther King and the Great March for Freedom in Detroit," Michigan in Pictures magazine included some of King’s speech in Detroit, described as Detroit’s version of “I Have a Dream Speech.” King spoke eloquently when he said, “I have a dream this afternoon that my four little children, that my four little children will not come up in the same young days I came up within, but they will be judged on the basis of the content of their characters, not the color of their skin … I have a dream this afternoon that one day right here in Detroit, Negroes will be able to buy a house or rent a house anywhere that their money will carry them and they will be able to get a job.” Conclusion Dr. King’s visit to the U-M campus in Ann Arbor and his visit to Detroit revealed a clear contrast in media coverage and important historical documents. Although many U-M students were thrilled to see Dr. King, some of university leaders saw him as too controversial to share his viewpoints with the campus community. King’s Detroit visit seemed like a huge celebration of common purpose and the prospects of gaining more freedom, more civil rights, equality and racial justice. Black insitutions and social movements were established in the years to come. However, they were not enough. “The more things change, the more they remain the same” is a popular saying of particular relevance to the poor, the homeless and the disadvantaged folks of both Ann Arbor and Detroit.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MLK DAY Roll me up and smoke me when I die This song from Willie Nelson has been in my mind since Christmas with my Michigan family when we watched the star-studded 90th birthday party for Willie. His love of music and mastery of the country genre has made him beloved for many people of America. It would take some time to listen to all the duets he has recorded with a wide range of talents. His album “Red Headed Stranger” was my best friend during a big heartbreak episode in my life. When I heard Willie and friends at his 90th year, I reflected on what I want to do before I die. “Seeds for Cuba” came to mind. It is the next step as I follow through on things I started in the 1990s. Villa Internacional is a bilingual proposal I made in Cuba for an ecovillage. We did build two houses where I have a room waiting for me whenever I am there. We also have an extended family at La Finca Esperanza, a small farm in our neighborhood. They have a moringa tree, one of the superfoods of our day. The war on Cuba includes stiff sanctions which create serious austerity; the government cannot support the free seeds they once did. I have a list of seeds that I want to share with the Ann Arbor Seed Company and see if they can supply for me. I will send or take KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 whatever seeds possible to Cuba. I plan to go back in March this year. We will probably build a small house with a greenhouse on the south side. There is talk of similar demonstration projects in southeast Michigan and Brazil where people and land may work together growing whatever is nutritious and healthy with a focus on making key plants available. I hope many of us learn to grow crops such as chia until they are commonly available for everyone. Delicious recipes will follow. We will learn to promote a healthy intestinal microbiome as the center of good health. If we are timely in this work we will benefit with healthy aging for whoever is ready. I hope we work together in 2024 and make progress as we learn more about who we are as human beings and tap into our potential. An understanding of the commons is helpful. Martin Luther King Day on January 15 at Liberty Plaza will be a good event to share our aspirations and practical work. Go to annarborcommunitycommons.org. I will be working with Alan Haber and join in the open mic at Liberty Plaza. May 2024 be a year of blessings as we work together for the common good. Our ancestors want to help us. May we honor all those who go up in smoke and join the ancestors, may they be reborn in a Pure Land. The struggle continues. JANUARY 12, 2024 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS JANUARY 12, 2024 THINK ABOUT IT Equal Rights Ammendment Revival SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor In the 1970s, the Equal Rights Amendment was well on its way to being ratified by the states when self-appointed spokesman for women, Phyllis Schlafly, led a movement to derail ERA ratification. Some states already had a bias against the ERA and that reinforced their bias. By the artificial deadline imposed by Congress, 1982, only 34 states had ratified it, four short of the 38 needed. We are in a new era now and the time has come to get the ERA back on track. On December 15, 1791 the Bill of Rights was ratified by the states. Without the Bill of Rights the U.S. Constitution would have never become the “Law of the Land.” James Madison was tasked with making a Bill of Rights. Madison did not believe they were necessary, but as he was composing them, he reasoned that their purpose would be to instruct the American people about their government. As of now, 38 states have ratified the ERA, including four since the deadline passed. (Even imposing that deadline is open to legal challenge.) There is still uncertainty because some states have rescinded their ratifications. But in 2023, representatives started the Congressional Caucus for the Equal Rights Amendment. They should follow through to make the ERA the 28th Amendment — the Law of the Land. In the American Civil War (1861-65) the Union Army conquered the Confederate States of America but the slaves did not become freemen until the 13th Amendment was ratified on December 6, 1865, abolishing slavery in the United States. In the same way, women have come a long way toward achieving equality with men but they will still be subordinate to men until the ERA becomes law. Then we can finally realize the truths of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”  FROSTBITE from page 6 as moving to a warmer environment, removing wet clothing, and gradually warming the affected area, is crucial. Seeking medical attention promptly is imperative if symptoms progress. First-Aid Steps: When faced with frostbite, taking immediate first-aid steps can make a significant difference: 1. Check for Hypothermia: a. Look for signs such as intense shivering, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands and slurred speech. b. Seek emergency medical help if hypothermia is suspected. 2. Protect the Skin: a. Avoid thawing affected areas if there's a chance they might freeze again. b. If already thawed, wrap them to prevent refreezing. 3. Warm Frostbitten Areas: a. For hands, tuck them into armpits; for the face, nose or ears, cover with dry, gloved hands. b. Do not rub affected skin with snow or any other substance. c. Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. 4. Get Out of the Cold: a. Move to a warm space. b. Remove wet clothes and wrap up in a warm blanket. 5. Gently Rewarm Frostbitten Areas: a. Soak affected areas in warm (not hot) water (105 to 110 F or 40 to 43 C) for 20 to 30 minutes. b. Test water with an uninjured hand or elbow. c. Do not use direct heat sources like stoves, heat lamps, fireplaces or heating pads. 6. Stay Hydrated: a. Drink warm liquids like tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup to help warm from the inside. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 b. Avoid alcohol. 7. Consider Pain Medicine: a. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be considered if in pain. 8. Expectations as Skin Thaws: a. Tingling and burning may occur as the skin warms and normal blood flow returns. b. Avoid breaking any blisters; seek medical help for more severe cases. As winter lingers, the insights from Dr. Coleman and practical guidance collectively provide a comprehensive approach for individuals to fortify themselves against the threat of frostbite. Incorporating these expert recommendations into winter routines enables people to enjoy the season while prioritizing their health and well-being, successfully navigating the perils of frostbite. In a poignant testament to the harsh realities of winter, Jake Thompson, a homeless resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, shared his experience in an interview battling frostbite during the bitter cold nights. "Sometimes, the cold bites harder than life itself. I felt the burning pain and saw my fingers turning numb and white. It was like I was losing a part of myself out there on those freezing streets," Thompson recounted. His struggle with frostbite in the unforgiving cold of Ann Arbor mirrors the stark warnings provided by experts like Dr. Coleman. Thompson's story serves as a reminder that the impact of frostbite extends beyond the medical realm, reaching individuals facing homelessness who are particularly vulnerable during the winter months. As we heed the advice of experts to protect ourselves against frostbite's peril, let us also extend our awareness and compassion to those grappling with the bitter cold on the streets, where the battle against the chill is a daily struggle for survival.  FRETAIL from page 7 the Fretail model. Mike Karl embraces this. “We want other organizations to try and open something special like this,” Karl said in an interview with Groundcover. Implementing something like the Fretail Store in other places not only benefits those who need it but it also brings communities together by involving more citizens in community action. “People can get discouraged with non-profits because they cannot see where they are going to go, they cannot see how they help people, and they cannot see how they change lives,” says Karl, “When a community gets an opportunity to see a nonprofit put their money where their mouth is, that actually gives away your items, it’s beautiful to watch. It would be a blessing to any community to do this.” Bringing something like the Fretail Store to Ann Arbor could have very positive effects on the community. Being a college town, University of Michigan students make up a notable part of the Ann Arbor community. When the winter semester is over, thousands of students abandon items they do not want to take home in the basement of their dorm or out in the street. This could be a chance for University of Michigan students and make a real contribution to Ann Arbor by donating them instead. Having a Fretail store here could encourage more direct involvement overall, address the needs of our own homeless and low-income residents, and create a more connected Ann Arbor community.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Salted maple caramel sauce ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor You will need a candy thermometer! Ingriedients: 1 cup real maple syrup 2 tbsp butter 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 tsp sea salt Directions: Put the maple syrup into a medium saucepan with a heavy bottom. Fit the pan with a "clip on" candy thermometer. You'll need a pan tall enough to allow the maple syrup to foam up as it boils. The heavy bottom helps prevent scorching. Bring the syrup to a boil over high heat and boil until it reaches 225F230F, this is just under the softball stage. Remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until it melts. Add the cream and salt and mix in gently. Note: the mixture will be very hot. Do not stir too much, just enough to blend the butter and cream. Too much stirring can cause the mixture to crystallize. Pour into a heat safe jar and let cool before refrigerating. It will thicken as it cools, and will thicken further in the refrigerator. JANUARY 12, 2024

2 $ JANUARY 26, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 3 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. "Go where?" Camps evicted on private and public land during winter storm. page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: HOSEA HILL PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. VENDOR APPRECIATION WEEK February 2-9, 2024 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER GROUNDCOVER STAFF Selling Groundcover is legitimate work, but moreso it is a service to our community. Each day, Groundcover vendors work hard in all kinds of weather to deliver news and solutions from the ground up and maybe a smile or laugh along the way. This is why each year at the beginning of February we celebrate Vendor Appreciation Week to go out of our way to show our vendors how much they mean to us, and the community. There are many ways to get involved with this year's Vendor Appreciation Week festivities. 1. Kick off the week by having some fun with us at the Groundcover Live Happy Hour on Friday, February 2, from 6:30-9 p.m. More details listed on page 12. 2. Bring a treat, snack or hot beverages during office hours for vendors to enjoy while buying papers (Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 3. Bring your vendor a hot chocolate, cup of coffee or pack of hand warmers if you see them selling. It's cold out there! 4. Tip your vendor when buying a copy of Groundcover News. 5. Catch up on back issues from last year by listening to Groundcover Speaks during your commute, exercise or downtime. You'll hear the wise words of Groundcover writers, read in their own voices! 6. Purchase a copy of our Vendor Voices 2023 Magazine, where you can read the unique and powerful stories of 15 Groundcover vendors. 7. Take a photo with your vendor or your copy of Groundcover News and share on social media. Tag us! @ groundcovernews on Instagram and @ groundcover on Facebook. We will be reposting all week. 8. Tell your Groundcover vendor how much you appreciate them and their steady presence in the community. 9. Talk to your friends and family about how selling Groundcover is legitimate work that changes lives. And post about it to start important conversations on social media! 10. Publicly show support for Groundcover News vendors by buying and displaying a sign on your front lawn or in the window of your home or JANUARY 26, 2024 february 2-9, 2024 VENDOR APPRECIATION WEEK business! Signs are $30 and can be pre-ordered by making a $30 donation on the Groundcover News website via PayPal. Signs can be picked up at the Groundcover News office during office hours. They are yellow and black and come with a metal post. (See image pictured below.) THANK YOU GROUNDCOVER VENDORS! I BUY AND READ GROUNDCOVER NEWS. PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Jocelin Boyd Roberto Isla Caballero Jim Clark Cindy Gere Mike Jones Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Glen Page Ken Parks Philip Spink Shawn Swoffer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Emily Paras Liem Swanson Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JANUARY 26, 2024 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Being a vendor Being a vendor selling GroundSHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 cover News can be easy sometimes and hard sometimes. It’s rewarding that you are making a difference in your life and the lives of others similar to yourself. It’s really teaching others what the homeless life is like, as well as giving people like me a way to earn income and someday not be homeless. Although there's no promise that being a vendor alone will end homelessness, through effort and hard work you can leave the streets. You can have regular customers who look for you and only buy from you. Also, it makes me proud to earn every dollar. I even came up with a selling speech. I work very hard, never staying on one corner or block. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Hosea Hill, Groundcover vendor No. 532 In one sentence, who are you? Productive and fun guy who has faith and walks with God’s plan. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Main and Liberty area in Ann Arbor or downtown and Depot Town in Ypsilanti. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? Although I like going to football games at the Big House, eating at Detroit Pizza Pub, and shopping at Unique T-Shirt Shop, my favorite spot is my apartment. What words do you live by? Keep your nose clean. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? My shoe size is 9.5. What motivates you to work selling Groundcover News? The social side and of course the money! What is the best or worst thing about selling Groundcover? Worst is freezing weather. What was your first job? I remember being five years old, working for my Grandpa at his Subway in Detroit on the west side; but legally my first job was McDonald’s. What are your hobbies? These are growing and changing. For example, I want to go ice skating. But my go-to has always been playing some hoops! Just saying hi Hi, I’m Glen vendor number 407. I’m the quiet friendly guy on the corner in front of Fleet Feet and Cinnaholic, or sometimes in front of the Ypsi Food Coop. For the most part folks are quiet, constantly polite and neighborly to me everytime I show up. This is my way of saying “Hi” and "thanks" in a way that I can cover everyone at the same time. I’m letting my newspaper sell itself. Hey, y'all! What’s up!? It's very impolite to walk up and not say something or ignore someone who has greeted you. I can remember when that sort of thing was unheard of! Anyway, my point is this: I don't panhandle! I sell the Groundcover News newspaper and magazine. I’m not trying to give you, my customers, a bunch of lies and B.S. No magic tricks, no aggressive panhandling, no guilt trips. Whether I have that behavior in anyone else on or near or around my post anytime. You see, coming to work the way I do, I don’t support any of the lies or stories. I just be myself. No fronts, no masks, no smoke, no mirrors! I will never approach anyone with GLEN PAGE Groundcover vendor No. 407 my vest on or not, my job is to stand out for just saying “hi” and selling just Groundcover News. Always being polite, always smiling. So, hey, what’s up!? How you doing? It’s all organic, simple and plain remembering of the rules. I will never come to a post high or drunk. I will never behave loudly or rudely. I will never be seen or caught doing anything illegal or supporting aggressive body language, intimidation or any disrespectful tones of any kind, at any time. Service with a genuine smile, always. I promise. If I’m having a bad day I will quit for the day, rather than take people through my personal whatevers. And that right there is what I call the “Glen Page No B.S. Policy.” With that being said, I think we got the ground completely covered. Remember my name: Glen Page Groundcover vendor No. 407. And feel free to ask, “Hi, how are you, Glen” — or better yet, my nickname, “Mr. Grundy!” What do we do now? Vote for West! A vote is earned, not given! As of now, President Joe Biden has potentially lost millions of votes in the upcoming election in November. His support and backing of Israel leave millions of Americans with no other option but independent candidate Professor Cornel West. Who is Cornel West? Dr. Cornel West is running for truth and justice as President of the United States in 2024. Dr. West was born on June 2, 1953, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in Sacramento, Calif., where he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School. His mother, Irene Rayshell (Bias), was a teacher and principal. His father, Clilfton Louis West Jr., was a general contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense. “Democracy Matters” and his memoir, “Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud.” In the academic world, Dr. West is MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 West received his bachelor’s degree in Eastern Languages and Civilization from Harvard, then attended Princeton where he earned his Masters and Doctorate degrees in Philosophy. He is best known for his classic writings, “Race Matters,” and simply a rock star. Well-known for oratory skills, he is an outspoken voice in left-wing politics in the United States. He has held professorships at Harvard University, Yale University, Union Theological Seminary, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, Pepperdine University and the University of Paris. Dr. West announced his presidential campaign on June 5, 2023 as a People’s Party candidate, via Twitter (X) where he called for “truth and justice” and pledged to use the presidency to accomplish that.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SHELTER JANUARY 26, 2024 Ann Arbor District Library shuts its doors on the unhoused prior to the MLK holiday Far from closing its doors during the first storm of the season, one would have expected the Ann Arbor District Library to offer a respite, a warming center for those at risk of being exposed to the elements during the threatening weather. Instead, it displayed glaring unconcern and seemed oblivious to the crisis of the unhoused. Closing its doors during this critical time serves as a statement shedding light on the library's stance and role in the homeless crisis. While the library is not the only location that could have opened its doors, it is significant because, like many libraries across the country, it serves as an unofficial day center for those without housing. Without a doubt, libraries are on the frontlines of the unhoused. How they respond to their role varies. American Library Association president Lessa Kananiopua Pelayo-Ozado reminds us, “… library services and facilities are for everyone, the housed and unhoused ...” Without question, the unhoused person has come to rely on the libraries to escape the elements during the day safely. Official or not, it is a day center. So when the Ann Arbor District Library announced that it would close its doors where he would wait out the impending storm. It bore an eerie juxtaposition to the enlarged snapshot of Dr. King’s image hanging inside a library stairwell. In the Lego-created image donated LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 early at 3 p.m. on the day of the season’s first storm, it felt like a hoax. The decision resulted in many unhoused people being left on the street searching for a place to be, walking through the thick drops of falling snow during the intervening hours before the night warming center would open its doors at 5:30 p.m. Most could not use restaurants; purchasing food requires money that most unhoused individuals lack. Some people sat inside Starbucks where the water was free. But perhaps the most jarring image was of a man sitting just outside the locked doors of Ann Arbor District Library, legs outstretched, back serenely resting on a library column to the library by Eastern Michigan University biology professor Aaron Liepman, Dr. King is forever frozen in time, arms interlocked with other justice warriors in a perpetual march towards justice and freedom. It offers library-goers hope and a glimpse of history as they climb the library stairs between the first and second floors. The library website says that Liepman used over 16,000 handpainted Lego bricks to create the 90 x 40 image, inspired by a photo of the Selma to Montgomery March. It reveals how quickly one crisis is supplanted with another and how the dynamic of racial injustice is far from being the only fight of our times. It shows the timeless nature of persistence and that the struggle for humanitarian rights is as present in this generation as ever. The symbolism is also a powerful reminder that the march for freedom is not stagnant and that the spirit of Dr. King's fight to ensure freedom for all is eternal. However, the library closing during the winter storm cast a shadow over the planned events for the holiday celebrating Dr. King's legacy. While the scheduled events for MLK Day still transpired, it was clear that the library was out of sync, even oblivious to the injustices facing the unhoused. There were two live streams at the library on that day. One, the retelling of the Selma to Montgomery march. Another was hosted by Veterans for Peace, where veterans considered what Dr. King’s view on militarism would be today. There were several suggested videos on Dr. King’s life. But the journey to freedom is much more than a set of perfectly planned events for a holiday. Nor can it be confined to one time period and certainly not one set of people. It continues throughout the decades, challenging and overcoming all the injustices that seek to bind the human spirit. The Ann Arbor District Library may not be in step with the injustices of the unhoused, but like the image in its stairwell, Dr. King’s march towards freedom includes all people and will forever be in motion. “Go where?” Camps evicted on private and public land during winter storm Monday, January 8, a notice was stuck to Mikey’s tent. It read: “Important Notice: Your Property Manager/Landlord/Mortgage Company requested and was granted an ‘Order of Eviction’ by the District Court listed on the attached official order of eviction. Be advised that you and your possessions can be evicted (removed) from the rented/mortgaged space 24 hours after this posting/service…” 24 hours. 24 hours to relocate five campers, three dogs and all their belongings in the middle of winter and at the front end of a 10-day polar vortex. The added threat of a bulldozer coming early in the morning made the situation that much worse. Christie and Mooch were less than seven days away from moving into their housing. Krystal is still recovering from being hit by a car while biking not even 200 feet from this campsite in Ypsilanti. Mikey relocated his camp to a new area, but that was also tagged Public land gives no graces Friday, January 12, at a different camp — this time one that is located on Ypsilanti City property — a “No Trespassing” sign was erected. Five people arrived at Marie's tent (not her real name) to inform her she needed to move. “Nobody formally identified themLINDSAY CALKA Publisher midway through the move. Their camp was taken to court by property and business owner Joe Sesi. No matter how morally wrong the situation might seem, the campers were not granted permission to be there, and so the courts ordered their removal. Property rules. The bulldozers still haven't come; the only urgency was that Sesi wanted them gone. The property has been sitting vacant for 11 years. selves. It could have been people playing dress-up. It could have been anyone. A group of people just showed up at my tent door telling me I had to move; hours before the snowstorm hit,” Marie said. Two PATH [Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness] workers, one cop, and two city employees were there just to put up the sign. This was the first in-person contact Marie had with PATH since the first time she called HAWC in the last week of November. “Where were they when I needed them?” she wondered. “They came and said I was on City property and I needed to move the tent and that other people [neighbors] were also being asked to move. They asked see EVICTED page 11  "No Trespassing" signed erected at an encampment in Ypsilanti by City staff on January 12. JANUARY 26, 2024 SHELTER 911! Weather Amnesty at Purple House needs volunteers There is a difference between being “unhoused” and “homeless.” Not having a house means not having a reliable, safe overnight place to sleep; it means that you are unsheltered. But the definition of “home” goes beyond “house.” Home is “a place where one is a member of a family or household.” In other words, a family of blood or bond. Ergo, to be homeless means that you have nowhere to belong; no one waiting for you to be there with them, no one wondering where you are. Homeless shelters and similar programs are able to meet the human need for food and overnight shelter, although unfortunately they do not always offer “safety.” They are also not able to, nor even designed to, provide a place where someone feels important to someone else. Having that need met, the need to love and be loved, is essential to survive and be healthy. The brain’s reliance on positive healthy relationships for proper functioning is an (emerging) neuroscientific fact. People need to have more than a house, they need a proper home environment in order to flourish, not just food and shelter. Weather Amnesty at Purple House strives to provide that home, even if it is for just one night. Weather Amnesty offers a safe, warm, loving place for up to ten individuals to sleep. The program runs from December 15 to the end of March. Guests who need the hospitality call in to reserve a cot and, JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 in general, may arrive between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Guests may take showers, share a meal, and use the washers and dryers before 10 p.m. Weather Amnesty needs volunteers! Food is available and guests and hosts (volunteer staff) are encouraged to share laughter, experience, hope and a culture of closeness. The experience comes from the volunteers who have helped Weather Amnesty prevent cold-exposure deaths for four years running now. Some of the volunteers have been homeless themselves and are able to offer their knowledge and support. There are no drugs or alcohol allowed on the property known as Jimmy Hill House, or colloquially, the Purple House. Both the Weather Amnesty program and the Purple House are owned and operated by the homelessness advocacy nonprofit known as MISSION (Michigan Itinerant Shelter System Interdependent Out of Necessity). The most important feature of Weather Amnesty is its management style, focused on forging relationships. There are strict rules, as are necessary in intense situations, but what ultimately keeps things calm and orderly is the relationship that the hosts have with the guests. Hosts and guests watch TV together, talk, play games and keep each other company. Volunteer hosts are trained in administering Narcan and using de-escalation techniques, and new volunteers are paired with experienced ones. Many hosts help the guests with other problems, almost like case-workers. Many become close friends (guests and hosts alike) and remain so after the season ends in April. Currently, Weather Amnesty operates four days a week. They would love to be open seven days, but are short on volunteers. (At the time of this writing, a polar vortex is approaching Michigan.) Weather Amnesty is at capacity the four nights they are open and the skeleton crew of hosts is at capacity for volunteering. Given the impending weather, the need for shelter has become higher (some folks who are tent dwellers may not be outfitted for extreme cold). There will also be a potential shortage of the staff that are available due to the snow and ice. If you can spare a night to help Weather Amnesty keep the lights on, please contact Rose Marcum Raugh @ 734-945-7825. Even just one night of volunteering could literally save people’s lives! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Alexandra Granberg (volunteer) and Patty (guest) share a cup of tea and company at Purple House. The temperature was 6 degrees that night.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES My story and struggles on the street ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 I have too many things in my head. I need to start writing them down. About a month ago, at 1:30 a.m., somebody tried to assault me at the corner of Washington and Main Street. They looked white, maybe 6 feet tall, maybe about 200 pounds. I took out my knife and they ran like crazy. I waited; I stayed up all night and couldn’t sleep anymore because I thought they might come back. Later, two weeks ago, I had forgotten about them and I fell asleep. That night, I forgot to put my things in my shopping cart. Somebody walked by and they took my things. They stole my tablet, my phone and many of my important belongings. Later, a guy came and tried to sell me my tablet for $20. I told him, “This is my tablet, why are you trying to sell me my tablet?” So he asked if I had the code to unlock the screen, and I said yes. He asked for the code and I refused to give it to him, I said, “This is my tablet.” Leon, Groundcover vendor No. 500, found the bag where I kept all my cables and my portable charger. I asked him if he had seen my tablet and my phone and he said he looked for it, but couldn’t find it. My case worker gave me another phone, but I still don’t have my tablet. I used it to listen to music. If a person needs something, they can just ask. If someone asks me: “Cuba, amigo, do you have a cigarette?” I usually give it to them. Sometimes I say no because I need to sell papers to buy my cigarettes. But it’s different when someone asks. You don’t need to steal, just ask. Some people say “Cuba, why are you not looking for real work?” I will explain. I went to Detroit one time and they gave me my I94 identification [that displays my photo and alien number]. I walked all the way there, it took me five days. Before COVID, I went to Chicago. The police caught me there and took me to ICE. ICE took me to a detention center in Kankakee, Illinois. They took all my papers: my green card, my social security card, everything. The police work with ICE. I stayed there for four months, from October 2018 to February 2019. Later, they took me to downtown Chicago for two or three days and tried to blackmail me. They said, “You need to sign your deportation.” I said OK, but they didn’t send me back to Cuba; they just told me to go home. Except that they took all my documents and then they froze my retirement, so now I can’t retire. If I apply for retirement now, I lose everything that I have. The social security administration works with the police and with ICE, so I can’t go back to them because I signed the deportation back in Chicago. So I came back to Ann Arbor to sell Groundcover. Now I’m on the streets and Groundcover News is my job. I can’t have another job because I don’t have any papers and can’t get my papers back. I see so much shit everyday on my corner. I don’t discriminate against any types of people. But I see lots of “PDA” all around downtown Ann Arbor. Kissing, hugging, holding hands, around kids and families. I tell people, if you want to do all that, please do that in private. If you’re hot, take a shower! I came to America in 1980. At the time, Fidel Castro told Cubans that they had the freedom to leave the country if they wanted to, and U.S. president Jimmy Carter said “Welcome!” 125,000 Cubans came to the United States then. In May, I will have been here for 44 years. In this country, there’s so many people with drug addictions, and so many homeless people. I asked my friend Lindsay, “When you went to Cuba, did you see anyone like this?” She said, “No.” So why are there so many people like this here? When Susan Beckett interviewed me and took my picture in 2016 for the cover of Groundcover News, no matter the weather, I worked 10 hours a day selling the paper. I have no family now. I’m waiting for housing, but it’s a long wait. Luiza and Lindsay try to help me, but in this country I have no papers and so I have no rights. Now, I’m 65 and have no retirement. I’ve worked my whole life. I want people to know that the police work with ICE, and I want everybody to think about the humans they see everyday. Finito. JANUARY 26, 2024 Caballero wearing a pin that states, "Groundcover News, this is my job!" It could happen to you I couldn't believe I was homeless. One minute I was in a home, next minute I was on the streets. Me and my girlfriend was on the streets for two years without assistance from anyone — including agencies. Without anyone trying to help us, people had made fun of us. We got sick being on the streets. We even had people say that we're monkeys in a zoo cage. It was hard to move at all; we were walking around looking homeless. I was disabled, using a walker, and I would have to pack all my things up and put them on my walker and push it everyday, all through the day and night, no rest. We had places like 7-Eleven and people from the streets giving us money; it was embarrassing but we had no choice. We were grateful for having 7-Eleven feed us. We had actually had a lot of people who offered their homes, but they always had bad intentions. When we were sleeping at a church they were homophobic. The church claimed they were open to all but they really weren't. It was all just for show and nothing else. We JOCELIN BOYD Groundcover vendor No. 85 were the only gay couple there; they treated single men as kings compared to us. Also, racism is real, no matter if you're homeless or poor. Never say never because you don't know when it's going to happen to you. I pray over all my people who are homeless, that they can get housing. I see a lot of abandoned houses just sitting there, thinking they can use these houses for the homeless. And what's really bad about it is we have elders on the streets who are homeless who need help and it's so sad to see them homeless. We try to all stick together. What’s even crazier was the homeless stealing from the homeless. That was a real big issue to me and I thought I should share this. It has to stop. We have to help our community to help these people. I finally got my apartment after two years on the streets and I live in a really nice apartment. The craziest thing about it is I had assistance — no bad credit, my credit was excellent. I had no felonies. But I was still on the streets. All these good things about me did not stop me from being unhoused. We had to wait for two years before we got housing. People that work for Section 8 need to take time out and start putting some people in front of other people who don't have housing — the elders out here, dying on the streets, getting robbed on the streets. If it wasn't for me and my partner being together I wouldn't know what to do all by myself. Well I hope you guys know that next time you see someone homeless, please help them, communicate with them. Because one day, you never know, it could happen to you. JANUARY 26, 2024 VENDOR VOICES Undercover art intel: Rose Marcum Raugh Rose Marcum Raugh is one of the most influential homeless activists we have in Ann Arbor. When this powerhouse woman-warrior decides to do something she gets it done for everyone. The greatest teacher is personal experience, and Rose for many years was homeless as well. She came out of a military background with four years in the Navy. Military training sets many on a path to make a real difference for society. Being a vet helps out as well in helping other veterans get the connection to services and help they need. Rose discovered she had a real talent in art in an elective art class in high school. Art also became a therapy while she was going through homelessness. She told me it helped her focus on art instead of what she was dealing with at the time. I remember Rose sitting in the Delonis cafeteria and creating elaborate bead works for the public to buy. She told me, “I found rocks and wire, then I would wire wrap them to make jewelry. I would find rocks on the bank of the Huron River and in places like Crazy Wisdom. I used old telephone wire to create the art. It took days to make — that is why the price is so huge.” When Rose became housed, her art style changed and she started to make landscape paintings and landscape sculptures. My personal favorite is the fun gnome home she created with the relatively huge tree stump. Inside there is a small table, chair, bed and fireplace. She told me, “Miniatures are so fun to make. I get so many compliments on them.” Rose became homeless in 2011. She quickly saw many things that needed to change and set it upon herself to do so. She recounted, “It was in 2012 I started to get more involved with the Daytime Warming Center during the winter months. This gave me a foot in the door.” It was at the Journey of Faith Church CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 that Rose saw real potential as the church needed to do outreach work for the community. It all came together when the church asked Rose to do a six month internship in 2017 and 2018. Then in 2019 the Art on a Journey Gallery officially opened in April. The six participating artists all had different kinds of art forms to display: photographs to clay to paintings. Then the 2020 lockdown occurred and the Journey of Faith mission changed overnight from “come get a shower, clothes and meal” to “food pantry and donations bags for the public.” The new and improved Art on a Journey is going to be about the homeless community directly. The vision is about teaching art to homeless people and giving them real art space to make art for the public; opening it up for classes and providing a gallery in a public space for amazing shows and selling art to the public. There will even be an open cafe for the homeless and art gallery in the same space. This new idea is a place for quiet and a place to get off the street and feel safe. As an artist myself, I feel there is a hidden artist in each and every one of us wanting to break out and do art. Rose has come a long way from the first steps of homelessness to being the president of M.I.S.S.I.O.N. Rose became Vice President in 2020; this led her to being President today. She has been a true, fearless leader and activist for all GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Rose Marcum Raugh at her desk located in the Art on a Journey Gallery at Journey of Faith Church. of us to look up to. I say if one person can make such a huge difference in our small community so can each and every one of us. It only takes that one step and, like Rose, changes will happen. The art gallery is slowly becoming a new reality. I personally see this summer a new grand opening happening. As always, there is a limited amount of funding for large ideas. For the project Rose is making, she is writing grants proposals. Let’s all come together as the Ann Arbor community and lend support — if it be financial or donations of art supplies such as acrylics, oils, paint brushes, drawing paper, markers or pencils sets for artists. Canvases, tabletop vessels, brush holders, oil pastels, smoke tarps, glue, construction paper, old magazines, cartons, old bits of cloth, gesso paint and any other art supplies help, too. We are an artist community. From the Art Fair to the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow and U-M School of Art and Design, art is in Ann Arbor to stay. Let's not let 2020 rule us and shut us out and down. Let us break all the barriers and make our city even bigger, even better for each and every one of us here.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Sharing the commons How to discover the commons and share your findings is the quest of a lifetime. Fortunately we have many mentors and comrades in this struggle. Rev. Lucius Walker is one of mine, even after his death on Labor Day in 2010. As one of the ancestors, his presence can be felt by all those who have a relationship with him. He and Martin Luther King are in my pantheon of spiritual friends who point the way to the greatest of all commons, the unconditional love which we sing about in such songs as “Solidarity Forever.” Lucius founded “Pastors For Peace” from a hospital bed in Nicaragua as part of his healing from a bullet wound he got from the contra terrorists, who got weapons and money from the Reagan administration. “I know exactly who paid for that bullet,” said Lucius, who then founded PFP. Right now they are promoting a webinar on the case South Africa is bringing to the International Criminal Court of Justice which charges Israel with genocide in Palestine. Their first projects were caravans of humanitarian aid to victims of U.S. foreign policy, beginning with Nicaraugua, El Salvador, Guatemala, then Cuba and Chiapas, Mexico. KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 Martin and Lucius knew about each other but never met because they were busy working on different fronts of the same struggle for peace and freedom. On MLK Day in both 2023 and 2024, folks met at the Ann Arbor Commons to share our dreams of freedom, peace and justice. Due to the cold this year we met in the library which is always kin to the commons. We share in the transformation of our lives as we learn who we are in our everyday lives as citizens of a challenging experiment in democracy. When we discover our natural flow, we will participate in creating the democracy that is life-friendly. When we hold the truth to be self-evident we take the leap of faith that makes reality a workable situation. We can promote the truth of unconditional love with mindfulness training. After my 40 years in this process I regularly start over, as masters of the path point out something such as distinguishing attention from awareness as we work with the breath as an object of meditation. Groundcover is working with Karuna Buddhist Center to do a mindfulness workshop which I hope grows into a regular event as people develop some ability to experience authenticity in everyday life. “Tis a gift to be simple, tis a gift to be free” is the song now playing in my mind. Look at the open house for Karuna and dance party for Groundcover, details in this issue on page 6 and 12, respectively. The world can easily be experienced as chaotic and overwhelming. A simple breath can make a big difference and I use this method many times everyday. Got writer’s block? Take a breath and see what arises. Learn discriminating awareness for the appearances in the theater of your mind. Some are to be cultivated, others composted on the spot. Practice makes perfect as Tom Stephens demonstrates in his karate classes and street smarts at the peace vigils on Fridays, 5:30 p.m. at Liberty and Fifth. The convergence we are in is heading for a critical mass as we stay focused on simple discipline and persevere. If you are in the Michigan Union, look for the MLK quote in the first floor lobby. “Students have a responsibility to participate in the movement.” Intellectual work is important. Scholar Timothy Snyder has specialized on the Holocaust and mass killings with a focus on Eastern Europe. His book, ”The Road To Unfreedom,” is worthy of critical reflection as we bring past, present and future into our experience of the history we are making. “All the world’s a stage.” My own local and global activity has moved from Cuba to Brazil. The Cuban diaspora includes family connections in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and an invitation to live there with Daniela and Santiago Alberto is the latest episode of my life adventure. Everything is a step at a time and subject to change with the next step as the dance of authenticity plays on. We practice breathing together from earth to sky wherever we are. Michigan is in our heart with Cuba and now Brazil as we make our home on this earth. May all beings benefit. JANUARY 26, 2024 JANUARY 26, 2024 PUZZLES 1 14 17 20 23 25 32 36 40 43 44 47 50 56 59 62 51 52 57 60 63 58 61 64 45 48 49 53 54 55 37 41 46 26 27 33 34 38 42 39 28 21 3 4 5 6 7 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 2 9 15 18 22 24 29 35 30 31 16 19 10 11 12 13 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Netting 5. Beer quantity 9. Small part in a movie 14. Trade show 15. Killer whale 16. Eyeball benders 17. Appear 18. Back 19. Bullion unit 20. Suitability 23. Iranian coins 24. Floral necklace 25. "Peanuts" creator 28. Finely woven fabric used for sheets 32. Aussie "bear" 33. Sandler of "Big Daddy" 35. Escape 36. Policy favoring governmental interference in economic affairs 40. Six-sided game piece 41. Historic periods 42. Sheriff's gang 43. Unattractively thin 46. Adviser 47. Bleat 48. Cognizant 50. Style of coat with overlap at the front 56. Chip dip 57. Reclined 58. Fertilizer ingredient 59. Whines 60. On the open water 61. Grass stem 62. Embarrass 63. Geek 64. Shell competitor DOWN 1. ___ Verde National Park 2. Board member, for short 3. Blueprint detail, for short 4. Local self-government 5. Spanish conquistador 6. "He's ___ nowhere man" (Beatles lyric) 7. Picket line crossers 8. Nobleman 9. Word inventor 10. Experiencing a suspension of breathing 11. Periodicals, informally 12. Love god 13. His "4" was retired 21. Pertaining to hair 22. Fragrant resin 25. Tire marks 26. Shaped like a volcano 27. Bigot 28. Taps 29. Select group 30. Catch, in a way 31. Old Eurasian wheat with bearded ears 33. Ethereal, in poetry 34. Genetic material 37. Corrupt 38. "La Boheme," e.g. 39. Unrivaled 44. Violations 45. Ohio River tributary 46. Female follower of Bacchus 48. Belittle 49. Drier, as humor 50. Slap on 51. Spanish stewpot 52. Brio 53. Genuine 54. Congers 55. River barriers 56. Place to get a massage

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR WEEK dear GROUNDCOVER VENDORS, Shoutout Gary Leverett, Mike Jones, and Joe Woods!! Appreciate your good energy and always so good seeing you on the street. Dear Shelley, your generosity and positivity, even when facing hardships and disease, are truly inspiring. You've got legions rooting for you! Love the artwork of James Manning. Big shoutout to Mike Jones! Always so good to see you walkin through the door at the Daytime Warming Center in between selling papers because I know we're going to have some great conversations. Much love to vendor No. 113. If I'm being completely honest, my favorite thing about the Old Town Tavern is the $5 cheap can and a well (I think it might be $6 now...). But my next favorite thing is getting a paper from Tony! Always good to see you and hear some wild stories from selling Groundcover. I love seeing Groundcover Vendors selling papers. I always look forward to the opportunity to talk with them. I'm grateful for the work that they do and I'm always better for having had the conversation. Keep up the good work! You guys are amazing and a valuable part of the Ann Arbor community!! It's always a pleasure to run into Teresa and her pup on my walks to class. She writes great poems, too! Terri — I’m rooting for you to get help with your health and continue to contribute to Groundcover! Ken Parks and Alexandra Granberg Amanda Gale - Wayne is the thespian we didn’t know we were missing at Groundcover! Thank you for being our spokesperson in front of the CTN camera! You have a great calming presence and shared from your heart — bravo! Hailu is a pillar to the Groundcover family. Your care PUZZLE SOLUTIONS M E S H C A S E C A M E O E X P O O R C A O P A R T S E E M R E A R I N G O T A C C E P T A B L E N E S S R I E L S L E I S C H U L Z K O A L A D I E A D A M S C R A W N Y B A A S A L S A P U L E S P E R C A L E L A M I N T E R V E N T I O N I S M E R A S P O S S E M E N T O R A W A R E D O U B L E B R E A S T E D L A I N U R E A A S E A C U L M A B A S H N E R D H E S S Lit, always hustling and sharing your endless insights, while making people feel included. Always happy when I get to see you! Best smile always goes to Derek! You warm up our hearts, especially in the bitter cold months. Gracias Roberto para compartir comida, regalos y tu creatividad con nosotros. Every time I talk with Denise she reminds me how hopeful and happy our outlook on life can be. Shout out to the time Amanda and Cindy sang for us all at Groundcover Speaks open mic. Appreciate how confident you both are! Ken, your wisdom as you conquer the problems presented by aging is an inspiration. Lit Kurtz and Joe Woods and attention to the paper and how you amplify it to the community is truly invaluable. Thank you for all your years of commitment and hard work. Glen, always grateful to have your honest perspective on things, in the office and paper. Knowing you’re getting more involved in peer support work outside of Groundcover is an affirmation of who you are. Like you say, you landed in the right place with the right people around you. Shout out to Shawn S. for finding your stride selling papers again. Your drive and patience to try out new sales spots is notable. Hang in there as you keep figuring it out. Glad to have you back! Appreciation to Tabitha & Sean. You both have come so far in the last couple of years. Excited for you to be raising your daughters together — the next generation of amazing kids in our community. Nichols Arcade wouldn’t be what it is if Juliano wasn’t selling there! Never stop sharing your philosophical insights with us. Miss you Hal. The office is quieter without your swoonful singing of oldies from the 50s and 60s. Miss you too Gary R. You had a bit of a jokester character about you — made me chuckle from time to time. What would Groundcover do if we didn’t have Will S. reminding us of the moments in history we should not forget. Your articles are informative and timely — thank you for always being a teacher to us. Pony, Pony, Pony! You’re one of the best-dressed sports fans there are! Appreciate all the times I’ve caught up with you outside the downtown library. Look forward to the next time we catch-up there! Pony Bush JANUARY 26, 2024 I appreciate how friendly and nice you all are. I have asked for the time or directions on occasion and you've gone beyond the call of duty to help me out. I also appreciate your pride in what you do and in what you write in your newspaper. Congratulations on doing something important for our community! love,YOUR CUSTOMERS! JANUARY 26, 2024 POETRY Thee one TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 You will alwayz be, My sweet love, You’ll alwayz have my heart, You’re thee perfect one for me, You’re thee one I think of, You’re thee one I depend on, I never want ta part, I know we’re not wrong, We belong together, My love for you, Izz so strong, I belong to you. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What many homeless people seem to know more than most others PHILIP SPINK Groundcover contributor If you want to be a spirit Of grace despite angers burning within, Of dignity despite attacks of oppressors Or slights of degredators; You should gather up Every seed, and blossom, and wingbeat of love That have ever given strength to your spirit, And with them turn yourself into a tower Of light above hate, To make hate small and withering. To rise kindly towards the true right Let your love become a power, But of a very gentle nature; By seeing no hater as your enemy, But rather hate itself. Thus you make the noble judgment, Contending against all horrors of profound violence, That if you in a fury take out an eye for any eye, This will never truly heal you, But rather cut out along with another’s hated eye Some gentle part of your own heart.  EVICTED from page 4 me if I knew where any other camps were — asking me to tattle on other camps. “PATH told me they would help me move; they gave me their number and told me they would call. The police officer told me it would eventually come to bulldozing. I appreciate them not giving me an official ticket; the sign is ridiculous, though. “PATH came again to my tent the next Tuesday morning; they offered to give me a ride somewhere else. I couldn’t go with them at the time; I was uncomfortable with the idea of moving. I didn’t want to ride in the car of someone I didn’t know. And where else would they put me?” Truly, it's a catch-22. When it comes to land for survival camping in Washtenaw County, everything is spoken for. It's all either private or public. Earlier that same day, another camp on Ypsilanti City property was issued a verbal warning of a looming sweep in a similar fashion. It is home to three people who had occupied the space since June 2023. Mark, a resident there, met the police at his tent door. “He asked me for an ID and who was in my tent. They told me I had until Monday to move. My first thought was, ‘Are you crazy? Go where?’ Our spot is low-key. We’re way off the road, we’ve never seen anyone pass us. They wait until it's below zero, and tell us we have to move our spot. We don’t have anywhere to go.” Mixed signals Tuesday January 16, affected campers and members of Washtenaw Camp Outreach attended Ypsilanti City Council to speak out against the recent winter sweeps. More activists went to the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday, January 17 to convey the same message. “Stop the sweeps. People need a safe place to have their camp set up that's not going to be threatened with eviction. City property should be that place people can go …The city has a responsibility to do something. For the police, for PATH, for the city to spend their time evicting someone is inhumane. The tents are iced to the ground,” said LK, WCO organizer, addressing Council. Marie reminded Council, “I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing to get rehoused. I’m working with all the agencies I can be.” The Ypsilanti Police Chief denied issuing these notices, and Ypsilanti City Council members claimed to not know anything about it. Washtenaw County Commissioner Annie Sommerville offered to mobilize funds to pay for hotel rooms for the displaced campers (and did). Marie recounted, “I talked to the Police Chief, I talked to Councilmembers, and they told me they weren’t going to sweep. It’s confusing ... I see flags, fences, tape everywhere. I don’t know what it means. “I dread the unknown. You just sit in your tent and wait for someone to come ... That’s traumatizing for me. Now I’m living in fear. “I think there is room for improvement in the way we interact. I don’t want to point fingers at anyone, I know there is tension. I think this is an opportunity to improve these interactions. I hope we can grow. That’s important to me.” More than just a warning The threat of a camp sweep still causes harm, even if not immediately enforced, as in the case of Marie, Mark and Mikey’s campsites. Unwelcome encounters with police or government officials can be traumatic, especially after experiencing homelessness for some time. “I’ve been attacked for no reason before. I’ve stayed in hotels, motels and lived in my car wrongfully attacked by law enforcement. In the last year and a half I’ve had so much law enforcement contact. Starting when I was ripped from my home. My stories aren’t that different from others. In fact, I’ve been fortunate,” said Marie. The campers affected by these sweeps choose not to enter into winter sheltering programs hosted by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County for a variety of legitimate reasons. Campsite locations are chosen based on proximity to employment, resources, water and other survival needs, bus routes and more. Campsite set-up involves tents, tarps, supplies, often natural materials and are arranged with care and intention. Threats of eviction — even if they are misinformed or premature — displace people even further. They are as deeply harmful as an eviction from an apartment or house. LK from Washtenaw Camp Outreach reflected in an interview that camps are swept on both private property and on City of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor [public] property throughout the year in this way. She recognizes that most campers do not want to fight back because it inevitably causes further exposure to police and the courts. The community fight for these campers’ right to shelter as they choose has been waged through survival programs, fundraising for emergency hotel stays and mutual aid efforts. The acute inhumanity of these recent sweeps during the January polar vortex motivated direct action from the community, ultimately winning their short term demand for the City of Ypsilanti to "Stop the sweeps." But the fight doesn't look like its stopping here. These campers understand their right to shelter and their right to housing. It's time for the County, the City and land owners to get on board. 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Shakshuka ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 5 teaspoons olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 4 finely minced garlic cloves 2 t. paprika (I like smoked) 1 t. cumin ¼ t. cayenne 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes 6 large eggs Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup fresh chopped cilantro ½ cup fresh chopped parsley Crumbled feta cheese (optional) Directions: Heat olive oil in a large saute pan on medium heat. Add the chopped red pepper and onion and cook for six to seven minutes until the onion is translucent. Add garlic and spices and cook for an additional minute. Pour tomatoes with the juice into the JANUARY 26, 2024 pan and break down tomatoes with a large spoon. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Use the spoon to make wells in the sauce, crack one egg into each well. Cover the pan with lid and cook eggs for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro and parsley. Serve warm. with crumbled feta cheese. This easy, delicious North African and Middle Eastern dish takes less than 30 minutes to make and is perfect for any meal. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND 102 S. First Ave 6:30-9:00PM NO COVER Groundcover merchandise for purchase and art up for auction ALL PROCEEDS GO TO SUPPORTING GROUNDCOVER NEWS FUNDRAISER @ LIVE MUSIC BY

2 $ DECEMBER 29, 2023 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Washtenaw County lends and ear to those with lived experience. page 6 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JIM CLARK PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Mixed media art pieces by T'onna Clemmons. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # FUN-RAISER @ LIVE A2 on Fri, February 2nd, 6:30-9p

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR'S DESK LINDSAY CALKA Publisher We all know Ann Arbor is a pretty cool place. When the New York Times published “It’s the Coolest Rock Show in Ann Arbor. And Almost Everyone There Is Over 65.” on January 12, 2023, the rest of the world realized what we already knew. The New York Times story featured Live’s fondly nicknamed “Geezer Happy Hour,” which on any given Friday evening hosts over a hundred Ann Arbor townies, often 60 or older. You might remember the iconic photos shared on Facebook featuring fancy outfits and silver heads bobbing on a crowded dance floor. In February, for one night only, two of Ann Arbor’s hyper-local scenes are coming together for Groundcover News’ first fundraiser event since before the pandemic. Groundcover News is excited to co-host the Geezer Happy Hour — all thanks to bands Jive Colossus and The Sidemen who are donating their tips from the night to our organization, and event organizer Randy Tessier! There will be Groundcover merchandise available to purchase, two unique art pieces up for auction — created by local artist T'onna Clemmons— and of course all the live music and Groundcover News-fun that you can imagine. We have a handful of amazing programs in need of funding for the new year. You can see the impacts of these programs in 2023 on the back page of this issue. If your New Year’s resolution is to have more fun, dance more often and connect with community members, mark your calendar for Friday, February 2, 6:30-9 p.m. No cover. We look forward to seening you there! LIVE is located at 102 S First St in downtown Ann Arbor. More details leading up to the event will be posted on the Groundcover News Facebook page. RSVP there and feel free to invite rockers and readers alike! FEBRUARY 2, 2024 6:30-9p PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Jim Clark Cindy Gere Mike Jones Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Joshua Lee Ken Parks Ashley Powell Earl Pullen Phillip Spink Shawn Swoffer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Margaret Needham Emily Paras Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons @ LIVE A2 DECEMBER 29, 2023 DECEMBER 29, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 New Year, new location, Ypsilanti is the destination. I decided to build a customer base in the city and township I live in. I will start by saying big thanks to good friend and former vendor manager Jim Clark for his vision and incredible guerilla marketing skills. This past year or more, we at Jim Clark,vendor No. 139 In one sentence, who are you? A person who is challenged by a question such as this. A unique individual. A counter-culture revolutionary. Damn your “one sentence” answers, I’m an artist … Where do you usually sell Groundcover News?At my alma mater, Eastern Michigan University — Go Hurons! When did you start selling Groundcover? 2013. What is your favorite thing to do in Ypsilanti? Organize grassroots anti-capitalist warriors. What’s the worst/best thing about selling Groundcover News? Worst: Rejection. I have Rejection Sensitivity Dyphoria. Best: Self-discovery; Groundcover News believes in me. What is something about you someone on the street wouldn't know? I'm polyamorous. :) If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Anything from Speedy's Big Burger. What words do you live by? Matthew 25:40. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover? I believe in the mission of Groundcover News, solidarity with my peers with lived experience, and I beleive in Lindsay Calka. What is a small thing that makes your day better? Smoking a pre-roll from Bloom! What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? 1) A 24/7365 shelter in Ypsilanti. 2) End to all camp sweeps. 3) Decision-making power for homeless people in shelter spaces. Groundcover News have been talking about gaining a bigger customer base in Ypsilanti, to inform people on the issues of homelessness and poverty. This vision will now be made a reality. This December, I started on my mission selling Groundcover News in Ypsi. And what a response! Just as planned, people were noticing the Groundcover News GROUNDCOVER NEWS Selling newspapers in Ypsilanti signs all around the Ypsilanti area. I was received with open arms because people want to know more about this news publication. After a few days of testing the waters, I’m convinced Groundcover News will do well in this great city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. When out and about in the downtown area, one can find other Groundcover vendors or me, Mike Jones, in Depot Town, Bobcat Bonnie’s, and Cross Street by the EMU campus. Other vendors and myself look forward to engaging in friendly conversation and making ends meet at the same time. We at Groundcover thank all in advance for supporting our publication. 3 Neaton Math ASHLEY POWELL Groundcover vendor No. 595 Math, where would we be without this subject? As challenging as it may be for some students, it's worth grasping. There are theories that some people who are left brained vs. right brained excel at Math. Many believe that to be good in mathematics you need to be left-brained, or a logical and analytical thinker. Whereas if you're right-brained, or creative and free-thinking, you are doomed to struggle with the subject. But did you know this notion has been scientifically proven false? Let's be real, learning math helps with decision making and improves cognitive skills. I know personally that some issues that people have with learning the subject involve a lack of understanding of the terms and definitions. For those who are struggling, there is new software available through Neaton Mathematics. Neaton Mathematics was developed by a longtime math teacher who saw a need to augment the traditional math curriculum with a more personalized approach that gave teachers additional tools to help students. Too often teachers aren’t able to judge performance until it is too late. The My Number DNA program allows teachers to evaluate students’ performance in realtime and better understand their needs. To learn more visit: mynumberdna.com. To bring Neaton Math to your school email: neatonmath@gmail.com. Finding art supplies with no money Art is made by all kinds of people around the world, from some of the poorest nations to the wealthiest. The biggest issue is finding supplies. For low income artists, it’s nearly impossible . I personally will give you all of my secrets to help you find art supplies. I first look at what do I need, then I break it up into what I most need to what I least need at that stage of producing the art. Then I break it up into most expensive to least expensive. such as cobalt aqua marine blue paint. Even beads are broken up into shiny diamond-like beads to seed beads. Much of what I just told you is now in my head when I go to CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 shows and stores to get what I’m needing. Now, on to the list of where to find supplies: • General garage and rummage sales; • Free bins and boxes that pop up alongside the roads in nice weather. • The store called Scrap Box on Washtenaw near Hogback Road is wonderful because it has so many useful things, nearly free. I generally pay just ten cents for most things. • Ann Arbor Thrift Store • Ann Arbor District Library Arts & Crafts supply exchange event which is coming on Sunday, February 24, 12 to 2 p.m. at Mallett’s Creek Library • Salvation Army • Goodwill Making art is about finding the art supplies as much as it is making the art, so remember it can be as much fun to find the parts as it is to make the art … keep it fun!

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 There are many highly intelligent people among the unhoused population of Washtenaw County. Some with degrees, even master's degrees. Some are gifted in ways not measured in academics, but have incredible talents, skills, perspectives, thoughts, ideas and so on. There are two prongs to this article. One is that among the homeless there are many gifted people who are unable to help themselves because of the toxic-stress effect of homelessness on their cognitive functions. Two, the lack of Executive Function (see definition below) training in the form of education can also contribute to homelessness. It seems counterintuitive to think that someone who is highly intelligent could wind up homeless, yet, anecdotally, there are a lot of people out there who fit the description. Crossing this descriptor with mental illness, we find many brilliant minds stifled by depression and anxiety or distorted due to mania or disassociation. A number of gifted people also suffer suppression due to medication — which motivates some to refuse it, hence making self-sufficiency difficult if not impossible. Executive functions are operations of our brains that help us traverse our world and realize our needs and desires. Stimulus is detected by our many senses, it is cognitively processed, and then a response is generated. The cognition and response frequently involve Executive Functions such as problem-solving, divergent thinking, planning, organizing, attention span and decision-making. It has been shown that during a homelessness episode these and other EFs become compromised because our nervous system is wired to revert to “fight or flight” survival mode. Living in this mode day after day can become toxic. According to firesteelwa.org, “Homelessness and poverty can have lasting consequences because they can create toxic stress. Toxic stress can alter how the brain and body respond to and process stress. Toxic stress can damage executive function, memory, learning, and social information processing.” Although it is not formally acknowledged, one of the effects an education has on a student is the practice and development of Executive Function skills. Our brains come with them “installed” but it is through education we are supposed to learn to use them fully. If you’ve dropped out of school, you missed this training. If you fall through the cracks into homelessness, you probably won’t have these skills to begin with, let alone have them compromised. It is intuitive to think that there is a negative relationship between homelessness and education. There is evidence that proves it. If a high school student is homeless, there is an 80% chance they will not graduate. It has been shown that high school students living in the inner city and attending underperforming schools also have a high probability of becoming homeless. (schoolhouseconnection.org/number) What if there was a way to restore Executive Functions to such a degree that those with compromised ability could undo the damage caused by toxic stress and take steps toward self-sufficiency? And what if those whose EFs are compromised due to lack of exposure to education could receive that training, thus enhancing DECEMBER 29, 2023 Toxic stress, executive function and remediation their EF to the point of also being able to navigate their way to self-sufficiency like their highly intelligent peers? As a training group, they could easily begin solving each other’s problems and create a synergy of interdependence, solidarity and community. They could run for office and make real changes due to their lived experience — not just for homeless people, but for all. They could join homelessness grassroots affiliates to bring insight and leadership. They could begin to solve not just their own problems and the problems of friends and strangers, but of the municipality and society at large. The new not-for-profit NeuroTraining Initiative seeks to set up just this type of group, initially focusing on the houseless community and their particular set of needs. After Jan. 1, there will be NTI sessions held at the Daytime Warming Centers (one in Ypsilanti at the Freighthouse, one in Ann Arbor at rotating church sites), promising to make strengthening life skills and the EFs fun and engaging. If you’re interested, please call 231-670-6059. Remembering Robert J. Delonis: a champion of compassion and community JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor In the quiet corners of Ann Arbor, a man's legacy echoes through the walls of a shelter, reminding the community of the indomitable spirit of compassion and dedication that can change lives. Robert J. Delonis, former chairman of Great Lakes National Bank (now part of TCF), left an enduring mark on the city through his instrumental role in the establishment of the shelter that now bears his name. The journey began in the late 1990s when Delonis, a respected figure in the business world, lent his administrative and financial expertise to the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. As the chairman of the management oversight committee generated by the County's task force on homelessness, he dedicated himself to improving the agency's capacity to address the pressing issue of homelessness in the community. Ellen R. Schulmeister, the former founding and long-time executive director of the Shelter Association, fondly recalls Delonis's commitment to the cause. "He was dedicated to helping people who were homeless. He lent his administrative and financial background to the Shelter Association to help us improve our agencies," she said. The culmination of Delonis's efforts came to fruition in the form of a groundbreaking project — the construction of a shelter facility that would provide a haven for those in need. From 1998 to mid-2000, Delonis collaborated with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, the County, the City of Ann Arbor, and an architectural firm to plan and design the building that would stand as a symbol of community unity. "Bob Delonis symbolized how the community came together on this issue," remarked County Administrator Robert E. Guenzel, who recognized Delonis's leadership role in chairing the oversight committee. "A person of his stature gave credibility to the project." Delonis's commitment to the project remained steadfast even in the face of personal challenges. Despite battling a kidney condition, he played a pivotal role in securing City approval and funding for the shelter. The Ann Arbor City Council's decision on June 19, 2000, marked a significant milestone, with Delonis's presence reflecting his unwavering dedication to the cause. Beyond his involvement in the shelter project, Delonis had a history of community engagement. His previous roles in organizations like Washtenaw United Way, National Kidney Foundation, Artrain, NEW Center, and Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County showcased his broad commitment to social causes and nonprofit endeavors. The building that now proudly bears Robert Delonis's name stands as a testament to his vision and the collaborative spirit of the Ann Arbor community. Completed in October and operational since November 2003, the four-story facility provides separate men's and women's sleeping quarters with a total of 50 beds, a kitchen serving meals to 120 people on-site, and additional amenities such as a medical clinic and psychological evaluation services. As Ann Arbor residents walk past the Delonis Center, they are reminded not only of the man who dedicated his time and energy to a cause greater than himself but also of the profound impact that can be achieved when a community rallies together. Robert J. Delonis's legacy lives on in the compassionate spaces he helped create, serving as an enduring reminder that, indeed, "It takes a community." Delonis Center on W. Huron St. DECEMBER 29, 2023 CRISIS RESPONSE Ann Arbor cancels pilot unarmed response RFP; Care-Based Safety's single proposal dropped Groundcover News has been reporting on the City of Ann Arbor’s American Rescue Plan Act for two years, starting with its initial award of $24.1 million in March 2021 and community engagement in January 2022. Although the federal funding is time-limited — all dollars must be allocated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026 — the city attempted to do a somewhat thorough community engagement process to democratically spend the funds. (See February 1, 2022 issue of Groundcover News.) The results of the citywide community engagement produced new, interesting projects to fund. One was a Guaranteed Income Pilot (see September 22, 2023 issue of Groundcover News). Another was a City Unarmed Response Program, which would be the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. On April 5, 2021, “Resolution Directing the City Administrator to Develop an Unarmed Public Safety Response Program” was passed by Ann Arbor City Council. It ordered that the program would be launched through an RFP, or request for proposals. An RFP is a public posting — often from the government — announcing that bids from contractors are being sought to complete a project. The RFP also includes the guidelines for the project itself. Typically an RFP follows a standardized process including the public posting, application period, deadline, review period and final selection. $100,000 and over two years were spent on community engagement to inform the RFP draft. The language was unanimously approved by the City Council on June 20, 2023. As of the deadline of September 21, local crisis-response non-profit Care-Based Safety was the only applicant. (Read more about CareBased Safety and their work in Ypsilanti in the March 10, 2023 issue of Groundcover News.) October, which the RFP outlined as a tentative deadline for candidate interviews, came and went and Care-Based Safety still had received no contact from the City nor feedback about their proposal submitted on September 19. In a closed session meeting on December 18, Ann Arbor staff canceled the RFP and said that they will LINDSAY CALKA Publisher open a new RFP with an “updated scope” in 2024. A staff-level decision does not require a vote of the Ann Arbor City Council, and no such vote was taken. In this same meeting, the city hired its new police chief, Andre Anderson. “Bureaucracy is a tool of white supremacy,” Liz Kennedy of CareBased Safety stated at a community conference held online on December 22 in response to the cancellation. “The city did not follow their own process; they should be accountable to us.” Care-Based Safety was informed of the RFP cancellation via email, and they requested direct reasons on why their single application was dropped. Reasons given via email correspondence were: • “The scope of the RFP needs to be updated,” • CBS’s proposed timeline is not “fully operational,” • their services do not meet “clearly expressed” community needs and • that “experience and references did not meet usual expectations.” A press release was sent out by the City of Ann Arbor on December 27 entitled, “City of Ann Arbor Reaffirms Support for Unarmed Crisis Response Program.” The release reads, “City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. indicated that the city found it unacceptable that it would take at least five years for the unarmed crisis response program to fully ramp up under the approach submitted by CBS. In addition, the city found it unacceptable that calls for service would only be answered on limited days during limited hours leaving the city without a functioning unarmed crisis response after 11 p.m. and for much of the weekend.” CBS noted in a social media post uploaded on December 23 that the RFP never stated “fully operational,” nor do they define what that would look, or not look, like. CBS also challenges, “If fully operational means city-wide or 24/7 access, it would be unethical and a set-up for failure, to immediately provide 24/7, city-wide service for an untested program, immediately or even within two years. More importantly, the community deserves to be able to inform and shape that work and co-create its expansion.” Despite this setback, Care-Based Safety plans to seek other funding and continue their work through two main activities: community-building and care-based response. One attendee at the CBS December 22 press conference inquired about seeking funding from another source, such as through private donations or grants. Co-directors Kennedy and Luna NH agree that will be necessary, but expect it is unlikely enough to sustain the organization and its service at the scope of the RFP proposal. Regarding grants, Kennedy noted that very few grants are posted that fund this type of work locally. And when they are, community based groups are in competition with the Sheriff’s department. This year, the Sheriff’s department was awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services for their Co-Response Unit, which dispatches armed police officers with unarmed community mental health workers. “The Sheriff’s department is expanding services by co-opting community based projects,” Kennedy said. This leaves peer-led and grassroots organizations under-resourced and unable to develop the capacity to access institutional funding. At the time of publication the City of Ann Arbor has not provided the updated scope nor timeline of the second RFP, but have stated to release such information in January. It is unclear whether there is enough time to conduct due process before the ARPA funding allocation period ends at the close of 2024. Archived issues of Groundcover News can be viewed at groundcovernews.org GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Fifth Avenue Press AADL founded Fifth Avenue Press in 2017 to support the local writing community and promote the creation of original content. The imprint publishes works by authors who live in Washtenaw County. Consider submitting your finished manuscript to Fifth Avenue Press today at fifthave.aadl.org. Book Clubs To Go Book Clubs To Go is a service available at each AADL location that provides the convenience of complete kits for book discussions. Inside, you’ll find 10 copies of the featured book, one movie DVD, and a resource folder. Request a kit today through the online catalog or by calling (734) 327-4200. FEATURED EVENT STEP IT UP! THE FRENCH DUKES A CELEBRATION, PERFORMANCE, AND READING Saturday, Jan. 20 • 2–3pm Downtown Library Join us for a celebration of the French Dukes! Author Debbie Taylor will kick things off with a reading of her picture book, Step It Up! The French Dukes! Set in 1960’s Ann Arbor, inspired by the reallife French Dukes Precision Drill Team. Members of the original team will talk with Debbie about their experience, followed by a short performance. 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING EQUITY DECEMBER 29, 2023 Washtenaw County lends an ear to those with lived experience Within Washtenaw County there is a department dedicated to bringing equality to all of its citizens. Part of the Racial Equity Office’s mission statement reads, “We are … spearheading the charge of (racial equity) policy, addressing existing inequities in the county and ultimately making Washtenaw County a more equitable place to live and work.” Department Director Alize Asberry Payne says that her work on racial equity also encompasses those who are impacted by other inequities such as housing. In an effort to reach those who are unhoused, Payne formed a recent event giving special focus to those with lived experience. Also known as epistemic privilege, this line of thinking gives recognition to those who have lived through a crisis as being the experts in sharing their knowledge about it. Payne also prioritized compensating the panelists for their time and effort which is often overlooked. There were three participants on the panel entitled, Housing Equity: Co-Creating a vision for Housing Equity in Washtenaw County — Centering the Voices of Lived Experience. Each unhoused panelist shared their unique experiences on the homeless struggle LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 in front of an audience of social workers and commissioners who gathered to gain a more firsthand account of what it means to live unhoused in the county. The panel included Rebecca Bongo who spoke from the perspective of the working homeless living a van life. Another participant was Gia Powers, a mid-twenties individual who has been housing-insecure for about the past year. I was the third person on the panel, having lived a decade unhoused following a mass layoff of teachers in the school district where I had previously worked. The panelists’ lives outside of mainstream housing were diverse, each reflective of different lifestyles and demographics. Rebecca Bongo was the only panelist who holds down a full-time mainstream job, while sleeping in her van. She expressed that her Commissioner Justin Hodge moderated Housing Equity panel featuring speakers Gia Powers, Rebecca Bongo and Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz. “world changed” in 2018 and that she has “criss-crossed” the country several times in what she calls her “rig,” trying to figure things out. Of the many questions posed by the moderator, an important one asked panelists which available resources in the county for the unhoused are most beneficial. Powers was quick to praise Solidarity House in Ypsilanti which she credits with “saving her life.” Each panelist agreed that Fed Up Ministries is taking steps in the right direction by providing a menu that is more like restaurant fare than food designed for “the homeless." The general consensus and praise was towards organizations who are providing a more humanizing for those who are unhoused rather than those who tend to treat unhoused people like numbers and statistics. The Delonis Center generated the least favorable response from panelists, with Bongo noting that many individuals are unable to cope with the cramped quarters and other restrictions of shelter life. Her sentiment may shed light in the feelings of many who are experiencing homelessness in a new 21st century world where people who are unhoused are still looked upon as drags on society and too often lack places to be in the daytime due to a lack of day shelters. Having lived a decade without see PANEL next page  DECEMBER 29, 2023 READER FEEDBACK What do you like to read? Weigh in on Groundcover content homelessness. It also provides opportunities and a voice for low-income people. Our newspaper relies on the community for support, feedback and participation. There are many ways that you can get ERICK BROWN Groundcover vendor No. 617 We have some exciting news to share with you! We are planning to introduce new and diverse content to our publication. Our goal is to provide more stories that are relevant, interesting and engaging to you and your community. As you may know, MLive, one of the major news networks in our area, moved their office out of Ann Arbor last year, leaving a gap in the local news coverage. We see this as an opportunity and a responsibility to fill that gap. We believe that our newspaper can be a source of information, inspiration and empowerment for the community. We are thinking about adding more stories on topics such as science and technology, health and wellness, education and learning, environment and sustainability, arts and literature, history and trivia, humor and satire and more. We will also continue to cover the issues of poverty and homelessness, as well as the local politics, events and culture that affect your lives. However, these changes are not going to happen overnight. We need your help to make them possible. We need more advertisers to support our newspaper financially. We need more people to send in stories that they want to share with the world. We need more feedback and suggestions from you, our loyal readers, to improve our content and serve you better. Groundcover is a community-run newspaper that covers local news, especially when related to poverty and involved and help out our newspaper, such as: • Filling out this short questionnaire and letting us know what kind of stories you want covered in our newspaper. Your feedback will help us improve our content and serve you better. • Advertising with our newspaper or sponsoring a story or a section. You can contact us by email, phone or social media for more details and rates. • Sending us your stories or ideas that you want to share with the world. You can email your stories to submissions@groundcovernews.com or pitch a story on our linktr.ee. • Volunteering to help with writing, editing, designing, distributing or fundraising. You can contact us by email, phone, or social media to find out more about our volunteer opportunities. • Donating to our newspaper. You can make a donation online through our website or in person at our office. Every donation counts and helps us keep our newspaper running. • Spreading the word about Groundcover and inviting others to join our community. You can share our stories and information on your social media, email or by word of mouth. You can also encourage your friends and family to read our newspaper and give us their feedback. Please take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire on page 10, cut it out and give it to a vendor, or mail it / drop off to our office. You can also fill it out online at linktr.ee/groundcovernews. Your feedback will help us improve our content and serve you better. Thank you for your participation and support. We hope you enjoy our new and improved newspaper! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Shop at the Kiwanis Thrift Sale! Holiday Gifts, Decorations, Tree Sale November 3 - December 30 November 24 - December 30 Toy Sale { Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 3 pm } Kiwanis Center in Scio Township 100 N Staebler Rd off Jackson Rd Kiwanis will be open for normal business hours through the 2023 holiday season  PANEL from last page mainstream housing, I expressed my frustration that the systemic issues of storage and available showers go unaddressed. I noted how this leads to more people who are unhoused not being able to move freely or be presentable for job interviews. Dan Kelly, who is the director of the Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, agreed with the need for better storage solutions and is making plans to address the problem in an upcoming meeting, which is a positive sign that listening to those with lived experience can be productive. When asked for suggestions for change, Powers talked about more direct giving and Bongo and I addressed the need for supervised, WiFi-equipped parking lots designed for people who are living in vehicles. While this panel was a significant step in the right direction and holds the promise of more inclusion for the unhoused community, it still feels symbolic — even experimental. Unfortunately, there are no plans in the near future for similar panels, and with the exception of some input for storage solutions for Delonis, none of us were invited to be a part of any major decision making going forward. Yet, for a government agency to hear our voices and provide compensation for our time seems to indicate there is real hope that more inclusion is on the horizon.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HEALTH The Doctor is In! Health Q&A This article was written in partnership with a group at the University of Michigan called Black and Pink at the School of Public Health. BPSPH works with incarcerated folks in Michigan who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. As part of their work, BPSPH writes articles that answer people’s health questions and shares versions of those articles with Groundcover. If you have a health question you would like to see answered in a future issue of Groundcover, let the folks at the Groundcover offices know. Note: this health information is provided by medical students and other health trainees. If you have specific questions about your own health, please consult with a healthcare provider. How can I keep my feet healthy when I’m on them all day long? By: Amanda and Karelyn Walking or standing all day long can lead to so many aches and pains — but especially your feet! Knowing what types of pains are emergencies, not just annoyances, is important for your health. If your symptoms are severe or there is sudden trauma, go to the emergency room or talk to a doctor. Beyond emergencies, you’ll want to check your feet regularly. Whenever you shower, wash your feet with soap and water, including between the toes, to prevent infection. While you’re down there, look at every surface of your foot. Check for signs of something serious, like an infection or underlying medical condition. These can include: • Open wounds, drainage or bleeding • White/yellow moisture, significant odors • Swelling, rash, itchiness • Changes in skin color: redness (infection), darkened (dead tissue), blue-ish (poor blood flow) • Changes in feeling: numbness, burning or tingling (nerve damage) Other signs of infection are pain, fever or flu-like symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have, even your feet. There are also podiatrists, who specialize in foot health. Now that we’ve addressed serious conditions, let’s talk about other aches and pains. Many folks, including myself, don’t learn proper nail-cutting techniques until later in life. To prevent ingrown toenails, cut straight across so the nail corner is visible. If you have a painful ingrown nail, you can put lotion on it and cover it with a bandaid. This softens the nail and can give some relief. Corns and calluses are common too; they’re thick parts of skin that are created when there is friction or pressure on your foot. You can remove these little by little with an emery board or pumice stone after showers, but if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or aren’t able to clean your feet with soap and water regularly, wait until a doctor can help you so you can avoid infection. Fungal infections usually cause thickening and/or discoloration of toenail — but you actually don’t have to treat these! If it’s bothering you, talk to your doctor about treatment options. (Each night immediately before going to bed, apply a dab of Vicks Vapor Rub to the affected toenail and cover with a sock. Eventually the toenail will clear.) Just a heads up, it can be really hard to get rid of these! Lastly, do your best to find shoes that fit well — wide enough, with some wiggle room for your toes. Being on your feet all day long is hard; rest when you can, and don’t be afraid to give yourself a foot massage! DECEMBER 29, 2023 DECEMBER 29, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. 12-point type 5. Pregnant, Baby9. Bursae 13. Broadcasting 15. ___ Minor 16. ___ du jour 17. Foreword, for short 18. 1990 World Series champs 19. Arm bone 20. Combining different species 23. Victorian, for one 25. ___ grass 26. Cleared 27. Change the tend of events 31. Group of singers in the highest range 32. Residence of an ambassador 36. Island rings 37. Cozy 39. "How ___ Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" (Kaavya Viswanathan novel in the news) 41. Lug 43. A commotion 44. Equal but opposite charge of a neutron 47. Kind of apartment 51. Body part 52. "Ouch, I stubbed my..." 53. Understands incorrectly 57. Lying, maybe 58. "Mi chiamano Mimi," e.g. 59. Go over 62. "Dear" ones 63. Tablet 64. Adult insect 65. "And ___ thou slain the Jabberwock?" 66. Bridge site 67. High School dance DOWN 1. Hawaiian dish 2. Setting for TV's "Newhart" 3. Relief through expression of emotion 4. Breezy 5. Mineral consisting of barium sulfate 6. Brought into play 7. Calf-length skirt 8. Snubbed 9. Matter expectorated from the respiratory system 10. "___ well" 11. Birchbark 12. Bear 14. Computerized people 21. "Go team!" 22. Length x width, for a rectangle 23. And others, for short 24. Guidelines 28. Bite 29. Adagio and allegro 30. International Monetary Fund 33. Dirty coat 34. Eclipse, for one 35. "Hurray!" 37. A tomblike monument to someone buried elsewhere 38. Decide to leave, with "out" 40. Channel 42. Been in bed 43. Arm bones 45. Flamethrower fuel 46. "To ___ is human ..." 47. #1 song 48. Leg bone 49. ___ manual 50. Archaic second person singular past of do 54. Ashtabula's lake 55. Brook 56. Fill-in 60. "Give it ___!" 61. Little dog, for short

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY To my fiance, my soulmate SHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 Man of god EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor As the coldness of winter sets in I feel like chill down my spine as I look over and see you holding my hand. I have never had such strong emotion such a deep connection to you I look into your eyes and see our future and as the sun sets above the snow I just know you are my soulmate I love you forever and ever. To the love of my life. You alwayz lie (I alwayz cry) TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 You’ll never understand, Thee way I feel, You alwayz lie, I alwayz cry, You’re alwayz breakin my heart, When I alwayz fight to keep, Even when I feel you creep, You tear me apart, You never keep your word, You alwayz put me, From 10th to 3rd, Everythang we ever had planned, We just don’t go, You alwayz say you love me, I can see, I really don’t know. What type of stories do you read and want to read more of in our newspaper? (Rate your interest in each type of story, where 1 means not interested at all and 10 means very interested) Testimonies from the people on the streets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Local politics Local events Sports Self-help or advice Creative stories Health and wellness Environment and sustainability Arts and literature History and trivia Humor and satire Other (please specify) How long have you been reading our newspaper? Circle one. - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Do you have any suggestions or comments on how we can improve our newspaper? Open response answer. Less than a month 1-6 months 6-12 months More than a year Please return to any Groundcover vendor or to the Groundcover News office, 423 S. 4th Ave. A man of God For whosoever Shall forsake a man Who is scorned On bended knee May the wrath of God fall On his head And then God shall Deliver him from The eternal fire Which is sure to come Thus then will the Scorned man rise From the pit of Desolation to the Gates of Heaven Like a man Who is in the Desert and there Is no way out No water And no end in sight DECEMBER 29, 2023 Trying to be heard as a brother of those unheard PHILLIP SPINK Groundcover contributor I am discovering how difficult it is To be listened to by the mainstream, When trying to stay a brother of the unheard, By speaking first for the love of those Out ragged in the sun and winds and on dusty corners, And so of the too discounted root. It is natural to want to be of the mainstream, Yet in the silence of lower tributaries of status There are often people of higher waters Of true kindness, modesty and wisdom. DECEMBER 29, 2023 HOLIDAYS Happy Holy Daze I am the first born child of deeply religious parents. My father was a convert from sin to salvation. God was a better high than alcohol. I’m sure he once woke up with a hangover on January 1 as the holidays ended in a “holy daze.” He learned from my mother that Jesus was our friend of unconditional love. The belief in unconditional love led to marriage in the context of World War II. I was conceived a month after Pearl Harbor and was born the following October. The Battle of Stalingrad was raging and the American people were praying for a Red Army victory over the German Nazi “blitzkrieg.” It was the bloodiest battle in human history and the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Third Reich. The Canadian Broadcasting Company had a Big Battles series and was given access to both German and Russian archives to present an epic experience of “The Battle of Stalingrad.” Absolutely unforgettable! Our family celebrated Christmas with a deep belief that the birth of the Prince of Peace was a holy breakthrough. If we would follow the example of Jesus, we would experience peace and share it with the world. Our KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 tradition came from the revolutionary expression of the Reformation, called pietistic Anababtists; The Brethren, Mennonite and Amish churches come from this heritage. We are committed to a simple life of service. The military is not considered service and we are encouraged to do ‘alternative service.’ In my case, I was assigned to a German industrial mission boy’s home. Gossner Mission in West Germany was founded by Horst Symanowski, a veteran of the German resistance to fascism. It was so interesting that I extended my service for six months to participate in a seminar about the mission of the church under 1960s capitalism. We went to a socialist country, in our case Poland, and worked in the German peace movement to settle World War II and agreement to the boundary between the two countries. We also organized against German troops in Vietnam. Fascism is a belief in supremacism. There is a new book “Wealth Supremacy” by Marjorie Kelly which explains our current supremacism. Can you imagine my inner turmoil as I experience the commodification of Christmas and the simultaneous march of the war machine becoming the main context of our lives? The next war begins before the last one ends. Millions can aspire for peace in the face of our habitual addiction to self-destruction. We have not yet reached critical mass for peace. More love is the answer. As Thich Nhat Hanh taught, “Meditate on your worst enemy until you see yourself in them!” The illusion of a permanent separate self will dissolve into a more complete reality, the all good expanse of primordial purity; all holy beings are at ease here. This may sound impossible until you begin to experience that reality has no borders. Look for the best teachers who embody this truth and can point the way. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. A natural breath will open the door. Continue as long as necessary. You will come out of the holy daze and become pure holiness. This is my faith assumption. I choose this over the prevailing cynicism and nihilism, two words which mean “nothing matters.” The study of actions and their results is the way to knowledge and wisdom. When holidays become a holy daze we can come out of the trance by remembering our ancestors and all our relations. Find your center in this community! CONTENT correction Jenny Sehenuk died in a motorcycle accident, Oct. 1, 2010. Groundcover writer Jane Reilly regrets the error in the December 15, 2023 issue of Groundcover News. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Christmas super moist cornbread JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup sugar 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (16 tablespoons) melted butter ½ cup oil 1 ½ cups milk 3 large eggs Optional: Creative add-ins or honey and extra butter for serving Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 inch pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, oil, milk and eggs. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Customize your Christmas cornbread experience with creative addins. From shredded cheddar cheese to candied jalapenos, green chilies, and even bacon — infuse your cornbread with the flavors of the season. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with butter and honey if desired. DECEMBER 29, 2023

2 $ SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 19 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Undercover art intel: Ann Arbor's art scene is wild! Page 3 MEET YOUR VENDOR: TERRI DEMAR PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Driver runs over homeless cyclist, cops take no action. page 7 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM The intersection of Grove St. and Michigan Ave. Photo credit: Alexandra Granberg @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER community EVENTS PULL OVER PREVENTION REPAIR CLINIC Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Masjid Ibrahim (315 S Ford Blvd, Ypsilanti) GROUNDCOVER's NEW VOLUNTEER MEETING Friday, September 15, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. Groundcover News office (423 S. 4th Avenue, Ann Arbor) INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE Thursday, September 21, all day Ann Arbor Community Commons (319 5th Street, Ann Arbor) PEACE HOUSE's 5th BIRTHDAY PARTY Saturday, September 23, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Peace House Ypsi (706 Davis Street) A SEAT AT THE TABLE: ARGUS FOOD TALKS Monday, September 11, 6 p.m. (Packard Cafe) Growing Hope Monday, September 18, 6 p.m. (Liberty Cafe) FedUp Ministries Monday, September 25, 6 p.m. (Packard Cafe) We the People Opportunity Farm BEYOND WALLS: 5 FILMS for PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX ABOLITION Tuesday, September 26, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Neutral Zone (310 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor) see adjacent graphic for more details SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS D.A. Elizabeth Bauman Jim Clark Zachariah Farah Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Washtenaw Literacy Joshua Lee Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS Undercover art intel: Ann Arbor's art scene is wild! I took a small walk around the downtown area and observed several events. The events truly show just how popping downtown is and why everyone needs to take advantage of what is left of summer. Walking past Ten Thousand Terri Demar, vendor No. 322 In one sentence, who are you? A senior who grew up in Ann Arbor, went to Pioneer, kinda retired, but needs a little extra income. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Wherever I feel there is an opportunity. Why did you start selling Groundcover? I have health problems that stand in the way of a traditional job. What is your superpower? I have a great sixth sense about things; I'm intuitive and can read people usually. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Smoothies. What do you wish you knew more about? Science, quantum physics, anti-gravity, dark matter. What is the first thing you'd do if you won the lottery? See the world, buy a remote island, stocks, bring back open areas for animal life, plant more trees. What is your pet peeve? People that don’t take the time to understand you. I do not fit a certain mold. If you could do anything for day, what would it be? Spend time at the pool. If you had a warning label, what would it say? Wait and listen before you make a judgment. What's the best way to start the day? Taking an hour for yourself outdoors, take a walk, have a cup of coffee. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I wish it was like it was in the 60s and 70s, when John Sinclair freed cannabis. More freedom and less judgment. DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 Soups are a good, calming and fancy meal to share. Giving someone soup is a way to show them you love and care about them. Soup is very healthy and nutritious, too. Soup is very easy to cook and a convenient meal. Soup is a good meal for celebrations and get-togethers. Soup is also a good holiday meal, especially for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I like to go to meals at churches and the food banks when they have my favorite chicken noodle soup or beef stew. Vegetable stew is also good. There are a lot of things that you can make soup out of, like meat and pasta or meat and vegetables, maybe some fruit mixed in, too. Spicy potato soup is also good. Collard greens, pepper and hot dog soup is also good. There are a lot of good soups to make and it's also a comfort food. It’s good to eat broth from vegetables or meats when you can’t have solid foods that you have to chew. It digests and gets in your system very easily. Growing up as a kid I loved chicken noodle soup Villages on Main Street I saw a large crowd of people gathered as if they were listening to slam poetry. The art expedition "Being Black in Ann Arbor (America)" by the artist Asha Jordan was being featured at CultureVerse gallery. I was drawn in by the amazing Africana dancer Imani Ma'at. She flowed across the floor to the rhythm of the music. Her beaded skirt matched the movements of her hips and fast turns. The formerly imprisoned Chairman of the Black Panthers, Baba Blair Anderson, exploded words of power and strength. I felt so CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 kicks and belly dancer moves. When the music ended I was invited inside to join in the fun bingo time. Believe it or not, I won a bag of yum yum cookies! Both events were about American culture and just how wonderfully inclusive we truly are. If you choose to live in segregation, you become an 1880 horse with blinders on. We must take responsibility for how we act, no matter how we feel about the honored to have heard raw truths cutting like a knife through the soul. This made me feel that Ann Arbor is truly back from the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. I doubled back and heard party songs and saw more dancing in the wild. It was Queer Bingo Time at the Avalon Bakery. I stood outside dancing to the fun club songs. This time the dancer wore a wild silver club dress and did high past. I choose to accept all people in a good way because that is who I am: Kaske Dene Wolf Clan Warrior. In nature tradition no one is left out, regardless of their choices. Peace must be honored. Join me for a wild night out in Ann Arbor with JaDEIn black of Boylesque drag troupe at Avalon Bakery, September 15 at 7 p.m. 3 I love soup! ART ON A JOURNEY When homeless artists create and sell their art they gain much needed financial support while making sense of the world and finding meaning and purpose in it — it’s a journey we’re all on. August 1 – September 14 at the Ann Arbor District Library, downtown branch. All artwork is for sale (cash only). Artists donate 10% of what they sell to Journey of Faith’s homeless ministry. a lot, and I still love it as an adult. I love chicken broth, too. I hope some of these soup ideas are helpful to others. I hope to enjoy some soup during the cold fall and winter months with my friends.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor August 9, at around 9 a.m., a car driver ran over and severely injured Gordie on the intersection of Michigan Avenue and South Grove Street in Ypsilanti. Gordie was on his bike, crossing Michigan Ave on the sidewalk. The driver was turning out of South Grove onto Michigan Ave. Jill, Gordie’s wife, who was right behind him, bent down under the car to find Gordie with one of the front tires pushed against his chest. She stood up and yelled at the driver to back up. The driver slowly backed away from Gordie, and got out of the car to see the damage. Without asking if the man he had just run over was okay, the driver then called an ambulance. Gordie got up and started walking around in circles, delirious from the pain and breathing weirdly, according to Jill and Mikey, a friend and witness I spoke to for this article. Soon after, one of his lungs collapsed. Still he was able to walk himself to the ambulance once it arrived. Police were the first to respond. They only took Gordie’s first name, then spoke to Jill. When the cops asked Jill for an address she told them they had none — she and Gordie are currently homeless and staying in a tent. Upon hearing this, the cops stopped taking notes. They handed Jill a business card and a case number without further questions for her or Gordie. Gordie does not know who the driver was, nor did he get the names of the cops. No pictures were taken at the scene. The ambulance driver told Jill she was not allowed to ride in the ambulance with her husband according to protocol. Hit and walk? When he hit Gordie, the driver was past the stop sign and on his phone, according to Mikey. Both Gordie and Mikey say they saw the cops talking to the driver before letting him go without so much as a ticket. Before leaving the scene, the cops informed Gordie that he had been in the wrong for biking against traffic on the sidewalk, and told him to get a lawyer. According to Michigan traffic law, cyclists can ride on sidewalks unless restricted by a local ordinance. And when using the sidewalk legally a cyclist has all the same rights as a pedestrian. Under an applicable Ypsilanti ordinance, sidewalk cycling is allowed in all city parts except “in any business district of the city.” Which areas are included in the “business district” is not defined in the text. Nor is it made clear after a surprising amount of research, including digging through city documents with the help of a former city planner. Steve Wilcoxen, Mayor Pro Tem and Council liaison to the Ypsilanti Non-Motorized Advisory Committee, seems just as confused by the wording. He tells me the term is not a zoning classification. However the area which makes up “the center” of Ypsilanti ends a block before Grove Street on Michigan Ave. Wilcoxen also said “police officers are fairly ignorant about bicycle laws,” and that “many people ride on the sidewalk SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 Driver runs over homeless cyclist, cops take no action there.” There is no bike lane on that stretch of Michigan Ave. Broken, breathing Gordie walked away with a broken collarbone, a number of fractures on his ribs and a punctured lung. He spent a week in the hospital. When I talked to him on the phone he sounded tired but under the circumstances upbeat: “I’m still breathing.” It was the first time he told the story to anyone beside his peers. Two weeks after the incident no authority had yet contacted Gordie or Jill. No law enforcement representative has asked for Gordie’s statement. Despite the physical and psychological trauma — the 43-year-old now has trouble sleeping and freezes at the sight of a car — Gordie said it could be worse: “It could have been a kid biking down that road.” Still, he said, “I feel this would be handled differently had it been someone of higher standing than myself.” Groundcover News will follow the development of this case. Delonis is deteriorating D.A. Groundcover contributor I'm writing this article believing that we are more than what is becoming of human services organizations. The principles of a thriving, productive transitional facility is to promote health, well-being and tend to individual goals for clients whose only commonality is the lack of sustainable housing. Those are people who are at risk of harm, scrutiny and dejection of the human spirit. I can believe that the clients may have similarities, yet bear varied needs. By grouping individuals as a whole, they are turning a blind eye to the fact that people may be beaten by self harm — whether it is intentional or not. They should not need to continue to experience hopelessness at a homeless persons' shelter. After not being able to utilize the services of a particular homeless persons' shelter, I am untrusting about any shelter now. I have no trust in what the Robert J. Delonis Center is now. I guess some call it a refuge. As a woman enduring a brain injury, I have been verbally assaulted by men on the premises of the "shelter." As a result of speaking up about my rights being openly violated, staff have blocked access to their facilities and protection. They've witnessed me being physically assaulted in front of the "shelter" in the middle of the night. Four staff members came down to the entrance door to the "shelter" and instructed me to leave the property. Not one of them asked if I was alright. Once again, promoting safety was not their priority. The employees should always keep in mind their positions as people who are employed as human services workers that have an ethic. They have an oath to uphold — that they will promote safety, humanity, and fairness — wherever they may be at the time of your encounter with them, all human beings on the property of the "shelter." Until recently, I had never slept in front of the shelter or on the street. It is the most dangerous, vulnerable place for a person of any gender to sleep. A so-called "female" staff member made me sleep outside in March in freezing weather because I have a brain injury and use a walker. She wrongfully demanded that I leave the women's (4th) floor at 7:30 a.m., whereas it is the rule and standard that everyone is expected to leave the 4th floor at 8 a.m. At 7:30 a.m, I gathered what I could, went to the first (main) floor to wash and dress. As I was washing myself, the male on duty, the first floor receptionist, kept busting into the bathroom without knocking or using any verbal alerts. As I stood half-naked trying to take care of my hygiene, he demanded that I hurry up and get out. No one can wash themselves, fully dress, and brush their teeth in ten minutes. Especially an individual who has a brain injury who requires an aide. I am going to level down. Because there are genuine, devoted staff members who exhibit a neutral character. Yet, some will not speak up about the fraternizing that goes on between some of the staff and clients. There is no modesty in some of the apparel that most of the female staff comes to work dressed in. I would realize as a human services employee that wearing coochie-cutter shorts to work is a distraction to some people and not professional attire. Whether it is a male or female, I believe that it would come to mind that you are not at home. You are at the "shelter" to reveal available community resources, not your personal goods. People need enlightenment, hope — not another false rollercoaster ride. When people know they have choices and the ability to overcome their issues, that is the most wonderful gift you can offer anyone. Landlords’ unreasonable requirements are a way to reject people that are low income. It is ridiculous and reckless to only rent to individuals whose income is higher than $6,000 a month. It is a form of concealing that they are discriminating against you for being poor. It is a method of accelerating gentrification and prolonging time spent in shelters or on the street. Why not care for others with righteous works? As you are lifting one up, you may also be lifting yourself up. Let your work be a true reflection of what you are supposed to do. It takes all of us to make things go right. Offer people literacy programs, mental health services, job-skills training and show people how to effectively fill out a job application and learn creative resume-writing skills. Make sure clients are being proactive in searching for housing prospects. When we ensure individual clients that they are empowered and they can believe in themselves, this is a start to building community and independence! SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 DIGITAL LITERACY TECH QUESTIONS + ANSWERS FROM WASHTENAW LITERACY Q: I change phone numbers a lot. Is there any way to transfer contacts, share my number, or reset associations with my old number when it happens? A: Changing phones or phone plans can be a huge hassle, especially when it means losing all your contacts and having to update everyone in your life about your new number. In addition to your contacts, switching phones can also involve losing apps, photos, videos and music that were stored on your old device. There are some ways for you to smooth the transition between phones or phone plans. However, the usefulness of those solutions will vary depending on your specific circumstances and the type of phone you are using. If you are choosing to get a new phone or phone plan, the easiest way to transfer all your old information to your new device is to ask your service provider to do it for you. Many phone service providers are willing to do this for free when you purchase a new phone from them or switch to their plan. Usually, all you need to do is bring your old device with you when you go to the store to purchase your new phone or phone plan. Sometimes, phone service providers can even help you keep your old phone number when you switch to a new phone or phone plan. Unfortunately, if you are switching numbers because your old phone is broken or lost, it is not always possible to recover your information. One way to avoid that situation is to use a cloud service to back up the data stored on your device. Doing so is often easier than it sounds, especially if you are an Android user with a Google (Gmail) account. Simply go to your phone’s settings, select “Accounts and Backup,” and tap on “Backup Data.” That should open a menu where you will be able to store your phone’s information, including contacts, on your Google Drive. When you set up a new Android phone you should be able to download all your old phone’s information. Of course, if you are mostly worried about hanging onto your old contacts, you can always take the low-tech route and find a place to write down all the phone numbers that are stored on your phone. Keeping phone numbers and other contact information written down on paper can be a more reliable way to ensure that you’ll still have them after changing phone numbers, although you’ll need to regularly update your contact list and take the time to manually enter the contacts into your new device. Q: I have a hard time reading and navigating my phone screen due to vision impairment. Are there settings or applications that could assist this? A: Cell phones can be incredibly useful tools — giving you access to calling, texting, the internet and countless apps — all through a device small enough to fit in your pocket and be carried anywhere. But the portability that makes owning a cell phone so convenient can also cause problems. How are you supposed to take advantage of all those great features when you’re struggling to make out what’s being displayed on that tiny screen? Difficulty reading and navigating computer screens is a common problem, especially for people using smaller devices like phones and tablets. Fortunately, cell phones, tablets, and computers are often equipped with settings options that can make them more accessible and easier to use. You can typically find these options in the settings menu under the label “Accessibility” or “Ease of Access.” Although accessibility features can differ from device to device, there are some options that are available on most phones and tablets. That includes accessibility options that make your device’s screen easier to read and use. One accessibility feature that is almost universal is the ability to change how your device displays text. Often, this setting will appear as a sliding scale, which allows you to choose the size of text on your screen. Changing text size will make phone menus, text messages, and call logs easier to see and navigate. On many devices it will also affect the size of text in certain applications, including web browsers and your email inbox. Some phones and tablets also have options which allow you to make all text bold, highlight buttons, or increase the contrast of your display. If you are having trouble seeing your phone’s display, don’t forget to check your brightness settings. Increasing your screen’s brightness visibility. can improve its Another useful feature for those with vision impairment is a screen reader. When turned on, screen readers will describe what’s on your phone screen or read selected text out loud. On Apple devices this feature is called VoiceOver and on most Android devices it is called TalkBack. Learning how to effectively use a screen reader can take some time, but it is an excellent tool for those who cannot read their screens. Android users should also know about the Android Accessibility Suite, a downloadable application available on the Google Play Store. If you have an Android with limited accessibility settings, downloading the Accessibility Suite can give you a greater number of options, including the TalkBack screen reader and voice commands. The accessibility options described above only scratch the surface of what many phones and tablets have to offer. Additional accessibility features exist that can help users with a wide range of challenges, including hearing loss and hand tremors. As is often the case, features designed to help folks with disabilities can be helpful for everyone. Familiarizing yourself with the accessibility features on your device is a good idea, regardless of whether or not you can easily read your screen. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Growing hopeless Growing Hope is a food justice nonprofit in Ypsilanti that manages a Farmers Marketplace Hall where they also host an incubator kitchen. It is located at 16 Black Lives Matter Blvd (S. Washington St). The kitchen provides a space for small start-up businesses to use a licensed kitchen for an hourly or monthly rent. Recently some people have sought shelter under the awning in the parking lot of the Marketplace Hall. The people sleeping under the awning are homeless. The neighboring residents and business owners were disgusted by them, referring to their belongings as “litter,” and their presence as “an eyesore.” These words in quotes were actually used by a Ypsilanti city inspector who came with the threat of legal action. Initially, the inspector spoke with Bee Mayhew, the former manager of the Incubator Kitchen. Bee had shown up for work five minutes before the inspector arrived. The sudden arrival of the official caused a visceral reaction in Bee, who told him to speak to the Growing Hope board of directors. Bee has borne the brunt of the neighborhood complaints since the people began to sleep outside the kitchen. Angry phone calls and visits and the JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 frequent presence of the police were part of her daily encounters. Bee thought about taking matters into her own hands. She spoke of creating a positive, neighborly community vibe filled with people at picnic tables eating, making music and art, playing games, including other things for kids and young people to do. The goal for the parking lot would be to become a community hub where people are offered a supportive environment instead of being treated like trash. The response from Growing Hope? Instead of compassion, the police were dispatched on August 23 around 7 p.m. to evict the people under the awning. The board of directors of Growing Hope made the call. It appears that a landlord who owns Ypsilanti community members blocking the installation of a fence at the Growing Hope Marketplace Hall. several buildings downtown threatened a lawsuit against Growing Hope for violating their 501(c)3 mission. As a result, the board voted to have the people removed. In other words, “take out the trash.” The police were sympathetic yet carried out the eviction. A large group of angry community members appeared at the awning to protest the eviction. They were told that Community Mental Health would put the people up for a night at a motel and that Growing Hope would pay for four more days. This remains to be seen. Why won’t these landlords, business owners, and Growing Hope be good neighbors? Why won’t they do the right thing and advocate for a supportive shelter in Ypsilanti? That shelter would serve as that community hub Bee and the people want. They need a place to sleep safely and to receive support from the professional community. It would be a place to get help with addiction and mental illness and a place to get help finding employment. Most importantly it would be a place to belong and feel like human beings rather than trash. We can do better. Editor’s Note: This is an ongoing story and Groundcover News will be updating it in future issues. SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 Toliets before tickets: Anti-homeless law charges $250 fine, jail time or community service LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Who would have thought an alleyway in downtown Ann Arbor would be the most expensive bathroom in the city? For many months, Roberto Isla Caballero, Groundcover vendor No. 347, has slept rough on the corner of Main and Washington Streets, a place some might recognize as his Groundcover News sales corner. On June 28, around 8 p.m, Caballero was far from a bathroom and couldn’t wait. It’s a discomfort many have experienced before. But for Caballero, the wait to the next restroom was a matter of time not distance — and so he relieved himself in “public.” He was caught and received a ticket. Now he is facing the decision of paying $250, spending 90 days in jail, or working 40 hours of community service. The lack of public restrooms in downtown Ann Arbor and its disparate impact on the homeless community has always been a public health issue, but it was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the downtown library, Blake Transit Center and businesses closed bathrooms even to paying customers, individuals who had no shelter in which to "shelter in place," also had no reliable bathroom to use. The Office of Community Economic Development collaborated with the Parks and Recreation Department and installed a port-a-potty in Liberty Plaza for a couple weeks, then took it away after complaints of it inspiring dangerous activity. Homeless individuals and activists protested against this solution, and it was put back until COVID cases died down. Nowadays, bathrooms are not necessarily unavailable, per se, but are only accessible at key parts of the city, and during waking hours. The only free public restrooms are located at Blake Transit Center, Ypsilanti Transit Center, the Ann Arbor District Library, the Delonis Center, and maybe on infrequent occasions, a coffee shop will let people use their bathroom, which is oftentimes locked under code or key. And that is only when they are open. In Caballero’s case, the only bathroom that was open to him was the Blake Transit Center. This human need to urinate was criminalized because of the inhumane public spaces we have. If it was a few hours later, he would have had no option. The consequences of public urination have the possibility to be greatly misaligned to the scale of misconduct. Caballero got off “easy,” as he was not placed on the sex-offender list. Being on that list could bar him from accessing future jobs and housing, not to mention the social stigma. But that is not to say the consequences were light. Caballero’s bold response to the judge’s offer of 90 days of jail, paying a $250 fine, or 40 hours of community service reveals the sometimes dystopian reality of the homeless experience. “90 days in jail? That’s 90 days of three meals a day, 90 days with a bed and sleep, maybe TV.” And, I would add, 90 days of a 24/7 accessible restroom. Author’s note: During a follow-up court date after the completion of the article, Caballero’s charge was rightfully dismissed by Judge Miriam Perry. SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 HOUSING JUSTICE The rent is too damn high! Statewide action demands lift of rent control ban in Michigan ZACHARIAH FARAH Groundcover contributor On September 5, a crowd of several hundred renters from across the state of Michigan gathered on the steps of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing to make a simple proclamation: The Rent is Too Damn High! The crowd, carrying flowing red banners, buzzed with excitement and energy. This was the first rally in many years demanding better conditions for renters in many years and there was a real sense that change could be won. The four demands presented by the aptly named Rent is Too Damn High Coalition are simple and cogent: 1. Repeal the statewide ban on rent control so cities can implement rent stabilization measures. 2. Pass a renters bill of rights to greatly expand the legal protections shielding tenants from abusive landlords. 3. Invest $4 billion in social housing that is permanently affordable and publicly owned. 4. Allocate $1 billion to “housing first” programs designed to provide housing to people experiencing homelessness. The event began with emotional speeches delivered by tenants who had been mistreated by their landlords, struggled to make rent and faced eviction from their homes. Local renter and Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America member, Justin Yuan, represented the McKinley Tenant Association which has been working to improve conditions at McKinley properties, one of the largest landlords in Washtenaw County. “Just as we fight the boss at work, we must fight the landlord at home!” declared Yuan, whose comments were met with loud applause. Despite the intense 90º heat, the vibrance of the crowd continued throughout the speeches. After the tenant testimonials, we split into two groups, each directed towards a different chamber of the legislature: the House or the Senate. Chambers are located in opposite wings of the capitol. To our disappointment, the legislators had unexpectedly given themselves an extra day of vacation and weren’t present on the chamber floors. We filed into the horseshoe-shaped galleries overlooking the debate floor and the many rows of empty legislators’ desks. Call and response chants boomed throughout the rooms and hallways. “The roof, the roof, the roof is falling in! We’re fighting for good housing and you bet we’re gonna win!” I was overwhelmed with the feeling that this previously silent room had been transformed into a living people’s house. We read our demands once again to our invisible legislators. A highly charged group of demonstrators chanted and aired their demands in the Senate chambers. Another group visited the House. “It looks like our legislators are hiding!” said one speaker, in reference to the absence of the representatives. That wasn’t true of all of our legislators, however. Sen. Carrie Rheingans, Rep. Emily Dievendorf, Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. and Rep. Jason Morgan all attended the rally and demonstrated genuine support for our cause. Rep. Morgan, who represents part of Ann Arbor, extended an invitation to the Ann Arbor-area delegation to discuss our concerns and demands in his office. The meeting was a great success and upon debriefing, our delegation agreed that it couldn’t have gone any better. “At least we have a real ally in our own district,” said one renter. After the exhausting day of demonstrating, our delegation boarded our charter bus and we began the stretch back home to Ann Arbor. Reflecting on our rally, a wave of hope came over me. This is the beginning of a powerful tenant movement in our state, a movement that will win better rights and lower rents for tenants across GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Justin Yuan from McKinley Tenants Association addresses the crowd. Photo credit: The Rent is Too Damn High Coalition. Michigan. The Rent is Too Damn High Coalition will continue the fight in Lansing with our support, but it’s up to us to get organized here in Ann Arbor. Public Toilets in A2 and Ypsi Please remember to use public toilets where available. The staff at Groundcover News has made this list of public toilets for its readers. If you know of more public toilets, please reach out to our staff at this email address: contact@ groundcovernews.com. “Thank you” from the staff! Delonis Center 312 W Huron St. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 mon – sun 24/7 Blake Transit Center 328 S Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 mon – fri 6a – 12a sat 7:15a – 11p sun 8a – 7:30p Ypsi Transit Center 220 Pearl St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 mon – fri 6a – 12:30a sat 7:15a – 11p sun 8a – 7:45p AADL Downtown 343 S Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, 48104 mon – sun 10a – 8p

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LABOR JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor On August 25, the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees’ Organization reached a breakthrough agreement, ending a nearly five-month strike. This pivotal development won substantial pay raises for graduate student instructors and staff assistants, accompanied by a range of additional benefits. The labor strike, which began in late March, was a dispute that not only disrupted the U-M campus but also led to legal proceedings. Few strikes ever go through the full range of procedures. Representing approximately 2,300 graduate student instructors and staff assistants across U-M’s three campuses, GEO spearheaded this ongoing battle, championing improved compensation and benefits. Members of GEO deliberated during a mass meeting on August 21 and ultimately authorized their bargaining team to pursue a tentative agreement with the university. The union conducted a ratification vote on August 24 which had 97% approval. This accord spells the end of a highly charged strike, fostering a return to normalcy for both the U-M undergraduate community and the parties directly involved. The protracted strike led to a series of disruptions, including professors stepping in to undertake grading tasks typically handled by graduate students. Legally, the university sought a court order compelling striking workers back to their posts, a request that was ultimately denied. Union leaders voiced concerns about the university's handling of student grades during the strike, prompting an inquiry by the accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission. Despite these challenges, the union's persistence and the university's engagement in negotiations have paved the way for this historic agreement. The university’s proposal, its "last, best and final offer," encompasses an eight percent raise in the first year of the contract, complemented by successive six percent raises in the second and third years. Targeting graduate student instructors and staff assistants stationed at U-M’s Ann Arbor campus, this proposition acknowledges the pivotal role these individuals play in the university's operations — ranging from grading assignments and exams to leading classes and contributing to diverse university initiatives. However, this journey through negotiations has not been without its challenges. GEO began its campaign with the fact that the skyrocketing inflation in the past years had put its members salaries 60% below the estimated cost of living for Ann Arbor. This is why the union initially advocated for a substantial 60 percent raise in the first year of the three-year contract. While the agreement does not meet this demand fully, a de facto 60 percent raise will be realized for many graduate workers due to a separate graduate funding plan, aka Rackham Plan, pushed forward by U-M this Spring as a union-breaking strategy. This plan, designed to ensure summer funding for Ph.D. students, is set to remain intact. The strategic combination of these initiatives, according to GEO spokesperson and doctoral political science candidate, Amir Fleischmann, yields a substantial raise for most Ph.D. students in the contract's initial year. SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 GEO wins historic contract after five month strike Fleischmann further suggests that incoming Ph.D. students could experience a remarkable 80 percent raise by the conclusion of the contract, compared to their earnings in the previous contract cycle. Beyond the salary, this resolution introduces essential safeguards for graduate student instructors and staff assistants. For example, the settlement includes a transitional funding program aimed at shielding workers from harassment and potential threats. This three-year pilot initiative will provide funding for up to a semester, allowing students to transition out of situations involving abusive or discriminatory relationships with their supervisors or colleagues. Furthermore, enhancements in mental and physical therapy copays, in conjunction with the expansion of gender-affirming benefits, underscore the university's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all stakeholders. In a statement, GEO lead negotiator Evelyn Smith highlighted the historic see GEO page 11  Timeless time When I learned these two words I began to understand the seamless nature of past, present and future. I learned that the first Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu lineage, was called Düsum Khyenpa, translated as “knower of the three times” by virtue of his enlightenment experience in timeless time. This lineage is now held by the 17th Karmapa. Obstacles arrive at every stage of the path in life and it’s good to work with whoever is available and helpful for your current situation. This may be a lifetime teacher or one of many. Your intention to realize the truth of reality is decisive, and cultivating that intention into experience and abilities is the goal. There is always work to be done. Our ancestors point the way and all lineage holders carry that responsibility. Thrangu Rinpoche, who died in 2023, was an amazing teacher and writer. He was an important tutor to Ogyen Trinley Dorje who is a successor to the 16th Karmapa. Timeless time brings the three times into a seamless whole. I have been accused of being “stuck in the past” and have been told to forget the past. My first response is “detach from the past, honor and learn from the past.” I do not know how much I am submit to survival demands and forget to thrive, that is to live from the heart. We are surrounded by the bountiful fruit of the earth yet often live with a scarcity mentality. Every indigenous heritage focuses on the sacred nature and generosity of the earth. Gratitude and contentment follow. It is a common practice in all comKEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 munities with a heartfelt relationship to reality to call upon our ancestors to help live a balanced and engaged life. stuck in the past but I certainly do not have a stable realization of timeless time that brings the seamless nature of the three times into clarity, yet I dare to explore this truth as I understand it. I have mentioned awareness of the breath in many articles and still believe that one natural breath is more precious than all the words that could be written about awareness of this moment. Mindfulness can be a buzzword for compliance with social norms. Mindfulness and awareness have many levels. Gabor Mate has written “The Myth of Normal” to help us in our healing. Authenticity is precious and elusive because of habitual ego-clinging. Most of us forget who we really are as we “Cesar Chavez presente” was said three times in the many events that celebrated his contribution to our shared life. This exercise that some would say is kin to a seance put many of us in touch with the great commons, the all good expanse of primordial purity. If you focus on the present as a measurement, you will only find nano moments that disappear the present. Born from the past and immediately giving birth to the future, this moment is best experienced as the essence of the four times — past, present, future and timeless time — which are seamless in the unity of stillness and motion. The unity of opposites is the key to experience the play of reality and enter the game of life with some confidence. If you are in Santa Clara, Cuba, visit the memorial to Che Guevara and get a taste of the four times. Remember Fidel’s words that Che did not die, because they met in dreams and talked. The famous photo of Che by Korda is timeless. In my opinion any experience is worthy as we learn more about who we are, as individuals and as a people. I hope you meditated on “The People are the Power” in the previous edition of Groundcover. Any event is best understood with awareness of the four times. Take Labor Day as an example. We have yet to fully honor labor and get another chance as the number of strikes grows to a larger section of the working class. As a thought experiment, consider this year’s Labor Day with “timeless time” in mind. Contrast the long history that goes back to May Day as International Workers Day with the current focus on the Detroit Jazz Festival. Experience this historical moment deeply and tune in to the power of your labor and a fitting social connection to the emancipation of labor. May we become creatively productive and complete what needs to be done. The future begins now. The International Day of Peace is coming September 21. Meet you on the commons! Check out annarborcommunitycommons.org. SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 PUZZLES 1 14 17 20 23 28 29 34 37 42 44 51 55 59 64 67 60 61 62 65 68 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Hang loose 5. Pack away 9. Slight trace 14. Opera solo 15. Mysterious (Var.) 16. Pie cuts, essentially 17. Frost-covered 18. Eastern music 19. Be theatrical 20. Carnivorous plant native to the Carolinas 23. Bet's preceder 24. Carrier 28. "Acid" 29. Spanish pot 33. Ancient land on the Aegean 34. Control, symbolically 36. James ___ Jones 37. Tool used to mend socks 42. Get-up-and-go 43. African antelope 44. Ear doctor 47. Blunted blade 48. Appropriate 51. Really bad 53. Arctic diving bird 55. Sharecropper 59. Brace 62. In need of resupply, as shelves 63. Bundle of hay 64. Necklace item 65. 20-20, e.g. 66. Mine entrance 67. Anxious 68. Cleaning cabinet supplies 69. Accuse DOWN 1. Like caterpillars 2. Projecting windows 45 46 52 56 57 58 63 66 69 3. Described 4. What many a fast break ends in 5. Bondman 6. Blue hue 7. Bacchanal 8. Comedian Cenac formerly of "The Daily Show" 9. Christmas decoration 10. Hindered 11. Altar avowal 12. Hale 13. "A pox on you!" 21. Cut off 22. "Baloney!" 25. Canaanite deity 26. Farm measure 27. Come together 30. Floral necklace 31. Ancestry 32. Viewpoint 35. Become unhinged 37. Clobber 38. Breezy 39. Revels 40. WSW's opposite 41. Swelling 42. Bleat 45. Stinky 46. "The Joy Luck Club" author Amy 48. Fighting force 49. Early round 50. Slightly tapering 52. Categorize 54. Kind of sprawl or renewal 56. Blue shade 57. Family ___ 58. Sloughs 59. Health resort 60. Big ___ Conference 61. "Dig in!" 38 39 43 47 53 54 48 49 50 30 31 32 35 40 41 21 24 33 36 2 4 5 6 7 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 3 9 15 18 22 25 26 27 16 19 10 11 12 13 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL HISTORY SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 When Robert Frost came to Michigan: a view of power and poetry in a democracy According to Poets.org, Robert Frost's life can be summarized as follows. Frost was born on March 26, 1874, in San Francisco, where his father and mother had moved from Pennsylvania shortly after marrying. After the death of his father when Frost was eleven, he moved with his mother and sister to Lawrence, Mass. He became interested in reading and writing poetry during his high school years in Lawrence, enrolled at Dartmouth College in 1892 and, later, at Harvard University, though he never earned a formal degree. Frost drifted through a string of occupations after leaving school, working as a teacher, a cobbler and editor of the Lawrence Sentinel. His first published poem, "My Butterfly," appeared on November 8, 1894 in the New York newspaper, "The Independent.” Frost married his high school sweetheart, Elinor Miriam White, in 1895. It was said Elinor, who died in 1938, was a major inspiration for his poetry. Four years after her death, Frost proclaimed that he had “A lover’s quarrel with the world.” Frost said he went to England to write a novel and, perhaps, dramatic plays. There he was influenced by renowned European poets such as Edward Thomas, Rupert Brooke, Robert Graves, John Keats, William Butler Yeats and Thomas Hardy, and Georgian Poets T.E. Hulme and Lasceless Abercrombie. In 1917, Frost signed a three-year teaching contract with Amherst College. He continued to be a prolific writer of poems. Many historians, including Poets.org, noted that by 1920, Frost was the most celebrated poet in America. He got more famous with every new publication of his books. Frost won a total of four Pulitzer Prizes for poetry, the only poet to do so. He served as a consultant in poetry to the Library of Congress 1957-1959. In 1960, Frost won the Congressional Gold Medal, signed by President Eisenhower, and presented by John F. Kennedy in 1962. Frost read his poem “The Gift Outright” at JFK's inauguration ceremony on January 20, 1961. After receiving an honorary Master’s Degree in Arts and Letters from the University of Michigan in 1921, Frost came back to receive an honorary doctorate in Law from U-M in 1962. Although Frost got honorary degrees from Dartmouth, Harvard and other prestigious schools, he told friends that he valued and cherished the honorary degrees from Michigan, the campus he loved very much. WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Frost died in Boston in January 1963, a few months after his Spring 1962 commencement speech and poetry reading to an overflowing, joyous crowd at the Michigan Football Stadium. Frost Gets a Teaching Fellowship at U-M Robert Frost arrived at U-M in 1921, stayed until 1923, and then returned for a second fellowship 1925 to 1926. He was invited by U-M’s popular President, Rev./Dr. Marion Leroy Burton. Frost and Burton shared a vision about how poetry and the arts could transform the lives, thinking and reflections of young people across the nation. President Burton secured a $5,000 donation in 1921 to bring Frost to U-M. In his application for the grant, Burton said, “A real University should be a patron of arts, literature and creative activity. We ought to have on campus [creative artists] who are actually producing the results which influence the thought of a nation.” The above quote, by writer and scholar Paul Diamond, was in the article, “Frost and Burton at Michigan: 1921-1926,” published in ”The Michigan Quarterly Review” of July 14, 2023. In his acceptance letter, Frost thanked President Burton for his vision of “keeping the creative and the erudite together in education where they belong; and [where the creative can also] make its demand on young students.” Diamond noted that Frost made a big impact at Michigan. “He had led the monthly meetings at Professor Cowden’s home on Olivia Avenue for student writers of the literary magazine, Whimsies. Frost shared his poems, and the students shared theirs … and then Frost would encourage them to keep their poems around for a while and ‘deepen, deepen it.’” There was no doubt that having America’s most famous poet helping Michigan students to excel was very positive, but some professors in the Robert Frost reciting a poem at John F. Kennedy's inauguaration. Diamond, was a humorous challenge: English Department displayed hostile attitudes toward Frost due to his lacking formal academic degrees. Some of them described Frost as a college dropout who made as much money as full professors. Sadly, the student writers who appreciated Frost knew about the envy and resentment. They devoted the last issue of their 1923 publication to Frost as a token of gratitude. President Burton also felt triumphant and grateful. He wanted to make Frost’s residency permanent with $6,000 annually from the University fund. Frost agreed in principle but then Burton died suddenly of a heart attack. After Frost gave an emotional eulogy for his number one advocate, Frost decided to do just a final residency from 1925 to 1926. He continued his impressive work with student writers, who changed their magazine’s name to Outlanders. He lived with his family in a house on Pontiac Trail. The house has since been moved by the Ford Museum to Greenfield Village. Frost wrote dozens of poems at Michigan. His residency produced some of the most memorable of his poems, cited by laypeople and the powerful. They include, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” “Spring Pools” and “Fire and Ice.” His poetry collection titled “New Hampshire” was published in 1924. It was dedicated to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and it won the 1924 Pulitzer Prize for excellence in - poetry. During one of his frequent dinners at President Burton’s house, Burton claimed that Frost might even be more popular than the football coach, Fielding Yost, because of his civic engagement and national celebrity status. Frost's response, according to “Let’s put that to the test: schedule a reading for me at the same time as a home football game. More than 30,000 will be cheering at the Perry Field. The Hill Auditorium will be empty, since even I will be at the game.” The Intersection of Power and Poetry in a Democracy Robert Frost described himself as a “humanist.” Some critics called him a poet inspired by rural rusticity, landscapes, forests and pastoral disposition. He also wrote about the social and political challenges of his time, including wars, women’s rights and the crushing poverty of the Great Depression. Frost wanted his students and readers to do deep thinking. He was inclined to write in parables. Many people in positions of power loved his poetry collections. President John F. Kennedy invited him to read his poem in January 1961 at the Presidential Inauguration. He recited the poem “The Gift Outright,” very dear to folks from New England. After the poet passed away, Amherst College invited President Kennedy to give a speech at a ceremony to dedicate the Robert Frost Memorial Library. His speech was about the link between poetry and power. As quoted in HuffPost Entertainment of July 14, 2023, Kennedy said, “When power leads man to arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of men’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of this existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human see FROST next page  SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 LOCAL HISTORY  FROST from last page STOPPING BY THE WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.” Talking specifically about Frost in his 1963 remarks at Amherst, President Kennedy said, “Our national strength matters, but the spirit which informs and controls our strength matters just as much. This was the special significance of Frost. He brought an unsparing instinct for reality to bear on the platitudes and pieties of society. His sense of the human tragedy fortified him against self-deception and easy consolation. “‘I have been,’ he wrote, ‘one acquainted with the night.’ And because he knew the midnight as well as the high noon, because he understood the ordeal as well as the triumph of the human spirit, he gave his age strength with which to overcome despair. At the bottom, he held a deep faith in the spirit of man and it is hardly an accident that Frost coupled poetry and power, for he saw poetry as the means of saving power from itself.” We believe JFK is right in his assessment of Frost and artists in general. After his assassination the next month — November 1963 — JFK’s personal secretary found in the Oval Office some books of poetry by Frost as well as “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Both “Ulysses” and many of Frost’s poems, but especially “Spring Pools,” written while he was at U-M, are about the need for thoughtful and slow deliberation and not rushing into important decisions. It is safe to say that JFK learned from reading Frost and embraced these values. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. SPRING POOLS These pools that, though in forests, still reflect The total sky almost without defect, And like the flowers beside them, chill and shiver, Will like the flowers beside them soon be gone, And yet not out by any brook or river, But up by roots to bring dark foliage on. The trees that have it in their pent-up buds To darken nature and be summer woods — poetry by Robert Frost written during his time at U-M  GEO from page 8 significance of the agreement, noting that the achievements attained were a result of collective determination rather than unilateral generosity. The union's long-haul strike was the driving force behind these successes. According to U-M spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald, the agreement holds significant implications. It provides the university with the assurance that the fall term will proceed without disruptions, reaffirming the institution's dedication to its core educational mission. It's worth noting that the deal offers more favorable terms to U-M graduate students in Ann Arbor compared to those in Dearborn and Flint, despite the union’s consistent proposals for pay parity across campuses. While U-M-Dearborn graduate student workers will receive annual raises of 3.5 percent throughout the contract's three-year term, efforts are underway to align the minimum stipend on the Flint campus with the Dearborn standard. Additionally, graduate students across all three campuses are set to receive a $1,000 bonus. GEO’s treasurer, Prayag Chata, has started a solidarity fund to redistribute the bonus to members who lost their paycheck in April during the strike and to those who will not enjoy the full benefits of the new contract. Many members have pledged to donate their bonus, and anyone can make a contribution on givebutter.com/GEOStrikeFund. “We fought tooth-and-nail over ten months of bargaining and five months of strike action, forcing U-M to grant the largest salary increase in GEO history,” the union wrote early Friday on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The University of Michigan and its graduate student workers have voted to restore equilibrium to their academic ecosystem. The impending resolution serves as a testament to the power of negotiations, advocacy and collective action in driving Let them think twice before they use their powers To blot out and drink up and sweep away These flowery waters and these watery flowers From snow that melted only yesterday. transformative change. The settlement underscores the pivotal role that graduate student workers play in the functioning of higher education institutions. As the curtain falls on this chapter of the University of Michigan's history, the reverberations of these negotiations within the university community and the broader academic realm are inescapable. The lessons learned from this strike will undoubtedly shape future dialogues surrounding equitable compensation, conducive working conditions, and the unifying spirit that propels progress toward shared goals. Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Summer corn saute ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter 4 ears sweet corn, kernels sliced from cobs (4 cups kernels) 3 green onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper 8 medium-sized basil leaves, chopped Directions: Add butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add sweet corn kernels, green onions, and garlic then season with lots of salt and pepper and saute until kernels are crisp-tender, 4-5 minutes. Add chopped basil then stir to combine and serve. SEPTEMBER 8, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS L O L L A R I A S T O W W H I F F E E R Y R A D I I R I M Y R A G A L S D O L L A B R I O E M O T E V E N U S F L Y T R A P A L E P H R E I N S A U R I S T S T E E L P E A R L A N T S Y T O T E B A G T H R A C E E A R L D A R N I N G N E E D L E E L A N D E P E E A B Y S M A L A P T M U R R E T E N A N T F A R M E R B A R E B A L E E V E N A D I T L Y E S N A M E LUNCH OR DINNER WE’VE GOT YOU! Whether it’s $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 10/8/2023

2 $ AUGUST 25, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 18 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Antibiotic Catch-22: Terri Demar's struggle to access medical care battling cellulitis. Page 10 MIKE JONES #113 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT ORGANIZATION HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. STREET MYTHOLOGY STREET THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Shakey Jake, Ann Arbor street legend, outside of Pinball Pete's in 1998. Photo credit: Ann Arbor District Library Archive from the Ann Arbor News. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # MYTHOLOGY

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER welcome to this issue on STREET MYTHOLOGY ALEX TARBET Groundcover volunteer People bring themselves to mythology in different ways. Imagine you and I pass one another on the street and — just this once — a strange force compels us two strangers to stop, sit together just for a moment and tell a myth. What’s the first one that comes to mind? We might share a famous one from thousands of years ago, but get locked in debate afterward about who’s the real ‘hero’ or the ‘monster.’ Say, why was Medusa’s hair turned into snakes? Did she deserve it for what she did? Would you have chopped her head off like Perseus? (For more on that, see Teresa B.’s article on page 7). We can rewrite an old story, or even throw it out entirely, discard old patterns and reimagine our existence the way we choose. But one thing mythology does for sure is provoke us to talk to one other. In that spirit, this edition of Groundcover is a collection of conversations around the streets of Ann Arbor on what myth is and why it matters. As you read, ask yourself whether you agree or disagree. Juliano argues on page 4 that myth has been an opiate for the masses, keeping lower classes down all the way back to ancient Rome. For Cindy on page 6, myths are forms of cultural survival that preserve communities enduring down the generations. For Teresa, they are indigenous traditions of storytelling stolen and corrupted by shallow American consumerism. For James on page 4, imagination and science fiction evolved as therapy for hard times along with other forms of contemplation. To one person, myths are make-believe for children or propaganda for governments; for another, they are timeless symbols that get at real truths and teach moral lessons. Which writers do you find persuasive? Everyone has something to say about myth. In 2023, each of us responds in our own way with shock and disgust, curiosity or wonder, resentment or anxiety, skepticism or laughter. One way or another, how you think about old stories (even rejecting them entirely in favor of new ones) reveals something about you. It shows your concept of heroes and monsters in the real world, where you think this universe came from, where we are going, and how we ought to treat one another along the way. Into mythology each of us brings a self, a reality and a past full of love and suffering, joy and loss, following all the history we have inherited down the generations. But we also bring contemporary concerns for the world now and where it’s headed. Each Groundcover writer has a thoughtful perspective drawn from lived experience on the streets. Their theories about how myth works are similar to what you might pick up as a student in any university from scholars who have written about myth in relation to class consciousness, dream interpretation, feminism and social inequality. Groundcover writers offer their own street theories as they challenge and debate different ideas by drawing on their own instincts and reflections from unique lived experiences. Mythology has much to do with poverty and homelessness. Myth has always been about outsiders, the wanderers, exiles, outcasts, monsters, or exotic and supposedly uncivilized strangers. Writers who have endured transience or poverty tend to have more empathy for the monsters and less tolerance for some of the heroes. One common trend is a healthy mistrust for the idea of “mythology” altogether as a sort of scam, since the American economy we live in is itself a fairy-tale controlled and dominated by rich people on top. see WELCOME page 9  AUGUST 25, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Almustapha D.A. Teresa Basham Cindy Gere Mike Jones Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz James Manning Ken Parks Earl Pullen Juliano Sanchez Scoop Stevens Alex Tarbet Kaden Watts GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons AUGUST 25, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What organization has helped you the most (not including Groundcover News)? Peggy's house and MISSION. — Mike Jones, #113 Community Mental Health. — Gary Leverett, #554 None of them. Only Groundcover. — Joe Woods, #103 Purple House. — Teresa Basham, #570 Toss up between the Buddhist Center and Ann Arbor Coalition Against the War. — Ken Parks, #490 Washtenaw Camp Outreach and Weather Amnesty. — Jim Clark, #139 Community Mental Health and First Baptist in Ann Arbor. — Pony Bush, #305 Churches. Especially the breakfast church. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 GROUNDCOVER NEWS Groundcover News opens the door for a new publication Hi, My name is Elizabeth Kurtz, but I refer to myself as Lit, a name I gave myself shortly after losing my housing and landing on what we call “the streets.” “Lit” is short for Elizabeth because I found that outside of mainstream housing, there is little room for extra baggage — including one’s name. I was shocked during the 20112012 school year to be among 4000 teachers laid off and forced to reapply for our positions. Like many other teachers, I was not rehired, and in what seemed like in the blink of an eye I was living in my car. The adjustment was difficult and although I was reluctant to admit that I was “homeless” just like others who were scavenging in trash for cans and bottles or even selling the “homeless” paper, the reality set in. If I had any chance of survival after my savings and unemployment were depleted, I needed to have an income. The street paper concept, which started in New York during the 1980s and arrived in Ann Arbor in 2011 under the directorship of Susan Beckett, was a viable option, offering an opportunity to begin LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 of my own entitled, The Fringe. It offers an even more in-depth look at the lives of those who are unhoused. Groundcover and the street paper association have given many of those who are unhoused an ability to share our voices. They indeed offer a springboard and training ground for a publication such as mine. As an unhoused person, I know selling right away. I signed up and started selling and writing for it in 2013. By 2016, I was extremely honored that an article I wrote for Groundcover entitled “Living Out Here” placed as one of the top five finalists in the category of Best Vendor Contribution when the International Street Paper Conference (INSP) was held in Athens, Greece, making me the first Groundcover Vendor to receive that honor. Jim Clark received the same recognition in 2019. A decade following the first year that I sold for Groundcover, I am editing and publishing a magazine that it is necessary for a publication to exist that is seen through the lens of we who have experienced living through the crisis. The articles will be contributed by people who have experienced it as well. The first inaugural edition is dedicated to Earth Day because who knows more about the Earth than those who have been forced to live directly on its soil? This magazine will not only be in print but also online so that your friends and family from across the world can enjoy it. To find out more information about receiving a copy, please scan the QR included here. 3 The people are the power! In the 1960s and 70s “POWER TO THE PEOPLE” was a popular chant at rallies and marches. You could say it was a common mantra that carried the essence of the many movements for freedom. We need to consider power and how it works. What is its source? Meditar y analizar, as Fidel described his style, reflect and analyze. From science we know power as the ability to move an object. I propose we think of power as the ability to get things done. Labor is the basic power to work on whatever project until completion. Study Marx and Engels to understand alienated labor and what the emancipation of labor looks like. Erich Fromm is among the many thinkers who studied and wrote about alienation. My understanding is that when labor is a commodity in the market you lose agency of your labor power to those who buy your labor. If you agree to a written or unwritten contract, you lose any real ability to understand the results of your labor. Your power enters a maze of corporate KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 processing which investors use to promote the greatest profit, regardless of the waste or damage. Dumping waste into the environment is a common practice. Landfills are a huge industry. Nuclear waste will be in toxic sites beyond any time we can measure. To take responsibility for the results of our actions means to use our power with awareness and not allow anyone to use our power for their capital accumulation fetish. Both Buddhism and Marxism use dialectics to understand the play of opposites, Buddhism focuses on the Middle Path between the extremes of eternalism and nihilism. Marxism focuses on the analysis of data to understand the material world. Lenin studied Hegel to work from the assumption that dialectics begins with the unity of opposites. I believe this unity is also the Middle Path. Everything is interrelated and interactive. “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism” by V.I.Lenin is an important study of World War One dynamics. The Introduction to “Medicine Buddha” by Thrangu Rinpoche is a good introduction to Buddhist thinking on the play of reality. Our imagination is empowered by words such as these and reality becomes a workable situation. I propose that “THE PEOPLE ARE THE POWER” is the slogan that best points to our shared reality. Labor power in particular has its source in the working class; to use our power to serve the Golden Rule is the way to live happily ever after. We all want our life to be in our own hands. Compliance culture demands that you use your power for the designs of others; this puts us in constant gridlock with our own aspirations. The system uses compliance to channel everything to march to the beat of empire as dictated by “the deciders,” as one or both President Bush(s) put it. Our body/mind unity can be experienced more completely as human beings if we practice natural breathing; it is the best step to a natural mind. There are many teachers of mind training. Both Zen and Tibetan spiritual friends have helped me. The power of calm and clear points to the importance of using our power to do creative activity with the intention to benefit all beings without exception. If we free our minds, the rest will follow. Patti LaBelle sang that song. If we share our labor power for the common good we can work to stop the march to nuclear war. Compost war, grow peace. Visit vfpgoldenruleproject.org.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS STREET MYTH Roman gods in America Mythology has always been about two things: money and power. It’s the same today in America. We still live in ancient Rome, but it’s 2023. We have the “gods” up on top, or at least men who think they’re gods, billionaires whose families own and control everything. There are these few rich men on top living like emperors, and then there’s the rest of us on bottom. Just like Caesar thought he was immortal and compared himself to a god, these billionaires get into government and can do anything they want, and they always want more and more, so they become bored and psychopathic and chase fame or power or immortality. They have so much money they make up wars and conflicts to keep society distracted and divided. Myths about gods have always been about them. Billionaires today want to believe that they are the gods. They are the ones who own the news machine, the propaganda you hear on radio and television and social media. People buy all the myths they tell you and believe everything they say is the truth. They keep us working for them, to keep us at each other’s throats stuck in the trap believing that one day we might make it up to their level. But we never will — it’s just a myth. We keep believing what they tell us, like the American Dream. And they’ve had people believing since their ancestors back in Rome. These sorts of myths divide us against each other, and stop us from loving and respecting each JULIANO SANCHEZ Groundcover vendor No. 174 other as human beings. Racism is one of those myths. Society keeps pumping this into your head and embedding it in your mind through propaganda, that there are categories like Black and White. But skin color is just a story people in power have told to control the masses, so that we go on hating and fighting each other, distracted so that we never understand each other. People are always more complex than the myth. I appear Black to most people, but if you learned a little about my family history, you would know I’m a mix of African, indigenous Taino Cuban and white European ancestry from Europe. And everyone’s blood is the same color — red — anyway. People are so caught up in the myth they just look at someone and see Black or white, but that's too simple. That’s what they want you to believe. For people of color or minorities, mythology is a story of colonialism. I remember when growing up that my mother and grandmother in Cuba were so beautiful, with long, silky hair, and beautiful bronze skin. They were descended from Taíno, the indigenous peoples who first settled Cuba. But I grew up in New York and knew nothing about the Taíno; we grew up learning Spanish because the Taíno language was wiped out, along with their whole culture, which was killed off by Columbus and the Spanish when they enslaved them. Nobody talks about Taíno myths, but we all know about the Greek and Roman ones because American society developed out of that. We are built on Rome and Greece and a history of people’s heads being chopped off. When you talk about mythology, what you mean is slavery, injustice, imperialism — selfish, evil wrongdoing and the stuff that men in power have used to take over the world. Mythology is a history of control. Who’s got the power to make you believe? Rich people at the top live in their own world, maybe twenty rich families that own everything: the Rockefellers, the Du Ponts, the Gettys. All their ideas go back to Roman history and Julius Caesar. The emperors at the top, the billionaires, think they are immortal because they want their genetic line to keep hold of power over civilization, and they get their kicks by watching it like a chessboard. When you look at classical statues of Roman and Greek gods, it can be beautiful art, but it’s really just about control. Powerful men have always used gods and religions to trick the people and brainwash them with propaganda so they can control planet Earth. People on the bottom — the mortals — keep trying to work their way up from the gutter, and as long as they have some security — a house and a car and food to eat, they go on accepting how it is and believing that they can become “gods” someday too. But nobody ever reaches the top. The “gods” of capitalism are the ones who make us all sick trying to believe this myth that we need to become rich to be happy in the first place, and it just keeps us working for them and hating each other. We need to see the promise of capitalism for what it is — a myth. Billionaires are not happy; they are all miserable and psychopathic because they live in a fantasy world. I’m happier and healthier right down here on the street than all the gods. I’m down here with a simple life, with the trees and fresh air, and just the sun on my skin, my Cuban music, a simple diet, friends and conversations, life without owning anything or trying to chase after money or immortality or fame or power. Just love in the heart, that’s all you need. I’m happier without anything than they are with everything! We are all the same anyway; in the end we all go right back to dirt on this planet, no different than one another. You don’t need to believe any myths. All we need to do is find love in our hearts. All you need is right here in front of you. AUGUST 25, 2023 Medusa and the real monsters What does it mean to be seen as a monster? Ask any woman who’s been raped and then blamed for it. Think about Medusa. In the myth, she was once the most beautiful mortal woman in the world with the most gorgeous hair. Poseidon wanted her so much that he took her in a temple and raped her. The gods were jealous and angry, but they blamed her and punished her by turning her into a damn snake. She became so horrible that the sight turned others to stone and nobody could even approach her. Perseus finally came with his mirror shield and chopped her head off. Today, people still think Perseus was the hero of the story. But that’s not the way I look at it. I’m here to tell you the real way to think about it. Nobody understands Medusa. People never think about her perspective. It’s easier to just call someone a monster by looks like a monster — actually ended up in the situation they are in. Instead, society blames them for what happened and only sees what’s on the outside. How are there so many myths and legTERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 what you see on the outside. People refuse to try and understand and ask the question, how did she get that way? None of it was Medusa’s fault. It was those gods and men led around by their sexual desires and big egos, not by their brains or their hearts, that turned her into a monster to begin with. People never think about how somebody they see — who’s different than they are and ends around the world about women being evil? I can tell you: you’re reading things written by men! If a woman in our society gets raped, or if a boy gets molested by a priest, they have to deal with it for the rest of their lives, because society sees them — and they see themselves — as monsters, as no good, as evil and wicked. But the evil force was the person who did it to begin with and the society and the churches that protect them. Myth and legend come down to the government controlling what people believe. In the case of women, those who benefited from patriarchy created myths to reinforce the patriarchal structure. So when you read about Medusa, what you’re getting is what somebody wanted you to believe about women’s nature. Some people have no choice from the beginning about how they ended up where they are, on the street. Lots of us had jobs, homes, kids, families, everything, and it was taken away for some reason totally out of our control, like a medical bill, or an accident where someone gets hit by a car or truck. Some of us were put out on the street because someone took advantage of us, or we were laid off and lost our jobs, or something bad happened that’s not our fault. The way someone appears from a certain race can make it worse. For people who are Native Americans, for example, everything is harder because of the history of this country and what was done to us, and it’s much harder to get out of see MEDUSA page 10  AUGUST 25, 2023 LOCAL LEGENDS GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 GET TO KNOW YDL! WHERE TO FIND US: Online at ypsilibrary.org Call us at 734-482-4110. Shakey Jake playing on the streets of A2 in 1976. Photo credit: Ann Arbor District Library Archive from the Ann Arbor News. Old 'I brake for Jake' Ann Arbor T-shirts can be found on Ebay. Street legend Shakey Jake Shakey Jake Woods was allowed on stage at the Ann Arbor Jazz and Blues festival in 1973 by one of the main acts and performed live. Shakey Jake claimed the people of Ann Arbor would not let him leave town, so he decided to make Ann Arbor his home. Shakey Jake was born on August 14,1925, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was once proclaimed to be born on Halloween October 31 — one of the many myths of our old friend, legend and storyteller. Historical fun fact: Shakey Jake was born the same year as Malcolm X. He arrived in Ann Arbor in the summer of 1973, from Saginaw, Michigan. This summer of 2023 marks 50 years since Shakey Jake came to live and perform in our beloved city Ann Arbor, Michigan. “On the move” was Mr. Woods’ favorite and famous saying. People of Ann Arbor, including myself, would holla “Shakey!” His normal response was "I'm on the move.” I would say he was about 5 feet 8 inches tall, dark skinned guy wearing a suit, bow-tie, a big top hat and scarf; you would never ever see Shakey Jake a youtube referral — yeah, check out Shakey Jake Woods on youtube! From those who answered “yes” I MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 without his guitar in hand. Jake and his omnipresent threestring guitar were seen daily on Main St. most often in front of Peaceable Kingdom, as well as Main and Liberty St., and State near Nichols Arcade. Among locals, he was the best known person in Ann Arbor. Everybody loved “We Brake for Jake” T-shirts. After he passed away in 2007, Peaceable Kingdom kept his guitar in their window as a tribute to him. Last week, I asked over a hundred people in downtown Ann Arbor if they had heard of Shakey Jake. Around 50% never heard of the Ann Arbor legend. Those who answered “no” got a brief A2 history lesson and got to hear Shakey Jake stories. One guy who is a townie said Shakey danced with his wife and daughter in the 1980s. One lady was so happy to learn that I was writing about Shakey Jake because it reminds her of the old Ann Arbor. Another townie, Dan who used to be a cook at Del Rio Restaurant, said Shaky Jake used to come to the restaurant everyday and order a bowl of chili and a hamburger on the house and as a result they never had tip money stolen from the tip jar because everybody knew, including the street people, that Shakey Jake ate there regularly. Overall, I enjoyed having conversations about our old friend, educating new Ann Arborites and those just visiting. When Shakey Jake passed away, in honor of him, Ann Arborites gave him a going home parade through downtown Ann Arbor. Ann Arborites deserve a statue or a painted mural to remember Shakey Jake Woods 1925-2007. TO GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD: 1) Fill out the easy online form at ypsilibrary.org/library-cards. 2) Call 734-482-4110 3) Or stop by any YDL location! DON’T HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE? We can work with a variety of IDs to get you your card. FEATURED RESOURCE Get YDL info in your inbox! Want emails about all of YDL’s great resources and events? You can choose the categories you’re most interested in to make sure you don’t miss anything! Scan below to get started or visit ypsilibrary.org. FEATURED EVENT “A Colorful Dream” Exhibit September 1 - October 20 YDL-Whittaker Regular hours  WELCOME from page 2 Real wisdom and creativity come from the streets, not trickling down from expensive but hollow institutions. Grounded ideas and healthier imaginations thrive among people most often passed by, excluded and ignored or silenced. We can also debunk false “myths” as false notions people go on believing: for example, that money, a big house, an office job or a fancy degree alone will make you happy. Or the myth that people experience homelessness because of choice or laziness, drugs or addiction, or lack education or culture. Or the myth of the “American Dream” that we all can fairly attain, like a heaven we can earn our way into, if we only work hard enough to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. For years, Groundcover writers have been debunking myths like these in creative work through essays, art and poetry. People have always narrated our journeys through life as heroes or victims in relation to other beings, whether animals, gods or monsters. Now in the 2020s, we are imagining ourselves in relation to tech and power, intelligence and AI, environment and migration, housing and work. What do we do with the old stories, and where do we go from here? Like an ancient mirror, mythology bends with reflections of living faces in a single fire-light of human experience. Imagine if we all stopped on the street just for a moment to gaze in and see what looks back at us. A family-friendly exhibition by contemporary fine art photographer Adrien Broom. Designed to evoke and capture a sense of childhood fantasy, Broom’s work is deeply rooted in fairy tales and mythology, taking the viewer on a journey through the entire spectrum of the rainbow. Visit ypsilibrary.org/exhibits to learn more.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS STREET MYTH Bear myths and cultural power For me, myths and legends are the glue that holds a culture together. Traditional myths are all about protection and self-preservation in the face of invasion and industrialism. I myself am Native American, a Kaska from the Northern boreal forests of British Columbia and the Yukon Territories. I have two traditional names: one is Gasakadani King Salmon, and the other is my warrior name, Kuleima Fire Woman. My father came from the Tahltan tribe, but I was adopted into a Presbyterian family. Later in life, I returned to my ancestral people and lived with them. So I am the perfect example of the effort to destroy an old tradition, to take a person out of her ancestral world and deposit her in a new one. But I’ve always preserved and reconnected with the old myths, honoring and following my cultural traditions. My grandfather Mike Johnny was one of the last great medicine shamans, a hunter and trapper who lived off the land his entire life, the same way my people lived for thousands of years. He worked as a mule-driver on barges on the river train up the Erie Canal, but he was also a famous bonesetter and healer. The honor for me has always been that he was a traditional shaman. During the invasion of Christians, the Catholic and Protestant churches CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 tried to wipe out all the Native shamans in cooperation with the Canadian government. People don’t understand how devastating that actually was. Many shamans like my grandfather subverted them. Grandpa Mike shook the hands of the priests and said he wanted to be a catechist, but would still practice medicine in secret. He set up runners between tribes who would send secret messages when someone got sick, so that he could sneak out and heal those who were ailing. The Catholic church controlled everything and used religion to manipulate people, but the old Native myths survived even in the face of extermination. When my grandmother was 11 years old she went through the Great Disease, also known as the Spanish flu. Two out of seven families in our tribe died out AUGUST 25, 2023 Bear and babe. In her art, Gere often incorporates bear imagery. completely. There were full tribes that were wiped out. Our chief was smart enough to tell everybody to go to their separate hunting lodges, and everybody split during the pandemic and did as he advised. Religion was always about control, but what people call mythology was about people surviving in the face of religion by keeping traditional knowledge and wisdom alive. Grandpa Mike was called a Bear Shaman, since it was his totem animal. There were many myths and legends about bears. Some of the Native myths about bears came out of the similarity between human and bear bodies. If you strip a bear of its fur and its head and lay it out, it looks like a human body. That’s why they call it Brother Bear: it’s like a human being. So there are all these stories about animals and their similarities to humans. We had our trickster stories. We had Wolverine Man, which was similar to Coyote Man in other tribes. These sacred animal stories were passed down in our families for thousands of years because they taught people wisdom. Myths held culture together see BEAR MYTHS page 11  Mental health is health—and we’re here to help. TRISH CORTES — DIRECTOR 24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage AUGUST 25, 2023 STREET MYTH We use myths to cope Drawn from conversations with JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 Mythology is totally necessary on the street. You have to deal with reality in this world whether you like to or not. You are here on this planet. You are in it. You are part of this thing one way or another, so deal with it. Here’s your bed, now you have to lie in it. But in order to handle reality, you also need to cultivate an imagination. Just like music or art, myth is a tool that humans evolved so that we can handle living in this world. Whether you are trying to score a cup of coffee from McDonald’s in 2023, or a peasant in Egypt in 10,000 BCE trying to get enough grain smashed to make a patty of bread, you are stuck in that situation and there’s your reality — deal with it. One way is to use your imagination and spend time thinking about what you could be. Myth has power for people who are in tough life situations, because they relate to it in an immediate way. We have this ability to have dreams and visions or make up fiction and stories, or ponder in whatever form that takes. You can talk about science fiction, other dimensions, auras, magic or ghosts and the paranormal — any of that. When we think about possibilities of those things beyond us, in that moment we are not having anxiety about where the next meal is coming from. As far as somebody on the street or in some position of vulnerability, mythology speaks for itself. In a lot of myths, there are situations where a common man rises up to become the hero of a nation, or an underdog character rises up to affect the society around him, and his life takes on a bigger meaning, and a profound story develops out of his life. You could say that indicates delusions of grandeur, but the power dynamic is what makes mythology popular. It appeals to the common person, the underdog, the blue collars, lower classes or people on the bottom of society. Myth empowers them to imagine their situation differently and think of how they could potentially escape or resist whatever situation they happen to be in. No matter how they’re treated on the street by others, the person feels like they are part of some bigger story. And then it provides relief and therapy because you have at least one moment where you are off in this other world and not faced with some of the harsh reality. Myth can be used like medicine: the imagination is like a drug that keeps us alive. Mythology is closely related to music and art because you get some relief out of it instantaneously. You feel the vibes enter and spawn so much energy and bring so much relaxation and harmony to your mind. In that moment, when you read a myth or listen to a song you love or draw or create something, or you ponder what’s out there in space or beyond time, where we came from as beings, how we should live our lives, gods or science or the paranormal or what have you — in those moments, you are not thinking about your bills or how you’re going to scrounge for something to eat. I use mythology to cope all the time, even subconsciously without my own knowledge. I just let my mind wander. Humans have to have mythology because it’s in our nature. We evolved the ability to have creative expression to keep our minds functioning at any level as we get through life. Imagination is an unbelievably powerful and underrated tool. Sometimes it’s the only way you can get away from whatever situation you are in on the street. There’s one thing every sentient living creature asks itself during life at some point, which is, who am I and what is my place in the Universe? Mythology conveniently shows up to give you a nonsensical character without a real purpose, but it actually does provide meaning because it speaks to that point and provides some kind of answer for that question, so of course you find it everywhere. It’s a totally natural response to being alive on this planet, especially to somebody who’s nobody among the billions of the people in the world, to reimagine ourselves as heroes and gods. Originally the myths were meant to explain mysterious things, like natural catastrophes, earthquakes, volcanoes, lightning and that sort of stuff. People explained stuff using stories about gods and whatnot. But they also want to exercise their imaginations and imagine the greatness and the possibility of things beyond. We have fabulous mechanisms for stealing our attention away. But we always drift in our thoughts, and we like to exercise our imaginations and ask what could possibly be out there, beyond what we know, beyond what’s right in front of us. I think mythology is just a natural evolved occurrence, since it’s human nature to come up with stories and narratives about greater and better things out there, just so we can cope with the fact that we’re down here living in this really chaotic world. Our modern day rat race after material wealth and power in the world is just so pointless. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Graphic by Adam Bowman, Bum Fabulous. You go after getting a bunch of stuff that you don’t need — you really don’t. You can appreciate the fact that you have sentience, that you are living, that you are here and awake. Just the sheer fact of consciousness is a blessing, not in a religious sense or anything, but just the ability to bear witness to reality. It’s an incredible gift that we have and we tend to squander because we get lost in these other things. The greatest lesson of the world is turning your back on temptations and riches for the sake of the greater good. Mythology has always been about that journey: turning away from desire and toward something better. That’s the basic journey of life and it’s what we are all struggling with, whether you are on the street or not. Everybody chases self-fulfillment, but you have to know where to draw the line and not just eat until you are sick. Spiritually, people on the street are more sensitive to the pain and the suffering and the reality in the world. I throw rich people a bone and forgive them, because in my mind they are all actually just stupid. Many rich people have never experienced pain; thanks to compartmentalized lives they live in an entirely different reality. There’s an alternate reality, but then people on the street who have actually suffered know things better, and yet we have to use our imaginations more just to stay healthy. We are living in a time of such convenience that there are people who are totally oblivious to what life could possibly hold beyond a Netflix subscription: their only encounter with the world is through some made-up television screen.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY An ode to Claresha D.A. Groundcover contributor August brings the memories of holding and cherishing Claresha. It was just my baby and me as far as the family. Such a warm bundle of joy. Even though she was 2 lbs. 6 ounces and 13 inches long. After one day on the ventilator, she was blessed and breathing on her own from there you see! She is still to this day a fighter for better things. Still strong and a raving beauty! Like the art she makes, the music on her guitar that she plays and sings. Happy Birthday to my beautiful child! And by the way, kiss my Grandbaby for me! A day in the life of Earl EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor I say amen you say Let it be I say it again And my thoughts are of Thee And when you fall He’ll pick you back up and hold you near You say oh my god and the Words are clear A man is a man Thus I can say it will only Happen on judgment Day He’ll pick U up and Take U away Thus it will be on That very day Amen AUGUST 25, 2023 AUGUST 25, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. Lions need Kaepernick SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor Autumn is near and another Detroit Lions football season is here. The Lions need two quality quarterbacks, not just one. The Lions should acquire Colin Kaepernick because he has Super Bowl experience. Even if the Lions were to have a great season and make it to the Super Bowl, they would probably lose. With Kaepernick on the team they are increasing their odds of winning. Kaepernick has been putting himself out there recently to attract offers from major league teams, but so far unsuccessfully. The likely reason for this is that in 2016 he “took a knee” during the National Anthem to protest police profiling and police brutality, which resulted in being blasted by the public, including presidential candidate Donald Trump. He was shunned by NFL owners after that. But times have changed since then. Trump is no longer in power, there has been a pandemic and reaction to it, and we are well into the World Economic Forum’s Reset 2.0 with its implications for human freedom and agency. (For more on this, see Robert Kennedy’s book “The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma, and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health.”) Wearing masks like subservient slaves became the new normal. The top 1% benefited greatly from people being homebound — think Jeff Bezos and Amazon. None of this would have been possible without the police state. For the first time white Americans have experienced something of what Black Americans have always experienced in America. The Antebellum slave patrols kept African-American slaves in their place; the postmodern police state keeps Americans under house arrest. It wasn’t legitimate back then and it isn’t legitimate now. Maybe there is a lesson for all of us in Kaeperick’s symbolic act of protest. And maybe the Detroit Lions could benefit from recognizing the legitimacy of that act. Time is running out for the Lions to win a Super Bowl. We are on the verge of a new-age consciousness; football will become obsolete. The Lions should sign a one year contract with Kaepernick and see what happens.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HEALTH AUGUST 25, 2023 Antibiotic catch-22: Terri Demar’s struggle accessing medical care battling cellulitis LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Cellulitis may look like dermatitis, but it is actually caused by staph and strep infection, often contracted by bacterial infection, encouraged by low immune systems and large pores. Terri Demar, Groundcover vendor No. 322, was diagnosed with cellulitis at St. Joe’s emergency room in 2014. Over these ten years, it has cost her jobs, relationships and even housing. After struggling to get a proper diagnosis as of late, she now resorts to taking expired antibiotics to keep the infection and its side effects at bay. As a result, the medical conditions that prompt doctors to take her illness seriously, are hidden. “Doctors blame me for self-medicating but they don’t provide me medication. It’s a big, vicious cycle. I’m just trying to stay out of the hospital.” Demar discussed incidents in the hospitals,  MEDUSA from page 4 poverty and live in a system built on all that. And then society turns around and calls us monsters because of what was done to us, and tells us it’s all our own fault. People who pass by say, “it’s your own fault that you are the way you are,” when all they see is the outside. But often somebody in power put us in this situation to begin with, just like Medusa. In European myths, women are monsters or dangerous creatures who need to be watched and controlled. But it's men who have always been the real monsters. If you walk down the street today, you’ll see a man looking at a woman, and he’s led by sexual appetite, not by his mind or heart. All many men care about is getting a woman in bed. You can see it every day, a man looking at a woman, and a young woman who’s been taught by society to dress up a certain way, since she’s trained at a young age to get them to look, without knowing any better. And often once he gets her, he’s gone. He might take her out for a couple of days, a couple of years, but after that he’s done, and nearly every time he’s been cheating on the side. It’s the men in the world who have dark hearts, who are the monsters. But in the myths and legends like Medusa, it's the victim who ends up responsible. European and American governments are full of just those kinds of men, who have dark hearts and only take what they want from people below them. Just like Poseidon, men who think they are gods run the economy and control everything and put all the people into bad situations and create monsters in the first place. A few rich men at the top take advantage of everyone else, and of course they have always had control of the mythology too. That goes all the way back past ancient Greece. Governments have always made people poor to begin with, and then they make up myths to make themselves out to be the heroes like Perseus and convince people that everything is their own fault. As if people could only pull themselves out of it, they would stop being monsters — but that’s the real myth people believe. Myths about females are different in different cultures. In some of them, people respect the earth and women. African and Native American cultures and some Asian ones have more respectful versions of female figures like Medusa; for example, in Chinese mythology the half-snake mother-goddess Nüwa is a positive version of a snake and not a monster. I’m descended from the Navajo, and my people see the world as completely interconnected, everything is our brother and sister, and women are the life-givers, creators, leaders and heroes of the stories. If people could break stories like Medusa down and look at it the right way, they would better understand how women are treated in our society compared to others. Even nowadays rich men can rape women and there’s nothing she can do about it. People will deny things and protect him and say she is a liar — especially if he’s among the white men who run the government. Governments have always given the legends, the myths, the ignorance and propaganda down to the people. Men make up myths and believe women are evil because it covers up what is happening all over the world right in front of us, as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. You see all these people who are homeless, and it’s the same everywhere from China to Russia to the Middle East. But people on the bottom are blamed for what happened to them by the people on the top. Up there they live by a myth that hides what’s really going on. I relate to Medusa more than any other story because I have seen things with my own two eyes. No matter which way you think the myth went, she’s the one who was condemned for it, but he gets away with it because he was this high god. Today in the real world it all boils down to the same thing: greed. Society wants to make up all these monsters, but at the end of the day it’s evil and good, plain and simple, and it all boils down to money and power one way or another. If it were a poor man who raped a woman like Medusa, he’d be sitting in prison. Think about it. Editor’s Note: The ancient version of Medusa was told by the Roman poet Ovid, who wrote the poem Metamorphoses in Latin. Ovid wrote myths about the woman’s perspective and was no friend of kings. He compared emperors and gods to rapists, and he was banished forever from Rome. Teresa and Ovid are on the same page and would have a great conversation! describing bad experiences of being traumatized and then being accused of misconduct and forced to leave or transfer hospitals and doctors. “When they don’t want to take the responsibility, they blame you. I got accused of talking to people in the lobby, for accidentally spilling water.” For the first five or six years, her first doctor prescribed her “non-stop antibiotics;” Demar was taking 20 antibiotics a day. But ever since that first doctor, she has struggled to receive medication and treatment that is aligned with her health problems. She was referred to the infectious diseases center at a local hospital but she claimed that her doctor never followed through by accurately conveying the severity to the infectious disease doctor — and consequently she has been denied the care she needed ever since. She explained that typical treatment for cellulitis is to get put on an IV and to take antibiotics. But that is disputed constantly for Demar. Yet she has never “met anyone with cellulitis as bad as [her].” Three or four months ago she was ordered a biopsy but she was still taking old antibiotics and it impacted the test results. Now, Demar describes her cellulitis as “systemic” in her body — but as of a month ago she is on her third doctor who doesn’t believe antibiotics should be a part of her treatment plan. Demar thinks her mental diagnosis of ADHD influences the medical gaslighting. “They’re saying I’m being delusional and that I don’t have cellulitis. People tell me the cellulitis is in my head.” “It is big, red, swollen — and I don’t rub on it — that’s an infection. If [my doctor] doesn't understand that, what is he a doctor for? I don’t want people hem-hawing around anymore. It’s gone on too long.” Medical gaslighting is a term to describe when medical practitioners in power dismiss health problems of patients, enforcing stereotypes that women are irrational and hysterical, or people with mental illness are delusional and have psychosomatic symptoms. “When it comes to physical illness, if you don’t get things in writing, your problems won’t be addressed. For mental illness, once you get labeled, you don’t get a chance to change it.” Demar has battled this cellulitis for a decade and knows what she needs. “I need a white blood cell count. I need to take seven days off my antibiotics so I can get a control pus test. But I’m being denied these things. I am scared to pause the antibiotics because I’ll go septic. And then I’ll die. Somebody’s dropping the ball. Demar hopes this article will motivate doctors to do their job. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS AUGUST 25, 2023 HEALTH GROUNDCOVER NEWS Navigating the path to healing: Tips to triumph over mental health challenges MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor I dedicate this article to all those who have had to endure, deal with, get well from, and take care of those who suffer from mental health issues, illnesses or syndromes — whatever they may be. The complexities of the world that we live in, this whole planet that revolves around the sun, all of the things that happen and go on around us as human beings can tend to overwhelm us and depress and stress and discombobulate our natural order of things — our mental and emotional homeostasis, I guess in a way. And it sucks, and it has to be dealt with. Some people are just genetically predisposed or predestined for mental illness. A great deal of others might acquire it through trauma — whether it be physical, mental or emotional. A great number of people will actually develop it from physical trauma (like car accidents). Heartbreak, betrayal, whatever drug addiction and negative experiences — all these things can lead to mental health issues, which range from narcissism and bipolar disorder, all the way to depression and psychosis. Now, I, as a human being who has suffered from depression and bipolar disorder, understand that in order for people like me to try to lead any semblance of a normal life, it takes a lot of effort, more than for the neurotypical person, because we wake up in the morning heavy and burdened. We don't just wake up happy, we have to force it willfully by doing certain activities, like exercising or listening to music or ingesting edibles, whatever it may be. This is what I’ve found to be healing for me: Number one has been exercise and going to the gym. That right there was 85-90% of getting well — getting moving, going to the gym, exercising, lifting weights, shedding my body of toxins, getting my circulation going, losing weight. It helps in many factors; the circulation alone gets hormones moving, toxins get kicked out. By exercising we're able to deliver happy hormones to ourselves faster, the weight loss leads to looking good in clothes, posture changes, muscles grow. The gym also takes up time; it's hard work, it's rewarding and you get endorphins. Number two is going to work; stay occupied working. If you're going through depression or mania, it's helpful to occupy a lot of your time with work, even if it’s a remedial task, like putting nuts on bolts, or lifting wheels, just make sure that you get a job and that you have a job to go to. Because when you have a job, you have to wake up in the morning and brush your teeth and brush your hair and take a shower and get dressed, to be presentable so that when you go out there, you end up making your money. Making money enables you to get the things you want. But that's not what we really gain from working. What we gain is that we're able to occupy our minds for eight hours or longer: for those eight hours we’re able to just be engrossed and focused on something (and that's eight hours of peace where we don't have to think about our demons). You know what I mean? So get a job after you work out. A third thing has to be practicing empathetic charity. When I say that, most people will misunderstand it. I don't mean charity as in financial giving and so forth. No, but as in giving people your time and sharing your experiences with people, even if it’s the knowledge of where good resources are. Initially, I used to help out those who are in a lesser circumstance than me, for the sake of making myself feel good by saying, ”Hey, look there's somebody that is in a worse situation than me.” But as I got older and developed, I realized, no, we don't do it for ourselves, we do it because: “Hey, this is a human being that's suffering. And if I were in his shoes, I would want somebody to come and help me to make me feel better.” Good humans still exist, and humanity is beautiful. So just trying to interconnect them to improve their lives and make people feel better, well, in turn, give extremely positive dividends. Actual realization and acceptance is just recognizing that you're human and you're here, and that the world will continue to go on and that whatever injustice or whatever maltreatment you faced did not end your world but only made you stronger. So once you get to accepting things, you can finally get to moving on and moving forward and being a better human being that contributes himself in society. So in conclusion just remember to know and avoid your triggers, both organic and inorganic, as in avoiding people who actively seek to destabilize our peace and mental health. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” 11  BEAR MYTHS from page 6 because they were all about tabu: things you did and you never did. Stories tell us how we should behave or not behave. So, say winters were really harsh: there were myths told to warn people about being greedy and selfishly hoarding food. We had sacred stories told to children so they knew that it was customary when another tribe was starving during winter and came asking, you had to share with them. We had tripod caches set up in high places (to keep bears out), and a ladder, and the rule was that you only ate enough and never more than what you needed. But some of what we learned came from traditional animal stories that everybody knew carried some moral lessons about how to share with people and survive in a harsh environment. In some cases it’s 80 below zero and all you have is some wood and some fire. Myths came from pressures out of real natural environments. Bears are territorial animals and came to have personalities as legendary figures in Kaska myth, since each one could become old and famous in its own area. One of the stories about Grandpa Mike I love is the time he was about two inches from a bear’s face. He was cutting up a huge moose and slicing it up, and he had blood all the way up his arms. He looked up and a bear was right there - but his gun was on the other side of the moose! So my grandfather had to climb over the dead moose to reach the gun. But he still refused to shoot his own totem animal and just quietly walked away out of respect, even giving up his kill. This became a legend about him, but it tells us how we think about and treat animals and each other in the world. Sacred stories teach us how to live and survive in the world. There’s one famous Kaska legend about a woman’s encounter with a bear. The tribe was packing up to migrate for the season, and this herbalist was the last member of the tribe to leave, but it took her a while to get all her plants and medicine packed up. As she was going up the trail, everyone else had already left. Suddenly a massive Grizzly rose up behind her. The only thing she could think to do was grab her curved knife and as quick as she could, slice it all the way from the bottom up to the chest cavity. All its guts spilled out, and she grabbed her bags and ran down the trail to find the tribe. At first they couldn’t believe it, but they went back and found the body, tanned its hide and set out this huge bear rug. It made her famous, a well-known woman who rose into legend and then became a sort of mythical figure. It’s a really powerful story about a woman and her ability to survive on her own. Today, mythology is being wiped out and there’s this sort of social engineering to create a manipulated, controlled society using technology, without any mythology to tell us right and wrong. We must stand as one mind, body and soul, within a resistance of unity. We must come together as a human race and realize that each and every one of us is an individual who can say no, that we do not have to participate in the social experiment. Society will not survive, being bankrupt in emotions and community, if we have no stories to hold us together. So here’s a word I came up with for our modern society: illuminoligarcorpocracy. We are being strangled and yoked and controlled by big tech, powerful billionaires and governments in ways that nobody totally understands. The concept of mythology is a powerful people’s unification against the onslaught of a new ideology that has been thrust on to humanity. We must counter the reality of this new technological understanding of humans by not participating in the algorithm of insanity. Mythology is a way to get back to the roots and traditions of where we came from. Stories were a way of surviving in the face of the world, back to Greece, Babylon, Egypt, India, all of the world’s traditions. We as Americans have to decide what value the old traditions have for us, from our families and back to the ancestors we came from.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Oatmeal raisin cookies KADEN WATTS Wolverine pathways student Ingredients: ¾ cup butter, softened ¾ cup white sugar ¾ cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt 2 ¾ cups rolled oats 1 cup raisins Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until fluffy. Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually beat AUGUST 25, 2023 into the butter mixture. Stir in oats and raisins. Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, switching racks halfway through. Remove from the oven and let sit on the cookie sheets for 1 to 2 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. LUNCH OR DINNER WE’VE GOT YOU! Whether it’s $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 9/7/2023

2 $ AUGUST 11, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 17 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Michigan Homeless Bill of Rights offers hope for the unhoused. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JOE WOODS PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement — DRUMbeat for change. page 8 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Donald Abdul Roberts, a prominent participant in DRUM, can often be found sharing wisdom with people on the street in downtown Ann Arbor. Photo credit: Mike Jones @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR'S DESK LINDSAY CALKA Managing director It was Ken Parks’ turn to speak at the Groundcover News Article Review. Instead of sharing insightful reflections on one of the most recent articles, he shared that he had ran out of time to listen to an article from the issue. Yes, listen to an article. On Tuesdays, office volunteers would read a selection from the paper to him; he then would share a summation and reflection of that article during our biweekly article review meeting. This is a routine he had started when his macular degeneration, or “Mac-D” as he calls it, had gotten worse. It generally worked well for one piece every two weeks, but he was consistently missing out on large chunks of the Groundcover News $2 issues. Parks is not alone in the reality that the print size of Groundcover News is too small to read without a visual or auditory aid. A physical newspaper is more “accessible” when it comes to the digital divide — but it prevents zooming in, enlarging text size, and requires about a 5th grade reading level. The quest to solve this accessibility problem inspired an exciting partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library’s 5th Avenue Studios. We are excited to announce Groundcover Speaks, a blind and print-disabled accessible audio archive of Groundcover News. It’s not technically a Groundcover podcast, but it will exist on most podcasting platforms in a biweekly episode format. 5th Avenue Studios supports local podcasters, musicians and audio creators in the Ann Arbor area, and has helped bring Groundcover News’ accessibility one step closer to where it needs to be. The added benefit is that the Groundcover stories, news reports, poems and more will be spoken aloud by the authors themselves. Hearing the first draft of the June 29 Groundcover Speaks episode, I fully realized the gift it is for our customers to really hear the voices of Groundcover contributors. I know most writers quite well, and can hear their stories “in their voice,” so to speak. But I had never heard the actual sound — the emotion, the inflection. Spoiler alert: it is powerful, and moving. You can access Groundcover Speaks many different ways. Scan the QR code printed in the paper, which links to our linktr.ee, where you can choose which method works best for you: • Listen online on the AADL’s website • Listen online to the Groundcover News website under the tab “Groundcover Speaks” • Stream through Apple Podcasts or Spotify Right now, in the pilot phase of this project, we will be releasing the audio version of Groundcover News two weeks after print publication. To begin, we have the past three issues (June 29, July 14 and July 28) available as three separate episodes. The audio recording of this issue — and yes, this article — will be available for listening on August 25. There is a sound bite at the beginning of each episode that communicates an AUGUST 11, 2023 important message: “If you consistently enjoy ‘Groundcover Speaks,’ continuing to buy physical newspapers from Groundcover vendors ensures that we can sustain production. The physical paper and in-person interaction is at the heart of our work.” This couldn’t be more true. We have waited this long to digitize and expand our media footprint because it is important that we do not jeopardize the in-person sales of Groundcover vendors. This is a project that aims to enhance the physical paper, not to replace it. We hope to deepen, not change, the fulfillment of our mission with the production of Groundcover Speaks. Happy listening. CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Susan Beckett John Buckley Jim Clark Izzy Hedin-Urrutia Dalon Eaton Mike Jones Lit Kurtz Joshua Lee Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer Scoop Stevens GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons AUGUST 11, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR I like to listen to classic love songs from the 50s to the 80s. There’s something about old love songs that are soothing. The way I know about them is that they used to advertise it on TV commercials and the music sounded so good. The music sounded so good Joe Woods, vendor No. 103 What words do you live by? Everything happens for a reason, good or bad. When what you feel is bad, find the good. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Main and Liberty, 4th and Washington, 4th and Liberty. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn't know? I'm really not that outgoing. I stay to myself for the most part. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? Everyday there is a new adventure selling Groundcover. What song do you have completely memorized? "Freaky Tales" by Too Short. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and Jimmy corn bread. What do you wish you knew more about? Technology What is a small thing that makes your day better? My dog. What is your pet peeve? People that litter and when you speak to someone and they ignore you. If you had a warning label, what would it say? Warning: can change moods in 0.0 seconds. What's the best way to start the day? I start my day always by thanking God for waking me up. that I would go to sleep while listening to them. One channel that was popular for playing 50s and 60s music was Public TV. It makes you calm, easing anxieties. It’s also comforting when you are lonely. You can clean your house to it, too. You can enjoy it with a friend or family member who likes this kind of music. But I don’t think I’ll find too many friends and family who like 50s music. Maybe the 70s and 80s— but not the 50s. The 50s music sounds so innocent and loving that sometimes it can be funny. The 70s and 80s is upbeat and happy music. It’s relaxing and upbeat at the same time. The GROUNDCOVER NEWS Classic love songs are nostalgic DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 “True Colors.” There are so many songs from the 80s I like that I can’t count them. The music reminds me of movie nights, hanging out in the park with family and friends. It also reminds me of going to the state fair when I was in Detroit and having fun at carnivals, riding carousels and looking at the pretty scenery. The music reminds me of 70s and 80s music make me think of being a kid and teenager, enjoying old times with my friends. It also reminds me of dancing by myself when nobody can see me; it reminds me of watching music videos on TV and looking at the pretty clothes they wore. 80s music reminds me of watching Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Boy George and the Culture Club. In the 80s, people dressed flashy — but they were pretty clothes. I really like a song I remember by Cindy Lauper: popcorn, cotton candy, ham sandwiches and hot dogs. The music reminds me of french fries, too. The music reminds me of loving people I knew in my past. I listen to the music with CDs and on YouTube. Scan this QR code to listen to some of my favorites on Spotify! 3 The Golden Rule The ideological struggle of Western civilizations centers on the Golden Rule, which in its original form is “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Most of us learned this as children. As we were socialized into the culture of capitalism and its political economy of capital accumulation, we learned perhaps a more cynical Golden Rule: “Those who have the gold, rule.” We live out the conflict that arises from these two views of the Golden Rule as we form an identity in the middle of this ideological struggle. It’s good to remember the Zen commentary on the Diamond and Heart Sutras, “Peace of Mind does not come from absence of struggle, it comes from absence of confusion and uncertainty.” You probably know that I am a beginner in the struggle, even though I have 80 plus years of life experience. Every breath is a new beginning as we move through this moment, the bridge from past to future. As the creation stage enters the completion stage we are best advised to follow the original Golden Rule, nurturing the intention to benefit all beings without exception. To describe the source of all the appearances we perceive, I like the expression “the all good expanse of primordial purity,” where some might say “Allah” or “God.” Reality as it is, with many names depending on your context. The completeness of reality is beyond words and definitions, but I believe it can be experienced with an open heart and mind. This experience is the mother of the original Golden Rule. Any experience of calm and clear, even a glimpse, points at the deepest part of our heart. Stabilizing this experience is a lifelong venture. Spiritual friends appear when the student is ready. We are a community of masters and seekers. Those who practice the original Golden Rule organize projects for the benefit of everyone. The Veterans for Peace KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 Golden Rule project is coming to Michigan August 13-17. On August 15 at 11 a.m. is the Water Ceremony in Detroit. This indigenous centered ceremony is an important step in building unity to respect mother earth and all her children. Go to vfpgoldenruleproject. org or see below for more complete information.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS On July 19, several news outlets announced the introduction of a Homeless Bill of Rights for the State of Michigan. The sponsor of House Bill 4919 is Rep. Emily Dievendorf of District 77, the north Lansing area. The Homeless Bill of Rights is part of a three-bill package that tackles housing discrimination issues and enhances tenants’ rights. The highest priorities of Dievendorf’s bill include secure access to public spaces, the right to vote without a permanent address, and the right to property and privacy. The bills would also allow an unhoused person to file a civil lawsuit if their rights were violated. If it passes, Michigan will become the fifth state in the nation to protect the rights of unhoused people. As of now, homelessness is still treated differently in every state. The first state to pass a Homeless Bill of Rights was Rhode Island, followed by Connecticut, Illinois and Puerto Rico. It is unfortunate that in the minds of the wary public the shelter system is the optimum solution to the “homeless” crisis when, in fact, it is often ELIZABETH "LIT" KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 need of a place to be during the day. Besides Starbucks, most coffee shops require purchases out of the range of most unhoused individuals — and public libraries often prohibit sleeping. As of the latest count, there are 8,500 more of a debilitating trap. There is overwhelming evidence that the shelters nationwide are inadequate for serving the needs of those without housing. When facing long protracted waiting lists, people resort to public spaces for rest. In the few instances when a person is offered an immediate space in a shelter, she or he often has to deal with other problems. The ones cited most often include violence, lack of shower availability and storage, to name a few. In addition, the shelters only serve people overnight, so public spaces are often all that is available for a person in people in Michigan who are unhoused. While these are the numbers given, it is suspected that the actual numbers are higher as they often leave out those temporarily living with family members, friends, in cars and other locations. It becomes clear that the numbers of those experiencing life without housing far outweigh available resources and that the survival of unhoused individuals depends on passage of bills that decriminalize homeless living. So it is little wonder that Dievendorf prioritizes “secure access to public spaces” as one of her priorities. The human experiences still accepted in our nation under the name of homelessness are unthinkable for a civilized nation, and a Homeless Bill of Rights around the country and in Michigan is long overdue. While living on the streets is far from AUGUST 11, 2023 MI Homeless Bill of Rights offers hope for unhoused a permanent solution, it reminds us that public spaces should be designed for all. Not just the non-disabled or the securely housed individual. The ultimate solution is to design city infrastructures with everyone in mind. Far from placing dividers on benches, public spaces should include lockers, showers, and even cots independent of the shelter system so the transition back into permanent housing becomes a simpler, more straightforward process to replace the cumbersome, debilitating, Draconian experience that we witness on our streets presently. Many citizens, including those we count on to make the right decision, will more than likely have never been forced to experience life outside of four walls and may be inclined to feel less tolerant of those who seek refuge in public spaces. But everyone should recognize that passage of this bill would send the powerful message that public space belongs to all citizens, housed or unhoused. Only when we interact with our neighbors will we begin to heal the wounds of divisiveness that drain the energy we all need to survive. A growing threat: tick infestations in Michigan take a toll on homeless campers JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Michigan faces a pressing challenge this summer as tick infestations surge, leading to an alarming increase in tickborne illnesses. Amidst the rising concerns over these blood-sucking pests, the plight of the homeless community becomes a critical and often unseen tragedy. While the impact of these tiny yet formidable adversaries is felt statewide, the vulnerable homeless population grapples with unique and daunting challenges when combating these relentless foes. Startling revelations from a recent study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution sheds light on the urgency of the situation. Researchers analyzing 19 years of data from Michigan's Isle Royale National Park reveal a troubling trend: warmer summer temperatures accelerate tick egg development, resulting in higher survival rates along with a distressing surge in tick infestations among the moose population. As tens of thousands of ticks burrow into moose bodies causing fur loss and anemia, the ecological impact sends ripples through the state. However, beyond the implications for wildlife, Michigan's homeless community faces an insidious threat amid the escalating tick crisis. As Michigan confronts the multifaceted challenges of tick infestations and homelessness, it becomes essential to address the unique struggles faced by the homeless campers. Reports support that this year has been particularly challenging for those experiencing homelessness. Limited access to shelter and healthcare compounds the risks, leaving the homeless disproportionately susceptible to tick-borne illnesses and their related complications. Carrie Nielsen, secretary of the Michigan Lyme Disease Association, passionately stresses the significance of tick checks after outdoor activities. These relentless parasites can insidiously embed themselves anywhere, with a predilection for areas near the knees, waistline, ears, and hairline. Nielsen herself, a Lyme disease warrior of 26 years, has courageously shared her personal journey of hardship, shedding light on the profound impact of tick-related illnesses on one's health and well-being. For those unaware, Lyme disease is a menacing condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Its transmission occurs through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. While exploring the woodlands and grassy terrains, it is paramount that we remain vigilant for the characteristic "bull's-eye" skin rash, fever, headache, and fatigue — all of which are early warning signs of Lyme Disease. Yet, if we neglect timely treatment, the consequences can escalate, detrimentally impacting our joints, heart and nervous system. Anaplasmosis is another perilous threat to be wary of during our outdoor escapades. This disease can be transmitted from the bite of various tick species, including black-legged ticks. Symptoms are flu-like such as fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Anaplasmosis requires our utmost vigilance and preventive actions. Also in the realm of tick-borne dangers, Babesiosis deserves attention. Babesiosis, caused by microscopic parasites, infiltrates our red blood cells through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Its manifestations range from mild to severe, featuring symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and anemia. Ehrlichiosis has similar symptoms. Carried by various bacteria, this disease finds its way to us through tick bites. It may manifest with fever, headache, muscle aches, and confusion. The severity of its outcomes, such as respiratory failure or bleeding disorders, underscores the imperative of early detection. While comparatively rare in Michithe Rocky Mountain Spotted gan, Fever (RMSF) should not be underestimated. It transmits through the bites of American dog ticks, Rocky Mountain wood ticks or brown dog ticks. RMSF is characterized by similar initial symptoms to Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, with fever, headache, and rash. Beyond the initial symptoms, RMSF can escalate into serious complications affecting the heart, lungs, and kidneys if not promptly treated. Unfortunately, the struggles faced by see TICKS next page  AUGUST 11, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Washtenaw Homelessness Summit initiates grassroots coalition of peers JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 On Saturday, August 5, I attended the pilot meeting of what is on its way to becoming a coalition of grassroots peers of the homeless. In attendance were representatives from Washtenaw Camp Outreach, Peace House of Ypsilanti, Mercy House, the NeuroTraining Initiative, Care Based Safety, Circling Back, Women on the Move, Journey of Faith Church and A Servant's Heart which works in Ypsilanti’s West Willow. The conference went from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., during which members of each organization got to know each other, learned about what each organization does and how we can work together toward common goals. We discussed what that synergy might look like. We talked about how to structure the coalition, how it will benefit the community and further our individual organizations' goals. Part of the coalition’s function is to keep each other informed and apprised of each other's services and movements. Communication on this level is sorely needed among our grassroots community of care. Personally, as someone who has experienced homelessness, I can say easy-to-find resources would have helped get me out of homelessness faster than having to research and rediscover the steps to the services. Much of the information shared was based on an impressive survey of 50 unhoused and formerly unhoused persons in Washtenaw County. The purpose of the survey was to get an idea of what the strengths and gaps are in the care they receive. See the Unhoused Experiences in Washtenaw County report for more information. Currently, the coalition is loosely formed and doesn’t even have an official name yet. It will develop structure as it becomes necessary. We decided that as a coalition our priority should be emergency shelter. Future meetings will flesh out how the weight of this newly-found body can meet this need. This decision was spot on. A few times during my experience I feared for my life due to being trapped outside during a Michigan winter. Fortunately, I had a gym membership that was 24 hours and management didn’t care that I hung out there for 8 hours at a time. Another idea that surfaced was that of a “service hub,” a physical space where the organizations above (and potentially others) would offer resources in a community setting that promotes a sense of belonging. This one-stop-shopping approach — meeting a variety of needs from tents and sleeping bags to filling out forms to obtaining documents to strengthening mental health — would have been very welcome when I was experiencing homelessness. Overall, the day left me feeling like I was in the Hall of the Justice League of America. In fact, there were quite a few Wonder Women and Supermen. Given the caliber of the people forming the groups, their passion, compassion and devotion to the community, I am very excited to see where this coalition goes. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library  TICKS from last page homeless campers go beyond the physical effects of bites. Scarce resources hinder their ability to effectively address tick-related concerns, with preventative measures such as regular body checks and tick removal consistently overlooked amidst the daily battle for survival. In addition, the improvised shelters used by the homeless offer scant protection from these relentless pests, exacerbating their exposure and vulnerability. While this tick infestation is rampant, empowerment through education has emerged as a crucial tool, equipping people experiencing homelessness with knowledge on tick prevention and early recognition of tick-borne diseases. To avoid tick bites, it is essential to avoid tick-infested areas, such as grassy, brushy and wooded places. When possible, walking in the center of trails can help avoid contact with ticks at trail edges. Additionally, bathing or showering as soon as possible after coming indoors can help wash off ticks, and more easily find ones that might be crawling on the body in hard to reach places. If you cannot avoid tick-infested areas, repellent that contains permethrin is effective for not only ticks, but mosquitos and bed bugs. Protecting pets is also crucial, as dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors. Using EPA-registered repellents on exposed skin and treating clothes with permethrin can provide additional protection. Performing daily tick checks, thoroughly inspecting the body and removing attached ticks with tweezers on both pets and humans, is vital to prevent tick-borne diseases. From moose populations bravely battling the consequences of soaring temperatures to homeless campers weighed down by the burden of tick infestations, collective action becomes paramount. Together, we must unite to find solutions, safeguarding the well-being of all, thereby extending a protective embrace to those most vulnerable among us. All artwork is for sale (cash only). Artists donate 10% of what they sell to Journey of Faith’s homeless ministry. ART ON A JOURNEY When homeless artists create and sell their art they gain much needed financial support while making sense of the world and finding meaning and purpose in it — it’s a journey we’re all on. August 1 – September 14 at the Ann Arbor District Library, downtown branch. Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Plus, we heard there are plenty of Summer Game codes hidden across all of our locations, exclusive to library visitors. Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit. Michigan Activity Pass With a valid library card from any Michigan public library, you can print a pass to participating organizations, including museums and state parks, through the Michigan Activity Pass website. Some partners offer complimentary or reduced-price admission; others, discounts in their gift shop or other exclusive offers. FEATURED EVENT 5 Sunday, September 10 10am–5pm • Downtown Library Formerly the Kerrytown Bookfest, the A2 Community Bookfest is thrilled to return to downtown Ann Arbor for 2023! Booksellers, publishers, authors, and more will be on the vendor floor from 10am-5pm along with featured author talks, and various activities throughout the day for all ages. For details, visit AADL.org/bookfest

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS YPSILANTI AUGUST 11, 2023 Left: Attendees browsing a table of literature on Black liberation. Middle: Opening night of the conference at Growing Hope's Incubator Kitchen. Right: Seattle organizers from group Big Brick Energy at the Ypsi Freighthouse discussing lessons from the George Floyd Rebellion. “Down on the Ground:” Over 200 people attend General Defense Commitee’s Organizing Against Capitalism Conference in Ypsilanti IZZY HEDIN-URRUTIA Groundcover contributor July 28-30 the streets of Ypsilanti welcomed visitors for the first ever Organizing Against Capitalism conference, hosted by local anti-capitalist organization Michigan General Defense Committee. Solidarity Hall, Ypsilanti Freighthouse and Growing Hope’s Incubator Kitchen were all vibrant centers for conversation and collaboration of leftists and anti-capitalist organizations from around the midwest and across the country. Through panels and workshops that tackled a variety of subjects — including labor organizing, the role of political art, housing activism and eviction defense — conference attendees remained engaged and focused on building connections and sharing a wide range of revolutionary and anti-capitalist knowledge, perspectives and community work. “I was very impressed with the conference. I didn’t know what to expect,” says Xtan, an anti-fascist writer and organizer with the blog Three Way Fight. “I left the weekend saying, wow, this was really positive on so many levels. The amount of people wanting to talk, people being open to new ideas, new organizing projects, really impressed me.” During the conference, Xtan demonstrated the nuance anti-facist political analysis of the blog Three Way Fight. He connected that mission to on-theground organizing against anti-queer sentiment and legislation in the local city of Hamtramck, Michigan, which just last month passed an ordinance prohibiting the flying or displaying of the LGBTQ+ pride flag at Hamtramck City Hall. “The far right and the Republican party, as well as the street-based fascist movements, as well as broader reactionary authoritarian tendencies in society, are really focusing their ire and their attacks on trans and queer communities.” Xtan explained how that influenced the panel. “With the far right and the fascists focusing on trans and queer folks in our society right now, we need to have a much broader anti-fascist perspective that situates itself in working-class and queer communities.” Aeron, an organizer with the Michigan General Defense Committee, worked mostly with outreach and inter-organizational planning of the conference. He spoke about the goals of these large-scale political events. “It’s a sense of building the confidence in comrades to know that we can act collectively and independently of non-working class institutions.” Aeron maintains that one of the most rewarding experiences of the weekend was the constant flow of engagement among comrades, contributing to a welcoming and invigorating atmosphere. “The conference itself is to, of course, build relationships, exchange knowledge, and also inject something that you can’t do so much in the organizing effort, which is what I like to call a collective, active joy. It’s when people come together for common reasons. It’s a joy that I think is innate in human beings. Under capitalism, it’s never tapped into. I think we sometimes see glimpses of that stuff at concerts and things like that, but to do it politically really has a transformative effect on people.” Throughout the three-day event, coordinated and facilitated mostly by comrades with Michigan General Defense Committee, 200 attendees representing over 80 local and visiting political organizations attended panels and workshops and ate meals together, as well as taking a brief break together Saturday evening to enjoy socializing with live music, poetry and screenprinting in the greenspace of Solidarity Hall. Among formalized panel discussions and more casual interpersonal conversations, attendees emphasized that the atmosphere was consistently enthusiastic, inclusive and down-to-earth. “It wasn’t a bunch of academic stuff. It was people doing the work. It wasn't an abstract discussion.” Xtan notes. “I think non-sectarian in the sense of people coming together to figure out what commonalities are, and in a constructive and principled way, discuss what differences are…that’s non-sectarian. [...] I think people were open to talking about differences. I enjoyed that.” According to Aeron and other organizers, this “down on the ground” not "up in the clouds” approach for panel topics and discussion was no accident. “We really wanted to make this not an academic conference, not an NGO conference where professionals explain situations. Even the opening panel was a discussion. And I think this idea of horizontalizing the discussions really adds to a different way of organizing, a way that’s working class based.” The weekend ended with a communal breakfast and breakout groups, reviewing knowledge shared and revisiting discussions that were had throughout various spaces and moments Friday and Saturday. The main focus of these final conversations was to place the events of the weekend within a context of achieving broader goals of working class and leftist political struggle. “We need more education. That’s the old slogan: Educate, Agitate, Organize.” Xtan recited. “The last couple of years, whether it’s COVID or social media or people being tired and burnt out ... This conference was blending theory and action. We need more than ever, more education, more discussion, more debate. I think the conference was a good step in trying to get there.” Aeron emphasized that there are many important aspects of revolutionary movements that conferences like these can help cultivate. “The thing that can sustain us and the thing that has sustained me in my political organizing more than anything else, is a sense of being connected to a broader struggle. [...] It transforms somebody else’s struggle into our struggle. [...] It makes concrete what was before just intellectual.” For the next few weeks, Aeron, Xtan and other comrades who attended and coordinated the conference will continue the work the conference initiated. “What we said in the conference was, if you come to the conference un-organized, join an organization. If you came to the conference with an organization, learn how to collaborate. [...] The world is really in dire straits right now, and for us to have a little bit of a respite but also organize at the same time — I think it really helps people to endure the struggles ahead.” AUGUST 11, 2023 OPINION SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor In 1913, the U.S. Congress renounced its responsibility to “coin money and regulate its value” with the Federal Reserve Act, which led to the USA becoming a warfare-welfare state. John F. Kennedy attempted to change this state of affairs by reestablishing lawful currency. Unfortunately he was assassinated for his efforts on this, among other issues. Now, the only way to restore American civilization is to follow the principles of economic justice found in Thomas Paine’s “Agrarian Justice.” In “Agrarian Justice,” Paine said the life of a Native American was a holiday compared to the poor in Europe. Christendom’s civilization had provided a good life for some and a wretched existence for others. What caused these disparities of wealth? The modern nation state came into existence after Western Christendom’s Civil War (1618-1648, also known as the Thirty Years War)) and the Peace of Westphalia. This new type of centralization of power and the exploitative economic system that grew out of it produced great disparities of wealth that still plague the world today. The way forward is to decentralize power and empower communities and individuals to have more control over their economic destiny. One of the causes of the Great Depression was workers not having the purchasing power to stimulate economic activity and keep the economy flowing. Therefore the key to having a healthy economy is to make sure that people have money to purchase goods and services. This can be done with a guaranteed consumer income that would benefit low income families and individuals. This will GROUNDCOVER NEWS Why we need guaranteed consumer income empower them to participate more in the economy as consumers and will ensure that there is enough economic activity in case the free market fails to provide it. The funding for a Guaranteed Consumer Income would come from the nonprofit sector. The Johnson Amendment (1954) instituted the nonprofit corporation as a tax shelter for the wealthy. To enjoy this tax exempt privilege a public good must be provided. A truly justice-oriented public good would be the Guaranteed Consumer Income. 7 Barometers of misery — disregarding poverty is perilous, not just callous The canaries in the coal mines of our society are economically disadvantaged people. Their afflictions often do not come from a direct economic catastrophe such as job loss. It’s more a function of living on the fringes, teetering on the edge of sufficiency, being vulnerable to change and distress. Whatever bad thing is coming, they suffer from it first. Left unaddressed, it works its way up the economic ladder. We see it in drug abuse. The crack addiction epidemics of the 1970s were left unchecked, especially in urban areas. They developed into wide-ranging cocaine addictions that plagued the entire country. The opioid addictions of pain-riddled manual laborers in the late 1990s were stoked by the pharmaceutical industries, abetted by doctors, and ignored by our heroin and opioid analgesics then expanded in the 2000s to the more affluent, starting with those who had been prescribed oxycodone following injuries or surgeries. We see it in the housing crisis. The SUSAN BECKETT Publisher emeritus heavily-lobbied and swayed government officials. Addiction treatment, methadone clinics and needle-exchange programs were largely rejected, leading to increased dysfunction and the spread of AIDS and hepatitis. Addiction to the opioid offshoots of shortage of affordable housing was felt first in the 1990s by those who lived in the decaying housing projects that were neither maintained nor replaced with other housing stock. It got worse as rust belt cities faltered and reduced services to the outlying areas inhabited by their less-affluent laborers. Without nearby jobs or public transportation, those who couldn’t move to a more advantageous area fell out of the workforce. Their underfunded schools, populated by students from stressed families, failed. Builders reveled in profits from building giant houses. Today, even well-established people with substantial salaries are struggling to pay rent or enter the housing market. Similar scenarios play out in the prevalence of mental health disorders, economic deterioration, and the societal impacts of privatization. We are seeing it unfold now as robots and artificial intelligence replace workers. It started in factories, is happening now in restaurants and grocery stores, and is encroaching on law, accounting and journalism. We would be wise to pay close attention to what is happening in our economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Compassion and prudence dictate intercession at the start of crises, developing effective ways to address them and curtailing the misery of all.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK HISTORY Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement — DRUMbeat for change The Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement (DRUM) was an organization of African-American workers formed in May, 1968, in the Chrysler Dodge Main assembly plant in Detroit, Michigan. Labor activist Martin Glaberman estimated the Hamtramck plant was 70% Black, while the union local (UAW Local 3), plant management, lower supervision and the Hamtramck city administration were predominantly run by older white Polish-Amercans. DRUM attempted to organize Black workers to obtain concessions of racial and economic justice, not only from the Chrysler management, but also from the United Auto Workers. On July 8, 1968, DRUM led a wildcat strike against conditions in the Hamtramck plant. Over 4,000 Black and white workers observed the strike; it lasted two and a half days and prevented the production of 3,000 cars. The Dodge Revolutionary Union Movement organization spread to other Detroit plants including FRUM (Ford Revolutionary Union Movement) at the Ford River Rouge Plant, and ELRUM (Eldon Avenue Revolutionary Union Movement) at the Chrysler Eldon Avenue Plant. These organizations were brought together through the League of Revolutionary Black Workers which formed in June 1969. General Gordon Baker Jr., a Detroit MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Ken Parks (left), Donald Abdul (right) and Mike Jones met in February to begin conversations that shaped this article. revolutionary Black nationalist, was at the core of the DRUM movement. Ken Parks and I got a chance to sit down with Donald Abdul who was a part of the second wildcat strike and talk about DRUM and General Baker. The first words out of his mouth were, “General Baker would do for others before he would do for himself.” Abdul went on to talk about the reason for the second strike. After the first strike, seven workers got fired — five white workers and two Black workers. Chrysler hired back the five white workers and did not hire back the two Black workers. General Baker, being one of the two fired, organized for the second strike and the continuation of the Black workers movement. On October 8, 2022, many of us from Groundcover went from Ken Parks’ 80th birthday party to the State Theater to see “Finally Got The News,” a documentary about the League of Black Revolutionary Workers, which included DRUM. There was a lively educational discussion after the film, including commentary from Donald Abdul and other prominent participants in that movement. There is a video of that discussion which is worthy of study. This was a time when anti-imperialism was a strong force on the world stage; the revolution was spreading. The seeds planted at that time were kept alive in large part by General Baker and those who continue with the General Baker Institute. General Baker influenced many, AUGUST 11, 2023 largely because he embodied the notion of being "centered to the core." He radiated a deep contentment with who he was as an intelligent human being who was focused on bringing people together in the struggle for freedom. When another local paper faced repression from its DRUM coverage, the League took over the student paper at Wayne State University — the South End — and made it a tribune of the revolution. Astrology aids communication DALON EATON Groundcover contributor Relating to people can be difficult. Communication is a skill, and like most skills, practice makes perfect. But have you ever noticed when talking to some people, not only do you not speak the same language, but it's almost as if you are from two different planets? Well, being familiar with astrology and knowing a person's birth chart can aid with making a better connection. Whether it be friendship, romantic partnership or a business relationship, communication is certainly key. I remember talking to a potential romantic prospect; we would have really good phone conversations, talking for long hours about everything under the sun — from hopes and fears to religion and politics (those talks tended to be on the louder side). But when it came time for creating a productive life together, we just could not seem to get on the same page. When someone asks you what your sign is (based on the birth chart), they are only scratching the surface of what astrology has to offer. Let's say for example someone asks you what your sign is and you say, "I'm a Gemini.'' Knowingly or unknowingly, they are asking about your sun sign. The sun has a physical and psychological effect on everyone walking around on the earth today. Imagine the planets giving off signals like satellites. I wish I had enough space in this article to explain this in detail, but for now just imagine the planets moving and acting the way we know see ASTROLOGY page 11  Example birth chart of someone born on August 4, 1970. Outcomes are affected by time and location of birth. Photo credit: AstroDienst AUGUST 11, 2023 PUZZLES 1 13 16 19 20 22 23 24 26 30 35 38 41 43 44 45 47 51 57 60 48 49 50 52 58 61 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Brit's "Baloney!" 5. "___ Like the Wind" ("Dirty Dancing" ballad) 9. Scoundrels 13. "I had no ___!" 14. "Catch!" 15. Police club used in India 16. ___ oil (skin care substance) 17. "___ of Eden" 18. Knight's "suit" 19. Tongue-tied 22. Composer Gustav 25. Hunk 26. Greek who measured the Earth's circumference 30. English county 31. Twisted 32. Busy one in Apr. 35. Soon, to a bard 36. How some things are remembered 37. Guard's target 38. Where the French might take a dip 39. Cliffside dwelling 40. Taste, e.g. 41. Oaks Park patron 43. Pattinson or Redford 46. Servant's uniform 47. Grumpiness 51. Jungle climber 52. Aerial maneuver 53. Indian dress 57. Carpenter's tool 58. Palindromic emperor 59. It might be oral or physical 60. Winter vehicle 61. Make up ground, with "on" 62. Fill-in 53 54 55 56 59 62 DOWN 1. Sn on the periodic table 2. Words of praise 3. "Comprende?" 4. Popular Broadway musical 5. Clippers 6. Try, as a case 7. At one time, at one time 8. Org. looking for aliens 9. Guitarist Santana 10. Hindu soul 11. Hindu loincloth 12. Begets 15. Acclaimed 20. Gas used in ads 21. Shrewd 22. Cross, maybe 23. "Gladiator" setting 24. Devastation 27. Spin 28. Dawg 29. Famous 18th-century Swiss mathematician 32. Short story 33. Tough question 34. Imitation 36. Atlanta-based airline 37. Portly 39. From the heart? 40. "Saturday Night Live" segment 41. Curbed, with "in" 42. Loafer, e.g. 43. Small streams 44. Bay window 45. Plucky 48. Place to post 49. Bit 50. Money of Lesotho 54. Can 55. Battering device 56. Mischievous one 39 42 46 36 40 27 28 29 31 37 32 33 34 2 4 5 6 7 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 3 9 14 17 21 25 15 18 10 11 12 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BLACK HISTORY In the summer of 1955 Emmett Till traveled to the town of Money, Mississippi, in order to spend time with his relatives. One hot Friday afternoon, after picking cotton in the fields, Emmett and his cousins borrowed Rev. Wright’s vehicle and drove to Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market. The cashier was 21-year-old Carolyn Bryant, wife of the store owner. The cousins bought candies. Some of the cousins dared young Emmett to say something to get Carolyn’s attention. Eyewitnesses said that he did not utter a word, but he whistled. Carolyn was upset because Black males were not allowed to whistle at a white female. Carolyn Bryant Donham died of cancer on April 25, 2023. She was 88. Her accusations contributed to the abduction and murder of 14-year old Emmett Till of Chicago, Illinois. NPR reported that Bryant-Donham died in Westlake, Louisiana, at a hospice care. The Mississippi Today Newspaper carried a headline which read, “Woman at center of Till killing has died.” Writer Jerry Mitchell, author of the April 27, 2023 article, interviewed Devery Anderson, author of the book “Emmett Till: The Murder that Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement.” Anderson said, “Donham’s death marks the end of a chapter.” He noted that some people “have been clinging to hope that she could be prosecuted…She was the last remaining person who had any involvement … Now, that can’t happen.” Anderson continued, “For many, it’s going to be a wound, because justice was never done … Some others were clinging to hope she might still talk or tell the truth… Now it’s over.” A County Judge signed an arrest warrant for Carolyn Bryant in 1955. The Sheriff did not execute the warrant. It was found recently in a County Court basement. Mississippi Today Newspaper also interviewed Rev. Wheeler Parker who was sleeping in the same house the night Emmett Till was abducted and murdered. Rev. Parker said that he and his family send their sympathies to the Donham family, and “don’t have any ill will or animosity towards her.” Parker also told Mississippi Today that Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, “forgave her son’s killers.” On July 25, 2023, an article written by Kevin Liptak appeared on CNN with the title, “Biden honors Emmett Till and his mother amid debate over how to teach kids about painful parts of U.S. history.” A White House ceremony at the Old Executive Building featured President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris, some members of Emmett Till’s family and invited guests. At the ceremony, the President announced the naming of AUGUST 11, 2023 Why we remember Emmett Till’s lynching story WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 three new national monuments—one in Chicago at the site of the church that hosted Emmett Till’s open casket funeral. The second proposed monument will be located in front of the County Courthouse where the killers of Emmett Till were tried and acquitted. The third monument will be erected near the Tallahatchie river, a site where the tortured body of Till was dumped and later recovered. The monuments are intended to be symbols which honor Emmett Till and his mom, Mamie Till-Mobley, for their sacrifice, and for galvanizing the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. President Biden made the following remarks at the podium: “In a time when there are those who seek to ban books, bury history, we’re making it clear, crystal, crystal clear: While darkness and denialism can hide much, they erase nothing. We can’t just choose to learn what we want to know,” Biden said from the Indian Treaty Room. “We have to learn what we should know. We should know about our country. We should know everything. The good, the bad, the truth. Who we are as a nation.” Vice President Harris echoed President Biden’s perspective when she remarked, ““Our history as a nation is born of tragedy and triumph. Of struggle and success. That is who we are. And as people who love our country, as patriots, we know that we must remember and teach our full history. Even when it is painful, especially when it is painful.” Emmett Till would have been 82 years old on July 25, 2023. The President recalled that he was 12 when Till was murdered. This is not ancient history. It happened within the lifetime of millions of Americans, and perhaps tens of millions of people across the globe today. His mom, Mamie, was right. Emmett did not die in vain. His brutal murder and Mamie’s decision to have an open casket funeral shocked the world and challenged America’s 14th Amendment principles of substantive due process rights, equal protection guarantees, and all the privileges and immunities of citizenship rights. We cherish our freedom, our liberty and our hope for equal justice! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS T O S H S H E S I D E A H E R E N E E M E A S T M A H L E R Left: Thousands of mourners in Chicago gathered for Till's funeral at the Roberts Temple. Right top: Emmett Till's corpse in an open casket. Right bottom: The memorial that marks the river site where Till's body was found has been vandalized many times since its establishment. C A D S L A T H I A R M O R I N A R T I C U L A T E A D O N I S E R A T O S T H E N E S D E V O N W O U N D C P A A N O N D I M L Y H O O P L A C A E R I E S E N S E R O B E R T R O L L E R S K A T E R L I V E R Y I R R I T A B I L I T Y L I A N A L O O P S A R I L E V E L O T T O E X A M S L E D G A I N T E M P - AUGUST 11, 2023 ASTROLOGY  ASTROLOGY from last page satellites to. The planet Mercury in a birth chart rules over how a person communicates and expresses their thoughts internally, externally, verbally and through body language. When I was talking to this romantic prospect, we would mostly communicate over the phone. The Mercury sign in my birth chart is Cancer. After some teeth-pulling research, I found out my friend had her Mercury sign in Sagittarius. The planet Mercury itself is a sign of Virgo and Gemini — one being an earth element and another being an air element. If you aren’t familiar with astrological terms, this might sound like a bunch of nonsense. Astrology is ruled by four different elements: fire, water, earth and air. Each of these elements have different modalities – cardinal, fixed and mutable. Cardinal means that these signs or planetary energies are forward moving, the pioneers of their elements. The cardinal signs are Aries, Cancer, Capricorn and Libra. Having your mercury sign in one of these placements would make your communication style more aggressive and conclusion driven. Having this placement makes a person want to initiate conversations, and be the first to say their ideas out loud. For example, my mercury is cancer. I would initiate all of the conversations with my romantic prospect on the phone … Come to think of it, I am always initiating most of the conversations among my friends. Next are the fixed signs, those signs are Leo, Aquarius, Taurus and Scorpio.If the cardinal signs initiate and speak up first then the fixed signs would be the people who may not say much – they would be the doers, those who put the plans and ideas into actions.Those people who don't really want to talk until the project is done and they would have something to present. Having one of these placements is going to make the person want to hone on their own ideas. Last, but not least, the mutable signs are Virgo, Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces. These types can (when they want to) adapt to how other people communicate, but the trade off is that they may have a hard time saying what they want to say for the sake of not rocking the boat. My friend's Mercury was in a fire element (Sagittarius) and with mine being water (Cancer), the words that we shared were like dreams, seeing as how Cancer exalts Sagittarius’’s meaning and upholds the rule that planetary energy represents. It mixed well, but the rest of the placements did not align for the type of relationship we were pursuing. Based on our Mercury placements, our relationship never grew past the telephone phase. Mercury is the ruler of Gemini which is an air sign. My friend has her Mercury placement in Sagittarius, a fire sign and the opposite to Gemini. Fire signs deal with the more spiritual side of life. When that is met with the cold calculating side of Mercury, these two forces together will cause friction. In conclusion, to avoid problems like these, I encourage everyone to talk to an astrologer to get their birth charts interpreted. Read up on the planetary alignments and what they represent because it can help you become a better communicator and get to know yourself and your role in society. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Peanut butter noodles JOHN BUCKLEY Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2–3 tablespoons peanut butter 2–3 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon honey 1 teaspoon garlic paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon chili paste (sambal or sriracha) 1 lb pasta, ideally rice or soba noodles Directions: In a bowl, mix these ingredients to make a sauce: Mess around with the proportions of those as you will. Cook a pound of pasta according to the directions on its package. Toss the sauce with the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and/or chopped peanuts. The tears of love TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 The tears of love, So beautiful & true, Falls from thee eyes of someone who loves, As blood drips from my broken heart, So lonely & red, Thee tears of love, Still fades from my head, As time passes, My heart may mend, And thee tears of love, May fade to dust, I know deep in my heart, I’ll never love like this again. AUGUST 11, 2023 Take it eazy TERESA BASHAM Thangz can get crazy, Thangz can bring ya down, Ya can hold on, Or let it go, Thangz might go wrong, Let me tell ya baby, Only you know thee sound, Time will let ya know, Just take it eazy, Thangz will come around. Support an Alternative Business Model Local - Organic - Member-Owned Your Ypsilanti source for healthy, eco-friendly food and goods INVEST BY BECOMING A MEMBER! 7 principles of Co-ops Voluntary, Democratic, Equitable, Independent, Informative, Collaborative, Community We make it affordable: Frequent Sales/Use Your Bridge card/Ask us about Double Up Food Bucks Visit us for 312 N. River St. (734) 483-1520 www.ypsifoodcoop.org unique cards and local, handmade items too $2 OFF your purchase of $15 or more One coupon per transacton Must present coupon at time of purchase

2 $ DECEMBER 15, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 26 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Fuller Bridge sweep reiterates need for shelter space. Page 4 ASK YOUR VENDOR: SHAWN SWOFFER #574 WHAT'S THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONG? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER groundcover news GIFT GUIDE It's the gift-giving time of the year! The holiday season is the perfect time to get something unique and meaningful for the people you care about while also making a difference by supporting artists and makers in the community. Or, better yet, treat yourself to one of these awesome items! PALMS to POETRY Teresa Basham, Groundcover vendor No. 570, released her second collection of poetry "Palms to Poetry" was released in midDecember. Find her selling Groundcover News on Liberty St. and inquire about purchasing this new book or her first book "Poems to Poetry" — or both for a discounted rate! GROUNDCOVER NEWS BRACELETS and EARRINGS Roberto Isla Caballero, Groundcover vendor No. 347, handmakes jewerly so that customers can show the world how much they love Groundcover News! Find him on the corner of Washington and Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor to see his collection available for purchase. 2023 GROUNDCOVER MAGAZINES Groundcover News released two magazines this year with timeless content about people in our community — Exceptional Community Member Edition and Vendor Voices. THE FOLD: a COLLECTION of POETRY “The Fold” is a work of poetry written by Groundcover writer La Shawn Courtwright. It can be ordered onl ine at blackstonebookstore.com (web shop of Blackstone Ypsilanti Bookstore and Cultural Center). KUNG FU PANDA'S ARTWORK and JEWELERY Cindy is a happy-go-lucky creative artist and Groundcover vendor who sells at the Sweetwaters Cafe on Washington St. in downtown A2. You can purchase Cindy’s art by attending a showing at the Groundcover News of f ice. Email cont act@ groundcovernews.com if interested to schedule a date and time to shop in person. DECEMBER 15, 2023 Cartoon by Izzy Hedin-Urrutia PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-DETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern Hunter Johnstone — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS D.A. Jamie Cameron Jim Clark Erick Brown Amanda Gale Cindy Gere Billy Hill Mike Jones Joshua Lee Jane Reilly Ken Parks Juliano Sanchez Denise Shearer Leah Slusky GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Phillip Spink Joe Woods PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandra Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Holden Pizzolato Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons DECEMBER 15, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What's the best Christmas song? "Silent Night" by the Temptations. — Shawn Swoffer, #574 Hallelujah Requiem. — Cindy Gere, #279 "This Christmas" by the Whispers. — Pony Bush, #305 "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Feliciano. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Nutcracker soundtrack, if anything. I don't really listen to Christmas music but classical stuff is okay. — James Manning, #16 I have so many its difficult to select ... "Ain't that A-Rockin?" is a simple, beautiful depiction of Mary and her just-born Son. Their innocence contrasts the cruelty of this world. — Amanda Gale, #573 "This Christmas" by Donny Hathaway. — Mike Jones, #113 "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." — Jim Clark, #139 For those who have lost loved ones, the holidays sometimes can be sad. Family holiday occasions, too, can sometimes be difficult and sad for everyone — homeless or not, especially for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community. A solution? "Those of us, because we're at a University, we educate people," said Dr. Brenda Riemer, a professor of sports management at Eastern Michigan University. Riemer, who gave a lunchtime presentation for the College of Health and Human Services on Nov. 7 discussing transgender women in sports, was advocating for a future where everyone is able to participate. The mission statement of Groundcover News states, in part, "to promote action to build a just, caring and inclusive society in Washtenaw County." Riemer's quote is out of context, but the solution of teaching, caring and inclusiveness is part of each day at Groundcover — not just the holidays. There is a Jewish prayer that GROUNDCOVER NEWS Getting through the holidays 2010. Clever signs are posted annually around Ann Arbor and wherever there are Sehenuk friends. For example, "Jenny Sehenuk counted to infinity. Twice," and "If you spell Jenny Sehenuk in Scrabble, you win. Forever." Why is Jenny Sehenuk, proJANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 turns grieving into a proactive process. "If the desire to continue a relationship with the departed impels you to learn something you otherwise would not have learned, do a mitzvah [good deed] you otherwise would not have done or go higher and further than ever before, then that soul lives on in you." Becky Sehenuk Waite of Ann Arbor and the Sehenuk family are an example of this prayer in action. They created jennysehenuk.com and Jenny Sehenuk Day, Oct. 10, in remembrance of Becky's twin sister, Jenny, 29, of Santa Clarita Valley, California, who died in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 10, nounced see-hen-nook, important? Let's allow Sehenuk to answer for herself from jennysehenuk. com: "We're all the same in one way or another," Sehenuk said. Sehenuk Waite knows if you spell love in Scrabble you spell Jenny Sehenuk. Love wins. Forever. A holiday gift for the Sehenuk Family and all Groundcover readers: Paul McKenna has a free online video called "I Can Make You Happy," which is hypnotism with subliminal messages that make you more cheerful. Two other free internet companies, Vortex Success and 30 Minute Mindset, have scripts so you can read the offered subliminal messages. Spirit Tribe Awakening is free, peaceful and powerful music. Peace on Earth, Good Will to All. 3 From the desk of Panda: Loneliness epidemic and how to beat it When my child Denali told me there was a loneliness epidemic, it blew my mind away. What I do know is that the truth is elusive. The COVID epidemic could not have helped and I think it's part of the issue. It was well-documented in the 1950s into the 80s that isolation is detrimental to human health, mental stability and well-being. What the pandemic did was isolate and demoralize people, and led the human mind into self-sabotage. It put people into a state where their fear is paralyzing. One of the only groups that got mega-paid was psychiatric counselors and therapists. The result was more pills and more dizzy brains. There are states of control that amount to a psychological cycle of abuse. And for some people, they could not get out of it after the pandemic. They’re still in that “catatonic” state of feeling. We have to try and shake off loneliness and fear, and seek out people who are able to help us in letting go. 3. Help at the local dog shelter. 4. Help the homeless community by volunteering 5. List all the things you want to do and join an online group of people who share one of your interests. I always wanted to go ghost hunting or take a CPR class. 6. Join an event-planning group CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 What is the opposite of loneliness? Honest, wholesome human engagement and lots and lots and lots of hugs …. Some people choose to be alone but this is not loneliness per se. I am a rather solitary person myself but it's a personal choice. I have many buddies to call and hang out with. Here are my ways to combat loneliness: 1. Join a yoga class. 2. Contact an old, good buddy and hang out in person. such as the Fourth of July parade committee or the Ann Arbor powwow planning committee. Or any of the groups or activities listed in the Crazy Wisdom magazine 7. Environmental issues are huge. Create a clean-up group in areas around Ann Arbor that need help, such as bike paths, highways and under bridges. 8. Join a meditation group and/or karate class. 9. For me, getting outside is what helps eliminate loneliness. When I was in high school we used to have huge parties and just hug all our buddies. Start a hug fest. A good old hug can kick the blues away for the day!

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS In 2019 I experienced homelessness and was living in the Delonis Center where I met my friend Tom (not his real name). Tom was a homeless schizophrenic who was sleeping under the Fuller Bridge located by the University of Michigan hospital. I slept there a few times. The tent was set up on concrete with bricks to hold down the corners. We slept on air mattresses to protect ourselves from the hard ground. They were comfortable until they sprang leaks. The train's roar as it passed under the bridge was startling and deafening. We woke in the morning to the sounds of rush hour traffic and went to the nearby St. Andrews Church/soup kitchen for breakfast. Near the bridge are other encampments. Located in the trails and woods, the remnants of many generations of homeless citizens can be found. I once walked among the refuse. In it, I found things that were once important to someone: nice clothing, tons of personal hygiene items, bikes, camping gear and more, all in usable condition and simply left behind. Some things were deteriorated due to time. It was easy to see how long these places have been used out of desperate need for shelter. Campsites like these are located all over Washtenaw County. There are popular ones that many people know about and use frequently. The Washtenaw County agency PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) places people in some of these sites. Still, most folks find them on their own, by word of mouth, or through community action groups like Washtenaw Camp Outreach. Sometimes they are on Department of Transportation property, sometimes on university property, and sometimes on private property. This is because there are no sanctioned and accessible places to camp or sleep when you have no permanent shelter. The Delonis Center is very limited in capacity, given the size of the homeless population. There are no other shelters open year-round for single adults. Sleeping in tents is the closest thing some people have to safe, habitable shelter. Habitable means safe from cold and environmental hazards like bugs and animals. However, in a tent that is at a known location, personal safety from crime and violence cannot be guaranteed. This means tents are not adequate shelter. After an encampment has been noticed by the police or other authorities, they may take action by forcing camp-dwellers to move in what is known as a “sweep.” Sweeps take away even the minimal safety of a tent. People are often forced to abandon their property, including their tents and DECEMBER 15, 2023 Fuller Bridge sweep reiterates need for shelter space JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 bedding, leaving them no shelter. Because they have nowhere to go, the campers regroup under different bridges or return to the same one after some time has passed. Eventually, the sweep comes around again. Sweeps at Fuller Bridge have happened many times over the years. The most recent time the Fuller Bridge camp was swept was November 7, 2023. This time the sweep was initiated by the Michigan Department of Transportation at the behest of Amtrak. According to the officials who conducted the sweep, the decision-makers for Amtrak were afraid for the safety of their passengers. The MDOT officials also had concerns for the safety of the trains and crews, about the fires campers lit for warmth, but also for the campers themselves. Consider the following quote from the April 2023 revision of the “Trespass & Suicide Prevention Tool Kit” (https:// trespasstoolkit.fra.dot.gov/eLib/) which outlines an action plan for relocating homeless individuals from train tracks to a safer location. However, the approach is flavored by forcible removals, surveillance, and a tone of “homeless people are a nuisance.” “... in California’s Santa Barbara County, a 2019 investigation found that a surge in rail-related deaths was tied to individuals living in encampments near the ROW. Twelve of 20 people killed over four years had been living in encampments, and more than half of these deaths were suicides. Encampments close to the tracks can also cause undue stress for train crew members who witnessed a previous train strike.” Groundcover News editor Cynthia Price was with the residents right before the November sweep, bringing them supplies. She shared with me what the residents said to her about it. “[They] sounded nonchalant and unthreatened, which seemed counterintuitive. They said MDOT bulldozed everything.” What the resident meant by that is they used a Bobcat to doze under all their stuff at the bridge. “But they let [a couple of us] take some of our stuff because we were there after we got the notice. They didn’t bulldoze our bikes,” said Demolished tent underneath Fuller Bridge after November 7 sweep. one of the residents. As this was happening the Ann Arbor police also came on the scene. The AAPD tends to be sympathetic toward the unsheltered people in Washtenaw County. They know where the encampments are and who sleeps in them, and they prefer not to disturb them unless duty calls. In this case, they let the residents know they would have not made them leave. They helped, and told the residents, “If it was up to us we wouldn’t do it, but we have to abide by MDOT.” The residents left the camp; they waited until later that night and went back. Price said, “It's always been my impression that sweeps were a lot less drastic than you would think. A lot of times people just go back right away. Also, some sweep notifications don’t get acted on. In my view, it makes a difference in terms of where the population is and where they are relocated. Personally, this sweep meant it was slightly more dire to make sure they were warm enough. They had fires, which is one of the things MDOT was concerned about. Washtenaw Camp Outreach brought them propane and heaters but there were still fires before and after. Cold is a lot more serious when your only option for shelter is in a tent outside.” People who are homeless seek shelter in tents, cars, abandoned buildings, parks and under bridges and awnings. These places will continuously be sought unless we make a place of respite for unsheltered people. If the citizens of Washtenaw County want to see homelessness reduced and eliminated, then we need to do more than observe the problems. We need solutions and plans to go with them. As reported in Groundcover News frequently this fall, Shelter Now is a community action group that has some ideas. Sparked by the sweep at 16 S. Washington this past summer, Shelter Now was born from a body of activists and neighbors who responded by blockading the sweep. Shelter Now’s goal is to have these demands met by the county or in other ways: 1) Create and fund a dignified 24/7 shelter in Ypsilanti before spring 2024; 2) Open a temporary shelter immediately. Fund and do not interfere with unofficial and temporary shelter spaces. End street sweeps and camp sweeps; 3) Ensure that the houseless and housing-insecure communities have decision-making and veto power in all Ypsilanti shelter spaces and their creation. Homelessness is not going away anytime soon. Neither is the winter weather, nor are the deaths by cold exposure. So neither are these demands. They will be made again and again until the county listens and responds affirmatively. No justice, no peace. www.ypsishelternow.com DECEMBER 15, 2023 HOMELESSNESS There are potential issues with Ann Arbor's public bathroom pilot Public bathrooms are crucial for everyone, but for those without a stable place to live, they can be a source of worry and stress. Imagine not having a bathroom to use whenever you need it — this is the reality for many homeless individuals. One big concern is just finding a bathroom that's open and nearby. Homeless people often struggle to locate clean and safe bathrooms and sometimes have to plan their day around finding a place to use the restroom. Cleanliness is a huge issue, too. all public bathrooms Not are well-maintained, and this can make homeless individuals worried about getting sick or catching infections. Sometimes, there's no soap, toilet paper or even running water, which makes staying clean difficult. Privacy is also important. Imagine using a bathroom with no proper locks or partitions. For homeless folks, this lack of privacy can make them feel exposed or uncomfortable. Feeling safe in a public bathroom is another worry. Sometimes these places can be dangerous because of JULIANO SANCHEZ Groundcover vendor No. 174 bathrooms will help alleviate some of the pressure placed on local businesses to provide publicly accessible restrooms to the homeless population. However, one concerning detail is that the restrooms are stated to be accessible by scanning a QR code or by using a mobile app — something that some people who are unhoused or sight- or mobility-challenged may not possess, or feel comfortable using. This will potentially limit the claim by the other people hanging around. There's a fear of being harassed or even attacked which adds stress to an already tough situation. So it's not just about convenience for homeless individuals. It's about finding a safe, clean and private place to take care of basic needs. Making sure there are better options for them could really make a difference in their lives. On November 6, 2023, Ann Arbor approved a public bathroom initiative that could potentially solve these issues. ( Visit a2gov.org/news/ pages/article.aspx?i=1010). The ability to access the Throne public City of Ann Arbor that these bathrooms can provide a “safe and dignified” option for all, regardless of housing status. It would be strange to limit one of the key demographics for this program in such a way, considering the program is likely driven by a desire to better serve that exact group of people. There will be another communication about the pilot program in May where the final accessibility details will be explained. Hopefully, we will get some clarity then on how everyone will or will not be able to take advantage of these new bathrooms in June. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Join the 12.21 Walk for the Homeless ERICK BROWN Groundcover vendor No. 617 On December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, people across the country and around the world will participate in Homeless Remembrance Day, a time to honor and support the people who are experiencing homelessness. In Ann Arbor, a local group of activists and volunteers will organize a walk for the homeless, starting and ending at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ, the home of the Groundcover News. The walk will begin at sundown, 5 p.m., and will last for about an hour, covering the shopping areas of downtown Main Street. The walk is part of a 20+ year tradition that the Rock Club Foundation and I have been organizing every year. I am a survivor of a traumatic brain injury and a passionate advocate for people who are different or marginalized. I'm also known for traveling across the country with my pet goat, Deer, and organizing events such as Bicycle Day and Earth Day. The walk aims to raise awareness and visibility for the rights and dignity of the homeless and to end discrimination against the poor. The organizers ask people to bring candles and a cup to give the candle a home, symbolizing the need for protection and warmth for everyone. They also ask people to bring signs or banners to speak up about the cause. Discrimination against the poor is a serious human rights issue that affects millions of people around the world. It manifests in various forms, such as denying access to education, health care, housing, social protection and justice. It also fuels stigma, prejudice and violence against people living in poverty. The organizers believe that poverty is not inevitable, but rather the result of unfair and unequal policies and practices that favor the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and marginalized. They call for a just and inclusive economy that puts people and the planet at the center, and that respects the dignity and agency of everyone. The organizers invite everyone who wants to participate in this event, even if they are not able to join the walk in Ann Arbor. They encourage people to start or join a walk for the homeless in their cities, or to make posts on social media using the hashtag #1221 or #HomelessRemembranceDay. They also welcome donations and support for the Rock Club Foundation and Groundcover News, two organizations that work to empower and uplift the homeless community. The Walk for the Homeless is a noble and compassionate initiative that deserves more attention and support. It is a way to remember the people who have died while living on the streets or in shelters and to show solidarity and empathy for the people who are still struggling. It is also a way to celebrate the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and to hope for a better future for everyone. The organizers also want to share the meaning of 12/21, which is not only the date of the event but also a numerical pattern that can have different meanings depending on the context. For example, 12/21 is an hour mirror, a mathematical expression, and a spiritual sign. Some people believe that seeing 12/21 repeatedly is a message from the universe or the angels, indicating harmony, optimism, idealism and family. These are the values that the Walk for the Homeless strives to promote and uphold. If you are interested in joining or supporting the 1221 Walk for the Homeless, please contact the Rock Club Foundation on social media or visit their website.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS Graci, Maralita! wandering off to some relatives in another town, who oddly accepted her. Maralita was young and fair; yet she wondered, could she ever build a LIFE for herself, after this? With her own "City Shelter," Kathy Kallowicz AMANDA GALE Groundcover vendor No. 573 Warning: This article contains explicitly Christian content. If you prefer not to read such articles, don’t! The holiday season can be a time both of great charity and benevolence, though also great scorn and injustice. Or perhaps it is just that the observable divide is just that much greater because “The Holidays” are supposed to be an occasion for our consciences to be even more understanding and giving than we’re already supposed to be doing 365 days/year. The starkest contrast is when Christians are celebrating holidays with the themes of GOD’s great mercy, love and grace to humanity, exemplified by a GOD WHO HIMSELF became the evil within us (2 Corinthians 5:21), to suffer on our behalf the punishment we inherited and merited (Romans 5:12, Romans 3:23-24). The proclamation and model for responsibility and privilege to charity, peace, mercy and benevolence for each other is exemplified by this GOD WHO would make HIMSELF HOMELESS at our rejection of HIM, and then nonetheless allow HIMSELF to SUFFER an also CRUEL and PAINFUL physical torture and death — all to redeem us. However, how do “churchy” people live this out day to day — for the “least of these” (Matt 25.40) among us — the homeless, the unborn, children with cancer, people with diseases equivalent to the leprosy of JESUS’ time, for the marginalized, the behavior challenged, the hurting, the afraid and the just plain “worn out?” Maralita found herself a pregnant teenager one year during the holidays. What had she done? The “churchy” people around her gacked and glared; she knew the corner conversations she’d pass by were about her when the people quickly turned away. The ”churchy” people did NOTHING to find out her needs or come to her aid. Her situation got worse; her “boyfriend” dumped her — the child surely wasn’t his! Maralita then became homeless, traveling within her community, finally “church” community scorning her, and very little previous employment experience, how would she ever get a reference for a job? She was heartbroken for her guy and where was GOD in all this? She knew in her heart from HIM and from the traditional teachings of her community, that she MUST have this child. And soon the child inside her would become all she had. The church people could do something to help if they wanted to. Why didn't they? With no place to go, no job, no friends, no family and no means — Maralita found herself one night giving birth in a dirty, old shed that thankfully someone or some family had long ago abandoned — just like she’d been abandoned. It hurt. Was everyone around her so perfect? Why is there NO UNDERSTANDING, COMPASSION or AID, for a wayfaring young woman branded a transgressor because of The Gift she carried within her? Why is Maralita left to uncertainty for her and her child in the cold, “holiday” weather? Aren’t the churches the ones who are talking about warmth, love, joy, giving and forgiving? Where is it? Why don’t they ask, “What can we do that would be helpful?” Why is everywhere shut to those who most need it on “The Holidays” — the homeless and the alone? Where do they go for “The Holidays?” Maralita was quite fortunate for being from the strict culture that she came from. Her boyfriend did return to her, to take care of her and her child. Though she and her family never completely regained the respect of that rigid, rulesbased community, they were allowed to work and live in a fair amount of peace to themselves for years to come. What bothered Maralita and her family though, was realizing that there are so many homeless outcasts who experience shunning, rejection, no family and no means as she and her child had. Her child had to do something about that and grew up to be — among other things — a human rights advocate. And yet there's still need in this world. At this point we must ask: What if GOD did this — for us? What if GOD decided to suffer the scorn and ridicule and rejection that Maralita and her son did? What if GOD suffers with us, for us, and really CARES about us? Will that make a difference in how we approach LIFE and what we invest in it for and how we view others? Do we not see CHRIST and Mary in Maralita and her son? (Surely “Maralita'' is the name for Mary in some language.) If we realize that GOD loves us this much, how can we not actively SEEK how we can help others in the myriad of needs in our lost, fallen world. Are we “too good”? Do we care? Do we see CHRIST and Mary’s face, in the face of countless others around us — those in need whom we can help or those blessing our needs and talents? And when we realize ourselves as the stranded people whom GOD reached out to spare — dare we not have compassion on our fellow humans, and even animals? What if we each decided to be selfless as Mary and Joseph were, greet and accept the unplanned child, sacrifice for each other in love, not forsaking each other and like the Child who grew up to offer HIMSELF for our redemption — made sure to LIVE on mission with HIM, in gratitude to HIM and identifying care with our fellow humans? How could we do this? Receive HIM. Believe HIM. Always be on mission with HIM. Maybe exactly the real problem is that we regard ourselves as if we are not ourselves in need and outcasts (Revelation 3:17) before a HOLY GOD and in our relationships with others. We’re all too self-sufficient to be a part of JESUS’ group and doings. If we partook, it might just expose our self-reliance and towers of achievement. However, JESUS identifies it is also exactly HIM to whom we are empowering, refusing relating or rejecting. And dare we complain about all that is “wrong with” our world, while we do nothing that is actually bettering it? Is mercy and grace spreading everywhere we go? If not, what is? As long as we live on this Earth — it's NEVER TOO LATE to receive the grace we need, so that we can then give it to others (John 6:37). Really, we need fresh grace immersions daily for ourselves, so that our refreshing can then also bless others; we are and can only be as merciful to others to the extent we realize we are being shown mercy by a PERFECT GOD, WHO LOVES us, PERFECTLY. DECEMBER 15, 2023 Will more churches open up for “The Homeless” this winter? (Only a few in the WHOLE County have thus far; is this acceptable to JESUS?) Is there still no room for HIM at “The Inn” of our hearts and our churches and our country? Why aren’t more Christians actively involved for PRO-LIFE for EVERY LIFE in need of protection and mercy — from the womb to the tomb? Why are Christians not actively reaching out and being the connection — to a job (such as the gracious job wage giver in Matthew 10:1-15), a place of shelter, affordable housing, a warm cup of coffee with a friend, a caring, prayerful supportive network — to bring about victory at long last, from external oppositions or tough inner struggles. Meanwhile, real people are SUFFERING and DYING on the street corners in the most financially wealthy and most opportunity-blessed countries on this earth, while those with means and spiritual light content themselves by saying — “there's an agency for that!” One time when a woman was being scorned for anointing the adult JESUS with expensive perfume, (so seeking to preserve HIS body, after HIS crucifixion — possibly understanding HE would rise after HIS death and so to seek to preserve HIS body, for that) HE asked a very powerful question to her critics, “Do you see this woman”? As we observe the Holy Family and their sacrificial giving, their identification with human poverty, their investment for the greatest good, and especially Mary’s special surrender to a really difficult life of social rejection, scorn, being misunderstood, outcast and not believed — for her and her son and family — shall we not feel a tug within us? Graci, Maralita! For your great, humble acceptance to have your unplanned Child, who gave HIMSELF for us, and seeks to restore us and our world. And if Maralita with GOD’s help in her day could succeed for LIFE-GIVING in the midst of such great opposition and obstacles; will not we? DECEMBER 15, 2023 COMMUNITY It's the Christmas season, and when you think of Christmas time you think of movies like “A Miracle on 34th Street,” “Charlie Brown's Christmas,” “The Grinch,” “It's a Wonderful Life” or “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” — all movies where the forces of good nature win out, with demonstrations of kind-heartedness towards someone and spreading happiness in the atmosphere. When I think of Christmas, I think of the Christmas parties at the Mercy House on W. Huron St. down the street from the Delonis Center. They roll out the red carpet to spread Christmas cheer and genuine love to the homeless community. Mercy House is a project of M.I.S.S.I.O.N., which is a non-profit started by Caleb Poirier and others like Brian Durrance, who are still involved. Mercy House itself is a hospitality house started by owner Peggy Lynch and Sheri Wander. For people who don't know the background of Mercy House and/or M.I.S.S.I.O.N., they evolved from a project called Camp Take Notice which was a tent community governed by the homeless community who lived there. When Camp Take Notice was eliminated by the authorities, M.I.S.S.I.O.N. was formed to continue related work. Peggy bought the house on W. Huron St. about 10 years ago. They serve meals there on Monday and Wednesday evenings and have a wellknown Saturday breakfast. That breakfast all started from the spirit of Christmas. One of Mercy House’s other projects is to host a large Christmas party for the homeless and recently housed. Anyone really is welcome, and I'm only saying this based on my personal experience. Before founding Mercy House, Peggy Lynch visited Camp Take Notice (the tent community), invited by a friend. She simply fell in love with the community, the environment and just being among humans. After being engaged with the community for one year, she decided to have a Christmas party at her personal residence. For her, it was nothing out of the normal to host an event like this. It was a big Christmas party; everyone from the tent community was invited. She asked different friends of hers in different faith groups to help out and they were very excited to. At one of the Christmas parties before they had the house of hospitality, Peggy noticed a person named Steve going on the back deck crying. As a good party hostess, she wanted to know what was going on with Steve. He said he was completely GROUNDCOVER NEWS Mercy House is the place to be on Christmas Day JOE WOODS Groundcover vendor No. 103 overwhelmed at the thought that he and other people from the camp community would be welcomed to someone's house for a Christmas party. That response had a very big impact on her, being a mom and a grandma. When I interviewed Peggy, she said being a part of a community and making an impact in it was very powerful for her. She and her friend Sonya started having Sunday dinner at Camp Take Notice every single week, inviting people from the faith communities to join them. This still happens to this day with the every-other-week meals at M.I.S.S.I.O.N's Purple House or Wheeler Park, which alternate with Washtenaw Camp Outreach at Wheeler and in other locations during the winter. Living in a world where one thing leads to the next, Peggy said that when you're a part of a community like this, you see where there is a gap. It could be someone who passed away and needs a proper burial, birthday celebration, wedding, someone who has a child and needs some clothes, someone pregnant and about to deliver and needs a baby shower to get necessary supplies, or just providing a space to observe, celebrate and become a tighter community together by bringing people together. So with her genuine love for people, Peggy got more involved in helping what society considers the less fortunate or cast out, the homeless. Peggy is a lawyer by occupation and because her heart was with the homeless community, she involved the wider community, including the corporation she works for. Peggy understood what being poor felt like, growing up very poor herself, going through college and getting married. Just like a lot of people in that situation, she tried hard to get out of it and became a workaholic. Although she was very successful in law and started her own law firm, she spent decades clawing her way out of poverty. Then Peggy had an ‘aha’ moment where she felt she needed more in her life: she needed human relationships, she needed meaning. She started volunteering at numerous nonprofits. 7 Gracie Sheldon, David Williams, Peggy Lynch, Michael Clayvon, Walter Harris and Alonzo Young on the porch of Mercy House on W. Huron Street. Photo credit: Joe Woods. During this time, she met Gracie, a woman who was at the Delonis Center and shared Peggy’s passion. Gracie wanted to be a blessing to other people and help them. Experiencing abuse at the Delonis Center, she still found it in her heart to help people in need, even the people who hurt her. Housed now, Gracie is a large part of Mercy House despite whatever struggles she goes through in life — internal or external. The wider community within the homeless community is what helps people realize that no matter your background, we’re human and our job is to spread love and enjoy doing it. Talking to Cynthia Price, The editor of Groundcover News who has been involved with M.I.S.S.I.O.N. for a few years, I learned that Price has purchased small Christmas presents for the party for the last two years out of pocket — mostly because she always forgets to be reimbursed! It makes her feel happy to have direct contact with people and actually get in tune with people's needs so they can tell her what they really need rather than what someone else may think they need. I chose this article, this organization and these people to interview in order to let Groundcover readers know that although Christmas is only celebrated once a year, M.I.S.S.I.O.N consistently helps less fortunate people celebrate other holidays and just being in a community because of the love they have for people. At Christmastime, with the help of Peggy and those who help her turn it up 100 notches — there is delicious food, gifts large and small, music and fun — and they do it unselfishly without seeking approval from their peers or boasting for their own self-satisfaction. They generally do it in silence, but more and more people know via wordof-mouth about the party, which is attended by 400 people or so. As Peggy says, this is what we as a civilization should do more of — be a blessing to your fellow brother or sister, show love from the heart and don’t look at a person’s financial or social status as much as at their being a human who deserves happiness.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SPORTS A basketball Christmas JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor As the NBA prepares to unwrap its 76th edition of Christmas Day games in the 2023-24 season, the hardwood spectacle transcends mere competition; it's a cherished tradition that showcases the best of basketball under the holiday lights. From humble beginnings in 1947, these Christmas Day matchups have evolved into a captivating saga, featuring iconic performances, intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. Christmas games were more regional affairs in the early years, reflecting the league's grassroots connection with communities. The Chicago Stags faced off against the Providence Steamrollers in 1947. Reflecting on those times, former NBA Commissioner David Stern reminisces, "It was a way for the league to connect with fans, bringing the joy of basketball into homes during the holiday festivities." The NBA's Christmas Day contests have become a showcase for greatness, featuring legendary players leaving an indelible mark on the holiday hardwood. Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain's historic 1961 performance stands just as tall as the athletic giant himself, scoring 59 points and grabbing 36 rebounds in a double-overtime battle against the New York Knicks. Wilt's dominance remains a Christmas record to this day, a testament to his unparalleled skills on the court. The 1984 matchup between the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets etched Bernard King into Christmas Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Day lore. King's sensational 60-point performance, the highest ever on this festive occasion, illuminated the court even in a losing effort. His scoring spree joined the ranks of Chamberlain and Rick Barry, creating a trinity of 50-point Christmas Day legends. Rivalries have added a layer of intensity to the holiday matchups. The 1995 Christmas Day game marked a Finals rematch between the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets. Penny Hardaway's clutch shot secured a narrow 92-90 victory for the Magic, showcasing the competitive spirit between star centers Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. The 2004 Christmas clash between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers brought the long-awaited faceoff between ex-superstar duo Shaquille O'Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. The game lived up to expectations, with the Heat securing a ruthless 104-102 victory in a forced overtime situation, extending their scorching hot win streak to 11 games. O'Neal and Bryant's duel added a dramatic chapter to the ongoing narrative of Christmas Day greatness. The 2016 matchup between the Lebron “King” James and the Kyrie “Uncle Drew” Irving-led Cleveland Cavaliers and the five all-star Kevin Durant Death lineup Golden State Warriors was more than a game; it was a Christmas Day thriller between two super team behemoths. Down 14 points in the fourth quarter, the Cavaliers rallied to a 109-108 victory, capped by Kyrie Irving's baseline drive into a fully contested spin move fadeaway for the game. Not to mention Uncle Drew’s assassin-like game-winner was fully contested by elite shooting guard Klay Thompson who is highly decorated with multiple first-team all-defense selections. The heated rivalry between these two legendary teams turned Christmas Day into an unforgettable stage for epic comebacks and high-leverage moments. In 2017, the Warriors and the Cavaliers continued their holiday rendezvous in a thrilling contest. The game featured a late-game surge by the Cavs, tying the score with an 11-2 run. However, Klay Thompson's clutch three-pointer with 1:33 left shifted the spotlight back to the Warriors, sealing their victory in another Christmas Day spectacle. Adding a touch of whimsy to the holiday spectacle, the NBA's iconic Christmas commercials have become an integral part of the tradition. The most famous commercial, featuring hoops adorned with bells with players synchronizing their shots to the tune of "Jingle Bells," has become a nostalgic symbol of the season. The melding of sport and holiday cheer in these Mariah Carey As most businesses and entertainment sources take Christmas off, the NBA's Christmas Day games have been solidified as a cornerstone of holiday sports entertainment. The rivalry-procured matchups continue to blend athletic prowess with the festive spirit, creating a unique and cherished tradition that resonates with basketball fans worldwide. As the 2023-24 season approaches, anticipation builds for the next chapter in the saga of NBA Christmas Day basketball, where the echoes of the past merge with the promise of new moments that will be etched into the annals of the sport's history. DECEMBER 15, 2023 commercials has resonated with fans, becoming a cherished component of the NBA's Christmas Day festivities. While the games on Christmas Day provide exhilarating moments on the court, they also serve as a canvas for off-court festivities. Since 2009, Christmas Day broadcasts have featured a musical interlude, with Mariah Carey's iconic renditions of holiday classics becoming synonymous with NBA Christmas celebrations. Michigan vs. Everybody In the summer of 2023, I predicted the Michigan Wolverines, my favorite football team, would win the national college football championship. I was not the only person who made this prediction. Many other Michigan football fans, hopeful like myself, wished to see our Wolverines take it to another level. We must, in order to win the college football playoff game against our nemesis, the SEC Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama is the next level. We beat Ohio State three years in a row, but we have yet to defeat the Crimson Tide in recent history. There is a saying: “To be the best you must first beat the best.” The last time the two teams met was in the 2020 Citrus Bowl when Alabama beat the Wolverines 35-16. MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 The 13-0, number one Michigan Wolverines will face off with the 12-1, number four Alabama Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. The Wolverines are a slim favorite to win the Rose Bowl. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, who recently served a three-game suspension at the end of the regular season for allegedly using video to steal other teams’ play signals, will lead the Wolverines into this epic battle: the College Football Playoffs. A four-team playoff system leaves the 13-0 number two Washington Huskies to meet up against the 12-1 number three Texas Longhorns in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. The winners of those two games will face off against one another in Houston for the national title on January 8. Go Blue!!! Fun Facts: Michigan is ranked No.1 in the Associated Press college football poll for the first time since it won its last national championship in 1997. This Rose Bowl game will be the sixth meeting between Michigan and Alabama. Alabama leads the all-time series against Michigan, 3-2. Michigan and Alabama are the two winningest football programs in the nation. DECEMBER 15, 2023 'TIS THE SEASON I'm dreaming of a colorful Christmas the colorful clothes people wear. The kids' toys are colorful and the adult toys are colorful, too. I love colorful Christmas decorations and decorating the inside and outside of buildings with pretty colors. Christmas music is beautiful, too. DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 I love everything about the winter holidays except for winter, ice and snow. I love everything about the winter holidays except for the homeless and hungry people suffering. I love the winter holidays because it's a celebration of Jesus. I love to see adults and kids laughing and happy. It’s a time when people are nice and give each other presents. It’s also a time when good food is shared between friends and family. It’s a time when people who usually don’t get to see each other much spend time together. It’s a time for adults and children to get the presents they always wanted. It's a time when kids get toys for Christmas; adults like toys, too. My favorite colors are green, purple and yellow, and I think those are Christmas colors. I love It sounds so good, fun and relaxing. My favorite Christmas songs are “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,” “Santa Baby” and both versions of “Joy to the World.” This is a sad but funny song — he says he’s getting nuttin' for Christmas because he’s been nothing but bad — I don’t know what the name is. I like the song “Silver Bells,” too. Another thing I like about the winter holidays is that churches have special things. Full Circle, Fresh Start and Groundcover do nice and special things for people, too. Peace House, Mercy House, Delonis and all the places people gather do special things for Christmas and winter holidays. The Christmas holidays are a time to celebrate God and Jesus, whether you get what you want or not. I think the winter Christmas holidays are all about love and Jesus' birthday. I think it is a joyful, loving time no matter what present you get. PHILLIP SPINK Groundcover contributor It is absurd callousness, A bleak ostracization, That there is not reliably at least a bed in a dormitory Closely available for every homeless person in our nation. We say we are kind, with some perhaps thinking that by denying people beds And at times leaving them in cold torment and peril We are only doing what we must To encourage all to look for work. But I think we are more deep-set on being punishers Than conscious thought admits, Of those seen as shiftless, Or daring to be different dancers. People can seldom be pained into working: Certainly not when they are touched by insanity, And still more not when they have chosen To be drifters in the wind, Whose fealty to dust, and sky, and wandering, Likely irks many souls more dully settled in place. We choose to believe that the homeless are spirits in dissolution, Yet it is likely to some extent jealousy— Discontent within our cages— That turns us meanly judgemental. Theorizing away compassion Our boards and committees building newfangled shelters, Often with a quite small number of beds for hundreds in need. Even those caring most can be drawn in, Turning their heads towards a temperate face of the same dark ignorance Which keeps people passing cups, and hats, and cardboard signs of Veterans, Without the drop of a dollar or dime, Or even a moment of time for kind pleasantries. Evolution of my Christmas Christian variety (gifts, goodwill, birth of Christ and the family Church Mass.) As an adult, my celebration JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 depended on how much money I had, buying gift cards as presents and getting together with family most of the time. As I'm growing older, and my disAs a child I was spoiled; Christmas was all about the Sears holiday catalog and a page-long wishlist. In my teens, it was about a few desired things, but more about family and the holiday dinner, taking part in food prepping and/or later doing dishes. Christmas has two varieties: the pagan, heathen variety (tree trimming, gifts and feasting), and the abilities are likewise growing and I have no income, it's more about love, family and what I can create — helping to trim the tree, assisting in wrapping presents, creating my gifts, dining and spending time with family. A few resolutions can't hurt, either. As I'm doing daily reading of the entire Bible, I'm keeping Christ in mind as my top priority. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! You matter, and thanks to all of our supporters! It sometimes seems as though through some strange reversal of reason, We feel we will be damned If we do not struggle to ignore and to keep Those not within some condoned and stamped parameter In misery. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Cold winds in America 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY What are the holidays? D.A. Groundcover contributor This is not intended to be offensive And I am not your critic Nor is this an attack on your beliefs I'm just trying to understand Why not visualize this perspective with me? On TV you see ads with people gathered around as a family, around what is called a holiday I never saw an ad that revealed what this "holiday" is like for those existing in "severe poverty" I do not mean to ruin the mood for those who celebrate "holidays” I only intend to state A "holiday" to some do not bear the same meaning to me as they do for you I'd be very much more impressed to see us celebrate life every day together Simply be one great big family in harmony This is what I await to see. DECEMBER 15, 2023 Life is good LEAH SLUSKY Groundcover vendor No. 619 When you dream Dream with ease. Place your hopes With all of your dreams. Place them deep Inside your heart And live your life A work of art. This poem is dedicated to my niece, Alexis, and nephew, Ethan. It is inspired by my first experience with Groundcover Newspaper at the Argus Farm Stop open-mic. - DECEMBER 15, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. The Houseplant (a profile) The Angel BILLY HILLUIOS A Picture Image of Self Recollection The Face from Billy Hilluios

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOLIDAY RECIPES Date pudding KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 This is a favorite of the Parks, enjoyed at all major family holidays and birthday celebrations! Pudding: 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup flour 1 tbsp butter ½ cup milk 1 tsp baking soda 1 ½ cups pitted dates ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans Syrup: 1 cup brown sugar 1 ½ cup boiling water 1 Tbsp butter 1 Tbsp vanilla Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together all pudding ingredients except nutmeats and put into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle nuts over the top. Mix syrup ingredients together. Pour the syrup over the batter and bake for 30 min. Serve with whipped cream. Raisins may be used instead of dates. Potato candy ERICK BROWN Groundcover vendor No. 617 Sprinkle some powdered sugar on a Potato candy is a simple and delicious treat that my mom used to make when I was growing up. Ingredients: 1 small potato, peeled and cooked 4-5 cups of powdered sugar 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter A pinch of salt A dash of vanilla extract (optional) Directions: Mash the potato in a large bowl until smooth and lump-free. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and PUZZLE SOLUTIONS mix well. The mixture will be sticky at this point. Add more powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is thick and stiff, like cookie dough. large sheet of wax paper and transfer the dough onto it. Roll out the dough into a thin rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the peanut butter evenly over leaving a small border the dough, around the edges. Starting from one of the long sides, roll up the dough tightly, using the wax paper to help you. Wrap the log in wax paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into thin slices and enjoy! This recipe makes about three dozen pieces of potato candy. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. I hope you like this recipe and have a sweet day! DECEMBER 15, 2023

2 $ DECEMBER 1, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 25 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Groundcover's third open mic showcases vendor talent, entrepreneurship. Page 6 MEET YOUR VENDOR: SHELLEY DENEVE PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Ignoring car camping as homelessness can be deadly. page 5 Erick Brown, Groundcover vendor No. 617, has been sleeping in his car since his RV broke down. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR'S DESK Groundcover vendors were accepting cashless payments on their own independent accounts. Since the launch of the Groundcover LINDSAY CALKA Managing director In response to the pandemic — and the digitizing of life as we know it — people stopped carrying cash. To adapt to this change, in 2021, Groundcover News launched an organization-run Venmo account to extend the opportunity of cashless payment to all Groundcover vendors. There are many barriers to using these applications — such as having a smartphone, bank account and even government ID — but there are even more benefits for those who participate. Not many post-pandemic customers know that long before 2021, Venmo, I have gotten occasional reports from vendors that customers are resistant to paying for their Groundcover newspaper on personal Venmo, CashApp, Square or PayPal accounts. Every now and then I get questions from customers about whether it's okay to “bypass” the Groundcover Venmo and pay the vendor directly. I wanted to say it in print so there’s no question that — YES — it is not only okay to pay vendors on personal cashless accounts, it is encouraged. Here at Groundcover News, we celebrate the independence and entrepreneurial spirit of vendors who invest in the tools that make purchasing Groundcover News more accessible and safe. We recognize the extra effort it takes to manage digital income and appreciate vendors who take that burden on. All that being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t note … cash is still king. DECEMBER 1, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern Hunter Johnstone — intern regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Teresa Basham Jamie Cameron Jim Clark Cindy Gere Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Peter Linebaugh Margaret Needham Glen Page Ken Parks Earl Pullen Jane Reilly Scoop Stevens Darek Zazur GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Margaret Needham Emily Paras Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons DECEMBER 1, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 From the desk of Panda: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and how I deal with it Shelley DeNeve,vendor No. 22 In one sentence, who are you? Shelley Koch Mann DeNeve. Free spirit! Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Churches: Trinity Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, St. Aiden’s Northside Presbyterian, Church of the Good Shepherd. When did you start selling Groundcover? September 2010. I’m vendor No. 22! What words do you live by? Live, love and laugh. Rollerskate through life. What’s the worst/best thing about selling Groundcover News? Worst: not knowing how much you’ll make. Best: getting someone to buy Groundcover. What is something about you someone on the street wouldn't know? That I’m a “townie.” What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery? Buy a new car. Then drive to places to pay off debts in cash. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Spaghetti. What was your first job? A&W car hop. What's a small thing that makes your day better? Things going as planned. What is your pet peeve? People who lie. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Go to Mall of America or Shipshewana and have enough money to spend. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? More affordable housing — housing for people who are hard to house. Glen Page is a DIY guy GLEN PAGE Groundcover vendor No. 407 I don’t know about anyone else, but I have totally turned into a complete do-it-yourself guy on every level, at every turn and twist. I have always had fun with arts and crafts. My clothes, my food and my vehicle will reflect the same trademarks, as will everything I own, pretty much. Sometimes it’s about comfort and function when it comes to how I dress myself or redesign something. So if I ever make it to celebrity status and walk the red carpet, when they ask, ”Who are you wearing?” I’d be forced to say, “Glen.” You dig? Individuality and self-expression, is really it's all about me. I might look a little younger than my age, I don’t know. I was born in ‘66, and I grew up a TV baby so I’ve got a lot of different kinds of collages in my head to reflect on or to pull from. The thing is, it continues to grow with each thing I see that sparks my interest and strikes me the right way. I’ve got to feel it or otherwise it ain’t happening. At the end of the day, the journey always makes things a little more interesting for me to vibe to. A lot of what you will see me doing is strictly for convenience, comfort and function. These days I’ve been focused on hands-free ways of traveling. That seems to be working out pretty well but I think that maybe I have blurred the fashion lines a little. It's difficult to explain but you can best believe that I'm looking out for new toys to play with. I have prototypes I haven’t even started yet. The response I get from people on the streets is my reward for the most part, that and knowing that I can do it again. It’s another way for me to express myself — all good, clean fun! Be warned, the minute I see folks biting my style, I’m going to infest the area with a lot more to chew on. I’ve always had a small bunch of people who notice what I do and like it enough to try it for themselves — little trend-setting ideas more or less, the right place at the right time. So there it is: when you see Glen Page, vendor No. 407, if you’ve got an idea you think might be worth testing out, run it by me and I will see how I can work some magic. It all starts with an idea, a thought — write it down or just come kick with me we can give it a go. All you have to do is paint the picture with me. When you’re trying to rock a concert, crowd participation is everything, you dig? I do! So all suggestions are welcome! But try to have something explainable or understandable. Genius is usually very simple, very basic, in other words, easy to explain. This one disorder affects millions in the North. I used to get into a deep depression because of the lack of sunlight. Sun lamps are very intense beams of artificial full-spectrum light that positively affect the mood of a person. But such lamps can cost a lot of money. My alternative is a five-finger death punch to SAD using vitamins: • The first is magnesium which helps with muscles and tissues by opening up blood vessels. • The next is vitamin D3 which I call liquid sunlight. • The third is B complex: this one helps to uplift emotions in a positive light. • The fourth is vitamin C: an antioxidant known helping for emotional balance. • The last one is vitamin E: I take only 200 milligrams per day. This keeps me strong in the darkest part of the winter. Emotional health is extremely important to me, not just because of the fact I suffer from SAD but because of my disability of fetal alcohol syndrome (FASD) — which was totally CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 killing off tribal nations (and all land will go back to Big Brother). Psychiatry has also contributed imposed upon me as a result of governmental policies from the 1920s. Before that time, in the Native culture, women did not drink; it was utterly shamed and called taboo. You never engaged in those things. Native people lack two enzymes (ADH and ALDH) that allow us to process alcohol. Government policies allowed for people from outside to bring in gas stations or other businesses, and they allowed them to sell alcohol. My grandmother didn’t drink; but by my mother’s generation, she did. Once that barrier was broken, all bets were lost in every Native nation. The policies are in fact in a negative way to Native people’s self-esteem. Changes in the way the field labels people with mental illness have gone from very clear to now diluted. This keeps people confused — but confusion is good for a multi-billion dollar industry: the more drugs the more money. My own experience was having a mental health worker try and give me lithium for FASD. I took the scrip and then tossed it. Hardcore drugs for mild issues are not for me — ever. I just choose a different path with vitamins that for me keep my issues low. The change in what ADD is called is very disorienting for me; to me, this is covert psychology and shows that people don’t care about others. For me, not to be involved with the power of freedom in the mental health field matters. Without the freedom to choose we go right back to the controlled asylums.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MENTAL HEALTH work, It happened again last night. At I made a mistake and my coworker got mad at me. Some people may have snapped back and let it go. Or they may have completely ignored his behavior. For someone like me, it’s not that simple. After his comment, I felt the flush of shame most people feel when they make a mistake. Usually, it ends there. For me, it escalates. I became more and more upset and angry. I started to argue back. At one point I became so dysregulated I felt like running out of the building and never coming back. This is because I have a condition called Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. In my adult life, I have had nearly 100 jobs. That’s a conservative estimate as I have been in the workforce since 1983. Each time I quit a job it was because a supervisor was too harsh or a coworker too difficult to get along with. I perceive everything a coworker says to me when correcting my performance as coming with disapproval. I end up taking it personally which sets off the RSD, leaving me fuming and ready to walk out or fight the coworker. All they were trying to do was help me do my job better. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is a new term emerging in the JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 someone with RSD delivers an overdose of stress hormones which cause emotional agony and physical discomfort. RSD brings the chemistry together to make rejection/criticism feel like a vicious personal attack. RSD resembles other process addictions where the key identifier is unmanageability. Those that have it can’t “suck it up” and control it. It can produce a nevneuro-psychology field. It is believed to be a disruption in the brain between the emotional center, the amygdala, and the reasoning area or neocortex. Although not an official diagnosis, medical experts use this phrase to describe it as a sub-condition of ADHD. Its symptoms include low self-esteem and self-doubt, bursts of anger and sadness, negative self-talk, finding it draining to engage in socializing, and/or suddenly becoming quiet and moody. The main characteristic of RSD is a severe negative reaction to rejection and criticism. For most people, rejection and criticism hurt. For someone with RSD, that little sting of shame feels like a red-hot iron. Living with RSD can feel like a constant sunburn. The brain of er-ending cycle of negative self-talk and self-sabotage. Once referred to as “feeling sorry for oneself” or “beating oneself up,” this particular disorder is a silent killer. As a person recovering from alcoholism and who has the symptoms of RSD, I can tell you there is a very clear link between RSD and homelessness. Like many people, for me, being housed is dependent on being employed. The likelihood of someone with RSD spontaneously quitting a job is high. As a result, rent becomes difficult if not impossible to pay. They fall behind and are either evicted or simply abandon the lease. This has happened to me countless times. For example, I graduated college in 2007 where I studied to be a high school math teacher. Very noble profession, a very gutsy subject to teach, and very dumb for someone with RSD. The students ate me alive. In 2013 I had a mental DECEMBER 1, 2023 Me and my RSD (Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria) breakdown which resulted in a relapse and three months of homelessness. Today I am aware of my condition. By practicing mindfulness, I can keep tabs on my emotional climate and keep myself focused. I look back on my life and see how much of it now makes sense in the light of this disorder. I am much gentler on myself and have learned to simply say thank you any time someone corrects me. I am among a few fortunate people who have been able to cultivate awareness of how my mental health affects the way I see reality. Mindfulness is a key element when struggling with any executive functioning issue. The conversation about homelessness and mental illness goes on. We have made the connection, now it’s time to solve the problem. What can the mentally ill do when their ability to navigate the “normal” world fails? People with mental illness simply need a break. Once we are diagnosed with a condition that may make employment difficult, we need some form of accommodation if we are to participate in society. Some mental illnesses are understood and can be treated, but many cannot. If employers could be prepared for this, many lives would be changed for the better. In loving memory of Cynthia Richards November 23, 1989 - November 20, 2023 Cynthia Richards, vendor No. 537, sold Groundcover during the summer of 2021. After moving to Florida that same year, she remained in contact, often calling the office and sharing updates about her and her children. Cynthia was a fierce protector of her family and sold the paper to make ends meet. We remember her quickly getting the hang of sales because of her friendly and hard-working nature. "When I think of Cynthia, I think of a person that was a fighter, go getter, and a person who loved her children — even though she was going through what she was going through in life. Believe it or not, she was working to be a better woman for them. Even though she had a lot of hurt in her heart, she was always a cheerful person, laughing, cracking jokes and just being a bundle of joy. She was a loyal person, even to people that weren't particularly loyal to her. I'm going to miss you even though you're not going to be forgotten. She left three children, a sister, a brother, her mother and multiple communities behind that truly loved her. She will be missed, but never forgotten. She's an angel in heaven now." — Joe Woods, Groundcover vendor No. 103. Cynthia, Joe Woods and Kelsey. DECEMBER 1, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Ignoring car camping as homelessness can be deadly When a person or family loses housing, the world suddenly changes. From drinking a glass of water to fixing a snack or taking an overnight trip to the bathroom, these are things that can no longer be taken for granted. Yet many have the dubious distinction of moving into their cars. These vehicles which have housed individuals and families for decades bring on a new set of challenges. The most obvious include keeping the vehicles cool in warm climates and the scorching hot days of summer in others. On the other end of the spectrum is finding enough warmth to make it through the often bitter-cold winter temperatures found in colder climates. Without question, there have been incidents where individuals have succumbed to the cold or heat while living in their vehicles. Most common are the grim statistics of people suffering heat stroke or those who froze to death. Each time this occurs, it leaves the general public shaking their heads questioning how it could have happened. There are innumerable opportunities for such tragedies to occur but one of the most obvious is the slow pace at which agencies and the government have approached the issues of the unhoused. While strides have been painfully slow in learning how to meet the needs of unhoused individuals, the progress has been further hampered by the stubborn misperceptions about this group of individuals that continue to persist. importantly, the return to housing of those individuals has more than doubled that of other cities with similar lots. Without the necessary support, LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 the stories of those losing vehicles due to breakdowns from lack of maintenance continue to mount. While many unhoused live successfully in tents, a car adds another level of support and as the San Diego case reveals, the return to housing is faster. Even without safe parking lots, Much of the assistance is based on the ideas that assume that those who lose housing are somehow flawed and undeserving of assistance in time of need. As a result, the needs of those who use their vehicles in place of a house are often overlooked. The resources that most agencies provide are food and clothing. Those who are in vehicles seldom receive adequate attention such as car maintenance, repairs and gasoline. Assistance is also often needed in meeting the cost of insurance and monthly payments. When attention is given to those who are living in their cars or other vehicles, the results have been incredibly promising. A news article that ran in a 2018 issue of “The Seattle Times” reveals how San Diego has outpaced other cities in its parking lot program. Not only are the families safer in the fenced-in parking areas designated for the unhoused, but it has also been more cost-effective. Most this housing-troubled decade has brought on increased numbers of people living in their cars. Success stories abound on social media sites and provide a network of support for those who have taken to living in their vehicles. If social media accounts are any indication, it is not hard to imagine more people abandoning buildings and taking to their cars. While the auto industry says it is reducing the number of sedans for safety reasons, one might surmise that it is ahead in the growing trend of vehicle living and maybe designing vehicles to accommodate the demand. But for now, the most important concern is for those who are living in vehicles in Michigan. If you know of someone who may be living in a vehicle or outdoors, it never hurts to ask whether they have a warm winter blanket or sleeping bag. One cold winter night without the necessary warmth may make the difference between someone surviving or not. A note on homelessness in California Recently in Los Angeles, under the overpass of Interstate Highway I-10, a huge fire erupted where homeless people had camped. The immediate conclusion jumped to was arson, with the mayor placing the fault on the shoulders of the homeless who were camping out under the overpass. Over 250 truckloads were hauled away, along with all remaining homeless possessions. The real concerns of the mayor were how much of the overpass may have been damaged, as well as repair time. Six weeks and minor repairs later, the mayor was recommending most traffic carpool or work from home nor a police detective, what I am at this time, is a homeless individual. The area I am staying at is not supportive of the homeless, only some areas are — San Francisco, San Diego and select areas of Los Angeles. Think about it … not in my backyard. While I am temporarily sheltered, I JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 due to the large daily volume of traffic using that highway. They had one suspect in mind, yet the volume of campers there was huge. While I am not a fire marshal am still one of the Homeless and refuse to have this burden placed on my shoulders. My bet may have been a stray cigarette butt or the like, yet they aren't banning anything except the Homeless. Thank you to our vendors, the paper staff, and especially our supporters! You matter. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL ARTS DECEMBER 1, 2023 Groundcover's third open mic showcases vendor talents, entrepreneurship MARGARET NEEDHAM U-M student contributor On November 17, Groundcover contributors, vendors and volunteers alike came together at Argus Farm Stop on Liberty Street to celebrate and honor the accomplishments vendors had brought to Groundcover in recent months. With delicious food provided by Pilar’s Tamales and surrounded by good company, vendors were able to share their opinions on various topics, perform songs, as well as speak some of their own inspirational stories and poems, which were both touching and motivating for the listeners in the audience. For me, the most entertaining part of the night was when Desmond, a returning musician and volunteer for Groundcover, played a beautiful piece of music on his cello called “Bridging the Gap.” Composed during the pandemic, this piece focused on the theme of creating human connection — “physical bridges first and then bridges of the sight.” Listening to this, the audience was able to rest and relax their minds before the rest of the speakers gave their testimonies. One special speaker who came up to the mic was Xavier Carbajal, who told stories about his life and meaningful experiences that he has learned from. “God kept me alive to keep fighting, and I don’t understand why,” said Xavier during his testimony. He said that every time he dies, Saint Peter is there waiting for him at the gates of Heaven, urging him to come forward. But, God continues to say to him, “Hold it. Hold it. You’re not done yet, I am sending you back.” Xavier is not sure why God has kept bringing him back, but he knows that he has to fight no matter what. Even though he has been through many hardships over the course of his life, Xavier kept on going and is very successful nowadays, showing everyone that night that it is possible to persevere in the face of hardships and trials. He recommends that everyone reads his books on Amazon, which you can find when you search his name on the website. Later in the night, Groundcover vendor No. 570 Teresa Basham came up to the microphone, despite her stage fright, and talked about her two poetry books. She is currently selling her first book for $40. Once her second book comes in from production in December, she will be selling the two together for $75. She shared one poem from her new book on Friday night, where she emphasized human desire and love. “I am a different breed, no other is made like me. I am a craving soul indeed,” said Teresa. She is extremely passionate about her poems, and she highly encourages everyone to check them out if they get the chance. Despite not being on the signup list to present, Brian was one of the last individuals to speak at Open Mic Night, as he felt a strong desire in his heart to do so. During his time onstage, he highlighted the cover story of one of the last Groundcover issues that was published, in which a man named Shihab Jackson was featured. He sympathized with Jackson’s story and urged the audience to read it, and take action. Going forward, Brian hopes that everyone “always reads Juliano Sanchez, vendor No. 174, orated his two most recent Groundcover articles on mythology. Both Teresa Basham (left) vendor No. 570 and Sandra Gomez (right) vendor No. 61 recited poetry. Groundcover because it’s one of the only places you can find what is happening in our community.” Reflecting upon what these vendors, supporters contributors and of Groundcover had to say at the microphone that night, each story and testimony was truly its own enlightening experience. Because this event does not happen every weekend, the community is encouraged to make it whenever its scheduled, even if they are only able to attend for thirty minutes. As the vendors and staff would say, come out and support Groundcover News if you are able — it would mean the world to them! DECEMBER 1, 2023 LOCAL ARTS Adore TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 My love I’ll never say goodbye, Thee sea may rise, Thee sky may fall, No matter my love will never die, I’ll go bravely on, I may cry, Through thee blackest night, My drownin heart, From all thee tears I cry, I know this love will never part, For I’ll think of forever more, My love will never die, I may weep forever more, You’ll alwayz be, Thee one I adore. A day in the life of Earl EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor As the eye Of a lark the Sun will shine As the dew of night falls On the land You can never judge A man by what you see It's all in a riddle And all in a rhyme The steeper the hill The harder the climb I say to you In a little rhyme I love you To the end of time GROUNDCOVER NEWS A shout PETER LINEBAUGH Groundcover contributor Cop City — Gaza City Atlanta Forest — olive groves The promised land The mushaã 40 acres and a mule That was then. What now? A mite, a penny, a paycheck, wages All illness, illth illth Only health is wealth: wealth-health, health-wealth Compost filthy lucre billion trillion, trillion billion People the color of the earth Palestine Maya Creek Muskogee Reconstruction — Land Back Abolition — Jubilee Common once again from the river to the sea. Voices from the past: a closer look at UMMA's Hear Me Now Become immersed in the journey of resilience encapsulated in the 'Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina' exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. The exhibit is both a lament for lost voices and a celebration of creative spirit flourishing despite hardship; it is a collective testament to the African-American legacy forged in the Old South. The American South's contribution to the national arts scene is often overlooked, and UMMA set out to change that. Their staff and scholars carefully chose the exhibition to reveal an untold, significant chapter of American history. In this exhibition, history's challenging periods intersect with the potters' incredible resilience and creativity. Many significant works in the exhibition are by David Drake. Despite being an enslaved poet and potter, his surviving pieces boldly bear his signature, a defiant act at a time when South Carolina's laws prohibited such self-assertion from enslaved individuals. An echo of defiance resonates in his work's underlying themes, as his inscriptions daringly critique the unequal societal norms of his time. "Inscribed with poetic defiance, David's monumental pots refuse to be silenced, and they carry the power of unarticulated exhibition includes photographic representations of works such as "K.S" by Adebunmi Gbadebo and "Large Jug" by Simone Leigh. These pieces underscore the persistent influence of traditional art forms and historical narratives. Added to this dialogue are artifacts like DAREK ZARUR U-M student contributor voices," explains resident Jack Shanahan, reflecting his views on the exhibit. "These showcases serve to enhance community inclusivity; they are truly inspiring." The exhibition also showcases works created by unknown potters, highlighting the unsettling reality that these masterpieces originated from nameless slaves. In a moving tribute, UMMA leaves a blank space where the artist's name should be on these pieces. It serves as a stark reminder of the stolen labor of enslaved individuals, thereby challenging us to confront and fill in the painful voids of our history tied to slavery. Among the traditional works, the exhibit presents the work of current artists whose pieces are anchored in Edgefield's legacy and instinctively respond to the untold stories of enslaved artists. Bridging the past and present, the "Face Jug" and "Jug," serving as links to this powerful history. Each of these works provides a window into not just the skilled hands that crafted them but also the lives intertwined with their creation. The deep layers of every pot bear the imprint of the Old South and stand as a testament to not only the remarkable artistic prowess of the enslaved artisans but also their untold legacy. It's a legacy marked by resilience and creativity, blossoming amid staggering adversities, waiting to be fully acknowledged and appreciated. The 'Hear Me Now' exhibition stands as a tribute to the unsung contributions of African-American potters and as a testament to the triumphant human spirit soaring amid adversity. Let's not just walk past these extraordinary works. Let's stop, gaze and in doing so, remember those gifted and resilient souls who twisted clay into expressions of defiance. They were people whose names we don't know, yet their touch lives in every pot, jug and sculpture. Cop City — Gaza City Atlanta Forest — olive groves The promised land The mushaã 40 acres and a mule That was then. What now? Abolition jubilee Common once again from the river to the sea. 7 Top: Face jug by ____________ (Potter once known), attributed to Miles Mill Pottery. Bottom: Large jug by Simone Leigh.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Christian mythology SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor The Gospel of Jesus Christ was created after the Jewish Temple was destroyed by the Roman army led by Titus Flavian in 70 CE. This ended the Jewish-Roman War (66-70 CE) and the Jewish nation. To prevent a possible rebellion in the Jewish diaspora, Roman elites invented a pacifist messiah to replace the militant one the Jewish people were anticipating. This is the origin of Christian mythology. There is no evidence to support the existence of Jesus. There are only people repeating rumors and rhetoric of his supposed existence. The essence of Christianity is that of a state religion and it must be guarded against. Christianity had always been a religion of the rabble and dangerous to civilization. Second-century pagan critic of Christianity Celsus and other Roman writers believed that Christians were dangerous because they put the advancement of their beliefs above the common good and welfare of the state. No doubt our constitutional order will be put to the test by the dangerous demagogue Donald Trump. He will exploit the ignorance of Christians in his quest to become president again. DECEMBER 1, 2023 DECEMBER 1, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Coffee order 6. Priestly garb 9. Qur'an chapter 14. "La Bohème," e.g. 15. "___ bad!" 16. Clear, as a disk 17. As a rule 19. Cross threads 20. "La Scala di ___" (Rossini opera) 21. Flock member 22. Hotel amenities 23. Flock leader 25. Anger 26. Senior politician 32. Crystal-lined rock 33. Very small 34. Ova, e.g. 37. Traffic jam 41. Friar 42. Hungarian joke 43. Eton or Hogwarts 48. Absorb, with "up" 49. Peanut butter choice 50. ___ Rica 53. Game on horseback 54. Edge 58. Dislike, and then some 59. Theorist 61. Fowl place 62. Shade provider 63. Edmonton hockey player 64. Former frosh 65. Legal thing 66. Light refractor DOWN 1. Feet, slangily 2. Blunted blade 3. Penny 4. Length x width, for a rectangle 5. A ways away 6. Famous Etta James song 7. Nabokov novel 8. Refuses to shop at 9. Puts in stitches 10. Compound in fertilizer 11. Basket material 12. Back, to a sailor 13. "Siddhartha" author 18. "Ah, me!" 23. Ancient Roman magistrate (Var.) 24. Curb, with "in" 26. ___ roll 27. Grassland 28. ___ Perignon 29. Swelling 30. Grab 31. Biblical gift 35. Aims 36. More revealing 38. "Seinfeld" uncle 39. Amateur video subject, maybe 40. Amigo 43. Owie 44. Thrift store (Aus.) 45. Noggin 46. Robots in Jewish folklore 47. Greek portico 48. Traumatizes 51. Brit's "Baloney!" 52. Song and dance, e.g. 54. Coconut fiber 55. Wrinkly fruit 56. Petitions 57. Popular hairstyle in the 80s 60. Chop (off)

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD ACCESS DECEMBER 1, 2023 Left: Julius Buzzard, director of Growing Hope Urban Farm and Argus staff member Alexandra Granberg during Argus Food Talks. Middle: (pictured left to right) Laurin Wolfe, Director, Conner Levy, Vice President, Beverly Ruesink, Needle-Lane Farms, Susan Randall, President. Photo Credit: Patrick Zabawa, Treasurer. Right: Photo of Ruesink with son, Baszyl, 12, in the background on a video monitor. Ruesink also has a daughter, Stella, 6. Improve your health, support local business Would you rather spend money on medical bills or better food? Currently, an astounding 41.9% of American adults, 29.5% of adults over 65 and 19.7% of children at all income levels are obese, according to Trust for America’s Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Congressman David Schweikert, (R-AZ), co-chair of the Joint Economic Committee, details in the Republican section of the 2023 JEC's response to the 2023 Economic Report of the President how obesity and obesity-related diseases will contribute $5.6 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade. Obesity is one of the largest contributors to Medicare and Medicaid spending. The entire JEC Report is at: www.jec.senate.gov/ One of the things that the Federal government is considering is removing junk food, especially soda pop, from food stamp benefits. This is comparable to government efforts to shift U.S. culture away from smoking in the 1960s. According to Schweikert, this could enhance the health of Americans, reduce income inequality and help the Federal budget. "I don't think people wake up every day and say, "I'm only going to spend my SNAP Benefits on junk food," said Claire Austin, who co-manages the Ypsilanti Farmers Market with Vivi Nguyen. "The big issue is access. This is part of the reason why we have Farmers Markets. It definitely contributes to a healthy community." Obesity has been found to substantially reduce lifespan, with life JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 Planning to grow, shop for and prepare food requires a commitment to a lifestyle change of budgeting both time and money. The price difference for apples between the national grocery chains and a regional chain is about 89 cents on sale and $2.20 not on sale. The difference between the national and regional "open the cafe in a lively manner on the weekends," said Connor Levy, PFC Vice-President and Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee. The PFC has reported net operating losses of $197,026 in the first half of 2023 and Ruesink expressed concern about the future of local farming. chains and Washtenaw expectancy decreasing as Body Mass Index increases. Obesity is a causal risk factor for many other diseases, including but not limited to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, sleep apnea and cancer. One out of every three heart attack or stroke deaths and one in twelve cancer deaths are associated with being overweight. Obesity has also been linked to impaired mental health, according to the JEC report. "Much of the direct benefit of increased lifespan would go to women, as well as Black and low-income adults," states the JEC report. "Research by Zachary J. Ward et al. suggests that Class 3 obesity, the highest, will be the most common Body Mass Index category for these three demographic groups by 2030. Because reducing obesity carries with it employment, productivity, and income benefits, it might also contribute to reducing health. income inequality." Food is now an investment in our County stores that sell apples from local farms can be as much as $2.10$7.50. The quality of taste and freshness increase substantially with the price increase. Organically grown foods have an intense flavor. Vegetables have no saturated fat, cholesterol or added sugar. The United States Department of Agriculture announced on Nov. 14 that the Ann Arbor Fair Food Network received a grant of $8,438,060 to continue SNAP Double Up Bucks through 2025. It is estimated that in 2023 obesity will cause $5,155 in average excess medical costs per person per year based on research by JEC economists. Heart attack patients in Michigan paid $25,679 in 2019 according to Sidecar Health and $58,779 for bypass surgery. For uninsured patients, the median cost of hospital care following a heart attack was $53,384 in 2017, according to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "We are what we eat," said Beverly - Ruesink, 45, owner of Needle-Lane Farms, 6376 Tipton Hwy, Tipton, MI. "It's really that easy." Ruesink spoke at "Meet Your Farmer," an event at the People's Food Co-op in Ann Arbor on Nov. 5, to "It's a struggle and it's real," Ruesink said. "The change in our society where we work at home and have things delivered has changed the game. There's no cheap, easy way. It's hard work and who wants to work hard?" Both Argus Farm Stop and the PFC hold community events to draw customers. There is an Annual Winter Artisan Market on Sat. Dec 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Argus Packard Cafe, which lists its weekly events for three locations on the website. The Ypsilanti Winter Indoor Farmers Market, at the Market Place Hall (behind the building with the Farmers Market marquee), featured live music on Nov. 18. A keyboardist was one of 20 vendors including farmers, bakers, prepared food and oracle readings. "We want to implement changes to try and reach a wider area of Ypsilanti," Austin said. "We want to bring in more community members. We want to feel more community owned and community grown." Ruesink is practical about the community's financial involvement and investment. "The problem is people have to go to work, then they have to take their see HEALTH next page  DECEMBER 1, 2023 THINK ABOUT IT 10 days that shook the world Looking at history as it spills into current events, one of the best observers and analysts was V. I. Lenin, whose writings and activities around WWI and the Bolshevik Revolution are legendary. He once commented, “There are decades when nothing happens and there are days when decades happen.” One of the best reporters of that time was John Reed, who went to Russia to report on the revolution as it was happening in 1917. He died in Russia in 1920 and is buried in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis. Phil Carroll, a lifelong peace activist from Ann Arbor, visited his grave in 1973 when he went to a World Peace Council meeting in Moscow. John Reed wrote “Ten Days That Shook The World,” a feet-on-theground, fully engaged report about the Bolshevik revolution, which began during World War One. When the war ended, the allies fought in the bloody civil war against the Bolsheviks who won in 1923 and socialism struggled to mature until the time of Gorbachev, when the experiment was changed by Yeltsin into the age of oligarchs and collusion with financial globalism. The commonwealth, including large gold reserves, disappeared in a privatization frenzy that caused great suffering for the people of the former Soviet Union. Putin is popular in part because he broke the chokehold the oligarchs violence that engulfs our world is the task before us. Breathe peace and move towards a peaceful convergence as we learn that “the struggle makes us human.” If we practice mind training we can begin preparing for a mass meditation sit-down strike. This could create the conditions for KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 had on the people. Humans often tolerate — and even promote dysfunctional illusions — for generations before reality erupts and a sane world arises. A new social body is born and struggles to mature. Some die prematurely but a memory may persist as in the Paris Commune, an inspiration from the heart and mind of the working class, which shook the world for 3 months in 1871. Our power of creativity is deep and real. Luiza Duarte Caetano, one of our Groundcover volunteers, is doing a thesis on a novel by Louise Michel which was born from her experience in the Paris Commune. Your engaged participation can make a difference as the American experiment in freedom faces a war machine of our own making. Taking responsibility for our collective actions and making good choices amid the a peace conference on composting the war machine. Eventually, the culture of war will go from “swords into plowshares” as we grow the inner and outer peace that so many of us want. Awaken to the love within you and let it flow. Groundcover News will help. The world may simmer for a while before it boils over and starts shaking. "The Silent Coup, How Corporations Rule the World” is the book that shows the level of struggle we are in today. Honduras is heroic now. Mark Kennard, one of the authors is with Chris Hedges in a podcast that will give you great insight into this world and the struggle for freedom. I hope to see some of you at the vigil every Friday at 5:30 p.m. on the corner of Liberty and Fifth. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 There are food hubs in Ann Arbor  HEALTH from last page kids to their activities and they don't have time," Ruesink said. "Then they run around trying to work their two jobs and their side hustle trying to make ends meet so they need that fast food or that convenience to just get through the day." Start small, such as walking or taking the bus to save on fuel and parking expenses. Use all the shopping options available to take advantage of sales and discounts at each location, stores, farmer's markets, food hubs and directly from farmers. Grow your food at a community garden. "Growing their own food would probably help even at a small scale,” Ruesink said, “ and I say that because of the joy and the peace and the mental health that it brings, from gardening and getting your hands in the dirt. There are so many good things in getting nutrient-dense local food into local people. I think there's a lot of people doing a lot of good things in a lot of little places." (Washtenaw Food Hub) and Ypsilanti (Growing Hope). There is also the Ann Arbor People's Food Co-op and the Ypsilanti Food Co-op. Many local farms sell directly to the public from their farms or at the Farmer's Markets, also in both cities. The Ypsilanti Winter Indoor Farmer's Market only runs until Dec. 16. Online is year-round with pickup on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m. at the Farmer's Marketplace, 16 S. Washington. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., is open 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays through December and 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturdays from January to April. Shops such as Argus Farm Stop only sell local food, allowing farmers to price their products and receive 70% of the selling price. Argus Farm Stop in Ann Arbor, as well as the food co-ops and the Farmers Markets in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are examples of food communities working together, albeit with fierce competition. Various prepared foods sold at Argus come from entrepreneurs who use the Growing Hope incubator kitchen and local farmers. Growing Hope, a non-profit, runs the Ypsilanti Farmers Market, and Tantré Farms runs the Washtenaw Food Hub. The Ann Arbor PFC advertises "Meet the locals," promoting Garden Works, Revolution Farms, Tantré Farms, Community Farm, Needle-Lane Farms and We The People Opportunity Farm. The Ypsilanti Winter Indoor Farmer's Market on Nov. 18 included farmers from Good Medicine Farms (Norris Stephens), Karpo Farms (Steve Karpo), Hobby Gardening (Alvaro Perez), Fungi Revival (Mel Havelka and Tonya Harris), Taylor Honey Farms (Neil and Deborah Taylor), SS Family Produce and Health Harvest Farm (Fred and Tina Peebles). There are many community gardens.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Ruth Beck's pecan sticky buns ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor From the program “One Batch of Dough” by Ruth Beck (1934-2021) of Buckingham Township, Iowa. Mrs. Beck taught a bread-making class beginning in 1969 at the YWCA of Waterloo, Iowa. Over the years, she presented the program hundreds of times at various venues, and countless people throughout the Midwest learned the joys of bread baking through her teaching. Yeast Roll Dough 1 package or one tablespoon of dry yeast, dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water. 1 cup milk ½ cup butter ½ cup sugar 1 Tbsp salt (this is not a typo!) 1 cup lukewarm water 6 cups flour, divided 1 egg Heat cup of milk to 180 degrees. Add butter, sugar, salt and lukewarm water. Cool the mixture to lukewarm, then beat in 2 cups of flour and egg. Add the yeast mixture and remaining 4 cups of flour to make a soft dough. Mix well. Knead lightly, cover with a clean dish towel, and let rise until doubled. While the dough is rising the first time, make the sticky bun topping and let it cool. Filling ½ cup softened butter ½ cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp cinnamon When the dough has doubled in size, Melt the butter over low heat, then stir in the brown sugar and maple syrup. This will make enough for a 9x13 pan and a loaf pan. Divide the sticky bun topping mixture between the pans. Sprinkle the nutmeats over the mixture. Place the dough slices on the cooled sticky bun topping. Cover the pans, and let the dough rise a second time. When doubled in size, place in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, then loosen the sides with a knife or spatula, and invert the rolls on a heatproof platter. Serve warm if possible! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS DECEMBER 1, 2023 Shop at the Kiwanis Thrift Sale! Holiday Gifts, Decorations, Tree Sale November 3 - December 30 November 24 - December 30 Toy Sale { gently punch down and form it into a rectangle about 12 x 18 inches. Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough, then sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the butter. Roll the long edges tightly, and cut into 1-inch slices. Sticky Bun Topping 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup maple syrup 1 cup pecan halves or pieces Kiwanis Center in Scio Township 100 N Staebler Rd off Jackson Rd Kiwanis will be open for normal business hours through the 2023 holiday season Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 3 pm }

2 $ NOVEMBER 3, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 23 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Shelters can help homeless people by providing quiet and privacy, not just a bunk and a meal. Page 5 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JANE REILLY PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. HUNGER and HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS WEEK EDITION Magnus the Entertainer addressing the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners during public comment. He was one of 21 speakers who addressed the lack of shelter in the County. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER hunger + homelessness awareness week CALENDAR SHELTER ASSOCIATION'S FILL THAT TRUCK! Friday, November 10, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Kroger (2647 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor) Help us fill a truck with items requested by the Robert J. Delonis Center. This event directly benefits Shelter Association clients as it gives them access to things like new winter coats or new socks! DELONIS CENTER HEALTH and WELLNESS FAIR Monday, November 13, 2-5 p.m. Delonis Center (312 W Huron Street, Ann Arbor) This free community event at the Delonis Center is designed to support clients and others by encouraging healthy lifestyles, preventing and managing disease, and connecting to community resources. Vendors will set up display tables, promote their brand and product, and show their passion for supporting vulnerable populations. This event is free to any member of the community. To become a vendor, please contact Alondra Burne at burnea@washtenaw.org. GROUNDCOVER SPEAKS OPEN MIC Friday, November 17, 6-8 p.m. Argus Liberty Cafe (325 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) Join us this November in honoring Hunger & Homelessness Awareness week at Groundcover News' third open mic event! Come listen to community members share writing, poetry and stories from the street. This is a FREE event. Everyone is welcome. NOVEMBER 3, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern Hunter Johnstone — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Beverly Boss John Buckley Jamie Cameron Natalie Florence Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Mike Jones Joshua Lee James Manning Ken Parks Jane Reilly Heather Ross Denise Shearer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Scoop Stevens May Thet Naing PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Margaret Needham Emily Paras Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons NOVEMBER 3 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS More McDonald’s, Wendy’s and affordable restaurants should be in downtown Ann Arbor There are a lot of low-income Jane Reilly, vendor No. 611 In one sentence, who are you? Janie Reilly, Groundcover vendor No. 611, journalism busker and peace advocate. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? At the corner of Wells and Packard (across from Argus Farm Stop) and at the Ann Arbor YMCA. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? August 31, 2023 as a part-time job while searching for a full-time job. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Sit under the trees by the U-M Diag and feed the squirrels. What words do you live by? Do what's right, anyway. Every day. All the time. No matter what everyone else is doing and especially when I don't want to. Obey the law. This is a mix of ideas from filmmaker and actor Spike Lee and Saint Teresa of Calcutta, also called Mother Teresa. What is your superpower? Kindness. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Have a career as an airline pilot. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover? Trying to make the GCN mission statement of "promoting action to build a just, caring and inclusive society" a reality. What's the best thing about selling Groundcover? I am fully alive when upholding our rights of freedom of speech and of the press. What are you likely to become famous for? I've been infamous. Today, I prefer to live quietly. people in downtown Ann Arbor. I don’t think there are a lot of people who are rich that walk around downtown Ann Arbor. Especially people who try to help themselves and sell Groundcover. There are volunteers too who work downtown and they are not rich. People who work at daycares, schools and libraries are probably not rich either. My point is there should be some Wendy’s and McDonald’s in downtown Ann Arbor. There should be Kentucky Fried Chickens in downtown Ann Arbor too. And I think there should be places that have low-cost food and drinks because there are a lot of working people who do not have a lot of money. People who come downtown just to get out of their homes don’t have a lot of money and they need somewhere to hang out or too. I think there should be places that are low-cost like toy stores. I think it is very important to have DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 go shopping and they can’t buy anything because they don't have enough money. And when things are at a high price all the time, when people don’t have enough money to buy anything, it makes them sad and depressed and do things that they shouldn’t be doing and go to jail or prison. There should also be lowcost thrift stores and coffee shops, low-cost places in downtown Ann Arbor and I think there should be low-cost movies like Briarwood Mall used to have. They should bring back dollar theaters! I think that would give a lot of people hope and make them happier and enjoy themselves so they don’t feel the need to do things they shouldn’t be doing and getting arrested. I think if people could afford things better, that would give them hope and encouragement to do good things like help people in the community and help themselves. I think the community would look and be better and safer if we had more lowcost things for people to enjoy and meet their basic needs. The world would be much better. 3 Kid’s farm fun: Take a day-trip to Jenny’s Farm and Cider Mill! One of the largest and oldest local farms is in Dexter. It’s called Jenny's Farm Stand & Cider Mill on the outskirts of Dexter. This is one of the best and most fun farms for kids. They have a petting farm, pony rides and some of the best jams, salsas and pickled vegetables as well as baked goods. Jenny’s offers apple cider and happy donuts as you look at all the goodies they have to offer. The pony ride is one of the highlights, as kids get to ride a real horse. donkeys and draft horses; some animals are not pettable. As I recall, pies are freshly made. CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Chickens and rabbits roam free. The farm has rabbits, goats, sheep, My favorite from Jenny's Farm is the amazing jams they make — raspberry, peach, strawberry and blueberry. What I truly love is raspberry jam on toast in the morning with a warm coffee and a hot slice of apple pie. The drive to Jenny’s is fun on the riverside along the Huron River. The colors are fun in the fall splendor. So come take a nice mini vacation for a day on Jenny’s Farm! Discrimination ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 Sometimes when you go to the store to use the bathroom you must buy something — if you don’t buy something, you can’t go inside. The other thing, while you go to the store you have to leave your backpack and other stuff outside. Sometimes those working in the store look at you with your backpack and they think you want to steal something from the store. When I need to go inside to ask for something, those at the store don’t ask if I speak English or Spanish, they just ask where I’m from. On Saturday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m. I went out to the Home and Garden to buy a folding shopping cart. I need the cart to put my stuff in and lock it. These people in the store say they don’t have a shopping cart. They look at me like I’m estupido. Maybe they think I don’t have the money to buy the shopping cart. I say thank you very much. I will put all this into the Groundcover.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS HOUSED: How housing changed John's life JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Housing is more than just a roof over one’s head. It is a source of stability, security, dignity and hope. For many people who have experienced homelessness, getting housed is a life-changing event that opens up new possibilities and opportunities. For this article we interviewed John, who recently moved into permanent supportive housing (PSH) in Ann Arbor. PSH is a type of affordable housing that provides long-term rental assistance and supportive services to people who have disabilities and/or chronic homelessness. We asked John how housing has impacted his situation, and what are the things that eased or hurt the transition from the street. John’s story John, 54, was homeless for over 10 years. He used to sleep in a tent near the Huron River where he faced harsh weather, harassment and isolation. He suffers from bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, which made it hard for him to find and keep a job. He moved into his PSH apartment in February 2023, after being referred by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. He said that housing has given him a sense of peace and comfort. “I feel like I have a home now. I can sleep better, I can cook my own food, I can watch TV, I can relax. I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to sleep or what I’m going to eat. I don’t have to deal with the stress and danger of living on the street,” he says. Housing has also helped him improve his mental health and access other services. He receives case management, counseling, medication and transportation from Avalon Housing, the nonprofit organization that operates his PSH unit. He also attends a peer support group at Home of New Vision, where he meets other people who have experienced homelessness. He said the most helpful thing for him was having supportive staff who cared about him and his well-being. “They treat me like a human being, not like a number or a problem. They listen to me, they help me with my goals, they encourage me. They are like family to me,” he said. ment living. Still, it was hard to adjust to apart“It was hard to get used to having neighbors, rules and responsibilities. It was hard to trust people, to open up, to ask for help. It was hard to feel like I deserved this." One thing that changed for him was his friend group. He used to hang out with other homeless people who shared his struggles and interests. “We would talk about basketball, especially old school early 2000s basketball. Rip Hamilton was my favorite player from that time; he was a great shooter and defender who played for the Pistons from 2002 to 2011. We would watch highlights of his games on YouTube. We would admire his skills and compare his achievements to other all-time greats. We would also share tips on where to find food, shelter or other resources,” he recalled. After he moved into his apartment, he lost contact with most of his homeless friends. Some of them were happy for him, but others were jealous or resentful. “Some said I was lucky or privileged. Some of them said I was betraying them or forgetting them. Some of them said I was no longer one of them.” He still misses his homeless friends sometimes but he also made new friends at his PSH unit and his peer support group. They also share his passion for basketball. “We still talk about basketball. We still watch highlights of Rip Hamilton’s games. We still admire his skills and achievements. But we also talk about other things, like our health, our goals our challenges,” he says. Another thing that changed for him was his ability to follow his current favorite team. The “Lebron-James-led” LA Lakers. When he was homeless, he had a hard time following his team as a fan, due to lack of access to coverage. “It was frustrating not being able to watch their games live or catch up on their news and stats. I had to rely on word of mouth or public sources, which were often unreliable or outdated. I felt like I was missing out on a lot of excitement and joy,” he said. Now that he has a TV and an official address, he can watch his team play on his own screen and receive newspapers and magazines that cover their see HOUSED page 14  NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Factors of homelessness, part one For years, I was stewing about how people treated each other, particularly how people treated the poverty-stricken and the homeless. I didn’t want to see people suffering. But at the time I didn't want to be part of the solution, either. While stewing in disgust at the way humans treat other human beings, I posted a rant on Facebook. I then decided to jot down ideas on factors of homelessness, shelter issues and the money behind it all. Here is my initial list: Reasons for Homelessness 1. Job Loss/Low Wages, • Financial instability/job loss (Living wage vs minimum wage) • Insufficient federal/state aid • Lack of sustainable wages meeting cost of rent, 2. Abusive Relationships • Insufficient mental health care 3. Substance Use and Abuse • Drug promotion vs rehab and recovery • Lack of affordable one-year drug rehab centers for the poor 4. Parenting/Disabilities, JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 end homelessness 9. Selfishness • Human to human selfishness, 10. Where is the HUD money? • Private companies, organizations and shelter CEO profits I will save shelter issues and the money trail for later articles of this series. I selected three websites for background research: HomelessResourceNetwork.org, generated 17 points. HumanRightsCareers.com, • Relationships of an abusive nature • Abusive and neglectful parenting • Chronically homeless children of homeless parents 5. Incarceration • Institutional mindset • Incarceration and recidivism • Lack of public bathrooms leading to CSC violations and incarceration 6. Transportation/Car Issues, • Cost of repairs 7. Talent Development, • Lack of development of individual potential 8. Governance, • Politicians unfufilled promises to ArlingtonLifeShelter.org yielded ten factors each. People Housed First The first item is that of wages, job loss, not enough federal/state aid, unemployment/ underemployment, and a lack of sustainable wages such as a living county wage. A minimum wage is for children, not adults. Minimum wage combined with part-time hours will not meet the cost of living. We’ve had chronically unemployed people without personal or job development programs. Jobs are at will, and so workers are subject to job loss at any time, for any and reason. Poverty means being a lost paycheck away homelessness. Current Temporary Assistance for Needy Families combined with EBT/ Bridge card does not meet the needs of those at the poverty level. In fact, for a family of three, it barely covers one-third of the cost of living. The main problems with wages are threefold: low and stagnant wages, consumer price indexing and non-sustainable wages to meet an individual’s cost of living. At the same time in history as low and stagnant wages, we have an ever-widening canyon between wages and housing costs. Housing requires credit checks, income verification and deposit of up to three months rent. Rent-to-income ratios lead to housing discrimination. In every state, fair market rent combined with minimum wage equals no housing for many. As for those with disabilities, housing is often difficult to obtain and maintain, due to stagnant SSI or SSDI wages not being adjusted for the consumer price index. For many frontline workers, it’s not a game. Job loss due to see FACTORS page 15  NOVEMBER 3, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Shelters should help homeless people by providing quiet and privacy, not just a bunk and a meal NATALIE FLORENCE AND HEATHER ROSS The Conversation The City of Phoenix set heat records in the summer of 2023, with high temperatures that topped 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 consecutive days and at least 54 days in total. In such conditions, providing basic services — including cool spaces — for people experiencing homelessness is lifesaving. In 2022, 420 people — many of them unsheltered — died in Phoenix from heat-related causes. Estimates are not yet available for summer 2023, but given this year’s extreme conditions, the toll is expected to be higher. For the past two years, we have worked as researchers with the Human Services Campus, a 13-acre complex in Maricopa County, Arizona, where 16 nonprofit organizations work together to help people who are experiencing homelessness. The campus includes Central Arizona Shelter Services, Phoenix’s largest homeless emergency shelter, which assists 800 people experiencing homelessness on any given night. Our work includes talking with staff and clients to better understand their challenges and identify possible solutions that draw from our work in the fields of architecture, health and social innovation. Dormitories at CASS protect residents from extreme heat with a bunk to sleep in, day rooms for socializing, case management services, sanitary shower and restroom facilities. However, CASS struggles to provide dignified spaces that offer privacy, storage space and quiet environments. People need this kind of environmental support in order to battle recurring physical and mental health issues that often accompany homelessness and can hinder or prevent healing. Overflowing shelters As of 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that the U.S. had nearly 600,000 homeless people nationwide, with about 60% living in emergency shelters, safe havens or transitional housing. The other 40% lived outdoors or in places such as abandoned buildings and public transit stations. Homeless centers must conform to architectural standards for emergency shelter. These standards have historically been influenced by institutional building design, which prioritizes attaining minimum conditions needed to keep people alive. Today, many homeless shelters struggle to provide even that level of care. The Human Services Campus was originally constructed in 2003 to provide consolidated services and a coordinated entry plan for people experiencing homelessness. However, it was intended to be part of a larger system of shelters, not the sole service provider for Phoenix’s estimated 9,000 homeless people. The city’s homeless population has grown, in part because of unprecedented rent increases and a lack of affordable housing. During this summer’s heat wave, nearly 1,200 unsheltered homeless people lived on sidewalks surrounding the campus, many in tents, with limited access to bathrooms and sanitation facilities. Homelessness and mental health When asked about the causes of homelessness, policymakers and members of the public often point to mental illness and addiction, as well as a lack of affordable housing. They tend to pay less attention to the underlying impacts of past trauma other than noting that many women become homeless to escape domestic violence. In a 2005 study, an alarming 79% of homeless women seeking treatment for mental illness and substance abuse reported experiencing a past traumatic event such as physical or sexual abuse. More recently, a 2020 study showed that nearly two-thirds of homeless women and almost half of homeless men reported that they were homeless because of trauma. Shelter design can affect homeless people’s ability to recover from past trauma and to battle addiction and other mental health issues that perpetuate cycles of homelessness. For example, one woman who currently lives in CASS told us about trying to get a full night’s sleep while living in a day room where the lights were kept on around the clock and there was constant activity. Because she had several bags of personal items that were too big to store in the dormitory, she could not get a bed there. “When they don’t turn the lights down at night, I start to feel like my body is vibrating,” she said. “I start to see people walking around, and I’m see SHELTERS page 9  GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit! Job Search Toolkit If you’re embarking on a job search, AADL’s virtual toolkit stands ready to assist! Packed with links to beneficial websites and resources, it’s a free guide that equips patrons with essential tools and knowledge to navigate the competitive job market. See all the toolkit has to offer at aadl.org/services. FEATURED EVENT 5 General view of a homeless encampment in downtown Phoenix as unhoused people receive medical care from Circle The City's mobile medical unit on the 14th day of temperatures rising to 110 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., July 13, 2023. REUTERS, Liliana Salgado Sunday, November 19 • 2pm Downtown Library Winter is coming! Stop by to try on and pick up a new-to-you coat for the season. The Library will be accepting coats and jackets at all locations from September 8th–November 17th. We will not accept items on the day of the event.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MAKING CHANGE The public has spoken: "We need shelter now!" GROUNDCOVER NEWS It was standing room only at the Washtenaw County Municipal Building on Wednesday, October 18. Most attendees were wearing the same sticker on their chests: “I support more funding for winter…” When public comment began, there was no question what the increased attendance at the Board of Commissioners meeting was supporting. A banner painted with “Shelter Now” was raised for all Commissioners to read. If you’ve been following Groundcover News recently, you’ll recall two articles written by Jim Clark, vendor No. 139, about the grassroots campaign, entitled “Shelter Now,” organized around three demands to expand and improve sheltering services in Washtenaw County. 21 members of the homeless community addressed the Board of Commissioners during public comment. Read some of their comments below, advocating for shelter. CALEB POIRIER “Having talked with folks who keep track of the census of the people who are attempting to get into the shelter, there is a 140-person-long waiting list to get into the shelter. This was made real to me earlier this week with a young woman (...) who has two twins in her stomach, several months pregnant, [and is] currently living under an overhang. Some folks feel that it’s only appropriate to house folks once they have a child, but I think that while you’re pregnant is a very dangerous time to be unhoused, and she is one of those 140 people who is unhoused. Currently there’s a disparity between the amount of services provided between Washtenaw County’s two sister cities where a majority of the population lives, in both Ypsi and Ann Arbor. In Ypsilanti there is a rotating shelter that’s supposed to move from faith community to faith community like it does in Ann Arbor, and that rotating shelter does not rotate because there’s only one faith community that has signed up in Ypsilanti. There has been an ask made of a multitude of faith communities in Ypsilanti to participate with the shelter in accomplishing the rotating shelter there. So this is an ask to everyone who has friends in a faith community of any kind, or knows of buildings that are open, to consider reaching out to the shelter to make that happen.” COLLIN SPRY “I just came here to speak from the heart. I’ve been homeless since 2019 when my wife died in a car accident. She was the last family that I had, and without her, I’ve had nobody. I’ve been living on the streets of Ann Arbor basically because Ann Arbor is a special community. I’ve been all over the country via freight trains, and I’ve seen NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Magnus the Entertainer addressing the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners during public comment. He was one of 21 speakers who addressed the lack of shelter in the County. all different walks of life, and this place is an anomaly. There is what I would call an actual homeless community. There are people here that actually take care of each other. We’re like family. And then there is a community that takes care of our community. People like Peggy, Gracie, Cynthia, look out for us in ways that nobody else around the country I’ve ever seen see PUBLIC next page  NOVEMBER 3, 2023 MAKING CHANGE Churches are critical for winter sheltering TESS ROUSTER Groundcover contributor The Delonis Center, operated by the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, is the only fixed location shelter for individual adults in Washtenaw County, and it only operates as an emergency nighttime shelter during the winter months. The need for winter shelter is greater than what the Delonis Center can accommodate. Moreover, unsheltered homelessness is rising and predicted to continue rising due to lack of affordable housing and cessation of COVID-era government aid. Because there is not enough space at Delonis and because it is not open for daytime shelter, SAWC also offers a rotating nighttime shelter for men and a rotating daytime warming center through faith communities in Ann Arbor. As of October 6, the congregations hosting the nighttime rotating shelter include: St. Mary Student Parish, Genesis/St. Clare's/Temple Beth Emeth, First Congregational Church, Keystone Church, First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Friends Meeting, St. Luke Lutheran, First Presbyterian — Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Christian Reformed, Zion Lutheran, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and University Lutheran Chapel. Additionally, Journey of Faith, Zion Lutheran, First Baptist and St. Mary’s Student Parish are also hosting the rotating Daytime Warming Center. Ypsilanti has historically offered more affordable housing options than Ann Arbor. Simultaneously, there is a higher concentration of poverty and a lower concentration of resources and opportunities in Ypsi. As a result, long-term residents are getting hit especially hard by the dramatic rises in housing costs, and the resulting rise in homelessness. This past summer, there were 15-20 individuals using the awning outside of Growing Hope on S. Washington St. due to a lack of shelter options. There are currently only two locations offering emergency shelter in Ypsilanti this winter: St. Luke's Episcopal Church will provide nighttime and the Freight House will provide daytime shelter Monday through Thursday. Unless other community organizations step up to offer space, there will be no shelter options Friday-Saturday in Ypsilanti this winter. There is an urgent need for congregations and community organizations to step forward to support people experiencing housing crisis by filling the gap in winter shelter in Ypsilanti, and for funding to cover the additional staffing. SAWC will provide staff to anyone able to any organization able to provide a facility. You can help by asking your congregation or organization to host temporary shelter this winter. If your congregation or organization is interested, you can email Dan Kelly at kellyd@washtenaw.org. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7  PUBLIC from last page do. Unfortunately this has been a rough summer, though. There’s been a lot of bigotry. We’ve been pushed around, bullied, thrown out of every different place. We were at the Plaza. The police came in the middle of the night, threw us out, threw all our stuff in the trash, kicked some kid in the head. And then we all moved down under (...) Fuller bridge because we had no other options, where the bulldozers came and tried to bulldoze all of our stuff. And we stood there. We would not let them touch our things because that’s all that we have. (...) It’s been an unfortunate event to see this bigotry aimed at people who have nothing. (...) It continues to blow my mind. But, I still support this community, and I think it’s a very beautiful place. Very special. So really all I wanted to say today is that decisions that are made today, just know that, as hard as this summer has been, the winter is going to be even harder, and lives are really at stake here.” MAGNUS THE ENTERTAINER “What happens when you close your door at the end of your night? And where must the homeless and unhoused lay down to recharge for the next productive day? These are questions, right? (...) What do we think will help? These are some of the questions that I ask myself while going through these changes as a professional (...). Well, not one individual program can solve these issues, alright? Not one program. It has to be all of us together. (...) Number 1: Funding the rotating shelter. In 2020, I was in the rotating shelter myself, and I was also in the Delonis shelter at the same time. As someone who was building a career while in this position, there are a lot of things that could have happened that would probably stop a person. But because of the rotating shelter and Delonis working together, a lot was achieved on their part, and the community that they serve. Another thing, keeping people alive, right? So it’s not just about giving a person a place to live, it’s not just about giving a person something to get through the day, it’s about actually keeping people alive. Because that’s what these services are doing, ultimately, breaking into new permanent housing solutions. So a lot of times we think situations like this have many layers to it unfinished!" "COUNTRY" MIDDLESTADT “I’m going to tell you, our system’s been broke. It’s been broke for a while. And you know what? You’re not gonna fix it when you’re not (...) looking at the fact that most of the people that are homeless within our community either have mental health or drug or alcohol issues. If we don’t deal with these drug and alcohol issues and mental health issues, we’re not going to fix our community, okay? We’re just going to be lying to ourselves. We have a shelter. We call it Delonis. Well I’m going to tell you that Delonis is basically more so of a (...) release center and a drug den. It’s also used at times for human trafficking. We need to fix that issue, okay? And that’s coming from somebody that is homeless in your community and is currently (...) doing five years of probation and has a lifetime registry for trying to take drugs off of your streets. Now, do I think that we need another shelter? Yeah, we definitely need a 24 hour shelter. We need a safe place for mamas and babies. We need safe places for children. (...) We don’t have that. (...) If you’re homeless living on the street, and you’re living in a tent, well, hopefully one of the local officers don’t (...) see your tent because what are they going to do? They’re going to tag it ‘You’ve got 48 hours or we’re throwing your stuff away’. And by the way, it’s a $500 fine if you’re caught. Do you think your homeless individual can pay $500? (...) Why don’t we fix what’s broken and not try to create something new? Cause we don’t need to create something new. We need to fix what we got. Now, I’m surely not (...) happy with HAWC that hasn’t been operating on our housing that’s preventing these agencies from doing their job.” JOHN KERGESTAL "I live in a homeless camp in Washtenaw county. I just want to start off by saying I’m truly grateful for the Delonis Center. There’s been plenty of times that I would have froze to death if it wouldn’t have been for them, and for them feeding us. I also want to say that I’m grateful for the Sheriff’s department because there is a certain Sheriff, that I’m not going to mention names, that does welfare checks on our camp, and personally makes sure that we’re okay. (...) Although he gets on us about drinking and whatever once in a while. But he still cares, and he doesn’t want to arrest us. He doesn’t want to take us to jail or anything. He just wants to make sure everything’s okay. And I hope that the City and the County will continue to fund the Robert J. Delonis Center because somebody like me truly depends on it.” STEFANI CROUSE "Earlier today, I attended my, I think, fifth eviction hearing this year. Every month I’m able to figure it out. I’m lucky. I have some ability to do that. However, this has been going on all year because there is no relief, right? There’s no place to go to ask for help right now and be able to actually get it. So we’re just figuring it out. In fact, my situation wouldn’t even be considered an emergency because my late rent is in the month that we’re in. But it’s every month. So I’m paying $250 extra every month because I’m paying for late fees and attorney fees to show up in court to have it dismissed. I’m not the only one going through this. I live in an apartment complex that is geared towards low-income people. I have watched my neighbors move out in droves. There are empty, naked units all over in my complex … and I don’t understand what’s happening. I am currently paying about almost $1,600 a month in rent to continue to live there because I can’t pay it on time. There are so many of me out there, and I just wanted to voice that tonight. Because my biggest fear is that one of these months, I’m not going to be able to figure it out, and I will become one of those people waiting for a bed for four to six months. And I don’t think that’s okay. And I don’t believe that any of you do either. And you have an opportunity to do something about it. Especially for those of us who live in Ypsilanti. And I’m talking about the women. Because the things that happen to us when we go homeless are unspeakable. And we need you to step up for us. Please … do something."

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POVERTY NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America, in conversation with Luke Shaefer You might recognize the names Luke Shaefer and Kathryn Edin from the cover of “$2.00 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America,” which in 2015 reframed conversations on family poverty in the United States, ultimately leading to the expansion of the Child Tax Credit in 2021. Shaefer, Edin and Timothy Nelson’s newest book, “Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America” now looks at poverty from the macro-perspective of place, instead of person. They developed an assessment method called the “Index of Deep Disadvantage,” which calculated the 100 most disadvantaged and advantaged places in the country. Through data-driven, historical and immersive research — conducted between 2019 and 2022 — they have come to important conclusions about the origins and solutions to inequality in the United States. Lindsay Calka: How does understanding — and addressing — the 100 most disadvantaged places improve well-being and poverty across the country? Luke Shaefer: The problems that we have didn’t appear out of thin air. I think we often proceed like that’s true, but often, the challenges we have are a decade, a century in the making. This book focuses on a set of communities — the most disadvantaged 100 and 200. I think the lesson is that, when you want to understand why things are the way they are, you really have to recognize the history is broader and can be used in many different communities. A second argument in the book is that when we think about poverty, we usually are problematizing the individuals experiencing it. In this book we really try to make the case that there’s a collective problem that things are the way they are not just because of the actions or the circumstances of the families at the bottom of the economic ladder, but those are tied to people in the community far up the economic ladder, really to society as a whole, so we should broaden the scope of what we’re looking at and who benefits from the way things are, to a much broader part of the population. LC: Your 2015 book “$2.00 A Day,” was critical for the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Who needs to get Injustice of Place in their hands? What outcomes do you hope it supports? LS: The nice thing about the first book was that there was a simple solution: providing cash can be an effective LINDSAY CALKA Publisher similar. So, how can poverty be the result of some family in 2016, 2019, 2023, making the wrong decisions, if we’ve seen the same patterns for 150 years? I think the book tries to make the way to reduce poverty.When we think about the things we do for poor families, I think the litmus test is “will this benefit them more than just giving them the money that would be used to provide the service that we want to provide them.” In “The Injustice of Place,” we don’t have [just] a single policy solution. I’m a big believer in cash transfers. We saw the impact that can have during the COVID pandemic — the expanded child tax credit and the economic impact payments, the stimulus payments — were hugely successful. I’m a full believer in that, but I think this book really suggests many different avenues that we need to be thinking about, including local government corruption. The people who are running the communities that have the most need, how much are they looking out for the folks at the very bottom? Social infrastructure — how much are there opportunities in any given community for people to gather and to have cheap fun together where they can make connections and use those connections to build supports for finding jobs, and role models, and whatever it is? The book really calls us to try to reduce community violence, and makes the argument that by expanding economic opportunity, that’s going to be one of our best ways to impact community violence. The downside is that there’s a lot of avenues in, but the good side is that, I think, communities can really focus on the things that there’s the most energy and infrastructure for. LC: How do you see — or have you seen already — the conclusions of this book influencing popular understanding of poverty in the United States? In other words, what myths are you busting about poverty? LS: So many of the challenges we have can be traced back to a century ago, or a century-and-a-half ago. Early in the book, you see our map of deep disadvantage for the Deep South compared to a map of the concentration of slavery in 1860, and they’re pretty darn case that we have to look at ourselves as a society, and re-think where the change has to come from. And, I think we saw that with the safety-net stuff that we did during COVID. We gave people a lot of money through the child tax credit, and also through the economic impact payments, expanded unemployment insurance; lo and behold, the number of Americans with bad credit fell to an all time low. People used that money to pay off their debt; they used it for food; they used it for essential expenses; they used it for rent. That sort of flies in the face of all of our concerns about giving people money and, more broadly, trusting families and empowering them to make their own decisions. LC: We know stark inequality is a characteristic of Washtenaw County — but this community can hardly be considered one of the "forgotten places of America." How would you apply the findings of this book to our local policy landscape? LS: I think of Washtenaw County as a real microcosm of our economic and social changes. Ann Arbor has always had more money than Ypsilanti, but the divide was not as great half a century ago. Over that period of time, we’ve seen the decline of the industrial economy, and I think Ypsi has really been impacted by that. The increasing rewards of the top knowledge economy, Ann Arbor has really been a beneficiary of that. So, if you want to sort of understand inequality and poverty in the United States, I think Washtenaw County is a great place to do it because you have this, like, growing stratification between two places. I think understanding how our systems kind of leave out a place like Ypsilanti, too, is clear. So, it’s not a rural place, but when you look at philanthropy for example, there’s more philanthropic dollars going into organizations in Ann Arbor because that’s where the money is. People like to give to their community, and so less money goes to Ypsilanti, or folks who are struggling in more rural areas in Chelsea or Dexter. You really see this mis-match between the need and the resources. A lot of what’s playing out here is playing out across the nation. LC: If you were to study this community with the same methods conducted in the book, where would you start in Washtenaw County? LS: The thing I am most disappointed in about Ann Arbor is I think Ann Arbor as a community likes to think of itself as very progressive or liberal, but a lot of our actions suggest we’re not willing to do our part in addressing the inequality that we have — as a small community, and as a county. I think that can take the form of affordable housing and services for folks who have challenges. So, “What can we do to even out the work of really taking these challenges seriously with the resources we have?” is our question going forward. Is Ann Arbor really going to do its part? It’s not like Ann Arbor does nothing. It hosts the Delonis Center, and that’s great, but how much actual action have we seen as a community in Ann Arbor on making housing more affordable? I don’t think there’s really been any. And, if you plotted the agencies that help Washtenaw County, and those in our county who are really having challenges, how many of them would be located in Ypsi, would serve people in Ypsi? And how many would be in Ann Arbor? You know, how many would be in other parts, and is that reflective of everyone sort of coming together to address the challenges? I think not. Who should be paying for it? Where should things be located? You know, we want it to be as accessible to the people who need it as possible, but we also don’t want Ypsilanti to bear all of the challenges of that work. Ann Arbor should be an equal partner. Luke Shaefer, Ph.D. is a U-M Professor of Social Work and Public Policy and the inaugural director of Poverty Solutions, an interdisciplinary, presidential initiative that partners with communities and policymakers to find new ways to prevent and alleviate poverty. NOVEMBER 3, 2023 RESISTANCE Talking truth to power Those words ring a bell in many-aheart that aspire to freedom and justice. When I wrote “The People Are the Power,” I was referring to labor power which is put on the auction block and sold to investors in the bureaucratic chain of command. You get wages based on what the market can bear and investors are at the head of the trough in a feeding frenzy. There is a collective ruling class that is dedicated to maximizing return on investment. Anything goes if it makes the profit they feel entitled to. The supremacism of those who speculate on our labor power has a degree of arrogance that is threatening all life on the planet. I saw a bumper sticker recently that read: “EARTH FIRST, WE CAN DESTROY THE OTHER PLANETS LATER! Of course, the moon is a base on the way to Mars. If you look at the accumulation of power at the top of the chain of command it may look invincible, unless you remember that selling your labor makes you a wage slave. If your work serves other people’s projects in which you have no voice, you are being exploited and oppressed by the class warfare that defines capitalism. insecure are likely to be looking at and/or experiencing homelessness. “Home free” as they say in Seattle. Groundcover News is an important KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 Therefore, our collective work builds the war machine that plagues humanity. Divide and conquer is the war game. Tyrants and oligarchs are cultivated or destroyed depending on the commodity market and the profiteering obsessive-compulsive disorder. Is it a cancer or a vampire that uses our vital energy to pursue endless war? Life source energy gives birth to human beings and the ability to work,which is commonly known as labor power. I prefer the expression “the all good expanse of primordial purity” when referring to the source. Self-determination starts with taking responsibility for the results of your labor. Those of us who are financially voice from the street as we learn to tell the truth as we experience it and focus on the corruption of power as it goes up the chain of command to those seeking unlimited power. The gods of capital are impermanent. We know from science that everything is in motion and is interrelated in a way characterized as impermanent. Death is our constant companion, reminding us that all actions have results and a happy death comes from constant preparation to develop a courageous heart and wise compassion. Most of us are beginners and are fortunate to have access to a variety of spiritual friends. Choose them carefully and take them to heart. Nalandabodhi is a good place to tune in. Search that and explore. We have learned that peace of mind does not come from the absence of struggle, but from absence of confusion and uncertainty. We can develop engaged struggle as the path to peace and justice. Whatever arises is reality in this moment. Every crisis is an opportunity to look into the void as it stares back at you. If you become accustomed to the void while focusing on the breath and detaching from distractions, you may experience the clear light nature, at least some sense of the natural world at peace with itself. I am thinking out loud about things I have not mastered, but I hope the intention to experience the power of truth and benefit all life comes to fruition with abilities we can share as we learn about freedom and our innate power to benefit self and others. Practice makes perfect, so let’s start wherever we are and aim for complete enlightenment. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free,” as Jesus taught. Not all truth tellers are crucified but do not be surprised if the inquisition comes to your door. Remember Thich Nhat Hanh who said, “Meditate on your worst enemy until you see yourself in them.” Then you, too, can speak truth to power in a way that shows the power of the truth and the great going beyond that leaves nothing behind. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9  SHELTER from page 5 not sure if they are even really there.” Routinely sleeping less than seven hours per night can be harmful to health. It lowers immune function, increases chronic pain and raises the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and death. For homeless people battling mental health challenges, addiction and past trauma, rest and recovery are essential to getting back on their feet. CASS staff have tried to create healthier sleep spaces, such as dorms that remain dark, quiet and cool at all times. Priority access goes to people with jobs. These sections can house only about a third of CASS’s residents, leaving others to sleep in dorms where there is more noise and light. More supportive spaces Simply feeding people and providing them with places to sleep is a major challenge for shelters in cities where homelessness is rising. But some have found ways to think more broadly. In San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, a nonprofit network with a central campus and scattered-site programs, houses more than 2,000 people nightly. San Diego’s more temperate climate makes it less urgent to maximize the number of people they shelter indoors, so staff at Father Joe’s can use its decentralized design to create shelters with private and quiet spaces. The Father Joe’s network includes multiple smaller-scale facilities where clean bathrooms are easily accessible and homeless people can use basic amenities like laundry and storage. One example is Mary’s Place, a collection of diverse shelters that provides emergency and long-term support in smaller facilities modeled after the simplicity and comfort of a home. People experience less stress and can more easily navigate the challenge of ending their own homelessness when they can get a restful night’s sleep in a quiet environment, with spaces that allow them some privacy. We are encouraged to see other U.S. shelters moving in this direction — but there’s a long way to go. Steps toward better design To address the lack of privacy at CASS, we have proposed subdividing the day room into more private spaces to accommodate activities like online telehealth appointments, counseling and job interviews. To tackle the longterm impacts of overcrowding, we also have recommended introducing sanitation amenities, such as laundry facilities, “hot boxes” to sanitize clothing and bedding, more bathroom facilities and reliable trash removal to reduce the spread of infection and pests such as bedbugs and lice. For new facilities, designers could consider small changes, such as increased storage and more diligent regulation of temperature, light and noise. Hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities have found many ways in recent decades to use design to support patients’ health. Many of the same concepts can be applied to emergency shelters and help turn these facilities from institutional warehouses into spaces of health and opportunity. Natalie Florence is a Ph.D. candidate in humanitarian design and infrastructure studies at Arizona State University. Heather Ross is a clinical associate professor in nursing and clinical associate professor at the School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University. Courtesy of The Conversation / International Network of Street Papers

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POLITICS NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Palestine rally at Congresswoman Dingell's office calls for ceasefire, no more funds for Israel MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Monday October 23, a pro-Palestine rally — organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement, U-M Graduate Employees' Organization and Students Allied for Freedom and Equality — took place in front of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell’s Washtenaw County Office. The main message from the participants at the rally was a call for a ceasefire in Gaza and to denounce the United States' support and aid to Israel. The rally was peaceful and informative. It was one of the many rallies and protests that took place these last few weeks around the world following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. These protests showed support in solidarity with the people of Palestine and set the stage for a major protest and demonstration in Washington D.C on November 4. Heidi, a participant at the rally, said, “This is an obvious injustice, we all know that colonialism and ethnic cleansing are wrong, and yet our government sends money every year to aid and abet it and now we sit by and watch innocent people die en masse.” Another participant at the rally, Galen, said, “This term the Israeli called ‘mowing the lawn’ is a euphemism for murder and another iteration of what we have seen for decades now, the end game is the same innocent people dying, and I’m not for that.” Top image: Speaker from Yemeni Liberation Movement addressing crowd at rally. Bottom images: Protestors standing in solidarity, listening to speakers and preparing to shut down Washtenaw Avenue in nonviolent protest. by Izzy Hedin-Urrutia NOVEMBER 3, 2023 POLITICS Cartoons are a depiction of our actions There is no doubt that cartoons — from children’s books to political cartoons — bring valuable life lessons. With records indicating that more than 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing worldwide, how is homelessness being represented through satirical cartoons? Titled “How America Solved the Homeless Crisis,” this cartoon by Pat Bagley depicts how many turn a blind eye to homeless people. It begins with stigmas around the homeless that MAY THET NAING U-M Student contributor GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Dick Wright, Cagle Cartoon, 2023 dreamt of spending our adult lives freezing in cold weather? This is the reality of homelessness. With people living on the streets being more vulnerable to fatal cases of frostbite, it is reported that 700 people experiencing homelessness yearly are killed from hypothermia in the United States. This does not include other deadly conditions homeless people experience, including unsanitary living conditions, stress, violence, inadequate food and limited access to health care. The Signe Wilkinson piece brings up Pat Bagley, The Salt Lake Tribune an important question: “Who does homelessness concern?” Though the obvious answer is everyone, all of us often get lost in shifting the blame onto others. As portrayed by the cartoon, the time spent figuring out whether Democratic or Republican states have the highest amount of homeless people residing there could also be used to see the bigger picture — how do we solve the problem of 582,000 people experiencing homelessness in all of the United States? Homelessness is everyone's concern because the issue is a vivid reflection of the state of our society. Significant reasons behind homelessness include lack of access to affordable housing due to ever-rising house prices, domestic abuse, limited employment opportunities, addiction and mental illness. The most extreme problems people face globally are all interconnected. Just as income disparity drives homelessness, homelessness drives poverty rates. Perhaps we should begin to see these effects of homelessness as a wake-up call — a call where we start to recognize that this is all of our problem. These cartoons are just the tip of the iceberg in displaying the difficulties of those without a home. Nevertheless, through satirical art we can come to acknowledge the true acts of ignorance and disregard many have toward homelessness. In many historical movements, art has done a beautiful job of drawing attention to social issues. But what should follow art? Collaborative long-term effective action! Signe Wilkinson, The Philadelphia Inquirer many people believe that homeless people are all lazy or violent criminals. The act of simply “drawing curtains” on the homeless, as indicated by the cartoon, can be interpreted as a reflection of policies that fail to address the root causes of homelessness. For instance, in Detroit, initiatives to deal with the issue led to the creation of a housing services helpline where people can call in to receive legal resources for evictions or report poor rental conditions. Since its launch, however, the service has been described as a “dehumanizing experience” as users highlight long phone wait times, insufficient operating hours, and frequently being informed that there was no local shelter they could be placed in. As children, we had dreams of pursuing any career we wished to, but who

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PSA Narcan saves lives! JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 Fentanyl, an illegal opioid drug, looks like aspirin, sidewalk chalk, and candy like Skittles or M&Ms. Opioids can also be prescription drugs such as Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, methadone and other legal drugs that reduce pain and promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation. High school, college, professional and weekend athletes often take prescription painkillers as well as people with muscle, back and joint pain. These legal opioids also are addictive and fatal. Being a first responder does NOT mean condoning drug use. A first responder saves lives and prevents suicide, murder and accidental death. Dr. Gina Dahlem, a Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Michigan and a family nurse practitioner, ran a Naloxone Training session on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Mercy House in Ann Arbor. Dahlem serves as Nurse Practitioner at Packard Health/Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. Dahlem teaches opioid overdose prevention regionally and nationally. Narcan, the brand name for Naloxone, reverses opioid overdoses. Narcan works on dogs, too. If you suspect an overdose or find someone unconscious: 1. Arouse: Shout their name, shake shoulders vigorously and perform a sternal rub; 2. Check for signs of overdose: Slowed or no breathing, blue lips and/ or fingernails, unresponsive to pain (the sternal rub is uncomfortable); 3. Call 9-1-1; 4. Give Narcan by placing the nozzle in a nostril and pushing the plunger; 5. Provide oxygen by giving rescue breaths, two breaths initially then one breath every five or six seconds; give CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or follow dispatch instructions from 9-1-1 on speaker phone; 6. Narcan again if they are still unresponsive after two to three minutes. Repeat Narcan in two to three minutes if the person does not resume breathing. If you must leave the person unattended or if the person vomits, place the person in a recovery position, lying on his or her side. Stay with the person, if it is safe to do so, until help arrives. Dahlem explained that opioids adhere to nerve receptors in your brain. Opioids inhibit and then stop you from breathing. Narcan replaces the opioid on the brain receptor and prevents more opioids from NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Photo sourced from News Nation Now. attaching. "The effect of the opioid is that it slows down the drive to breathe," Dahlem said. "Every second counts." Dahlem said fentanyl is a synthetic man-made opioid that can be manufactured in any laboratory. Fentanyl is so strong the effect can last up to three hours. The effect of Narcan only lasts 30-120 minutes. It is important to call 9-1-1. Narcan only works on opioids. "If it's used on an unconscious individual with no opioids in their system, then it's like squirting water up their nose," she said. Dahlem said the police are trained responders and they look at the event "not as a criminal investigation but as a medical emergency." The Michigan Good Samaritan Law was changed in 2014 to include Narcan. "You are protected under the law for helping," Dahlem said. "No matter what happens, you did the right thing because you responded." Dahlem passed out free Narcan kits which included naloxone nasal spray, gloves, a face shield and an instruction pamphlet. Narcan kits are $45 over the counter at drug stores — but Groundcover News suggests accessing Narcan for free at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown branch. Free kits and free web-based and in-person training are available at www.overdoseACTION.org. Free web-based CPR training is at: www.learncpronline.net The website for opioid overdose and naloxone training and resources was developed collaboratively by the University of Michigan School of Nursing, Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and Home of New Vision. NOVEMBER 3, 2023 PUZZLES 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 1 9 12 14 16 19 24 27 30 32 39 42 45 48 53 54 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Instrument that registers movements of the heart 12. Governments run by many individual experts in their own fields 14. "Let them eat cake" is misattributed to her 16. "Gladiator" setting 17. "What's the ___?" 18. Victorian, for one 19. Alone 20. Kidney deposit 23. "-zoic" things 24. "Do the Right Thing" pizzeria owner 25. For all to hear 26. High up 27. "Star Trek" rank (Abbr.) 28. Stallion, once 29. Puts down 30. Official who investigations complaints against the government 32. Islamic ruler's decrees 35. Auditory 36. Dash lengths 39. 18-wheelers 40. Cousin of a raccoon 41. Police, with "the" 42. Not "fer" 43. Wed 44. Federal law applied against the Mafia 45. ___ Khan 46. Title for some monks 47. Rocket fuel ingredient, for short 48. Cord cutters forgo this to save money 53. Complexity 54. Recklessly wasteful DOWN 1. Breakfast choices 2. Breezing through 3. Perlman of "Cheers" 4. Letters from your parents? 5. Charged particle 6. Columbus Day mo. 7. Pulverized 8. Bring up 9. Pimples 10. Type of graph or dessert 11. They're straight, slangily 12. Clan plaid 13. Attack by plane 14. Expert pool shot 15. Bridge positions 20. People with poor hygiene 21. Fragrant tree resin 22. In the open air 23. Brio 25. High points 26. Old-timey counters 29. Accord 30. Father of Balder 31. Polaris, for one 32. Sir ___ Newton 33. Jamaican music genre 34. Friendly 36. Snob 37. Computer shortcuts 38. Faint 40. Photo capture device 43. Engine 44. Like dough that's ready to be baked 46. Balance sheet item 47. "A Postcard to ___" (Jens Lekman song) 49. Calif. airport 50. Head, for short 51. Info available at 49-Down 52. Relax 49 46 50 51 52 43 47 33 34 40 44 35 25 28 31 36 41 37 38 29 20 21 22 26 17 23 18 10 11 13 15 13

14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS INJUSTICE Discrimination is a common practice Every day we make assumptions about the world around us, and the people in it who we inevitably cross paths with. We assume our assessments to be completely accurate no matter how different the reality may actually be. We may even become angry at any attempt made to point out we are not as infallible as we would like to think. This is definitely a shortcoming a majority of people share, and yet, we parade around this notion that we have abolished discrimination and embraced true equality. We have become quite adept at lying to ourselves that we’ve obtained a fair and just world. This article covers only one small wave in the ocean of discrimination that is still in practice. You have heard the saying “all walks of life,” and I believe that the walk of life you’re in plays a significant part in how prevalent discrimination is in one's life experience. In a world that holds wealth as the all-important factor in life, then the perceived measure of success you have will play a role in how much discrimination you will  HOUSED from page 4 performance. “It’s amazing to see them in action and cheer for them. I can also read about their stories and insights in the sports columns and magazines. I feel more connected and informed as a fan. I feel more alive and happy as a person.” He continued, "Basketball is more than just a game for me. It’s a source of motivation and entertainment. It’s a part of who I am and what I love. It's the most important thing … it is a source of hope during the calm and storms of life,” he says. Another thing that changed for him was his diet and hygiene. When he was homeless, he used to cook and eat exclusively processed foods, which were cheap and convenient, but unhealthy. “I didn’t have much choice or control over what I ate. I ate whatever I could find or afford, which was mostly canned, frozen, or packaged foods. They were high in salt, sugar, fat, and preservatives. They made me feel sick and sluggish,” he said. Now that he has his own kitchen, he has encouraged himself to learn how to cook with natural unprocessed foods, which are fresh and nutritious, but more expensive. “I have more choice and control over what I eat. I can buy fruits, vegetables, grains, meats and dairy products from the grocery store or the farmers market. They make me feel healthy and energetic,” he says. or use a homeless shelter for their address. Understandably there is a risk of contracting a serious disease in these environments, but it’s an extremely small and unlikely one. This is simply another act of discrimination towards the income-challenged. Since we live in a society that worJAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 face. If you’re wealthy, you face little if any discrimination and daily challenges. But if you are poor, discrimination and the challenges it brings will be a constant element in your life. You can also find it in just about everything you do. This even includes donating plasma for a little extra income. Plasma clinics are one way for people who are financially challenged to supplement their income. However, for “health and safety reasons,” they often have policies barring people who have recently been incarcerated and/ He is glad that he has found a way to improve his diet and health. “Eating well is more than just a habit for me. It’s a source of wellness, satisfaction and enjoyment. It’s a part of how I take care of myself and what I value." Another thing that changed for him was his access to a shower. When he was homeless, he had to rely on the YMCA hours and YMCA voucher from Delonis Center, which were limited and inconvenient. “I didn’t have much privacy or comfort when I showered. I had to wait in line or rush. I had to use whatever soap or shampoo they provided, which were often low quality or harsh on my skin and hair. They made me feel dirty and uncomfortable,” he says. Now that he has his own shower, he can shower whenever he wants and however he likes, which is flexible, convenient and without luxury cost. He is glad he has found a way to enhance his hygiene and self-esteem. “Showering well is more than just a routine for me. It’s a source of cleanliness, relaxation and confidence. It’s a part of how I present myself and what I respect,” he said. Another thing that changed for him was his ability to cope with the summer heat and the bugs and malicious free agents (both homeless and housed) who were in full swing during the warm season. When he was homeless, he had to endure the high temperatures and the insects that bothered him constantly. He also dealt with threats of violence or theft from other ships money it's only natural we deem wealth as a virtuous, good and pure thing. And sadly society deems that those without it are immoral and unhealthy. And nothing screams poverty louder than being or having an association with homelessness. Hence, plasma clinics will deny the opportunity to make a little extra money to those who could use it the most. Until money and the entire concept of wealth itself are totally abolished, discrimination will be a prevalent factor in how our society operates. Injustices will continue to be doled out to the less fortunate, further diminishing their chances of having a prosperous life. The fact that poverty is viewed as a negative element and those who are afflicted with it are getting what they deserve, is people who wanted to take advantage of him or harm him. "It was miserable living on the street during the summer. It was hot and sticky. There were mosquitoes, flies, ants, spiders and other bugs everywhere. They would bite me, sting me, crawl on me or get into my food. There were also people who would harass me, rob me, beat me up or worse. They would target me because I was vulnerable and alone. They made me feel scared and helpless," he said. “It’s wonderful living in my home during the summer. It’s cool, dry and comfortable. There are no bugs inside my home. There are also no people who can bother me or hurt me inside my home. If there are any outside, I can lock my door or call the police for help. They can’t touch me because I have rights and security,” he said. a point of view that should be absent from human conscience and morality. Many of us grow tired of this hypocritical behavior that serves to broaden the divide of classes. We grow tired of the knowledge that it will take our collective race the loss of nearly everything to achieve the kind of unity required to identify what is truly important and work towards a better world and future for society as a whole. Unfortunately, this kind of phoenix rising from the ashes scenario is unlikely to happen and plasma clinics will continue to employ their defective policies towards the homeless. Sadly, the discrimination people face is a common and daily occurrence in our lives. It has been and will be a tool for the affluent to project their intolerances. It will always remain a barrier to those on the receiving end of prejudice. This is the way things are and they are unlikely to change, but so long as people are fighting for a fair and better world, that particular dream will never fade. So don’t ever give in to despair and give up on a better world. He is glad that he has found a way to survive the summer with ease and safety. “Staying cool and bug-free is more than just a luxury for me. It’s a source of relief, comfort and peace of mind. It’s a part of how I enjoy myself and what I appreciate,” he said. He is still working on overcoming his fears and doubts, but he is hopeful for the future. “I want to be more independent, more productive, more happy. I want to give back to the community, to help others who are in need. I want to live a normal life,” he said. John’s story is one of many examples of how housing can change lives for the better. He is grateful for the opportunity he has been given, and he hopes that more people who are homeless can find their way to a home. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS C A R D I O G R A P H T E C H N O C R A C I E S M A R I E A N T O I N E T T E A R E N A U S E S T A G S T O N E S A L E N S C O L T E R A E R A S A L O U D A L O F T A B A S E S O M B U D S M A N I R A D E S O T I C E M S S E M I S C O A T I L A W A G I N M A R R Y R I C O A G A D O M C A B L E T E L E V I S I O N E L A B O R A T E N E S S E X T R A V A G A N T N I T R O NOVEMBER 3, 2023 NOVEMBER 3, 2023 JAIL CORRESPONDENT Let’s talk about jail in Washtenaw County Hi, this is vendor #583, and I want to talk about jail in Washtenaw County. We’re locked down here pretty much all the time. We have two times we get out. For 18 hours we’re locked down. That’s a long time. I’ve been working on a class, that helps me to get out more — if we’re not on complete lockdown like I was a few weeks ago. It’s harder to be a woman in jail because we get work cards and still have a lockdown. Guys get to work and they clean the whole jail and they get to go outside. Girls have a harder time. We have mental health services here which we do not have much access to. There are no one-on-ones. Court helps get us to rehab. You have to use this “kiting” [an informal request or complaint system] on everything. Say you want to talk to someone like the chaplain, or the mental health workers. They give you this “kite” and you fill out your first name, last name, what block you’re from. Mine is G. You get a pen, and you have kite paper, and then mental health sends you some coloring pages or crossword. Keeps you busy. The kite system is our way to complain on any issue. You send the kite, and it goes in the care of the officers; they don’t have to accept your kites. Then medical has their own kiting system to see the doctors and to get meds or see the dentist. Doctor visits are now $10 and dentists $10. We have a dayroom TV. As I was saying, there are two times you get out. There are two levels. Level time. We can buy coffee, pop, clothes, underwear, socks, boxers, shampoo, or body wash in jail, lol. We wear all white to go to bed in, white T-shirts, socks and our long johns. It’s a very cold and hard place to be in. Once you’re locked down it’s very BEVERLY BOSS Groundcover vendor No. 583 1 gets out in the morning, and the second level gets out in the afternoon, and then we’re all locked down after that. Today I got out from 1-3:30 p.m. Back out 8-11:30. That is our long day. Short days are 8:30 a.m. till 11 a.m., 4:30-7 p.m. And if you’re lucky you get classes while you’re locked down :) We have to wear shower shoes and uniforms and only get to wash clothes once a week. Back to the work card mentioned in the first paragraph: if you work, the hours add up and you could earn early release. But it's still up to the judge. We can have a tablet that you can use as a phone and watch videos or podcasts, but we have to order them from the store with money. Say your family wants to put money on your account. Your family puts money on the commissary (it’s new, now, so it’s called eXpressAccount.com). You take the money, buy a movie or something else, and put money towards your store where you can add it to your phone hard. Some don’t have family or friends, and you feel like you’re forgotten about. Lots of girls and guys have mental health problems and nowhere to go. It's a very sad, hard, cold place to look at yourself. You look forward to mail from outside, you look forward to being visited and a little money on commissary. It’s all every jailmate looks forward to, a phone call. The struggle in some jails is needing a phone call and having no kite, no one to help you out, and so you beg other jailmates to help with phone calls. It took me three weeks to get a hold of my dad. The jail up north [in Standish, Michigan] is very cold and very hard and you feel no hope and it feels like you’re forgotten. Thank God I have Groundcover News. I would never have had anyone to reach out to in isolation but for Lindsay at Groundcover News. It has been a big blessing to me. Like a sister, she never left my side and has gone above and beyond to help me out. Washtenaw Camp Outreach has been amazing. The help and support I have been getting has been so much appreciated. I could never really show how much it means to me. I have been blessed to be a Groundcover vendor. I have family I never had before and a job that helps me to grow, with life’s ups and downs. I also want to thank the readers and customers for their support. You guys are amazing to me. That's it on jail. I’m going to say bye “till next time.” It takes a village to raise a baby and I think it takes a village to help people with mental health issues. People outside jail [on the street] need a hand. Our push, our kind word or hug, our prayer, our ear, someone to listen to you, compassion. We need to lift people up, and some have more than others. Start helping someone you see on the street; people need people. I don’t want to be forgotten in a cold place. I feel love and worth now. I am working on me, and I have family and friends and support. This is my “kite” to my readers, my hope. I started at Groundcover News and you let me have a voice. I once did not have one. I am nothing without you and Groundcover. I want more mental health and help for “the veterans,” and more love and joy to spread. So if you see someone down outside, just a kind word can go a long way — letting street veterans know they are cared about and not forgotten. It’s not all about money — it’s thought, companionship, fellowship, that people need. Over and out. Groundcover News salutation, vendor No. 583. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15  FACTORS from page 4 discrimination and housing discrimination hurt many, leaving them homeless. Perhaps a possible solution for the current chaotic state of affairs could be a rise in open co-op housing, similar to that for university students. There are two types of underemployment: visible and invisible. Visible underemployment is underemployment in which an individual works fewer than full-time hours in their chosen field. Invisible underemployment refers to the employment situation in which an individual is unable to find a job in their chosen field, and is paid much lower than their customary wages. “Not in the Labor Force” is actually a third type of underemployment in which individuals cannot find suitable work and quit the labor force altogether. In 2020, the underemployment rate skyrocketed after the market crash. The combination of underemployment, stagnant wages and job layoffs contribute to homelessness. Mind Your Own Mental Health It is estimated that up to six percent of all American adults suffer from some type of mental health issue. Among the homeless, this rate rises to 20-25%. Although Washtenaw County has remarkable mental health services, many individuals go untreated, sometimes in combination with substance use. Mental illness sometimes is just the way the brain is wired, and is biochemical in nature. Thus, mental illness is not the individual’s fault. Soldiers returning from World War I, WWII, Korea and Vietnam had mental issues termed as Shell-Shock, now known as post traumatic stress disorder. This contributed to homelessness, and was sometimes tied to domestic abuse and job loss, leaving Know When to Quit, it’s Not Legit A common stereotype of the homeless is that they are all addicted to alcohol and/or drugs, which is false. However, it is true that among the homeless population the rate of substance use is disproportionately high. In 2017, the National Coalition for the Homeless found that 38% of homeless people were dependent on alcohol, while 26% used it alone or in combination with other substances. In some cases, homeless people have even turned to using crack, meth or heroin in order to obtain Social Security Disability payments. While this is a fraud, it is because that may be the last option for obtaining housing. Now that Fentanyl and other synthetic drugs are on the street market, the rates of addiction and death are poverty and some individuals or families homeless. As many as 200,000 veterans are living on the streets today. on the rise. I feel that random drug testing at the shelter should be mandatory, and a program like Celebrate Recovery should have meetings at the Delonis Center and/or the Commuinty Mental Health Annex. This can help individuals break their addiction. This is the end of my first article on the ten categories and 17 factors. Still to come is discussion of shelter issues and the money trail from HUD (federal Housing and Urban Development) down to local authority. Stay optimistic, keep your chin up, you matter. You are loved. Thank you to my supporters! To be continued …

16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Quick shrimp curry JOHN BUCKLEY Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 frozen package of those little dinky shrimp (cooked) 1 onion, chopped 1 can cream-of-whatever soup (shrimp, chicken, mushroom, celery) 1 or more teaspoons of curry powder Directions: Sauté the chopped onion in butter or oil for a few minutes until it starts getting translucent. Stir the curry powder together with the concentrated soup. Dump the soup-curry mixture and the shrimp into the pan with the onions. Stir it all together until the shrimp is heated through. NOVEMBER 3, 2023 Let’s use West Park bandshell for democracy SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor The West Park bandshell was built during the Great Depression and received funding from the Works Project Administration. It became part of the park in 1938 and has served as a focal point for community and charitable events. Now it needs to be converted into a political assembly platform and West Park needs to be renamed Democracy Park. America’s founding fathers established a constitutional plutocracy that gave “we the people” just enough democracy not to revolt. We are in a new age now that requires citizen participation. Converting the bandshell into a political assembly platform where people would learn how to be responsible citizens by hearing speeches, debates and discussions on public affairs would foster a democratic movement. People would be participants in democracy by exercising their First Amendment right to assemble peaceably and this would lead to genuine community development. The 1960s was a revolutionary era. There was a vibrant civil rights movement and a passionate anti-war movement. During this time many bands played at the bandshell including the Grateful Dead. These were the good old days for many, but we must stay up with the times by using the bandshell to help create a democratic movement. For more information about the city’s planning process for the West Park bandshell, visit www.a2gov.org/ departments/Parks-Recreation/ administrative/Pages/WestParkBandshell.aspx FOCUSED ON LOCAL! People’s Food Co-op is committed to increasing access to local foods and products! Through a variety of new and extended partnerships, we offer more opportunities to Ann Arbor. $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 12/3/2023

2 $ OCTOBER 20, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 22 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. PAULA Ypsilanti Police Chief responds that Gordie's case "wasn't handled correctly." Page 7 ANDERSON #157 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. 41-year-old St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program models nonviolent crisis response. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator Breakfast program volunteer serves Halloween donuts to a guest in the basement of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER handmade GROUNDCOVER JEWELERY OCTOBER 20, 2023 Roberto Isla Caballero, vendor No. 347, is a dedicated seller of Groundcover News. You have undoubtedly seen him selling on the corner of Washington and Main Streets, but many people are just finding out that he is also a seller of his own handmade jewelry. Each bracelet or earring he creates helps promote the paper! Bracelets are colorful beads with wooden block letters spelling “Groundcover News” and the dangling earrings are made with smaller beads great to give someone who “hearts” GCN. Whenever you see and talk to Roberto, ask to check out his bracelets and earrings for sale or call him at 734-686-0518. CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern Hunter Johnstone — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Teresa Basham Beverly Boss Jamie Cameron Jim Clark Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Shannon French Tabitha Ludwig Ken Parks Earl Pullen Jane Reilly GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit James Evans Anabel Sicko Sandra Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Holden Pizzolato Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons OCTOBER 20, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is your favorite comfort food? Spaghetti. — Paula Anderson, #157 Goat’s milk and goat cheese. — Ken Parks, #490 Reese's Cup ice cream, microwaved for 30 seconds. — James Manning, #16 A big, barbecue rib. — Pony Bush, #305 I call it “Almost Egg Foo Young.” Seven poached eggs with fried rice, onions, peppers, garlic and brown gravy. — Glen Page, #407 Warm milk. — Jane Reilly, #611 Mexican food. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Actually, I never eat for comfort, I usually just have a cigarette. — Teresa Basham, #570 Garlic salads. Lentil soup, pinto soup. — Juliano Sanchez, #174 Calder's chocolate milk. I could live off it. — Terri Demar, #322 Chili and cornbread. My favorite, favorite though is Ben and Jerry's Half Baked ice cream. — Jamie Cameron, #612 Asking a chef what he likes to eat ... tough call ... but crab legs and butter. — Justen White, #543 Twizzlers. — Joe Woods, #103 Cookies and milk. — Mike Jones, #113 Hot dogs. — Denise Shearer, #485 Apple cider with apple pie. — Cindy Gere, #279 Ceaser salad. — Derek Allen, #177 BEVERLY BOSS Groundcover vendor No. 583 Groundcover News has been there for me since I’ve been homeless — to hold my head high, to feel These are some of the songs that I love to listen to because they soothe me. I like the song “Make Someone Happy” by Della Reese because it is a true song — when we make someone else happy, we are happy, too. And it feels good to be a blessing to someone else. Another song I like is “Mystery Lady” by Billy Ocean. It’s a fun song and it has a good sound to it and he tells her she's a mystery but a good woman at the same time. I also like the song “Lady You Are” by One Way because he tells her he appreciates the lady she is and all the good things about her. I like the song “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” by Belinda Carlisle, too. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Music that is soothing to me I also like the song “What the World Needs Now Is Love” by Jackie DeShannon because it is a true song no matter what year we’re in. I like “I Like To Live The Love” by CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 B.B. King because its a fun and good song. I like the song “Baby Face” by Little Richard because it's a fun, loving, cute song. I like the Christmas song called I like it because it is good to imagine heaven right here on earth. I like both versions of “Joy to the World” — the Christmas version and the “Joy to the World” that is a rock song because they both talk about happiness and good times. “Santa Baby” because I like to imagine getting everything I want all year-round from Santa and Secret Santa parties. I like the song “It’s A Miracle” by Culture Club because I like it when miracles happen. 3 Why I love Groundcover better about myself, to be able to provide food and help with the costs to just live. I was struggling and I still struggle. While homeless it feels good to work and make money — not begging others for food. Groundcover has given me a job to support myself. I don’t have to steal and I can pick my hours to work. Groundcover helps veterans, who I love. They need our support the most. They fought for us. Groundcover has not given up on any of us, no matter our background. Groundcover has taught us to be consistent and it gives us hope back into our lives. Groundcover gives us a way and place to warm up, help others, get new friends and work on helping others who feel helpless. We make a way to eat and put a roof over our heads! I appreciate my customers; people need people! We reach out and they reach out which is awesome. Reaching out is a beautiful thing! Lindsay, Ben and others are truly angels. That’s why vendor 583 is happy to be a Groundcover vendor! Love, Beverly Boss From the desk of Panda: Let the peace flow When I was a little girl back in the 1970s, war was still raging. I remember hearing “war is war,” and asking adults at the time, “What is war?” Being so young I did not understand. I looked around me; there was no war going on. The person told me war is fighting from two separate sides and when lots of people die. Right then, I chose to seek peace forever. I decided to find a way to be peaceful, whether it was doing karate or walking in the Arboretum, following a butterfly. Drawing nature CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 images. Meditation. Or dancing to my favorite song. I decided to create peace, wherever I went, to now, today. What I discerned about life is: that peace is a way of the mind, heart and soul. Peace is a state of mind. One must choose to be at peace and nothing else. In this, you create peace in the soul. You won’t even want to let go. Peace becomes a true way of life. One human at a time, we let go of hate, rage and anger. Let the peace flow to help end all wars, for it truly starts with one person at a time.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CRISIS RESPONSE OCTOBER 20, 2023 41-year-old St. Andrew’s Breakfast Program models nonviolent crisis response There is a commotion outside the Breakfast at St. Andrew’s. It's 7:15 a.m. on Reverend Paul Frolick's first day as the new Rector for historic St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division St., in Ann Arbor. Frolick goes outside and immediately starts shaking hands with everyone. It's nine a.m. Someone is waiting at the locked front door of the dining room. The kitchen is closed. The volunteers and guests have left. The new program director, Sue Nishi, goes back inside to pack a double-sized "to-go bag," putting in two meals instead of one, just in case. "We like to meet people where they are," said Nishi, who started September 15 after training for two weeks with former Breakfast Program Director Shannon Floyd and volunteering since February. Frolick's first day was September 5. He took over from Interim Rector E. JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 Breakfast Program, a six-year member of the St. Andrew's Board of Directors and was instrumental in the hiring process for Nishi. "They're both coming in with this wonderful injection of energy," Halloran said. "We're so impressed by both of them. Everybody is." With 195 years of operations, includWayne Rollins and retired Rector Alan Gibson. There are other newcomers but it is Nishi and Frolick who work directly with the homeless community. "He comes around," said Colby Halloran about Frolick. "You see him, don't you? That's never happened since I've been here. He's very keen on this program." Halloran is a volunteer for the ing 41 years with the Breakfast Program, St. Andrew's ministries may be the longest-enduring social justice, community outreach organization in the County. St. Andrew's and the Interfaith Council of Congregations contributing in forming the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County in 1982, the same year as the start of the Breakfast Program. Various social justice groups in Washtenaw County, including Groundcover News, Community Mental Health, the Sheriff's Department, along with the City of Ann Arbor and its police force, are working for more community building and proactive crisis response instead of the current nationwide reactive police response. But St. Andrew's has already been modeling this for a while. While there are occasional disruptions by guests and even staff at the breakfast program, it's never daily and violence is rare. Nishi said problems are dealt with on "a case-to-case basis." "I am so grateful for the St. Andrew's Breakfast Program, which has been providing nutrition, structure and togetherness for community members for decades," wrote Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor via email. Ann Arbor Municipal Safety Officer Dave Monroe, a 35-year retired veteran of the police force, said while he couldn't speak on behalf of the entire police department, he thinks "the see BREAKFAST page 9  Beyond Walls screening and panel discussion calls for community connection On the evening of September 26, the Neutral Zone hosted a Beyond Walls event. Beyond Walls is an organizing initiative featuring documentary films that define and amplify what prison industrial complex abolition means, while inspiring people to imagine and take action toward a world without policing. The first film, “What These Walls Cannot Hold” was about the COVID-19 crisis in San Quentin State Prison in California and how the harsh, dehumanizing measures put in place due to the crisis are still active. The second film, "Defund the Police,” was a primer on how policing is shaped by race, gender, class and the dominant culture. The panel included Alejo Stark (GEO Abolition Caucus); Liz Kennedy and Luna NH (Care Based Safety); and Lindsay Calka (Groundcover News). The Graduate Employees’ Organization Local 3550 is a union of graduate students at the University of Michigan. The Abolition Caucus has a specific goal to defund and demilitarize campus police and cut university ties with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Care Based Safety is a grassroots organization that tasks itself with responding to conflict and crisis with life-affirming care, preventing destructive conflict and crisis through skill-building and social JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 • Often we're offered a flattened version that only portrays the negative when talking about abolition or defunding the police. But abolition is also about building and growing things. Could you share something that you've learned about the meaning of abolition?" The panelists' answers reflected their different perspectives but often centered around the role of Community Connection. In my time, both as a person who survived homelessness and as an activist and advocate, I have come across many support, collaborating with community partners in addressing the root causes of violence, crisis and neglect in Washtenaw County and building a culture and system of care-based safety for all. Groundcover News is the street newspaper you're reading — sold and written by those experiencing homelessness or who have experienced homelessness. The questions asked of the panel were: • For those of us questioning the idea that prisons and police keep us safe, or who want to build alternatives, what does building connections look like in your work? • The first film illustrated the importance of coalitions in abolitionist organizing. Can you talk about the role that coalition building plays in your work? people whose lives were made worse by policing and prison in a society where people are expected to take care of themselves. Many of these people are unable to get jobs due to their criminal records. People who have been incarcerated for a long time often struggle with housing and employment due to a lack of skills and the handicap that comes from being institutionalized. Some of them were arrested and jailed as a result of mental health breakdowns. Instead of being punished, they needed compassion and treatment. One individual I know was tased because he waved a spoon in “a threatening manner.” The person told me at the time of their illness they believed it was a magic wand. I was held in jail once. I had an apartment and a job that I found while trying to recover from homelessness at the Delonis Center. Fortunately, I was only held for the weekend, both of which were days I had off work. Had I missed work because of the detainment, I would have lost the job and probably, as a result, the apartment. This happens to people daily. Not only does this system work against people who are trying to live peacefully, it can destroy someone's livelihood and self-esteem. People do things for many reasons. They do harmful things because the system allows it or even propagates it rather than solving the underlying problem. The marginalization of both houseless people and the formerly incarcerated contributes to a cycle of crime and homelessness. Rather than abandoning them, the community should offer them a welcoming, healing and encouraging place. For every homelessness episode, there is a reason. For every crime, there is a reason. The reasons are often the same. Beyond Walls, the GEO Abolitionist Caucus, Care-Based Safety and Groundcover News all believe in a social system in which empowerment and relationships can take the place of control and imprisonment as a way to live together. OCOTBER 20, 2023 POETRY Pain SHANNON FRENCH Groundcover contributor My pain is my pain to share my pain is to share my brain So many windowless memories locked inside my brain, How can I explain the endless rain, you can’t contain what you can’t sustain Sooner or later you have to find a drain to let out the pouring rain, But every drain ain’t a good drain, some people use triggers to ease their pain While others use knifes to slice their veins, I wonder what they saw to make their life change, life is so complex that it’s beyond strange, Others use coke, X, and other amphetamines, I never wanted to hurt myself, I just wanted to forget the pain, So I chose drugs instead of triggers and veins, smokin’ weed and snorting cane I thought I was ahead of the game but it was all the same, I was still killin my brain, So now I use this pen to express my pain, this pain that is so heavy on my brain, If one sleeps the others are left to weep, but if we all sleep, nobody is left to weep, So many lives have been claimed from pain, so please brothers and sisters if you feel the same, find a better way to release your pain…. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Love game TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 I alwayz told myself, I wouldn’t play this game, I never wanted ta open my heart, Now itz to late for myself, That love game, Called my name, Waitin for it, Ta tear me apart, Like it alwayz do, Callin out for me, Callin out for you, For now this will be, But will it last, Or izz it gonna pass, Only time will tell. Lord forgive me TABITHA LUDWIG Groundcover vendor No. 360 Lord forgive me For all the sins I've made Please Help me Take the Desire away Cause I don't want it No more I don't A day in the life of Earl EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor It’s a phantom of a Dream who speaks now And then And it's love From above That tells you what to do And how to mend The dreams you have and The memories you hold Are all in one’s life To mend and mold It’s all in life And the story is told Of how you live life And how you hold And lord forgive me For all the mistakes I've made

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS DISABILITY JUSTICE My "un"-disability I was an epileptic at birth and still have grand mal seizures frequently. However, when it comes to disability, I’m deemed as “undisabled.” My disabilities are considered a “minor inconvenience” to those determining my Social Security Disability Insurance status, by those who do not know me at all. I take medication to prevent seizures and I have many mental illness diagnoses. I’m controlled, but by whom? Society expects — nay, demands — that I cannot be disabled. Despite being able to work 15 years in Information Technology and ten years in retail and food service in the past, I am now generalized anxiety disorder and degenerative disk disease. Yet, all these controlled conditions by medication does not mean I’m JAMIE CAMERON Groundcover vendor No. 612 disabled. My disabilities include epilepsy, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, social/ “cured,” it simply prevents episodes or seizures, and it does not mean that I am not disabled. At times the side effects worsen my disabilities. For example, Abilify causes tremors as a side effect. True, I am not by definition a paralyzed veteran (despite trying the major four military branches only to be denied due to epilepsy). I’m one of those who “slipped through the cracks.” In other words, because I am on medication, the government says I am okay. I am not okay. Now, when I mention schizotypal or schizoaffective, I only mean to say that occasionally I will hear male or female voices calling out my name, and see shadow beings full frontal or through peripheral vision. When I apply for a federal or professional job, there’s a list of disabilities to check off, some of which I can check. Having any one of these should qualify me to get SSDI. I take prescriptions, and I am still homeless, and have been since 2015. But, I am not determined to be eligible to get disability. OCTOBER 20, 2023 American disability rights movement: from public policy to advocacy The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is the cornerstone of the basic civil rights protection for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. The 2009 Amendment Act strengthened the non-discrimination component of the Disability Act. Some people had wondered why the Civil Rights Act of 1964 non-discrimination provisions did not include Americans with disabilities. One reason is that society for a long time took for granted the disability rights movement and their constant struggles for respect, acceptance and basic human dignity. A Brief History of the American Disability Rights Movement The disability rights movement has faced generations and centuries of struggle. They have won many court cases, they have triumphed over many obstacles and they have managed to get the support of U.S. Presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush. The movement has succeeded in getting several laws passed for the benefit of disabled Americans. But there is no legislative triumph bigger than the Americans with Disabilities Act. A more detailed explanation about the ADA comes from writer Jennifer Govan of Columbia University. She noted, “The Americans with Disabilities Act is a comprehensive civil rights law that was signed into law on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. ADA covers a wide range of mental and physical medical conditions, including those that [are] not WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 necessarily severe or permanent in nature. ” As part of Columbia University’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ms. Govan expanded the concept definition of ADA. She wrote, “It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees, while imposing accessibility requirements in public areas, such as educational institutions, museums, stores, restaurants, governments and other service establishments. Prohibiting discrimination based on disability in a broad spectrum, the ADA was later amended, becoming the ADA Amendment Act, effective January 1, 2009.” We urge our readers who want to get more detailed information on the legislative history of the Americans with Disabilities Act to watch a video titled, “Who are the Heroes? A History of Disability Rights Movement,” presented by Barry Whaley of Burton Blatt Institute — a disability law policy center at Syracuse University Law School. The presentation was made at San Diego Law Library on Friday, July 22, 2022, to help celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the ADA. A lot of valuable information was shared with the audience, including a chronology of legislation and events that shaped the disability movement before and after the 1990 ADA. Mr. Whaley said that the first Vocational Rehabilitation Act was passed by Congress in 1917. It was designed for veterans who were returning from World War I. The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1920 extended the benefits and privileges to civilians. Mr. Whaley noted that in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first U.S. President with an obvious disability. It was widely assumed that FDR was elected President in 1932 to help end the “Great Depression.” However, disability rights advocates said that it was ironic that the disabled President excluded people with disabilities in the largest recovery program of the 1930s, known as the “Works Progress Administration.” Congress passed the Fair Labor Standard Act of 1938. It prohibited child labor and established minimum wage laws. It also established Section 14 (c) which allows employers to pay people with disabilities minimum wages. It also provides sub-minimum wage certificates to employers who choose to pay below the minimum wage. Sadly, Section 14, which still exists today, allows low wages which continue to keep disabled people in lives of poverty. In 1940, the American Federation of the Physically Handicapped was created. The American Mental Health Federation was created in 1946. Their organizing and mobilizing efforts led to the passage of the National Mental see DISABILITY page 8  OCTOBER 20, 2023 FOLLOW-UP GROUNDCOVER NEWS Ypsilanti Police Chief responds that Gordie’s case “wasn’t handled correctly” ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor On September 8, Groundcover News reported that a driver in Ypsilanti — seemingly without legal consequences — ran over and severely injured Gordie, who is homeless and was on his bike. According to Gordie and another witness, the cops did not gather sufficient evidence at the scene or after. Groundcover has since watched the body camera footage supporting this. In the footage, the cops quickly conclude that Gordie is at fault, listing “no chain on the bike” and “biking on the sidewalk” as reasons, neither of which are expressly illegal — sidewalk biking is only prohibited in the downtown area between Huron and Hamilton. Gordie is sitting by the road with arms wrapped around his torso in pain while a cop, Justin Taite, talks to Gordie’s wife Jill. “Did you not see the car?” he asks. Taite asks Jill for Gordie’s personal and contact information. The driver seems unfazed as he stands by his car, a silver Sebring. “You say you didn't see him when you were coming up?” Taite asks him. “No, not at all,” he replies. Taite asks the driver whether his car has been damaged. Another cop separately confides in the driver that “he shouldn’t be on the sidewalk,” referring to Gordie. Toward the end, Taite walks up to three of his colleagues standing to the side. “Kinda sounds like they met at the same time. She was behind him, says he couldn't stop, she was coming down the sidewalk,” Taite summarizes. “The bike’s at fault,” one cop suggests. “Just asking for it,” a third cop, Scott Donley, says, failing to hide a grin. Taite is also smiling. “Issue has been addressed” The case report provides a less-than bare bones account of the incident, almost completely devoid of details. When Groundcover News spoke to the Police Department’s communication manager in August he said the case will be closed. But Police Chief Kirk Moore has later said the case was not properly investigated, that Justin Taite did not follow procedure and consequently has been written up. To Groundcover, Moore admits the case “was not handled correctly.” What does this mean for Taite? “I can’t elaborate on all the details at this point. The issue has been addressed formally with the employee.” What will happen with the case, and the driver and cyclist involved? “All I can say is it’s been handled and since corrected. The case will take its natural cause from there.” Justin Taite did not give a statement as per advice from his supervisor. Screenshots from police body camera footage, obtained via FOIA. Donley is pictured left; Taite is pictured right. 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Hasta la victoria siempre! Spanish is a growing language in the United States. It may be your best choice to be bilingual and promote brain and mental health. The English for the title of this article is “towards victory always.” It is a basic slogan of the Cuban Revolution. Even setbacks and outright defeats can be turned towards victory. The July 26 Movement in Cuba was born from the defeat of the attempt to seize weapons from the Moncada Barracks on July 26, 1953. It is similar to the memory of John Brown and Harpers Ferry. Most of the revolutionaries were killed in battle or captured and murdered. Fidel was captured, but even as a prisoner, observed his situation closely and saw one of Batista’s officers was a man of some integrity. Fidel spoke to him and told him who he was. The officer then disobeyed his orders to take prisoners to an execution site and drove through town to the police station. It became known that Fidel was Nhat Hanh, whom King met, and Thomas Merton, the soul brother he did not meet in person, are the basis for a deeper revelation on what needs to be done to maximize the number of survivors of climate change and war. Above all, take notice of the plans for KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 still alive and the Batista dictatorship decided to put him on trial. Fidel got to speak and delivered the now famous “History Will Absolve Me” speech. We are in a different period of history now. The armed struggle is not the focus. The ideological struggle around which ideas work has become central. The impact of Martin Luther King on theory and practice and faith in reality has changed our understanding of who we are. His relationship with Thich nuclear war and the march of the war machine for first strike “shock and awe” by the end of this decade. OREPA, the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, has been organizing demonstrations and civil disobedience to stop nuclear weapons research. They have done vigils every Sunday for 22 years. The writing has been on the wall for decades and we are at the now or never moment. It is time for mind training as the first step as we learn to "compost war and grow peace." We are fortunate to have excellent meditation teachers in our midst. Khenpo Choephel is a new Tibetan meditation master who I met through the Karuna Buddhist Center. I am going back to the basics of following the breath as the gateway for taming the mind and developing some ability to benefit beings. Fortunately the vastness of the task before us begins with simple things. We can do it. When Sakyamuni Buddha was challenged that his awakening was not valid and he was harshly questioned, ”Who is your witness?” He responded by touching the earth. Mother Earth responded decisively. We have the famous statue of Buddha in the earth touching gesture, the inspiration for countless practitioners who are progressing on the path of enlightenment. Many of us begin the day with some focus on the holiness within. Search for the spiritual friends who can help you. Everyone you meet can be a teacher. Choose those who match your stage of development so we can move forward together. If you look you will find enough compañeros to move towards victory. Freedom is calling you! OCTOBER 20, 2023  DISABILITY from page 6 Disability Act of 1946, which was signed by President Harry Truman. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark legislation which was designed to protect racial minorities and women who were often victims of discrimination and prejudice. We have noted earlier that the 1964 law did not include Americans with disabilities. In 1972, two court cases regarding including people with disabilities in educational classrooms were addressed. They were Mill v. D.C. and Park v. Pennsylvania. Congress passed the 1973 Rehabilitation Act which prohibited discrimination based on disability for Federal government programs and any organization receiving monetary assistance from the Federal government. In 1975, Congress passed the “Education for All Children with Disability Act," originally known as "Education for All Handicapped Children Act." In 1978, the nation witnessed a widespread protest known as the “ADAPT Bus Crisis.” Protesters aimed to shut down bus transit services, especially in Denver, to bring attention to the issues of accessibility for the disabled community. In 1986, Congress passed the “Air Carrier Access Act” which would provide equal access and equality of opportunity for air travel. In 1988, major headline news in print and TV noted that Mr. I. King Jordan had been appointed the President of Gallaudet University for the hearing impaired. Gallaudet was founded in 1864, and it took more than 100 years for the school to find a leader who was deaf. In 1999, Title II of the ADA Act was tested in Olmstead v. L.C. The Supreme Court validated the primacy of the ADA. Mr. Whatley described Olmstead as “The most important disability rights case, perhaps, in our lifetime." The High Court has set the precedent for the enforcement of ADA. The most recent congressional action on ADA is the 2017 ADA Education and Reform Act. Helen Keller and Disability Rights Heroes PBS Learning Media presented an important story titled, “Advocacy for People with Disabilities — Becoming Helen Keller.” Keller was generally concerned about employment discrimination against people with disabilities, especially educated women. She also wanted to help address the issues of blindness in babies due to sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea. Helen Keller was blind and deaf but was educated. She became an advocate for job opportunities for women with disabilities who wanted to work in Massachusetts. With the help of friend Charlie Campbell, she appealed to the Massachusetts legislature to expand the civil rights of the blind and to help find employment for the blind. In Helen Keller’s time, more than 100 years ago, women were not allowed to talk about sex or venereal diseases (STDs). A cure was finally found for blindness in babies due to sexually transmitted diseases — a few drops of Silver Nitrate into the eyes of newlyborn babies. Keller was gratified when she visited the Children's Hospital in Boston’s Nursery Ward and found that there were very few babies in the crib who were considered blind. She said, “I think it was the happiest day of my life when I was told that the Day Nursery in Boston — once full — was then almost empty.” Keller and a few friends were invited by the highly circulated “Ladies Home Journal” to write articles about how the gonorrhea STD was unknowingly passed from the mom to the baby. Keller and friends were given very tough writing assignments because sex and STDs were considered taboo in 1903. The Massachusetts Association for the Blind and the Visually Impaired was formed by Helen Keller and Charlie Campbell. Keller expanded her work on disability issues and job opportunities for the blind. She lobbied steadfastly, and the Massachusetts legislature urged the necessity for employment of the blind. Helen Keller said, “It's terrible to be Blind and to be uneducated; but it's worse for the Blind who have finished their education to be idle.” The state legislature accepted Keller’s suggestion to form a commission to reduce blindness in babies. She was asked to be a member of the commission. There was no accommodation for Helen’s deafness while on the commission, so she brought in her own interpreters. She was not able to acquire all the relevant information she needed while serving in the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. Predictably, she resigned. Conclusion Syracuse University legal scholarFranklin A. Carcamo wrote a March 2020 article in the Syracuse Law Review. The title is “The Past, Present, and Future: ADA and Thirty Years of Progress in Access, Inclusion and Opportunity.” There is no doubt about the challenges and successes of the disability rights movement. The people with disabilities and their advocates will be eternally vigilant. The victories are hard-won, and as battle-tested soldiers for freedom, justice and dignity. The movie documentary “Crip Camp” depicts a youth camp described by Barry Whaler as the “epicenter” of the disability rights movement in the 1960s. Find time to watch the documentary if you missed the screening at Groundcover News. There have been millions of heroes in the American Disability Movement. Barry Whaley of Syracuse BBI mentioned the School of Education Dean, Burton Blatt and a Disability Advocate Fred Kaplan. He also mentioned Ed Roberts of Berkeley, Marc Gold of alternative teaching modules, Fannie Lou Hamer, etc. There are plenty of stories of heroes in every community. OCTOBER 20, 2023 VENDOR VOICES Truth or lies: Amelia's birthday wish It was Amelia‘s 91st birthday. She was born in 1901 and reared in New York and New Jersey. She was the youngest of four children — two brothers and one sister. She was still residing at the family estate to be passed to her daughter, Maria. Her body often shook uncontrollably due to Parkinson’s disease. It had plagued her for the last 30 years. She was reminiscing on her 60th birthday when she last saw all her children alive and family together. Amelia had outlived two sons and three daughters. The only one left was her youngest daughter, Maria, who presented her mother with a birthday cake with flashing candles, a nine and a number one. They were special candles that did not require a fire. "Happy Birthday Mama, now make a wish." Amelia puckered her lips together to blow out the flashing candles. Amelia wished that she did not have Parkinson’s and could see her family again. Later that evening, while her daughter tucked her in bed, she said, “You know those candles were made at the flea market. The woman said ‘remember all wishes come true, and yours, can, too.’” Amelia smiled and nodded her head. The very next morning she woke up with no pain or shaking. She could move very gracefully and she could FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 her mind. It had been nearly a year. She still was feeling young. It was one month before her 92nd birthday — Amelia kept going to the flea market to try and find the candles. However, she never found the lady with the candles. She asked Maria to help her find the remember back to her childhood. Her sight and hearing improved also. She did not tell anyone about the change she felt the whole day, thinking that it would go away. Amelia quickly made plans to go to the museum the next day with her grandchildren. She was standing upright and walking as though she had never been sick. She stayed at the museum all day with the children until after six p.m. Her daughter was amazed and concerned that her mother was overdoing herself. After returning home with her daughter, Amelia waited to tell her before bed. Amelia explained to her daughter how great she felt. She felt like a 40-year-old woman. As the days and months passed, Amelia enjoyed her new health and youthful body. However, the thought of the return of the Parkinson’s was always on lady with the candles. Unfortunately, they never found her. During the last two weeks before her birthday, she started to feel a slow decline in her health. The last week before her birthday, she started seeing the children that preceded her. She never told Maria what was going on or what she was seeing. When Maria asked her what she wanted to do for her 92nd birthday, Amelia answered her saying she just wanted to love on her while she could. Three days before her 92nd birthday, the Parkinson’s symptoms returned. She asked her daughter Maria to make sure that everything was in order with her affairs. Maria did not want to accept the fact that her mother’s health had taken such a drastic turn. She went to the flea market one more time in hopes of finding the lady with the candles. No one at the flea market remembered the lady with the candles, or even heard of her. Maria felt desperate and that evening when she went to bed; she had a dream about the lady with the candles. The lady explained to her that you only have one wish per lifetime. The next morning when she awakened, she rushed to her mother's side and hugged her, letting her know how much she loved her and appreciated her. Amelia’s 92nd birthday was on a Sunday morning. At breakfast, Amelia explained to her daughter that she understood about the candles. Later that evening she was lying in her bed with all her children surrounding her, ushering her to the light. Amelia told Maria how grateful she was to see her children who were surrounding her bedside. She passed away that evening, happy and satisfied with the joy and love that she received in life. Is "Amelia's Birthday Wish" TRUTH or LIES? Go online at groundcovernews.org to cast your vote! The Quest, published September 22, was FALSE. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9  BREAKFAST from page 4 problems that arise there are the same that arise everywhere else. " In 2021, Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution for an unarmed safety response program, possibly similar to the existing Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office pairing an officer with a community mental health expert. Currently, there are several ways the general public can positively engage with the Ann Arbor police and multiple programs for engagement with the Sheriff's Department. Some homeless guests now offer friendly greetings and introductions to those they recognize by sight and homeless group leaders discuss, offer and implement non-violent and first responder solutions among themselves, with social workers and even the police. The Breakfast Program is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization and separate from the Church, which enables Nishi to work with Food Gatherers and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal program that helps supplement the diets of people with low income by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. TEFAP is part of the United States Department of Agriculture which requires a separation of Church and State. Religion is never mentioned unless conversation is initiated by the guest or someone reads the biblical phrase, “Jesus said, ‘Come and have breakfast,’ - John 21:21,” painted on the wall over the kitchen. Ethics of various religions, the driving force behind the Breakfast Program, are shown through the behavior of Frolick, Nishi and the volunteers. "Our connection to the church is fragile but important," Halloran said. "I can't picture the Church or the Breakfast Program one without the other," Frolick added. The Parish Profile states, "We are well-positioned to take on new and expanded ministries and to reach out of our established zone. There are opportunities here that haven’t been dreamed of yet, and we hope to grow together as a community into realizing those new opportunities. " According to information from a congregational survey and small group meetings, the parishioners and 12-member Board of Directors want the Breakfast Program to improve. Not because it doesn't have a stellar reputation but because as a team, the parishioners believe in continuous improvement. In 2022, a donation allowed air scrubbers, machines to clean up to 99.99% of 0.3-micron-sized particles, mold and bacteria from the air and surrounding surfaces, to be added when indoor service resumed following COVID-19. The air scrubber information is courtesy of Hepacart. St. Andrew's did not miss a day of service during the pandemic. This is one reason why Nishi and Frolick take time to speak with each guest and Nishi has changed the menu to bring in more nutritious foods while minimizing food waste. Nishi added items to the menu such as different types and sizes of sausage (pork, chicken or turkey), cheese, meat sticks, yogurt, nuts, dried and seasonal fresh fruit, in addition to the staples of milk, eggs, cold cereal, grits, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, pastries, toast, different juices, coffee, tea and water. There is also a cart for guests to make their own "To Go Bag." Some items, like sugar-free apple sauce, are free through Food Gatherers while other normally expensive items like nutritional drinks are purchased wholesale. Nishi has a photo of her Mom, sister and herself in her car with 180 pounds of blueberries for the Breakfast Program. "Sue gets paid because the responsibilities have increased," Halloran said of the only part-time paid position. "It's a hard job." Nishi works with volunteer coordinator Susette Jaquette and about seven to ten volunteers at a time, easily over 100 for the year. The Breakfast is advertised as free daily for anyone in need, 365 days a year, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in a room that fits up to 80 people with 14 tables and 55 chairs currently in use. Nishi is paid for five days a week, overseeing the program, planning the menu, budgeting, ordering food and fundraising. The expenses for 2020, according to Cause IQ, a website that provides information on non-profit see BREAKFAST page 11 

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT MUSINGS buk’e wyrmouis Sometimes it seems so self-evident that there is much more to all of this than what gets in through the census. There are parts of self we create through volition. The dismal shady parts of us we keep to the side lines that seek re-cognition on account that there is so much more than surface tensions. The varied membrane of what we once clung to to fertilize what was set apart to colace, through an echo of timespace. There are things here in the soul of a sentient being which aspire to the eternal. Whilst the surface remains of how much we accumulate as citizens of our local areas THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SELF Sum Goi The tell tale signs of what has come at last to help our countenance relax into some casual time past. The removing of the debris of the day to another locale. The sense of acc-omplishment that comes with the satisf-action of performing good works of a day well done. To recollect the mind in ways that make sense still and cont-inue to do so(.) Many are the graces of life. Gratitude as a side-effect of who you are. collect psychic debris in the annals of history the dream life of beings tells another story… We seem to relate tales of purpose that goes beyond beyond words. The varied refracting spectrum of coloured shades of personality has allowed a diversity of expression that shapes the forms we make. There is some suchness as us. However potent. THE RATHER OPEN-ENDED FRIENDSHIP (HAIKU SPOTS) Tadd Weathers The all in all truth. We seek out for its own sake. Those designs with this. The purpose to life. Is the purpose of our life. the way these thing happen Thus spake the righteous. The ever-present logic. Comes back with the Thus. Therefore goes by God. The light of awares, we. So interesting. OCTOBER 20, 2023 CASUAL Mr. Chad Chealsea III, “a local writer” If’n i had an opportunity to give back with gratitude the resonating appeal with other being seems natural. The enthusiasm generating with joy for being a part of an higher truth what embodies the small details, to build up to a greater whole. To recognize the value we communicate allows the free flow of meaningfulness it’s full cycle by participating with this. There is much we share in everyday existing that allows the purposes inherent to grow from within the space we sow. There are ways to state the terms of things for these days. And so we make. OCOTBER 2O, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website.  BREAKFAST from page 9 organizations, were $153,764 or about $421 a day which includes rent, heat, electricity, maintenance and janitorial besides food. "I think we're very frugal, actually in the long run," Halloran said. Nishi said determining the proper amount of food used daily is a balancing act. A former lawyer who has volunteered at Food Gatherers, Nishi also has 13 years of volunteer experience cooking all the food for The Young People's Theater of Ann Arbor, which she described as "an eight-day marathon." "That's just Sue,” said Peggy Lynch, Mercy House owner and MISSION Board Member. "I think it's amazing that she made it part of her mission to be out networking. We have the opportunity to share resources and information. I'm grateful she reached out." Mercy House shared donated sleeping bags with the Breakfast Program. Many guests to the Breakfast Program have additional needs, physical, financial and emotional. Nishi is working on filling the clothing donation rack with necessary outdoor gear as well as dress clothes for employment. And, of course, continuing to speak with guests as often as wanted or needed. "I like to err on the side of giving chances," Nishi said. "I'm trying to treat every person as a human being, with respect and honoring their dignity. When you look around the room and see people who are having challenges and don't have resources or don't have shelter, I don't believe that is a direct result only of their personal choices. It is not. The playing field is not level. We don't all start in the same place, we don't all have the same privileges, we don't all have the same upbringing and adults who nurture us in the same way. You know that phrase, ‘There but for the grace of God, go I?’ You look at the blessings you have in your own life. We can't judge. We don't know why people are where they are and who they are. We need to meet them where they are, we need to call them by name and look them in the eye and say how are you this morning and welcome and I'm glad you came in. And I believe that deep in my soul."

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Applesauce ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 3 pounds cooking apples (about 9) 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Directions: Peel, core, and quarter apples. In a large pot combine apples, water, sugar and cinnamon. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for eight to ten minutes or until the apples are tender (add more water if necessary). Remove from heat and mash with a potato masher to the desired consistency. Serve warm or chilled. Be sure to stir before serving. I love the applesauce chilled and you can omit the cinnamon if desired. So perfect with fresh apples from the farmers' market. Makes eight servings. OCTOBER 20, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOCUSED ON LOCAL! People’s Food Co-op is committed to increasing access to local foods and products! Through a variety of new and extended partnerships, we offer more opportunities to Ann Arbor. $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 11/5/2023

2 $ OCTOBER 6, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 21 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Area leaders discuss what reparations might look like for Black residents. Page 10 MEET YOUR VENDOR: DENISE SHEARER PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Ypsilanti demands shelter and solutions. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM On the night of Wednesday September 22, signs were placed in front of empty commercial spaces across downtown Ypsilanti, highlighting their misuse. @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER letter to the EDITOR Hi Groundcover, I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude for your paper. Not only is it a practical and highly-visible way to help out the vendors (commendable!), it's also consistently class-conscious inside the paper. I love it. I started reading it a couple years back when I picked it up from Ken Parks over at Argus, and then began buying papers off vendors downtown. Today I picked up the Mythology-themed edition, and really really enjoyed Juliano Sanchez' thoughts on godhood, Rome and class war. Truly refreshing and ennobling to find a common consciousness with the vendors. It is very encouraging that Groundcover never lost sight of class issues in the wake of so much identity politics that flew around the last five years. My compliments to the editorial staff and the vendors. Keep up the good work!!! — Jeff Honeyman NOW SHOWING: CRIP CAMP Tuesday, October 17, 5:30 p.m. Movie starts at 6 p.m. Groundcover News office. Open to the public. September 26 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first civil rights legislation protecting disabled people from discrimination. Groundcover News will be honoring this milestone by screening "Crip Camp," a documentary about the disabilty justice revolution and the youth summer camp that started it all. OCTOBER 6, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Almustapha Terri Demar Jim Clark Cindy Gere Mike Jones Ken Parks Nathan Poppe Jane Reilly Will Shakespeare Scoop Stevens Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Margaret Needham Emily Paras Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons OCTOBER 6, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS America could learn from Cuba: support artists! recognized for their part in the society. Artists do social projects and publicity and display their art on the street. In Cuba, artists are openly recognized for their value within the society. This is shown through a state income that Denise Shearer, vendor No. 485 In one sentence, who are you? I like to help myself and others. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? On Liberty Street across from the Fleetwood Diner, near the Ann Arbor Art Center. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? I think I started about five years ago. I started because I wanted to help myself and contribute to the world. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Visit Kerrytown and the Ann Arbor downtown library. Also go to the Fleetwood Diner and see my boyfriend. And, go to Bethlehem Church. What words do you live by? Love God and people. If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Hot dogs and chicken noodle soup. What are your hobbies? I like to draw. I am a doll collector. What is your superpower? My smile. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Go to the Michigan State Fair! What was your first job? Working as a shampoo lady in a hair salon. I was in my 20s. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I wish people were more compassionate and caring at the doctor’s and dentist’s offices and hospitals where poor people go. 1. "Mr. Rogers. I feel like he tried to address educational and emotional needs of children through television ministry. I think some of his teaching methods are still relevant. I thought about this. For example, if I am angry, I can stop. He also spoke to Congress and got funding." — Alex, a new student at U-M. (Rogers successfully fought for funding for the Public Broadcasting System). 2. "It's a really hard question. Buddha, because of the peace and the yin and the yang." — Paul, peace advocate. 3. "The main inspiration for me is the ongoing need for compassion. Everywhere I look, there is someone who needs compassion and everyone deserves that." — Gracie, Mercy JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 Who or what inspires local folks to change the world? House. 4. "My daughter. Because I want to make sure she lives in a better world than I do now," — Rammi. 5. "Politicians. The world would be a better place if the politicians did more." — Tim, a fair person who believes in respect. 6. "I do." — Tupac Shakur, Ypsilanti. 7. "All the guests who come in every day and the challenges they face. How they help one another and keep going." — Sue, a volunteer. 8. "Rosa Parks. She's a brave woman." — Declined name. 9. "My current inspiration is Elon Musk. He's the guy who owns SpaceX and Tesla. When I look at my dreams, he's someone who is actually doing things. Like he wants to go to Mars. He's set the bar so high for other people. He wakes them out of the bubble of their perceptions. He changes the perception of what is possible into reality. He's not perfect. He's divorced (and has other problems) but he's a role model because he's actually done it." — Jason Maples, Groundcover vendor. 10. Bono, lead singer for U2 says, "This is U2's family prayer: 'We want to be useful but we want to change the world. And we want to have some fun at the same time. What's wrong with that?’" — Janie Reilly. CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Cuba as a nation has had a truly tumultuous relationship with the United States, with the West being intimately involved in the Cuban past from slavery, colonialism and gambling in Havana. The revolution changed Cuba in the new age of socialism. Artists have become more gives artists an opportunity like any other to do their work. Many artists sell art on the streets and in tourist shops. Other artists work on big projects, murals and venues for the state. The pandemic wiped out art galleries in the United States, forcing artists to the internet where income is one huge competition — and the popularity contest is real. If you don't do “this” or you don't do “that,” you can't sell. If you don’t sell, you don't eat. A supplemental income would truly help the low-income artist. 3

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS Ypsilanti demands shelters and solutions On August 23 at the Growing Hope Marketplace Hall, the Ypsilanti Police Department was dispatched to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness who were seeking shelter under the awning at 16 S. Washington (aka Black Lives Matter Dr.) — as reported in the September 8, 2023 issue of Groundcover News. The people sleeping under the awning had been doing so for about two months before the sweep. The eviction was due to a disruptive drug culture that emerged at night, carried on by people not sleeping there. Business owners, homeowners and landlords all conspired to ask Growing Hope and the police to do something about the “eyesore” and “litter,” referring to the people and their property. At the Ypsilanti City Council meeting, the County Commissioners meeting and a meeting of the board of Avalon Housing, two things occurred to me. One, everyone, social justice activists and property owners alike, were demanding a solution. Two, no one had a solid plan. The ad hoc group “Shelter Now” has come up with solutions in the form of demands. This article lists those demands and provides a reasonable route to meet them. The demands are to: 1) Create and fund a dignified 24/7 shelter in Ypsilanti before spring 2024. 2) Open a temporary shelter immediately. Fund and do not interfere with unofficial and temporary shelter spaces. End street sweeps and camp sweeps. 3) Ensure that the houseless and housing-insecure communities have decision-making and veto power in all Ypsilanti shelter spaces, and in their creation. Here are some of my thoughts on how to meet those demands. Regarding the first demand: Open the Ypsilanti Freighthouse immediately. Staff can be pooled from governments, agencies and grassroots coalitions. These should be the guidelines for the use of the facility as an emergency shelter: 1) No intoxicated or threatening behavior will be tolerated. 2) First come first serve. If there is no space available, the Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) team of Community Mental Health will work with the guests to find a suitable camping site. 3) Personal property storage is not available. The facility would provide food, shelter, transportation, and social work planning from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. This planning could include reaching out to Continuum of Care organizations, setting goals for employment of the solution. Everyone has a voice, everyone has a vote. This section proposes a long-term JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 and self-sufficiency, and monitoring progress on their current situation. Regarding the second demand: The building at 10 S. Prospect, Ypsilanti, could be purchased by the county for approximately $300,000 (the current list price). This building would serve as a permanent emergency shelter. The building would be remodeled with sleeping areas, showers, toilets and a kitchenette. The facility can be staffed by county employees or be contracted out to Avalon Housing or the like. If Avalon were to staff it, they could use it to directly pipeline people into their system, thus cutting time on the waitlist. All of this would be done by the spring. The county also would purchase houses or rent them at a reduced rental fee. The houses would be run as Community-funded Hospitality Houses. Each house is capable of providing short-term to long-term housing for up to seven people. The houses would be large enough to expand into emergency shelters. Hospitality Houses would provide wrap-around care in the form of transportation to and from the daytime warming center, jobs, or care continuum sources and may also work with PATH and grassroots coalitions as local campsite supports (eg. tents, bags, propane). A short-term 90-day residency program would allow applicants to work with a peer support specialist to find rehabilitation resources, housing and employment. The county will be responsible for: • Procuring funding via public sourcing, taxes, reallocation and grants. • Sourcing labor and property management through professional, nonprofit, grassroots homelessness organizations, the faith community, neighborhood associations and community organizing groups such as the Washtenaw General Defense Committee. • Securing and managing property. • Incentivizing neighborhood cooperation in which the neighbors of a hospitality house may actively participate in the operations as volunteers and peer resources. The community at large, including business owners, would have an opportunity to be part solution in which cohorts may apply for permanent communal housing with other members. This is accomplished by establishing the house as an intentional community and allowing that community to purchase the house. The property would be held in a community land trust. Given the decision-making power available to the applicant cohort, this would satisfy demand number three. Why This Will Work: Hospitality Houses Fulfill Family and Growth Needs Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs states that every human has “deficiency” and “growth” needs. The lack of meeting deficiency needs will cause a person to fatally deteriorate. Community-funded hospitality houses provide for all human needs such as water, toilets, showers, laundry, medicine and harm reduction supplies. They would be a means to acquire alternative shelter supplies and provide safe overnight shelter and safety. With the understanding that being given the opportunity to bond with others is as essential to survival as food and shelter, hospitality houses provide for the emotional needs of their guests. Housemates and guests are trained in conflict resolution, communal living norms, and co-counseling techniques. Growth needs are the natural pull humans have for learning and experiencing their empowerment. The need to grow and evolve is hardwired into us. We must be given opportunities to develop our skills, talents and curiosity in order to reach our full potential. Life skills and enhancement programs can be offered to residents that would include problem-solving, social skills and enhancement courses. Community-funded hospitality houses do that. Each facet of this proposal is connected to a program that exists in Washtenaw County. Putting them together under one umbrella program is an efficient way to deliver various individual services. The current system is constantly putting out fires and applying bandages and in general, wasting funding. Community-funded hospitality houses provide a base of operation for an economical, organized and effective system. To learn more about the group "Shelter Now" and support their demands, visit linktr.ee/shelternow OCTOBER 6, 2023 On the night of Wednesday September 22, signs were placed in front of empty commercial spaces across downtown Ypsilanti, highlighting their misuse. OCTOBER 6, 2023 HERITAGE National Hispanic Heritage Month: From progress to prosperity and power On September 12, 2023, President Joe Biden said, “In recognition of the achievement of the Hispanic community, the Congress, by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.” In the preamble of President Biden’s Proclamation, he noted, “… we honor the diverse history of generations of Latinos, whose aspirations and achievements have shaped the soul of our nation.” History, Heritage and Progress In 19th century America and the first half of the 20th century, Hispanic Americans faced all kinds of setbacks and discrimination. It was not unusual to see big signs in Texas that said, “NO DOGS NO NEGROES NO MEXICANS.” The contemporary history of Hispanics or Latinos in America is complicated. The governments of the United States and Mexico signed a diplomatic agreement which allowed hundreds of thousands Mexican men to come to America as guest workers under a large-scale labor program known as “The Bracero Program.” States and local governments were issued certificates which authorized farm owners to hire laborers they needed at very low wages. While young American men and women were fighting in Europe as part of the Allied Forces in World War I, the Bracero laborers were working in agricultural fields in Texas, Florida, Arizona and California. Thousands of the Bracero laborers worked on the back-breaking jobs of laying the transcontinental railroads. The war ended and American troops returned home; Bracero laborers were asked to leave the country and return to Mexico. Most of them did. A few thousands stayed behind because, during the war, the agricultural food farmers of California, Texas and Florida expanded their agri-businesses and needed more farm laborers. But during the Great Depression of the 1930s, millions of unemployed Americans needed any kind of job. Consequently, the remaining Mexican Farm workers were displaced by poor and hungry Americans. The Second Bracero labor program was launched by the U.S. and Mexico in 1944 during World War II. It was WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 said, “There is no one term that everybody loves equally.” The second PBS guest was Mr. Hugo Chavez, Study Director at the PEW Research Center. He agreed with Christina Mora. He presented some survey statistics on identity. On the term, LatinX, the PEW surveys stated that 76% of Hispanics have not heard of it; 20% heard about, but do not use it; and only 3% of Hispanics use the term supposed to end in 1947 but it officially ended in 1964. The young veterans who returned home after the war chose plentiful jobs in manufacturing, transportation, construction and service industries. The GI Bill provided opportunity for free education and skills development. The low-wage jobs of picking apples, picking bananas, cutting sugar cane, planting lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, onions, corn and other vegetables and fruits did not appeal to many Americans of the post war era. The “Dust Bowl” phenomenon displaced millions of people in the lower Midwest after the war. The government encouraged them to move to California and replace the Bracero Program laborers. Many did, but left after complaining about the working conditions. Millions of Mexicans who labored as Bracero or guest workers were trailblazers. Hispanic/Latino Americans have come a long way. They were in the 1950s and 1960s invisible and highly marginalized. Cesar Chavez (19271993), head of the Farm Workers Union, and other Hispanic Americans, such as Joan Baez, joined Reverend/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the August 28, 1963 March on Washington, D.C. Chavez shared Dr. King’s dreams of freedom, liberty, equality and justice. PBS Weekend edition invited two Hispanic/Latino scholars to help answer questions about identity. Why do some members of the community want to be called Hispanic? Why do some want to be called Latino or Latina? Why do some members of the community want to be called LatinX? Why do many Hispanics of Mexican descent want to be called Chicano or Chicana? Ms. Christina Mora of the University of California, Berkeley, author of “Making Hispanics” said that the terms Hispanic and Latino are used interchangeably based on geographic connection, generational connection or national origin connection. She “Latinx.” The Hispanic/Latino American population has reached more than 64 million people. They represent 19% of the U.S. population total; in 2022, Latinos accounted for 40% of California’s population. Economic Prosperity and Political Power It may come as a surprise to many people when they realize what the current data says about the economic power and the purchasing power of Hispanic/Latino Americans. On Wednesday, September 27, NBC News Cable Network published an article by Brandon Gomez titled, “U.S. Latino economic output grows to $3.2 trillion, according to a new study.” Mr. Gomez outlined the following key points: The U.S. Latino economy continues to grow reaching $3.2 trillion in 2021, up from $2.8 trillion the year prior, according to a new report by the Latino Donor Collaborative in partnership with Wells Fargo Bank. If Latinos were an independent country, their GDP would rank fifth in the world, ahead of the United Kingdom, India and France. Industry for Latinos remains steady in accommodation and food services, construction, administrative support, waste management and transportation. Mr. Sol Trujillo is the Chairman of Latino Donor Collaborative which commissioned the study of Latino economic power. During his appearance on CNBC, Mr. Trujillo said, “Latinos are the engine of growth in the U.S.” He noted that the economic impact of Latinos in California, Texas and Florida are staggering. The dollar impacts amount to $682 Billion for California; $465 Billion for Texas; and $240 Billion for Florida. The study suggests that because of the Latino community’s youthful and strong population share in the nation, coupled with high labor force participation, we should continue to see high levels of growth powered by see LATINX page 10  Thursday, November 2 • 7:30pm Lydia Mendelssohn Theater Reggie Watts is headed to Ann Arbor this November to share his memoir, Great Falls, MT, a candid reflection on his childhood growing up in Montana. This is a free event requiring advanced registration to attend. Find the link to register at aadl.org/reggiewatts. Brought to you in partnership with the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Homework Help Get homework help with Brainfuse, an online tutoring service available with your AADL login. Live expert tutors are available from 2-11 pm every day to assist in math, English, college application prep, resume writing, and more! Visit aadl.org/ homework for more. Fifth Avenue Press AADL founded Fifth Avenue Press in 2017 to support the local writing community and promote the creation of original content. The imprint publishes works by authors who live in Washtenaw County. Consider submitting your finished manuscript to Fifth Avenue Press today at fifthave.aadl.org. FEATURED EVENT 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POVERTY OCTOBER 6, 2023 American made: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Matthew Desmond on how society’s well off benefit from other people’s poverty NATHAN POPPE Editor, Curbside Chronicle Matthew Desmond has lived through or lived alongside poverty for much of his life. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and sociology professor has made it his latest mission to focus not only on the lives of the poor in America but also how the rest of the country persistently benefits from them. His new book “Poverty, By America” lays out how many lives are made small to make room for others to grow, while making the case for ending poverty sooner rather than later. Think of it as a call for a healthier country — one where a car accident or a medical bill doesn’t lead to financial hardship. Desmond has been touring the country and leading discussions around his new book, which was released in March. On the road to a tour stop in Connecticut, Desmond spoke to The Curbside Chronicle about how he’s trying to spark a new kind of discussion around poverty. “I think that it’s to all of our interests to end poverty in America,” Desmond said. “I feel like so many of us are hungry for this conversation. I think audiences are interested in engaging this book even when it challenges them or pushes them. … I’m really trying to make this both a political project and a personal one, too.” The Curbside Chronicle: You’re no stranger to experiencing the trappings of poverty. How did it shape your upbringing? Matthew Desmond: Growing up, there were parts of my life where I didn’t really stop and think of myself as poor, right? I knew that when my family went out to eat at Denny’s, I was asked to order the least expensive thing on the menu. We’d get our gas shut off, so it turned into a little camping adventure where mom cooked over a fire. As I got older, I saw how poverty put pressure on my parents’ marriage. Losing our home when I was Matthew Desmond started studying housing, poverty and eviction in 2008, living and working alongside poor tenants and their landlords in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Illustration by Abbie Sears in college was a sobering reminder of how poverty builds up. At Arizona State University, I met people who had a level of economic security that nobody in my hometown did. Even the things other students talked about were different. I didn’t know sushi was something you could eat. I remember getting a scholarship and wanting to celebrate at a sushi place. My friend and I had no idea what we were doing, and we ate a big spoonful of wasabi and got headaches. What was it like losing your childhood home? Desmond: Our home wasn’t a shanty. It was a small ranch home on a two-acre plot in the country, but it was ours. There were parts of it that my family all loved and felt connected to. I didn’t have a car, so I asked a friend to drive me back home to help my parents move. I remember being embarrassed. Something I’ve seen during the eviction process is how people carry the weight of that experience on their own shoulders. I think my job as a sociologist is — I’ll quote C. Wright Mills — to turn personal problems into political ones, right? To help others see this problem isn’t just on us. "Poverty, By America" points to a lot of problems. What would you say is the biggest obstacle to ending poverty in our country? Desmond: The biggest myth about In his latest book, Matthew Desmond interviews a man named Julio who was balancing two jobs and almost no sleep before collapsing in a grocery store at the age of 24. Julio would later join protests against low wages and worked to successfully raise the minimum wage in his community. Illustration by Abbie Sears poverty today is that we have to abide by it and tolerate all this suffering, hunger and homelessness in our midst. But we don’t. I think that a big obstacle is having the political imagination and moral courage to envision an America without poverty. The next step is translating that into action. Not only big political action but also personal action as well. Early in your new book, you write, “If America’s poor founded a country, that country would have a bigger population than Australia or Venezuela.” When you encounter a statistic like that, how does it feel to weave that into your narrative? Desmond: I have a lot of friends and family members below the poverty line. I feel accountable to them when I write. A lot of the people I met in Milwaukee are still very much in my life and a lot of my friends back home. I feel like I have a responsibility when writing about these issues to make you feel it and to draw you emotionally into a problem. If I can’t do that as a writer, then I’ve failed in a way. What I’m trying to do on a page — even when the evidence is statistical studies, appendices from government reports or technical, even technocratic, boring stuff — I’m still trying to look for that point that has emotional power as much as a scientific or intellectual one. I’m thinking of my audience as including people who I love living below the line. That motivates me. One concept that really stuck out to me while reading "Poverty, By America" was how economic security leads people to make better choices for themselves. Has that concept always been obvious to you? Desmond: Not at first. I spent time with a woman named Lorraine who lived in a trailer park. One day, she blew her whole monthly allotment of food stamps on groceries for one anniversary meal. I remember when that happened. I thought to myself, “How am I gonna write about this? Are people going to use this to make see DESMOND page 10  OCTOBER 6, 2023 PUBLIC POWER Public power is climate action SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor Whether or not our power is controlled by the public through democratic institutions is the existential crisis of the day. This was the gist of the Public Power is Climate Action meeting held at the University of Michigan SEAS Dana Building on September 17. The speakers were: Seth Berry (Pine Tree Power Campaign and Former State Rep., Maine), Michelle Deatrick (DNC Climate Crisis Council and Washtenaw County Climate Crisis Chair), Yousef Rabhi (Washtenaw County Commissioner and Former State Rep., Michigan) and Jeff Irwin (State Senator, Michigan). A century ago, DTE Energy was granted the privilege of supplying energy to the public in Michigan. It has now become inefficient, destructive of the environment and racist, said Commissioner Rabhi; therefore this privilege needs to be revoked. This will not be easy to do. The first step is to believe that it can be accomplished; this was emphasized by Sen. Irwin. Public ownership of power has now become a movement, with Ann Arbor being the focus point in Michigan. If this is enacted, the City of Ann Arbor will be purchasing the electrical energy infrastructure from DTE Energy. This past week, Ann Arbor released an initial study it had done on the feasibility of public power with the recommendation that an additional feasibility study must be done to determine how much it will cost to acquire what it needs from DTE. From there, the Ann Arbor City Council can choose to begin the process. but if it doesn't, there will probably be a ballot proposal, possibly in 2025 or 2026. Even if Seth Berry, Michelle Deatrick, Yousef Rabhi and Jeff Irwin, pictured left to right. Panel was moderated by Greg Woodring (not pictured). Photo credit: Lisa Querijero the council initiates the process, voters would still have to approve a referendum on the contract to acquire DTE assets. The advantages of public ownership of power are numerous; there will be a faster transition to renewable energy, more reliability, greater economic opportunity and, in the long run, lower utility costs. Panelists said that the next step towards the public ownership of power is to get the University of Michigan Board of Regents on board with the public power movement. Their influence could tip the scales in favor of public ownership of power and solving the climate change crisis. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 The struggle continues — free our energy! We once said “one struggle, many fronts.” The digital age has turned our lives into “one struggle, too many fronts.” We have lost our focus on the struggle for freedom in its many dimensions to a narrower focus on the endless work of compliance culture with its digital dimension and the promise of techno supremacy for some. This process uses up our time. Everyone is in a hurry because the next demand is calling us to stay busy, or at least look too busy to change course from wasting our time to using our time more creatively. So the United States is once again asking Saudi Arabia to raise oil production and help burn up all available oil as fast as possible. Investors love their monopoly on our energy supply. Can we break free and produce plentiful low-cost energy? The sun is laughing! Wind and water are also calling us forth. International Day of Peace on September 20 and 21 had important sessions on “public energy.” Let’s engage with AnnArborCommunityCommons.org and AnnArborCoalitionAgainsttheWar.org and free our energy supply from the oligarchs of energy wars. Ann Arbor for Public Power is worthy of our attention due to the need for publicly run renewable resources. The earth is smiling at us.That could inspire us to smile at ourselves, a good habit to promote positive struggle, as reality converges in a way that brings new worlds into view. that is happening now as we detach from our illusions and experience the natural flow of “Timeless Time.” Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, was also the deadline to submit to this October 6 edition of Groundcover News. Today is a good day to discover ourKEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 Nothing is what you think it is; the domination of conceptual thought usually separates that consciousness from a more complete awareness sometimes referred to as “the all good expanse of primordial purity and the Clear Light of the Void.” I first saw those words in Walter Evans-Wentz’s early translations from the Tibetan original teachings. There are more translations available now as Tibetan meditation masters gain a following worldwide. Our body, speech and mind complex can thrive in many contexts of the physical world in history. Look at the “Passage of Time” published by the Independent Media Institute’s Human Bridges project. The vastness of hominin prehistory is changing the story of who we are. Stone tool technology and the invention of writing took eons to evolve. Get ready for the awareness breakthrough selves anew and prepare for the climate change of our lifetime. “Tell the Truth'' as Extinction Rebellion declares. Your imagination wants more free play as the work before us becomes clear and we hear the call to do the necessary work and use our power responsibly. The struggle continues until the end of time — even the death of a universe may not be the end of the struggle to free all beings from attachment to ego-clinging. Persevere until the great going beyond that leaves nothing behind. October 8 I will celebrate my 81st birthday. I think on this day we should celebrate the Day of Che as the main focus and honor all 80-plus-year-olds. We can develop our visionary potential and put it to work. For example, Che’s quote, "We are realists, we dream the impossible.” We can be reborn anew!

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Editor’s Note: Many will remember the film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” which referred to the type of contact which includes some kind of animated entity. An encounter of the fifth kind “refers to human-initiated contact with extraterrestrial life forms or advanced interstellar civilizations, claiming direct communication between aliens and humans,” according to Wikipedia.) In 2021, I was coming home from work at Walmart on Michigan Avenue — going west — when I saw very high up in the sky twinkling lights in a V formation. I wondered to myself if it was a UFO. While I was thinking this, the UFO materialized about 100 feet in front of me, coming straight towards my car! I could not believe my eyes; I got so scared. I saw light shooting out with red lights going around it. The bottom of the craft was a dark, stone gray, like a rock formation. I floored it. I wasn't sure if they were going to initiate contact — good or bad — the bad is what worried me. I’m aware that biological entities like to take souls with help from insect creatures and entities like the Greys (look these up on YouTube for more information). They also want to harvest us for future evolution. The “galactic federation” wants to eventually make us a supreme race. The government has known about anti-gravity crafts since the Reagan era. The aliens use a force field around them to protect themselves, to get into higher speeds and use portals to pass through our non-advantageous, non-habitable environment. Light frequencies protect them from the magnetic pull into our atmosphere. With this shield or bubble they go out into different dimensions. I saw the same craft after I got home from Walmart. It was materializing out of a portal. They were visible, then they switched into some kind of invisible layer that they probably created to observe us. Portals can be made anywhere by these entities, using the higher control of the minds of some of these entities. So when I got home, I knew I was fairly safe. My car was extremely magnetized for about a week — electromagnetic frequencies were turning my radio on by itself. The last thing I saw were galactic TERRI DEMAR Groundcover vendor No. 322 symbols on my car, since all these episodes happened this past year. Impressed in the snow on the hood of my car and a trunk I saw triangles, squares, dots and a V in all directions. Some people are born with higher consciousness, usually these are people who had to trust their instincts at an early age to survive, for self-preservation with a family not always there for them. When that happens, you as a child become more aware. I’m in a higher chakra because I believe all are one, connected to this mighty universe. Even rocks have life! These children are so intelligent, foreseeing futures. Most are telepathic; they are artists a lot of times and are super intuitive. I don't know how sensitive they are, but they are definitely star seeds (people who were actually born on another planet). Since I've developed a higher self, I've had dreams come true. I can almost predict certain behavior types in humans. To avoid conflict at an early age, I have had to be very intuitive. I don't know if I am a star seed from OCTOBER 6, 2023 My UFO encounter of the fifth kind: Are they real? another galaxy. True, I have higher awareness which actually makes me misunderstood, but like all higher beings, I do better on my own, because we already know what to do next! If a person wants to achieve more awareness around them and connect to the universe, they need to meditate. Focus on breathing and being one with all, then use vibrational sound waves. I think 820 megahertz is accurate for the root chakra. I have to see it for myself — sound vibrations will develop me more, I'm sure. You have to do this every day to bring consciousness to a higher level. You can buy tuning forks and bowls made from India that have a glass bowl with a glass wand. Go to Amazon.com to see the different sound wave machines. I also have a UFO indicator machine; if there are strong magnetic waves around me, it will go off to tell me with a loud beeping sound. I have a laser light that draws them to my location. Most people go in groups out to the desert to bring biological entities to UFOs and to make observations. A shaman in the Amazon forest can help make contact through chanting meditations. Roots for mind-altering experiences still have the same effects; they will come to you if you believe in a higher power. OCTOBER 6, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. "We're #1!," e.g. 6. Low-___ diet 10. Computer architecture acronym 14. Kind of ticket 15. ___-Altaic languages 16. "What's gotten ___ you?" 17. Pricker 18. Japanese soup 19. Hardly haute cuisine 20. Clerical drudges 23. "___ Flux" 24. Couch 25. Laborer who moves bricks (Brit.) 28. A Judd 30. "___ we having fun yet?" 31. Pristine 36. Drop, to an editor 38. Cow chow 39. French Sudan, today 40. Commiserator's words 45. Mother Teresa, for one 46. Whip 47. Fit as a ___ 49. Mark over a long vowel 52. Worse than fair 53. Sophomore, e.g. 57. Old European capital 58. ___ Bowl 59. Flooded 62. Coagulate 63. Carbon compound 64. Bar offering 65. Does some tailoring 66. Regard 67. Neuters DOWN 1. Short order, for short 2. "___ Baby Baby" (Linda Ronstadt hit) 3. Above 4. Current 5. Open rear seat in old cars 6. Spice in Indian cooking 7. Husk 8. Coarse file 9. Loose garment pulled in at the waist 10. Conservative doctrine 11. Arm of the sea 12. Cache 13. Small woods 21. N.Y. neighbor 22. 18-wheeler 25. Muslim pilgrimage 26. After-lunch sandwich 27. Kosher ___ 28. Civil rights org. 29. Chemical compound 32. "___'s the breaks!" 33. Full house, e.g. 34. Jewish month 35. Sup 37. Petitions 41. God with a hammer 42. Slouched over 43. Roswell sightings 44. Organic matter used for fuel 48. Draft 49. Soil enricher 50. Like an old woman 51. Kind of drive 52. Church song 54. "Clair de ___" 55. ___ vera 56. Houston acronym 60. Diffident 61. Towel stitching

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RACIAL JUSTICE OCTOBER 6, 2023 Area leaders discuss what reparations might look like for Black residents On February 15, 2023, Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution which established the Advisory Council on Reparations. According to the Washtenaw County website, the purpose of the council is to outline the specific ways that county policies and practices have historically and continually harmed the lives of Black people and to develop recommendations for the Board of Commissioners in the form of a Washtenaw Reparations Plan. The plan will include recommendations around specific actions to address and redress the sectors of homeownership and access to other quality affordable housing, increasing business ownership and career opportunities, strategies to grow financial equity and generational wealth, closing the gaps in health care, education, employment and pay, neighborhood safety and fairness within criminal justice. In 2021, the Washtenaw County Racial Equity Office convened a committee of subject matter experts and industry leaders to explore the possibility of economic and social reparations to those in Washtenaw County who experience the on going, compounded, negative impact of the institution of American slavery. The establishment of the Council on Reparations is a continuation and deepening of Washtenaw County’s commitment to Targeted Universalism. To effectively create systems of equity, we must build systems of accountability that begin with committees, and be recommended through the Racial Equity Office with appointments confirmed by the Board of Commissioners. Ann Arbor officials heard calls for MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 acknowledging harm and then clear pathways for repair. This Council centers community voice and engagement, encouraging transparency and building community trust. The Chair of the Board of Commissioners shall recommend all appointments to the Advisory Council on Reparations, subject to approval by the full Board of Commissioners. Members of the Advisory Council on Reparations shall, at minimum, represent the following sectors: Housing and Real Estate, Education K-12, Education Post-Secondary, Workforce Development, Economic Development, Health, Art, Civil Rights Law, Criminal Legal System, Food Security, Transit, Faith-Based Community, Environmental Justice and Racial Equity Office. Individuals interested in serving on the Advisory Council on Reparations shall apply consistent with the appointment process utilized by similar boards, commissions and reparations from residents who spoke at their July 6 meeting, at which City Council approved a new law limiting police traffic stops to avoid racial profiling. Several residents expressed hopes the City would take more steps. Mozhgan Savabieasfahani, who plans to run for Council against Eyer in 2024, called for “massive reparations,” saying white people in the United States owe Black people $97 trillion. “And you know why you owe them?” she asked the Council. “Because you extracted free labor from them, hundreds of years, and you piled it up, and you became the rich people that you are today. ... Start thinking about giving it back.” The $97 trillion figure some cite is based on estimates the U.S. benefited from over 222 million hours of forced labor between 1619 and the abolition of slavery in 1865. Ann Arbor officials acknowledge policies like exclusionary zoning, racially restrictive covenants and deed restrictions historically kept Black people out of various neighborhoods. As a result of systemic racism, Black families lagged in building generational wealth and officials acknowledge many Black people have been priced out of an increasingly expensive Ann Arbor. Lefiest Galimore, who applied to Lefiest Galimore, longtime Ann Arbor resident. serve on the Washtenaw County Advisory Council on Reparations but was not chosen, said he’s lived in Ann Arbor since 1971 and watched as neighborhoods where other Black families once lived have become gentrified and many Black people today can’t afford homes where they grew up. “That’s an injustice,” he said, agreeing reparations are needed across the U.S. for descendants of people who were enslaved and helped build the country and its wealth. I had a chance to talk and interview Mr. Galimore. He said, “County and City leaders should be more transparent with the Black community on the issue of reparations and to seek their input on reparations because one person might see reparations in one way and another person might see it another way, so the Black community should be informed and start having real discussions on the issues on how reparations would look like for Black residents in Washtenaw County.”  LATINX from page 5 Latinos. Latinos or Hispanic Americans now have enormous political power. About 17% of registered voters in Florida are Latino/Hispanic Americans. The Democratic and Republican parties compete for their votes. With each Census Bureau’s report of Hispanic/Latino population growth, the share of that community’s vote in the U.S. continues to grow. The PEW Research Center’s findings on the topic of “Hispanic/ Latino Voters” and the “Hispanics and the Future of America” manuscript published by the National Institute of Health National Library of Medicine especially the section titled, “Latino Civic and Political Participation” are great sources of information on the political power of Hispanic/Latino Americans. Conclusion Many universities, colleges and K-12 schools in Washtenaw County and across the nation are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month with stories, lectures, conversations, dancing, music and of course, their ethnic foods. Civic leadership, cultural diversity and arts/entertainment representation are additional areas of progress. In his September 12 proclamation, President Biden noted that he valued the leadership of his four Latino Cabinet Members. There are several members of the House of Representatives who are Hispanic or Latino. The U.S. Senate has two Latino members from California and New Jersey. Within the past ten years singers and artists such as Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, Cabello, Anitta, and other young Latino/Hispanics have made waves in - the music entertainment industry. The representation of young Latino musicians and young Hollywood/Broadway actors is much better than a generation ago. However, some actors who are among the six million Latino Americans who identify as “Afro Latinos” told BuzzFeed that “white Latinos or lighter skinned Latinos are often favored for roles, leaving “Afro Latinos with fewer opportunities to shine.” Many critics have condemned Hollywood’s lack of inclusivity. OCTOBER 6, 2023 ADDICTION Fentanyl, Fenta-not!!!! This article is an ode to the countless beautiful souls lost to the menacing grip of the fentanyl opioid epidemic that casts its shadow not only over our beloved city, wonderful state and great nation, but also around the globe. This includes the young child in New York who recently passed. Drug addiction, in its myriad colors and forms, plagues our society. However, within this piece, my focus rests on fentanyl — a formidable foe that has recently emerged to strike indiscriminately at lives from all walks of life. Let us start at the genesis — opioids derived from the poppy flower. These blossoms flourish in temperate regions such as Afghanistan, the Golden Triangle, Turkey, India, Mexico and parts of the Middle East. They serve both legitimate medical and illicit purposes, fueling the clandestine drug trade. Mexican opium transmutes into the infamous black tar heroin, while Afghan opium becomes Afghani heroin also known as tan, brown, cement or dog food, finding its way to the shores of the United States, where the concoctions receive their final touches through cutting agents. These agents augment the drug's weight and profitability for the dealers — akin to a risky financial investment known as "flipping." Amidst the illegal trade, the raw poppy flower is scored and sliced, to MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor produce a sap that is dried into a potent paste, later transformed into various opiate constituents like morphine, codeine, hydrocodone and heroin. This intoxicating brew is reminiscent of the opium dens frequented by Chinese migrants who built the railroads in days gone by. In the legitimate medical arena, the entire poppy flower is harvested, extracting other opiate alkaloids for medicinal purposes, akin to the opioid-laden medications that have controversially made headlines in recent times. You may wonder, why our bodies even harbor receptors for these active opioids. The answer lies within our own biological marvel — we produce our own opioids — endorphins — under times of stress. These endorphins, akin to the euphoria induced by hot food or intense exercise, act as natural pain suppressants. I can attest to the allure of euphoria that temporarily eradicated my pain, mental and emotional alike, through my emergency room visits. But let me be clear; this is no endorsement of such destructive paths. Drugs may offer a temporary escape, but true solace and growth come from healthier avenues. So, what drives the haunting spike in overdoses we witness today? Fentanyl, an opioid, not an opiate, lies at the epicenter of this crisis. Unlike opiates sourced from opium sap, opioids are synthetic creations developed in laboratories. Methadone, an iconic example, birthed by German Nazi scientists during World War II, aimed to replicate opiate-like pain relief. Suboxone, too, plays a pivotal role in treating substance addiction, sparing users the throes of severe withdrawal without inducing euphoria. Yet, it is fentanyl that commands our gravest concern. This man-made chemical possesses unthinkable potency, requiring minuscule quantities to deliver devastatingly lethal blows. A kilogram of fentanyl, a fraction of what one might expect, can extinguish half a million lives — echoing horrors of nuclear proportions. My heart aches for those ensnared in the desperate cycle of illegal drug use, gambling their lives against this formidable adversary. The route of fentanyl's arrival is a troubling tale of unscrupulous intentions. To gain insight into this phenomenon, let us revisit history — the opium wars. Centuries ago, when the British Empire reigned supreme, they sought vengeance on China for restricting their trading privileges. The response? A calculated campaign to cultivate poppies on Indian fields, saturating the Chinese market with opium — a painful chapter that mirrors today's fentanyl wars. In light of all this, I implore you to remember — life's beauty transcends the pursuit of momentary serenity through substances. Better ways to heal and grow exist. Yet, for those whose lives intertwine with drug users, I advocate for harm reduction. Obtain harm reduction kits, embracing clean needles, alcohol pads and needle filters, assuring safe usage and preventing further harm. Consider the path of methadone clinics or Suboxone for controlled maintenance, devoid of harmful highs, instead focusing on rebuilding life's splendor. I beseech all to appreciate the gravity of this matter. Fentanyl's wrath disregards the sanctity of life and family bonds. The ruthless drug dealer is blind to the lives shattered in his wake, fixated solely on his next fortune. In closing, I leave you with peace. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  DESMOND from page 6 arguments to disparage people?” But you know, my job is to write about things honestly. Lorraine certainly didn’t apologize for what she did. And she paid for it. She was hitting up food pantries for the rest of the month. She was living so far below the poverty line that even if she had scrimped and saved a third of her income — which would be astounding — then she could maybe buy a bicycle at the end of the year. Even that would come at the cost of going without things like heat or medicine. Lorraine helped me see that folks like her are not in poverty because of the decisions they’ve made but rather the decisions they’ve made are conditioned and steered by their poverty. We see this in the research on raising the minimum wage. When we raise the minimum wage, you get all these benefits. People stop smoking and cases of child neglect go down. Babies are born healthier because the stress of poverty is relieved. The debates about minimum wage are often only focused on one macroeconomic question, “If we raise the minimum wage will it cost us jobs?” The book addresses that, but I also want us to ask another question, “If we don’t pay more, then what do we cost people?” The time you spent with Julio illustrates that cost. The moment when his younger brother offered to pay for an hour of his time just to play with him was heartbreaking. It’s hard to believe he balanced two fulltime jobs paying minimum wage. How did that impact him? Desmond: Julio told me he felt like a zombie. He could barely sleep, you know, and collapsed in the aisles of the grocery store when he was 24-yearsold. But he also got politically involved after that. When he went to his first rally in his McDonald’s uniform, he was really scared. He thought that he might lose his job. But he saw a lot of folks that looked like him. They were fighting for bigger wages, too. For him, it felt like church, and he was a deeply faithful person. He told me he believed in both God and politics. Joining that movement gave him not only a real, tangible victory but also gave him an identity and a community as well. Let’s end on the cost of making a huge dent in poverty and alleviating homelessness in America. You estimated a figure of $177 billion to really make a difference. What would you say to someone who reads that number and has sticker shock? Desmond: The reason I put that number in the book is to show us how incredibly attainable it is. If you look at this study published a few years ago, it shows that if the top 1% of Americans just pay the taxes they owe — not getting taxed higher, just stop evading them — then we could raise that $177 billion total. This is a thought exercise and a challenge for us. It’s a clear example of how we need to reject the scarcity mindset of, “We can’t afford to do more to fight poverty in America.” The answer is staring us right in the face. We could afford to do more if we stopped subsidizing the affluent so much and letting corporations and rich families get away with such tax evasion and avoidance. Courtesy of The Curbside Chronicle / International Network of Street Papers Cover of Desmond's book. “Poverty, By America” is available now on hardback, paperback, ebook and audiobook.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Baked macaroni and cheese KADEN WATTS Wolverine Pathways student contributor Ingredients: 1 lb dried elbow macaroni ½ cup salted butter ⅓ cup all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups whole milk 4 cups shredded medium sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese ½ Tbsp. salt ½ tsp. black pepper ¼ tsp. paprika Directions: Preheat oven to 350F. Boil the pasta, then drain. Make the cheese sauce by combining a fat (butter) and starch (flour) and allowing it to brown and bubble for a minute or two, then slowly whisk in the milk in stages to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce until it’s nice and thick. Add in both kinds of shredded cheese, saving a handful of each kind for topping. Stir well. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta. Transfer half of the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with shredded cheese. Top with the rest of the mac and cheese, top with remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes and prepare to thoroughly enjoy! OCTOBER 6, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Stay for the Community! By joining your membership supports Local Farmers, Local Producers, & the Local Economy Member Drive is Oct. 2nd to Oct. 15th. Special offer for those that join. $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 11/5/2023

2 $ SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 20 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. ARPA funds pilot guranteed income in Ann Arbor. Page 7 AMANDA GALE #573 ASK YOUR VENDOR: IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Happy anniversary to four 'MISSION' community houses — Jimmy Hill House, Mercy House, Peace House and Hospitality House. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Reid "Kit" Warling May 21, 1995 - September 15, 2023 Reid Warling passed away on September 15, 2023 at the age of 28. Beloved son of Neal and Suzanne Warling. Dear brother of May, Jackson, Michael and Matthew. Loving nephew of aunt Denise and uncle David Ricketts, uncle Kenneth Warling, aunt Vicki Derry and aunt Ann Bugnon. Cherished uncle of Charles Feight. Caring cousin of Reese Ricketts. Reid is also survived by friends Jessie Cane and Kevin Jones. Reid, vendor No. 395, started selling Groundcover News in 2018 and sold the paper on and off over the years. Reid was a very talented poet and actor. If you were lucky enough to hear him singing you would be truly blown away by his voice. He had a passion for reading, spending some time being a part of a book club. Reid was known for his kind heart, gentle personality, love for animals, and his intelligence. Reid is loved deeply and will be missed fiercely. SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 Reid and Jessie Cane (right). CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Almustapha D.A. Luiza Duarte Caetano Cindy Gere Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Joshua Lee James Manning Ronald Pagereski Ken Parks Earl Pullen Jane Reilly Will Shakespeare Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO OLD ISSUES + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Anywhere that has a lot of people that are passionate about Jesus, and anywhere that has had a geninue Christian revival. But I am happy to stay right where I am, for now. — Amanda Gale, #573 Probably Hawaii or somewhere like that — tropical. — Glen Page, #407 Yukon, Canada. Go visit my tribe, hang out with the bears, run with the wolves, disappear forever. — Cindy Gere, #279 Amsterdam. Everything’s legal there. — Pony Bush, #305 Nowhere. I stay here. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 I want to hunt down the most poisonous things in the world: Australia, China, Africa. But China first! — Teresa Basham, #570 If I ever get out of here, I'm going to Katmandu! — Ken Parks, #490 Somewhere where a nuclear bomb won't hit me. I'd like to work with animals, maybe in Argentina or somehwere in South America. — Terri Demar, #322 My own private island. Or Malta. — Joe Woods, #103 First choice is Machu Picchu but the Amazon scares the hell out of me. The Black Forest in Germany is up there, too. — James Manning, #16 Toss up between Egypt and Japan. — Justen White, #543 Greece. — Derek Allen, #177 GROUNDCOVER NEWS Would you consider making nonviolence and kindness "cool?" JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No.611 In 2020, Reverend Al Sharpton wrote in "Rise Up, Confronting a Country at the Crossroads," that he was lectured by both Shirley Chisholm and Coretta Scott King for his language. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress and ran for President, and King was an activist for civil rights, apartheid abolition, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer rights, and the wife of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King said, "Al, don't you realize words have power? You've got to learn to filter what you say for the long-term gain and not sell it for the short-term satisfaction of being theatrical or getting attention. Otherwise, you could win the crowd but lose the crown." Sharpton, the founder and President of the National Action Network and a civil rights and social justice activist, defended himself by saying, "I didn't mean anything by it; it was just the way we spoke on the streets." And, "I was just speaking in the rhythm and style of the times." Sharpton wrote that his friends who are rappers and singers say it is free speech to use the B-word and N-word in their songs. They also use the F- and MF-words, which both have violent sexual connotations. They use many slurs against all people. Sharpton's reply: "Do the record execs let you use that language on them? Then, why is it OK for us to denigrate our own community, our sisters? We're doing their work for them." Why is it OK to denigrate anyone? Today there is hatred towards everyone who is different than the status quo. It is tearing our country apart. The use of hate speech is helping divide our country. Some in the Black community have told me the N-word means, "family." I believe when bigots hear it, it encourages more hatred. Hate speech is more than being vulgar and rude. Hate speech turns words into weapons to harm others. In Watts v. United States (1969), the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment does not protect profanity spoken as part of a true threat, such as profane rants that cross the line into direct face-toface personal insults, according to the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee University. It is also a misdemeanor in the state of Michigan under penal code 750.167 section F for a disorderly person. When people hear the same negative words repeated constantly, their brains believe it is the truth. That's very dangerous. People with low self esteem — bullies — need to be macho and tough. It sometimes leads to violence. Adults don't need to be bullies to be "cool." Some rap is music for and by bullies because the music industry makes billions of dollars from hate speech. According to Sharpton, the rappers say they need the N-word, B-word and F-MFwords to show they have "street cred." We don't have to imitate it. Marc Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League told CNN.com, "The N-word has never had a positive meaning.” The National Urban League is America's largest historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization. Singer Jose Feliciano played the National Anthem on acoustic guitar at the 1968 Major League Baseball World Series in a Latin style and Jimi Hendrix played a spectacular instrumental version of the Star Spangled Banner on his electric guitar at Woodstock in 1969. At the time, these were monumental acts of courage. Feliciano and Hendrix tried to use their creativity to bring people together. We, too, have the power to create change and bring people together. Together we can make kindness and non-violence "cool." 3 From the desk of Panda: Thank you to our supporters! Dear public, I feel the need to finally — from all of us at Groundcover, from each individual who has now worked on a daily basis and even the former vendors — tell you from our hearts and souls: One big thank you for all you have done to support and help the vendors and paper! Thank you to our patrons and regulars who consistently keep us going. If it was not for you, many of us would have hung up our hats long ago. You kept us going through the COVID-19 pandemic and even to this very day. Thank you to all the new buyers. Meeting new people willing to discover and read the paper helps us out more than you know. I always and booths who represent the paper. You are all invaluable gems that keep on shining bright to the world. Thanks to the University of MichCINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 find new buyers who want to know how the papers help us individually and what Groundcover is about. New people change the level of our sales. Thank you to the volunteers who take the time out to help at events igan students who give their study time to volunteer in the building daily; you keep us smiling on gloomy days and keep us happy going to work. Thanks to the board for having the courage to continue and change lives each and every day. Because the struggle is real on a case by case basis. We at Groundcover have our good days and bad days just like you. Just know deep down we thank you for all you have given each of us. God bless you!

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 Happy anniversary to four 'MISSION' community houses — Jimmy Hill House, Mercy House, Peace House and Hospitality House WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 This month Washtenaw County community members can join us to wish Jimmy Hill House, Mercy House, Peace House and Hospitality House happy birthdays. The wise people of the world say, “Gratitude is a memory of the heart.” Thousands of people have received help or life-saving assistance at the four community houses under the umbrella known as MISSION (Michigan Itinerant Shelter System Interdependent Out of Necessity). Most human beings tend to remember the times and places where they received much needed help to survive and begin a fresh start. So, HAPPY BIRTHDAYS! JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE — in French!! Historical Antecedents In June 2010 the Michigan Department of Transportation evicted 78 homeless individuals from the organized encampment in Washtenaw County “Camp Take Notice.” CTN was informed that their homeless camp site belonged to MDOT and campers were forced to leave. After the eviction, some of the stranded campers received housing locally, some were accepted to stay temporarily at the Delonis Center and many found camping grounds in several locations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Due to the eviction CTN lost its ability to hold Sunday dinner meetings sponsored by St. Mary’s Student Parish of Ann Arbor, other churches in Scio Township and Dexter. The leaders of CTN felt that their social movement had collapsed. A parishioner of St. Mary’s who actively supported CTN pre-eviction came to the rescue. Peggy Lynch wholeheartedly opened the doors of her Burns Park home to CTN members who wished to maintain the weekly Sunday dinner meetings. About six or seven homeless people were invited to stay in her house. It is fair to say that Ms. Peggy resurrected CTN from the dead, and gave it new life and new hope to carry on. It was at Peggy’s Burns Park home on White Street where CTN reconstituted its board membership and worked with Peggy and others to create a homeless community organization known as MISSION. Jimmy Hill House The first task of MISSION was to raise money in order to buy a three acre property on Stone School Road so that CTN residents who had scattered could have a permanent place for Sunday dinner meetings, board meetings, laundry, showers, picking donated clothing and receiving medical services. MISSION received a anonymous donation to purchase the property and their intention was to reestablish CTN on their own land. It is still the intention of the MISSION board to establish a tiny house community on this piece of property. The building was first nicknamed the “Purple House” due to its brightly painted exterior. It is now called Jimmy Hill House in honor of the now-deceased exemplary leader who helped guide CTN and served as MISSION Board President. Jimmy Hill House was acquired in the fall of 2012. Many people don't know this, but Jimmy Hill lived under the U.S. 23 bridge near Carpenter Road for five years before Caleb Poirier invited him into Camp Take Notice on Wagner Road. Jimmy Hill was a natural leader and instantly became one of the favorites at Camp Take Notice. Jimmy Hill led weekly camp meetings, he helped new residents learn the art of winter survival and provided residents with hours of entertainment, regaling them with stories about his colorful past. Jimmy Hill continued to show leadership, when MISSION acquired the Stone School Road property and even helped choose the distinctive color scheme which has become a trademark of MISSION. Jimmy Hill rose to be the first homeless president of MISSION and is still loved by many today. His slogan was so simple and yet so powerful, "It is what it is." Many Camp Take Notice friends had this slogan tattooed to their forearms after he passed. Nowadays Jimmy Hill House hosts the Weather Amnesty Survival Program which provides emergency shelter from November to April to individuals trespassed from other overnight warming shelters. Mercy House Mercy House of Ann Arbor was opened as a private home of Ms. Peggy in September 2013. She sold her Burns Park home and moved to a house in Ann Arbor’s West Side which is close Jimmy Hill Memorial House in 2012, before renovation. to the Robert J. Delonis Center. Peggy and Sheri Wander, a peace advocate and resident of CTN, wanted to provide social services modeled after Dorothy Day’s Catholic Worker Movement, along with Jane Addam’s “Hull House” social work project for addressing the needs of the poor, the hungry and the destitute on Chicago’s West Side. The Mercy House location is still a private home that works in partnership with MISSION. This month, it is celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Many community members have been to Mercy House on Saturday for “Peggy’s pancakes” or their annual Christmas party. Peace House The Peace House of Ypsilanti was opened by Sheri Wander and her partner Patrick Jones in September 2018. This month, we celebrate their fifth anniversary. Peace House Ypsi is a house of hospitality in the tradition of Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin and the Catholic Worker movement. Their mission is simply to love. By providing hospitality, nonviolently resisting injustice and living in solidarity with those on the margins, their mission is to build the world they envision by living it! Peace House has supported the creation of grassroots community projects Pull Over Prevention and Pet Pals Mutual Aid. Hospitality House Ypsi The newest house created under the umbrella of MISSION is Hospitality House, located in downtown Ypsilanti. September marks the first year anniversary of Hospitality House. The house is blessed with three capable and energetic leaders: Lindsay, Ben and Lauren. The house offers temporary shelter and has open hours twice a week for laundry, showers, meals and social time and is the homebase for the work of Washtenaw Camp Outreach. We are delighted to celebrate the anniversaries of Jimmy Hill House, Mercy House, Peace House and Hospitality House. All four houses exist to help the homeless and housing-insecure community members. Wise people say, “Rome was not built in a day.” It has taken a lot of “sweat equity,” “talent equity” and the sacrifices of church volunteers, student volunteers and other members of the community to make lives better and hopeful for the homeless of Washtenaw County. Final words from Brian Durrance, MISSION board member The first part of our MISSION acronym describes our organization's purpose. The words, "Michigan Itinerant Shelter System," acknowledge the basic truth that it takes a village to house the homeless. Many live in tents, some in tent cities, many in public housing, hotels — and many live in houses which have been opened in love. Houses like the Jimmy Hill Memorial are now joined by Mercy House, Peace House and Hospitaltiy House thanks to the gracious efforts of activists like Peggy Lynch and Sheri Wander. The second part of our MISSION acronym is our slogan, "Interdependent out of Necessity." These words boldly declare that we are a family. Homeless people needing assistance with food, shelter, clothing meet in the middle with those who come to assist. We are drawn to each other in love, each fulfilling a powerful personal need. MISSION began as a small camp behind the Arborland Mall; now it is a family which has grown larger and stronger and has survived over 15 years. And we are powered by pure love! SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 POETRY This is the real D.A. Groundcover contributor I can not see how so many can limit themselves. What I mean is, I am an individual, yet, as I'm a singular being. I'm not divided by this life I've lived, nor by a fragmented society of people we call our world. I'd like to say this, so that perhaps, someone will hear me and understand. If you've never been broken, you can't be rebuilt. Maybe the Mason that laid your foundation, not the beginning. I still say it, and I say it again. I'm an individual who is, has been, broken... I'm now choosing to stand up again. I may not have the endings or endings ... That can all depend. Let me get back to what I mean, what I'm attempting to convey, as I stand here giving you a taste. When you use the other eye. Use your own imagination. Catch a glimpse of another mindset. It's not just me, we can all feel misled, misunderstood, even be misguided in the midst of our very own thinking. Autumn rain RONALD PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Rain is falling sun is nowhere in sight. Autumn is calling we'll see, many a chilly night. On the street the poor will walk, disdain of them will be the talk. But many have met bad luck felt like run over by a truck. Reach out to them, some kindness share. At least show them that there are those who care. Rain is falling, taking a toll, rain is falling in someone's soul. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 A day in the life of Earl EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor A mastermind never forsakes his self for fortune or fame but for the dignity honor and safety of his people as a whole Sinner or a saint EARL PULLEN Some say I’m a Sinner some say I’m a saint I am what I am and I am What I aint — My light shines Better than A fresh coat of paint This is the story of a Sinner or a saint

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ENVIRONMENT Discussions are an everyday occurrence in our lives covering every conceivable topic and our opinions therein. Being one of the billions of inhabitants of this world negatively affected by the power-hungry corporate tyrants who have no concern over consequences, I often find myself childishly complaining about such soulless people in conversation — people who intentionally stand in the way of a better civilization and the overall planet. So I find myself expressing my disgust for those whose desires can never be satisfied and how alien such an existence is to my own. What really shocks me is the fact that these few people who hold the entire world hostage are quite clearly outnumbered by their victims. Yeah, we seem unable or unwilling at times to get up and knock these jerks off their seats of power. Just to clarify, I don't speak of people who are simply affluent. I'm talking about real monsters who got us dependent on their energy sources. My belief is these people are those who can control the energy market — more specifically the corporate corruptors who run the fossil fuels industry. These are the true power holders of the earth, not the social elite, not politicians and not even Elon Musk. I shouldn't need to point out that when it comes to all the oil is gone — especially because the damage it's doing is very apparent. Worst of all, it may already be too late for anything we do to even matter. But man, it would be an underJAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 clean alternative environmentally-blessing energy I think it's highly unlikely these guys are willing to embrace it. Today we have several means of renewable and clean energy and anyone with half a brain has asked the question, "Why the hell aren't we replacing the destructive burning of fossil fuels with it?" The first issue is that it can be very hard to just replace a current, tried-and-true, effective system for our energy needs, however finite it may be. I do feel that people who run this industry hold world-ending power though and I think they might be the type that if they go down they will take the whole damn planet with them. Also that level of power would probably require a planet-sized intervention to even challenge it. But we obviously can't just wait around until statement to say that a person who finds their own wealth and self-interest as more important than the world's and the human race’s interest “pisses me off.” I don't care how poor and unimportant people find me, being angry is one right I have that SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 The obvious uphill battle for a future with clean energy nobody can deprive me of and I know I'm in the right on this one. It's such a shame the situation is more complex than the solution being one big giant revolt descending on these people and dragging them down in the street. But sadly nothing is ever solved by such simplistic methods and certainly not when dealing with the corporate giants of any kind. And finally see ENERGY page 8  24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT As part of the 2021 COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act, Ann Arbor received $24 million. The City was given until the end of September 2026 to use the funds. An online survey and live question-and-answer session were conducted to gather a sense of how city residents wanted to see the funds spent. After hearing from several groups, the council made its decision this past April as to who would receive the funding. Although it is obvious that the pandemic increased the numbers of what is already a horrific humanitarian crisis known as homelessness, the bulk of the funding went to other projects. With the dire impact that was felt by those who were or became unhoused during the pandemic, it seems that it would have been the families on the streets who would have been most concerning to the city. For example, during the pandemic, the hotline for the shelter system failed and had to be retooled after getting backlogged with over 2,000 calls. Washtenaw District Judge Erane Washington lamented in a virtual presentation to the Washtenaw County Democratic Party that evictions were “piling up” due to the “astronomical” increases in rent. The judge noted that following her vacation she processed over 30 evictions, leaving families nowhere to go except the streets. These families added to the numbers of people who are “living in circumstances not fit for human habitation” as defined by the federal government. Yet, as it turned out, only around 25% of the funds were applied to a crisis that grew within this crisis. Not only did the numbers of people experiencing homelessness increase, but the conditions of those who were already unhoused became worse. GROUNDCOVER NEWS ARPA funds pilot guranteed income in Ann Arbor ELIZABETH "LIT" KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 Despite disappointing funding for those who are essentially left in the elements, a promising initiative for those who are struggling through homelessness emerged, a guaranteed income pilot program. It will help not only the unhoused, but those who are living in extreme poverty or poverty. Although the council approved the University of Michigan Guaranteed Income for Ann Arbor or “Gig A2,” it was not without challenges which included having the $2,300,000 dollar allotment reduced to $1,600,000. Those who can apply for the no-strings-attached funding are those who are, according to MLive, “… self-employed people, owners of formal or informal small businesses, gig workers and people with side hustles who have low incomes.” From there, 200 applicants will be chosen as participants with half receiving the $528 monthly payments and the other half serving as a control group. Every participant will be paid $50 for completed questionnaires. Associate Director of the program, U-M Social Work Professor Kristin Seefeldt, stated that whether or not an individual is chosen for the monthly check, it is important that each group participate in order to get a true understanding of the effectiveness of the study. 7 One of the most passionate proponents of the program was Councilwoman Linh Song who is eager to see the pilot up and running and is hopeful that when the funding expires, the city will continue it in the future. The Michigan Daily reported Song as saying that she “… hopes it will demonstrate that folks who struggle, work very very hard and work multiple jobs, are the cornerstones of their communities.” Momentum for guaranteed income may be gaining as Los Angeles, California, conducted a similar pilot in 2022. The aptly named program, BREATHE, selected 1,000 participants to receive $1,000 per month for three years. It is the sentiment of many programs leaning towards “unconditional income” that poverty and extreme poverty do not allow people to, well, breathe. The GigA2 program in Ann Arbor along with BREATHE in LA may provide evidence of what many have known all along. Unconditional giving may be the best way to give after all. For those who are interested in the Guaranteed Income for Ann Arbor study, the details can be found by visiting its website: https://giga2.org. 6

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AGENCY SPOTLIGHT Financial empowerment center launches in Washtenaw County JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor In a significant move to enhance the financial well-being of Washtenaw County's residents, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, in partnership with the national Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund, has announced the grand opening of the Washtenaw County Financial Empowerment Center. This initiative offers professional, one-on-one financial counseling and coaching as a free public service to local residents. The FEC model integrates financial counseling seamlessly into various social services, including but not limlimited to housing and foreclosure prevention, workforce development, prisoner reentry, benefits access, and domestic violence services. This holistic approach aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable program that uplifts the community towards greater economic stability. County Commissioner Justin Hodge, who represents District 5 and is Chair of the Board of Commissioners, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “A Financial Empowerment Center is a transformative initiative that will help empower Washtenaw County residents with the tools and guidance needed to conquer their financial challenges and envision brighter futures for themselves and their families." The FECs are staffed with rigorously trained counselors who provide oneon-one support to individuals with low to moderate incomes. Their mission is to assist clients in managing finances, reducing debt, increasing savings, and establishing strong credit. By investing in financial counseling as a tool serving a critical public need, Washtenaw County is taking a proactive stance in bolstering the success of various social services, ultimately creating a more economically stable community. To cater to the diverse needs of the community, the Washtenaw County FEC offers both in-person and virtual appointments. Moreover, the Office of Community and Economic Development has joined forces with three community organizations, enabling clients to access services at four convenient locations: • The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, 415 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. • Faith in Action, 7275 Joy Rd., Dexter. • Jewish Family Services, 2245 S. State St., Ann Arbor. • Eastern Michigan University, University Advising and Career Development Center, 878 Cross St., Ypsilanti, 200 McKenny Hall. Clients interested in making an appointment can do so via the Washtenaw County FEC website, washtenaw.org/FEC The Financial Empowerment Center is expected to become a cornerstone of accessible financial services in the Washtenaw community. It will not only complement existing programs offered by community partners but also enhance them. Faith in Action, one of the co-locations, shared their perspective on this development in a press release, emphasizing the significance of financial education in supporting households that struggle with money. “Being able to connect clients with individualized financial counseling and education is a great tool and is a part of creating more success financially for these households.” Partnering with community organizations is a key aspect of the FEC model. This collaboration streamlines access to financial services for vulnerable populations who are already utilizing services from partner organizations. It effectively creates a "one-stop-shop" for community members, removing barriers to access. The Financial Empowerment Center initiative extends its reach to the Eastern Michigan University community. Jessica “Decky” Alexander, Director of co-location Engage@EMU, highlighted the importance of this service for students. “We know that finances is one of the most consistent barriers to accessing and persisting through college, our hope is that the FEC will be a space and place to remove such barriers for years to come.” Similarly, Elina Zilberberg, Chief Operating Officer of co-location Jewish Family Services, emphasized the value of having this resource in their building. FEC counselors will be readily accessible to anyone needing help with personal finances, budgeting, and creating a solid financial plan. This service is expected to benefit both clients and members of the community as they seek wrap-around services from JFSWC. The FEC model has a proven track record of success across the United States. First piloted in New York City under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in 2008, FECs have collectively worked with almost 150,000 clients. These centers have helped individuals reduce individual debt by over $225 million and increase their families' savings by close to $45 million. An evaluation conducted by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund demonstrated the effectiveness of the program, even for residents with very low incomes and other complex financial challenges. Washtenaw County joins several dozen local governments across the nation in launching or planning to launch their local FEC initiatives. The Washtenaw County FEC is made possible through support from the CFE Fund and American Rescue Plan Funds. SEPTEMBER 22, 2023  ENERGY from page 6 there's the fact that these are the largest players of financial might the world has ever seen. I sometimes like to believe that people with such unimaginable power and resources will possess more lofty ideas for future industries that would ensure continued prosperity for the collective human race. Yet while some do make good use of their position, a great many more just hoard useless crap to show off with, then assign it to obscure storage-bound junk. And this is some valuable stuff — art that's not looked at or appreciated, cars not driven, homes not lived in and so forth. So I sometimes wonder to myself if these people ever give a thought to or experience any concern for their future. I mean there are possible catastrophes of a large enough scale to render everything they have worthless. Just because nothing has happened yet doesn't make the possibility of such an event non-existent. But if I were to bet on anything that would guarantee unity amongst humankind … it would be an epic global tragedy. I'm never entirely sure if I'm truly happy to be alive and experience this particular stretch of time in humanity’s progress. Obviously I live pretty comfortably compared to countless lives spent during more chaotic and unforgiving times. But with myself being a fan of science fiction, I would have loved to know the capabilities we would be permitted to achieve if we continue advancing throughout the coming years. And I mean achievements of mankind alone — without any interventions be them alien or divine. I have to say though, however undecided I feel about that, I do feel pretty damn privileged. I feel this way because I'm a sci-fi geek at heart and I get to witness some pretty important milestones in the environment in the advancement of technology. This is all just one small part as well as a subject I have some interest in. I utilize this to maintain positivity in my life. I believe a crucial part of life for any sentient being capable of emotion is being able to live with oneself. It certainly helps knowing right from wrong and possessing a reasonable and healthy viewpoint — something entirely your own and not what the external World deems necessary. That is why I choose to share these environmental concerns that I'm thankfully not alone in: to highlight perhaps the world's greatest environmental offenders and the gross negligence they demonstrate for the sake of corporate gain. The fact is, we indeed do possess less destructive alternatives yet have an inability to challenge and ultimately supplant such tyrants. And now it seems too great a coincidence that such a threat thrives in the absence of global and social unity. That pitting the common people against each other to ensure we remain divided and consequently powerless is such an effective yet obvious strategy. I feel it important to generate awareness of such a grim topic for several reasons, but I think my favorite would be the David versus Goliath irony. If I, myself being such an impoverished and unimportant element, actually kick-started a movement that would culminate in global superpowers’ ruin ... I would continue to hope such dreams will someday manifest in reality. Regardless of whatever scornful prejudices are aimed at me, I can at least sleep at night. SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 HARMONY The bees are back A beautiful thing that I have been seeing lately is the abundance of buzzing activity in the flower beds during my walks. Sadly, summer is winding down, and I have been trying to enjoy it by maximizing my walks. As I battled with a lot of things in the past few years, for some reason I always managed to keep track of bee news, whether it be bee Colony Collapse Disease, large sectors of agriculture shutting down due to the loss of the prime pollinator, bee colonies being devastated by pesticides (thank you Monsanto) or suffering from mite attacks, loss of habitat and global warming. While walking through Gallup Park the other day, as I was prepping my medication, a 420-friendly bee came and landed right on my medical flower. He seemed cool; I tried to explain to him/her that this flower was already cured and didn't need pollination. He just smiled and calmly flew away — he might have caught a contact high, at least I hope so. I hope he got some respite from his pollinator activities. Then there was another bee that tried global bee population? Is the Colony Collapse Disorder still spreading havoc? Are the bees still suffering from loss of habitat and pesticides and mite attacks? To my awesome happy surprise, I got MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor to attack me while I was inhaling my medication and I ended up having to fumigate him with my own lungs. I am extremely ecstatic that the bee population in Michigan is becoming noticeably more noticeable. I hope that the population throughout the world rebounds so that agriculture can flourish. The more organic we are, the better we will be. Our state depends heavily on agriculture. As an avid lover of Michigan cherries, boy I am happy the bees are back. The increased buzzful activity led me to googling: What is the status of the to read that the efforts of beekeepers seeking to mitigate the loss and the decline of the bee population in the United States have been successful. These beautiful people have been putting intense effort into making sure that the bee colonies of this country stay thriving. Their efforts have paid great dividends. So, to all of you out there throughout the lands of this beautiful nation, thank you for making sure that our bees are surviving, thriving, and happily twerking away the day on our pretty native Michigan flowers. I hope we all get to see them every summer on and on. It really is a beautiful sight; if you ever walk by a flower bed or a bush and you hear buzzing activities, just stop and look — look at them work, not worrying about nothing, not worrying about all the urban warfare that is being perpetrated on them. No pesticides, no mites, no colony collapse disease, no fumigations have been able to put them down because they know what they must do when they are doing it and God bless them for it. I love your sweet honey; I love what you do for the flowers; and I love that you get to fly being productive all day. And I am happy to say that I have never been stung by a bee, which means me and the bees be homies. (But if I do get stung, I will not hold it against you bees.) I am simply happy that your population is thriving here, and I hope that it thrives globally. Amen. May you all go on to pollinate all throughout the world blessing us with non-GMO, non-pesticide, non-monetized, beautiful, organic, whole fruits and vegetables. And of course, most importantly, honey, which goes good as a snack with cream cheese spread over any flat bread of any kind. Amen. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 My 80th year times a day for 10 days. I chose the My 80th birthday, celebrated last October, was a benchmark event in my life. Friends Meeting House was the perfect location and my friends Luiza and Elliott did the preparation that made it natural and simple. It did not follow the proposed plan of open mic and dancing because the many smaller conversations were so much more vibrant and better than the original plan. I think everyone met someone new and experienced themselves as born again in a positive social context. The food was wonderful and plentiful, as is common with community based potlucks. Quakers, Mennonites and Brethren are the three historic peace churches and each has a place in my life. They prepared me to have a relationship with the civil and social rights movements of the 1960s. Meeting Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk who Martin Luther King nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize, inspired me to be a draft resister on April 3,1968. King was assassinated the next day. His speeches are sacred relics of American history. Beyond Vietnam is required listening for those who want to know the essence of that time in history. What we face today is not a repeat of the past but it rhymes with all songs of freedom. The intensity of wealth KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 extraction from the global working class, including the corruption of public funds and the revolving door of the corporate state, is driving the people of poor third world countries to the first world, the core capitalist countries. Simultaneously, first world countries are turning into third world societies as supremacist elites invest in robots and artificial intelligence in order to maximize profits. Human beings become commodities in financial speculation. Pension funds become investors' toys. It can easily feel like one struggle, too many fronts, as we experience the results of our individual and collective actions. My 80th year is full of health challenges that shook me to the core, especially the acute chronic bladder retention that required an ER trip and a catheter for 10 days. I had to postpone a trip to Cuba. When the retention persisted. I was given the choice to do 10 more days or self catheterize three “hands on” option and was in the clear after several successful self-catheterizations. I was able to go to Cuba and deepen the core family of Daniela, the mother I have known since her birth, and Santiago Alberto, our shared son, who will be four years old on November 9 this year. Mother and son are both my “ahijados,” so I am a mentor, protector and spiritual friend. This is common in Cuban culture and promotes a deep and stable family. Daniela began meditating with me in 2006 when I was doing an Amitabha Buddhist retreat in Cuba. My niece Jayme, 23-years-old then, got a virus in her brain stem and went into a coma. I put her in the center of my meditation and Daniela sat with me and we went into profound meditative states, “at one with reality!” What a blessing. Our bond deepened when she announced that she wanted to live with me until I die. As I look at my 81st birthday, that offer is taking on new life as we live in the dialectic of change and what it means to “serve the people,” an important value that was widespread in the 60s and 70s and is reappearing today as we work in this world. I talked in 2017 about doing volunteer work at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra, the monastery in Woodstock, New York. Complex challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changed everything. Daniela did express the intention to live with and care for me until I die, once telling me that when I die I will be reborn to her. We plan to live together and I have an account with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to promote her immigration to Ann Arbor. I do not have the income to qualify as a sponsor but do have support from a backup sponsor which should pass bureaucratic review. Emigration from Cuba is challenging because of visa policies and high ticket prices due to corporate gouging. If the United States would end the blockade, which is an act of war, travel would be easier and emigration less likely. The American people are pretty oblivious to the results of U.S. foreign policy. Haiti is the showcase example of what can happen if you resist colonial or imperialist rule. The election of Aristede in Haiti was not accepted by the “rulesbased order” of investor elites. You may recall that coup d’etat. I hope you read “The People Are The Power” in the August edition of Groundcover News. I believe that perspective will help us “serve the people” in the difficult times before us. I also hope that we look back on the International Day of Peace as we move into the era when we “Compost War and Grow Peace.” “The harvest is great and the laborers are few” as Jesus put it. Let’s take the breath that empowers us to connect and do something good. Let’s plan to celebrate my 81st birthday and the Day of Che on October 8th.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRUTH OR LIES Truth or lies: The Quest Throughout the history of humankind people have searched from mountain plateau to every forest floor looking for the fountain of youth. In 1722 King George I of Great Britain had a secret exploration commission. He hired his dear friend, Thomas Chatham, and wife, Sabrina. He gave Thomas the best ship he owned, along with a crew of 30 men and seven women. Thomas's job was to explore the world north, south, east and west for 10 years in search of the fountain of youth. King George I never understood how far they could travel, or if they could even go across the world. However, he tried to prepare them as best as he could. He gave them instruments and mapping charts, navigational tools and all the food supplies the ship could carry. He even supplied them with gold, rubies and diamonds for trade, and weapons to protect themselves. He sent his best archers and fighters as part of the crew, to protect the ship and his cargo. In hopes of not attracting pirates, he named the ship the Explorer. King George I trusted in Thomas, Thomas's adventure went well, until they were stranded on an uncharted island for six months. After repairing the ship, they left the island heading southwest. Time passed swiftly. After five years FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 who was really his third cousin by marriage. They grew up together; Thomas' mother was George's father’s servant. King George I knew he was ill. However, he never let anyone know how sick he really was. His confidence was in Thomas, and finding the fountain of youth, in order to heal himself. He had heard rumors of how the fountain would heal his body and restore his youth. Thomas and his crew left Great Britain in 1722 heading east. He documented and charted every island, mountain and body of water they traveled through. The first two years of he traveled to over 100 islands, still not finding the fountain of youth. After the seventh year, he finally landed in Canada. He was surprised to find out that King George had died two years earlier. One night while in Canada, his wife was sitting by the fire and had a vision. She saw the fountain of youth. It was a pool with words pouring out of it. The words were from God, explaining how to conduct your life in order to have eternal life. She rushed to her husband's side and requested his attention. Sitting down in their quarters she explained to him about her vision. She told him how she had seen the fountain of youth and how it was spewing out words. Her interpretation was that it is God’s plan for us to have eternal life with Him, and while we are here He preserves us. Thomas’s wife said, “Enough is enough, I’m tired of traveling, and you need to understand the word of God. The only fountain of youth is his preservation for us. Let’s not chase at the rumors and instead hold on to God’s word.” After contemplating his wife’s words, Thomas sold his ship and purchased land. They built a house for every family who was willing to stay. They settled in Canada and raised their family of three children until God came for them. Thank you Truth Or Lies readers, but you voted wrong! "Randy the Racer," published June 16, was LIES. Vote on whether or not "The Quest" is Truth or Lies at groundcovernews.org SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be a voluntary purchase. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD No-knead soda bread LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour and some more for dusting ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt ¾ cup buttermilk or yogurt Directions: Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl using a wooden spoon or spatula. Dust a flat surface with some flour and roll the dough onto it, shaping it into a ball. Place the bread on the baking sheet and make two cuts across it with a sharp knife. Bake for about 30 min or until the bread sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. Eat on the same day or freeze, sliced or whole. SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 LUNCH OR DINNER WE’VE GOT YOU! Whether it’s $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 10/8/2023

2 $ JULY 28, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 16 ASK YOUR YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. You've got NO mail: tips on receiving mail while homeless. Page 7 VENDOR: WHAT IS YOUR BEST NICKNAME? GARY LEVERETT #554 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. HOUSED: Gary Jackson, Alcoholics Anonymous and being responsible for oneself. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER letter to the EDITOR Last Wednesday during our regularly scheduled lunch at Liberty Plaza, one of our guests was arrested. We were finished serving food, yes, but our community was still present and FedUp staff did all they could to stop the arrest, without success. I immediately followed up with three AAPD staff — an officer, a detective and a sergeant — all of whom have a working relationship with FedUp and an understanding that when FedUp is serving and guests are receiving services, no investigations will occur out of respect for the community and our work. How can people safely come to have their needs met if they are afraid police will go fishing in a pond? I was given the contact information of the lieutenant who is in charge of scheduling the Wednesday day shifts, and he is not responding to my requests for a meeting. It’s been three business days and two weekend days since I’ve reached out. In our past experience, police activity breeds more police activity. I am still working behind the scenes to meet with AAPD leadership about this gross misuse of power, but we need your presence with us. I was told that the man who was arrested for petty theft would be taken to the station, fingerprinted and released if there was no other warrant — meaning these officers exerted power over a community member (a non-violent community member they weren’t planning on even incarcerating) while compromising the integrity of our program and the safety of the rest of our community who no longer feel fully comfortable accessing our services. What was the point of doing that while our community members were gathered to receive services? If you’re able to come out to our free meals these next couple of weeks to observe, to hold space, and to work for justice and peace in our community, we need you. Ann Arbor Police Department, I’m willing to meet with you any time to work out an agreement that keeps our community safe and cared for. — Rev. Anna Taylor-McCants Need a Free Meal? FEDUP MINISTRIES FedUp serves good, healthy, food truck style food with dignity to communities that are food insecure and economically exploited by unjust racial and economic systems in the United States. email: info@fedupministries.org https://fedupministries.org/ Catch the Food Truck! Every Tuesday Lunch: @ Zion Lutheran Church, A2 Every Wednesday Lunch: @ Liberty Plaza, A2 @ Ypsi Transit Center Every Thursday Breakfast: @ 16 S Washington St, Ypsi 12pm-1pm God & Grub 12pm -1pm 1:30pm - 2:30pm 10 -11 am LiftUp NO QUESTIONS ASKED! YOU ARE INVITED HERE. JULY 28, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Al Mustapha Elizabeth Bauman Annika Burman David KE Dodge Gino Garcia Washtenaw Literacy Markona Love Mike Jones Ken Parks Anna Taylor-McCants PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Loga Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenberg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons Give Here Learn More JULY 28, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is your best nickname? G Junior. — Gary Leverett, #554 Big Mike. — Mike Jones, #113 T-Love. — Teresa Basham, #570 Joe Smoogums. — Joe Woods, #103 Halster. — Hal Klenk, #88 Tambito or Cuba. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Ronahnonamacon. — Justen White, #543 Rubber Ducky. — Juliano Sanchez, #174 B-Man. — B-Man, #172 Chill (not Will). — Mansel Williams, #96 Pony is actually my nickname! — Pony Bush, #305 Kung Fu Panda. — Cindy Gere, #279 Fuzzy. — Ken Parks, #490 GROUNDCOVER NEWS War, peace, commodity fetish and compliance culture The goal of U.S. foreign policy is to keep and extend the United States dollar as an indispensable global financial tool. Money is created at will by those in command. The gods of wealth and power create the illusion of eternal supremacy through their human servants. Many are those who succumb to this illusion and keep their noses to the grindstone with no time or energy to look honestly at their lives. Even in this dark age of chaotic and confusing conflict, there are those who speak the truth and many who understand simple and clear when they encounter it. Both Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy warned us of the military industrial complex and the need for peace. The war machine has grown like a cancer in the commodity-fetish culture of the capitalist political economy. “The invisible hand” (market forces) control resources, labor, production and distribution in order to maximize profit. War profiteering becomes central to budget and policy decisions. Despite the worldwide desire for peace after World War II, the warmongers moved to force Hollywood to glorify war and prepare for the next one to combat communism, the eternal enemy. General Reinhardt Gehlen, Hitler’s chief of intelligence on the Eastern Front, was recruited for the Cold War. His contacts in Ukraine have received CIA support from the time the Office of Strategic Services was dissolved into the CIA (in order to focus on regime change in the USSR and stop the Chinese revolution). The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a key player in the Cold War, was created to encircle the USSR. France’s invitation included the commitment to help them regain control of Vietnam and Algeria if they joined NATO and help in this effort. The promise that NATO’s nation Join Ken Parks August 14 at the AADL! membership would not move east was part of German reunification. The fact that the promise was not put in writing is the U.S. rationale for NATO expansion and aggressive war games with nuclear weapons nearby. NATO war crimes in Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria, and the de facto war in the Ukraine are now spreading to Asia as plans for war with China continue. KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 parts, usually self and other. Identity thinking can fixate on a separate self and intensify the separation from reality. This is a violation of natural law which clarifies the interrelatedness of everything. The basic step towards freedom is to recognize ignorance and give it up. The addiction to violence and war is born from a belief in dualism, the need to be a good person facing many “bad actors.” Facing reality is a challenge which is best countered when we The endless culture of war feeds an addiction to the adrenaline rush that violence gives to many. Those who glory in violence may be wellpaid in service of the empire. The supremacist ideology which promotes settler colonialism and subsequent imperialisms is deeply rooted in pathological ego formations. The struggle for peace and freedom begins with unconditional love, which is expressed through action. The accumulation of wealth and power by any means necessary is the religion of the global “commodity fetishism” culture, sometimes called the Washington Consensus of rules-based policy. War is the center for all decision-making as the corporate state revolving door for financial interests extends the “full spectrum domination strategy” into the digital age. Information control and the demand for your time is the front line in the war of full spectrum dominance. The demand to be in compliance with bureaucratic fiats based on terms and conditions that no one fully understands takes so much of our time that we easily forget to make our own life a priority. Preparations for nuclear war lie behind the mass shootings and the violence of everyday life, as democracy is replaced by autocracy at work and play becomes sensationalized consumerism. Our addiction to self-destruction is shocking. Scientists design food that is addictive with no real attention to nutrition. The data on this violence in food production and consumption points to sharp declines in mental and physical health. The many hormone-disrupting chemicals increase the health challenges we all face. The trauma of ignorance is wedded to a belief in dualism, the error of splitting reality into two pause for a breath with each obstacle and compost the energy of dualism into the energy of completion. Reality is complete by itself, all its parts are interrelated and united. To separate anything from reality is the error of dualism. The experience of this completeness is the simplest and most elusive of experiences because it has no cause and cannot be contrived. There are moments in history — such as the Awakening of Shakyamuni under a tree and Jesus on the cross — that instill awareness and gratitude for the completeness of reality. We have many ancestors. Indigenous-centered living opens the door to a grand display of our shared heritage. We share air, water and sun as well in the blessings of interrelatedness. We are at a crossroads of history now and clear choices can be made that help us discover our true nature. When compassion, loving kindness and wisdom arise, the struggle of humankind will change course from war culture to happiness culture. Our addictions to ignorance will be composted in the best way as we learn to benefit all beings without exception, self and others seamlessly. Please visit the following sites vfpgoldenruleproject.org, annarborcoalitionagainstthewar.org annarborcommunitycommons.org for more information. The Golden Rule sailboat team will be at the Ann Arbor downtown library August 14. We are planning Water Ceremony with Beatrice Menase Kwe Jackson, one of the indigenous elders of Michigan, and the Golden Rule on the Detroit River at Milliken State Park on August 15. See the flyer to the left for more details. Let’s keep in touch! 3

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING JULY 28, 2023 HOUSED: Gary Jackson, Alcoholics Anonymous and being responsible for oneself Groundcover News: Tell us about your journey to housing. Gary Jackson: I was born in Detroit and raised in Belleville. I had an unmanageable life for a while. I was drinking and panhandling, being mean to people — generally just unhappy. I tore up cars. My alcoholism played a big part in my life. I worked steadily for most of my life — several different jobs — but the drinking made it unmanageable. The alcohol took a big toll. When my mother and father died in the 90s, I was lost. I’m the youngest of eleven siblings, but I couldn't rely on my brothers or sisters. We were grown; I had to fight it out on my own. I went back and forth between Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo — in and out of county jail, hospitals — thankfully never prison. I was homeless off and on last year. I stayed with my brother for some time but that didn’t work out. I had to get a foundation in my life. Most recently, I became homeless because of a bad relationship in Kalamazoo; it was not healthy for me. I’ve been in Washtenaw County since January 3 of this year. I am in my 60s and I knew I had to get it in my head that I have to quit this. I didn’t know where my life was going until I turned around and got into recovery. I started in the 80s, but I couldn't stick with it. If I had, I would have had 30 years of my life back. that. Thankfully I already had my social security card and ID because that would have added on more waiting time. I needed references and had to fill out a large application. And the whole time I had to save my money. You need to have your finances in check. I worked multiple jobs. All of that required motivation and LINDSAY CALKA Publisher I moved into Hospitality House Ypsi in January which helped me stay motivated. Hospitality House is a Catholic Worker house in Ypsilanti. It motivated me to want my own space; I wanted to be responsible for myself. I had to bite the bullet, humble myself, save my money, set goals to move on. I started to lead Alcoholics Anonymous meetings there in January, and have kept it up since. I want to show other people it works, even where I come from. I’m proud and I’m thanking God I’m staying focused. GCN: What was the biggest barrier that you faced in obtaining housing? GJ: I was afraid I would lose my life. How many chances would God give me? I used Section 8 — which required a lot of coordinating with the Robert J. Delonis Center and my caseworker. I had to have proof of my birth certificate — which I didn’t have — so I had to order a birth certificate and wait for follow through. GCN: What is an unexpected, positive thing that most people expect when transitioning into housing? GJ: First, comfort. I wasn’t out in the cold anymore, sleeping outside. That was painful for me. How much pain could I take? Being homeless was a blow to the head. Second, keeping myself clean and fresh. I don’t have to go days without washing anymore. That’s a big plus: keeping my hair combed, brushing my teeth, keeping my hygiene up. It feels good to open my closet and see clothes and shoes to choose from. GCN: What pieces of advice would you give to people who are experiencing homelessness? GJ: If it's alcohol or drugs — any addiction that’s hindering you — you’ve got to change. I’m not gonna tell you to stop, but you’ve got to change. You’ll be tired of living the way you are living. You will feel good about yourself and will be more open to help — and helping others. It’s not easy. But there is help out there. Pay for the roof over your head first. Jackson organizes the AA meetings at Solidarity Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays 6-7 p.m. Then light bills, food, whatever. But housing first. GCN: What’s next for you? GJ: Right now I’m working part time at Michigan Medicine and the Salvation Army. I’m saving my money and building my credit up. My hospital bills accumulated, but I’m working on clearing them. Also, I am working on getting a car. My goal is to keep working, saving, and move up. I can’t wait to make an even bigger step. It’s only up from here. A quick history of housing segregation in the U.S ANNIKA BURMAN Groundcover contributor Most of us grew up in segregated neighborhoods, in segregated schools, with heavily racialized life experiences. On the surface, it should not be like this since the Civil Rights Act, passed in 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or nationality. However, many of us have realized that in actuality, government policies have continued to incentivize segregation, and individual biases have made it even more difficult to create an integrated, equitable society. Many people are surprised to hear that the United States was less residentially segregated in the 1890s than it is currently. Although racism was rampant, Black people and white people were more likely to live together, interacting on a daily basis for the sake of their career and relationships. Everything changed after the Great Migration in the 1910s. Over the next six decades, six million Black Americans moved north or west in pursuit of better job prospects. These poor Black families funneled into northern cities like Chicago, New York City and Detroit en masse, scaring white families into moving out of diversifying neighborhoods. White families used multiple tactics to keep Black people from moving into their neighborhoods, such as threats of violence, actual violence and policies by newly-founded Neighborhood Improvement Associations. One of the methods Neighborhood Improvement Associations used to enforce segregation was restrictive covenants — contracts signed by homeowners promising not to sell their property to people of color; sometimes these contracts extended across multiple generations. They also would collectively buy out Black residents to force them to leave the neighborhood after already moving in, fight politically for single-family residential zoning as opposed to apartment complexes, and they would boycott real estate agents that sold to Black people in their neighborhoods. Some real estate agents also strategically profited off of “white flight” through a process called “blockbusting.” Since segregated Black neighborhoods were overcrowded, wealthier Black families were eager to move to the outer edge of these disadvantaged neighborhoods or into majority-white neighborhoods that would afford them more opportunities and safety. Blockbusters sold properties in white neighborhoods to Black families at increased prices, profiting off of their desperation to escape neighborhoods suffering from systemic disinvestment. The real estate agent would go doorto-door informing the white residents in the area that the neighborhood was about to turn over. He would point to the Black family that just moved in across the street or Black teenagers he paid to brawl publicly that morning, then make an offer to buy their house for less than it was worth. He played into racial stereotypes in every step of the process, and Black families were the ones to suffer the most from his actions. The blockbuster knew that see SEGREGATION page 10  JULY 28, 2023 DIGITAL LITERACY GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 GET TO KNOW YDL! WHERE TO FIND US: Online at ypsilibrary.org Call us at 734-482-4110. WASHTENAW LITERACY Q: How can I tell if information I find online is accurate? A: The internet is absolutely filled with information, with millions of websites, articles, posts, and forums providing details and opinions about every subject imaginable. Wading through the google search results for any topic can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Sometimes you might even find two different sources online that contradict each other. When trying to get reliable information from the internet, it is really important to be able to tell which sources are credible, and which sources shouldn’t be trusted. One easy trick to help tell if a website is a reliable source of information is to look at the domain name of the website. If the website’s address ends in “.gov” or “.edu” there is a very high likelihood that the information found there is truthful. For a website address to end in “.gov” it has to be affiliated with a branch of the U.S. government at the federal, state, or local level. For a website to end in “.edu” it must be affiliated with a higher education institution. Because of the restrictions on their use, websites with these addresses are much more likely to contain accurate information. Another strategy you can use when sifting through the results of an internet search is to pay attention to the publisher, the author, and any sources that are referenced. If you are not familiar with the organization or website that is posting information, you should be more careful about trusting it. If the author of an article or website is someone reputable, such as a credentialed scientist or journalist, that is a good sign. If an article or website links to other sources that can also be a positive indicator of its trustworthiness. Even in those cases, it can still be a good idea to verify what you find by looking at other websites and sources of information. Try using additional internet searches to find out more about the publisher, author and claims made by online sources. It's important to keep in mind that sources can contain accurate information and still be biased. All the information contained in an article or website can be true, but other important information could be left out. This is another reason why it can be helpful to do additional research about your sources themselves. Looking at multiple sources that cover the same topic is one of the best ways to get the full scope of available information. It may go without saying, but you should be especially careful about information found on websites that have a clear agenda or that want to sell you something. Be aware that online advertisers often dress up their content to look like news articles. The top few results under Google searches are often there because businesses have paid for them to show up. Thankfully, google labels these results as “sponsored”. Avoiding sponsored content can help you find more reliable sources of information. Q: I’ve received an email telling me that several people who I went to high school with are trying to get in touch with me. I’m not sure if this is a scam or not. How can I tell if the emails I get are legitimate? A: Spam and scam emails have been around since the early years of the internet, and they remain a huge problem for email users today. Although most email services provide some form of automatic filtering, directing suspicious emails away from your inbox and into a special “spam” folder, it is always possible that some unwanted and/or nefarious emails will get through. Falling for a scam email can lead to hacked accounts, stolen money, and identity theft. To avoid those disastrous outcomes, it's crucial to remain vigilant when going through your inbox. Let's consider the suspicious email that you received, which claimed that several people from your old high school were trying to contact you. Since you are not sure if it is a scam email or not, my first piece of advice would be to avoid opening it or clicking on any links that it contains. Scam emails can’t hurt you if you never open them. If you have any suspicion that something might be a scam, it's usually best to err on the side of caution. That being said, sometimes you want to be really sure. If your former highschool classmates really are trying to get in touch, you wouldn’t want to leave them hanging. A good first step is to think about why you’re suspicious that the email might be a scam email in the first place. Ask yourself if you did anything recently that would prompt your old classmates to reach out to you. Unexpected or unsolicited emails are more likely to be scams. If you recently signed up for a mailing list at a class reunion, there is a greater chance that the email is authentic. Otherwise, it's likely to be a scam. Checking an email’s sender can also help you determine if it's legitimate or a scam. It's a good idea to check the sender's exact email address in addition to the name that shows up in your inbox. Do you know who the sender is? Scam emails are almost always sent by unfamiliar email addresses. Pay special attention to what shows up after the @ sign in the sender’s email address. If it's something unusual that’s a red flag. Once you’ve seen the sender name and email address you can do a google search asking if they are a scam. Other people might have already fallen victim to the scam and posted about it online. Keep in mind that scammers will sometimes send emails that look like see DIG-IT page 11  TO GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD: 1) Fill out the easy online form at ypsilibrary.org/library-cards. 2) Call 734-482-4110 3) Or stop by any YDL location! DON’T HAVE A DRIVER’S LICENSE? We can work with a variety of IDs to get you your card. FEATURED RESOURCE Get YDL info in your inbox! Want emails about all of YDL’s great resources and events? You can choose the categories you’re most interested in to make sure you don’t miss anything! Scan below to get started or visit ypsilibrary.org. FEATURED EVENT Document Shredding Aug 26 10am-1pm YDL-Whittaker Bring up to four copy paper boxes or grocery bags of documents per person. Staples, paper clips, and rubber bands are OK. See ypsilibrary.org/events for full list of allowed materials. Limited to residents of the City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, and Superior Township. Funded in part by a Washtenaw County Waste Reduction Sponsorship.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EMPLOYMENT Give it up for FedUp! question: What is your favorite thing about working or volunteering for Fed Up Ministries? And everybody had the same answer: the community they serve. I interviewed Kimberly Sells and MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Let’s give it up for FedUp Ministries: they’ve been putting in work throughout Washtenaw County. From Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti, they have been feeding low-income and homeless people, not only food to sustain life, but also food for thought and spiritual growth, while also providing employment and volunteering opportunities in our community. I want to give a shoutout to a few of the many wonderful people that make FedUp happen: Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church Rev. Anna Taylor-McCants, kitchen team leader Corey Fuller, volunteer Kimberly Sells, kitchen staff Todd Crawley, kitchen staff Brandy Hill, and volunteers Marissa Moore and Phil Huhn. I had a chance to talk to my friends at Liberty Plaza in downtown Ann Arbor, and I asked them all the same Marissa Moore who are college interns. Sells, who has volunteered for one year and now has finished up her internship and is a recent graduate, is moving out of state to further her career and continue to be involved in communities such as this one. Moore is now on her third week of volunteering and will be continuing for a year also. She said she enjoys interacting with the community and the environment Fed Up Ministries provides. As usual on Wednesdays, you can find the big food truck at Liberty Plaza in Ann Arbor at noon and the Ypsilanti Transit Center at 1:30pm. But now the community can also find the big food truck at the Ypsilanti Marketplace every Thursday morning at 10 a.m. for breakfast. Heads up — FedUp Ministries announced mobile showers and laundry units for those in need at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market location every Thursday morning. Come to any one of these three locations to enjoy the food, community and more. Top: Chandra takes the mic at FedUp's Thursday morning worship breakfast. Left: Two employees pull the food truck into the Ypsilanti Transit Center for Wednesday's lunch. Right: Pastor Anna (pictured right) and Shivana (pictured left) during lunch service at the YTC. JULY 28, 2023 JULY 28, 2023 HOMELESSNESS GROUNDCOVER NEWS You've got NO mail: tips on receiving mail while homeless Being able to receive mail is a blessing many take for granted. The first letter I remember writing was a handwritten one I wrote to my adoptive maternal uncle. He had immigrated to the United Arab Emirates from Sudan. I was excited to write my first letter, as it was being delivered by a traveling relative who was also going to the United Arab Emirates for work. I believe it was about my impending trip to California from Sudan. When I was a labor-seeking immigrant in Qatar, living in a workers' house populated by a multitude of African migrants with different life stories, one of those stories stuck with me and is related to this topic in a way. There was a retired Sudanese police officer working in Doha as a Public Relations Officer. He was building a house back in Sudan and supporting his kids through college. We were discussing the nostalgic feeling of receiving a letter from a loved one or family as an immigrant in a different country, before the time of emails, cell phones and text messages. Letters would only be delivered by traveling relatives or neighbors, so it was difficult; illiterate relatives would record their messages on cassette tapes. Hearing the voice of a relative was far sweeter than reading the handwritten messages. Mr. Ahmed Ali, the retired officer, talked about how important it was to receive those letters from his wife and family. He described how excited he would be to get some news, the wait for the relative to arrive, the awkward moments when he arrives from overseas but is tired and must rest, and it is rude to bombard him to unpack the letters and parcels, the care packages, the homecooked meals. The officer went on to detail how he would retrieve his letter and then, as a grown man, would climb to the roof of the house to read the letters in peace by the moonlight, so as not to be seen crying by the other housemates. I have received my fair share of letters in my life. I even thought about working for the post office; it is an awesome job, notwithstanding the nuisance of pet canines. As a homeless man, it gets very difficult to accomplish daily tasks of modern civilian life without the necessary tools. I am one of the lucky houseless people who had a valid form of ID when I became homeless, but many of my fellow houseless humans don't. Another one of these “necessary tools” is an address — required on all job applications, for deliveries of important documents and as a way to receive vital communications. As an experienced houseless individual who wishes to relate his experience to other fellow humans for the sake of convenience, I am going to detail the options available for receiving mail as a houseless individual: • For those of you who are homeless Group mailboxes at the Groundcover News office. Vendors are able to receive mail at Groundcover. Names blurred for privacy. or facing homelessness, you can utilize the address of the Delonis Center. You can sign up with the Delonis Center, and they will open a file for you there to receive mail. It is a free service, and you can check on your parcels every day. The reception staff are awesome human beings and will always accommodate your requests. Additionally, a multitude of service organizations, community and social centers, both humane and religious, will also allow you to utilize their address. • PO Box: You can sign up for one at the local post office. You will need two forms of ID, at least one with a photo. Prices vary, and you can check your mail anytime the post office is open. • General Delivery: Certain USPS offices will allow you to pick up your mail at the post office if you do not have a permanent address. • Virtual Address: These are virtual office addresses run by companies. You pay a monthly subscription or annual service fee to rent their address solely for receiving your mail. They will open and scan the contents of the mail and email them to you on a daily basis if you consent. Some of these companies like iPostal1.com and mailbox. com will charge a fee starting at 14.99 a month for 60 pieces of mail. Lastly, you can use the address of relatives or friends, but that may burden the address holder and put you in an awkward situation with your friends or family, especially if you don't want them to know that you are homeless. There are a multitude of services that houseless individuals cannot utilize due to the lack of a proper mailing address. It is part of civilian life to be able to receive, deliver and exchange ideas, information, and communication. It is disheartening that fully functioning humans miss out on opportunities because they lack an address to receive communication. In all cases, I pray for the day when we are all sheltered not only physically from the elements but also mentally and emotionally from the evils and sorrows of life. Amen. I wish that you all receive a nice piece of mail soon. Love, peace, happiness, and good karma are coming your way. I am happy that we are blessed once again. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS IN REVIEW Read "Outsourcing Duty: the Moral Exploitation of the American Soldier" DAVID KE DODGE Groundcover contributor Over five years ago, I wrote a book review which was published in the May 2018 issue of Groundcover News. The book reviewed in that issue is titled "What Have We Done: The Moral Injury of Our Longest Wars" by David Wood. At the time that book was written in 2016, the concept of moral injury in veterans and service personnel who are racked with guilt over things they have done in combat was just starting to receive attention by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. In his book, Mr. Wood comprehensively describes what is meant by “moral injury” and the state of the art of helping persons who suffer from moral injury. In "Outsourcing Duty," Robillard and Strawser redirect the issue of moral injury from its burden upon veterans and service personnel, to parties who, in a sense, obliviously carry guilt, which is, to my mind, greater and more shameful than that of combatants: the citizens of the nation which grooms, targets, selects, recruits, trains and sends especially vulnerable parties into combat in never-ending, gratuitous wars. The term “the one percent” has been around for some time, at least as early as the start of the Great Recession of 2008, referring to the one percent of the U.S. citizenry who control a vastly disproportionate amount of the nation’s wealth. “Outsourcing Duty” redirects its readers’ attention to another one percent: the portion of the U.S. citizenry who incur “dirty hands” on behalf of another portion who, in too large part, is indifferent to the nation’s eternal war-making. The maldistribution of the moral burdens of war creates a sense of injustice in our military personnel. This is succinctly characterized by the statement of an unknown service member who served in Iraq, which heads up chapter three of the book: “We were at war while America was at the mall.” Those of us who no longer wish to be obliviously complicit in our nation's war mongering will do well to read this book. "Outsourcing Duty" is available online at my favorite bookstore, Literati, for $38. Buy it, read it, keep it. JULY 28, 2023 JULY 28, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. Pitch a story Leave a comment Join our newsletter listserv Ask a question Fill out volunteer interest form Make a donation Visit our website ... all on the Groundcover News LinkTree!

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EDUCATION The students America forgot GINO GARCIA Wolverine Pathways student contributor I currently attend an alternative high school in Ypsilanti. As only 1.6% of students attend an alternative school, I have a different experience than many. I used to think of alternative schools as where the worst possible students attend school – juvie. But this common preconceived notion I had was ultimately shattered. Further adding to my rare perspective is my identity as an Asian-American student; a demographic almost non-existent in the alternative education system. Enrolled, but without particular reason, I spend most of my time feeling like a fly on the wall, just an outsider looking in. Having been there for well over a year, it has gifted me my most cherished school-related memory. That memory is one of accomplishment and joy — but not of my own personal accomplishment and joy. It was one of my first days there as I sunk into a routine of plopping down on a chair, eyes fixated on a  SEGREGATION from page 4 other Black families would be trying to move into the comparatively prosperous neighborhood, so he would resell the properties to Black families for unreasonably high rates, knowing they were short on other options. Often, the real estate agent would also subdivide existing single-family homes into smaller units to make more of a net profit. The end result was merely an expansion of the poor, Black neighborhoods, with little improvement in living conditions. By the end of the 1940s, cities were incredibly segregated and racial tensions were high. World War II would be ending soon and the 16 million Americans who served in the war would be coming home. President Truman enacted a program through the Federal Housing Association to significantly subsidize the construction of suburban housing for veterans returning home — a plan that fully realized the American dream for millions of white families, increasing their generational wealth to this day. The FHA also offered a similar program that would insure home mortgages for “promising” neighborhoods. In order to determine where the new housing should be built for the best return on investment, the FHA would assign neighborhoods different colors: green and blue meant a good neighborhood, red meant bad. The catch? Neighborhoods with people of color computer screen, engrossed in schoolwork. But this was not a routine day. Commotion jolted me out of my trancelike state. I darted my eyes to find out what's happening; in front of me, a student excitedly spoke with a teacher. She proudly revealed she had just graduated, and the dozen people I shared the room with applauded her, celebrating the grand accomplishment. Joining in felt like clapping for someone I had known for a lifetime. But I didn’t know her. And I would imagine that those dozen people hadn't known her either. At the moment, we supported that student as a community despite our lack of familiarity with her, cheering for someone some of us didn't know before then — it’s why I treasure that moment still to this day. An alternative school’s provided sense of community and support could be treasurable factors to others as well. It remains an option for those going through excruciating life circumstances such as homelessness, teen parenthood and LGBTQ+ discrimination to further their education. But unfortunately, lots were almost automatically rated red and undesirable. So as white families’ real estate was being subsidized, Black families were left behind in the inner cities in divested neighborhoods. To make matters worse, the FHA’s neighborhood rankings were used by a wide range of industries, private and public, including real estate developers, real estate agents, business owners and banks, to determine whether a place was a good investment. Even wealthier Black families were less likely to be approved for mortgages, largely due to their zip code. After millions of white Americans moved to the suburbs, companies followed suit, thereby decreasing the job opportunities for Black Americans in the city. The resources they needed were leaving, but they were unable to follow. Black men could not find manufacturing jobs nearby, so many of them dropped out of the workforce. Black women started to work in the service industry to make up for the loss of income from manufacturing jobs in their communities. In many ways, this is a story of generational wealth and racial oppression. For centuries, Black families have been blocked from the same government services and funding on which white families have built their wealth. Efforts to create more affordable housing for Black families has been lackluster. Public housing, for example, was often built in isolated, undesirable neighborhoods that lacked nearby job of alternative schools across the country don't provide this type of community or safe environment. For many students, alternative schools are places they're sentenced to, not options. According to a 2017 ProPublica Survey, 29 out of the 39 State Education Departments stated that school districts retain the power to transfer students involuntarily to alternative programs due to disciplinary infractions. A staggering number of students are involuntarily sent to these schools for minor offenses and entirely fall off their educational track. Furthermore, this survey demonstrates that these transfers contribute to America’s decrease in graduation rates and academic performance. On top of that, a majority of these institutions lack the resources to offer adequate mental health support for the students sent their way. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 47% of traditional schools had at least one social worker, whereas, for alternative schools, that number is an abysmal 26%. In every school district opportunities or social connections with people who did not surveyed, students had experienced debilitating trauma such as homelessness, poverty, the death of a loved one or gang violence; such findings remain consistent with trauma research surrounding behavior and education. From staffing issues to low budgets, these institutions lack the capability to meet the students' psychological needs. Unfortunately, this is another case of the embarrassing lack of support for the most underserved and vulnerable populations in the United States. Lacking the necessary funds to make a widespread difference, these schools struggle in a climate where public education is already underfunded enough as it is. This experience has changed my perception and opened my eyes to the pitfalls of America's education system. My time there has imparted me with an experience I hold dear while fueling my desire to bring awareness to our system’s downfall. Thus, alternative schools require an extensive revamp, noticeably because the students attending them always end up forgotten. JULY 28, 2023 live in extreme poverty. Its infrastructure was also not maintained. Still today, middle-class, educated Black families live in fundamentally different neighborhoods from white middle-class families. Even the few Black neighborhoods that managed to thrive despite the countless obstacles they faced continued to be targeted by racist policies and development. In the 1950s, for example, highways, stadiums and luxury housing were purposefully built on majority-Black neighborhoods to displace them from desirable locations. The Black residents were not paid the full value of their property, were not given a choice to stay and were not provided with equal-value housing elsewhere in the city. Today, there continues to be a lack of affordable housing. This harms low-income people, who are disproportionately people of color, but other populations also bear the consequences of a lack of diversity and working class people in their city. Before we judge someone’s living or financial situation, we should remind ourselves of the near-insurmountable obstacles that have plagued people of color for hundreds of years. It is in all of our interests to fight for more affordable housing in Ann Arbor, and to provide services to help those that our current housing market has failed. We made decisions in the past that got us into this mess, and now we must consciously make decisions that lead us out of it. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS JULY 28, 2023 LOVE BY LOVE Love by Love: "Saving the Lost" At what point does a homeless person become completely disconnected? So disconnected that other people are only a temporary access to their necessary functionalities. They've become NUMB! Numb to dumb the blues of pain and sorrow. The glazed over look with no emotional energy, the air of surrender and for every action, it feels as if to go on is to draw energy from the very marrow of the bones holding them together — the feeling that one more confusion could break them. The view ahead may become dim and short-sighted … so much so that the near-sightedness is, “if it ain't within my grasp, then it's of no concern to me.” The will to push on is fading out of sight. Many assuredly would say I'm being far reaching on where I presume them to be — I could reply, "Have you been there?” I have been there, briefly, but enough to understand what I'm witnessing. I was one lucky SHB (special human being, pronounced “sheb”), in a cast that felt as if it was the size of a lotto draw, when an Angelic Light shined a new way for me. In the end, it was just luck that pulled me out … that a savior was there to help me: right place, right time. How do land brokers put it? Location, location, location. Then, how do the majority of 'the Lost and the Lonely' get back when they've apparently checked out? LOVE!!! We first talked about our SHBs in the article “What the Streets Took,” then continued the conversation in “Kona's Right Light” and finally started reaching deeper into questions for solutions in “Back in the Crack.” Meanwhile, the beat-down continues to disconnect the Lost. By beat-down, I refer to the summation of our previous discussions in my articles (and references), while the housing crisis and inflation are getting worse, stacking more on our SHBs. Who does or doesn't get the lucky paths? The same paths don't go the same way for everyone. Making the right choice is sometimes the wrong choice. Nobody can ever know what awaits us down that road. We are all One, the same with the exception of choices, or detours that lead us down alternate paths. Once the Lost are completely disconnected, they will start the spiral down the ‘rabbit hole.' Some never return to reality. So, the first step is to reach in and pull them out … that is all about Love and patience. They may then be able to reconnect through social services, BUT unless MARKONA LOVE Groundcover contributor the system adjusts to find a way to keep from losing them again, most of them will fall back out. Are you able to not take offense from their brash response? Can you be of no judgment, regardless of you not being able to understand their choices? Are you fully sincere? Let me forewarn you. This is a daunting and possibly dangerous task. Living on the street, you better be ready to defend yourself. The Lost are bound to be about nothing but defense. More or less, in a constant state of PTSD (fight or flight). Can you be there to support them in their new awareness? This would be a good follow-up question to how far you can go with them — this isn't just giving a peddler a dollar on the corner. This is a commitment. This is a sacrifice that Loves you back. Questions to oneself should be posed in advance of an approach of that manner. A hasty approach could merely scare somebody off and make them even more reluctant to connect. Sensitivity and patience must be the virtues when attempting to bond with someone who may feel completely broken, also probably justifiably guarded (not paranoid, necessarily). They may feel the need to feel you out, test your resolve a little, to know you’re for real. Don't take it personally. Just because you might not see light in their eyes, be assured, it's hiding in them, burning the fire to fight on. They only need a brave, compassionate hand to reach in and pull them out. That's a lot, though everything is measured in relativity. There have been many more anonymous, selfless, gifted humanitarians through history that lived and died in obscurity, than the few raised high. Real, compassionate human beings are what's needed to save our SHBs. The point being made is that, stop looking to anyone else other than you to take a pause in life to help start someone else's back up. "If you can't change the World, change yourself." [Matt Johnson] A column on compassion At what point after the 1960s did corporate America start regulating Love distribution, and when did the hippies stop giving Love — stopped saving LOVE? Oh, that's right, capitalism … "Love for Sale." Americans are programmed consumers looking to the billboards for a dictation on how they should look, feel and express themselves, followed by the rest of American society. "Conform or be cast out." Everybody is more concerned about how they appear to others than what they do to and for others. I wanna call out to our Disconnected, our Lost, but they can't hear us. They are not listening anymore. This is why I'm speaking out loud to my readers. Please my 'Loving Concerned' (what I call the ones following my message of Love and Acceptance) open your hearts and feel someone else's pain. That is Empathy. Feeling someone else's pain takes some of that person's burden. Real Love is sacrifice. Love is not used to sacrifice, it is created from within the act. This final call to action is to the ones that already live in the world of the Lost, our active SHBs can help others, help the Lost, by sharing knowledge of street and the Lost. Nobody knows more about how the Lost got lost than the homeless that are a step behind them — but hopefully getting a step forward. SHBs have already learned how to be humble, empathetic, compassionate and understanding and know better than to judge. Come on SHBs let’s bring the others back, they may end up being the one to have a hand for you when life turns. Anybody remember when there was some authenticating still to the statement “Love Thy Neighbor?” By this time in human history we shouldn't need that statement to be a Commandment — we should be in a place in our humanity where we would consider nothing less, than to know we all deserve that Love. Human beings want Love, to give Love. Giving Love is receiving Love. When you Love others, you Love yourself … So, Love the way in which you desire to be Loved. "Without a noise, without my pride, I reach out from the inside." [Peter Gabriel] This is the call to action: How do we urgently connect with these Lost/disparaged individuals that the system is aware of, but can't connect to using conventional protocol? The system's most recent solution, the Deja Vu nightmare ... "put 'em' in a Sanitarium." All the Grace to Our Lost, may they find their way back to us, more assuredly with our compassionate reach. We all should be so blessed. Sincerely, MarKona Love (with Kona) Author's Note: Kona opened my eyes on how to Love (choosing sacrifice) and how to truly witness and experience Life at its fullest, regardless of determent. She will always be the light that shines upon my path through this Cosmic Journey … and keeps me connected. I sincerely wish everyone to be so fortunate. For comments or suggestions for upcoming topics, please email me at konagod.love5@gmail.com GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  DIG-IT from page 5 to a fake website. Thankfully, there are some ways they are from a legitimate service, like Netflix or Amazon. These emails, known as phishing emails, try to trick you into entering your login information on a fake version of the website that they claim to be from. A common phishing tactic is to tell you that your account has been canceled and that you need to login to reactivate it. If you receive an email like this, don’t click on the link in the email. Instead, use your web browser to navigate to the website in question just like you usually do. That will allow you to check if there are really any problems with your account, without being redirected that you can avoid receiving scam and spam emails in the first place. The best way to limit unwanted emails is to be really careful about where you enter your email address online. Only enter your email address on websites you totally trust. If you don't have to, try not to enter your email address at all. You can also set up a separate email account just to use when a website or service asks you for your email. Using a separate email to sign up for online accounts can help ensure that your primary email account will only receive legitimate correspondence.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Roasted garlic aioli ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 garlic bulb 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 6 oz jar artichoke hearts 3 Tablespoons of lemon juice 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard 1 cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Cut off the pointed end of the garlic bulb and place the bulb on a piece of tin foil. Drizzle with tablespoon of oil. Roast at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or until soft. Remove from the oven and let cool; squeeze pulp from garlic cloves. Place in a blender with artichoke, lemon and mustard. Blend for a few seconds and JULY 28, 2023 then add mayonnaise. Blend well. Chill. Serve with fresh vegetables, blanching the veggies if needed. Support an Alternative Business Model Local - Organic - Member-Owned Your Ypsilanti source for healthy, eco-friendly food and goods INVEST BY BECOMING A MEMBER! 7 principles of Co-ops Voluntary, Democratic, Equitable, Independent, Informative, Collaborative, Community We make it affordable: Frequent Sales/Use Your Bridge card/Ask us about Double Up Food Bucks Visit us for 312 N. River St. (734) 483-1520 www.ypsifoodcoop.org unique cards and local, handmade items too $2 OFF your purchase of $15 or more One coupon per transacton Must present coupon at time of purchase IT’S SUMMER, LET’S GET GRILLIN’! $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 8/15/2023

2 $ JULY 14, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 15 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. New Yspi Cafe focuses on community, promotes local art, provides healthy meals Page 10 MEET YOUR VENDOR: SCHILLINGTON MORGAN PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Public art sculpture by Terra Incognita on display at Ingall's Mall during Ann Arbor Summer Festival. This installation was one of many elements of the series “Ann Arbor is Burning — a celebration of the radical queer imagination” organized by Express Your Yes Foundation. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK Groundcover News’ third Community Arts Edition showcases works by Groundcover artists and creatives in the greater Washtenaw community. Through the pieces we publish we challenge the idea of what “art” is and is not. We aim to uplift art practices of all kinds — poetry, sculpture, painting, activism and more. This year, our Community Arts Edition unintentionally took up a theme: art spaces in Washtenaw County. On pages 10 and 11, we highlight Now Studios in Ann Arbor and The Deep End Cafe in Ypsilanti. Both art spaces are not only promoting marginalized artists, but also showing through practice what is possible in these environments. the meaning that is born out of knowing the people behind the product. Behind every piece of art is an artist! That is why we are hosting a LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director Groundcover News Community Art Market on the evening of Friday, July 21, 4-8 p.m. (weekend of the Ann Arbor Art Fair). If you’re heading downtown for the festival already, consider stopping by Bethlehem United Church of Christ, There are many homeless and low-income artists who do not have access to gallery spaces to sell their work, exception for limited sites on the internet where customers cannot meet the artist and connect to them as people. At Groundcover, we understand the importance of face-to-face interactions and meeting the artist vendors and purchasing their products. If you avoid the Ann Arbor Art Fair at all costs, consider making an exception and come downtown to hang with the Groundcover crew! Poster by Mira Simonton-Chao JULY 14, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Almustapha Teresa Basham Noah Bodie (Nobody) Luiza Duarte Caetano Christopher Ellis Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Mike Jones Eric Kopchia Layla McMurtrie Ron Pagereski Denise Shearer Laurie Wechter Joe Woods PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Sandy Smith Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES PACKAGE PRICING Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JULY 14, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Butterfly art pleasant Art made of butterflies is very to see. Butterflies have beautiful, unique colors at times. There are all kinds of butterfly artwork. Sometimes it calms people to look at butterfly art and it is very comforting for me to look at butterfly art. You can use butterfly art in all seasons of the year. I like to wear clothing that Schillington Morgan, vendor No. 148 Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Not all the same place – wherever there is an open spot. When did you start selling Groundcover? In 2012 or 2013. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Talk with righteous people. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? The People’s Food Co-op. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I am not phony. What's the worst thing about selling Groundcover News? When some people do not want the truth. What are you most likely to become famous for? Inventing things. What are your hobbies? Art. I just started doing it. What would you do if you won the lottery? Buy Big Momma’s House so good people could have a place to stay. What do you wish you knew more about? How to get and stay in HEAVEN! What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? Not to keep building and bringing in the fake, unrighteous people. What's the best way to start the day? Sing my prayers to our Lord. What's the most impressive thing you know how to do? Make things when I get good ideas. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Be with our Lord God forever. has butterfly art. And sometimes on Halloween, I like to use butterfly wings and be a fairy princess. Butterfly wings can be used for fairy princesses and even angels. There can also be such a thing as a Christmas butterfly — that’s going to be a different article from me sometime. Butterflies can be brown, orange, blue, yellow, a lot of different beautiful colors. It’s good to make butterfly pillows too. And you can make butterfly dolls or stuffed animals. I like to color and cut out butterflies and decorate my home with them. and comforters, butterfly pajamas and purses with butterflies on them and butterfly earrings. A song that I really enjoyed by Bob Carisle is called “Butterfly Kisses.” And Denise Williams made a song called DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 “Black Butterfly.” Butterflies are very beautiful beings that God made. We can enjoy them and imagine them in a lot of beautiful ways. For Pride month, there can also be rainbow butterflies of different colors. I’m going to buy some butterfly stickers and decorate my wheelchair and some of my personal belongings with them. You can also get butterfly dishes and maybe decorate your bathroom and bedroom with butterfly stickers and pictures, too. I went to the Detroit Zoo and saw a butterfly exhibit full of real butterflies. You can make animations of butterfly people, too. I like butterfly bedsheets GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 JOE T-Shirts JOE WOODS Groundcover vendor No. 103 Groundcover News was first founded as a street paper to help homeless people provide basic necessities for themselves while going through their transition to housing. Over the years, Groundcover has evolved in many different ways to address more than just basic necessities and a roof over your head. Groundcover News actually gives people the opportunity, resources and support to achieve dreams and goals on top of providing a decent, legal income for themselves. And I say that because of vendors within the organization — myself included — who utilize Groundcover to the fullest to start and or pursue different goals. I started a t-shirt company called JOE T-Shirts: Jesus Over Everything, LLC. I first thought of the concept because my initials are an acronym for “Jesus Over Everything,” but the main concept is Jesus, and my goal is that my T-shirts plant positive seeds all over the world as people read my messages on my shirts. Joe’s limited edition 2023 Hash Bash T-shirt design. So come by our Community Art Market at Bethlehem United Church of Christ on Friday, July 21, 4 – 8 p.m. and grab a shirt or two. You'll be getting a great product and also helping out a great cause within Groundcover News; it's people selling papers to provide the basics, to thrive in becoming entrepreneurs and actually being able to make a decent honest living to provide for themselves without any handouts or any assistance from the government for housing. I speak for myself on that part. I thank everybody that purchased the paper and who buys from me and other vendors. I thank everybody that deals with us on a daily basis — because we are human just like you are human. I want to give all praise to Jesus Christ for opportunities even when the situation may seem bad. In the long run, if you stick to your guns and stay persevering and do what you need to do, you can achieve goals that once looked impossible.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION Dreamcatchers: the good, the bad, the ugly Dreamcatchers are more than just a decorative and attractive accessory. They have roots in legend and folklore and are rich in revealing history. The legends and meetings associated with each dreamcatcher reveal how Native Americans relied on the Earth for their home. Modern day interpretations have altered the intentional significance of a dreamcatcher. The concept of the first dreamcatchers were created by Native American culture that believed the air at night was filled with good and bad dreams. Each creation was intentionally designed as a protective charm that was placed hanging above cradles of young children and beds of adults, the belief being the dreamcatcher would protect them from bad dreams. Dreamcatcher enthusiasts believed that their bad dreams were trapped in the web and destroyed by the light of day. TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 JULY 14, 2023 Dreamcatchers are more than just round hoops with feathers and beads. Each dreamcatcher is unique, with shapes and accessories having specific meanings to the Native American. Traditional, authentic dreamcatchers are made using only organic natural materials — from the wooden hoop, to the sinew webbing (animal intestines) and handmade beads. Can you spot the differences between these two dreamcatchers? The left is a tchotchke, decorative rather than functional, and the right is a traditional dreamcatcher. Art, it's so much more Art — what is art? I had to think deeply about this question. I wanted the answer to be genuine, not some copy-pasted Google jargon. So, after a cup of coffee and a few drags of the mango vape, here's what I came up with: Art, my dear reader, is the act of transmitting an idea or a thought from one mind to another, or to humanity in general. Humans are social beings, whose complexity includes an appreciation for beauty, vibrancy and color. As we go on living, we accumulate memories and experiences, both serene and chaotic, sweet and bitter. These experiences and memories become an inspiration for creativity. The beauty in art, for me, lies in the realization and understanding of the ideas or representations of the artist's thoughts by the consumer. Something magical happens when we read a poem, enjoy a nice portrait or hear a song that resonates with us. It makes us feel happy or leads us to reminisce about past times. In a sense, art allows us to feel collectively cohesive and socially connected. It lets us feel human and say, “Hey, the artistic human who wrote the song or painted the portrait or the singer who sang it did so with so much feeling. They must have experienced a similar situation or encounter to mine,” and this, in turn, connects us together. How much effort goes into sculpting or composing a song, painting a picture or cooking a meal? Art requires a MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor cherished memory during a wedding dance. Meanwhile, another song can be chanted by thousands at a concert. Art is the creation and appreciation great deal of energy — both mental and physical. The accuracy and focus of a painter's hands, the subtle flicks of a guitarist's fingers, the agony, pain and heartbreak a poet feels when writing that love song — it is not easy for humans to bring beauty into the world, yet it is so easily enjoyed. We experience art every day, whether it's the songs we listen to, the logos on our T-shirts, or our favorite piece of art that resonates with us. Art is also an expression of the collective progression and sophistication of our species. Look how far we have come from Neanderthals drawing on cave walls to Michelangelo, Picasso and Tupac. Art is healing. There is a reason why music therapy, pottery and drawing therapy work. The concentration and focus required in creating art can be calming. It is relaxing and makes one feel good, contributing to our overall well-being. A beautiful song can bring two souls together in love or create a of beauty. Art is respect in the sense that we understand the hard work and effort artists put into bringing joy into the world. Art is love in its many forms, whether romantic, familial or patriotic. Art is understanding. Art is compassion. Art is life. Art is color. Art is vibration. Art is the beautiful feeling you get when your favorite song comes on. Art is the smile that lights up your face when you see a pretty picture. Art is the intense happiness of the first bite of your favorite meal because food is art too. Culinary art, in my eyes, is the most intense because it takes the chef's precise mixing of ingredients at the right timing to create a masterpiece that one enjoys not only with the palate but also with the sense of smell and sight. We humans are the greatest work of art. I started to look at all my fellow humans as beautiful art pieces created by the greatest artist of all — not speaking in terms of physical beauty but in the sheer capacity to be generators of good, laughter, happiness, joy and love. Our capacity to do things for each other, to be empathetic, and to think about how our actions will make others feel is amazing. The variations in our culture, traditions, thinking, phenotype — it makes us truly amazing. If we could all start to look at each other as pieces of art, here is what I think would happen: if we looked at women as walking living art, there would be no more domestic violence, no more sexual violence, no more sex trafficking, and no more assaults. If we looked at children as art, there would be no more child abuse and child kidnapping. If we view each other as works of art, we raise the collective appreciation of each other and can progress into a better future. All I'm saying is this: take some time out, listen to a good song, go to a flower garden, attend a poetry slam or a museum. It will invigorate your state of mind. My favorite artwork is “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” by Jacques-Louis David. It shows Napoleon in his full military regalia crossing the Alps on his Arabian mare, Marengo. The portrait shows the determination of the short little Corsican to achieve his goal and objective. It motivates me every time I look at it. My favorite song is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles; it picks up my spirit every time. I'm still looking for a favorite poem. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” JULY 14, 2023 POETRY Sleeping in the rough NOAH BODIE (NOBODY) Groundcover contributor (days and nights of absolute despair and futility) Other people, those with a permanent and safe roof over their heads, can take that as well as much else easily for granted; however, most of them will never know or understand what it is like for those who have to try sleeping in the rough, outdoors, underneath the stars, in the rain or during other severe inclement conditions, even if and when they are fortunate enough to have a tent or some other type of temporary structure, until it is vandalized or removed; sometimes by municipal authorities and anyone else who simply wants to kick them down the road, as if the person were some useless empty can. Just ask anyone who has experienced such treatment for themselves; it is really agonizingly tough, which is an understatement to be certain; truly; it's downright dehumanizing, immoral and should be against the law; yet ironically, under the law, those living unhoused (aka homeless) have little, if any, actual protection as well as little, if any, justice. Yeah, justice is definitely blind, for sure. Who gave society the right to deprive an unhoused person of their civil and human rights, merely due to the fact that they do not have a permanent abode of their own to call home and sanctuary?! Explain that one, if at all possible. Though, on second thought, don't bother; because no one is probably even listening, nor obviously caring; not to mention about how, truth be told, neither am I; not unless and until each of us open both of our hearts as well as our minds to what else might be possible and have a meaningful dialogue together and, somewhere down the road, build a better as well as different future; where everyone can attempt to live in mutual peace and harmony. Imagine that, if you can. Cemetery morning RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Mourners gather to pay respects Handful of dirt each collects To toss upon the box they brought His death an end he had not sought But came for him by and by Comes for all, time we cannot buy Survivors, sad and so depressed Focusing on the soul dispossessed Wealthy dead, no longer proud Coffin draped in satin shroud A soft silent tear mingling… With the morning mist GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Plus, we heard there are plenty of Summer Game codes hidden across all of our locations, exclusive to library visitors. Exhibits at AADL In an effort to increase the visual education and artistic experience of all visitors, the Library’s exhibits feature local, regional, and national artists as well as traveling exhibits. The Downtown Library has multiple spaces throughout the building with regularly rotating exhibits. See what’s on display at AADL by visiting AADL.org/events-feed/ exhibits. Public Computers AADL has public computers available for use by cardholders and non-cardholders at all five libraries. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest internet in town. All buildings also feature publicly accessible WiFi in buildings as well as extending to parking lots adjacent to the buildings. FEATURED EVENT THE ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY TINY FILM FESTIVAL July 8–August 6 The Ann Arbor District Library is once again hosting the Tiny Film Festival for movies one minute or less! Film and edit your movie and upload it from July 8 to August 6, 2023. Winners will be announced at the Summer Game Game Over Gala on August 27. 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRINT GALLERY Christopher Ellis JULY 14, 2023 GROUNDCOVER GALLERY Eric Kopchia “The Village,” Multimedia sculpture “The Universe” “Semi galaxies” JULY 14, 2023 PRINT GALLERY Cindy Gere GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 “Unity,” Acrylic on canvas, 13 x 10" “Spirits,” Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 4' Laurie Wechter For every issue of Groundcover News, Gere decorates her newspapers with stickers, tape and gems. Her papers were used to design the Community Art Market poster. “Face Value” Multimedia on paper 14 x 18" “Internal Affairs: Chapter and Verse” Acrylic on paper, 9 x 11"

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRISON ARTS Bask in the Light Art Show 2023 U-M SCHOOL OF PUBLICH HEALTH, BLACK AND PINK Bask in the Light is an art project that centers the work of people incarcerated in the state of Michigan who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum and/or are living with HIV/AIDS. The show opening was held on April 13, 2023 at the Michigan League on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. This event represents the culmination of a year of work by Black and Pink volunteers at the School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine, and many, many letters sent back and forth through prison walls. Through their work, ten participating artists express longing for community and connection, desire for healing and repair, and resistance to incarceration and heteronormativity. The title of the show, Bask in the Light, comes from the work of artist Ladi Dä, reflecting the strength and beauty of transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex individuals trapped in the prison industrial complex. This project was funded by a DEI Innovation Grant at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Carceral State Project at the University of Michigan. Ladi Dä I Am Ladi Dä. My survival depends solely upon my Activism. My art is inspired by the daily experiences of the transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals trapped in the Prison Industrial Complex. It is meant to keep us inspired and remind us that everyone knows: “WE ARE THE STRONGEST INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORLD.” Take it from someone who's spent over two decades incarcerated for a crime they did not commit. This piece was drawn on an MDOC grievance form with a segregation pen while housed in Solitary confinement where I currently reside. Love you, Ladi Dä. “Bask in the Light” JULY 14, 2023 “Won’t Explain” Painted coasters JULY 14, 2023 PRISON ARTS Transcend AARON Bask in the Light contributor Transcending the lines of a bar that was never set. How fundamental and emotional, can one person get? subliminal test broken cabinet in my chest I ache, and I crave To be unlonely If only… If only Whispers AARON Tears whisper unanswered questions. Silently shed from my eyes to the only things that seem to catch them, my shirt, or the floor. Why can’t the whispers leave me be. Artist statement: I write from my heart, and only about things as I understand them. I love myself, but do feel a lot of angst. I’m working on compiling a book of my poems entitled “Who can understand this pain I can’t seem to convey?” Thank you for reading my work. Love to all of you. They’re self reflecting and I hate that what I see is self loathing and every sin set on a reel so I may see that all the pain I’ve caused is real. DWIGHT Bask in the Light contributor Some men live for others and make their every act known Some live in seclusion, choosing to live life alone But of these men the group I’m in are the Men Behind the Wall They’ve forfeited their freedom, tossed away their rights By day they walk in darkness and sorrow fills their nights They’ve learned to hide their teardrops but still they fall At wee hours they cry and home seems gone for Men Behind the Wall Some have lost their family, most have lost their friend For them, today brings heartache that tomorrow cannot mend Where letters are not answered, when no one takes their call They cannot take the lost and what a cost it is for Men Behind the Wall Their past is forever in their future however far away Their story has been written with little left to say No one to stand beside them and catch them when they fall The debts they’ve made are never paid for Men Behind the Wall If there is one who’s righteous, then let them cast that stone And to be that has lived perfection, then let him die alone The ONE who was perfect was judged in Pilate’s mall He knows their debt and loves them despite them being Men Behind the Wall GROUNDCOVER NEWS Men Behind the Wall 9 Michael McCloud Dear Art Viewers, Hello, my name's Michael McCloud. I'm 33 years old. I'm from Jackson, Mich. I have turned to making, doing and creating art because it's peaceful to me and time distracting. Most of all I love my color schemes and how I make my colors pop off the paper, like they're just coming right at you. This piece you're looking at is called Kill COVID. I created this piece because, as the U.S.A. we have faced a tragic time as far as COVID. There's many messages in Kill COVID, it's just up to you, the art viewers, on how you look and judge my art piece. I hope you enjoyed my piece and look forward to seeing more from me. Thank you. “Kill COVID.” McCloud made an envelope out of DOC order forms to send in his artwork.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ART SPACE Ann Arbor is burning — arts and culture for whom? ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor I met Petals Sandcastle (they/them) on the grass in the Diag-State-Hill triangle. It's familiar grounds for Petals, who studied at the University of Michigan. A stone's throw away is Now Studios, run by and homebase for the Express Your Yes Foundation. Petals is founder and guiding light. It's a 501(c)(3) creative nonprofit fusing activism with art. It's an underground art and performance venue, political playhouse and more, full of “creative disruptors and thought leaders.” It's also a safe space for people to be themselves, away from the heat of the neutral gaze — one that is “passively active, indifferent.” Last year the studio arranged over a hundred free events in the city. Most recent is an event series under the project Ann Arbor is Burning — a celebration of radical queer imagination, part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Now Studios advocates for the city's abundant resources to go to the homeless, queer, Black, immigrant, disabled and other marginalized communities. “I keep coming back to this place [Ann Arbor] thinking, certainly it doesn’t want to be a soulless playground. But very few want to give money or leverage an inch of their privilege. It's a hard pill,” Sandcastle says. “This place does not want us.” Beyond art This year Ann Arbor was named the number one best place to live in the United States, based on a “10 expert list” search by StudyFinds.org. “Best for whom?” asks Petals, see STUDIOS next page  Sandcastle holding one of their paintings "Gerf" at Now Studios. JULY 14, 2023 A2 Artisan Market should be your Sunday destination about finding parking and admission is free as well. In 1991, artists and craftsmen from MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Ann Arbor's best kept secret is the Sunday Artisan Market. It is located in the Farmers Market pavilion from April until Christmas, from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. every Sunday. For those who don’t know, parking is free every Sunday in Ann Arbor, so you don’t have to worry the Farmer’s Market felt they needed another day when they could highlight their art because of the lack of good space at the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Markets. Thus began the Artisan Market. This Sunday destination in the Kerrytown District is a wonderful place to bring the family to soak in the sunshine and to enjoy the many restaurants and places to shop. My friend TJ, who is a vendor at the Artisan Market (Kinetic Re-Design), has a booth that sells tie-dyed shirts and fabric. I purchased a shirt from my friend TJ and I love it. One can also find vendors that sell jewelry, wood crafts, photography and much more. Far left: Lloyd Holdwick and his display, Artistics in Wood. Left: TJ sells funky tie-dyed suits at his booth Kinetic Re-Design. Top: TJ and Mike Jones together as Jones models a Kinetic Re-Design original button-up shirt. Above: Jewelry display at the Sunday Artisan Market. JULY 14, 2023 ART SPACE GROUNDCOVER NEWS New Ypsi cafe focuses on community, promotes local art, provides healthy meals The Deep End Cafe & Gallery opened in Ypsilanti just three months ago, and owner Candace Cavazos hopes to use the space to benefit the community in multiple ways: to promote local artists, make healthy eating affordable and provide free meals to people in need in Washtenaw County. Being from Detroit, Cavazos never planned to open a store in Ypsilanti, but she found out about the space and thought it was a good fit for her vision. Cavazos was aided and inspired by the mission of The Squeeze Station in Detroit, making healthy eating accessible. “Their mission is to basically bring healthy eating to the community, especially in Detroit where there's a food desert,” Cavazos said. “We learned that this area in Ypsi has similar issues when it comes to getting access to affordable healthy foods.” So, The Squeeze Station helped Cavazos put together a food menu that includes a variety of breakfast items, wraps, salads, quesadillas, tacos and more. The cafe also offers coffee drinks, tea, smoothies and fresh pressed juice. Most recently, The Deep End has begun a program called “Each One Feed One” to help provide free meals to people in the community. Customers can purchase any beverage, meal or treat for someone in need and get 10% off of their order. The cafe will have a sign outside that states how many free LAYLA McMURTRIE Deputy Editor meals are currently available. Cavazos wants to do more than just provide meals and beverages though. As a poet herself, she hopes to promote other local artists. “My personal mission is to just make a space for underrepresented artists, make space for people that come from low-income backgrounds,” Cavazos said. “My goal is to just really provide a high-quality experience to people that come and engage with the underrepresented artists that come through here.” Cavazos features a new local artist each month and allows local creatives and organizations to host events in the space and sell locally created art prints, books and products inside the cafe. The name “The Deep End,” comes from the feeling throughout her own life of being in the deep end, and being successful in her creative pursuits anyway. She hopes to show other people with Founder of The Deep End, Candace Cavasos, behind the register at the cafe and gallery. Photo by Mike Jones. hardships that they can do so, too. “I come from a very low income background; my parents both struggle with addiction and it was hard for me to achieve college and achieve all these things that statistics said I was not going to achieve, so I feel like I was born under pressure,” Cavazos said. “If you feel like you have to break cycles in your family, then I think that the pressure of that can sometimes be crippling. But if you are encouraged and you're in a community where people can inspire you and encourage you and validate you, then you can become a diamond and that's kind of what the brand is for The Deep End — ‘Be where the pressure is and become a diamond under pressure and let's celebrate all the people that decide to keep fighting and keep swimming and not let the pressure fold them so that they can also become diamonds.’ ” To learn more about The Deep End Cafe & Gallery and stay up to date on specials and events, follow their Instagram @tdecafe, visit their website www.tdecafe.com, or go to the brick and mortar at 310 Perrin St. in Ypsilanti. 11  STUDIOS from last page invoking (at least for this writer) Lenin's question "Liberty for whom?" “Washtenaw is the worst county for upward mobility. This city thinks it’s liberal. It's a place for students and [property] owners.” “Others are just here to be paraded, tokenized and to tick boxes,” Petals says. “The cognitive dissonance of this place is crippling. There's a serious disconnect between the brochures and what plays out on the pavement.” During the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Now Studios activates “an entire militia” of artivists. It's an attempt to “un-Karen” hitherto ignorant people and put queerness in front of the masses. It's powerful, but also a tough process for those putting their bodies on the line, Petals says. Now Studios, in addition to hosting community arts events creates space for civic enagegment with City Council meeting watch parties, protests, Beating heart Of course there should be anger and rage, says Petals — without it, there's no push back to the status quo. “But love really is at the center of this,” they say, referring to the multiple free events the studio puts on to build community and understanding. In May, Now Studios converted Main Street into one big art and community space during the weekend’s closed streets. Crayons and big canvases, hula hoop rings and a silent disco drew families and friend groups alike. The street was packed with happy people enjoying themselves and each Selfie taken after storming the June 20 Ann Arbor City Council meeting. Individuals pictured were advocating for the passage of an ordinance that would restrict police from conducting traffic stops for minor violations. It was approved unanimously. political performance art, clubhouse mind-share and issue-based community organizing. “We don't fit into the cookie cutter box; we're human, with rotting teeth and rent and dreams, not just the town jester — put your hand on my heart, it beats.” other. It was joyous and fun, easy and free (of charge). The asphalt was covered in crayon messages of love. This writer, who was there, wonders if anyone ever stopped to ask: Who made this possible for me and why?

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MONEY SAVERS Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. JULY 14, 2023 JULY 14, 2023 PUZZLES 1 14 17 19 22 25 31 34 40 43 44 45 50 53 59 62 64 65 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ACROSS Across 1. Area 7. Falling flakes 11. Software program, briefly 14. Irritate 15. Great Plains nation 17. Downright 18. Misers' sins 19. Deception 20. Breakup 22. Soft throw 23. Greek god of love 24. Campaigner, for short 25. Words on a Grecian urn 26. Romanian money 27. Saliva 31. Cunning 33. Circumference 34. Where all must go? 40. Dweeb 41. Marry a woman 43. Opposed to 46. Put in stitches 49. "Geez!" 50. Baby seal 51. Creole vegetable 52. Appear 53. Some cosmetic surgeries 58. Agcy. 59. Kind of mapping 60. Pierre's boat 62. Oily fish in the Atlantic 63. Depth charge targets during WWII 64. Rotten 65. Chuck 66. Seal 54 55 56 57 60 63 66 DOWN 1. Gulp 2. Regular 3. Delicate blue perennial 4. Victorian, for one 5. Lyrical poem 6. Whole 7. Picket line crossers 8. ___ Scotia 9. Arab League member 10. Charge 11. Honor 12. Carbolic acid 13. Mortar and ___ 16. Takeaway game 21. Former French coin 27. Editor's "It wasn't me!" 28. "Before," when before 29. "___ alive!" 30. Become friendlier 32. Abominable Snowman 33. Meas. of a country's economy 35. Plant bristle 36. Legal thing 37. Skill 38. Legume in many soups 39. Get out of 42. Hand over with confidence 43. Poise 44. Kind of hen or pig 45. Add 46. Hit the slopes 47. Greek god of darkness 48. Sushi condiment 51. "Good ___" (Pratchett and Gaiman novel) 54. Anglo-Saxon letter 55. Checked item 56. ___ list 57. Aces, sometimes 61. Deck (out) 61 51 46 47 48 32 35 36 37 41 49 52 58 20 23 26 33 38 39 42 27 28 29 30 21 24 2 3 4 5 7 9 GROUNDCOVER NEWS f CROSSWORD 8 10 15 18 16 13 rom the International Network of Street Papers 6 11 12 13 S P H E R E S N O W A P P W E A R O N C O M A N C H E A R R A N T A V A R I C E S L I E D I S B A N D M E N T L O B O D E E R O S W I L Y P O L L E U S P I T T L E G I R T H C L E A R A N C E S A L E T W E R P A G A I N S T P U P O K R A L I P E C T O M I E S O N E T O O N E W I V E S E W M A N A C T B U R B A T E A U M E N H A D E N U B O A T S B A D T O S S S I G N E T

14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS INSP JULY 14, 2023 Shediart: The history, process and techniques of Shedia’s upcycling project TONY INGLIS International Network of Street Papers Editor When INSP visited Greek street paper Shedia in Athens, we visited the home of its various social projects, including its long in fruition, and now operating, upcycling project Shediart. Here, former vendors, and otherwise socially marginalised people involved at Shedia, were trained in reconstituting old, unsold Shedia magazines into beautiful, artistic, functional products. In the workshop, as items were being made, one of the people behind the idea, Katrin Kretschmer, explained how it came to be and what was going on. INSP: How was the Shediart concept born? Katrin Kretschmer: There were so many old magazines in storage and no one really knew what to do with them. If you bring them to a recycling plant, you get very little in return for them — maybe around 50 euros — and it is quite a job to transport them. So, while it's the ideal disposal method, it's difficult for us in terms of time and effort. And recycling — okay, it's better than burning them of course, but there's no real benefit for any person (other than the overall environmental aspect), which is what they were printed for in the first place. So we thought, is there an alternative? What else can we do? And I started to try different things, just experimenting using the paper — what could it do? Could you use a tool to turn the paper into a pulp and mold with it? Or perhaps weave it like a textile? I tried different techniques, making some jewellery, and I said, ok it’s possible to produce good and different things out of this paper we use. And when we had nailed down the techniques, we started to have workshops. We invited the Shedia vendors to come to upcycling workshops. They were open — anyone who was interested could come just to see if they took an interest in handicrafts and being creative. But we didn't say anything about creating jobs in the beginning, mainly because we wanted the people who were really interested, and not just those interested in money but also in the art form. No one was excluded. We had a lot of workshops to begin with. Some people said it was a bit difficult — maybe they weren't so dexterous, or their eyes weren't so good. And there were a few people who said they'd like to do it but just didn't find that they were particularly good at it. It’s not the simplest thing to do right away. But if you can do things with your hands, and you really like it, you can learn. Some needed a few months to improve and produce really beautiful things. And some others, from the start, just were talented at it and it was second nature to them. And as we work as a team, we learn from each other, come up with more ideas and learn how to make the techniques better, to make the whole process more efficient and make the end products more beautiful. So it's an ongoing process. INSP: When you make a specific kind of product, is there, for example, a checklist, a set process — how does each piece come together in a practical sense? KK: Our thought from the beginning was we didn't want to create useless stuff. I suppose jewellery could be called useless but people like to have it! But we didn’t initially want to produce art that is stationary, like a sculpture that just sits in your living room. Perhaps we will at some point. For now, our checklist is: Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Is it more or less practical to produce? And do we have someone who can produce it? Because we also have a few ideas, though nobody skilled in doing it yet, that would require proper sewing. There are many things that we could do if we had people who were really qualified. But we have already trained as much as we can at this point. And we need to create an income from the project so that we can bring more people on board. We really want to pay people for their work. We really want to have another work opportunity for those who were former vendors, if possible. It's not easy, and if you want to adopt this, to copy and paste it to other street papers, there may be fluctuations in the difficulty of doing that. We can't say ‘this is how it is,’ but we can show you how we do it, and maybe it will be a fit. If there are only two to four people in a street paper who might be interested or able after some lessons — and for us it really took about two years, we even had lessons about how to host a workshop — it was not that we said we know everything now. We asked for help — how to speak to different age groups, how to run things. We care that we do it properly. The training, for those involved, even for a short time, has such a big impact that it’s worth it. INSP: And in the workshops, how many of the techniques used were planned out and were trial and error? see SHEDIA next page  JULY 14, 2023 INSP  SHEDIA from last page KK: We started with the simplest things. With the easier techniques. You feel and you see if it’s working or not. Initially we used this technique where we roll the paper into straws. These need to be straight and rigid. For those who found that difficult, we tried other things. Some didn’t take to any of those, but fortunately the ones who did make it can do all of the techniques extremely well. Katrin then talked through some of the common techniques they use. Here we have some strips of the magazine paper, and we take wooden or metal sticks (like a cocktail or kebab stick) and you roll any size strip of paper around the stick. It has to be tight around the stick. Glue the end and it becomes a straw. Then you use these [firm but malleable] straws to weave. Another is we shred the paper and blend it into a pulp. We mix it in a bucket like a smoothie! Then we dry it [using essentially a large sieve] and drain it. Then, using molds of shapes, of whatever you like really, you can use it to create things. That’s how we make bowls, clocks and even lampshades. Sometimes we use the pre-pulped strips, from the shredder, to create products. On some products, we like to show a bit more of the magazines, so you can see where this beautiful product really came from. Inside the mold, we put in strips of paper, then the pulp. So, even though the final product looks very nice and intricate, it is simple. If you have decent use of your hands, it can be done. Exactly. If you have the knowledge, and some help from say a shredder or a mixer, then you can do it. It’s not a mystic thing! We teach this — we go to schools; we have companies come here to learn. INSP: Not only is Shediart becomin turn increasing its ing a success in terms of its products, sustainability, but those involved are also earning even more of an income — and, crucially, other skills and self-esteem building — when leading workshops and classes on how to make these products. At the moment, two women (over the age of 50, as is the case with the majority of individuals involved in Shedia social projects), Christiane and Vanessa, are employed at Shediart. Christiane, now 61, has experienced drug addiction, prison time and has been otherwise socially excluded or unable to find employment. Watching her work and talking to her at Shediart, it is clear that she is not only happy with the income she is now receiving (she used to sell the street paper) but absolutely loves the work. “No matter how difficult an item is to make, I come to the work with love,” she says. INSP was lucky enough to sit in on a workshop held by Vanessa and Christiane at the original Shediart workshop (located in a small unit in a city centre arcade that lets out shops to local social projects). The attendees were refugee children, who were brought along by charity Caritas. The joy on both their and Christiane and Vanessa’s faces was evident throughout. KK: We even have the kids work with the pulp at an early stage — they will make bowls, pins and badges, and keychains by working the pulp into ice cube trays, letting them dry and then painting and designing them. Our idea ties together many things. There’s the obvious benefit of the income generated for those who do the work. In Greece, there is a big trash and environmental problem. So there is a sustainability aspect. The thoughts and impetus behind that part of it, we also want to spread. It is still a problem here, even if it is getting better. It shows that not only is Shedia an organization with a social conscience in terms of the actual paper, but generally throughout our projects. People come to our workshops and ask ‘what kind of paper can and should we use?’. We say absolutely anything — even pizza delivery advertisements you get through your letterbox. That’s why any street paper could do it too. Just try and use it. INSP: How about in terms of start-up costs, and what is the sustainability of the project now? KK: There was not much of a cost in the beginning. I was taking the workshops just until we had those with the knowledge to take them themselves. In the beginning there was no money involved. We had some funding to pay our employees until we started selling. But now since the production, there is no need for this support. We originally trained eight people fully to do this, and two are currently employed, but we have high hopes this will increase. Demand for the products and the workshops is high, but it’s still the beginning. Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15

16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Homemade granola LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups of oats 1 cup of nuts and/or seeds ½ cup fat (such as melted butter or vegetable oil) ¼ cup of sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey or sugar) 1 tsp of spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, etc.) 1 pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) ½ cup of extra toppings (such as dried fruit or chocolate chips) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together the oats with the nuts and seeds, salt and spices. Add the vanilla (if using), melted fat and sweetener and mix thoroughly. JULY 14, 2023 Spread over the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Take out, rearrange granola on the baking pan with a flipping motion. Bake another 25 min. Once the granola cools, add the extra toppings (if using) and store in an airtight container for up to four weeks. IT’S SUMMER, LET’S GET GRILLIN’! $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 8/15/2023

2 $ JUNE 30, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 14 ASK YOUR YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Being a nice human: a recipe in development. Page 4 VENDOR: WHAT IS THE BEST ICE CREAM FLAVOR? PONY BUSH #305 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Summer street scenes. page 7 Photography by Mike Jones THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER letter to the EDITOR Last week, I was walking in downtown Ann Arbor when a Groundcover News vendor (I'm not going to use his name out of respect for his privacy) asked me if I was interested in buying the latest issue. As is often the case, I was running late, but I love Groundcover News content and always enjoy meeting the vendors. So, we chatted for a minute while I paid for my copy of the special edition and then I kept it moving toward my destination. As I was walking away, I heard the vendor asking another person nearby if they were interested in buying a copy. When I didn't hear anyone respond, I decided to observe from across the street to see how it would play out. In the few minutes I stood observing across the street, I saw multiple people, some with young kids, walk past this vendor, either ignoring him entirely, acting as though they didn't hear him speaking to them, or demonstrating an unwillingness to talk with him through their dismissive body language. I know there are many other people who DO acknowledge or stop to speak with vendors or others when approached on the street, but I've seen the opposite happen enough times that it feels necessary to say something. If you feel such a sense of urgency to get to your destination that you choose not to acknowledge that someone is speaking to you, please take time to reflect on why you prioritize your own sense of urgency over respecting another human being's humanity. If you're not familiar with the work of Tema Okun, please take time to learn about White Supremacy Culture and how this behavior perpetuates it. (tinyurl.com/00001441) If you find it scary or uncomfortable to be approached by a stranger in public, please take time to unlearn the “stranger danger” myth and learn how to identify and respond to legitimate safety concerns rather than fearing all strangers and teaching your children to do the same. (tinyurl.com/14410000) Whether folks we encounter on the street are selling things like Groundcover News to make money, asking for money without having anything to sell, or just trying to be acknowledged and seen as fellow human beings, the very least we should do is acknowledge them with kindness and care. Our children are watching how we move through the world. We have a responsibility to move with kindness and care for everyone in our community, especially for the folks who are the most marginalized. If you've read this far and find yourself feeling defensive or like your individual experience isn't reflected, please try to recognize that a 700 word piece can't possibly capture all of the contextual factors that may impact each person's capacity for engagement with strangers. That said, we have to be mindful of the power dynamics inherent in our interactions with the people around us. Our individual traumas, mental illnesses and upbringings don't exist in a vacuum. To borrow from my own experience, I'm a therapist who specializes in treating trauma, in part because I have a history of complex PTSD. Because of my professional and personal privilege, I have access to the quality therapy and psychotropic medications that I need to help me function. Even so, I have struggled at times to be emotionally regulated enough to demonstrate kindness to folks who approach me on the street. If you're healing from trauma, caring for your mental health, dealing with the effects of prior street harassment, etc., and it prevents you from engaging with the folks who approach you on the street, I truly get it and empathize with how difficult that can be. And, I hope you receive the kindness and care we all deserve and you're able to pay it forward when strangers approach you for help or support. — Erica Johnson JUNE 30, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Kevin Allgood Mohammed Al Mustapha Luiza Duarte Caetano Dalon Eaton Heather Feather Markona Love James Manning Erica Johnson Mike Jones Ken Parks PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Loga Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claud VanValkenberg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JUNE 30, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What's the best ice cream flavor? WAITING — Pony Bush, #305 Chocolate. — Denise Shearer, #485 Ben and Jerry’s “Everything But The…” — Mansel Williams, #96 Superman. — Todd Smith, #607 Depends on where I go. Lemon soft serve (at 6 mile and Wyoming), butter pecan (at home), soft serve chocolate and strawberry (at Dairy Queen) — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Vanilla. — Roberto Caballero, #347 Double chocolate marshmallow. — Tony Schohl, #9 Chocolate. — Ken Parks, #490 Butter Pecan. — Teresa Basham, #570 Butter Pecan. Then strawberry. — Joe Woods, #103 Neapolitan. — James Tennant, #174 Proud to be an American Revolutionary Back in my Detroit days, I was invited by Linda King, commander of a National Guard unit, to their Kwanzaa celebration in Highland Park. Linda and I met through Marge Bursie, the first African American to get a degree in social work from the University of Michigan. Marge founded the Youth Advocacy/Anti-Hunger program on the east side and had a large community of volunteers, supporters and graduates. Linda and I took her advice to meet and connect. The Kwanzaa theme of the day was community economics. Linda organized a circle of everyone in uniform, about 20 people, with me at the end. Each of us introduced ourselves and said whatever came to mind. The first person said “I am proud to be an American.” I immediately felt some inner resistance to those words. which entered my mindstream: “LUCHAR POR LA REVOLUCIÓN SOCIAL EN LA AMERICA, NO ES UNA UTOPIA POR LOS LOCOS Y FANÁTICOS, ES LUCHAR POR EL PRÓXIMO PASO EN LA AVANCE DE LA HISTORIA.” The English translation of this for KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 I had studied much and worked two and a half years in West Germany with German Christians who were active in the anti-fascist movement in the Third Reich and the Cold War. Gossner Mission was an industrial mission with roots in the working class and included a boys home. Living abroad is an eye opener and I learned even more about current affairs, especially civil rights and the war in Vietnam. I extended my service six months to be in a seminar of study, do factory work and take a trip to Poland. We learned that West Germany, with U.S. advice, had not settled WWII with Poland, so there was no treaty for boundary recognition, and that NATO was formed to target the USSR for destruction. Put that with the genocide of slavery and the Indian wars, and how could I be proud to be an American? Back in Highland Park, the next National Guard person began with “I’m proud to be an American.” By the time I heard that phrase the fourth time, I took a breath and entered a meditative state that took me to Cuba. In front of the University of Havana is a traffic circle with a small park and a monument to Julio Antonio Mella, a martyr for Cuban independence in the 1930s. There is a plaque with these words, Groundcover readers is: “STRUGGLE FOR THE SOCIAL REVOLUTION IN AMERICA, IT’S NOT A UTOPIA FOR LUNATICS AND FANATICS, IT’S A STRUGGLE FOR THE NEXT STEP IN THE ADVANCE OF HISTORY.” I had heard “I’m proud to be an American” some 20 times and now came my turn. I let my heart speak, “I’m proud to be an American, and the America of which I speak is not only from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but also from the Arctic to the Antarctic. That is North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, which is the center of the first maps of the new world.” I learned this in Cuba where I also learned about community economics, the Kwanzaa theme of the day. My heart spoke, “There are two kinds of markets, one is the natural market, which exchanges goods and services for mutual benefit. The other is the commodity market which is ruled by profits." I’m learning to combine the American revolution of 1776 with the Bolivarian and Cuban revolutions. Now I can say, “I am proud to be an American Revolutionary,” doing something to advance freedom, peace, human dignity and solidarity. I study, communicate and go to work, “Detach from the Trance of Unworthiness” as Roshi Joan Halifax and Tara Brach discuss so beautifully. To tell the truth about your life is the beginning of the revolution; it continues as you share experience, analysis and make collective decisions on the next step. HEATHER FEATHER Groundcover vendor No. 45 When I was a child, I heard, “You get a headache; you get hooked! You might never stop or you might never come down.” That was my war on drugs. Today's war on drugs is that there is nothing left to try! If you do drugs today, you might never see tomorrow. Fentanyl has taken over. When various kinds of street pills were tested, 42% contained at least two milligrams of fentanyl. If you are wondering how fentanyl got here, it was first used in the 1960s as an intravenous anesthetic and then in a pain patch. Fentanyl is now popping up in marijuana! People trying marijuana for the first time might die from fentanyl. There really is nothing left to try. GROUNDCOVER NEWS There's nothing to try no more! There’s been a decrease in overdoses because of naloxone. If you are using drugs, carry a bottle of naloxone! It might save your life. Better yet, just don’t pick up the first drug. The fact is, it is here! And I am really concerned. I hope you're there when I get back to Ann Arbor. Love, your Heather Feather. 3

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPTIMISM Being a nice human: a recipe in development Greetings, dear reader! I start this article with a simple prayer: may love, serenity, peace, laughter, joy, happiness and financial stability be your constant companions in abundance, now and forever. Amen. A polite gentleman on the number 4 Ann Arbor Transportation Authority bus, wearing a shirt with the following sentence on it, “Be a nice human,” inspired me to write this article. I thank him, wherever he may be in life. While I am still working on figuring out what exactly makes us humans and what we are as humans, other than the fact that we are a collection of carbon-based cellular systems functioning on electricity, I have come to prize and appreciate the collective thought of the power of human goodness. Sometimes, when I feel down and gloomy, I open up YouTube and start watching videos with titles like “Faith in Humanity” and “Power of Goodness.” They always make me smile. So, I thought I would delve deeper into what it is that makes a good human. Below are some of the common recipes that are freely and readily available in the cupboards of our souls and shelves of our hearts. If mixed together in the right amounts at the right times, they can produce a very wholesome and deliciously good human. Feel free to mix these ingredients in the right amounts that may please and appease your palate. Ingredients: Kindness: Being considerate, generous and understanding of others, advancing benevolence to our fellow beings, comforting them in times of need, sharing a meal, sharing a nice meme or a funny picture, sharing a song, opening or holding a door, consoling and comforting. It just feels good. Kindness is readily available within you and is not expensive at all. It is an ingredient that never runs out. On the contrary, the more you distribute it, the more it self-replenishes. Be kind. Empathy: A good friend of mine trademarked the following sentence, “Sympathy devours, empathy empowers.” This is true. Being empathetic means putting your soul and being in your fellow human’s shoes or state of being and feeling what he or she is going through. In doing so, you realize what he is suffering from or persevering against, and you are better able to help him. Empathy almost always leads to understanding and to solutions that can resolve problems on an individual, societal or global scale. From fighting depression to hunger and disease, don’t be afraid to sprinkle on a generous amount of empathy. It also doesn’t run out and is readily available and self-replenishing. It MOHAMMED AL MUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor makes you a better human as it gives you the opportunity to feel others’ pain, and it might help you avoid the same predicaments. Respect: Respect, to me, means being considerate of others’ feelings and limiting negative actions. It’s understanding that we are all different and experience the world differently. This diversity of perspectives allows us to build our own thoughts, facts, opinions and more. Because we are a varied species, we naturally have differing opinions and points of view, and they are all valid to an extent. Each and every one of us should be proud of who we are and respect others for who they are. Life is tough, and the varying degrees of opinions are what make life a sweet smorgasbord. Being respectful of other people’s opinions, ideas, cultures, heritage, race, political affiliations, cuisines or whatever it may be, opens up the problem-solving mechanisms in our brains by exposing us to different methods or modes of critical thinking and problem resolution. If we had not been respectful and appreciative of others’ cultures or individuality, we would not have been exposed to the transmission of diverse knowledge and wisdom. Gratitude: This one I am still working on learning myself. Just being thankful for what we have, whether it’s a little or a lot, whether it’s new or old, whether it’s opaque or bold. Being thankful can be difficult at times, but if we make it a habit, it takes us a long way. Being appreciative of who we are and what we do have gives us pride in our efforts to obtain the feelings and possessions that we have. It reminds us that we are capable of obtaining greater things. Gratefulness is a positive loop mechanism. The more grateful we are, the more we realize what we have and what we did to obtain it, and the more we strengthen those positive attainment muscles. So be grateful no matter where you are in this life and at whatever stage you are. Gratitude is a cool attitude, my dude. Honesty: I used to be a liar. It just came naturally to me. Lies flowed off my tongue uncontrollably, whether it was to spare someone’s feelings or for personal gain. But you know something? I got tired of it, bro. I kept forgetting my lies. It happened so many damn times. I would tell a lie, weave a wide web, embellish it. My imagination would run wilder than a mustang on the prairies. I could tell a lie better than Picasso, Van Gogh and Michelangelo could paint. But you know what happened? I got tired of being embarrassed. Embarrassed about forgetting my lies. Have you ever had someone you told a lie to come back and ask you about it, and you stand there dumbfounded, like, “Dude, what are you talking about?” And they’re like, “Dude, that’s what you said last week.” And then you can’t remember anything because it was all lies flowing like a spring stream. I couldn’t do it anymore. My brain is not that complex. Honesty is best. When you tell the truth, you don’t lose, and you never forget the truth. Being honest is respectful because you are not belittling those around you by underestimating their mental capacities through assuming that your lies will entrap or fool them. Being honest is awesome. Just administer honesty in a polite way in situations that involve others’ feelings — you know what I’m saying, partner? Humility: Being humble does not mean belittling or downgrading yourself. On the contrary, it means that you are confident enough in yourself, solid enough to know your faults and limitations and work on them, while also recognizing your strengths and virtues. Being humble allows you to listen, to learn and to grow. It allows you to connect and enjoy. As an immigrant American myself, humility has allowed me to experience and enjoy cultures, cuisines and music from all over the world, which has made me into the unique individual that I am. An old Islamic saying goes as follows: “The more you humble yourself, the more God will uplift you.” Arrogance is abhorrent. Pride in oneself is okay, but arrogance will turn people away from you, and that is not good. Be humble and practice humility, and you shall unlock so many great experiences that will surely blow your mind. You never know where your next piece of happiness and joy is coming from. It might be the old lady at the library or the homeless man on the corner. Forgiveness: Now, this ingredient never goes bad, never expires, and you can never ever overuse it. On the contrary, the more of it you add, the sweeter it spices things up. Forgiveness is beautiful. Don’t hold negative emotions in your heart. Forgiveness rejuvenates the heart, invigorates the soul and makes it lighter. And I think one of the sweetest things in the world is when you see the smile on that individual’s face who might have wronged you but regretted it and came to ask for your forgiveness. I even go further and say forgive those who wrong you and don’t apologize or regret it; just leave it to the cosmic, galactic, karmic universe and it will surely return to you in many positive ways. I do say forgiveness is one of the sweetest joys in the world. Practice it wisely. Compassion: This is a key ingredient. It’s synonymous with empathy to an extent, but more proactive in the sense that you not only feel others’ pain or discomfort but also exert some energy into alleviating it. Compassion makes us more proactive in alleviating issues and solving others’ problems. Compassion is one of those ingredients that’s really good for the heart and soul. It makes both of them stronger, just like how the sun and vitamin D strengthen bones. Positivity: Be careful because this ingredient is fast-spreading, fast acting and almost contagious, and makes the whole recipe extremely tasty and delicious. It will leave you in delight. It is hard to bottle and contain, has no expiration date, and you can sense it before you see it or smell it. It is one that is hard to obtain at times, but once mastered, it can never be exhausted. You start off by adding small amounts of it to your recipe, and it exponentially grows by itself. I say start by obtaining small bits of it here and there, like enjoying the bright, shiny sun rays in the morning when you wake up, the wafting smell of flowers on your morning walk, a sweet sip of your latte or cappuccino or green tea in the morning, smiles of pretty girls walking by, sweet songs of the birds by the window, a beautiful song, whatever. Just make sure you stop and look for it. It is hidden in obvious plain sight all around you. Once you get into the habit of collecting and displaying it, it becomes a key ingredient that you can share with all the neighbors, and you will never run out of it. There are a lot more ingredients out there in the world that can make for a wonderful recipe for being a nice human. I myself have not yet obtained or mastered all of them, but I am working on it, and I hope that you do too, friend. As always, may we all enjoy joy when it comes, and may we be consoled and alleviated when needed. Amen. Thank you, Father Time. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” JUNE 30, 2023 JUNE 30, 2023 GRATITUDE Markona's Angels MARKONA LOVE Groundcover contributor Because I am on the Spectrum, relationships can be difficult minefields to navigate. You might think I would have some difficulties working mainly with younger women, but not so — the sensitivity from my Asperger’s opens opportunities for me to form bonds with women. I have a friendly but productive working relationship with these women without any intergender complications. I’m pansexual and have spent the last 20 years celibate — not fully intentionally. My journey was that of many temptations that were all considered, but for various reasons rejected. I apparently preferred not to relinquish my Love to others. As I examine myself through deep introspection, I’ve concluded that I know I give myself fully (more than most people could conceive), and that I’m crushed when the same devotion and dedication does not meet mine. The women at Groundcover and Argus indirectly and unknowingly supported me and gave me the confidence to trust. These wonderful, educated women have shown their Love, Strength and Compassion in unselfish support of this poorly educated, broken, old man to help me reach for my destiny … my final words. Hopefully, a previously hidden message from the wisdom of extraordinary experiences of assorted lifetimes may result in a new birth of a possibly new humanity. Empathy, compassion and sensitivity are all abilities that I am gifted with and weigh heavily in the way I relate to others and the level of intensity of my emotional processing. I am able to bond extremely well with most women. Gifted (and cursed) with an intense level of empathy, I have been better able to relate to a more emotional way of processing. So, I’m not sure why I was surprised when all these wonderful, talented, strong, intelligent and beautiful — if I didn’t say all those, they might hurt me (kidding) — women, not just supported me, but raised me up. They were at first my editors and advisors, then friends; all of them are talented writers, editors and/or teachers. They were editing my articles and really encouraging me. Now, my Angels are my good friends. I’d do anything for them, even help them move or take them to the airport. Since I moved back home to Ann Arbor, Lindsay was and is my first friend, and she and Ken are my closest friends. Lindsay has been the anchor since the beginning. One look at that beautiful smile … so warm and bright, envelops me and inspires me to be a better person. I have been overwhelmed by all of my saving Angels. After Lindsay and Ken led my way, these other wonderful Angels joined to help carry me. The rest of Markona’s Angels: Luiza (Graduate Student Instructor) volunteers with Groundcover and was editing my articles, then began sharing her off time with me to help shape my talent/skills. Luiza gives me time she really doesn’t have, and has become a trusted friend. Alex (known as Sasja at Argus), is a young Finnish freelance writer and Groundcover volunteer who took a personal interest in me as a friend and started editing and sharing about my writing. Then when I lost my car and had to move into a tent near the railroad tracks, Alex and Gregg (her partner) bought me supports for broken knees, food and supplies … note, they don’t have money. I don’t forget that kind of shared Love. I will be forever grateful … friends for life. Lit (writer) and I started sharing writing projects which then progressed into a supportive relationship. Layla (editor/ graduated student/friend) is the Deputy Editor at Groundcover and does final edits on my Groundcover articles. Layla has been supportive of my work and me personally … another good friend now. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart to the tips of Kona’s wings for giving me the release to fly the way Kona taught me. I know Kona would be/is very appreciative for the Love shared, to help me reach my destiny, as she has given her Life for me to achieve my destiny. All Our Grace to Raising My Supporting Angels. With all Admiration & Love, MarKona Love (with Kona) Author’s Note: Glenn Gates sketched this cartoon in his free time — which he has very little of — but still helps everyone. He is a mentor and Groundcover anchor for all of us. He is so special — I dare you to try and find somebody to say different. He gets all the Love I can give. Bless Groundcover. Almost all of my articles have some reflection of Ken Parks, for he is my mentor. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Cartoon by Glenn Gates

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MOVIE REVIEW 'Mad God' is not for the faint of heart Like many people, I find myself thoroughly impressed whenever I reflect on the seemingly infinite capabilities humankind demonstrates through an endless list of accomplishments throughout the ages — from its inventions of necessity, observations of reality, mathematical truths and of course, the ability of conveying the imagination through artistic expression. Despite the fact that we’ve been at such practices for quite some time, it remains easy to be awed at what we have created in our world. Not very long ago, I was amazed to learn that the human imagination is so powerful, so complex, that figments of my dreams could actually be entities with their own independent sentience. This left me thinking I’m either crazy or that humankind hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface of understanding our untapped potential. Going back to our talent of bringing the imagination to life through the medium of artistic expression, there are some who have birthed words beyond our wildest dreams — and our nightmares. This article reviews a film I stumbled across where I anticipated something different, a film which is certainly nowhere near the usual shallow, JAMES MANNING Groundcover vendor No. 16 simplistic and generic cash grab Hollywood genre. At first glance one would think it occupied the realm of horror, but it held a deeper philosophical outlook that changed my ability to list it as any known genre of storytelling. In fact, saying it follows a cohesive and solid storyline is unnecessarily generous. Oh, there’s a structure, but it’s more like a marker for direction so you don’t get hopelessly lost. Nonetheless, this film blew me away. I especially enjoyed the fearlessness with which the movie was made — the total disregard for the judgements and comfort of the viewers. At least for myself, it is a very important part of creative expression. Set your mind and imagination free of the restraining chains of appropriateness and every other reasoning or excuse to limit the mind’s potential. So this film I’ve done my best to justify the existence — and even necessity — of is simply titled “Mad God.” One blaring, ironic thing about this movie I said was not intended as another Hollywood blockbuster is the fact that it is directed by Phil Tippett. It’s ironic that though he’s not exactly a household name, he was a special effects expert on some of Hollywood’s great films such as “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Jurassic Park,” to name a few. So already the creation of this film has an interesting back-story. I won’t cover the entire story of how it came to be, but I can tell you this was an on and off project that was 30 years in the making. This was indeed partly because this film was made using stop-motion animation, which Tippett was working on for the “Jurassic Park” computer animation, and which was becoming good enough to begin replacing traditional special effects. This made Tippett, who had begun this independent side project, recognize that, inevitably, reliance on computer generated movies would make a stop-motion film obsolete. So he shelved the project and it sat JUNE 30, 2023 Mad God movie poster. in storage for years, until discovered by one of his colleagues. I’m not sure if stop-motion film never fully died due in part to the popularity of Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” and other such films having enough of a fan base to keep the style in practice, see MAD GOD page 10  THANK YOU WASHTENAW COUNTY For providing peer SuppoRT VALERIE BASS, PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, WASHTENAW COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage JUNE 30, 2023 PHOTO ESSAY Summer street scenes students to check out cameras and other equipment in order to pass the course if you don’t have your own camera and equipment. When I first held a Canon T7 Rebel camera in my hands and saw the images this thing could produce, I knew I had to have one, so I purchased my own. I realized photography and imaging MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 I found a new passion and purpose: photo-journalism and street photography. This passion and purpose could not have come at a better time period in my life because I am the type of person that gets bored easily and loses interest for whatever reason. For those who don’t know, I am attending Washtenaw Community College to pursue a liberal arts associate degree. This semester I am taking an English and a photography class at WCC. My photography class at WCC allows 1. A person I see everyday on my way to work. 2. Another day at Starbucks. 3. Ann Arbor recycling at its best. 4. A2's next top model. 5. Ann Arbor Saturday morning drummer. 6. Time for a phone break. 7. Guess who's coming to dinner! 8. Lets go for a ride on the wild side. 4 5 3 are important as a learning tool. I was a lazy reader in my youth. I did a lot of my learning through pictures in books and read as little as possible in order to comprehend. Photography is popular. My class is full of different people with a variety of photography goals in mind. Again, I am taking up photography to become a photo-journalist and street photographer. I’ve met other classmates that are into micro-photography and portrait and landscape photography. Here are a few photos I took while selling Groundcover News in our beautiful city Ann Arbor and around Washtenaw County. I hope you all enjoy peace! 1 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 2 6 7 8

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS NUTRITION Dr. Sebi's diet really works! DALON EATON Groundcover contributor I grew up riding the fast food ferris wheel as a child. Growing up with a single mother in Detroit, TV pretty much raised me. Commercials, promos and giveaways were usually linked to my favorite TV shows. I remember one commercial in particular advertising a burger so good you could eat the paper when you were done; needless to say the paper was not edible (I tried). My grandmother was a cook, a lunch lady in fact, but by the time I came around she was wiser, tired and retired. My great grandmother, God rest her soul, didn’t know how to read, so starting a family restaurant was out of the question. Having to take the city bus when I was eight years old, I was reliant on fast food for survival. From french fries from clowns to onion rings wearing crowns and every red headed colonel selling chicken … I thought Popeye ate spinach. I was caught in a web — low income family barely making ends meet. Depression soon set in, and coming from where I’m from, comfort food was of course the go-to as the remedy for emotional pain. Nutrition was out of the question; there was simply no time. I mean how? With my mother working, no father, a retired grandmother and me going to school and learning life … (plus yo like I was eight). So, over the years I developed type two diabetes. At 17, I said enough was enough and I was going to take control of my eating habits. I decided to start eating salads and salmon and also jog. While this route definitely was a great start to my new lifestyle and covered the basics, it did not give me a full understanding of the effects certain foods caused on the body. I used to have to take Metformin and insulin even though I had worked myself off of them, as the damage to my pancreas had already been done. So, I was determined to get in the best shape of my life and started to research different types of fruits and vegetables. That’s what led me to Dr. Sebi’s diet. The point of the diet is to eat foods that reduce acid in the body and eliminate mucus build up. Acid and mucus carry disease. Diseases are bad, okay? “Alkaline” is a type of battery that charges all of the electronic devices that we use today. The body is no different than these devices — they need charge! If, God forbid, someone’s heart stops, they would hook that person up to a defibrillator and they would yell “clear” and send electrically-charged currents to jumpstart the heart. Alkaline is a type of battery where the electrolyte has a pH value above seven. Alkaline foods have this same pH threshold. Certain types of fruits and vegetables are genetically modified and do not have a high enough ph value to recharge your organs or reverse cell death. Dr. Sebi’s diet is a plant-based diet that prioritizes foods that have a pH value above seven. see SEBI page 10  JUNE 30, 2023 JUNE 30, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS f CROSSWORD 9 rom the International Network of Street Papers Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews. com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. Brit's "Baloney!" 5. "___ Like the Wind" ("Dirty Dancing" ballad) 9. Scoundrels 13. "I had no ___!" 14. "Catch!" 15. Police club used in India 16. ___ oil (skin care substance) 17. "___ of Eden" 18. Knight's "suit" 19. Tongue-tied 22. Composer Gustav 25. Hunk 26. Greek who measured the Earth's circumference 30. English county 31. Twisted 32. Busy one in Apr. 35. Soon, to a bard 36. How some things are remembered 37. Guard's target 38. Where the French might take a dip 39. Cliffside dwelling 40. Taste, e.g. 41. Oaks Park patron 43. Pattinson or Redford 46. Servant's uniform 47. Grumpiness 51. Jungle climber 52. Aerial maneuver 53. Indian dress 57. Carpenter's tool 58. Palindromic emperor 59. It might be oral or physical 60. Winter vehicle 61. Make up ground, with "on" 62. Fill-in DOWN 1. Sn on the periodic table 2. Words of praise 3. "Comprende?" 4. Popular Broadway musical 5. Clippers 6. Try, as a case 7. At one time, at one time 8. Org. looking for aliens 9. Guitarist Santana 10. Hindu soul 11. Hindu loincloth 12. Begets 15. Acclaimed 20. Gas used in ads 21. Shrewd 22. Cross, maybe 23. "Gladiator" setting 24. Devastation 27. Spin 28. Dawg 29. Famous 18th-century Swiss mathematician 32. Short story 33. Tough question 34. Imitation 36. Atlanta-based airline 37. Portly 39. From the heart? 40. "Saturday Night Live" segment 41. Curbed, with "in" 42. Loafer, e.g. 43. Small streams 44. Bay window 45. Plucky 48. Place to post 49. Bit 50. Money of Lesotho 54. Can 55. Battering device 56. Mischievous one

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Bent neck All my early life, I was taught that the glory of a male is how beautiful his mate is. For me, never having a true legal wife had seemed to make me walk with a bent neck, slumped over to a degree in defeat of this game they call Love. When I was a kid, my older brothers would pay me no mind unless I had pretty girlfriends hanging out with me. Soon, I learned my value was the beauty beheld in my female company. Having schizophrenia, I barely knew how to really connect with males, let alone females. It seems to me as I read the Bible that the glory of a woman is her hair, and I concluded from my upbringing the glory of a man is his wife and the glory of God is His son. Jesus may have never been married, no children, never having sexual intercourse, but I surmise His Glory is the Bride of Christ like KEVIN ALLGOOD Groundcover contributor social security and I may not be the mainstream voice at Groundcover. With that said, blessed is the organization that would have many lenses to see from, therefore to pick the best lens for that given day. Jesus rightfully said the only way to the glory of Christians is Jesus's glory. (It is written that greater are the works the Bride will do because Jesus cut His life so short in willingly laying down His life for the Bride, aka Christians.) So we as Christians should work to exceed the good works of Jesus, who died at 33.5 years old. I'm a Christian schizophrenic on the Father is by Me and our surpassing good works would not ever be obtainable without the sacrifice of the sinless Holy (and that means without blemish of the Holy Sheep Christ Jesus. My heart’s desire is that I'd one day fall in love and walk in a world with amazing love in Me, for it is written that Love always wins. To walk upright not slumped over as if the world had not beaten me in the game of Love. All things are possible to those who believe and I do believe that at 46-47 years old (I stopped counting birthdays when I realized no one was showing up on my birthdays) that life can start even at the age of 47. And I believe that my glory can walk into the room one day and my life will therefore begin. I do notice that people hold you in higher esteem when you have a beautiful wife or mate, and although through my upbringing I was taught my value was that of whom I was with, I don't think the Bible sees it that way, because when it comes down to it, Abba Father God wants Man to be the glory of His Son Jesus. JUNE 30, 2023  MAD GOD from page 6 but I’d love to ask Tippett about it. When “Mad God” was discovered, there was no doubt encouragement towards Tippett’s journey of pursuing the once-abandoned film to its completion Although I’m suggesting this movie, I would feel pretty cruel if I were to omit a stern warning to you. This is not, I repeat, is not a movie for the faint of heart! It depicts the darkest, grittiest, most horrible, awful, unrepentant soiler of all known things of sacred purity. It is full-on, rightto-the-edge of the worst possible horrors of not just humanity but any and all perceived existence. You cannot just call it dark and disturbed because it is so much beyond that, and so much more than any sad, sadistic offense. It’s a film that normal, goodnatured people should never witness. It leaves you feeling and knowing you are forever changed for the worse. However, anyone who can see beyond this will observe other underlying points and lessons, Unavoidable truths, such as the forever-unchanging cruelty that the cycle of time employs for the continued miracle of existence. Yes, this is a movie that is definitely not for everybody. However I more or less got the gist and I absolutely loved it, if only for its level of creative expression. And I’ve always been into all kinds of deep philosophical crap, so with that I highly recommend it to any like-minded persons and especially gore and horror fans. Saying that writing a descriptive review of this film is a challenge is an understatement. I wouldn’t know how to begin describing it, but a 90s TOOL music video comes to mind. So there you go, I tried my best informing you and I hope you find this assessment accurate if not totally enlightening, for those of you who choose to check this film out anyway. Being a fan of the darker corners of our imaginations, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular creation. I still wouldn’t call this a horror movie but I do recall it being attached to “Shudder,” which is a horror-themed streaming service. You can find it on there, or at the library on DVD. Just don’t hate me if you get nightmares! I did my best to warn you after all, but I hope you can understand the point I’m trying to make. This film is unique and interesting.  SEBI from page 8 Have you wondered why Hawaiian (pineapple and ham) pizza is always on the menu? You’re in luck, you just found a rest area for your wandering thoughts. The reason why is that pineapple is acidic and breaks down pork fat which is bad for the body. With the foods on Dr. Sebi’s Alkaline list, in theory, you could kill cancer cells. (Cancer is considered anything foreign to the body). Doctors sometimes treat cancer patients with chemo, which kills the cancer, in addition to hair follicles and more. With alkaline-charged foods, you can prevent cancerous cells from forming in the first place. You can recharge your internal organs and reverse-engineer dead cells. (Result may vary; consult your primary care doctor.) I’ve been doing this diet for six months. I am not a cancer patient but I will say that because of this diet my mood is better, I’m calmer, my gut is healthy and I feel great. If you want to know more about Doctor Sebi and the diet and witness this transformation for yourself, visit drsebiscellfood.com JUNE 30, 2023 LOVE BY LOVE It was Christmas week 1983 on the Island of Cyprus — situated between Greece to the north and Turkey to the east — in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is mostly known for the strong Greek presence, but half of the island is under Turkish control. The weather is beautiful, comparable to San Diego, maybe a little cooler. The mountains on the west side of the Island get cold and there is snow skiing. The rest of the island is about beaches and quaint but very functional villages. Assorted discos, party spots and family restaurants are supported by big tourism in the summer from northern Europeans. The island could be considered as a theoretical bridge to the Middle East (Asia). The Cypriots are very warm, friendly and honest people. The stage has been set for this romantic tale of a truly pure Love, here at this old castle-like hotel on a mountain of Western Cyprus. And now for the characters destined to be intertwined in a cosmic struggle over Love lost. A young American ‘scratch’ about 18 years old named Martin was 6' 1" with brown hair, hazel eyes and a deep, beach-living tan. He was considered a handsome young man by most, with a light in his eyes that shines right into your soul, complementing an infectious smile with a colorful relentless energy and a consistently inquisitive nature. Martin was staying the week of Christmas at this beautiful, hidden, old castle-like hotel in the mountains of Cyprus with most of his assembled family. A captivating young Cypriot ‘light’ at 18 years old, Florentia, like Martin, had a personality that consumed the attention of a room. She had long, dark, flowing hair and relentlessly deep dark eyes that could not be escaped. Her smile was so warm as to settle an entire village all on its own. Respectfully, she was a beautiful young woman in all regards. Florentia also was there with her family for Christmas week. Martin and his family were sharing a large dinner provided by the hotel in the large dining room, when Florentia approached Martin at his dinner table. With a deep-eyed warm smile, she asked him to dance. Wow, is all Martin could think, tongue tied and speechless … this was a first for Martin … Speechless is not a word you would ever consider in a description of Martin. Now, his family knew that dancing in public was his weakness. His older brothers started in, while sister-in-law Tammy said, “Go, don’t leave her hangin’, screw those guys.” Martin had previous experience dating older Swedish teenagers before other, they did. All the other holiday residents of the hotel nicknamed them, “FloMarty.” That was the combo of their family given nicknames, “Flo” and MARKONA LOVE Groundcover contributor he was in high school, so shyness was not the issue — it was dancing in public. He was very bashful about dancing in front of others. This young woman clearly already had a hold on him, and once something got Martin’s attention, then that was going to be the most engaging subject there could be … all attention, full speed ahead … “we don’t need no stinking brakes, or a rear view mirror.” From then on, for that week’s stay during Christmas — a very special Christmas — the two became inseparable and the item of entertainment for hotel residents, who appeared to Martin and Florentia as extras in their romantic flick. It felt as if everybody was part of their chemical concoction only … there to play supporting roles in their epic adventure. First, the two loitered and lounged in the hotel lobby with her Cypriot friends and Martin’s brother Ralph. They would all share and joke about their cultures and ways of living, leading to the Cypriots asking silly questions about America like, “Do you know Burt Renolds?” Martin couldn’t pass this opportunity to be ridiculous and said, “Sure he lives next door; yesterday he came over for coffee. Did you know he picks his nose — and eats it too?” Florentia called him out on it before he was even finished. Uh oh, Martin met his match, and so it was … From then on they were together every minute — alone on long storybook romantic walks on worn cobblestone roads, weaving through the quaint little Cypriot mountain village. Intense dialog, followed by enthusiastic questioning, each so enamored and fascinated with each other. As they turned around to start walking back, she faced him, then opened her hand next to his hand and gazed into his eyes, and Martin broke the stare that could have led to a kiss, but knew by living in the Middle East earlier that there could be serious consequences. Martin then grabbed her hand, almost abruptly, then they started walking back out of the village and up to the castle-like hotel. Throughout the whole week, everyday, as soon as they could get to each “Marty.” Martin didn’t mind being second, he preferred it … he liked seeing Florentia raised up high. Wherever you saw them, they were always in constant joyful conversation, even while walking. They just could not stop — don’t believe they even considered that possibility. Their presence together was like a treasured mascot pair of the hotel, sort of a Mickey and Minnie Mouse kind of thing. They would often be talking so much they would forget mealtimes with their families. The families only saw this as sweet and humorous. On the last day, they met early at the bottom of the large, old staircase that descends to the small enclave lobby, where they sat for the last time to say their goodbyes and cast their ships to sea. They felt as though these were the end of days. As they embraced, pulled away, and quickly embraced again, he noticed a change in her … a calm contentment grew upon her face as she seemed consoled. As she ascended the staircase, he watched his past future disappear into obscurity. Martin was shaken and stirred. For once, Martin didn’t know what to think … unfortunately, that was going to change. A distinguished Cypriot elder solemnly approached Martin, descending from the same staircase where Florentia had just ascended. Then this man, with warmth in his eyes, introduced himself to Martin as Florentia’s father Bahadir, and said “Martin, it is nice to speak with you.” “Yes, thank you … it is my honor,” replied Martin. They sat and Bahadir started with, “Martin, I must have a talk with you, there is something I must share with you.” Martin responded in a soft, reserved tone, “Yes, sir.” Her father said, “Florentia is a very strong, special girl.” Martin immediately responded, “Yes, sir.” “Florentia has a very serious illness,” her father drudged on, now having difficulty continuing. Martin’s face flushed with inquisitive pain. Moving on, Florentia’s father said, “She has enjoyed her time with you like no other in her life. She has been sick her whole life but is special like you and has touched so many and now you have touched her.” Martin was stunned, speechless again, for only the third time in his life, all related to her. Bahadir’s eyes welled with tears and said “Today is it … doctors say she will not make it through the GROUNDCOVER NEWS Love by Love: "Love is Stronger than Death" 11 A column on compassion day, but you gave her all she wanted before her final ascension — a romance.” What was Martin to say, but again, nothing, then eyes opening wide he demanded to be at her bed. The father said, “She doesn’t want you to see her all hooked up in bed, she wants you to remember her the way you were together.” Martin embraced the father and they held tight as the father clenched a handful of Martin’s shirt at his shoulders. They held the tight embrace as if long-known, close relatives at a passing. After their release, nothing was said, just a mournful glance and a knowing gaze as the father started back up that staircase. Floored, Martin could only watch Florentia’s father ascend to his daughter’s final words, and he was sure whatever beautiful wise words from beyond her limited years would comfort her father along with a warm passing smile. That was the beautiful light Florentia shone on this world. After, Martin started to realize he was in another world and snapped out quickly enough to load luggage in the car. Immediately after coaxing himself into back of the Suburban, he realized he never gave Florentia her last kiss and began to cry for the inadequacy he left. Nobody knew anything and they were not worthy of her essence. At first he mourned her loss — a great love that was never sealed with a kiss. Now, he values the purity of that Love and lesson. A Greatest Love without a kiss is but a memory of a Love to live in infamy. Can there have been a more pure and innocent Love? — at that time, no. The future was only for dreaming. Isn’t it beautiful when you see or hear of such a Love, then untainted? Why didn’t they kiss? Maybe they were already at their greatest bliss … what would maybe change if the spell would have been broken with a kiss, Martin thought. People ask, “What’s Love without sex?” ... Martin would then say — The most purely amazing experience and the opportunity to see Love and life in a new light. This is a story that should never be lost. "Love lost is like a window in your heart, Everybody sees you’re blown apart Everybody sees the wind blow" [By: Paul Simon] Author’s note: This is a true story. Martin was Markona’s given name at that time, but was called “Marty” by friends and relatives. Please send comments, feedback and topic ideas to the writer at konagod.love5@gmail.com

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Vegan peach cornmeal upside-down cake LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 3 large fresh sliced peaches or 2 cans of drained sliced peaches 1 cup of flour 2 cups of cornmeal 1 ½ cups sugar 1 tbsp baking powder 1 ½ cups orange juice 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp fennel seeds or ground cinnamon (optional) Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 2. Coat a 9” round cake tin with a thin layer of oil. Spread your peach slices at the bottom. 3. In a mixing bowl, mix all of the other ingredients. Add the baking powder last. 4. Spread the cake batter carefully on top of the peaches and bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden. 5. When cool, flip the cake out of the pan onto a plate, so that the peaches are on the top. Or, just enjoy straight of the pan. You can substitute other fruit for the peaches, and use butter instead of vegetable oil for a non-vegan version of this cake! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL COMFORT CUISINE! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop PFC Kitchen proudly presents : $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 7/13/2023

2 $ JUNE 16, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 13 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Can you dig-it? Tech questions and answers from Washtenaw Literacy. Page 5 MEET YOUR VENDOR: ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. in Washtenaw County and across the nation. page 4 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Ypsilanti 2023 Juneteenth Festival graphic. @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Undercover art intel: Panda’s art at Argus’ Artisan Market! Come one, come all! This summer, Argus Farm Stop will hold their Summer Artisan Market, presenting artists from around the greater Washtenaw area. This annual event will showcase many kinds of art, including, most importantly, cultural and local arts. Let us not forget that the COVID-19 pandemic shut down many of the local galleries and local art events, putting a full stop on artists’ work and sales across the nation. As a result, many artists were obligated to sell online. That puts a barrier between the artist and the buyer. It is vital for artists to show their work in person to the public. Selling one’s art is a very personal and intimate interaction with the world. Art is all about emotional connection. That can’t happen through a computer. Computer sales are a cold and empty interaction with the artist. I have always believed that the United CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 there showing my own works of art for not only my own patrons, but also the general public. This is my first official public event outside of the homeless low-income art gallery held by M.I.S.S.I.O.N. at Journey of Faith Church. This event is only six hours long, so mark your calendars and we will be happy to see you on June 24, 2023. Come one, come all! States is about freedom and liberty to not only travel to events, but to sell across the nation at locations like Argus, so I’m really happy that this event is taking place this year. The Summer Artisan Art Market will be at the Argus Farm Stop (Packard location), 1200 Packard St. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. I am honored to say that I will be JUNE 16, 2023 CONTENT correction In the March 24 issue of Groundcover News, editing of "What the street took" by Markona Love resulted in an inadvertent change to the meaning of one of his paragraphs. His intention was to thank the following: the General Defense Committee, Washtenaw Camp Outreach, Solidarity House, Mercy House, Purple House, Peace House, Hamilton House, Freight House and the Hope Clinic (especially Heather). We apologize for the misunderstanding. CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Al Mustapha Kevin Allgood Luiza Duarte Caetano Amanda Gale Cindy Gere Markona Love Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Washtenaw Literacy Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JUNE 16, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS Baby resources still needed! The baby registry is in the name “Tabitha Ludwig.” Please help us as we have nothing for the baby yet; it would be a great blessing. If you want to send money instead, we have a Venmo account @solowyte83 and a CashApp account $flyhighsis. I did receive a little help from a wonderful TABITHA LUDWIG Groundcover vendor No. 360 Roberto Isla Caballero, vendor No. 347 My name is Tabitha. My fiance and I are In one sentence, who are you? From Cuba to Ann Arbor, 1980! Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Corner of Washington and Main St. When and why did you start selling Groundcover? 2016. Somebody at St. Andrew’s Breakfast Church asked if I wanted to sell papers and then took me to the Groundcover office! What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Sell my papers. For now, this is my thing. What song do you have completely memorized? I like too much music. I dance every night. I like any kind of music – Mexican, American, Cuban. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I don’t make complaints. I just stay on my corner. What was your first job? I helped my father make things. I started working in a school in Cuba. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Coffee. What's the best thing about selling Groundcover News? My money in my pocket! What are you most likely to become famous for? I'm already famous from being on the cover of Groundcover News in 2016 (pictured below). Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. having a baby in July and definitely need help with getting the things needed. If anyone would like to help out my family with this beautiful baby girl, I have a baby registry on Amazon and also at Target. couple and I would like to thank them for the things they helped my family with. But with that being said, me and my family are still desperately in need of help. The baby does have growth restrictions in the womb so my doctor is talking about inducing my labor, so there is a very high chance that she will be born a preemie. Thank you all so much and God bless! Let's welcome baby Lena Almond to the Groundcover family soon. 3

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS JUNETEENTH JUNE 16, 2023 Celebration of Juneteenth in Washtenaw County and across the nation On June 19, Americans will celebrate the second anniversary of “Juneteenth" being a national holiday. Juneteenth marks the end of chattel slavery in America. For the African American community, Juneteenth represents a celebration of freedom, liberty and equality. Ms. Opal Lee of Fort Worth, Texas, is described as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” In a YouTube interview which she gave on May 24, 2021 to Southern Living Magazine, 94-yearold Ms. Lee said the following: “It is in my DNA to help people. Juneteenth is actually the 19th day of June. It started when General Gordon Granger and 7,000 Black Troops made their way to Galveston to tell the 250,000 enslaved people there that they were free. He nailed that Order called ‘General Order No. 3’ to the door of the reading Chapel of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. And when those people came in from their work and somebody read that to them, they started celebrating, and we’ve been celebrating ever since. They gained so much. They gained the ability to name themselves, the ability to have children which cannot be taken away from them. They were able to dress, to own property, to vote, to pay taxes and all these things. It was freedom then, and we need freedom now, and I see Juneteenth being a unifier…” On June 18, 2021, about one month after Ms. Opal Lee gave her interview to Southern Living Magazine, she arrived at the East Wing of the White House for a Juneteenth signing ceremony. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris welcomed Ms. Lee, Harvard Professor Annette Gordon-Reed, Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson and other invited guests to celebrate the law which made June 19 a federal holiday. Vice President Kamala Harris said, “Throughout history, Juneteenth has been known by many names — Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Liberation Day … and today, a national holiday. Today is a day of celebration. It is not only a day of pride, it’s also a day for us to reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to action.” Nevada Current Newspaper was among several news organizations which covered the White House event. It reported on Vice President Harris' remarks, including “the White House was built by enslaved people and the ceremony [took] place from where President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.” The Nevada Current also reported a quote from Congresswoman Jackson who WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 fought very hard and very long to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Congresswoman Jackson said, “It has been a long journey … It has not been an easy journey. When we stand here today, we should be reminded of the fact that there were people who continued to experience the whips of a whip for two more years, even as Abraham Lincoln stood in the shining sun in the aftermath of Gettysburg to unite the Union and proclaim the slaves freed in 1863.” The Public Law which President Biden signed was truly bipartisan legislation entitled “Juneteenth National Independence Day.” It sailed through the Senate, and only 14 Republicans voted against the Bill at the U.S. House of Representatives. Below is a brief remark by President Biden proclaiming Juneteenth a federal holiday and a day of observance: “On June 19, 1865 — nearly nine decades after our Nation’s founding, and more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation — enslaved Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally received word that they were free from bondage. As those who were formerly enslaved were recognized for the first time as citizens, Black Americans came to commemorate Junteenth with celebrations across the country, building new lives and a new tradition that we honor today. In its celebration of freedom, Juneteenth is a day that should be recognized by all Americans. And that is why I am proud to have consecrated Juneteenth as our newest national holiday.” Gratitude to Opal Lee, Annette Gordon-Reid and Sheila Jackson On May 30, Baptist News Global Writer Mallory Challis wrote an article titled, “Opal Lee may be ‘Grandmother of Juneteenth,’ but she’s not done working for justice yet.” Today, Ms. Lee is 96. Last year, on June 17, Opal Lee visited Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health in order to tell U.S. President Joe Biden is applauded as he reaches for a pen to sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, as Opal Lee, a 94-year-old activist and retired educator in Fort Worth, Texas, reacts with Vice President Kamala Harris in the East Room of the White House. June 17, 2021. REUTERS/Carlos Barria stories of Juneteenth. Two notable viewpoints from Ms. Lee are: Juneteenth is not a celebration for one day and it was her candid wish that people across America will celebrate freedom and liberty from the 19th of June to the 4th of July Independence Day. Annette Gordon-Reed is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning author whose recent book is entitled “On Juneteenth.” She is also a distinguished professor of history and law at Harvard. On February 10, 2022, Virginia Commonwealth University invited her to deliver the “VCU Black History Month Lecture.” She came to VCU last year to talk about her book. Planners of the Juneteenth celebration at Harvard (June 14-17) invited Professor Gordon-Reed in order to learn more about her experience growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, about Texas history, and about the complexities of America’s past historiography and how we reflect on the experiences. News writer Brian McNell said that Annette Gordon-Reed is “the first African American recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for history and one of the authoritative voices on race and history in America.” The prize was awarded to her book project titled, “The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family.” The book, “On Juneteenth" has won several awards and recognition. The publisher told McNell that the book, “'On Juneteenth' provides a historian’s view of the country’s long road to Juneteenth, recounting both its origin in Texas and the enormous hardships that African Americans have endured in the century since, from reconstruction through Jim Crow and beyond.” We wish to salute and thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson and her colleagues in Congress. During a period of uncertainty and the nightmare of COVID-19 pandemic she and her co-sponsors in the House and Senate made it possible to secure a bi-partisan law which President Biden was very happy to sign. Conclusion On June 2, 2021, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners issued a resolution proclaiming June 19 as county observance of Juneteenth. June 19 was already made a holiday in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor during the springtime of 2021 before it was made a federal holiday with President Biden’s signature. Street marches and rallies took place in Ann Arbor and on the U-M campus. The Ann Arbor branch of the NAACP organized several celebrations in city parks. Brown Chapel made several books on history available and held conversations on reimagining justice celebration at the Ypsilanti Church. Similar celebrations took place in 2022. For the 2023 Juneteenth celebration, community members are advised to search for events on Facebook for the cities of Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Several events are planned for revelers and street vendors in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. Groundcover News will be represented on Saturday, June 17 in downtown Ypsilanti. Finally, Juneteenth can be a family celebration or a group celebration. It is also an occasion for civic knowledge and community education. We encourage intergenerational celebration. All the advocates who worked hard to make Juneteenth a federal holiday say that every American needs to know the story of Juneteenth, especially the young people in our communities. Reading, learning and in-depth conversations will give us hope for the future. HAPPY FREEDOM DAY! JUNE 16, 2023 DIGITAL LITERACY TECH QUESTIONS + ANSWERS FROM WASHTENAW LITERACY Q: I constantly need to reset my passwords. What is the best, safest way to keep track of passwords for different accounts? A: Making and remembering passwords can be one of the most frustrating aspects of living in our internet-dominated world. One of the main difficulties is that the more secure your passwords are the harder it can be to keep track of them. Passwords are more secure when they are unique, long and complex. But keeping multiple lengthy passwords straight in your head can feel impossible. Thankfully, there are several different tools and strategies you can use to prevent yourself from having to constantly reset your login credentials. One of the easiest ways to keep track of your passwords is to use a password manager. Password managers are applications or browser-based tools that store your passwords for you in an encrypted format, which means that they are resistant to being hacked. Although some password managers support biometric security (such as fingerprints), most password managers will still require you to remember one master password that will give you access to all of your other login details. If you use a password manager it is really important to make your master password as secure as possible. A less high-tech alternative to a password manager is to simply write down your passwords on paper and keep them together in a secure place. There are a few things you should consider if you decide that this option is for you. Make sure that you have somewhere really safe to store them, preferably somewhere away from your computer and where you won't lose them. It is a good idea to write passwords in an unlabeled notebook, to make them a bit harder to find. Another thing you might try is to write hints instead of the passwords themselves. For example, if your password is the name of your dream car with your mother’s birth date and an exclamation mark, you can write “car mom excited” instead of writing your actual password. Then, even if someone gets ahold of your list of passwords, they won’t necessarily be able to get into your accounts. Try to make your clues vague enough that others won’t be able to figure them out, but specific enough that you’ll remember what it means. One last tip is to think about which accounts are the most important for you to keep secure. For your most important, most sensitive accounts, such as online banking, telehealth, or email, it might be best to spend some time making sure that you can memorize the passwords, even if you keep your other passwords in a password manager or written in a notebook. Q: Is there any way to block spam calls? Or to prevent them? A: Spam calls are a serious problem, and one that is reportedly on the rise. Various sources report that, during the last three years, 30-60% of all calls placed in the United States were spam calls. The Federal Communications Commission, a government body charged with regulating radio, television, phone and internet communication in the United States, has stated that unwanted phone calls are their “top consumer complaint” and their “top consumer protection priority.” There is no single, foolproof way for you to completely prevent all unwanted calls. That being said, by taking a few precautions you should be able to greatly reduce the number of spam calls you receive. One of the first steps towards minimizing spam calls is to add your name to the Do Not Call Registry. The Do Not Call Registry is a list of phone numbers maintained by the FCC to help prevent unwanted telemarketing calls. You can add your phone number to the registry at www.donotcall.gov. Once your number is on the list, it is illegal for telemarketers to call you. Adding your number should help to cut down on the number of telemarketing calls you receive, and it will enable you to report unwanted calls to the FCC. Unfortunately, many spam callers don’t care about the legality of what they’re doing, so putting your number on the Do Not Call Registry will not totally eliminate unwanted phone calls. Most smartphones have several other options for limiting spam calls. iPhones and androids allow you to silence all calls coming from numbers that aren’t in your contacts. The calls will still show up in your call log, but your phone will not ring. You can also download a spam blocker application to help filter out unwanted calls. Popular spam blockers for androids and iPhones include Hiya, Robo Shield, Truecaller and Nomorobo. Some phone providers, such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, have additional call filtering and caller-ID features that can help you crack down on spam calls. One last important piece of advice about limiting unwanted calls is that you should try not to answer any calls from numbers you don’t recognize. When you answer a spam call, it lets the caller know that your phone number is active, which can lead to more calls in the future. Submit your technology-related questions to submissions@ groundcovernews.com and they might be published in the next issue of Groundcover News! If you struggle with technology, reading, writing, or math, you may be eligible for tutoring through Washtenaw Literacy. For more information, or to volunteer as a tutor, visit washtenawliteracy.org or call 734-337-3338. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Print Stuff at AADL Need to print forms, essential documents, applications, or homework? We can help! We can print up to 30 pages per person per week at no charge and have your items ready to pick up at the library of your choice the next weekday. For more information, visit: AADL.org/printing Bookable Meeting Rooms Book a meeting room with your AADL card. We have 10 available meeting rooms across the system that you can reserve for up to two hours per day, 12 times per calendar year. They’re also available on a first-come firstserved basis. To book a room, visit AADL.org/rooms FEATURED EVENT The Summer Game SPECTACULAR Saturday, July 29 1-4pm Veterans Memorial Park Join us at the annual splendiferously staggering, outdoor, earna-metric-ton-of-points, Summer Game Spectacular! Get outside and enjoy the summer with us in one of Ann Arbor’s greatest parks! Featuring the high-flying circus The Aviary, AADL’s amazing outdoor game collection, face painting, food trucks, and more, this slam-bang event will knock your socks off no matter your age! 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRAVEL REPORT JUNE 16, 2023 Left: Ken and Odalys with her daughter Daymara, and Daymara's son, Anthony. Middle: Ken, Daniela and her son Santiago Alberto, and Daniela's parents, Lazaro and Anita. Right: Daniela and Ken. All photos were taken in Guanabacoa, Havana, Cuba. Blessings from Cuba KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 I came back to Ann Arbor after a month in Cuba (May 5 to June 2). I hope you read “Cuba or Bust,” which helped me get there. The community financial support was essential, especially due to surprise expenses to confirm a flight and overweight baggage, not to mention it was a one way ticket. Generosity got me a return ticket. The blessings of Cuba are more than the blessings of the Revolution. African culture, particularly Yoruba, runs deep in Cuba, evident in the many parties and street celebrations with the rhythm of African music and dance. The African diasporic religion Santeria is everywhere. When I arrived on May 5, there was the sound of drums and song from Odalys’ (my first wife) house, one of the two houses our family has built in the last 20 years. The truth is when I married Odalys, I married Cuba with layers of extended family. The central family today centers on my three ahijadas (godchildren) and Jorge and Mayalin, who run the neighborhood farm. We are learning that the earth is our original family. My first trip to Cuba was in 1994 with the Pastors for Peace Caravan. We were welcomed like heroes for standing up in solidarity just like the many thousands of Cubans who volunteered to go to Angola to fight the South African invasion, especially after Fidel pointed out that “African blood flows in Cuban veins.” This is one of the historic lessons of the Cuban Revolution. Cubans, Angolans and Namibians united to defeat the South African Defense Force which was backed by the United States and had nuclear weapons. Nelson Mandela went to Cuba to express gratitude for this victory which led to his release from prison. Cuba today may look like a failed revolution as food shortages and high prices weigh heavily on everyday life. If you read my October 1, 2022 article “The Problems We Cause For Ourselves,” you are aware of the reality of obstacles arising at every stage of the path which are resolved by looking at the new context and the goal of freedom. Our ability to do this requires tender love and care. The central, dominating role of the U.S. dollar creates poverty in third world countries by trashing local currencies and promoting global commodity consumption. My month in Cuba was in this context. Cubans still get rations of rice, beans, eggs and more, but it is not enough. Fortunately, May is mango season. My family has a tree in the yard so I ate several mangos a day. I brought enough money and food to help when rations ran out. The shortages hurt enough people that many want to emigrate. My Groundcover article from January 27, “Welcome Refugees," tells that story. If you read “The Wisdom Of The Body,” published February 24, you may recall that my “core fell through the floor;” this was the background for a health crisis that delayed the trip. My serious arthritis cleared up quickly in Cuba. There is no explanation outside of the fact that it is a more natural environment. Reality is alive in earth, sky and human relations. The relaxation response becomes natural in a way that is hard to explain to North Americans. It is part of the popularity of Cuba as a tourist destination. It is unique among many countries that retain some precapitalist heritage. Cuba brings its revolutionary character into the third world and has a global reputation for genuine independence from the capitalist model. It is a nice surprise that Daniela (my lead ahijada) is a natural master of natural breath. She often says “tranquilo'' to me. She is the center of my article “Welcome Refugees” and will be part of the growing Cuban-American community in North America. Puentes de Amor (Bridges of Love) is a Cuban-American group that we want to work with and expand. I believe the indigenous people of Turtle Island and Cuban Americans will work together as we build a culture of peace. The next step for all peace-loving people is to welcome the Golden Rule sailboat, a project of Veterans for Peace. It will be in the Detroit area in mid August. Hasta la victoria siempre! Always towards victory, we look forward to the next step in that direction. JUNE 16, 2023 MEET MY PET PAL GROUNDCOVER NEWS meet my pet pal: TISH GIRL & AMANDA "feel our fairy dust" A column on why those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity have pets and why it is important to support that. Mom, Becky; who also HOPES she will get to visit with me again now and then. I ENJOY that my Pet Girl Amanda is ALWAYS talking with me when she preps for the day and when she gets back to our wooded home. We feel nature around us together; and I “can tell” Amanda FEELS VERY SATISFIED! with my company. My Pet Girl relates with my really posiHi there! My name is “Tish-Girl” or “Tish” (well, at least that’s what my “Pet Girl” Amanda most often calls me). My full name is “Socraticia.” My “Pet Girl” gave me this name because there are times and ways I just “look so wise.” How did Pet and Pet-Human find each other? I was getting REALLY DESPERATE! I had been THROWN-OUT, tank and all, at a dumpster! My Pet Girl Amanda was walking by one day, and she saw me in my tank with pretty pink pebbles, blue sand, green plants, and just a bit of water. The trouble was she thought I was a small, ornate rock! How could I let this human who cared enough about animals to stop by my tank to investigate — know that I WASN’T a rock!? Besides, I was SCARED! What if my natural instinct was right, and I should be AFRAID of any! human? Still, I was DESPERATE! I decided to extend my head out of my shell, just a bit; and also to move a little. Suddenly, I realized that the human girl looking into my tank as I moved a bit, realized that I am a LIVING TURTLE! Right then, Amanda became my “Pet Girl;” She immediately picked-up my tank with me in it, and brought me into what was then her and her Mom’s apartment. The next day, she looked-up what type of turtle I am, and realizing I am a “Red-Eared-Slider,” she reset my whole tank to be especially for me, just how I need it. She also gave me my type of food. It was then that I knew, I am LOVED! She also talks with me (though I speak a language different from English) and somehow we UNDERSTAND each other. My Pet Girl Amanda also dotes upon me, looking at me fondly, and all these ways let me know that my Pet Girl Amanda ESPECIALLY VALUES and LOVES me. She DELIGHTS in me, and wants to visit with me; She recognizes and likes my yellow and brown splashes of just right, beautiful design. It’s now been 17 years since my Pet Girl Amanda found me; I was then only slightly smaller than a quarter, and I’m now as big as Amanda’s two hands! Many feeder worms, mini shrimp, spinach, pellets and lettuce later — we’ve been Pet and human companions all this time; and since my average life expectancy is 30 years, we’re doing great, and we’ve got some miles to go! Tell us a few things about yourself. I’m a KEEN OBSERVER, and always tell Amanda in my own way How HAPPY I am with her as my Pet human, for her company and for her CARE for me with each detail. Also, somehow I “just know things.” I can tell if my Pet Girl is rushed or tired sometimes, though I am GLAD that Amanda is always a happy person, and patient and CARING,NO MATTER WHAT. I communicate a lot through and with my eyes; I look directly, to notice and convey. I’m still VERY WISE. I get EXTRA relaxed or enthused when Amanda puts K-Love Christian radio on. I ENJOY Amanda’s visits; it’s fun being a pet when you’re LOVED. I’ve been wondering where Amanda’s BELOVED Mom is? She used to live with us and she and I also used to visit a lot — especially while Amanda was volunteering or at work. However, I’m now daily entertained by the sounds of other nearby animals, other sounds like tree leaves blowing in the wind. Sometimes I hear Amanda’s Mom’s voice through this small, strange, hand-held device, and I wonder and I wish I could visit again with Amanda’s Mom sometimes. Amanda and I PRAY for her BELOVED tive nature; we together find and focus on the GOOD; the beauty and purity around us; and the GOOD in other people. We desire to bless others with our “positive vibes,” and to even seek to somehow give back to Nature, at least a little of what it’s doing for us. So we breathe it, and RECEIVE IT; FULLY. We SEEK to KEEP a part of it with us, and let some others EXPERIENCE the “Fairy Dust” (Ha Ha!) from off of us, also. We just CARE! What is a challenge of having a pet while experiencing homelessness? If you tell the wrong people that you have a pet while you’re “homeless,” they might assume you shouldn’t have one! Some people don’t realize that exactly you and your pet are ESSENTIAL FOR EACH OTHER! You Are FAMILY, helping each other thrive! and advance in a big, big world of some who don’t care. If you have kids, just imagine them being taken away from you just because you’re not in some other people’s financial bracket, and then insisting that somehow you’re then best situated to enjoy life and advance financially, though your heart would be ripped apart from such excruciating loss! The really good thing is the way my Pet Girl Amanda takes care of us. We don’t know that we’re homeless, and thus, we really AREN’T! My Pet Girl Amanda, takes much better care of me and herself than if we were residing in a more traditional dwelling! Amanda cunningly improvises; I have a smaller tank right now (though probably my Pet Girl is going to buy me a larger one for summer). We will be taking walks in “our woods” soon on a leash, since my metabolism is getting more active now that spring is more fully here. There isn’t a stream here, so Amanda must bring water in a jug to me, but that is “AOK” with her, since it’s for me. Though my metabolism goes down to semi-dormant during coldest fall and winter, I MUST have at least three or four hand warmers that my Pet Girl tucks me in with, along with my blankies. Water also must be given only at certain times; I don’t need it as often; though water also must have a hand warmer under it, to keep it from freezing. My Pet Girl ALWAYS keeps us REALLY TOASTY WARM! My Pet Girl budgets extra carefully to make sure I ALWAYS! HAVE WHAT I NEED, and that I’m COMFORTABLE. Something really sad though, is, if you have a pet that CANNOT BE ADAPTED FOR, that pet might not have ANY good options for the cold season. Amanda’s pet toads now simply talk to us from afar somewhere. We hear them in the voices of non-pet toads and frogs in the woods around us. THANKFULLY, I, Tish-Girl, am MUCH Simpler to TAKE CARE of; Amanda and I just ENTRUST our departed amphibian friends to our OMNIPOTENT, ALL MERCIFUL GOD. We believe we will more than likely have them in our lives again someday, somewhere beyond this life, In Eternity. What is something our readers should know about you and Amanda if they see you both on the street? You won’t likely encounter Amanda and I out in public; I MUCH prefer the earthy ground under my feet, and the shade covering of leaves overhead and around us (and actually Amanda much prefers this environment in many ways, also! ) If we somehow do get to meet someday though, I’ll really look forward to it! I’m REALLY FRIENDLY and I know my Pet Girl Amanda will seek only nice humans to introduce me to; and if you’re interested in this Pet Pals article, you probably are one! 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Love by Love: Let our Lindsay shine Start with her warm and kind face inviting your serenity. Looking into that face is like floating in a Sea of Tranquillity, with a smile that would squash an entire evil empire. Lindsay's laugh is awesome, precious at the least … lifts me to such great heights. She is as royalty to the streets. Ya, I guess I'm saying she's a Princess — Our Princess of the Disenfranchised, who is there for Us always with her warm and loving smile, illuminating the room — so warmly as if to swaddle us in … 'Princess Warrior Lindsay Of The Disenfranchised' She works so hard and takes on such a heavy stress load for Us. She cares so intently and always gives her sincere thought and effort to helping Us anyway she's able … often, above and beyond reasonable measure. She is intelligent, talented, even tempered, and with an always sunny, Sunshine demeanor — do not underestimate MARKONA LOVE Groundcover contributor that hidden strength that's there when we need it. With all these talents, she has many choices — and if you think she's in it for the money — what money? Lindsay’s beauty shines from within, and then upon us. Oh man, she never stops; her home is a rescue house for the homeless, she does homeless camp outreach on off time and has invested in several endeavors, always to support her community. She has been doing this while in Graduate A column on compassion School at the University of Michigan, then continuing after getting her Masters Degree. She could do anything, but what she seems to want to keep doing is giving and giving and giving. Bless her Giant heart, sometimes I believe we don't deserve her presence but she does it anyway and gifts Us with her glowing presence that refreshes and renews our strength to fight on. Her Love and Kindness are there for her vendors and writers with so many little helpings that are often above and beyond, that she manages to wedge into a hectic time schedule. She probably would say something so kind and humble, like, “Oh, I was going to do that anyway" (while she's up early or late cooking our dinner for the Writers Review Meeting). Somebody get that woman a peanut butter and chamomile smoothie. Bless her heart, that was a joke for her. I have to have a treat and a joke for that smile, and a laugh — now I'm ready to write “War And Peace.” Truth or lies: Randy the Racer “Zoom, zoom, rev, rev,” went the sounds of the motor headers as Randy raced down the street. Randy Welch, a three-time National Car Racing Association winner, raced down the street everyday. It did not matter if he was on the track or if he was going to the local store, he sped up every time he drove. Randy was 26 years old and had no children or wife. He was a bachelor with an arrogant disposition. Town folk would say he was quite full of himself and needed to stop speeding through the town. Randy would race against anyone who challenged him. He never wore a seat belt or considered any pedestrians. Randy had several race cars. His favorite was the red 1980 Maserati he won as a prize in the Spark racing competition. Every time he drove the Maserati, Randy would race on the streets boasting that no one could beat him. The Maserati was previously owned by Juan Hamman, a humble family man who crashed while racing in the national competition. Juan won seven national and 10 international races before he passed. “Zoom, zoom, rumble, rumble,” — the sounds of the Maserati idling at the corner of Seventh St. A black Camaro approached the intersection. Randy turned his head to the right and nodded at the driver of the Camaro. They looked at each other then took off — “zoom, zoom.” All of a sudden, Randy sees Juan Hamman FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 standing in the middle of the road. Juan was gesturing to him and shouting, “Slow down, children are playing.” Randy could not believe his eyes — Juan was standing in the road shouting at him! He could not swerve or veer, he had to keep driving straight ahead. Randy thought, “If it is Juan standing in the road, I will have to run his dead body over!” In an instant, Juan grabbed a little girl who was pedaling her bicycle in the street. He snatched her off her bike, thus saving her life. Randy did not expect her to be riding in the street! Finally stopping, he was relieved that the girl was safe and not injured because of his street racing. Randy stood, looking all around and everywhere for Juan. When he returned home later that evening, he wondered if he really saw Juan, questioning himself, wondering if the little girl was real or dead also. The next day he decided to return to Seventh St. to see if the little girl was real, and where Juan was. How could he return from the grave, he wondered? Randy was anxious and not paying attention to his speed. Once again he was speeding, and out of nowhere the little girl appeared riding her bicycle. Then Juan appeared, and Randy drove straight through Juan’s silhouette once again. Randy did not notice that he had traveled through time crossing through Juan’s silhouette. Randy found himself in a jail cell. He had been charged with vehicular manslaughter of a pedestrian. Randy stood grabbing the bars shouting “What have I done? How did I get here? Someone please help me! I am sorry! I promise never to speed down the streets again!” Randy started to cry thinking how he never got married or had children. He thought about the little girl. “Is that who I hit?” Her parents probably wanted to kill him or see him in jail for life. Randy shouted and swore out of his mouth that if he could turn back the hand of time, things would be different. He would not speed down the street, and only race on the track. Exhausted from crying and shouting, he laid down on the cot in the cell to rest. Randy fell asleep and dreamed. His lawyer was a man named Larry Cluable and the prosecutor was a lady named Shelly Smoores. She wanted to see him put away for life in prison! He had run over the little girl named Kylie Ight. The jury had more women than men. The judge was a lady named Judge Christy Evans. The trial was quick and the jury only deliberated for fifteen minutes. Judge Evans read the verdict then sentenced him to twenty years hard labor. When she slapped the gavel, he awoke, shaking and scared. He was sitting behind the wheel of the 1980 red Maserati. He threw his hands up and thanked Juan silently and slowly drove home. Grateful to Juan, he opened a training course for new drivers, teaching them the importance of not speeding and street racing. Groundcover needs a special Lindsay appreciation day, not just as a Publisher, Director, Editor or friend … somehow she's all of that and a plate of pomme frites. Lindsay has had patience with me through so much. I'm eager to know where she gets the foundation that gives her that strength ... it sure is noticed and greatly appreciated by moi. All Our Grace to Lindsay Calka. All The Grace to Our Loving Lindsay. Sincerely, Markona Love "LINDSAY DAY" (June 16) Author's Note: I wrote this from within a state of apology, currently in progress. I had the realization that I was adding more of the same stress to what Lindsay already had piled on her. I was being self-centered and selfish of her feelings, which I will forever regret. JUNE 16, 2023 Is "Randy the Racer" TRUTH or LIES? Go online at groundcovernews.org to cast your vote! You guessed right Groundcover readers, the Town of Junken, published May 19, was based on a TRUE story. JUNE 16, 2023 POETRY Temporarily homeless ANONYMOUS Sitting by the side of the road, Walking for miles and miles. Saving pop bottles to cash in. Wondering how you'll get your next meal. "Homelessness? Things happen. You're fine. Don’t spend money on drugs," they say. But they don’t know the half of it. And who said anything about anyone using drugs when maybe they're just down and out? Use, abuse, take take take. Is that how you find the way out of your situation? There’s a better approach called give and take, When both have something to offer. Trains, planes, buses, and cars... Who knew, all the fusses we make about affording fares and gasoline. But we all have to get somewhere, somehow and sometime. Why not just enjoy the idea of traveling? Life is so short, why all this suffering? Crying, hurting, starving, thirsting... And do you have it made when you have many things? Who knew material goods could mean so little when what you need is love and compassion? She's young, she's innocent, she's homeless, so let’s take advantage... You're old, you're unclean, you're mean, so she'll run the other direction. Who's in her corner fighting for her? Parents, family, friends, you just don’t see. I don’t need your kind of "saving." And they look out for me so I'm not as alone as I seem. Where oh where can I go to sleep tonight? All I need is a place to lay my head at night, a job and some money. Who knew life could be so hard, unemployed. It should be that I'm employed and well set. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Build your positivity muscle MOHAMMED AL MUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor I want to start this article by reminding you, the reader, that you are a resilient being capable of extraordinary feats which you can choose to exhibit at any time. This superb sense of resilience, which you embody, can at times be dulled by the many different circumstances in life, but it never diminishes. It will always be there for you in your time of need and can be generously extended to assist others around you as well. We human beings are very unique and peculiar creatures. I like to think of us as unique individual collections of memories. The way we interpret those memories can be positive or negative. Unfortunately, for many of us, the deficit in balance of bad versus good memories leads us to regress into a negative pattern of thinking. This negative digression cycle is very hard to break and can so consume a human being that they can lose sight of the beauty of who they are and what they have. They can become so overwhelmed that they completely lose track of the goodness within and become self-destructive through negative habits such as substance abuse and dependence, alcoholism or a host of the many negative coping mechanisms that we humans can detrimentally execute. Overcoming past traumas is not an easy thing. To deal with the intrusive and excessively negative thoughts that barrage my mind, I have learned a potentially helpful new trick that I want to share with you. You see, just like you, I have my fair share of negative and horrid past traumas and experiences. When these obtrusive negative thoughts started inundating my mind and obstructing my thinking, I didn't know how to deal with them, and they would cycle through my head in such a fashion that I didn't know how to stop them. I would seek substances that would alter my mind in the hope of easing it, but they would only compound and amplify the problem. The regression was so severe that I would lose track of whatever I was occupied with at the time and would end up making completely irrational decisions that would devastate my self-development progress. Being the hard-headed individual I am, I abhorred seeking mental health assistance, whether due to cultural stigma or just plain arrogance and hardheadedness. To deal with the insistent and obsessive negative thought cycle of self-victimization, and constantly asking myself the same questions like "why did this happen to me?" or "why is my life this way?" or "why did I have to go through this?" I just faced my mind and embraced the thoughts. By embracing my traumas and recognizing them as part of my being, my personality, and my character, I was able to overcome them. Whenever I would get negative thoughts of previous trauma, instead of allowing my mind to wander with the question of "why me" and "why so", I reminded myself that I am here, now, and alive. What was supposed to hurt me and destabilize me, I have endured and survived. What was supposed to make me weaker and destroy me has only made me stronger, has reinforced my resolve to be a better human, to not give in to evilness, to continuously strive to be a better, stronger person. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and embracing a victimized mindset, I reverse it. I am a survivor. I am stronger today than I was when whatever traumatic event happened. By constantly reminding myself that this is who I am today, I am in constant self-development and improvement of myself, my body, my mind, my family, my community and humanity in general. By embracing the trauma and realizing that it has happened, it is in the past, and it's a part of me, it has only made me stronger. I am free from see POSITIVITY next page  JUNE 16, 2023 Breaking the ice — doubts, faith, opportunity KEVIN ALLGOOD Groundcover contributor Some may say Groundcover is a scam; some of its writers at times may think their writing is subpar, but it's a way to make money writing and selling papers. Some may feel it's not their talent and think that they may never make it. The thing is, I'm a Christian, virgin, schizophrenic myself trying to navigate the spiritual world of the Most High God and Satan Our Adversary. I know not the mental health nor the total economic stance of all involved in Groundcover, therefore can only speak on my own behalf. I know many are hurting in today's economy and we could all seem to get in the Christmas spirit out of the season of goodwill and love for others. Saint Nikolas was a real man that would buy toys for the poor kids and was beloved for it. That Irishman I believe became Saint Nick, our Santa Claus. Now, if Santa was a real person, a Christian, then how could we get into His Spirit, His Holy Spirit — by selflessly loving others? We could also humbly pray that God would circumcise our hearts and His Holy Spirit would come into Our Temple that is our body. So no parent has to lie about Santa coming and leaving gifts cause if Dad is in His Holy Spirit, he truly is Saint Nick. When friends tell kids that Santa is not real and they finally believe it, they therefore subconsciously think the whole Jesus thing is a lie. Was Jesus real? Is his birthday just a scam to make money? I ask kids today what Christmas is about and many would think Santa gives gifts and there are elves and reindeer. Many kids nowadays do not even know that it is the day agreed on to celebrate the birthday of Christ and the gift of salvation. Looking at Groundcover’s 2023 Exceptional Community Member Edition, the photo of Juan Castro dressed as Santa surrounded by three beautiful women looks like an embarrassing amount of riches. Many think schizophrenic and think crazy; some may think of Rob Thomas’s “Unwell” (a favorite song of mine). But I see it not as some doctors do, as the subconscious talking to the conscious, but as an evil demon, and that sometimes you forget people are around and you get mad at it and yell or get teary-eyed and cry. Sometimes you get so stressed you forget to take a bath or brush your teeth. With Groundcover, I see an opportunity that God has put before me, and even if I don't profit from it, hopefully others will. Like a rock thrown into a pond, the ripples are what counts. I could foresee a doctor across the street from the State movie theater, having a coffee at Starbucks, (BTW is it legal in America to want to unionize? How could anyone get fired for wanting to help their coworkers to have better work conditions?) reading my story, keeping up on my entries, who might understand something, for me to have a breakthrough all because of Groundcover. In my faithwalk, it’s been lonely and I have been abused by Satan all my life and if it's God doing it, "love me less" (joking, Archangel Gabriel, I'm joking). My heart’s desire one day is to have a loving family, for me to be a family man. I have struggled with sexual sin thought across all areas on a spectrum, but trust I am a born again virgin of two decades. Like going to the gym, self-talk trying to stand up to dangerous sin thoughts is a must to get stronger. I realized that hiding from the Truth only makes you live in fear and to house Fear in My Temple was a horrible feeling I desired freedom from. The internet seems to have a skill - leading you into mental sin and seemingly encouraging you to lie from the very sin it sold you. From my experience, it seems some demons have something in your temple to physically hold on to when we lie and are afraid. The first step to freedom is to be willing to admit you fall short of the glory of God. And for those sins that test your honesty, confess it, if need be openly, and therefore do not fear the past, for the Bible says to confess your sins to one another and God is just to take away all unrighteousness from you. To beat fear is to be brave so many times that fear is tired and afraid of you so it doesn't even bother any more. To be on Social Security with free time, maybe Groundcover and I may be a good marriage after long courting seasons. If all things work for the good of those who love God and are called for His purpose, then hopefully He has a purpose for me at Groundcover! It's maybe not about winning a Pulitzer Prize, but to find rich loving relationships, and maybe even about others in the community hearing about a personal story and maybe changing their life. From a long lost friend to a daughter never known, a Father, an admirer, to a mentor, you never know what treasure you can get. Well this piece has more about the birth of Jesus then myself, but now I think maybe it’s about my birth at Groundcover and it’s all sound. really JUNE 16, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  POSITIVITY from last page the negative thought cycle and mental distress and agony. It doesn't make sense to allow things that have transpired and expired in the past to affect us today. Let's make today and tomorrow better by becoming better versions of ourselves and beautifying our surroundings. Like a good friend of mine said, “Take a deep breath and do something good.” Start by realizing what's in the past is in the past. You have already gotten over it. It hurt when it happened, but you hold the key to not letting it hurt today. Realize that we humans are very variable and capable of both good and bad. Therefore, embrace the good and forgive the bad. Remember that we all face different circumstances that can dilute and dictate our judgment at times. By forgiving your traumatizers, you not only give yourself relief but also them. Start with small acts of kindness, such as smiling, stopping on the road to smell the flowers, enjoying the beauty of the sunshine and nature around you, getting a fresh haircut (in my case, it involves a nice head shave that leaves my bald head sparkling and shiny, making Mr. Clean jealous), putting on a nice outfit and just walking outside, complimenting your fellow man on the street, whether they are an acquaintance or just a pedestrian. Go for a bike ride, enjoy a nice meal, or just go to the ice cream parlor and ask for sample spoons of all the flavors. Just remember that negative thoughts are just thoughts. They do not stop you or define you. And that small acts of kindness and small acts of self-hedonism will work to accumulate a degree of happiness, which will uplift your mood and affect your disposition for the better. Seeking therapy and counseling is great, and I advise all those struggling with mental health issues to please utilize the knowledge and power of mental health professionals, whether through your health insurance or through the county-provided services such as Community Mental Health. I myself will be seeking therapy to make sure that I am on the right path. The gist of what I am trying to say is this: we all have our fair share of negative memories and traumatizing experiences that we carry inside of us. At any time, they can arise to destabilize our being and progress. But by facing them and embracing them, we take away their destructive and destabilizing power. If we start by executing small positive tasks, we build up progress to accomplish bigger and better things. In my experience, going to the gym to work out has been extremely helpful. It has given me mental clarity, improved my mental health, improved my physical appearance and my diet, which has had a wonderful effect on my personality and thought pattern as a whole. By doing a large number of small positive tasks, I am able to accumulate positive energy, which in turn gives me the courage and motivation to 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 seek even greater positive challenges. One of those small positive tasks for me has been riding a bicycle. It feels great, gets me where I need to go faster, and improves my cardiovascular health. Also, seek a hobby. Find something that you enjoy doing. On the real, one of the best things that has happened to me has been writing. I never thought that I would have my articles published in a newspaper, let alone a full page. That's why I give a huge heartfelt shoutout to the Groundcover family, starting with the awesome Managing Director for doing such an amazing job, to all the editorial staff for making sure my writing makes sense, all the donors for making sure we have this outlet, and last but not least, the vendors for making sure that our works get into the hands of the readers. Whatever you do, just remember that what has happened in the past does not dictate your tomorrow, for it is a better day. Start with small positive acts and, trust me, they will accumulate into bigger and better things. And hey, wherever you are going, I pray that all the traffic lights on your way turn green. Amen.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Easiest chili in the world LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef 1 onion 4 cloves of garlic 1 can beans 1 can corn 1 can diced tomato, or 1 tbsp tomato paste 2 tsp chili powder About 32 ounces of boiling water. Salt and pepper to taste. Optional: shredded cheese. Directions: Prep your ingredients: Dice your onions and mince your garlic. Open the cans and drain them. Set some water to boil. Set a different pot on high heat. No oil needed. When the pot is hot, add the ground beef in and smash it with a wooden spoon, moving it so it browns, but doesn’t burn. Season the beef with the salt, pepper, and chili powder. Add your onions and garlic and cook them for about 3 minutes, or until they soften, mixing constantly. Add the corn, beans, and tomato, mix, and finally cover it all with the boiling water. Let it simmer over medium-low heat for another 10 minutes. Serve it hot with some shredded cheese and sour cream on top, or as is. JUNE 16, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL COMFORT CUISINE! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop PFC Kitchen proudly presents : $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 7/13/2023

2 $ JUNE 2, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 12 ASK YOUR YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. A local look at trans people in homeless shelters. Page 4 VENDOR: WHO DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? TERESA BASHAM, #570 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. trans rights respect asexuality healthcare gender expression shelter PRIDE ISSUE community transitions safety love Mural by Joey Salamon THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # 2023

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK this year, and you’re holding it!) On the day after its print release, I overheard a conversation about trans LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director In June 2022, Groundcover News published a special edition for Pride Month. This was the first of its kind for Groundcover. Although the publication had published LGBTQ+ articles and content before, never had the organization taken a concerted action intentionally marketed as such. Almost every piece was written by or centered LGBTQ+ people or issues in the local community. (Spoiler: we did it again people in the Groundcover office that, in an attempt to be humorous, was extremely hurtful. I stepped in to open up a conversation about the statement I heard, to inform those in the conversation how that might be understood as an offense, a slur or an invalidation of personhood. We talked about what the consequences are to sell this paper, and speak hate, even if out of ignorance, as a representative of Groundcover News. The intersection of homelessness experience and LGBTQ+ identity is an important one. LGBTQ+ — especially transgender — people have a higher risk of becoming homeless due to stereotypes, transphobia, hatred and systemic oppression. Navigating the system of welfare and survival as a trans person often includes lack of privacy, lack of belonging, physical violence, misgendering, trauma and re-traumatizing experiences. Yet, very few people in our workplace — a workplace for people experiencing homelessness — identify as LGBTQ+. It was a wake up call that the Groundcover News vendor base is not a perfect sample of the homeless experience as many members of our community assume. Certainly we have a diverse and unique group of vendors and writers who challenge stereotypes everyday out on the street and in their writing. Anyone with lived experience of homelessness and poverty can sell Groundcover News, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone with this experience does. Selling Groundcover means constantly being in the public eye, and being in a position to be ignored or embraced or even reviled, over and over again. I thought a lot about what it means for Groundcover News to publish another Pride Issue: to speak on behalf of, and to defend, an identity that most who work for Groundcover do not hold. Instead of avoiding this lack of representation by not publishing a Pride Issue this year, we chose to do it again, expanding the contributor base and owning the reality that we have an obligation as a street paper to cover these issues and spotlight the people, organizations and ideas that are making the community a better place for everyone. Because to understand the intersection of queerness and homelessness is to better understand homelessness. And to challenge stereotypes of being gay, trans or asexual is to challenge stereotypes of poverty. Our liberation is bound up with one another. JUNE 2, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS D.A. Rachel Braun Ladi Dä Markona Love Chen Lyu Danielle Mack Layla McMurtrie Phoenix Oaks Mira Simonton-Chao PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Holden Pizzolato Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES PACKAGE PRICING Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JUNE 2, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR Who in this world do you most admire? Billie Holiday. Despite all she went through, she still was able to do what she did, achieve what she achieved. My favorite song of hers is "Blue Moon." — Teresa Basham, #570 In my lifetime, MLK. Among the living , the 17th Karmapa. — Ken Parks, #490 Jesus. — Gary Robinson, #224 Dead: Jonas Salk, Living: Neil deGrasse Tyson. — Markona Love, #590 Jesus. — Tony Schohl, #9 I respect everyone. — Roberto Caballero, #347 Stevie Wonder. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Susan Beckett, for what she did for Groundcover and her vision for the organization. Glenn Gates, for his hard work and dedication. — Joe Woods, #103 Lindsay. — James Tennant, #174 My dad, for all the sacrifices he made throughout the years. And Glenn! — Dan Wilcox, #592 DANIELLE MACK Groundcover vendor No. 5 Happy Pride Month to everyone! I hope you are enjoying what seems to be the end of spring and the beginning of summer. I have not written an article since I left Michigan to get married back in 2013 to another trans woman named Shelley. A lot has happened since Shelley and I were married in Massachusetts, and quickly moved to California, her favorite place to live. After a few years I got a job with TSA, and just as I was finishing up my training with TSA, Shelley passed away. We had made plans to move to Seattle at the end of that year, plans that I followed through with. I was born in Seattle so that area is home to me. Shelley had lived there before and liked it. With my federal job I could transfer anywhere in the country. I transferred to Seattle in 2017. I loved living in Seattle, but eventually my parents and I started talking again and I chose to move back to Michigan to try and speed up the reconnection. My dad’s side of the family has been in Michigan since 1865, and aside from kindergarten, all my schooling has been in Michigan; but after so much time on the west coast, I felt a lot of culture shock moving back to Michigan in 2018. I quickly realized my parents and I get along better with a thousand miles between us and I wanted to get back to Seattle. Unfortunately I ran into some bigotry and transphobia working at the Grand Rapids airport. I filed complaints and did everything I could but never heard anything back from headquarters. They tried to fire me at that airport, but thanks to some help from the union I was able to instead get forced into a transfer to a position and airport I didn’t really want. In 2019, I was transferred to Washington D.C., where I was eventually able to get things worked out to get back to working as an officer and start working my way back to Seattle. At the end of that year I was able to get a transfer to Denver. I loved Denver! I had my voice surgery to raise my pitch and trachea shave to reduce the size of my Adam's apple done in Denver. In 2021, I transferred to Las Vegas for six months, then back up to Seattle. I eventually left TSA shortly after moving back to Seattle and found a job using my degree to work for the public schools. I worked for Seattle Public Schools for about a year and a half as a special education teaching assistant, aka paraeducator. My first year on the job I had a great team that I loved working with, but at the end of the last school year GROUNDCOVER NEWS Transitions since Groundcover the teacher decided to try something else. We got a new teacher that did not seem to like me too much, and proceeded to make my work environment very stressful. I panicked a bit and instead of requesting a transfer to another school I just quit and decided to try working for the federal government again, for the United States Postal Service. I hated that job, decided it wasn’t for me very quickly and I just went back onto teaching. I left USPS before my probationary period ended and was jobless for about six weeks before I got hired by the same school district I started kindergarten in up near Everett, just north of Seattle. After all this time I know I want to live and work near Everett. Last fall I managed to acquire my dream car, a 1993 GMC Sierra K1500 halfton pickup truck, that I am still making payments on. I am working my dream job, and currently only casually looking for my dream house up near Everett. Unfortunately I am in a bit of a rough patch as I don’t get my first paycheck from this new job until the end of next month and I am already behind on quite a few bills and struggling to make it to that first paycheck. I am trying all sorts of things to help myself, but keep running into problems. There is an end to the stresses in sight. Now I just need to get there. 3 Back in the crack The light was only peeking out, but at least I could see it, in the distance — barely — from the pit, where Uncle Sam wants me/us. It’s getting crowded down here —- as the low-income, disenfranchised population increases daily. There isn’t even talk of any real solution, let alone any positive action. They can’t seem to even slow down the spread of disparity. 'The Crack' is the fissure that is What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. seemingly impossible for the lower class to step out of, and what the middle class is falling into … a never ending, bottomless pit of despair. More jobs have more expenses and complications. How many jobs does it take to afford to live in a tent by the railroad tracks? … four. Yep. How do you get out of a locked box?! Where's Houdini when you need him? With all the time and energy the government spends But what's the point in wasting MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 creating those walls and locking your box then hiding the key, you would think that they would have just housed people instead. I could explain how each one of those walls were created and how they contained me, but it would be futile. I’m more interested in the ways of the ‘winds of change.’ Ya, I know, that’s vague ... any more breath on the details of how the system screws us? Let’s start acting as a compassionate community. Government is not going to save us, it's way too concerned with self-preservation. We need to come together, work together … for each other. We the people need to see ourselves as a whole, as One — and start from there. We need some love and understanding. We have to find a way to appreciate each other's boundaries. This is the most comfortable and in control I have felt in years — here, living in a tent in the woods, next to the railroad tracks. Here is where I experience the most disconnection from the binding system. I wonder why we can't get parcels see BACK page 11 

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRIDE LAYLA MCMURTRIE Deputy Editor According to Health Care for the Homeless, one in five transgender people, and 41% of Black trans people, have experienced homelessness. There are very few shelters specifically for trans and gender non-conforming homeless people, and most of the resources available cater towards youth, leaving trans adults suffering. Shelters are no exception to the hate that the LGBTQ+ community is often subject to. At the Robert J. Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, where there are 56 residential beds, women are placed on the fourth floor and men on the third floor. Often trans people don’t feel right with either option, as many feel unsafe in men’s shelters due to a higher risk of sexual assault, but can also feel out of place with cisgender women. Local trans lesbian Sarah Dunn has spent time in the Washtenaw County homeless community since coming out in 2017 and said that she never felt comfortable at Delonis. “I didn't feel safe, even waiting outside, because I was catcalled. I had some guy trying to put his arm around me,” Dunn said. “I was glad that Washtenaw Camp Outreach was able to put me up at a motel that night and then I moved into Purple House the next day, but it was that traumatizing even just waiting out there knowing that I could be preyed on.” Dunn thinks that to prevent behavior like this, shelters should have a zero-tolerance policy for predatory behavior. While Delonis does have a non-discrimination policy and a way for residents to file complaints, it seldom results in aggressors being JUNE 2, 2023 A local look at trans people in homelesss shelters exited from the shelter, according to Housing Director Christina Johnson. When starting her job at Delonis in 2012, Johnson was glad to find out that their rule was already that a client will be placed on the floor matching their gender identity. But, the system is still far from perfect. Currently, the center has no specific protections for trans people, just a community agreement poster that emphasizes safety and respect. see SHELTER next page  A few notes on respect: How to ensure you're treating a trans person with dignity PHOENIX OAKS Street Roots vendor I've noticed that, unfortunately, staff and volunteers who run non-profits that serve poor and houseless folks are often unaware of how to treat transgender community members with basic respect. Some are outright unwilling to use trans people’s correct names or pronouns. That was my reason for putting together a presentation that the following tips were taken from. This lack of respect is especially unacceptable given that trans people make up a highly disproportionate percentage of houseless folks. We face very high rates of discrimination, violence, family and community rejection, harassment and suicide attempts because of transphobia. The last thing struggling trans folks need is to be mistreated in places like shelters, service centers, offices, medical clinics and places where they get food and use restrooms. I’ve experienced incessant misgendering and other forms of transphobia by a few people in some of these places. I’ve also seen trans people get harassed, discriminated against and misgendered by staff and other residents in shelters. I’ve been told by an employee at a shelter service that trans men can just go to the women’s shelter after I raised concerns about trans men and nonbinary people’s safety in shelters. As a trans man, I’d feel extremely uncomfortable and out of place going into a women’s shelter (especially since I pass as male and am legally male). At the same time, I’d unfortunately feel unsafe in a men’s shelter, too, given how high the risk of sexual assault would be there. Many people in this community first met me before I started transitioning. Don’t get me wrong — trans men and women should definitely be able to stay in men’s and women’s shelters respectively according to their correct genders, just as they should be able to use the correct restrooms. At the same time, given the current social climate, I believe that trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people need their own shelter or shelter beds that they can go to if they feel safer there. As things are now, the places that serve folks who are struggling the most are often not safe or welcoming to us. The importance of names and pronouns • Respect everyone’s right to self-identify and express however they wish at any time and in any situation. • Once known, use ONLY a person’s chosen name and pronouns, unless they explicitly want you to do otherwise. This can be the case when a person is still in the process of coming out. • Don’t justify deadnaming (using a person’s former name) or misgendering. Apologize and correct yourself if you slip. • Legal names and genders are often NOT preferred and are not to be considered people’s “real” names or genders. • Don’t out anyone without permission. Actions, questions and statements to avoid • Unequal, stigmatizing, dehumanizing or awkward treatment such as staring; ceasing communication; deliberate deadnaming or misgendering; sharing medical/anatomical info, old photos or birth name without the trans person’s consent; transphobic jokes or stereotyping; or using mocking or condescending tone with chosen name or pronouns. • Anything invasive or objectifying about body, presentation, old or new name or appearance, or transition process. • Pressure to do anything that feels unsafe or dysphoria-inducing such as calling police, going to a place that doesn’t feel welcoming, or presenting as assigned gender for school or a family gathering. • Invalidating trans kids’ or youths’ needs or identities by claiming that they’re too young to know, that trans pre-teens shouldn’t go on puberty blockers, or that trans teens shouldn’t have hormone therapy, etc. • Anything that treats trans men as if they’re not real men or trans women as if they’re not real women. For example, stereotyping trans men as being better than cis men as if they’re not real men and masculinity is inherently toxic; treating trans women like they’re men invading women’s spaces; “We welcome women and trans people” on signs; and surveys that have “male,” “female,” “trans male,” and “trans female” as distinct options instead of “cis male,” “cis female,” “trans male,” and “trans female.” • Regarding nonbinary genders as less real or unreal; refusing to use gender-neutral pronouns or the Mx. honorific; or saying that they/them for one person is grammatically incorrect. • Falsely claiming that being trans is a mental illness, a trend or a personal choice; falsely claiming that science supports transphobia; or saying that being trans is against one’s culture, religion, feminism or beliefs. • Performative allyship, tokenism A self-portrait of Phoenix Oaks, originally published in the Street Roots 2019 Holiday Zine. and inappropriate parading of trans identities. • Accusing trans people of being unreasonable or overly sensitive in response to their trauma, dysphoria, or unwillingness to take transphobia; blaming trans people’s unrelated issues on them transitioning; gaslighting; or saying “not all cis people” when they process their experiences. • Treating transphobia like a lower-priority problem to address or a less serious/real oppression. • Arguing that trans people shouldn’t be allowed in certain jobs, roles or places for their correct genders, for example, sports teams, restrooms, the military, teaching, raising kids, religious/spiritual leadership and political office; or that trans prisoners or poor people shouldn’t be able to have surgery. Courtesy of Street Roots / INSP.ngo JUNE 2, 2023 PRIDE Hidden struggles of asexuality As our society becomes increasingly aware of the prevalence of sexual harassment, one particularly vulnerable group’s experiences still remain in the shadows. Asexuality is defined as experiencing little to no sexual attraction to any gender. While being asexual is completely natural, the misconceptions surrounding the identity cause many people to view asexual people, or aces, as broken or less human. As an asexual person myself, I’ve witnessed this dehumanization countless times and am now striving to document asexual discrimination, which is called “aphobia.” In February 2022, I posted a form titled “A Collective Look on Aphobia” to my aromantic, asexual TikTok, where over 3,000 asexual and aromantic people reported experiencing various microaggressions. The most concerning result was that 15.3% of respondants reported experiencing sexual assault specifically due to their identity. I found this shocking and couldn't believe I hadn’t seen anyone discuss this massive issue. I decided to interview one of these individuals to get a better perspective on the sexual harassment that many aces face. Julia (she/they) began experiencing sexual abuse long before she learned that there is a word for her identity. She described her encounters with a family member who “took advantage of a lot of my naivety and my ‘not feeling very sexual' to try to educate me in ways that were not appropriate.” This experience of “educating on sexuality” isn’t uncommon for asexuals and is often used as a tactic for abusive partners to excuse their actions. Julia also shared her struggles in college, where men are notorious for sexual misconduct. “I've had men get really confused and upset when I’d be romantic with them but RACHEL BRAUN U-M student contributor not be sexual with them,” she explained. These issues only increased once Julia realized she’s asexual and started disclosing her identity. Many people claimed that asexuality isn’t real or that she must have a physical or mental disorder. Even partners who said they were willing to date an asexual person later tried to coerce her into sex or claimed they could “fix” her. “I was dealing with expressing boundaries and then having those boundaries ignored or invalidated,” she said. She also mentioned that this violation of boundaries was more painful than her previous experiences because it felt like a direct attack on her identity. Julia later shared an encounter with a man she met at a festival. Despite clarifying that she’s not comfortable with anything beyond kissing, she was physically overpowered by him. “He grabbed me and pulled me down to the couch and started trying to engage more sexually,” she explained. When she repeated that she’s asexual, he started shouting and accusing her of being a liar and leading him on. Julia was eventually able to push him away and escape, but many aces aren’t so lucky. In fact, “corrective rape” is one of the main forms of conversion therapy used to “treat” asexuality. I also asked Julia if she has trouble  SHELTER from last page “I'm sure it's still a flawed process,” Johnson said. “I would definitely say that the shelter is no exception to all of the harassment and bullying that trans folks have to experience.” Many trans people feel that the best option would be opening a shelter specifically for homeless people of the LGBTQ community. The reason there isn’t one currently is mostly because of lack of funding. “As far as trans and queer friendly shelters in the Southeast Michigan area, there's not very many options for us,” Dunn said. “We do face housing discrimination unfortunately, and even at the time that I was homeless, it was still legal to deny and evict someone just because of who they loved, or who they were. I really think that what I would like to see, though, is the grassroots organizations like the LGBTQ organizations working with the homeless.” Purple House, which currently offers shelter for homeless people in Washtenaw County during the coldweather months, had a short-term summer program in 2022 called the Lavender Project that offered finding support as a survivor of sexual abuse due to their asexuality. She explained that many people treat her differently from other survivors because they think her sexuality needs to be corrected. Furthermore, she isn’t able to utilize support systems provided by doctors, psychiatrists and therapists because they assume her sexuality is a result of her experiences. She explained, “A lot of my trauma does get written off as ‘you’re like this because you’re traumatized’ rather than ‘you’re traumatized because you’re like this.’” Julia’s experience with medical professionals is common within the asexual community. The pathologization of asexuality forces many people to lie or avoid doctors and therapists, furthering the lack of visibility for sexual abuse. Julia’s message for people who don’t believe asexuality is real is, “Everybody is having their own experience, and your experience is not universal. Leave people the space to live their own lives.” Julia’s experience is just one out of millions, but it gives significant insight into the struggles of asexuality. Between the sexual coercion, medicalization and lack of visibility, being asexual can be an isolating and terrifying experience. Julia and I agreed the best action that can be taken is improved education. By educating about asexuality, we can create a future with greater acceptance, visibility and safety. As Julia said in her closing remark, “Asexuals have always been here and have always been experiencing discrimination for who they are, and the only way we’re gonna make things better is if the queer community works together as a whole to educate and live our lives as brightly and vibrantly as we can.” GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 transition housing specifically for LGBTQ people and women. However, the program was only temporary, and most residents either transitioned to permanent housing, moved back to Delonis or elsewhere when the program ended September of that same year. Both Johnson and Dunn said that they would be happy to see more programs like this one in the area. “I was lucky when I was homeless that the Lavender Project was running,” Dunn said. “If they were to have something more permanent like that, that would be wonderful.”

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRIDE Ypsilanti Pride's big return Ypsilanti Pride is kicking off Pride Month from 4-10 p.m. on June 2 in Depot Town, an event described by coordinator Kenneth Curtis as “a community celebration created with intention and for meaningful connection.” In 2022, organizers took a break — but the group has plans to make a big return this year and continue to grow moving forward. “Before this season of planning, a lot of the board members from previous years decided to leave the board … I was the only person that stayed on the board,” Curtis said. “I’m wearing a lot of hats right now.” Ypsilanti’s weekend of pride events will happen from Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, with the big full day of events taking place on Saturday, featuring performances from LGBTQIA+ identifying regional artists such as DJ Myint, Baddie Brooks and Fearless Amaretto. Curtis is a teacher at EMU Bright Futures and believes that Pride is crucial to show local youth that they can be who they are. “It's so important because our youth is really just so vibrant and outspoken about their rights and what they want to see inside the schools,” Curtis said. “I think that [Pride] is the only way that we could foster that behavior and that mentality LAYLA MCMURTRIE Deputy editor of if you really want something, you have to go fight for it.” Baddie Brooks, a recent graduate of Eastern Michigan University and local trans femme vocalist and trumpeter, will be opening the stage with her original music. As they have utilized music as an avenue to express themselves, Brooks and other Pride performers are a prime example to show youth how important authenticity is. Apart from performers, local vendors at Ypsi Pride will include the Jim Toy Community Center, PFLAG Ann Arbor, Unicorn Feed & Supply, Best in Games, Gay Nerd Goods and Ypsi Art Supply. Other organizations present will consist of a multitude of local nonprofits, retail stores, food, arts and crafts and health and services. Ypsi Pride advertisement outside of Aubree's in Depot Town. Following the events on June 2, there will be after parties at local arcade Best in Games and speakeasy-style bar Mash. On June 3, Keystone Arcade and Bar will be hosting a Pride Afterglow Party. “Ypsi Pride represents authenticity by reaffirming queer culture and drawing thousands of folks each year out to express themselves is a unique Pride freely among friends and family,” Curtis said, urging the community to attend the event. “Ypsi Pride event and highlight!” JUNE 2, 2023 experience. It is authentic, intentional and locally supported. Don’t miss this annual Ypsilanti JUNE 2, 2023 PRIDE How Pastor Anna aligns queer advocacy with faith CHEN LYU Groundcover contributor I first met Pastor Anna Taylor-McCants near Liberty Plaza. There was a crowd of volunteers and other people who stopped for the meals her FedUp Food Truck provides. In a place that would otherwise feel desolate, they packed the sidewalk and the benches in the park, conversations and laughter permeating the air. For Pastor Anna, the first openly queer pastor at Zion Lutheran Church, FedUp was literally a vehicle to carry God's non-judgemental love to community members who might have felt alienated by conventional church practices. “I recognize that like this building that you came in for the first time, out there there are these huge steps, those are also barriers,” Anna said. “It is a home for so many people, but also a barrier for so many others who look at this space and think, ‘I don't matter or I'm wrong or I'm going to hell. I feel bad about myself because of what the church said.’ So they don't want to be in this space. And that to me is heartbreaking. “Part of my job is to go out and find those people and say, ‘I'm sorry that the church hurt you. I'm sorry that the church was wrong. God does love you, you are valuable and you are holy in your whole existence and all of your queerness.’” Originally from Tennessee, Anna navigated a relatively conservative Christianity landscape and didn’t come out until she was 26. She said she was fortunate to find the calling in queer theology and identify the denomination she was aligned with. However, she also related deeply with the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ members in the faith community, including her wife, Monique’s struggle to reconcile her gender orientation with her faith when they first met in Philadelphia. “God was releasing me from that harmful theology into something I was running to that was life-giving,” Anna said. “For [my wife], she just kind of rejected everything. And then it took her a long time, until she met me and found the Lutheran church, to realize maybe God is not who she was taught.” Zion Lutheran Church was adorned with rainbow heart stickers by Reconciliation in Christ, symbolizing its effort to transform into an all-inclusive church. This journey involves a queer theology teaching series that highlighted Bible stories that manifest God's unconditional love beyond binary. In Anna’s preaching — from the creation of earth to the Chronos time — nothing was ever binary. As a faith leader, Anna was instrumental in aiding the transformation to inclusiveness. However, another facet of inclusiveness is to reach the members who don’t welcome the change, albeit a minority in a progressive city. Even in Ann Arbor where residents are no stranger to rainbow flags flying over church buildings, attendees of Anna’s church still run the gamut of the political spectrum. While Anna was uncompromising in defending LGBTQ+ members, she told me she still needed Above: Faith leaders Sara Cogsil, Kristin McCarthy, Anna Taylor McCants and Julie Winklepeck (left to right). Below: Pastor Anna and her wife, Monique, serving salads from the FedUp Food Truck. to walk the tightrope occasionally to make her preaching palatable to those who might disagree with her views. “It's a balance of loving the people in our congregation who aren't necessarily ready to fully embrace every color of the pride flag all the time and at the same time, I have to also love people like me who need to hear that and need to hear it from the pulpit, you know, proclamations that they are holy and that God loves them,” Anna said. “I'm trying to care for everyone.” Outside her pastoral career, Anna is an active and extroverted community member who can be spotted in many public events. She is organizing a mobile showering facility and, further down the road, a brick and mortar cafe as a community “third place” where community members from all walks of life could come in and convene anytime of the day. “There are no third spaces other than libraries and parks, and even around here you pay money to go to some of the parks,” Anna said. “So we want to create a third space that is welcoming, because aside from a library, aside from a church building, which most of our buildings are not open 24/7, we want to create another space where people can have their needs met.” Pastor Anna and her wife Monique will both be attending Ypsi Pride on June 2 and Ann Arbor Pride in August. If you see them, say hello! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HEALTHCARE Take action to avoid losing Medicaid coverage! LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Starting in June, Michigan Medicaid beneficiaries will have to renew their coverage to comply with federal legislation. During the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, many changes were made to Medicaid’s eligibility to prevent Medicaid beneficiaries from losing healthcare coverage. Since 2020, there has been a 34.2% increase in Medicaid recipients. In Michigan, annual renewals will begin again in June 2023 and the first round of terminations of those ineligible will happen July 1. The renewal process will happen on a monthly basis; if you originally enrolled in Medicaid in October, no matter what year your coverage began, your renewal will still happen in October 2023. Passive renewals for the June cohort began in April of this year. Passive renewals are a mandated process in which the state of Michigan uses the information it already has on file — including income verifications from other programs such as SNAP — to attempt to renew Medicaid recipients without any action on their end. Recipients who were renewed will receive a letter in the mail stating such. Still, it is estimated that no more than 40% of current Medicaid recipients will be renewed during this phase. The State of Michigan has taken action to prepare for these changes in order to assist current Medicaid beneficiaries with the redetermination process, and information on the private insurance enrollment process, should they no longer qualify for Medicaid. One of these actions was an informational webinar held on Wednesday May 17; the Michigan Poverty Task Force facilitated a conversation between Kim Trent, key staffer to the Michigan Poverty Task Force, Zachary Dillinger with the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services and Nicole Hudson with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. There were three main takeaways from the presentation: 1. Update your information with the state. This can most easily be done through the MI Bridges portal; it is especially important for those who changed addresses or phone numbers during the pandemic. 2. Frequently check your mail and text messages. Notice of passive renewal or a renewal form will be sent through these avenues. 3. Complete the renewal form as soon as possible upon receipt. This can be done through mail, phone, in the MI Bridges portal or by dropping off the physical form at a DHHS office. If it is determined that you will lose Medicaid, or you presume you will lose coverage this year, taking action immediately will prevent a lapse of healthcare coverage. Marketplace coverage options can be found at HealthCare.gov. Dillinger emphasized researching if a plan covers your current service providers and calculating not just what your premium cost would be, but also co-pays for appointments and medication. If you find this process of enrolling for private coverage overwhelming, free local enrollment help can be accessed at LocalHelp.HealthCare. gov. If private options are not affordable for you, subsidies are available. Those ineligible for Medicaid might still be eligible for subsidies to reduce coverage payments to as low as $10/ month. Apply for a subsidy at michigan.gov/staycovered. Having health insurance is important, not just for when you are sick or hurt, but also to help you stay healthy and avoid big medical bills. It is important that you take action to get the coverage you need to protect yourself and your family. JUNE 2, 2023 JUNE 2, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS WORD SEARCH C O R N M I L L W A S T E P M F S I O V E N T W B K D M A A F I W L P D W P I D I A R P S T L T I F E R G U E L M K I E S K U H T U B E B T N C O L R B M V S K C A S E H A R D E N O I E C H E H L U R O A O O C L L A L T U B I N G E S I H O T L I F T B D N I R G H E C M S G E E I I D G T C C O G A P O T C K K E Y E D N E P L M U V A I S A G A F A L E W I S T U A K L L E F T X O O N I S E H F N U L A S A R C H U E R R F U S E M R G P N K D T Y R E Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. WORD BANK: Ace Amp Arch Axle Bolt Cam Caseharden Cog Computer Corn mill Cowl Dam Deuce Erg Fan Fit Flush Fuse Gear Gibs Hose Input Keyed Kibble Kiln Lewis Lift Lock Maser Nut Ohm Oil Pile Rack Ram Rope Sag Shop Silk mill Skid Slack Slag Sling Slue Smelt Stanchion Still Switch Tap Test Tew Tie Treadle Tube Tubing Tyre Unit Vane Vent Waste Wire 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY Love in Doublethink LADI DÄ Groundcover contributor Politicians in positions to listen Twist in visions and stonewalling decisions Dean Spade, Marsha P., and Rivers Hold me down ten toes there in the mirror War paint on my face hide tears of terror Olay, Maybelline, and Mascara. Dominated and entangled in violence But they still feel I should suffer in silence Racist and anti-poor sentiment Operate institutional harassment Prisons, foster care, and public benefits Taking lives because they can’t pay rent. And yet that Ol’Sly fox still duping fools Sarcastic politics of hate and half-truths In the land of Lady Liberty Hegemonic Masculinity fears me Because I violate the norms of gender binary But this month they’ll celebrate me Love. I get this glow from that heart with a hollow hole I get this booty with a bump from the beat of a tortured soul There’s just one thing I want you to know They give my Love in Doublethink I can’t let go. About the author: I Am Ladi Dä (they/ them). My survival depends solely upon my Activism. My art is inspired by the daily experiences of the transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals trapped in the Prison Industrial Complex. It is meant to keep us inspired and remind us that everyone knows: "WE ARE THE STRONGEST INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORLD." Take it from someone who has spent over two decades incarcerated for a crime they did not commit. JUNE 2, 2023 Love by Love: "Superhuman" MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 As I sat at Blake Transit Center, the #26 bus pulled up. I won't forget that bus #26, even though I don't ride it, because what stepped off that bus completely altered my perceptions of reality … my reality … everybody’s realities: A Caucasian man … maybe 20-30 years old, physically wasted, slight build, maybe 80 pounds, with alabaster skin, whose whole body looked as if it wanted to curl into a tight ball. His chest and lap were strapped into an electric wheelchair, head completely slumped over, chin to chest; right hand curled, awkward fist, left hand curled with left thumb loose to work the joystick controller for the chair. No other movement of his body or any apparent communication abilities. He was the most courageous person I have ever seen … every minute he's a real Superhuman. I saw my own reality and then thought, "I've had a situation of great isolation, but it was merely a sliver of the complete isolation our Superhuman is in himself.” So, in a nutshell, I'm just a big crybaby. How can anyone feel sorry for themself while special human beings like this man can't even complain? People surrounded the bus entrance waiting to board, then stood five feet back, not just to give my new Superhero space to exit, but they almost all purposely looked away, turning completely from him. "WOW!" my mind and soul gasped. All I could think is, "How could anyone possibly be more isolated from, not just human contact, but from the entire functionality of society?” I watched this Superhuman, who must assuredly be going home. Never had I seen anybody near his full level of apparent disability, without an assistant. As I continued watching him, expecting him to go home, he turned the block and headed up and into the Ann Arbor Library. This man had business to get done! Again, I pondered, "This incredible human being is in a world completely of his own making. The sheer power that his mind possesses to construct that world from a position of passivity could teach a lesson that might save humanity." And this is coming from a relatively minorly disabled person who gets it. Myself, I am isolated for different reasons, but worlds apart from his level of isolation. I'm not talking about sympathy, pity or some kind of condescension. This is about the tremendous courage, dexterity, awareness and wisdom to move on like that. This person navigates through maximum adversity, alone and isolated as A column on everyday acts of compassion if in an entirely different world. With intimate conversation, we might glean a better understanding from the residents of his world who might communicate wisdom attributed through the experiences of such a world of isolation. Navigating that complete isolation with absolute singularity is rare at best. No casual conversation here. Stop staring and start opening your hearts and minds. We have so much to learn from this incredibly gifted individual. It might possibly be the lesson that could save humanity; it’s possible that all our problems could be reasoned justly by finding humanity's best side. Personally, I go on getting worse, driving on through every kind of pain all at once. Nobody wants to know it all or go there, be there at that level. I am destined to die in this obscurity with all this hidden/ignored pain. Man, oh man, do I want to ramble on about this, but the truth is he's the one with the knowledge. So let's help him, and others going through that intense reality and awareness, share this knowledge … they could save us! So why don't we start by treating - them like our Superhumans because they are … Make all the concessions we can possibly make and give them the opportunity to teach us. I'll be looking here, there, and everywhere, to meet my/our Superhero. I want to know how the rest of us see him. Sincerely, All the love from MarKona Love (with Kona Love) Author’s Note: We all need to start sacrificing more, to start helping all these special human beings, so they can help us find a way to Peace, Love and Acceptance … FINALLY! The people that are looked down upon in society — the homeless, disabled, low income and our Elders — these are my special human beings, the ones who have felt, witnessed, and shared with others alike all about the disparagement in humanity. That's most likely where they get the empathy that drives them to donate when they have nothing, volunteer when weak, ill, and/or exhausted, be there for a fallen fellow human being and to show them how to become a "Special Human Being." Ken Parks, a mentor to me, made a point after strongly supporting my article “What the Street Took,” and took the position that the article should then be “What the Street gave Us (Special Human Beings) … Empathy and Compassion.” There you are Ken, my close friend, great writer for Groundcover, and a leader in activism for all in despair. Please learn of the many, many years of his dedication to the disenfranchised. He is our Superhuman, and Ann Arbor and Detroit should be raising him up high. JUNE 2, 2023 PRIDE Exist and let exist D.A. Groundcover contributor When I hear any language or terms that are negative and/or dehumanizing, I think to myself, there are things that we all have thought about and/or have even entertained in our own imaginations that we will never reveal. Some have even acted on them, if only once. It is not our job to judge anyone that is just being themselves. That includes anyone who chooses to identify as a person within the LGBTQ community in our world. I prefer to just simply say that although we are similar in many ways, we are all individuals. I do not agree that anyone or anything that a person or numerous people fear, disagree with, or simply just reject because they do not understand, should suffer or come under any form of attack or assault. The realm of the unknown consists of many reactions among people. It would be wise to respectfully and humbly ask about what you don’t understand. Listen to what they are saying as an individual. Not all biologically born females and males who identify as heterosexual are the same. What is good or said to be normal to one may feel offensive and excluding to another who identifies as LGBTQ. Hatred and violence should be replaced with love and guidance. I had a friend who identified as gay who used to get chased by some of the boys in my neighborhood. When they caught him, he would be carried to these big beige trash dumpsters and thrown in. I would run over and help him get out of the dumpster. They also called him offensive names while making insulting references as well. He would literally cry on my shoulders as I embraced him with a hug assuring him of my unconditional love for him. These attacks added to the hurt he was experiencing as his mother openly mistreated and rejected a close, loving relationship with him. I had just as much fun — maybe more — with this friend as any other when we spent time together. I was the one person that he could tell about the then secret relationship he was having. He'd be so happy to say things to me he could not say otherwise at that time in his life. His face just lit up as he'd be smiling and talking about his partner back then. We'd crack our sides laughing together about those embarrassing moments in relationships. I witnessed how he went through many struggles, suffering from emotional, mental and physical anguish. I know that many will come out after this article, and hopefully we will be at a place where LGBTQ persons will be able to express themselves without harm being actuated upon them. LGBTQ people require food, water, shelter to survive just like any other human being. People, let's stop putting our opinions before someone else's well-being. Being wicked and deceitful is not the answer either. I know of people who say that they are holy Christians, yet, openly curse LGBTQ individuals behind their backs. The Almighty God that I understand is a loving, forgiving, merciful God. He is the only one who can justly judge. So do me and a lot of others a favor and check out your own self before you point a finger. We all too will be judged by God Almighty. On that note, all I'm saying is if you are compelled by your faith and/or beliefs, it is better if you offer them what you believe and leave it up to that person to choose after that. We barely have what it takes to change the things about us that we want to change and work at. Not one thing hardly ever comes or manifests overnight or in a day. So let's begin to become people who will be examples of love and civility. I am very grateful for the relationship me and my friend had then. I have not seen my friend for many years now and miss him very much. The last time I saw him was on the bus in the city he and I lived in at that time. We had lost contact, then were reunited again that day. He had embraced his lifestyle and identified as femme by way of his garments and apparel. He also wore some facial cosmetics. He seemed to be at peace, not bothered by the past things. I felt relief for him. I will always love him unconditionally. Finally, remember we may reveal our dislike or distaste, or just our lack of understanding new and/or what is unfamiliar. Unless it causes any injury to yourself or others, all we can do is exist and let exist.  BACK from page 3 of sovereign land for community living. I can’t help but think that this would greatly reduce homelessness on the streets along with the crime, hunger, health issues, lack of safety, and law enforcement work that often come with that homelessness. It might lighten the burden that these problems lay on society. I imagine a land-sovereign world where we would be taking care of each other and our communities, as a community. There's lots of talk about this, there have been some small communes or even other larger experiments, but we've never been more in need of these sincere efforts. Nobody has yet to put this vision into practice on a large scale. We don't need one, no, we need many — a completely new sector in our society, a multi-economic-class coalition. The true necessity is in the design of the structure. We need a complete Multi-Economic Eco-Village. The “Michigan EcoVillage,” under development in Southeast Michigan, is a model of that vision. Their EcoVillage project has home models varying from $180,000 to $900,000+ and 50 affordable housing units. The village will be using only solar electricity and one-third of the property will be dedicated to food production. The development will be a certified “Living Building Challenge,” an international sustainable building standard that requires buildings to produce more energy than they are using. Since housing in our nation causes approximately 20% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, the ecovillage’s developers and supporters hope that this project can serve as a blueprint for similar netzero communities around the country. It's time; the government has to see 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, the obvious solution. Appropriate workable land, old/seized farms, maybe land where the presence of residents would be beneficial to the local economy … I can go on and on about the opportunities. I could also go on and on about the specifics of how our government/political system is forcing us into a two class society. There is no saving the middle class from that system, so we create our own more sure and acceptable standard of living. We need to get back to a communal way of living, where we start to live and respect each other, as when villages functioned similar to a family. It could get us back to caring for and working with our neighbors — all our neighbors. I am also starting a non-profit called “Kona's Edge,” which will help repair personal vehicles owned by homeless people who utilize said vehicle as their primary source of income, and provide storage units, gas vouchers, registration, insurance and driver's license renewal for homeless people in transition. Another program I'd like to start with my friend and fellow Groundcover writer Ken Parks is “CoCar” Cooperative Car Sharing, in which small groups would share costs for using vehicles to make money with delivery jobs, etc. I'm so tired of alarmists sounding the bells. Socialism, Communism, Anarchy… it all sounds like bullshit to me. All are used as excuses to avoid the obvious benefits that communal housing provides to all of society. There is no true pure form of government; Social Security, Food Stamps, and Medicare are all socialist concepts, and all have had great benefits to society. But people of higher income don't understand what things would look like for them if those programs didn't exist. They need to see how changing the current society will benefit society as a whole. Communities have to come together because of the government’s ignorance. Their objectives are contrary to our solution. This is your call to action. We are way overdue for any real progress. Bring it together, people, and let’s start raising our voices and demanding that our government appropriate suitable property. This article only scratches the surface of what is and can be community living. If you would like more details about the local community housing project, you can visit “Michigan EcoVillage” online to get a full description of their version. To find more information on community living in general, look up CoHousing or Community Housing on the internet. We need support to persuade our government to appropriate land to support the building of these supportive communities. So, some of you already know the drill…Call your Congressman, Congresswoman, and state legislators. But beyond that, most of all this needs the local community support, and that means educating your local officials. Now (or really yesterday!) is the time for action — to start walking, to stop talking … we’ve talked, now let’s do! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Banana power muffins MIRA SIMONTON-CHAO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2-3 very ripe bananas ⅓ cup melted butter ½ tsp baking soda A pinch of salt ½ cup white sugar 1 large egg, beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 tbsp chia seeds 1 tbsp ground flax seed ¼ cup chocolate chips ¼ cup peanut butter (optional) 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional) 1 tsp cinnamon Directions: 1. Preheat the often to 350°F and butter a muffin pan 2. Mash the bananas with a fork and add your ⅓ cup of butter. Mix until completely smooth. 3. Mix in the ½ tsp baking soda and pinch of salt then stir in the ½ cup white sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract followed by the 1 ½ cups flour. 4. Follow this by adding in your one power to the tbsp chia seeds, one tbsp ground flax seeds, ¼ cups chocolate chips, ¼ cup peanut butter, and, if you’re so inclined, one tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp of cinnamon. 5. Bake the muffins! Spoon out your batter into the muffin tin then bake for 20-25 mins (make sure to start checking on the muffins at about the 15 mins mark!) You can test to see if your muffins are done by inserting a toothpick or wooden skewer in the center of a muffin. The muffins are done when the toothpick comes out dry! 6. Remove from oven and cool. Pop the muffins out and enjoy! peop Utilities owned by the public, rather than by corporate shareholders, have been providing reliable electricity to customers across America for decades. Michigan’s 40+ municipal utilities charge their customers less on average for service with fewer outages than what DTE provides. Let’s make the switch to public power! Sign up for our newsletter. JUNE 2, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS C O R N M I L L W A S T E P M F S I O V E N T W B K D M A A F I W L P D W P I D I A R P S T L T I F E R G U E L M K I E S K U H T U B E B T N C O L R B M V S K C A S E H A R D E N O I E C H E H L U R O A O O C L L A L T U B I N G E S I H O T L I F T B D N I R G H E C M S G E E I I D G T C C O G A P O T C K K E Y E D N E P L M U V A I S A G A F A L E W I S T U A K L L E F T X O O N I S E H F N U L A S A R C H U E R R F U S E M R G P N K D T Y R E

2 $ MAY 19, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 11 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Meet my Pet Pal: Jeremy and Baby Girl. Page 6 MEET YOUR VENDOR: MARKONA LOVE PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Fired organizer reinstated May 15 — What's next for Huron Valley Coalition of Starbucks Workers United? page 7. Hannah Whitbeck outside of Main and Liberty Starbucks the day she was illegally fired in April 2022. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK housed and unhoused. Because of this and more, we typically have an uptick in new vendors during May and June. This year has been no exception. During the "Sales 101" portion of the LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director The defrosting of Washtenaw County signals change in the rest of the community. Obvious examples include the departure of college students, the weekend street closures and explosion of spring flowers and green leaves. The seasonal shift can be observed in the homeless community, too. Some folks leave the area once the winter shelters close. Many have no option but to camp for shelter. The warm spring weather signals an increase in street life — for both the New Vendor Orientaiton, we watch a video from the International Network of Street Papers that is filled with sales tips for new vendors. One of the most important lessons in it is "[selling street papers] is not a get-rich-quick thing." Successfully selling Groundcover News involves investing time into relationships that is a disadvantage to new vendors, no matter how excited they are to build up a clientele. Going out to sell for the first, second, third and fourth times isn't the easiest task — especially in a new spot. Look out for the new vendors pictured to the right when you're out and about in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. If you see them, stop, say hello and buy a paper if you can. It makes a difference every time, but especially when they're getting started! Frantz Fransois, Vendor #599 Dan Wilcox, Vendor #592 Shawn Sweeney, (returning) Vendor #193 Roberto Caballero, (returning) Vendor #347 MAY 19, 2023 Sarah Feltman, Vendor #596 Michelle Oliphant, Vendor #598 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Ahmed Elizabeth Bauman Susan Beckett Beverly Boss L. Carlisle Ian Dewey Cindy Gere Mike Jones Markona Love Ken Parks Denise Shearer GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MAY 19, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Recovery happens! My name is Beverly B. I am 44 Markona Love, vendor No. 590 In one sentence, who are you? A beautiful light about to be a Super Nova. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? I am a fixture at Argus Farm Stop (coffee shop) at 1200 Packard, Ann Arbor. When and why did you start selling Groundcover ? To promote GCN and my writing. Started Feb or Mar? What words do you live by? Einstein: (paraphrased) “You can’t change the problems of today with the same way of thinking that got us here.” What's the best way to start the day? Birds singing. What do you wish you knew more about? EVERYTHING. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? Giving the disparaged and the disenfranchised a voice. What was your first job? 9 yrs old. Construction plumber’s assistant. What is your superpower? Empathy and resilience. If you had a warning label, what would it be? If you don’t want the Markona Show, don’t turn me on. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Produce and write lyrics for a band (music). What's the best thing about selling Groundcover News? Meeting people, having thought-provoking conversations and spreading the awareness through the paper. What would be the first thing you do if you won the lottery? Buy property, and start a multi economic Eco Village. 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 years old. I’m homeless because of my drinking. I lost everything — my home, my dignity and my job. I am living at a shelter as a woman, and made it to the 4th floor after two years living on the street. I am grateful for the shelter; there are not a lot of programs for women and children. The shelter is understaffed and what staff is there seems tired. I think they need more protection. And better food — by the time it gets there it is three days old. Like I said, I am very grateful to have a roof over my head. I started working at Groundcover less than a year ago. It has the best programs. I BEVERLY BOSS Groundcover vendor No. 583 have a safe place to eat, get coffee and food; there’s lots of learning, movie nights with popcorn, and Lindsay and Glenn are the best. I don’t know what I would do if Groundcover and the shelter weren’t here. I am working on getting a home. I can make money and get support through Groundcover to pay court fines and fees and the cost of food. The shelter is working with Groundcover and working on getting my voucher for a house. There is no hotel that I make enough money for. My self-esteem went up because I am making money, not relying on a man to help. The community is awesome and my life is getting better everyday. I am in rehab working on myself everyday. The staff has been awesome. I can’t wait to go back to Groundcover. Recovery happens! Love, Beverly. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Home spa There are many different ways to treat and pamper yourself. Treating and pampering yourself does not have to cost you money. You can treat and pamper yourself at home and enjoy yourself at home. Home is the easiest and most relaxing place to treat and pamper yourself. A home spa can be in the living room or the kitchen. I like to use my living room because it is the biggest room in my house. My living room has comfortable chairs and I like to turn on a bright light. When you get tired at home you can just rest and put on some soft relaxing music or whatever music you like. I like to put on classical or folk music on low volume. You can read a book at home and relax. You can also warm water using a bowl for my hands and a pan for my feet. I don’t like to paint my nails because the polish can chip so I just clean and clip my nails. I like to use cocoa butter lotion on my body. I love the chocolate-y smell. Another way you can enjoy DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 listen to a book at home and relax. You can fix your hair the way you want. You can wash and condition your hair. I like to braid my hair after I brush it. I use regular scrunches to make up my hair. You can also give yourself a manicure and a pedicure. I like to soak my hands and feet in yourself at home is lounging around in your favorite pajamas or clothing. You can watch your favorite TV shows or listen to them. When I myself at home, I know I am doing something special treat and pamper for myself. This is my self-care. Everybody should love and care for themselves because you are able to love and care for others if you love and care for yourself.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS Forgiveness, the greatest gift to give MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal." — Earl Nightingale I dedicate this article to all of mankind, to all humanity and to all living creatures on this beautiful planet, and those on other planets and galaxies we have yet to discover, including all plants, trees, their beautiful flowers and sweet-tasting fruits. I start this article by addressing all those humans who might have transgressed, hurt or pained me — you are forgiven. I no longer wish for you to carry the burden and remorse of past transgressions within your souls or mental faculties. I wish for you to find happiness, solitude and serenity in forgiveness, and I hope that you reach self-forgiveness so that your consciousness is cleared and rested. I used to say that I forgive my transgressors and oppressors for the sake and happiness of GOD, hoping that in return when I reach the pearly gates, He might reward me by letting me enter His eternal paradise. But that is no longer the case. As I learn and develop as a human, I have come to realize that it is more important for me to forgive others for their sake, to allow them to enjoy the glorious sweetness of life with no remorse or guilt on their consciousness, as it can be a burden upon one's soul, heart, and being. As I develop and grow, I have noticed that I am leaning more and more towards treating people as how I would like to be treated. For all our uniqueness and individuality, we are still bonded by the same common feelings of happiness, hunger, pain, love and laughter. As I continue down the path of this awkward journey we call life, which never ceases to amaze me both in negative and positive ways, I realize that it is my purpose to be a cycle breaker of hate, revenge and negativity. I only wish that we could all live happily, and while that is an unattainable goal, I shall dedicate my life not to accomplishing it, but to working on accomplishing it, hoping in turn that my attitude and behavior shall positively affect and motivate others to do the same along the way. By forgiving each other, we allow ourselves to be unburdened by a multitude of negative feelings, which in turn will enable us to be happy and be able to enjoy life. I realize that life is too short to be spent in mental agony and emotional distress. By forgiving, we open the doors to mental and emotional creativity, which in turn will increase the collective happiness of humanity. For a human like me who has endured so much pain and suffering, it is only through the power of forgiveness that I am able to proceed forward in life in happiness and joy. While I do have my days and moments of regression, I still hold steadfast to the fact that I am happy in forgiving but not forgetting the lessons. It is wise to practice forgiveness not with naivety but with a degree of understanding. The world is full of evil and treachery since mankind arose. If we continue to be vengeful and revengeful, we only perpetuate the cycle of hate and tyranny. Therefore, my friend, I take the initiative to forgive, to free my fellow humans from the agonizing chains and mental prison of remorse. By forgiving, we plant, cultivate and nurture the seeds of happiness, joy, freedom and peace. We humans are complex creatures, possessing and capable of executing an awesome potential for goodness and love. The greatest gift we can give is the gift of forgiveness, and in return, we receive the gift of that beautiful, honest, deep heartfelt smile of our transgressors as the burden of remorse and guilt is lifted from their souls. It is therefore, my dear reader, that I humbly implore you to open your heart to forgiveness and enjoy its sweet taste. Let us all strive for love, kindness, joy, happiness, friendship and peace. To all those who have harmed and wronged me, I forgive you and wish you happiness. I swear by the beauty of the sky that I harbor no hard feelings. I promise you that when I see you, I will smile in your face, and if you let me, I will hug you, too. And if you are ever short of money for food or medicine, please call me. I only yearn for the sweet smile upon your faces when you realize that you are no longer bound by the guilt or remorse of your transgressions upon me. And to all those beautiful souls whom I have wronged, I ask that you set me free from the burden of guilt and remorse so that I may continue to grow and develop. I love you all. Get awesome and stay awesome. God is good; oh boy, God is good. Remember to forgive not for the sake of God, for He is not in need of us, but for the sake of your fellow man and his relief from pain. Thank you for reading my humble words. MAY 19, 2023 Eras of the Robert J. Delonis Center L. CARLISLE Groundcover vendor No. 56 You must understand that this has been submitted as a true testament. It is in no way trying to bring harm or facilitate ill will. These words' only purpose is to take a sincere look at how we see and perceive. I have experienced and continue to experience both physical abuses and systemic abuses, because this system does not, has not and probably most likely never will acknowledge this, these and those that have failed me. Most people who don’t know me believe what is said about me and forced on me. You have no idea what it has taken to remain as I am. I could have chosen a life of crime, as some people who work in the community mental health profession make it seem on paper, but I have done positive work that those agencies are supposed to promote. I sit back at times and it amazes me how people who are not bankrupt are bankrupt of their ethics because they do not practice fully understanding people as whole. Without a firm foundation, not one thing can or will stand, not long anyways. Any individual that allows themselves in their minds to broach any position or stance must also realize the work, ethic and duty that it entails. You cannot, in other words, want to be in the position or pay grade of a CEO, but not want the responsibility; leadership is a very arduous position. Enough of my views. I am honored to hear directly from this powerful, sturdy, rigid staff and volunteers on what the Delonis Center is to and for them. I myself never want to fathom the doors of the Delonis Center closing. The Delonis Center changed my life in the greatest way. It saved my life from places where I was violated alone in my hometown. I care for everyone that is in the vicinity of the Delonis Center shelter. It provides a place for people to come out of the cold or rest or whatever may be at hand. It saved my life. I first came to the Delonis Center a decade or so ago when Barry Manlowitz was there. I got two jobs within two or three weeks, saved my money and I lived around four months at the Delonis Center. I obtained suitable affordable housing and maintained it for over five years until the place almost shut down. It was condemned about two to three years after I moved. The Delonis Center is not the end of the road. It is a place to begin again or make a fresh start. I don’t understand how institutions such as shelters and hospitals put signs up encouraging people to report abuse, but do nothing when it’s reported, especially when the abuse is done by police or staff. They then turn around and label the person reporting the abuse in an untrue way. All can benefit from completing the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) peer counseling. I have completed the primary meetings. I have found throughout my many years, people tend to deny, debase or label someone who may be as equally groomed and accomplished as them, if not more. I, in my journey, once worked directly with the public as part of the U.S. Census Bureau, and approached doors in order to acknowledge and educate my neighbors. I have also experienced torture from individuals in positions of power. After I‘d already blatantly described the tortures I’ve endured at the hands of some wicked police and perverse ambulance people who get a thrill out of tying you down as you scream to be freed, against my will they shoot me up with whatever to render me unconscious, while they take my clothes off without my permission. Then put me out under strong sedatives without a safe way to get home. Performing illegal search and seizure of my body and my personal possessions — this surely affirms systemic rape. Wrong! We should base our services more on what the strengths of the client are, instead of what a basic provisional practice is. Mary was the last facilitator for the storage on the third floor of the see VOICES next page  MAY 19, 2023 AROUND TOWN “It's got to be a community effort:” First Baptist looks for health and safety solutions with homeless guests LINDSAY CALKA Publisher On the morning of Tuesday, May 16, twelve people convened over breakfast and coffee to talk about some issues at First Baptist Church. Around the table were individuals experiencing homelessness, members of the First Baptist congregation, staff and community members who attended as housing advocates. First Baptist is not only a fixture of the Daytime Warming Center and men’s rotating shelter, but is widely known in the homeless community as a safe place to crash overnight. First Baptist and its neighbor, First United Methodist Church, are the only private, downtown properties where there is widespread permission for outside sleeping (on the lawns and porches of the church building). Additionally, these two are the only faith communities in Ann Arbor that offer this service to the homeless community. The issue at hand was behavior and debris that threatened the health and safety of visitors to the church — guests, church members, staff, students and more. The problems First Baptist is attempting to tackle are all-too-often solved with criminalization of homelessness, increased police presence or the simple and quick removal of important community resources. The goal of the meeting was stated by clearly the church administrator, Xan Morgan: “To keep this space working for everyone. We want to keep these [wifi, bathrooms, sleeping space] options open for everyone.” So what agreements came out of the community conversation? • First Baptist can be used as a bathroom anytime for a quick in-and-out • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. people are welcome to come inside the fellowship hall to seek weather amnesty, charge phones and use the wifi • 8 p.m.-8 a.m. should be respected as quiet time • Be mindful not to leave anything that is a safety or health risk or to block doorway while asleep • Tents and other outdoor sleeping gear are okay for sleeping use but must be packed and gone when individuals leave for the day • First Baptist is committed to solving problems without police intervention After these guidelines were established, a longer conversation on how to actually enforce them began. An anonymous attendee experiencing homelessness who frequents the church expressed concern that the people who were causing most of the issues, and needed to understand the consequences of their actions, weren’t even present to hear these new guidelines. He stated, “Nobody wants to listen. It’s either listen or leave, and I always end up having to leave.” Morgan responded, “We know signs don’t work, peer accountability works better, but still, we all need to partner to do this. It’s got to be a community effort.” Zachary Milton, another attendee experiencing homelessness, suggested the simple framing of “use it, don’t abuse it” when talking about these new guidelines with absentees. “Staying under the radar is in everyone’s best interest. It keeps away attention from the cops and residents of apartments across the street.” The breakfast ended with the commitment to meet again in one month to discuss improvement of the property’s health and safety and progress on community accountability tactics. Reach out to office@ fbca2.org to find the date and time of the next community conversation. Other options for weather amnesty, wifi, bathrooms and undisturbed sleeping space that can be accessed in other locations throughout the week: Circling Back Peer Support Group: Mondays at Solidarity Hall (169 N Washington St.) 11:30 a.m.2 p.m., Wednesdays at Zion Lutheran Church (1501 W. Liberty St.) 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Journey of Faith Church: (1900 Manchester Rd): Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.. Hospitality House: (169 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti): Thursdays 4-7 p.m., Sundays 12-3 p.m. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5  VOICES from last page Delonis Center when I was last there. I cannot identify the exact day or time. I know that she lied and called the Ann Arbor cops to come into the second floor cigarette smoking room after she did not address the tall 6’4’’ woman who got in my bed while I was asleep. I didn’t talk to her while I was naked from the waist down in the nighttime women’s warming center area. After that, the police that she called never served a trespass notice to me at the time, they just laid on me and tackled me for no reason and put me in handcuffs. They took my coat and all my property, illegally and against my will. They forced me to let them stick me with needles, to take my blood against my will. I did not call the crisis team and there was no cause for any action to subdue my person or any of my possessions. I have been the subject, object and victim of individuals acting against me under the “color of law” or “paper pushing” that go on unreported and ignored, as well as thwart any vigilance to investigate any of my truthful claims. Instead I am pounced upon with allegations without any weight. Absolute dominion, total dominance by overzealous entities, while others turn a blind eye to my suffering. I have been stripped of my humanity by the HVA ambulance employees as well as the University of Michigan Health Systems and affiliates of Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. I am beset upon by those who were never there to keep me and other vulnerable clients safe. This is a travesty. Now, in 2023, I see chaos at the Delonis Center, fraternization of staff and clients. I do not choose to go any further. I still hang on to a vision in mind of the Delonis Center how I know it can be restored.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MEET MY PET PAL overcast and drizzly, I can tell she's depressed. When it's sunny, she jumps around doing figure eights. It's like night and day. How did you get your pet? I have to plead the fifth on this one; long story short, I rescued her. Tell us a few things about Baby Girl. She is a blue-nosed pitbull and weighs as much as two coyotes. Speaking of, she is a hunter! She kills raccoons, coyotes and squirrels. But I’ve never seen her fight anything. She really is a service animal at heart. She likes other animals but just gets excited when she sees them. Baby Girl is young — only 33 months. But I’m only going by the look of her teeth. I’ve had so many dogs — ever since I was a kid. There’s only been a few months of my whole life that I haven’t had a pet. There is something special about Baby Girl — I would cry my eyes out if I ever lost her. We’ve been through a lot of stuff together. We survived the winter sleeping outside; we kept each other warm. Mutual body heat! A dog in cold conditions can intentionally increase its body heat, by literally three or four degrees. One time I had to kick her off because we were creating a whole weather system inside the tent! What rewards do you get from having a pet? I have had anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. Having a pet fights those symptoms. Even when I’m alone, I’m not alone because I have Baby Girl. And it's mutual. She spent the first year of her life locked in a kennel. I think she has something similar to anxiety too, and we help each other out. Her emotions are very related to what the weather is doing. If it's What is challenging about having a pet while experiencing homelessness/ poverty/ economic exploitation? Here’s a perfect example. I had to walk to Meijer to get some food (a couple miles one way). I have her trained to get in the cart. When I get to the store, I take off my coat, put it in the bottom of the cart, and put her in the cart. I was at the deli, and the deli clerk got in my grill and said the animals are not allowed in the cart. I told her I take Baby into every store in the cart. The clerk insisted that she could be in the store, but not in the cart. That didn’t make sense to me, I wanted a real reason. I told her I was going to buy my meat somewhere else, and apologized to the other customers for taking up their time. I’ve also had a few problems with Baby getting on the bus. They ask you, “Is this your pet?” And if you do not respond “She’s a service animal!” they won’t let you on. I feel I shouldn’t have to say it at all. But I get questioned all the time. MAY 19, 2023 meet my pet pal: JEREMY & BABY GIRL A column on why those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity have pets and why it is important to support that. In general, people tend to project human emotions onto animals. People have told me I shouldn’t have Baby Girl. An animal has no idea that it’s homeless. She had a quarter pound of beef jerky, just yesterday! That’s why I play music for a living – I can take my dog to work with me. What is something our readers should know about Baby Girl if they see you both on the street? She’s friendly! You’re always welcome to come say “Hi.” She’s my emotional service animal, but she can brighten anyone's day. I’m the guy with the hat and the dog. Come see us play music at State and North University! Kona's right light Earth Day is everyday for me. It was disgraceful that Allen & Odile Haber canceled ‘Earth Day’ because of the weather — how ironically absurd, but not the true reason or excuse. For any more info on that you would need to ask them. When you’re living in the elements, changes are evident in the direct effects on your living condition. As a homeless person, making a natural connection to the Earth is essential for survival. Wherever I might be camping, I am to be responsible for maintaining good stewardship of the Earth and its contained life that I’m treading on. I share a great respect for the Earth MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 and all she does for us. Still, I load up on excessively packaged products, paper towels at the supermarket and straws at restaurants. So, I admittedly am a hypocrite, but I am aware and reaching for perfection. I share this with many other Homeless. As I live in the elements, changes are evident in the direct effects on my living conditions. To me, we are acting like "arrogant cosmic tourists" on this planet. Would you just throw trash on the floor of somebody else's house you're visiting? If I’m stationary, I’m looking for trash to pick up. I can’t help myself. It's a habit I encourage. I don’t look to judge someone else, I look to myself to do the right thing — there’s the trash, there’s the trash can. It feels irresponsible of me to not pick Kona, Quaker parrot. see KONA page 10  MAY 19, 2023 UNIONS GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Fired organizer reinstated May 15 — What's next for Huron Valley Coalition of Starbucks Workers United? In the “Washington Post” article published March 29, “Sanders grills former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz in Senate hearing,” it said, “Howard Schultz denies being involved in unlawful acts to discourage employees from unionizing at Senate committee meetings.” According to the article, Bernie Sanders kept the pressure throughout the hearing. It was an exchange of accusation and denial between Sanders and Schultz, respectively. Schultz, now former CEO of Starbucks Coffee Company — who stepped down because he was forced to testify or be subpoenaed — described Starbucks as a liberal, forward-thinking company. However, the National Labor Relations Board has issued 83 legal complaints against the company in response to 513 complaints of unfair labor practices. The article concluded with Sanders' ideas of the company’s negative impact on Starbucks’ employees to unionize. Schultz and those in top positions at Starbucks don’t want employees to unionize because they assume it will hurt their bottom line. Even though Schultz denies unlawful behavior and wrongdoing, the NLRB and many on the committee constantly accused Starbucks of illegal and intimidating practices. Two of Starbucks' union members testified during the hearing on March 29. One was fired because he led a union drive in Atlanta, Ga. His testimony described their work conditions for the past 18 months and the conditions that led to the union drive in the first place. Starbucks employees report similar unfair labor practices in the local district. Hannah Whitbeck and Victoria Provencio, employees of downtown Starbucks locations here in Ann Arbor, are both card-holding members of Starbucks Workers United, whose local nickname is “A2SBWU.” Whitbeck was fired in April 2022 for reasons she can only attribute to organizing her union drive. The firing was deemed illegal in a court case against Starbucks on October 8, 2022. Starbucks was ordered to reinstate Whitbeck with back-pay, but it took a second injunction on February 18, 2023 to move past Starbucks' appeal. Whitbeck returned to Main and Liberty Starbucks on May 15 after more than a year of escalating pressure, long court hearings and Starbucks' red tape. Although Provencio was never removed as an employee, she experienced a different kind of union-busting once the State and Liberty store certiMIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 “What’s next for A2SBWU?” “There have been lots of management changes, at both the store and corporate level. So far, the new CEO has worked in stores alongside baristas to see what's going on. It's a good first step. Right now, we’re re-forming organizing committees to combat the high turnover of the store," said Provencio. "I'm excited to be back at my store, fied their union in June 2022. “Starbucks withheld benefits — relaxation of the uniform rules and wage raises — from the stores that had unionized; they acted like when we certified we immediately had a contract that was set in stone,” Provencio explained. “Starbucks was court-ordered to give back-pay from that summer when they discriminated against unionized stores, but we still haven’t received that money. It might take years to process.” Among all 298 unionized stories across the country, Starbucks has only had 85 bargaining talks with Workers United since October 2022. The talks have stalled over strong disagreements and technology controversy. In Ann Arbor, individual stores have only been able to get the company to meet them at the bargaining table once. “There was one bargaining session in October of last year. From Starbucks' end, they were concerned about video recordings. They didn’t want anyone joining on a video call because they were afraid of being recorded,” said Provencio. “Starbucks lawyers walked out in less than a minute.” Nationwide, stores went on strike over this issue on “Red Cup Day,” Starbucks’ annual holiday launch of seasonal flavors such as Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Chestnut Praline and Peppermint Mocha. This historically top-grossing day in late November 2022 never happened for Main and Liberty Starbucks because of the workers’ strike; State and Liberty workers held a walk-out in the afternoon that same day. During winter of this year, the workers struck again in an attempt to get Starbucks corporate to the bargaining table. They called this nationwide three-day strike “Double Down Day.” “Again, the manager acted like nothing happened. We got no response from the corporate. No retaliation, either though,” recalled Provencio. Now, approaching summer and the one year anniversary of union certification, I asked Provencio and Whitbeck, and to actually get to sit at the bargainning table this time. We aren't asking for much. We want our rights acknowledged. When we start to negogiate, we expect them to bargain in good faith," added Whitbeck. Just because A2SBWU has not been active online doesn’t mean they aren’t active on the shop floor. Provencio suggests following @SBWorkersUnited on Twitter as a great way to get immediate updates on strikes and calls to action around the country. To support the union efforts in between local strikes and actions, Provencio asks customers to let management know that they support the union and champion union demands every chance they can — in their mobile order names, customer experience reviews and store reviews online. Amanda, an employee at Main and Liberty Starbucks, pictured with organizer Matthew Kain during the Red Cup Day strike last November.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Is immigration worth the trip? in Ann Arbor at U-M hospital. Many native families in the north live in very CINDY "KUNG FU PANDA" GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 As an adopted naturalized citizen of the United States, I feel that immigration is well worth the trip no matter how you get to America. As a member of the Kaska Dena nation, my life for nine months back amongst my own people was both an adventure and a glimpse into the past of both modern and old ways. We had to chop our own wood, drink from wells and use an open air outhouse. All of our meat came from moose, Dall sheep, beaver, muskrat and grouse. Grouse are known as tree chickens because they rest in trees at night to get away from big predators. I was idealistic, headstrong and unrealistic to the real life of the bush. This new world was no walk in the park of Ann Arbor, Michigan. If anyone got hurt at any time, they had to be airlifted to the hospital in Whitehorse, Yukon territories; this is similar to the Life Flight here isolated communities that unfortunately can lead to depression and other tragedies such as suicide. We forget how lucky we really are in the United States. It's all fun and games to watch The Life most northerners will never have or live. America is a dream that millions will never have. I forget I am one of the millions of privileged people to have found myself here. The truth is immigration is not the answer. What is the answer is creating a sustainable modern life within each tribe in the north through new technologies such as geothermal heating and solar power projects. This would create jobs and bring a bit of the United States to each person around the world. I feel like immigration is an idealized reality. The real problem is the poverty across the world. If we can innovate what we already have created to these isolated areas such as tribes in the north (Alaska, Canada) and tribes in South American countries, we can bring a more sustainable, much more balanced world for all people to be happy within their perspective tribes, cities, towns and nations. MAY 19, 2023 MAY 19, 2023 TRUTH OR LIES The town of Junken FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 It's 8 a.m., school is out, and May is bored and upset. There's nothing in this town to do! May was fed up with the town of Junken. Being a 13-yearold with no summer plans was hard to face. May looked around her small town and declared that things had to change. She was tired of all the trash and dirt. May could not remember ever seeing green grass or flowers in her town; trees did not grow either. Early the next morning she visited the library to research Junken's history, only to be disappointed by not finding any information concerning the lack of greenery. She decided to ask the elderly people of her town, visiting the only convalescent home, where her grandmother resided. “Hi Granny! I am glad to see you,” said May. Granny Alpton replied saying, “What can I help you with today, my flower?” May smiled and asked her, “How come there are no flowers, grass or trees that grow?” Granny Alpton smiled and said, “My dear, people don’t realize how important it is to keep the town clean. Mother Nature is upset with the people of Junken; they destroyed the natural process of nature. They polluted and littered the town with trash and abandoned autos. Oil spills in the water and plastic trash also. Don't you see the trash in the lake? It's killing all the fish and wildlife who depend on that water! If only they would change their ways before the last tree dies. If the last tree dies the town will forever be barren.” May jumped up and thanked her granny, kissing her goodbye. She had to come up with a plan to save the last tree and grow the grass and plants back. May went home, excited, and explained to her mother and father about the last tree dying. She got her construction paper to design a flier inviting the whole town to clean and organize the town. May then designed a greenery plan for how to turn the soil and plant flowers and grass. She then organized a town meeting and refused to accept no from any adult. The event was to take place April 1-7, meeting at the water fountain in downtown Junken. She explained to the town’s folk how they killed the greenery and flowers. “Now it’s only one tree left,” she said. May pleaded with everyone to help remove the abandoned autos and trash from every street and house. Some people griped; however, everyone who could, participated. They were willing and wanted to see the town become Junken once again and not Junk-ville. Once the trash was removed she instructed everyone to plant grass and flower seeds, hoping they would grow. Two weeks passed. No flowers or grass grew and the tree was still dying. May cried with disappointment. How could this be? she wondered. She returned to her granny and told her what she had done, and how nothing grew. Her granny laughed and said, “You rushed out of here the last time you visited with me, not letting me explain to you what needs to be done.” May was curious and impatient wanting to know the solution, asking, “What is it, Granny?” Granny Alpton said to her, “You must apologize to Mother Nature and keep the town clean!” “How do you do that? Apologize how?” “I need you to go into your parents’ barn and find a green box. It's in the last cabinet. Once you find it, open the box. It has an old bird's nest in it, containing seeds that need to be planted at the edge of the forest. Once you plant the seeds you must say out loud, ‘Please forgive us for we did not understand the importance of your plan. Will you continue with your plan? We shall keep our covenant with you and keep the town clean. Please restore your beauty in our town.’” May thanked her grandmother and ran to find the box in the barn. Once she located the box she rushed to the edge of the forest to plant the seeds. May recited what Granny told her to say. May cried herself to sleep, hoping the flowers, grass and trees would be restored. It rained so much in April that May wondered how anything could grow. On Sunday, the 1st of May, she awoke to the sun shining and birds chirping. She looked out the window and saw flowers, green grass and green trees. May screamed, thanking Mother Nature. Sirenia the Artist, published May 5, was FALSE. GROUNDCOVER NEWS May horoscope to maintain a mindful and grounded approach. If you do too much or too little, then the opportunity will shrivel up and die. Gemini (May 21-June 20): IAN DEWEY Groundcover contributor Something seems to be pestering you, and although it has never been the most opportune moment to deal with it, nevertheless it has been draining. Now is the time to find a solution to this problem that plagues you. Cancer (June 21-July 22): FlucThe height of a fever pitch rings as a daydream does — first, the foray into some unknown enterprise, then the delirium catches on into a bittersweet image of lands one will never traverse (except as imagination); finally, the catapult back into reality. It was a dream — or was it? You are stuck in the desert of the real, just as all of us are. Read on to understand how to best navigate this domain. Capricorn (December 21 - January 20): The time for understanding has reached an impasse: that is, you are either headed towards a period of rest and relaxation, or a period of hardship and toil. You must choose wisely here, and assess your situation for whether it is best to take a break or not. Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Longevity eludes you in any capacity in regards to taking on projects. This can be a blessing in some ways, but a curse in others. Old skills and relationships will come to bloom in this period, whereas new ones will be hindered due to a lack of focus. Pisces (February 19-March 20): Just as a flower comes to fruition in the spring, so too will your love for life come to a peak. Beauty, and comprehension through beauty, is your primary attribute at this moment. Spending this time in creative pursuits is likely your best bet. Aries (March 21-April 19): When the steam of anger finally passes, pause and take a breath. You have likely mis-evaluated the situation, and have not considered all sides of the story. If there isn’t time to reconsider the situation, step away. This practice will yield great returns in the future. Taurus (April 20-May 20): You have likely come into some piece of good news, a new opportunity or have made a fruitful relationship in some capacity. Take advantage of this, but remember tuations in mood and temperament have made each rise feel like a gamble. Some days are exceptional, others awful, and some still mediocre. Instead of trying to force each day to be good, instead use each day as a lesson to understand your peculiar disposition. Leo (July 23-August 22): Strength is your primary attribute at this time. Whether it be physical prowess or mental resolve, you have the endurance and constitution now to take on demanding tasks. If you seize on this, it will yield good returns. Virgo: (August 23-September 22) Someone is trying to tell you something that you’ve ignored for far too long. Either it is due to some personal failing (which can certainly be remedied through introspection), or due to a lack of attention directed towards them. In any case, now is the time to stop talking and start listening. Libra (September 23-October 22): A new era seems to be dawning, but many haven’t wisened up to this fact. Luckily, you can take advantage of this circumstance. Right now, you are very in touch with the natural and physical world. Be sure to use this to your advantage. Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Your physical health needs paying attention to. This is the case with everyone through all times, but it is especially the case for you now. Some sort of habit or routine in your daily life is hindering your capacity to flourish and grow. Fix this, and this time period will be much better. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Common wisdom that you have disregarded in the past would be of great help in the current moment. Speaking with relatives, old acquaintances and old friends can do much to revive this “common sense” that you have neglected for far too long. 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Origins of supremacism Supremacism is in our face often, usually in relation to white supremacism as a major feature of American history that runs into the current culture. Things change but may shapeshift to continue in disguise and survive changes in how we experience our experiment in democracy. Not many will advocate for open racism but those few who do create hate groups and make it difficult to recognize more subtle but perhaps more dangerous forms of supremacism. Those who achieve prosperity can easily become addicted to wealth as a marker of their superior ability to manipulate the material world. The ego formations that arise from success can easily evolve into a middle-class or petit-bourgeois social and cultural expression, as well as in racialized tendencies. Ernest Becker wrote “The Denial of Death” to explore how divisions arise in our social evolution as the fearless ones rise and prosper. They become leaders who make decisions about the production and distribution of vital resources, including the spoils of war. Victors in battle become respected leaders in the community. Fearlessness and confidence are important qualities in any activity. Small differences can grow into a of being sense special. Special KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 interest groups arise to exploit the resources of the earth and organize human labor to create wealth. Wealth and power are very addictive. Once experienced, it is hard to go back to what is viewed as lesser status. As Henry Kissinger commented, “Power is the greatest aphrodisiac!” All ego formations build on the assumption of a separate self. The need to prove this separate, even eternal reality, becomes a full time job. It is an assumption that cannot be proven but is an article of faith among the ego-driven. Impermanence and interrelatedness constantly disrupt the illusion of a separate, eternal entity but the true believer becomes the egomaniac bent on proving the impossible. This can become a collective egomania as people grasp for anything that will give them an edge on survival and the right to thrive. The invention of the white race fed this dynamic. It came after Bacon’s rebellion in the 17th century as white indentured servants united with free Africans and slaves to acquire land, unfortunately by driving Native Americans out of Virginia. The unity of freedmen and slaves led to the Virginia slave code of 1705 and special legal rights with the invention of the white race. Divide and conquer is a common strategy to stop expressions of solidarity. My March 10, 2023 Groundcover article, “Does the system work?” pointed to “Salt of the Earth” as a movie that was the most excellent story of solidarity. The book portrayed the subversion of Hollywood to promote the Cold War after World War Two. Social engineering, using taxes in particular, is always at work to divide the commons to promote the middle class over the working class. “Sex, Race and Class” by Selma James is a good primer on how we are divided. We experience reality constantly and have insights which we hope are the clues to success. Our clues often help us achieve levels of success we had hoped for. Appearances arise and we are likely to be elated or disappointed as we sail through the “stormy seas of birth, old age, sickness and death,” an expression that comes from the Tibetan Buddhist dedication which concludes many meditation sessions. It encourages us to seek the Middle Path, which sails between the two extremes of nihilism and eternalism. Practicing a natural breath as our awareness arises promotes progress on this path. Finding a good spiritual friend who can point the way to genuine and complete awareness is a great event. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Seek out the best mentors. We are blessed in this age of ignorance to have access to awareness, as humankind begins to accept that colonized body, speech and mind is the context for the inevitable pain of alienation from nature. The cost of the environmental rift that Marx points out. Dualism — splitting reality into two parts, usually self and other — is the basic error of bourgeois culture. Our pain will grow as this error continues. The turn to peace and freedom continues in the long arc of history that Martin Luther King lived. We can choose the full and complete awakening that MLK, Thich Nhat Hanh and other spiritual heroes share with us. Discover your interrelatedness and move forward. The Earth welcomes you in this mission. MAY 19, 2023  KONA from page 6 the litter up, walk five feet to put it in the trash can or, if necessary, put it in my pocket to throw away later. If as many people picked up a piece of trash as threw a piece of trash, there would practically be no litter. This can be difficult when homeless — camping though — often having to load and store accumulated garbage, then transport it all for proper disposal. This is very difficult for someone of limited means, especially if homeless. When I was camping high in the mountains of Colorado, for example, I would be forced to go through extreme measures to load large amounts of garbage down to the town. I did consider the possibility of leaving garbage, because of the difficulty transporting it off the mountain. But if I left it there, I would never have been able to look Kona in the eye with any level of self respect. Kona (a Quaker Parrot) was my dearest companion and Progressive Service Animal for my disabilities (autism and physical disabilities). Kona had freedom of choice, making her own decisions naturally and free to fly inside or outside. From her free position she was able to support me and my disabilities in many ways, both physically and mentally. She was fiercely dedicated to preserving my well-being, and literally became part of my scientific/emotional way of processing. She flew freely and mostly had free will to make her own decisions naturally. From that position, she was able to support me in many ways, both physically and mentally. Anyway, this is a complicated process to be laid out in our (Markona and Kona’s) upcoming novel. Kona had a clear knowledge of most right/wrong situations. We both became very knowledgeable about health, how to attain it and keep healthy. Nature taught us a lot. Kona would chastise me if I started eating processed food. She had eaten some before and knew by experience how sick those foods can make you. By learning how Kona digested, processed nutrients and her physical responses (every 15 minutes), I became increasingly aware of other living beings' appropriate needs. She was also very aware of what belonged in nature and knew that just about anything human-made does not belong in nature. When garbage is left to nature, horrible injustices happen to the rightful residents of this Earth. I’ve heard responses that some garbage won’t hurt wildlife/nature — nothing unnatural belongs in nature, even plain paper without ink has been processed with chemicals. Fish and birds alike will eat plastic thinking it's food, filling their guts with indigestible plastic and dying horrible deaths from starvation. Those are only a couple of the countless ways perfect living beings are destroyed by humans' ignorance, selfishness and lack of compassion. If animals and plants survive the suffering, they will then pass those poisons or lack of nutrients to humans. Humans tend to believe we are - more special than the natural inhabitants of Earth. For starters; the elements needed for our existence came from Stardust from asteroids … we came much later in the forming of Earth's natural living kingdom. We need the Earth, the Earth does not need us. We have become nothing more than a parasite, an invasive species. It is our ‘stinking thinking’ that got us here and our arrogance that keeps us thinking that as long as we are comfortable, everything else will just take care of itself. No it isn't, it's going to take care of us. We're doing this to ourselves; Earth will come back just fine without us, and become a paradise again … that we do not deserve. Are we ever going to escape this slumber? Set your alarm to ‘Everyday - Earthday’ to WAKE UP! Take a deep breath and do something good for something living outside your comfort zone. I dedicate this article to Kona, who instilled in me the great value of every living entity, and gave her life to share this message with us … the value of all sentient beings. All the Grace to Our Mother Earth. Most Sincerely, Markona Love (with Kona Love) MAY 19, 2023 PUZZLES Tees Off by Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming ACROSS 1 "Yes, ___" (polite affirmative) 5 Bit of baby talk 9 "___ looking at you, kid" ("Casablanca" line) 14 Alan who played Hawkeye Pierce 15 Unspoiled paradise 16 Mushroom 17 Skirt hemmed at the calf 18 Mushroom in ramen 19 Puts on the line, say 20 Peals and tolls, e.g.? 22 Cover with gold 23 Burdensome 24 ___ room (play space) 25 Propel, as a shell 26 Non-grenadine part of a Queen Mary cocktail? 31 Guitar gizmo 34 Sports replay effect, for short 36 "Under the ___" (song from "The Little Mermaid") 37 Stimulating smell 39 Chopper 40 Prone to complaining 42 Speed Wagon maker 43 Beauregard or Natchitoches, in Louisiana 46 Alleviate 47 Farmer's strategy for hay storage? 49 2022 US and French Open winner Swiatek 51 2023 Oscar winner Jamie ___ Curtis Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. 52 Marked, as with dirty fingers 56 High-quality coffee variety 58 One proposing a toast? 60 Some jeans 61 Be nomadic 62 Bring onto the payroll 63 Super silly 64 Worshipped celebrity 65 "Boola Boola" belters 66 Preppy pullovers 67 Ball brand 68 Lawyers' remuneration 14 17 20 23 25 31 32 33 37 42 47 48 51 56 57 60 63 66 58 59 61 64 67 62 65 68 © Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming (published via Adobe Acrobat DC) DOWN 1 Cha-cha's kin 2 Iconic Sigourney Weaver film of 1979 3 Befuddle 4 Where sorters may sort 5 Eats up 6 "Ciao!" 7 Judge 8 "No ifs, ___ ... " 9 Living "fence" 10 Fortify 11 Stir up, as sediment 12 Scraped (out) 13 Sib who's not a bro 21 Breathtaking reptile 24 Sleep phase 26 Trap on all sides 27 Providers of cheese and wool 28 Atlas section 29 Monocle, e.g. 30 "Mommie Dearest" star Dunaway 31 Atkins diet no-no 32 Domain 33 Accumulate, as resources 35 Spencer who co-hosts "Good Morning America" 38 Pacifies 41 Kitchen commander 44 Brewpub specialty 45 Whom Bill Murray played in 2009's "Zombieland" 48 Pacific weather phenomenon 50 "To Die For" director Van Sant 52 Appreciate, as fine food 53 Artful deception 54 Like some synchronistic experiences 55 Word with cocktail or dinner 56 Casino game 57 Shaped like a watermelon 58 Beam 59 Comstock ___ (1850s mining find) 60 Backtalk LOGIC PUZZLES JAN GOMBART GROUNDCOVER CONTRIBUTOR 1.A newspaper writer in 1930 noted that a man’s age at death was one twenty-ninth of the year of his birth. How old was in in the year 1900? 2. Which natural numbers are sums of consecutive smaller natural numbers? For example, 30 = 9 + 10 + 11 and 31 = 15 + 16, but 8 has no such representation. 52 38 43 44 34 35 39 45 49 50 53 54 55 40 41 46 26 27 21 24 28 29 30 36 15 18 GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 1234 5678 9 16 19 22 10 11 12 13

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Rhubarb pie ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: Crust of choice 3 cups rhubarb stalks cut in ½ inch pieces (do not use leaves) 1 cup sugar ½ teaspoon grated orange peel 3 tablespoons flour Dash of salt 2 teaspoons butter Directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Gently toss together everything except the butter. Prepare your favorite dough for a lattice pie. Fill with combined ingredients and dot with 2 teaspoons butter. Add lattice crust and flute the edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes. MAY 19, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS M 1 14 A 17 20 M ID I B 23 O NE R O US 25 O 31 37 32 42 47 C A A R B 56 60 $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP 63 ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 6/15/2023 66 Puzzle solutions: 1. 44. He was born in 1856. 2. Any number that is not a power of 2. Any odd number can be written as n + n+1. And any multiple of an odd prime number works. For example, 3n = n-1 + n + n+2, and 5n = n-2 + n-1 + n + n+1 + n+2. L EV I S I P NA NE I 64 O L OS N 67 R OV E DO L ER F 33 P O R OM A 38 EO P 43 AL E 48 51 L EE 57 K O NA G 58 61 59 L A S SC U ER 62 65 68 F EES H E I RE L IS 44 A 34 S 35 39 L O W M O A R I SH 45 P L AN I 49 52 S 50 G A MU D G 53 54 55 E D XE W 40 41 H 46 E ASE AR B 26 27 E EL L B 21 2 A 3 4 A M 5 L DA E 15 18 V 6 7 8 9 D A D A DE N O OM S 24 R EC E RH A 28 36 S EA I NY 29 L 30 F 16 I ED D 19 22 E NO K I R I ES I LD 10 11 12 H E R E 13 S G

2 $ MAY 5, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 10 ASK YOUR YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. First things first: we need housing. Page 4 VENDOR: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? MANSEL WILLIAMS, #96 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Graduate Employees' Organization 3550 strikes through U-M graduation. page 11 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER in this ISSUE LAMA KARMA VISITS the DANCE for MOTHER EARTH POWWOW Markona Love, page 4 FIRST THINGS FIRST: WE NEED HOUSING Mike Jones, page 4 HOMELESSNESS = REBIRTH Mohammed Ahmed, page 5 GET to KNOW YPSILANTI DISTRICT LIBRARY page 5 WHY DTE FACES NO CONSEQUENCES for LENGTHY, WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES Susan Beckett, page 6 TRUTH or LIES: SERENIA the ARTIST Felicia Wilbert, page 8 A PLEA to the BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: STOP the WILLOW PROJECT Lila Harris, page 10 MAY 5, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Ahmed Mia Barr Teresa Basham Susan Beckett Ree Drummond Cindy Gere Lila Harris Mike Jones Markona Love Felicia Wilbert Joe Woods PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Elliot Cubit Layla McMurturie Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Melanie Wenzel VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MAY 5, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What do you like to do for fun? Not talking. — Roberto Caballero, #347 I used to motorcycle and I used to do a lot of different things for fun, but now I’m having fun exploring places and taking pictures. — Johnny Bean, #599 Me and Joe sit on the front porch and feed the squirrels. Chipmunks too. It’s all wild animals with me. — Teresa Basham, #570 Music, doing my own t-shirt designs, I do a lot of stuff. — Derek Allen, #177 Have a meal — Hal Klenk, #88 I’m a boring person, believe it or not. Nothing, I sit at home and drink cold beverages and watch TV. — Joe Woods, #103 I don't know what fun is. Is there such a thing? The honorable Robert Nesta Marley said, "No chains around my feet but I'm not free. I know I am bounded in captivity. I've never known what happiness is. Where is the love to be found in this concrete jungle?" — Snap, #205 Here is why we need to talk about love. We need it in the world. Love is powerful; just a little act of love makes a big ripple in the world. Especially with all the hurting going on in the world it's our duty as the human race to beat extinction by spreading love. Smiling at people is important because it brightens people's day whether you want to believe it or not. Seriously, smile! It's okay — it's a sign of strength not weakness. Smiling at someone shows the love within you. I'm talking from experience on both ends — receiving and giving. JOE WOODS Groundcover vendor No. 103 GROUNDCOVER NEWS Why we need to talk about love people don't want to realize is it's not all about material, money or anything we think is tangible. Just having Love in your heart shows the light shining within you no matter your condition. Period. Love is direct and shown with actions. Giving your time and/or money to show love to people who may not know what love is, is an amazing thing. In the beginning it may not be As a Groundcover vendor, I actually see the act of love in people, even the ones that can't or just don't buy papers from me. What easy for most because of how society brainwashed us. There's no color or ethnicity with love. Love sees nothing but what love consists of — being a blessing to people in any way possible. 3 The egg CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 A man’s only want is the egg of a good woman A man’s pure sacrifice is the egg A woman’s pure sanity is her egg A man’s Sacrifice Is love A woman’s Sanctity Is her sacrifice The band Of his sacrifice And her sanctity Is the bond To the egg For a lifetime Of humanity What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 A broken egg leads only to A broken life! 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR Real love TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 I'm done fighting, I'm done trying, I need that real love, Not na fake love, Too old for this shit, I know this izz it, I'm so done wit it, So tired of sighing, Tired of crying, All tha time, All through tha night, Just need ta keep it real, Wit tha way I feel.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Lama Karma visits the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow The last weekend in March Lama Karma Drodhul visited from Ann Arbor's Karma Thegsum Cholin (KTC) Center's parent monastery, Karma Triyana Dharmachakra in Tibet. Lama Karma was here teaching a lesson on “Compassion.” The following interview was raw — unguided and printed with limited injecture to allow Lama Karma's own words speak for themselves, including broken English. This was an intimate interview at the end of our private breakfast. So Lama Karma, we went to the powwow yesterday. What were your experiences with that? “You know, it was really beautiful. I didn’t expect how wonderful it was. When I got there, I saw all these indigenous people. They looked like one of my brothers, with long hair and a big build. When we got to the stage, we saw this little kid with long braided hair, running up and down. To me, I saw him as a little Tibetan boy running in the village,” said Lama Karma. “Markona and Ken [Parks] introduced me to everyone at the desk who was very friendly.” The Elder in charge shook Lama Karma’s hand, thanking him for his support. “The Native American Woman announcer was very busy but she came and greeted me,” said Lama Karma. “We were honored to meet William Shakespeare (Groundcover News writer and vendor No. 258) and Lindsay (Groundcover Publisher) and her boyfriend, Tom, and it was a very nice and touching experience,” recalled MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 Lama Karma. Lama Karma and William Shakespeare got along famously. “So I think sometimes with the newspaper, you know, a lot of people have access to news with technology, but it’s so nice to see on [physical] paper. Unfortunately, so many people don’t have the opportunity to access [print news]. People need something to hold onto. Some nations began to lose those newspapers, so it’s good that those stories can be heard.” “All kinds of people were there, and everyone was supportive, and in the end we don’t really care how anyone looks, it’s about humanity. And it was such an honor for me. Even though I didn’t get to go to some parts because we were obligated to do a practice of compassion at the meditation center.” “I am very fond of the indigenous people where we reside at the monastery in Woodstock. It’s a very important place for Native American people. The monastery is situated on a mountain, a particular mountain that’s a very sacred place to Native Lama Karma, Will Shakespeare, Lindsay Calka, Tom McCormick and Ken Parks at the Groundcover booth during the powwow March 26. Americans. The mountain was shaped like a man on his back with Native headdress. The Monastery was on the Chest of Man [Mountain]. Many years ago indigenous people riding on horseback visited the monastery, because it’s a very holy place. I have always had a really close connection with them. “In Michigan there are many tribes, and I would like them to join us at the monastery and dance with us, and I would be very honored, and we could do some prayer at the gathering. I would pray that they are able to maintain their tradition. Their language and all their traditions, and rights are very precious and I pray that for next year, next visit will coincide with powwow.” Lama Karma was escorted by myself (Markona) and Ken through the display and sales tables. He browsed for an authentic Native American flute to play in Tibet with meditations. I showed him a rainstick. He enjoyed shopping and talking with the Native American merchants and purchased a lockbox. The purchase was a surprise. Even when going shopping for necessary items, he might not buy anything. He is a man of modest needs. Every three years he gives ALL of his belongings away. I didn’t ask, but I believe he purchased that lockbox not just for his wife, but for the benefit of the older merchant selling the box, who then asked for only $20 instead of $30 at final purchase. MAY 5, 2023 First things first: we need housing Instead of continuing to build condos and high-rise apartments for the wealthy, our community should be building affordable housing for low-income and homeless people. Housing is a right, not a privilege. Then why is homelessness increasing at a high rate throughout the United States? I notice more homeless people in the neighborhood and less resources. On all American minds right now is the growing inflation. Think about the low-income, houseless people who really feel the pinch. Gas prices went up, food and housing prices are through the roof. Homelessness is nothing new in America. Decades of failed policies stopped the United States from renters cannot get affordable housing, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Finding housing is like playing musical chairs. U.S. homelessness has grown 3% in the last three years, increasing three years in a row, and 60% of the homeless are men. Don Bosco, in the 19th century, MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 building enough affordable housing, experts say. With over half a million homeless, the U.S. poverty rate is at 12.8%: Black people having the highest poverty rate at 19.5%, people of color suffering the most. Seven million extremely low-income came up with the idea of “Housing First.” What is the housing first philosophy? Housing first is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness. By having a stable place to live, people can pursue personal goals and turn their attention to improving their quality of life. This concept inspired Dorothy Day and is the basis of her Catholic Worker Movement, founded in 1933, and their houses of hospitality. When a person has permanent housing, food and clothing they have time to make themselves a complete person. Without these three things one cannot become a complete person because they are too busy trying to survive. MAY 5, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Homelessness = Rebirth MOHAMMED AHMED Groundcover contributor "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal" — Earl Nightingale As I was standing there on the smoking deck of the Delonis Center, having a cigarette, thinking about the tornadic downhill spiral that is my life, silent as I continued to delve deeper into my sadness about all that I lost, a beautiful Soul approached me and calmly said to me, “STOP CRYING OVER YOUR PAST LIFE SO THAT YOU CAN ENJOY THE NEW ONE WHICH YOU GET TO WRITE.” We are biological machines functioning on bio-organic matter as fuel, being propelled forward by thoughts interpreted through electricity running through our nervous system. Somewhere in there, there is a mind and a soul and a consciousness and a personality. This amalgamation we call a human being is sitting on top of a round rock (THE EARTH) that is circling around a huge burning ball of nuclear fire (THE SUN). And yet somehow we forget all of this and get hung up on small things like missing a bus, or not achieving a goal or an objective. Houselessness is somehow making me into a better human, man, husband, father, lover, protector, provider. I am amazed at the human spirit, because in the midst of the houselessness and despair and hunger and have-not, I was still touched by individuals who had less than me offering me what they have. GOD it feels good to be human. The things I have gained from houselessness are immense, but the most profound has been ridding myself of judgmentalism — of basing my opinion on people solely on my physical perception of their physical attributes or their attire. This happened in the most awesome of ways, as I was sitting there sipping a coffee in Starbucks, looking out of the window at the snow, wishing I could go outside and make a snow angel. A young Caucasian gentleman walked into the cafe; from his appearance and attire I automatically judged him to be a drug addict. We exchanged glances and I meanmugged him hard; he left and went outside. As I continued gazing at the snow, I saw the same individual I had just judged to be a vagrant drug addict shoveling the snow off of the sidewalk out of the goodness of his heart so that those using the sidewalk wouldn’t slip or fall. He did not care that they had homes or better lives than him, and even though he was struggling and homeless, he still wanted to help and be of value to society and humanity. This simple act of kindness on his part made me shrug with shame at having judged a fellow human being, and that sense of shame made me not want to ever again judge another human being based on my own perceptions of reality. To be honest, I grew up in a dysfunctional home. As an immigrant American, raised in a different country, different culture and different ethics, it has been extremely difficult to manage assimilation and understand who I am. For what it's worth, I am just happy to be a human experiencing humanism. “A Mind is a terrible thing to waste” — I did not care for that phrase until I experienced houselessness. After having to deal with houselessness and seeing how my mind reacted to ensure my survival, man, I am amazed. Without houselessness I would never have quit drugs. Being on the streets and having been assaulted while intoxicated has led me to value my sobriety and my consequent situational awareness and situational alertness. Losing out on so many opportunities due to simply being too stoned on indica edibles made me angry. I kept getting angry with myself for letting financial and life improvement opportunities just pass me by. Now I am no longer seeking mind-altering substances, but I will vouch for the therapeutic and medicinal and mood-enhancing and reflective effects of microdosing psilocybin mushrooms. While I won’t be missing any hard drugs, I am no longer so attached or dependent on marijuana. It was a crutch that served me well, and then negated my potential. I am: • valuing my family — seeking to be a better man, a better father, working hard and diligently and honestly to provide a better set of circumstances that will ensure that my children have a much better and more organized life than mine and what I have endured. • valuing hard work and cooperation, valuing people for who they are, seeing the good potential and the ability to do good even in those who have hurt me or caused me misfortune —doing God's work on earth and making sure the devil fails: • being thankful, being appreciative, being forgiving, leaving the door of mercy and forgiveness open to those who recognize their faults and are seeking to apologize and reconnect; • realizing my current value, and addressing the need to add skills to add value to my life; • realizing that I have lost nothing, because the life that I have now is what was meant for me and it is awesome. We humans are all awesome, the more we seek to differentiate ourselves from each other, the more we come to realize that we have so much in common. It is not us who determines the sweet variety of humanity, it is mother earth that does. The geography of our physical locality, its trees, fruits, flowers, and fauna determines the cultures and traditions we have, the cuisine, the music. It is why nations such as India, China and most Asian and African countries have vibrant, colorful tangible traditions and culture — because of the songs of the birds and the bees and the smells and so forth. The temples, the art works, the engravings, the museums, the history are because mother nature there provided a variety. It is for the same reason that the Arab Bedouin in the desert has a more intangible culture, and is more inclined towards immaterial intangible emotions such as brotherhood, respect, honor, poetry and storytelling. It is because his habitat is based on the sea, sun and sands of the desert. We humans are good at adapting, that is why we are the "primus inter pares non” species on this planet. Houselessness has allowed me to forget who I am, and rediscover who I want to be: Respecting myself for all that I have accomplished in the face of all the circumstances that I have faced. While I know that there are tougher individuals out here in the world than me, who have faced and defeated greater demons, that still does not take away from my story and battle. Having been through tough times, I know now how to prepare for them, and how to take them on: • Loving myself for who I am, and appreciating my story and its uniqueness; • Loving my fellow humans, understanding that we are all the same, we feel hunger, pain, yearn for love and laughter and acceptance, see REBIRTH page 11  GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MAKING CHANGE Why DTE faces no consequences for lengthy, widespread power outages People from around the state met with Michigan Representatives and Senators in Lansing on April 27 to discuss campaign finance reform as part of the SHOW MI THE MONEY Lobby Day. There was near unanimous agreement from the 70 offices visited that dark — or secret — money is a problem that is out of control. (Secret money is generally money that is originally donated to an organization and then makes its way to a Super PAC which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on issue advertising, with the original donors being anonymous. Although these ads can’t explicitly say to vote for or against a candidate, they can influence the way voters perceive candidates or ballot proposals.) The amount of money spent in campaigns, especially the amount coming from PACS was also deemed problematic. One example of the outsized power of PAC money mentioned by legislators is that DTE could not be called to account for the lengthy and widespread power outages a couple of months ago because they control enough campaign money to torpedo the re-election of any legislator from a topple incumbents in closely divided districts. He added, "Unchecked power is unacceptable - across the board. They may agree with me today and disagree tomorrow." Other frequently mentioned legislaSUSAN BECKETT Publisher emeritus competitive district who voted for penalties. Representative Carrie Rheingans (representing part of Ann Arbor and western Washtenaw County and southern Jackson County) said that she did not take money from DTE and Consumers Energy. She said the caucus did receive money from power companies that was spent on some races whose campaigns had refused such funds. Jason Morgan, another Ann Arbor/ Washtenaw Representative, said it is hard for some members to stand up against powerful interests in favor of constituents' interests because of the special interest Super PAC threats to tor concerns were so-called issue ads that are really smear campaigns with no discernable or responsible person behind them. Senator Ruth Johnson, the former Secretary of State, offered this hypothetical example: “Tell Representative Joe Shmo to stop torturing puppies.” That advertisement could be credited to and funded by a Super PAC with a name like Michiganders for Decency, but the names of the people, companies and organizations donating to Michiganders for Decency are likely untraceable. The sole donor could be the parent of Joe Shmo’s opponent; if the donation was originally made to another non-profit and then funneled from there to Michiganders for Decency, it would be mingled with other funds and not readily identifiable. Representative Denise Mentzer (Macomb County) said she hates having to make phone calls asking for checks. She is among those who would like to see public financing of elections. She thinks that with limited money to spend, candidates would focus their promotions on themselves and there would be considerably fewer attack ads. Corruption was another legislator concern. Most have Political Action Committees (PACs) to help them cover expenses, since they no longer have government resources to do so. Most use the PAC funds to cover job-related expenses such as tickets to community fundraisers and transportation costs to and from Lansing and around the district. Party leaders and the chairs of powerful committees often have PACs with vast amounts of money that they use to help with election campaigns for themselves and select other members of their party. As recent scandals illustrate, they sometimes also use them for inappropriate purchases, such as luxury automobiles and family vacations. Legislators were also frustrated that even on the rare occasions when see POWER next page  MAY 5, 2023 THANK YOU WASHTENAW COUNTY For providing peer SuppoRT VALERIE BASS, PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST, WASHTENAW COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH 24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage MAY 5, 2023 MAKING CHANGE GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7  POWER from last page "Team Elephant" meeting with Michigan Representative Wendzel and Jacob Rushlow in Lansing on April 27 to discuss campaign finance reform as part of the SHOW MI THE MONEY Lobby Day. serious infractions do come to light, consequences are rarely more than a token fine. It is a system that breeds a culture of corruption. Many legislators fear that that culture of corruption and the coercion of moneyed interests, especially the Super PAC bundlers (who move money from a variety of sources into the Super PACs and collect a 10% fee for doing so), will stymie the progress of transparency laws this session as has happened in previous sessions. Representative Mark Tisdel (Rochester) mentioned that he ran in 2020 for an open seat, which made it a target. Both candidates’ campaigns spent $1 million. He was sworn in in January and had his first major fundraiser in March. "It's a distraction from governing," he said. He also noted that good fundraising and campaigning skills do not necessarily translate into good governance. He asserted that the legislature needs to enact campaign finance reform “but there's a way around everything. They put in a PAC cap and leadership sets up multiple PACs. Sunlight and transparency are good things. On the other hand, attacks on donors are also a problem.” Representative Pauline Wendzel (W. Michigan) wants to eliminate secret money but has security concerns for donors who give to socially-charged issues. She stated that all Super PACs, including unions, should have donation limits, and also called for simplifying the rules around campaign financing. These are issues likely to be raised when the House Ethics and Elections Committee holds hearings on campaign finance reform later this year. Dianne Schwartz, one of the citizen advocates and a former East Lansing City Council member observed, “The money in politics is like sand from a huge, massive cloud. You lock your doors but it still finds its way in … and you’ve got to regularly sweep in out.” She called on the Democrat majority to make this a priority. Some of the citizens who came out to speak about campaign finance reform were shocked to learn that the measures in Proposal One, passed by voters last year, applied only to lawmakers’ personal asset disclosures, not those of their PAC and other accounts. A broad coalition of groups organized the SHOW MI THE MONEY Lobby Day. Quentin Turner Common Cause of Michigan started off the lunchtime press conference by calling on the legislature to: • Pass a budget that includes sufficient funding to increase implementation of existing transparency regulations and voter protections; • Pass a resolution of support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that overturns the Citizens United decision so that Congress and the states may set reasonable campaign contribution limits and distinguish corporations from people; and • Implement clear and concise disclosure rules for election-related financial contributions. Sandra Sorini Elser, representing the Michigan chapter of the League of Women Voters, echoed those calls and added that Michigan is 48th out of the 50 states in anti-corruption measures. Hank Mayers, president of Michiganders for Fair and Transparent Elections, remarked on the geometric growth of the money spent on elections and the disproportionate increase in secret money. He stated that the money transfers from non-profits and foundations amounts to money laundering, which is illegal in every context but politics. To halt the secret money, Mayers plan calls for explicit separation of funds for electioneering and disclosure of the five largest donors to the election accounts, regardless of what kind of organization it is. He also insisted we need “a guard dog with teeth” that has investigatory powers and more serious consequences for individuals who violate campaign finance regulations. Former House Democratic Leader Christine Greig related an example from her time in the legislature. of Lobbyists provided paid vacations in Hawaii for 20 lawmakers to “educate” them about a bill on the brink of introduction that had already failed multiple times in previous sessions. The direct sponsor of the trip was a nonprofit. The legislators could not be identified and did not have to disclose the gift. If someone had not tipped off the media about the trip, Greig questioned whether we would ever have known about it. Prop 1 of 2022 is a good start. But underlying state laws for defining who can give gifts are flawed. Even under the Prop 1 disclosure requirements, those travelers to Hawaii would still not need to disclose the travel expenses because they were furnished by the non-profit. Former Ann Arbor City Council member Elizabeth Nelson shared her experiences with campaign financing. She raised $10,000 to run in 2018. She was targeted by secret money but managed to win anyway. She experienced a big change in 2020 when the cost of running for local offices tripled and quadrupled, depending on the ward. Ann Arbor City Council elections in 2020 and 2022 were flooded with over $30,000 in PAC money. Nelson raised $20,000 with no fundraisers and felt good about that. However, she was outspent 2-1 by her opponent whose campaign funds included $12,500 from sources outside the city. Nelson said that in Ann Arbor, a network of individuals max out their personal contribution limits, then have their spouse and other family members do the same. She knows of some who have collectively contributed over $20,000. “It happens where you live, and it matters. Because somebody like me who is just committed to public service and is thinking about it … the answer to how [to go about that] is not that that you’ll need about $10,000; in the City of Ann Arbor it is you’ll need about $40,000 ... that is huge barrier to entry and a huge obstacle to our democracy.” Other participating organizations included American Promise, Declaration for American Democracy, the League of Women Voters of Michigan, Michigan Voices, Public Citizen, Represent US, Reclaim Our American Democracy, and the People.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRUTH OR LIES Sirenia the artist It was 2 a.m. and the party was finally ending. Robert was driving home. He was thinking about his promotion, having just become a partner at the most prestigious law firm in Denver, Colorado. However, he could not forget how he was going home with no one to congratulate him. Opening the door at his condo, he looked around and thought, “I am tired of being a selfish bachelor. It’s time for me to purchase a home and find a wife.” He promised himself that he would take more time to date and find his future wife. He undressed and showered, going to bed excited about going hiking the next morning. Even though it was the weekend, Robert did not sleep in, out hiking by 11 a.m. However, he did not meet anyone before or during his hike. “What a day,” he thought. “No beautiful single lady was waiting to meet her beau.” When he returned home he decided he would not bring any woman to his bachelor pad, so he immediately started searching for a home. He made an appointment for the following weekend to view four houses. It took a while, but after seven months of searching he finally found a gem of a house. One Sunday morning Robert was at the grocery store and while in the commodities aisle, he helped a woman who could not reach the top shelf. He introduced himself hoping she was single. Rebeca was single, a petite brunette with a bright warm smile and personality. Robert quickly asked her if she was involved in a relationship. She smiled and answered that she was not dating anyone at the time. He then asked her would she be interested in going to the movies and out to dinner? Rebeca took out a pen from her purse, grabbed his hand and wrote her number in his hand. Robert laughed saying, “Okay, I will call you this evening and we can discuss where you want to go?” They parted ways. On the way home, Robert was feeling warm inside and excited. Returning home, he realized he did not have any furniture — no way she could see his house in this condition. After work the next day he stopped at Madison’s Furniture, an expensive store. He was admiring a leather sectional for his entertainment room while looking for living room furniture. A voice said, “Quite unique, don't you think?” The lady was referring to the picture that hung above the sectional. He turned around to see who was talking to him. She was a beautiful woman with a mysterious, cute look about herself. Robert was drawn to her green eyes and red hair. FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 “How are you?” he asked. “Oh, my. I did not mean to distract you, it’s just a pretty picture, I was talking aloud.” “Well, do you work here?” Robert asked. “Oh, no, I was just shopping for inspiration.” “What does that mean?” Robert asked. “I am an artist just looking for new colors and ideas. By the way, my name is Sirenia.” Robert introduced himself, then asked, “Can you paint me a picture for my entertainment room?” Sirenia replied, “Yes, why not? What are you looking for?” Robert said, something unique and different. He then asked if they could exchange numbers and said that he would be calling her on the weekend. He purchased the sectional. It was perfect. Once he got free that evening he called Rebeca. She answered the phone with a soft voice and they talked until it was his bedtime. Rebeca liked to hike and camp; they had several things in common. That weekend he called Sirenia and invited her over to see the house and the furniture he had purchased. When she arrived, Robert gave her a tour of his house. Sirenia was impressed and inspired, eager to paint the picture for his entertainment room. She decided to stay for dinner to learn more about Robert's desires. Sirenia promised his picture would be complete within two weeks. She was to paint the picture and he was a single, handsome man looking for a wife. Sirenia was thinking about how she had to go to her small condo, always waiting for her big break as an artist. That weekend Robert took Rebeca out to dinner and a movie. He enjoyed talking with her and how pleasant she was. The two weeks before the picture was done seemed forever to Robert. He wanted to impress Rebeca with it. Sirenia finally called on a Saturday morning inviting him to come to her studio to pick up his picture. Robert arrived early, eager for the reveal. Sirenia had several pictures that caught his eye, so he selected two of them. She was pointing to a large picture draped with a tarp. “Remove it already," said Robert. It was an odd picture of a swirling flat pool of water with a city scene in the background. Robert loved the oddness and the colors. “What a picture!” he complimented her. He then purchased it and the other two paintings. Sirenia was pleased and waited for him to ask her out. However, he could not stop talking about wanting to show the picture to Rebeca. When he left, Sirenia was fuming, wondering why he did not ask her out. She decided she was going to marry him no matter what! The next day she broke into his house and retrieved Rebeca’s phone number from his home phone. She returned home and cast a spell on a picture she painted of Robert talking on the phone. Sirenia dialed Rebeca’s number, put the phone on the picture and spoke to it. The picture sounded just like Robert; she invited Rebeca over for lunch, claiming to be in between cases. Rebeca accepted the invitation for lunch the following day. She arrived and she noticed that she did not see Robert's car. Sirenia was waiting for her, explaining she was his new maid. She stated that he would arrive soon, and he had said to come in and wait for him. Rebeca entered the house. The picture was now hanging in the foyer. Rebeca walked over to the picture, admiring it, reaching her hand out saying what a spectacular painting. All of a sudden the swirl of water moved and sucked Rebeca into it. Sirenia laughed while returning the picture to the entertainment room. She then gathered up her items and drove off, abandoning her car in the woods. Robert returned from work excited to call Rebeca over to see his new paintings. He did not get an answer. He left her several messages and continued to call and text her. He wondered why she did not return his calls or texts. It had been three weeks. Sirenia called and inquired about the paintings, asking if he needed any future paintings. Robert returned her call, unaware of her powers. Once he heard her voice, he forgot about Rebeca and thought he was dating Sirenia. He said to her, “Don’t be late for our dinner date tonight.” Sirenia quickly pounced upon him, and during dinner he asked her to marry him. Even though he did not have a ring, she accepted. During lunch the next day, Robert was at the jewelers selecting a ring for Sirenia. They were wed within one month and she had moved in. He thought he loved her, but it was because of the spell she cast. One year passed and he was asking for children. Sirenia knew she was barren and a witch, but she promised him soon they would start a family. Robert thought he was happy, still hiking and working. One weekend she decided it was time she rid herself of him — after all she only wanted the house and money. She cast a spell on the same picture that sucked Rebeca up. Sirenia complained that the house was dusty and she wanted to wipe everything down. Robert's happy, helpful self got a step ladder and approached the picture to dust it down. He reached over the top and disappeared into the picture. That night she waited until it was late, then she held the picture over his car and the car disappeared. Sirenia laughed; she waited 48 hours and reported him missing. The police came over to investigate her claim of him not returning home. During the investigation they found no foul play and could not find him or his auto. As time passed, Sirenia dated seven men whose wealth she stole and then they disappeared into a painting. The insurance investigator Mr. Tucker left Robert’s case dormant for nine years. During the tenth year, three months before the policy would pay, he decided to take a final look. Sirenia was annoyed with him and decided it was time for him to disappear. She was painting a picture of a policeman arresting a strange looking lady. Just as she was chanting over it, the detective walked up on her, never knocking at the door. She was startled, jumping while she turned to see who was in the room with her. Sirenia stumbled, reaching out to catch her balance and was sucked into the picture. Mr. Tucker was speechless and shocked, wondering what just happened right before his eyes. Thank you Truth Or Lies readers you voted right, "Benny the Bully Easter Bunny," published April 7, was based on a TRUE story. Names were changed to protect the privacy of the families MAY 5, 2023 MAY 5, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 WORD SEARCH: ANIMALS! S A C A U D A L J O I N T E D P M U N I V A L V E J R E Z Q I E V A G I L E D O E N P X G D T F A N G U I N E I T N U N E A S O S D G A R R F A V A M R B L U C N D O E N I O I A U Y O W U A I C L O R L R N C C C A I I S A H L V V R B I A I J I A E E A S A B A R P P N V C C N T D E R U S N I A A E A U N S B W T L D C I I R R I L A O C M A N R A A N D O O D V P I A B M A N T L E V U U A E P A L L I U M E E Q G S S L D R Z Y Q F R K D Y P E D A T E Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. Acaudal Alular WORD BANK: Canine Ametabolic Anguine Annelidan Anserine Araneidal Avian Batrachian Bivalved Carangid Caudated Colonial Filariid Jointed Mantle Oviparous Pallium Pedate Posterior Scaled Scaley Scaly Spidery Univalve Vagile Viviparous

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TAKE ACTION A plea to the Biden administration: STOP the Willow Project On Monday, March 12, 2023, President Joe Biden approved a large oil drilling bill which will ultimately produce poison, destroying the environment and permanently damaging the climate of our planet (over a quarter of a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions). The Willow Project bill approved the drilling of 68,000 acres of Alaskan land. The Willow drill plan is deemed controversial due to not only its projected detrimental effects on the environment, but also by the ethical injustices the wildlife living in the area would face. Many Biden supporters feel betrayed as he has strayed from his anti-drilling on federal lands stance that he touted during his 2020 campaign. In fact, the Biden administration is defending the former Trump administration by green-lighting the project. This decision was exactly what many were voting against. In the current age of climate protests, environmental activism, global warming and a push for sustainable energy, it is maddening to see yet another plan approved that will LILA HARRIS U-M student contributor further destroy the place we call home. The space that is keeping us alive. The plan is to drill on the ConocoPhillips petroleum reserve, which happens to be close to the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area, in Alaska. Drilling oil for the Willow Project will release thousands of millions of metric tons of pure carbon emissions into the atmosphere, and would completely destroy the surrounding area of the reserve and the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area. The area is an essential home for wetland species, as well as a habitat for caribou and other wildlife that Native Conoco-Phillips drill site in the Western Arctic. Photo credit: EarthJustice How can it be considered morally or League, the Arctic climate of the area is essential for the breeding of important and endangered species, including caribou, waterfowl, loons, eiders, shorebirds, polar bears, wolves, musk ox, brown bears, foxes and more. The Willow Project would require “a new oil and gas processing facility, massive satellite drill pads with up to fifty wells on each pad, a spider web of roads, a new airstrip, pipelines, and two gravel mines within a protected river setback.” What does this mean? Displacement, if not death, for many vulnerable species, and complete destruction of these areas. ethically justifiable to destroy the habitats of endangered wildlife? It cannot be justified. The Willow Project capitalizes on the beautiful environment that we humans live in and completely take advantage of. What do we want our future to look like? What can we do to fight against the Willow Project? Protest! Sign a petition; you can find it at Change.org “Stop The Willow Project.” Visit stopwillow.org to learn how you can be a part of the fight to conserve and protect the Western Arctic. Retweet, repost and spread #StopWillow. Write to your senator or representative. Make your voice heard. Stop The Willow Project. communities rely on. According to the Alaska Wilderness MAY 5, 2023 MAY 5, 2023 LABOR POWER GEO 3550 strikes through U-M graduation On March 24 I was attending my morning English class as usual when we were interrupted with a rambunctious cacophony of noise in the third floor corridor of Mason Hall. Moments later and with an enthusiastic flourish a woman burst through the door, speaker in hand loudly playing rock music and shouted, “This is a strike! Come join us in the Diag, GET UP LET'S GO!” We could hear her echoed calls for protest trail and fade as she continued down the hall. Echoed in every class on the floor shouting the same message, beckoning others to join the movement. Her rebellious cries lingered in the air till the class ended. Why are they striking? As we are probably all brutally aware, the cost of living in Ann Arbor continues to skyrocket. The cost of living is moving at an alarming rate that monthly income is unable to adequately support, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. The graduate students have had enough of constantly reaching out to the University beckoning them to at least pay them a living Ann Arbor wage. So, the girl who busted into our class on that gloomy Wednesday morning was a member of the Graduate Employees' Organization (GEO), a labor union of Graduate Student Instructors and Graduate Student Staff Assistants. Together, these individuals are responsible for a large amount of teaching and grading work the University of Michigan. As of that very Wednesday at 10:24 a.m. GEO has been on strike, withholding their labor to pressure the University to take them seriously. Strikes are the embodiment of democracy, a means to stand up to employers and fight for better working conditions. Since the beginning of their triennial contract negotiations last Fall, GEO has been asking U-M's HR to offer its members a livable wage. This would mean a 60% raise for all GSIs and GSSAs. The university's highest offer, MIA BARR U-M student contributor however, has remained below inflation, effectively translating into a pay cut for its Graduate employees. The escalating costs of living lead individuals to purge more of their income on rent and leave little for anything else, such as food and other basic necessities. GEO is shining a spotlight on the growing wage disparities in Ann Arbor and the inability for not only GSIs and GSSAs, but all Ann Arborites, to live with dignity in this town and its surrounding areas. What else is on the table in GEO's bargaining platform? Beyond the most prevalent issue of wage, GEO is also fighting for programs that will benefit the entire Ann Arbor community, such as a non-police emergency response force. In April of 2021 the Ann Arbor City Council approved the formation of an Unarmed Public Safety Response Program that could be used for mental health crises, conflicts, public assistance and more. I had a chance to speak with Rianna Johnson-Levy a GSI at the University on this program and here is some of what she had to share on the topic. “Having grown up a block over from Aura Rosser, who was killed by the AAPD in 2014 after they were called to respond to a domestic altercation, I know how police presence can escalate to violence in moments of crisis in peoples' lives. I believe supporting non-armed crisis response on our campus will help to protect me as a worker and provide a benefit to black and brown people and people with disabilities who spend their days on our campus.” This program is already strongly supported by organizations across the University and Ann Arbor community and is meant to provide a resource for issues that can be solved without violence, with the goal of de-escalating situations. Back to the living wage. Is that really so much to ask for? The University of Michigan has a $17.4 billion dollar endowment and is set to make an excess of $91 million this fiscal school year alone according to research done by the Michigan Daily. Out-of-state students with no financial assistance pay more for one semester at the University of Michigan than GSI’s and GSSAs make in a year. It would cost the University $30 million (only 1/3 of this year's excess) to pay all GSIs and GSSAs a living wage. Nonetheless, the strike continues with no end in the foreseeable future. In fact, after speaking with a professor who is close to the subject matter, it appears that the University is pressuring faculty to try and keep things as normal as possible to keep donors happy: demanding that tenured faculty, who all have their own obligations, to grade hundreds of papers while maintaining their research with the University. A near impossible task if I have ever heard one. As the strike is nearing a month in length and the semester comes to an end, many students are unhappy with how the University has responded. This is now the longest strike in University history, topping the historic 2020 GEO strike that prevented U-M returning to in-person classes during the COVID pandemic. Strike update: Many GSIs and GSSAs will enter the month of May unable to pay rent, as U-M has withheld payment for all striking Graduate student employees. GEO's strike has receoved international attention and gathered support across the country, as expressed in GEO members and supporters on Mayard Street in downtown Ann Arbor marching to the courthouse on the morning of U-M's injunction hearing. various letters by U-M faculty, as well as fundraisers for GEO's strike fund, from, for example, University of California Santa Cruz. Many tenured faculty and lecturers have pledged to withhold grades in solidarity with GEO. The administration is threatening to give undergraduates illegitimate grades in response, undermining instructors' autonomy and further revealing how U-M prioritizes its own image and money over its mission of education, and its supposed commitment to equity and diversity. You can follow the latest news about the strike on GEO's social media and their website: www.geo3550.org GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  REBIRTH from page 5 • Learning to be more stoic, focuswhile dealing with the circumstances of the world; • Appreciating laughter and joy and pain. You got to laugh at yourself sometimes — if you don't you might end up hurting yourself; • Loving the simple things in life — the rays of the sun in the morning, being up at 5:30 a.m. in the gym, taking a nice shower after a hard day's work, having a hard day's work; ing on what matters in life, letting the small things go, not getting bothered or frustrated; • Lending a helping hand — that is the best feeling in the world, I love it when people ask me for help. GOD is in assistance of those humans who seek to help and serve their fellow man; • Respecting pregnant women, women, the elderly, opening doors for people, walking down the stairs in front of pregnant women so that they feel comfortable, guiding, assisting, serving, helping, the smile on a fellow human when he has reached his purpose and goal is amazing, it’s fulfilling, it’s beautiful, it's contagious, it’s courageous. It makes you feel like a billionaire while not having a single penny in your pocket. I don't understand how houselessness is somehow making me into a refined gentleman. But it has been one hell of a journey. Organization is sophistication, early preparation leads to improved determination, which enhances the imagination and leads creations. Hey, whatever you're going through just remember, life is not that bad, and the code to the bathroom at Starbucks on State Street is 35724. Mohammed Al Mustapha (Pen Name — Boomer the Nile Crocodile aka Nubian Prince). to beautiful

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Spring pea salad REE DRUMMOND The Pioneer Woman Ingredients: 1/3 c. sour cream 1 tbsp. mayonnaise Salt and pepper 1 tbsp. white vinegar 4 c. frozen green peas, almost totally thawed 8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped 1/2 small red onion, halved and sliced very thin 6 oz. cheddar or American cheese, cut into small cubes 3 tbsp. minced fresh parsley Directions: Mix the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and vinegar together to make the dressing. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Stir 2/3 of the dressing into the peas until the peas are coated. Gently stir in the bacon, onion, cheese and parsley until all combined. Taste and adjust seasonings. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 to 4 hours before serving. (Pop the extra dressing in the fridge, too.) Remove from the fridge and stir in the rest of the dressing to your liking. Sprinkle with more parsley before serving. Perfect for a Mother's Day celebration! • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL MAY 5, 2023 BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) PUZZLE SOLUTIONS S A C A U D A L J O I N T E D P M U N I V A L V E J R E Z Q I E V A G I L E D O E N P X G D T F A N G U I N E I T N U N E A S O S D G A R R F A V A M R B L U C N D O E N I O I A U Y O W U A I C L O R L R N C C C A I I S A H L V V R B I A I J I A E E A S A B A R P P N V C C N T D E R U S N I A A E A U N S B W T L D C I I R R I L A O C M A N R A A N D O O D V P I A B M A N T L E V U U A E P A L L I U M E E Q G S S L D R Z Y Q F R K D Y P E D A T E $2 OFF OUR HOT BAR IS BACK! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 5/23/2023 Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ APRIL 21, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 9 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Water for life: a message from the Kogi. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: GLEN PAGE PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann EARTH DAY ISSUE: Climate change, sustainability and transportation justice THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Conduit to the universe MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 Now I See From Here To There Light Was There Now It's Here A Wing of Feathers Truth Flies In Awareness Arrives Void Undone New Day Rise Old Day Fade Open Space Knowledge Replace APRIL 21, 2023 content CORRECTION In last issue, there was a misprinted line in this poem. The poem should have been published as it is printed here. CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Gigi Bylinksy Robert Coulter Chris Fields Simone Fletcher Cindy Gere Markona Love Tabitha Ludwig Gregg Saldutti Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Gwynn Chio GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Layla McMurturie Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Samiha Rahman VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons APRIL 21, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Baby resources needed My name is Tabitha. My fiance Sean and I are having a baby in July and definitely need help with getting the things needed. If anyone would like to help out my family with this beautiful baby girl, I have a baby registry on Amazon and also at Target. The baby registry is in the name “Tabitha Ludwig.” Please help us as we have nothGlen Page, vendor No. 407 In one sentence, who are you? Glen, the world’s first fully-functioning Black superhero, at your service. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Between Starbucks on State Street and the State Theater, and sometimes outside of Running Fit! What is your favorite spot in Washtenaw County? Home. What is your favorite thing to do in Washtenaw County? Movies and music. Why did you start selling Groundcover? To keep the paper functioning properly. What words do you live by? Think on your feet. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn't know? How serious I am about the paper and what my contribution to this noble cause will be. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? The crowd. If you had a warning label, what would yours say? Nuclear. What is your superpower? My ability to see through B.S. and other things. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fish. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Sell the paper. What's the worst thing about selling Groundcover News? Just standing there. Home pleasures for Earth Day Sometimes your home is as good as any vacation resort. You can do all kinds of things at home for free that you can at a vacation resort that cost money. You can relax, listen to music, have a party and prepare good snacks or dinners. You can prepare good lunches too. You can party either by yourself or with a friend that you choose to party with. When you're by yourself you can watch and listen to what you want to listen to or just have quiet time. You can do your hair and nails; I personally like to trim my nails and make them short and clean, both my fingernails and toenails. You can soak your feet in nice Epsom salt water and just relax while you're watching TV or listening to music. And you can earth like flowers, butterflies, frogs and rabbits. You can decorate your home DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 also dance while you're sitting in a chair or standing up to whatever music you wanna listen to. You can do arts and crafts of your choice. You can act like being at home is like being at camp and Earth Day and Earth Week is a perfect time for a home resort, too. You can do arts and crafts that have to do with the for Earth Day. You can buy artificial flowers and plants because they never die and they last forever. You can use cereal boxes and other cardboard things to recycle and do artwork with and make cards. And you can have healthy snacks for Earth Day like popcorn, corn, grapes and bananas to ensure your home is a resort. Earth Day is an important day for self care because us humans are a part of the earth and God made us to try to help take care of the earth. And take care of ourselves too. I hope everybody has a good time during Earth Day and Week! ing for the baby yet; it would be a great blessing. If you want to send money instead, we have a Venmo account @solowyte83 and a CashApp account $flyhighsis. There is also a GoFundMe camTABITHA LUDWIG Groundcover vendor No. 360 paign at gofund.me/7e62b7e4. Thank you all so much and God bless! Let's welcome baby Lena Almond to the Groundcover family soon. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Remembering Antoine Antoine passed on Christmas Eve of 2022 leaving many loved ones behind, many of whom are part of the Groundcover family. Antoine was my friend. He was constantly at work. He cherished his family and friends. I will miss having conversations with him. You, my friend Antoine, will truly be missed. Rest In Peace My Brother! — Mike Jones, Groundcover vendor No. 113 Antoine was my best friend. To this very moment I grieve his passing. He was the strongest man I ever knew. Antoine was a person who put others before himself. I miss you my Brother. — Donald Abdul Roberts

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EARTH DAY Water for life: a message from the Kogi Years ago, back in 1999, I came across a powerful film, “From the Heart of the World, the Elder Brothers Warning, Kogi Message to Humanity. Big Brother talks to Little Brother,” that shook my world perspective to the core. As an Indian, forced modern through adoption, I have tried to come to terms with this modern hypocrisy around mass consumption — trying to divorce ourselves from our excesses while at the same time crying “Save the Planet, Save the Earth.” We play games with our mind once a year on Earth Day, as we give to this charity or that organization, and in the end we can say “I did my part.” Yet, all the while, the plastic island out in the ocean is becoming a new continent of insanity. Kogi Message To Humanity I now take out segments of this film with my own ideas and my own thoughts. The Kogi lived for thousands of years in Colombia — both the coastal regions and the high Sierra mountains. The Kogi Indians lived in a holistic balance with other nations known as the Tianu. These nations lived in peace and harmony. In the words of the Kogi: Little Brother once lived here, but was removed by Creator. Away to his own lands, far away across the Big Waters away from Big Brother. But you came back, and with this, all was destroyed. Within Native American natural worldview, we are the guardians of Mother Earth. We feel like the Kogi — so the Hopi, the Kaska and Havasapi, too. Across the Americas, our voice has never been heard, because of the harshness of the truth. The Sacred Message is: We all need water. Humans need water. They must have water to live. The Earth is the same, water is sacred, but now it's weak and diseased. The animals are dying, the trees are drying up, becoming ill; new illnesses will appear with absolutely no cures or medicines. For them the reason is Younger Brother’s modern humanity: Violations of fundamental principles, total drilling into the Earth. Mining extraction of petrol, minerals stripped away from within the world. This is in fact destroying all of the world, and damaging the Earth. “BBC, tell Younger Brother to open your eyes.” You, Younger Brother, you have returned — you have come back to our high mountain lands. We wish to be apart from you, like the beams of our bridge. Apart, away, but you have returned and now we must speak to you. The Last Kaska family emerged from the woods in 1970 CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 In 1970, the last Kaska Dene Nation family of Shamans emerged from out of the forest of the Yukon, surprising even the most seasoned Royal Canadian Mounted Police at that time. They became known as the Greenway family. They had lived high in the backcountry of the bush, on a plateau between two big mountains, living off the land and choosing to live a life of serenity and peace in contrast to modern ways. Hunting, fishing and trapping, with only 35 members of the family, ages one to 75. When the harsh abusive boarding schools were abolished, this family emerged out of the bush, choosing a new time with modern ways. The Kogi choose to stay modern, many tribes wish they had the same legacy of the Kogi nation. But the message is the same… I once had the privilege to drink pure crystal clear aquifer water, I never tasted anything so clean in my whole life. My Nahe mother gave it to me on our Tribal Lands. She showed me this cabin deep in the woods of the road. She told me "You, come here. You live here. The water is the best in this place." It was her old childhood home. I often dream of moving home, to that small strip of land. But like so many, it’s just a dream. Water is life The Kogi message is real. We are losing our water now faster than ever, and nobody understands more than the Kogi. We are now seeing what the Kogi were, in fact, talking about. The lands of the Kogi are drying up in their high Sierra mountains, where there were once glacial waters and vast snow plains. In the last five years, it has been truly challenging. To say we are in fact in a water crisis is putting it mildly. All last year, we watched as the Hoover Dam water line went lower than it has ever been in years. This has affected millions of people in five states. I feel that in the next five to 20 years, we will see real water shortages. This sacred planet has a finite amount of this resource. Yet we still use it with great disrespect. Water is running out and the Kogi tried to warn us in 1992 … yet we choose not to listen. When shall we listen to the warning? When no one can drink a drop of water? Let us see, water is truly sacred, the same way we see our religions. Perhaps then we could truly care as we do for God. APRIL 21, 2023 Awakening sound Years ago (in college), when I read of Thoreau putting his whole body on the ground — immersed deeply in the grass and bathing in the sun and sky and earth — I never dreamt that one day I would be living an adventure that would, in an unusual way, allow me to realize the gift of the earth. When I became "homeless" however, after 18-plus years of a difficult living situation, and two low-income rental situations that were beyond less than ideal, the beautiful, peaceful haven of the woods I now reside in received me. I have literally hugged and slept under trees; looked up to find stars and bats and birds already fondly or curiously noticing me; and have been cradled by higher ground and low-lying trees and bushes. Sure, I have not neglected to use the resources from my earnings to wisely create an all-weather-proof habitation to always have warmth in the cold and dry in the rain. Also, I do have life goals that likely eventually will bring my person and life back living in "my woods." It's a special, magical world of its own that deserves to be loved and respected. The air is even much lighter, healthier and easier to breathe. There, in "my" woods, I am not "homeless." I'm AMANDA GALE Groundcover vendor No. 573 to traditional "indoors." However, I am doing my best to imbue my every moment really living amidst and with nature. I feel God's presence and experience the joy and friendship of those trees, grass blades, bugs, chipmunks and squirrels. (My pet turtle Ticia is convinced that from her I must've realized the advantages of living in her natural environment.) There is an untouched beauty and peace and tranquility that is found experiencing God, being renewed, energizing and seeking the next fresh experiences and life adventures that I'm asking God to ultimately bring me to. I am so empowered, as I seek more paid work hours, continuing those I have now and my volunteering. Did I ever really hear before here? The enchanting sounds of amphibians barking out their own telegraphy; birds singing exotically, the chorus of the wind — fierce at times, gentle at other quiet moments. I pause seeking to being as best I can to receive these calls, to return to what these trees and stars and creatures are saying: praise to God and care deeply for these woods, animals and our fellow humans. After all, I've had the privilege of getting "up close and personal" with the awe and beauty of ice storms. Each day is revealing, inviting, full of wonder, grace and mystery. There is a mystical quality to the semi-hidden pathways, the very ground itself and the play of light or surround of dark. There is an aura — whether misty or clear. I am strengthened, healed, renewed, re-invigorated and recommissioned to bring what these woods are giving me, to others also. This conscience tempers my ecstatic discoveries with the desire to find ways to reach out and connect with others, giving and receiving to enrich our lives from and for each other, in ways that can't otherwise occur. Didn't Frost seek to persuade us, "We were the land's, before the land was ours"? The moon reaches her beams down at nightfall, assuring me I am hearing and heard. I just feel plain GRATEFUL! I just think; I would never have had the opportunity for this BLESSING if I hadn't been "homeless." APRIL 21, 2023 HASH BASH 50th annual Hash Bash 'protest' disappoints The Hash Bash, most recently held on April 1, 2023, is no April Fool’s joke — activists fought for our rights to marijuana. This started when John Sinclair was arrested for two joints and then sentenced to two years in prison. This was his fight first. Local activists immediately jumped in with support from around the country. The John Sinclair Freedom rally held in Crisler Arena on December 10, 1971, is one of the most memorable concerts in Ann Arbor history and one of the most significant in the history of Rock and Roll. This was due in large part to John Lennon's decision to appear in support of radical White Panther leader, John Sinclair, who was currently serving 8.5 to 10 years in prison for the possession of two marijuana joints. 15,000 people attended the rally, all blatantly smoking pot during the concert. Three days after the concert, the Michigan Supreme Court issued an order releasing Sinclair on bond, which had been denied by the lower courts; and on March 9, 1972 the court held the state’s marijuana laws were unconstitutional (cruel and unusual sentence; illegal entrapment; and misclassification of marijuana as a narcotic drug) and freed John Sinclair! The first Hash Bash, a continuation of the protest, was held at the Diag on April 1, 1972. For 22 days in 1972, marijuana was legal in the state of Michigan. It is 52 years since it became the first legalization of marijuana in the United States. You don't need specific directions to Hash Bash— just follow the natural smell of weed (flower) wafting from the activist festival. I would especially like to see a designated area just for the Older Pioneer Hippies. That's who I'm hoping to share this with … I want to see who didn't give up the fight — for "Peace, Love, and Understanding," said the Hippies that I loved as a child. Ann Arbor was incredible in the 1960s and 70s, in all the best ways. I wish I never had to leave when I was young. Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan (I was lost in Michigan Stadium at three years old in 1968 and they had to announce to me over game to find my parents, actually my sister), the state of Michigan, and yes “The Big D" (Detroit) — I still find a lot to be proud of in all of the above but, most of all, the people here, there and everywhere from Michigan. The special people of this state in over 20,000 years of proven use ... or ever. Now this actual, current Hash Bash, MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 made it what it was — we've been through a lot lately but, there's always time. Even time doesn't really exist, it's only conceptual and that's exactly how we need to change … with a shared concept as to how we as a whole want it to be in Michigan. It will only work if we all compromise, and come to one common agreement. Let's be the first state to show how it's done. The full combination of the experienced (uneducated) and the educated to use their strengths together. So here is step one: Let’s start by getting the Marijuana Initiative taken completely off the Drug Schedule List for Michigan. This benefits everyone in the state. Why would we want such a contrary law conflicting with another old one that wasn't ever helpful? Anyways, fewer Michigan lives destroyed by unnecessary arrest, reduced prison populations, reduced load on enforcement agencies. And then it supports a consistent tax influx into our state system! People already know about all the physical and mental attributes of this natural flower. Yes, it can be abused, so can a box of donuts. But, no death by alcohol poisoning, or violence. There has never been any proof of a death solely attributed to marijuana I personally attended and was disappointed. Bash started briefly with a few talks at the beginning from U.S Representative Debbie Dingell, County Commissioner Youdef Rahbi, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, John Sinclair, Matthew Abel and other activists. That was followed by no activism — not even a party. All I saw was commercialization in all forms, including illegal sale. I didn't see any sign of actual intent to create change, or proclaim our rights. Even the Bash party was lame. On a good note: I did run into a popular activist/politician from Chicago, Maryann Loncar. She was here to support other activists, here and nationally. She is trying to help us pass bills that protect patients from medical marijuana corruption from corporations like Curaleaf (abusive corporate practices) that was the largest sponsor of this Hash Bash. I would fill you in on details from an incredible interview but, the video of the interview was mysteriously wiped, like the previous interview of Lama Karma from the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. So all I have left to end with is that in Michigan marijuana is a schedule 2 narcotic even though it is legal for recreational use by adults, and under federal law (Washington D.C.) marijuana is still a schedule one narcotic — alongside heroin. There's a long way to go; illegally panhandling and the over-commercialization of Hash Bash is not helping. Maybe next year we could actually do some activism and make some change for good. Smoke On! Weed over Greed! PEACE! GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Print Stuff at AADL Need to print forms, essential documents, applications, or homework? We can help! We can print up to 30 pages per person per week at no charge and have your items ready to pick up at the library of your choice the next weekday. For more information, visit: AADL.org/printing Bookable Meeting Rooms Book a meeting room with your AADL card. We have 10 available meeting rooms across the system that you can reserve for up to two hours per day, 12 times per calendar year. They’re also available on a first-come firstserved basis. To book a room, visit AADL.org/rooms FEATURED EVENT 5 Sunday, May 21 11am–5pm • Downtown Library The Gardening & DIY Fest is back! It’s a daylong celebration of gardening, nature, and getting hands-on and active! AADL plans to feature an artisan market emphasizing handmade clothes, jewelry, bath products, fibers, art, flowers, and plants. Participants can also engage in learning sessions and hands-on opportunities! AADL.org/diyfest Vendors and shoppers on South University during Hash Bash.

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRANSPORTATION Walking isn't dangerous, cars are! GREGG SALDUTTI Groundcover contributor Caution, cars may not stop. It is not the kind of advice you want when crossing the road with a marked crosswalk, but it is the only advice offered at the crosswalks on Stadium Blvd. Local law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks in Ann Arbor. But should we really expect drivers to follow it? According to the City of Ann Arbor, no. This warning might strike some as just common sense in the interest of pedestrian safety. After all, the number of pedestrians being killed by drivers has been rising since 2019 — up 17% in Michigan since that year. Even through the pandemic, when fewer people were driving, more people on foot were dying. There are many factors at play, including more reckless driving; less traffic enforcement; larger, heavier cars; and more built-in distraction to newer cars. These statistics highlight the importance of doing more to ensure road safety. However, in the case of many crosswalks around the city, this doing more comes in the form of not actually doing anything, but rather, warning people on foot that they are not safe there. Importantly, these messages recognize the fact that it doesn’t matter if walkers are following the law or not — the roads were not designed to make them safe, and we are okay with that. The implied message could be read as: Hey, drivers won’t follow the law here, and we know that, so you are on your own. Motonormative Many would fall back on the "common sense" argument to pedestrian safety: wait for the road to clear. Following two incidents in March — one that involved a high school student — these usual sentiments were echoed in calls for pedestrians to be less distracted when walking, and that people need to be taught more "defensive" pedestrianism. The issue of distraction is surely at play as sources of distraction on the roads are rising — most notably in ever-larger infotainment screens on car dashboards. However, we never seem to hear any news about an epidemic of pedestrian-on-pedestrian crashes that distracted walking would surely spur. After all, being on the phone while walking carries zero risk to anyone else. But, what gets completely lost in this discussion about pedestrian "responsibility" is that both walkers were in a crosswalk when they were hit by a driver. Beyond the issue of blaming people for being hit in a crosswalk, there is another problem regarding the legal and moral double standards surrounding cars (a concept known as motonormativity). We would never give jaywalkers the same leeway to break the law as we grant cars with our crosswalk warnings. However, we would surely blame them if they were hit or killed while jaywalking. In fact, in Ann Arbor, the fine for jaywalking is virtually the same as the fine for drivers failing to yield to someone in a crosswalk. Arguments for enforcement of jaywalking routinely cite safety as a concern. While jaywalking laws are veiled in the notion of protecting pedestrians, in practice the enforcement of jaywalking laws seems to be more focused on harassing low-income communities and removing people from public space in the name of free-flowing traffic, a fact that is illustrated by the history of how jaywalking came to be. A jaywalk through history Urban roads used to be shared public spaces without priority given to any type of user. For example, the L.A. municipal code of 1925 explicitly acknowledged that all street users share equal priority when using public space. That changed around 100 years ago when auto lobbies began investing in campaigns to criminalize jaywalking and influence media coverage of events where pedestrians were killed or injured by drivers. This coverage often painted pedestrians as irresponsible and, implicitly, at fault. The auto lobbies also sponsored campaigns that presented police and hired actors to publicly shame jaywalkers, rather than simply issue tickets or warnings. In fact, the term "jay" used to be a derogatory term used for someone from the country — unaccustomed to the fast pace of city life. The end goal was to recast the shared public spaces of streets to the sole dominion of cars, and more importantly to open up urban spaces for unfettered car travel. But this came with costs. Like many social costs incurred by our social systems, it is often low income communities and communities of color that bear both physical and legal costs of our social prioritization of cars. These communities see disproportionate levels of people on foot being hit and killed by drivers. People from these same communities receive a disproportionate amount of jaywalking citations. If we think about how our metro systems are designed with cars as a priority, this outcome seems preordained. Places built for cars are inherently hostile to people on foot, and people that have no other means of transit must go on foot. Read it in the news Likewise, our moral double standards can still be seen today in discussions about "pedestrian responsibility" or other dehumanizing news headlines surrounding driver-related killings. In many cases, headlines use written cues to focus on the behavior of people on foot, implicitly blaming them while downplaying the agency and, therefore, responsibility of drivers, even when drivers are at fault. One egregious example comes from a recent ABC News article with a headline that read: "Dog walks itself home after visually impaired owner killed in hit-and-run, police say." Not only is the main focus of the headline on the dog, the person who was killed becomes the object of the sentence — the thing having something done to it — while the person responsible — the driver — is not even mentioned. This headline is qualitatively different than, "Driver kills visually impaired person and flees the scene." Good luck, and God bless Already this year, Ann Arbor has seen several people on foot seriously injured, including the death of a man who was killed by a driver plowing snow. It also isn't hard to imagine a visually impaired person being killed in one of our negligently designed It is often low income communities and communities of color that bear both physical and legal costs of our social prioritization of cars. "warning" crosswalks. Ironically, crosswalks often use voice prompts or other sounds to aid visually impaired people in navigating traffic. In our case, the voice feature is as useful to the visually impaired as a shrug of the shoulders. While roads are becoming more deadly for people on foot, years of evidence showing how dangerous our urban and suburban road design is, can we really say that a pedestrian being killed by a driver is an accident? The fact is, our public spaces only account for the safety of drivers in their design, which, unsurprisingly, means roads are less safe for the rest of us. Rather than designing less hostile spaces for pedestrians, we fall back on laws that leave far too much discretion for street level harassment and far too little effect on safety. In addition to criminalizing public space use, we continue to implicitly and explicitly defend drivers in how we talk about traffic safety. We continue to insist that people outside of cars be more responsible, and demand that everyone else be safe so that drivers don’t have to be. None of this changes the basic fact that walking isn’t dangerous — cars are. APRIL 21, 2023 " APRIL 21, 2023 TRANSPORTATION Trikes for seniors When I was battling foreclosure in Detroit, I let the car go and got a used Trailmate DeSoto tricycle. It was one of my essential tools for the final victory so that I could sell my house for the market value of $10,000. That is real estate 101 in America. That helped build two houses in Cuba and put me home-free in America. I had much advice to choose Ann Arbor as my home. Recently, I test rode a TerraTrike recumbent tricycle and decided it was worthy of follow up. Many seniors have arthritis issues, including pain while walking. I found the recumbent to be a good exercise and made cycling more fun. I went to the Common Cycle shop Sunday, March 12 and 19 to pursue the idea of getting free trikes to senior citizens. I have donated several bicycles over the years and was always number of Judy at Charity Bikes. Judy and I agreed to pursue Trikes KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 for Seniors, in part by meditating on a good relationship among ourselves as activists for the commons. We hope to set up a pipeline for donations of money and trikes. I have called Terra Trikes in Grand Rapids once and will follow through to see if they can do discounts for seniors — they make recumbent trikes. It seems like everyone wants to impressed by the love and cooperation shared among the volunteers and felt by anyone who came in. (The shared life is a good life as we experience when we are on the dance floor.) I’ve had several wonderful conversations at Common Cycle, two with Clark McCall, and the follow through is on the table now. He gave me the build a cooperative ecovillage. So let’s start with something simple such as transportation and start with Trikes for Seniors. This way, we can simplify our lives and have more time for the broader commons that includes land sovereignty in an indigenous centered way. I wrote "Standing Rock" in the December 2021 Groundcover if you want more on that theme. Ann Arbor is a center for many who are committed to the commons and the vision of sharing resources. We have the annarborcommunitycommons.org and commoncycle.com as two examples of this living aspiration in Ann Arbor. As we learn more about who we are as human beings and the struggle for the freedom to use our power in creative and beneficial ways, if we think globally and act locally we will do many good things. I will work with Ann Arbor Community Commons to set up a donation pipeline, to coordinate with Common Cycle and Charity Bikes as we move to put our feet on the pedals. I will shift between writing and organizing as interrelated activities necessary to bring anything to fruition. Let’s breathe for good transportation and start with getting trikes to senior citizens. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 "Housing and Transportation: what's the climate connection?" presentation recap On Wednesday February 22 at 6 p.m., what was supposed to be a hybrid City Council meeting turned virtual due to the weather. Volunteers from the Citizens Climate Lobby of Ann Arbor assembled a panel that introduced solutions for the City of Ann Arbor to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, and discussed considerations for designing low carbon, highly livable cities. The “Housing and Transportation: What’s the Climate Connection?” panel members included Jan Culburtson, Jonathan Levine, Christopher Laurent and Reid Ewing — all extremely knowledgeable experts from the fields of urban planning and development and sustainability. The program began with guest speaker Johnathan Levine, a professor at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. His presentation focused on transport and land use planning. Cities are useful in mitigating carbon emissions due to density and proximity. A study by the CoolClimate Network at UC Berkeley found that households in cities emit roughly half of the carbon emissions compared to households in remote suburbs. Levine supported this by citing Chicago, San Francisco, New York City and Ann Arbor as examples. However, these cities are still problematic. SIMONE FLETCHER U-M student contributor According to Levine, while cities are “low-(er) carbon zones” due to the increased use of public transit and non-automotive forms of transportation, it is not deserving of self-congratulation. “When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, what municipalities control directly is a drop in the bucket compared to the emissions associated with those who live, work and play in the cities.” Luckily, transportation and the heating and cooling of houses — two factors the city largely impacts — make up a large portion of carbon emissions, sitting at 42%. The next speaker was Reid Ewing, Harvard graduate in urban planning and transportation systems, and current professor at the University of Utah. His primary focus was on vehicles and their impact on the environment. He cited his book, “Growing Cooler: the Evidence on Urban Development and Climate Change”, and described transportation carbon dioxide as a three-legged stool composed of vehicles and their efficiency, fuels and carbon content, and VMT (vehicle miles traveled). Ewing emphasizes that “You can’t sit on a stool without three legs, so all legs are important.” The most impactful of these three legs is VMT. The equation for reaching goal CO₂ levels (80% reduction by 2050) is: compact development, doubling transit services, double price of using an automobile with a carbon tax, and halving the amount of highway expansion. Jan Culbertson, Senior Principal Emeritus, A3C and Leadership Council Chair at Ann Arbor 2030 District, focused on buildings. She emphasized the need for a “15-minute city” — an area where necessities are within a 15-minute walking or biking distance. So, she stated, “... it’s not just about density, it’s about when and where we build.” Cities that are lower carbon zones, such as Ann Arbor, tend to push people into higher carbon zones with zoning and other regulatory rules, limiting the number of people who can benefit from the “healthier” environment. Organizations such as Cinnare Solutions find means to combat this. Christopher Laurent, President of Cinnaire Solutions, an organization with the mission of “We believe that all people deserve the opportunities provided by living in healthy communities,” added to the conversation the opportunities of using abandoned buildings as community centers and affordable housing through renovation. Levine had asserted that “there is no affordable housing problem in the U.S.,” but the affordable housing is far from what is needed to survive given the costs of obtaining necessities, including getting to work. So, transportation is a component of “affordable living.” Laurent and Cinnaire Solutions address this issue by creating affordable spaces in prime locations in cities. In creating affordable housing in non-food-desert locations, we can promote healthier living while making housing accessible. By accepting that the suburban-oriented template is not what is best for well-being or the environment, we can begin to make necessary changes to reach our goals of carbon reduction. And, maybe, we as a community, can soon take the necessary steps to change our goals from reduction to restoration. To watch the meeting in full, feel free to visit youtu.be/cvVsL6sdsMM or look up “Housing and Transportation: What’s the Climate Connection? Guest Host Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL)” on YouTube.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AROUND TOWN Earthen Jar — family restaurant targeted? Near the corner of 5th and Liberty lies a unique place — Earthen Jar, the family-owned Indian restaurant that has been operating since 1997 and offers a unique experience. Serving buffet-style food, its entire menu is kosher-certified and either vegetarian or vegan. In addition to an upcoming expansion into Ypsilanti along West Michigan Avenue, it also offers a variety of packaged meals that can be found at various markets throughout southeast Michigan. In the past few months, however, Earthen Jar has had to deal with an onslaught of incidents. In December 2022, a fire broke out in an apartment on the second floor of the building that houses Earthen Jar. Although no one was harmed, the fire caused $20,000 worth of damage to the building and the surrounding areas, and marked the start of the streak of bad luck for the restaurant. Two break-ins in rapid succession followed soon after the fire — the first on December 29, and then, the very next day there was another. This trend of multiple break-ins happening within a short time of one another continued on January 5 and January 8. ROBERT COULTER U-M student contributor Everything from clothes to cash to a television was stolen by the perpetrators; “Literally whatever they could take,” said Sim Sethi, a manager for the restaurant. Just 10 days later, on January 18, there was another break-in. On that very same day, a break-in was reported at a neighboring location — although, as it was uninhabited, the break-in likely occurred earlier. From the limited evidence that seems to exist — security photos and suspect descriptions — it appears that the break-ins have been committed by multiple people and aren’t connected to one another. According to the strategic communications manager for the Ann Arbor Police Department, Chris Page, there was “nothing new in the investigation that indicates the burglaries are connected” and the police department is unsure as to why there have been so many burglaries in such a short time. On February 13th, the building experienced its sixth break-in in fewer than two months. The restaurant’s management has expressed disappointment and frustration with the police department for its failure to make any inroads into catching suspects and putting an end to the break-ins. “I think this is the straw that broke the camel’s back. I don’t think we will stay here if this kept[sic] happening,” said Sethi, and with an upcoming expansion into Ypsilanti, there may be dwindling motivation to keep the Ann Arbor location open. Sethi stated that he feels they are being targeted — why? He does not know — and he is unsure if that may be a sign that Earthen Jar shouldn’t remain in Ann Arbor. A small, family-owned business that has been around for roughly 25 years is on the brink of leaving the city due to a nearly unimaginable string of Earthen Jar is located in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. break-ins — what may this be suggesting about life in Ann Arbor? If nothing else, the direct targeting of such a business represents a disappointing direction for Ann Arbor. It should be universally condemned by the citizens, who should support Earthen Jar to help them after such struggles. APRIL 21, 2023 APRIL 21, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ARE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER? Join the Groundcover News crew of volunteer photographers! Opportunities are assignment-based images (for publication in the newspaper) or photography at Groundcover News events (for use on social media and Groundcover communications). If you have lived experience with homelessness there may be paid opportunities. Email contact@ groundcovernews.com to learn more and sign-up for our list-serv.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CLIMATE CHANGE APRIL 21, 2023 Extreme weather is tragic and destructive: What's the link to global warming? Extreme weather conditions and events in the United States are causing major concerns in every area of the country. Although many regions witnessed greater magnitudes of extreme weather events about a decade ago, today’s weather events are more deadly, more destructive and more devastating. Since this past winter and early spring of 2023, America faced destructive tornadoes in the Midwest and the mid-South. There were also massive and disastrous hurricanes in the Southeast, deadly wildfires and floods in the pacific West, mountains of cold snows in the Midwest and the North Central, severe drought in the southwest and the drying up of life-sustaining lakes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Sierra-Nevada and Southern California regions. The extreme weather events are unprecedented, not only in the United States, but across the globe. Since the 1960s, when the Club of Rome convened in Italy to warn us about global warming, global temperatures have continued climbing to dangerous levels. The 2015 Paris accord was able to have more than 130 countries become signatories to the U.N. Climate Action Agreement. There have been several proposals to make the environment safer and prevent future staggering environmental disasters like the ones we are experiencing today. Now is the time for more individual and policy implementation actions to save the planet — not more talk and unworkable piles of legislation. We urge our readers to read the new 2023 U.N. Climate Action Report. Extreme Weather in the U.S. Recent ABC News TV reports showed the tornado-devastated ruins of communities in the mid-south of the United States. ABC News Writer Julia Jacobo's April 4, 2023 article was titled, “Is Tornado Alley Shifting due to Climate Change? Scientists explain how warming climate affects tornado activity.” Ms. Jacobo wrote, “More violent and widespread tornado activity — like the line of severe storms in recent days that killed dozens of people—is expected in the future as global warming persists, experts told ABC News.” Ohio State University Associate Professor of Meteorology, Jana Houser told ABC News that the deadly/ destructive tornadoes in the midsouth this year “is a representation of what we might perhaps expect to WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 happen in a particularly active tornado season, as we move forward in a warming climate regime.” A recent PBS NewsHour discussed the topic, “Why the U.S. is leading the World in extreme catastrophes.” The April 2 science conversation started with a scientific statement: “The U.S. is Earth’s punching bag for nasty weather.” The PBS NewsHour said that we can find some explanations from the circumstances of the U.S. physical geography. How? The climate scientists say, “The U.S. is getting stronger, costlier, more varied and more frequent extreme weather than anywhere on the planet.” They continued, “Two oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, jutting peninsulas, clashing storm fronts and the jet stream combine to naturally brew the nastiest weather.” Several climate change experts who talked to the Associated Press said that “Nature dealt the United States a bad hand, but people have made it worse by what, where and how we build…” In addition, it is widely believed by many climate scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that climate change has influenced the extreme weather events across the U.S. Rick Spinrad is the head of NOAA. He cautioned, “Buckle up. More extreme events are expected.” As far back as March 15, 2016, the Weather Channel released a report which categorically stated, “Scientists found links between extreme weather events and climate change.” We were warned and admonished to watch out for extreme weather events in the future. The Scientists did say that “extreme weather events such as heat waves or drought are being worsened by man-made climate change…” Reports from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found a link between extreme weather and climate change due to man-made global warming. The 2023 United Nations Climate Change/Climate Action report is Above: Forest fire in California. Photo by Luis Sinco, BBC. Below: Fort Myers, Florida after Hurricane Ian. Giorgio Viera, Bloomberg. highly anticipated. It is the sixth assessment report of hundreds of scientists who are members of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This 2023 report represents the key scientific input to a global conference COP28 which expects countries meeting this year to review progress towards the Paris Agreement goals. The world wants an answer to a key evaluation question: how well are we reaching laid down goals and objectives of the 2015 Paris Climate Action Agreements? The 2023 U.N. Climate Change report mentioned that the 1.5 C global temperature limit is still achievable. The global community does not want to exceed the risky and precarious 2.0 C level. The report also outlined “critical actions required across sectors and by everyone at all levels.” While the 2023 report reminds everyone in the world that increments of global warming could “come with more extreme weather events,” it emphatically stated the following: The report reiterates that humans are responsible for all global heating over the past 200 years leading to a current temperature rise of 1.1 C, above pre-industrial levels, which has led to more frequent and hazardous weather events that have caused increasing destruction of people and the planet. - Conclusion In the April 2019 Groundcover News edition, I wrote an article titled, “Earth Day: Reflections on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability.” I noted that scientists agree nearly unanimously that human activity is causing Earth’s atmosphere and oceans to warm up, which threatens rising sea levels and warmer weather atmospheres. They say we must drastically reduce the amount of carbon we’re adding to the atmosphere or suffer the consequences in coming decades. In May 2021, Groundcover News published another of my articles, “Climate Change, Environmental Concerns and Net-Zero Carbon Emissions: Think Globally, Act Locally.” We attempted to show our readers the concerns of thousands of students at U-M and many more at other local universities and public school systems. We also shared with our Washtenaw County community what the University of Michigan’s administrators, faculty, staff and students are doing to address the risks and challenges of climate change. We definitely shared local government efforts by Ann Arbor City Council, Ypsilanti City Council and Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners to set achievable goals for reaching net-zero carbon emission by 2030. Not all climate scientists accept the statistical link between extreme stormy disasters such as tornadoes see WEATHER next page  APRIL 21 2023 CLIMATE CHANGE As a current out-of-state freshman, when I told someone I would attend the University of Michigan, people often had the same recurring advice for me: "Get ready for the brutal Michigan winters.” These slightly ominous remarks caused me to anticipate far more intense winters than what I was used to in New York. I assumed Michigan winters would be endless blizzarding with unbearably frigid temperatures, perpetual iciness and bone-chilling winds. During the fall in Michigan, I mentally and physically prepared myself for the impending winter; I even went shopping for snow necessities like thick gloves, snow pants and snow boots. Anytime the temperature dropped below 40 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I would think the infamous Michigan winter had finally arrived and prepared myself for an onslaught of various severe weather characteristics. But my snow boots and snow pants have remained virtually untouched, collecting dust in my closet, only being worn a handful of times. With the cold season nearing its end, I would say it has been a surprisingly mild winter. I thought my experience with the Michigan winter was simply because it was not as bad as I expected, already having dealt with cold winters all my life. However, after talking to some of The firsthand accounts of Michigan GIGI BYLINKSY U-M student contributor my fellow students, I realized this strange phenomenon is not due to my own personal experience with winter but rather a reflection of the changing climate. Max Sharnas, class of ‘26, a life-long Michigan resident and current U-M student, agreed that “this year the winter has been milder. There is usually a long stretch in the winter where there is a lot of snow on the ground, for a month straight or more. Now, we’ve only had a few storms and the snow melts quickly.” When talking with Zach Elmouchi class of ‘26, also a life-long Michigan resident and current U-M student, he expressed his concern that this mild winter “has something to do with climate change, and it’s a pressing problem right now. If it continues on it could really affect the future generations and the world.” students about the changing winters align with the data provided by the state of Michigan. When reviewing decades of temperature data provided by the National Weather Service, meteorologists concluded that Michigan winters, on average, have grown warmer and less snowy. Climatologists at the Great Lakes Integrated Sciences and Assessments predict that this weather trend will continue, with average winter temperatures rising and, instead of having the typical snowstorm, having rain or freezing rain. These weather assessments portray a scary uncertainty for the changing climate of Michigan and call attention to the immediate effects of climate change. It is estimated that the average yearly temperature in Michigan, since 1900, has risen by two to three degrees Fahrenheit. Although this may seem like a small number, famous Michigan ecosystems are seeing real-time changes due to global warming. Since the 1970s, the ice coverage in the Great Lakes has dropped by 63%. In January 2021, the Great Lakes reached a “new low ice cover record.” Moreover, the rising water temperatures will allow some fish like bass, that thrive in the warm water, to increase in population while decreasing the availability of trout in the Great Lakes. This GROUNDCOVER NEWS Will winter be an artifact for future generations? poses risk to the natural food chain. Climate change also poses numerous health risks; higher temperatures allow the formation of ground-level ozone, a type of pollutant that is known for perpetuating severe health and heart problems. Additionally, extremely high temperatures pose numerous health risks to individuals: dehydration, heat stroke and strain to cardiovascular and nervous systems. Not to mention long-frozen pathogens that are being released as the tundra thaws. Climate change has been typically portrayed as an issue that will have more drastic impacts on the future generation than us, which is true. But as exemplified by the changing Michigan climate, no living thing is exempt from the environmental impacts that are happening right now. It is hard to grapple with the reality that something as reliable and constant as the weather and the changing seasons may present themselves very differently from what we historically consider. However, being informed about these seasonal changes can provide an opportunity for the Michigan government and residents alike to take further action in response to the changing climate. Hopefully, future generations of Michiganders will be able to put their winter clothes to use. 11  WEATHER from last page and global change. Those naysayers among the scientific community may be cherry-picking. They accept the notion that high temperatures which mix with atmospheric moisture could lead to extreme and costly weather events. But they are still reluctant to state a definite link. Writing for the online magazine, GIZMODO, Angely Mercado brought us the viewpoints of some climate scientists on the link between tornadoes and climate change, including the views of meteorologist and Northern Illinois Professor, Walker Ashley. Ashley believes that “there is plenty of evidence that global warming fuels extreme weather…” However, he said that some climate scientists are unsure how climate change influences individual tornadoes. Why? Dr. Ashley said because tornadoes are considered small weather events. He continued, “They begin and end within a relatively short time.” On December 14, 2021, PBS NewsHour discussed deadly tornado outbreaks in the U.S. PBS reporter John Yang answered Judy Woodruff’s question about the link between climate change and tornadoes. “Judy, while scientists are confident that climate is driving an increase in some natural disasters, in the case of tornadoes, they say it’s a bit trickier," Yang said. The link is unclear. We must have a life-boat ethic on climate change/global warming issues. All hands must be on deck. All communities must be engaged. We are fighting to save our lives, sustain and preserve the planet for future generations, and do something to minimize the cost, severity and gravity of these scary and of course, deadly extreme weather events. Good luck to us in America! Good luck to the wider world!! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Silky smooth salted caramel sauce CHRIS FIELDS Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups white sugar* 10 tablespoons butter, cut into slices 1 cup heavy cream Sea salt to taste *DANGER: Sugar melts at around 320 degrees and starts caramelizing at 340 degrees. It is also very sticky. Coming into contact with molten sugar can result in severe burns if you’re not careful. This recipe is worth the risk, but caution is advised. Directions: Cut up butter into small slices and place on a plate in the fridge. Place sugar in a deep, heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat. After a few minutes, begin stirring the sugar as it starts to melt. At first, it will just clump together. Keep stirring as it continues to melt and turn amber in color. As more of the sugar melts, you may think that something has gone terribly wrong. You will find that most of the sugar is molten but that there are lots of clumpy bits. Have faith. Keep stirring until all of the sugar has melted, and reduce the heat if you think it’s browning too quickly. Any clumpy bits will result in a grainy caramel sauce. Once your sugar is entirely molten, stop stirring and continue to cook over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of caramelization. While you wait, take the butter out of the fridge. The longer you cook the sugar, the • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE darker it will become. Lighter shades of blonde will result in a sweeter caramel with less depth. Darker shades of amber will result in a less sweet caramel with a more complex and rich flavor. I like to cook mine until it is dark amber and just barely starting to give off wisps of smoke. Once your desired level of caramelization is achieved, turn off the heat and carefully whisk in the butter until combined. This will stop the cooking process and instantly brown all of the butter at the same time. Be careful! The mixture will bubble up and release lots of hot steam. Make sure you’re wearing an oven mitt or using a long whisk so that you don’t get burned! Slowly pour in the cream while continuously stirring until you have a rich luxurious silky smooth caramel sauce Stir in your desired amount of sea salt, tasting periodically to assess the saltiness. I suggest serving with vanilla ice cream, drizzling on top of cake, fruit or pretzels! NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL APRIL 21, 2023 BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) $2 OFF OUR HOT BAR IS BACK! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 5/23/2023 Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ APRIL 7, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 8 ASK YOUR YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Poetry Month 2023 — read a poem in A2, write a poem in Ypsi. Page 6 VENDOR: WHAT IS POETRY TO YOU? TONY SCHOHL, #9 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. POETRY EDITION 2023 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Felicia Wilbert, Groundcover vendor No. 234, reading from her murder-love story-mystery novel, "Billy Don't Kill Us" at Groundcover News' Hear Me Out open mic on March 25 at Argus Farm Stop. Photo credit: Luiza Duarte Caetano. @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK Michigan Arts and Culture Council — that funded the publication of this issue. Groundcover News received a LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director If you look below this article, you will notice some new logos at the bottom of our evergreen section. The first one is the new International Network of Street Papers logo, which we have been a part of for a while. The other two are organizations — the National Endowment for the Arts and grant at the end of 2022 to publish more content promoting and sustaining arts and culture in our community, specifically to publish themed issues that allow us to dive deeper into the arts and widen our pool of contributors. April is National Poetry Month — what better time to put together a collective issue of literary arts? And who better than Groundcover vendors to distribute this, connecting with folks in our community with every sale? Groundcover routinely publishes poetry from a variety of local poets, many of whom are Groundcover vendors. To kick off this month in a special way, we thought a poetry edition was in order to celebrate those contributions and encourage budding poets. At the Hear Me Out Open Mic on March 25, we heard from some poets on topics such as carceral justice, changing seasons, grief and love. It was a proof that anyone can be a poet, and many types of spoken/written word have the potential to evoke grand emotions. Further, it was a great reminder that we need more time and space to share art in a decommodified fashion. We certainly look forward to hosting another open mic soon, maybe outdoors this time! Whether the last time you read a poem was the poetry unit in fourth grade English class, or you had to put down a poetry book to read this newspaper, there is something in this issue for you. But don't worry, we didn't omit the meat and potatoes of Groundcover News. Turn to pages 9-12 for puzzles, Truth or Lies mystery column, a piece from Ken Parks, (lots of new) coupons and a recipe. Thanks to the NEA/MACC Project Support Grant, you can look forward to more arts-themed content this year. Our next special issue will be a magazine feauturing exceptional individuals in the community; it hits the street Wednesday, April 19. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for funding arts and culture from the ground up! APRIL 7, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman La Shawn Carlisle Juan González Valdivieso Rainey Lamey Markona Love Monkey (Josh L.) Ron Pagereksi Ken Parks Ameera Salman Karen Totten Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Gigi Bylinsky Carson Collins Rhea Punjabi Elliot Cubit Layla McMurturie Anabel Sicko Melanie Wenzel VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES PACKAGE PRICING Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons APRIL 7, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is poetry to you? Something from the heart. — Tony Schohl, #9 Poetry makes you feel good; it makes you think, too. — Gary Leverett, #554 It means ... expressing yourself about the life you're dealing with and life in general. Poetry is letting people know your inner self. — James Tennant, #174 Poetry means freedom of emotional expression. — Markona Love, #590 It's a mathematical way of arranging words beautifully. — Daniel Wilcox, #592 Poetry to me is capturing your inner creativity. — Joe Woods, #103 All kinds of statements, all kinds of expressions. However you can document emotions and paint a picture. That is poetry. — Glen Page, #407 Beautiful, rhetorical expression of art. — Mike Jones, #113 Something that rhymes ... or not. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Winter/Spring ANONYMOUS Groundcover vendor Along comes March Every day is different Some cloudy, some sun Hopefully more sun. For now, after a winter storm, the sunshine and warmth The snow, melting – can you hear it? Where new little streams, the running of the water from the rooftops it's the melting of the snow you can hear. Like lots of little tiny streams running everywhere. It's kind of soothing because the sun is warmer and you can hear water trickling. Can you guess who wrote this? GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Conduit to the universe MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 Now I See From Here To There Light Was There Now It's Here A Wing of Feathers Truth Flies In Awareness Arrives Void Undone New Day Rise Old Day Fade Open Space Knowledge Replace This Pig Flies Kona, Quaker Parrot. Fallen feather MARKONA LOVE Upon a Fallen Feather I Float Weightless from Loss Falling Forever Green to Grey Faded Light Darkness Set In the Sea, A Light Distant Bright But, with Great Might Memories Avail Warmth Prevails From my Fallen Feather What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOVE Perfect love TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 One day you'll have a great catch, You'll have a perfect match, Unconditional love you'll be attached, You'll love their touch, Without sayin too much, You'll never be misunderstood, Even if you're from tha hood, Everythang will be, Just you and me, You'll be able to feel their pain, Sometimez you'll go insane, But thatz true love, Wit out a doubt, Ya know you'll alwayz be thankful of, There will be no chance, That you'd ever bounce, You'll never want it ta change, Alwayz wantin that perfect love, Ta stay tha same. APRIL 7, 2023 Love was a game to me AMEERA SALMAN Groundcover contributor Forever— And ever— And ever. Will i go, Will i search, For what i seek. I seek forever In pale gold lighting. A hand to a cheek. In silent prayer, Fingers caress down my spine, An easy defeat— If you’re mine. All for you TERESA BASHAM Sometimez I think about, Sometimez I doubt, I know I love you, Wit all my heart, I know I don't wanna be apart, But therez a possibility thangz don't stay, And one I will walk away, If we make it strong, I know it won't go wrong, My love izz everlasting and true, But it depends on you, I want this til my dyin day, My love will alwayz be, Believe you & me, I'm not goin anywhere, My love izz there, And itz all for you. I seek forever In the fallen snow— There is nothing but you, That i know. I push— Away, Away, From the cold— Into waiting arms. I seek forever In the summer heat— Drops of water and skin meet. A prayer— An answer. On a blanket Under stars, Skin touching skin. A prayer— An answer, I win. I seek forever— In a world I’ve never seen— Where grasshoppers fly And mountaintops glean. Not meant to be RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor She is only a dream to me, like forbidden fruit on a tree. For her I dare not reach, she even stops short my speech. I know it may sound silly, but near her my legs turn to jelly. Thoughts of her make me dizzy, make my whole world fizzy. She is a fantasy, heaven sent. Off limits to me, I lament. I wish she had never entered my sight, I am with her often in the dreams of night. Thoughts of her consume and spellbind me, like an intoxicating elixir numbs the senses, breaking down all my defenses. I am drunk on her charm, oh, just to have her on my arm and look into her pretty eyes and find all the stars that fill the skies. Near her my legs get weak, I can only stutter when I try to speak. I fear however I did discover, that she belongs to another. Forever And ever And ever, Will i go— Will i search— For what i seek. When what i seek, Is not meek. It is a forever, That looks like— I won. APRIL 7, 2023 POETRY Leaf Quidditch LORRAINE LAMEY Groundcover contributor The chlorophyll has left the leaves. A zephyr sets the branches waving farewell to their bright or brown denizens. The road ahead drops just right for the tilted pitch of a Seeker’s two-wheeler. My bicycle and I take flight coasting downhill at a hearty speed and with precarious leanings but not so precarious as in years past. We sail among the drifting leaves dancing like sunbeams in and out of my outstretched fingers. I am transfigured with each ascension though my pace and joints evoke the rickety-clickety clack of an early wooden roller coaster hauling a full load to its peak height. The ten minute ascent garners scarcely a two minute ride. Push off, pedal a bit, brakes ready for the all-stop intersection, clear? Then pedal furiously to make up for caution. During each descent, the leaves and wind stream by and slough off another decade from my heart and soul. Weight, worry, and weariness whip behind me. By the fourth ascent, I am ten-years-old again and playing leaf quidditch on my bicycle. In that moment of refulgent joy, a wee brightest yellow sugar maple leaf finds me. Beloved Sinner LORRAINE LAMEY Some days chock full of sin all I can feel is the sun shining clean through inside and back out again. O happy fault, Adam's fall from grace, when the world's made right wrong as it is. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 LA SHAWN CARLISLE Groundcover vendor Do not take this piece personal. I had no rehearsal, this is the first draft. I simply am doing what I've done For longer than many do not see or know I am very comfortable with this platform to write my poetry Some may feel or imagine, they are out of place Yet, I do this just because In this, In it, I've not any room for hassles I do not have to run anyone's race My place is right here in this poem I write That is the idea I must feel that I'm at "MY" top Not as a so-called status quo that's been established many days ago To think me as shallow of perceptions most having not one thing to do with "ME" Because they were just straddling "MY" surface It was and is a malfeasance to the deeper "ME" So much more than their own limited views Such limited absurdity This written voice is such a beautiful and true reflection of "MY" abilities with this pen and paper Yet, also inclusive a many testament to this world's tragedies I am also a reflection of true undying human resilience Not just the things done unto "ME" Greater is my life now for it I'm looking forward to the Greatest gift An everlasting life that nothing or anything from or of this world can give to "ME"

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY MONTH Poetry Month 2023 —read a poem in A2, write a poem in Ypsi CYNTHIA PRICE Editor Tree Town transforms into PoetTreeTown for the entire month of April in honor of National Poetry Month. Ann Arbor’s inaugural “community celebration event” matches up poets and local businesses to spread the love of poetry. Look closely in the windows of Ann Arbor businesses and enterprises to see a wide variety of poetic genres displayed on simple letter-size white sheets. Venues include 826michigan, Avalon Café and Bakery, Blake Transit Center, Bløm Meadworks, Blue Tractor, BonBonBon, Cherry Republic, Dawn Treader, Downtown Home and Garden, Found, Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, the Downtown Library, Third Mind Books, Vault of Midnight and Vinology, but keep a sharp eye out and you will find many more. According to PoetTreeTown organizer Cameron Finch, a University of Michigan graduate who moved on to get her MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts, “For me this is a labor of love, but I’ve also seen so much community effort by the businesses and poets who’ve been involved.” Finch was inspired in part by VCFA’s home, Montpelier, VT. “There’s so much appreciation of arts and culture – such a spirit of celebrating the talent within the town and sharing it with others.” Viewing Ann Arbor as a similar milieu, she decided to help “increase the community’s free access to art” as well as to deepen her own familiarity with what is going on in the local poetry scene. “It was important to me to have many voices represented. The current poetry industry has so many gatekeepers,” she says. “I liked the idea of just coming around a corner and finding a poem.” Each installation includes a QR code which when scanned allows viewers to hear the poet read it. Poems are also featured on the group’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ PoetTreeTownA2) and Instagram pages. There will also be a live event in celebration, coming up quickly. On April 8 at 8:00 p.m., Third Mind Books, purveyor of Beat Generation classics and rare first editions, will join PoetTreeTown for a free Open Mic. Not to be outdone, Ypsilanti will celebrate in a number of National Poetry Month events. Among them, the wonderful folks at Ypsi Writes want to help you become a poet yourself with two workshops. On April 15 see CELEBRATE page 8  Poet Tree Town Ann Arbor | April 2023 Subconsciousness / Consciousness In this auditorium And narrow Silence beside huge Shadows are frozen In a web on dust besides grotesque masks, props Hideousness on the Mirror reflects True form unclouded as uncave unburied alive Still light showing life real window curtains wide open see peer look the dancers are here ego the dancers are here! —Christopher Ellis View the PoetTreeTown Map PoetTreeTownA2@gmail.com IG: @poettreetown_a2 | #PoetTreeTown Look for Christopher Ellis's, Groundcover vendor No. 483, poem around A2! APRIL 7, 2023 Listen to the poem here! THANK YOU WASHTENAW COUNTY For supporting recovery Accessing substance use treatment should be quick and easy. Millage resources have helped simplify the process. LEMONT GORE FORMER STREET OUTREACH COORDINATOR UNIFIED HIV HEALTH AND BEYOND 24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage APRIL 7, 2023 POETRY This is a tree JUAN GONZALEZ VALDIVIESO Groundcover contributor This is a Tree Seed, Root, Leaf Weed, Wood, Beef Need, Love, Seen Lean, Full Pristine All it does is exist Yet They promptly insist On making it enlist It attempts to resist The struggle, a cyst Weaponized to lynch brothers and sisters Lethalized to make martyrs of victims Brutalized to make profits and pillage (and spew carbon emissions) Utilized to make authors of villains “Victimless” It dreams, though it witnesses It misses kids And innocence It listens in The whisperings A pilgrimage To peaceful bliss This is a Tree Shield, Shade, Life Wield blade, Knife Reap, Make, Fight Ally, Comrade Our Collective Might Hobo navigation MONKEY (JOSH L.) Groundcover contributor No home, Cold, Feeling free and bold, Weed as common as mold, Seeing egos at Delonis fold, going into fight or flight mode. If lost, Fred has advice worth more than gold; And always think twice before doing what is told For what may be sold, may be old. Fred is a famous worker at Delonis, who is known for going out of his way to help clients. 'Seeing egos at Delonis fold, going into fight and flight mode' is representative of the constant fighting over miniscule issues. I chose this topic because a lot of homeless people read the paper as it's sold by homeless and formerly homeless vendors. Most of them can closely relate to Fred's helpfulness, the constant fighting at Delonis, and other elements exclusive to the homeless experience and my poem. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Lady of the night RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Into the arms of Morpheus I fall to meet the dark lady of my dreams. She walks without a sound as if on gilded butterfly wings. When her bonny eye lights on me I tremble to my knees. My tongue will not utter the words in my heart. My soul overwhelmed shudders in its passion. I reach but find her gone. Morning sun peaks through dismal curtains, another day flying solo.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY What the stars see KAREN L. TOTTEN Groundcover contributor What the stars know, What the North Star sees could take years to tell. They see the tops of our heads, sleep tossed hair, many different hats—scarves and ball caps, knit winter beanies, UM golf caps, a child’s tiara. They see flowers of umbrellas blooming at the first touch of rain, the chalky beams of yellow street lamps, lamp light reflections in inky pools of water and the hood of the bus hurrying, hurrying, late to dinner. They see the roof of the sky kissing late spring snowy hills, the passing hours of the innocent, wanderings of the lost. They see the river Huron like a vein pulsing across the skin of the Earth. Throat of the sun, moon’s bald pate, the surrounding broad kingdoms of trees, the arboretum, Gallup Park, full of mysteries, and faerie doors, and frogs. What the stars see of me is none of my business. I feel their gaze even in the heat of day. I am writing. I keep writing. I keep thinking we all find what we go looking for: shadows, halos. My friend Carolyn said, “This is a city of many people, trying.” I Have Not Given All I Can KAREN L. TOTTEN I have not given all I can to the effort of healing my heart.  CELEBRATE from page 6 Here it is the sixth decade of my life and still I am a babe who longs for mother, child looking for a home, woman walking alone, unable to save her parents from the inexorable climb life makes toward death. I am going about this wrong, I think. Forgiveness cannot be found in regret. Here is the world all around us every moment, if we only look. In my backyard the splendid willow tree bends to caress the wet face of the earth, the peonies unclench their tight fists to open their very colors. Life is sometimes a dark room where the light comes in only if we lift the blinds. from 1:00 to 2:15, beginners can learn from experienced Ypsilanti Poets David Boeving and Michelle Lietz how to make poetry out of their ideas in From Your Past to the Page: An Introductory Poetry Workshop over Zoom. To register, visit https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7933444. Then on April 29, in Toward a Poetic Album: An Intermediate Poetry Workshop, the same writers will “introduce intermediate poetic devices and challenge writers to imagine a suite of poems they can write after the workshop.” Though the April 29 workshop is more advanced, people of all skill levels may attend. The registration can be found at https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7895785. Combining National Poetry Month and Earth Day is probably not a unique idea but the Ypsilanti District Library Michigan Avenue Branch (229 W. Michigan) is hosting the only such event in our area on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. Performers. including Leslie McGraw and Desirae Simmons, will offer up their work followed by time for an open group conversation and a limited number of Open Mic readings. There are many more celebratory events during April, including a National Poetry Month Meet-up April 23 (4:00 p.m.) at the downtown Ann Arbor Library. This month, take a step out of your comfort zone and enjoy a poem — or write one! How To Grow A Beautiful Heart KAREN L. TOTTEN No one said it would be easy An early spring rain and sun can awaken you, the ripening summer days. Just stand by the open windows and listen to Joni sing, try to sing along. Walk down shady streets beside yr. dear friends as they travel through their lives. Be someone’s anchor; be yr. own. Beauty and tribulation can walk together, but don’t let sadness make you mourn yr. life. Learn the verses to love poems, to sad poems, and recite as needed. Yr. past regrets and mistakes become kindling for the cold flames of yr. secrets. Draw courage from these transformations as you become you over and over again, every moment. Yr. heart turns bright scarlet as the burning bush of autumn behind the little house on Beyer Road, a meeting place for God and spirit. In the moments of one hero’s true life remember joy waits in the golden light of forgiveness in yr. luminous wounded heart. APRIL 7, 2023 APRIL 7, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS WORD SEARCH: RIVERS! S R D S A A V S Y E N I S E Y C Y D A O M E O E O R A N G E O J R S N M A S L Z F I R H D L H O D C U M Z L G E L B E N O D E R A R B E O S A A R R I R U N V D R M E W N I E A H L A O B W V A Y K O B Y O H O E D L R A T Y N A M M A C M N S O R H I N E Z U P E N O A E L N T U N N G L S A K G N P B E Y H D D P O I Y R O T G U H N U A S U C R C S A N Z O T U A K M O S G F Z O N G E A R A L O E N I R R A W A D D Y A N M N S T W I L L A M E T T E G A WORD BANK: Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. Amazon Brahmaputra Colorado Columbia Congo Danube Elbe Huang Hudson Indus Irrawaddy Jordan Lena Mekong Murray Nile Oder Orange Orinoco Parana Rhine Rhone Seine Somme Syr Darya Thames Tigris Ubangi Volga Willamette Yangtze Yellow Yenisey Yukon 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EASTER Benny the bully Easter Bunny Benny was a troublesome, spoiled child who always wanted things his way. He bullied everyone he could. He would cheat during all games that were not adult-supervised. The children were afraid of him and would let him win; everyone thought he was a natural at all the games and sports. It was the last day before spring break and Benny was threatening the only friends he had left. Jane and Charles were the only kids who played with him. He wanted them to visit after school, hoping to persuade them to vote for him to be the town’s Easter Bunny. Benny always wanted to play this role; he was finally tall enough this year. However, Jacob, who always played the role, was not giving in to Benny. Benny used his usual threat of not letting their parents purchase any toys at all of the locations his dad's factory supplied. Jacob was a polite, well-mannered young man who wanted to become a teacher. Jacob was tired and frustrated with Benny’s rude, overbearing, bullying behavior. His plan was to remind the kids how much fun they had without the bully. He talked with everyone he could during recess, hoping they would stand up to the bully. During spring break he posted posters all over FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 town saying, “Remember when the fun never ends, vote for Jacob.” “What? No way!” Benny said as he ripped down his opponent's posters. He laughed out loud, hollering for everyone to hear, saying, “You won't win this year!” He pushed down anyone standing near a poster before destroying it. Jane asked him to stop tearing down the posters. Benny shoved her and said, “What a little baby girl,” teasing her. She got real upset with him and walked off, leaving him and Charles. “You should not have treated her that way,” Charles said. Benny got up in his face and asked, “What are you going to do about it?” He then put Charles in a headlock, nuggying his head saying, “You whiner … always whining.” Charles was embarrassed and walked off upset, wanting to punch Benny. The next morning Charles awoke early riding his bicycle to everyone's house. He invited them to a secret meeting at the old zoo. Everyone agreed to arrive early; they knew Benny did not like to wake up early when school was out. At the meeting everyone vented their frustrations about Benny. They swore a secret pact not to tell Benny about their plans or the meeting. The morning of the vote was upon them, everyone was in attendance. Benny spoke first, stating his plans to have a big egg hunt and ice cream party. Jacob spoke and reminded them how much fun they had playing the games and all the treats in years past. This year the golden egg would contain $5.00. The children were amazed — where would he would get that kind of money? It was time for the vote, everyone placed it into the bunny basket. The vote was counted and it read Benny 28 and Jacob 7. Benny shouted, “I knew I would win, nah-nah, in your face loser!” He then announced that the APRIL 7, 2023 party would be on Friday not Saturday as usual. Everyone turned and looked at him thinking he was too much. Now he’s changing the day of the party. They all agreed to Friday’s party then dispersed leaving upset. The morning of the party Benny arose early, excited about playing the Easter Bunny. He put on his suit and hurried to greet everyone. One hour passed and no one was there. He thought, “Oh everyone’s just late because of the new time of the party.” Three hours had passed still no one showed — not even his two friends. Six hours had passed and his mother was cleaning up wondering why no one had showed. Benny ran to his room crying see BUNNY next page  - APRIL 7, 2023 SOLIDARITY Cuba or bust In 1979 my father, the Reverend James K. Parks went to Cuba with Christians for Socialism. He said that their mental health care was better than ours: “You will never get rich but you don’t need to worry about what happens when you get old.” Solidarity work has motivated both spiritual and KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 If you read my Groundcover articles “The Problems We Cause for Ourselves” and especially “Welcome Refugees…” you will know Cuba and the United States have a long, intimate history. Actions and their results – known as karma – have brought me into this history. Jose Marti is the historical saint of solidarity in America. Journalist, poet and revolutionary, he is the Patron Saint of the Cuban revolution. He was a journalist in the United States and referred to the United States as America.” the “other political aspirations. I am notorious for being both spiritual and political. In 1992 I was asked to look at the Caravan to Cuba project that was proposed by Pastors for Peace. I became the lead organizer for southeast Michigan and we did one or more caravans every year beginning that year. They were all hosted by the Martin Luther King Center in Marianao, Cuba. The MLK Center has a significant relationship for me to this day. I was also assistant to the founder of the U.S.Cuba Labor Exchange, working with trade union centered delegations. I began traveling to Cuba regularly, met Odalys on a solidarity project in 1997 and by 2000 was married to her in Cuba. Odalys is Cuba; when I married her, I married Cuba. Solidarity and love are expressions of life and are found in the changes that surprise us, as compatibility and incompatibility do their dialectical dance. The friendship of solidarity is a strong foundation and runs deeper than romantic love, so we are blessed to have a deep friendship. The struggle continues, Hasta la victoria siempre is a common phrase meaning "towards victory forever!" I am part of a large and extended family and have been supporting several households for 26 years now. Priorities change and my ahijadas (godchildren) became the priority, especially mother and son ahijados. I am a mentor, protector and spiritual friend. The money I have sent left me with no savings, and now is the time to go back and see family that I have not seen since before COVID-19. I have two missions. One coincides with the Ann Arbor delegation to May Day this year. May Day is International Workers day and is celebrated widely in Cuba. Every trade union hall has a party that starts the night before. On May Day, millions march with many international contingents. It’s a collective 24 hour party. Cuba solidarity includes Yousef Rabhi, Felix Sharp Caballero, Democratic Socialists of America, among others. We will do a report back in July, maybe the 26th, which is considered the beginning of the Cuban revolution. My second mission is to spend time with my Cuban family, including those who want to emigrate and help me in my last years. We are sons and daughters of the earth with homes in Cuba and Ann Arbor. We want to promote relations between the peoples. I hope you will be our guest in Guanabacoa, our neighborhood on the other side of Havana Bay. We will ride the ferry back and forth. I want to take tennis shoes and eye drops among other donations when I go. I think I can get a ticket but need financial help for everything else to stay at least one month in Cuba. Credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba so my social security will not be available until I am back in the United States. I have to take enough cash for the duration. I have people who work for Radio Havana English broadcasts; maybe I will get an interview and report our work to the world. The possibilities for solidarity work are as big as your imagination. Imagine a sailboat flotilla around the island or a bicycle tour into the provinces. The Golden Rule sailboat was in Cuba recently. Visit vfpgoldenruleproject.org and learn about this Veterans for Peace project which will take place in Toledo and Detroit in September. My time in Cuba is always busy with family and solidarity work. If you want to support this trip you can find the Venmo code at the bottom right corner of any Groundcover issue, and pay to @groundcovernews. Enter Ken Parks 490 in the notes. Muchas gracias for your solidarity. Grant your blessings that we continue the struggle for the flourishing of human dignity and well being. Hasta la victoria siempre! To contact me please call 313.918.2453. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  BUNNY from last page because no one liked him. His mother consoled him saying maybe they forgot because of the new time. Benny knew deep down in his heart he had treated everyone terribly. His mother went to the grocery store to purchase some milk. She invited him but he refused to go. Benny knew he had to fix this or there would be no Easter. He jumped on his bicycle pedaling fast, reaching Jane’s house first. He knocked at the door and she talked from behind the door, still upset with him. Benny apologized and asked, “Can we all start over? I promise not to push, shove or try to take over every situation, please forgive me Jane.” She was amazed, never hearing him so humble. She opened the door and asked, “Do you mean it? You know, about being sorry for being a bully?” Benny crossed his heart and said, “If I act like that again you can punch my lights out! I was terrible, please forgive me. You think everyone else will accept my apology?” “I don’t know but you should try,” said Jane. Benny then asked Jane if she would go with him. Thank you Truth Or Lies readers you voted right, "King Charman the Leprechaun," published March 10, was FALSE. She knew he had changed. She got on her bicycle and rode all over with him as he apologized to everyone. They all met at the Ice Cream parlor; once again he apologized to everyone at the same time. He then asked, “Could we celebrate Easter tomorrow? And can Jacob be the Easter Bunny?” Everyone agreed and laughed while getting to know the new Benny.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Spinach-cheese lasagna ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds fresh spinach, coarsely chopped 1 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 1 egg ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 30 ounces spaghetti sauce 10 uncooked lasagna noodles 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (I use a bit over two cups) ¾ to 1 cup water Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the spinach, ricotta, ½ cup parmesan, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix. Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce in a greased 12x8x2 inch pan. Arrange 4 lasagne noodles side-byside on spaghetti sauce, break other noodles to fill remaining space. Spread one-half of spinach mixture on noodles and evenly spread. Sprinkle ½ of mozzarella on top. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS S R D S A A V S Y E N I S E Y C Y D A O M E O E O R A N G E O J R S N M A S L Z F I R H D L H O D C U M Z L G E L B E N O D E R A R B E O S A A R R I R U N V D R M E W N I E A H L A O B W V A Y K O B Y O H O E D L R A T Y N A M M A C M N S O R H I N E Z U P E N O A E L N T U N N G L S A K G N P B E Y H D D P O I Y R O T G U H N U A S U C R C S A N Z O T U A K M O S G F Z O N G E A R A L O E N I R R A W A D D Y A N M N S T W I L L A M E T T E G A APRIL 7, 2023 Repeat layering ending with spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Run a knife around the edges of the casserole. Carefully spoon water around the edge; don't worry if it mixes with sauce. Cover the casserole TIGHTLY with tin foil, crimping edges. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Allow to rest for 10 minutes and then serve. A family favorite, I make our favorite basic marinara for the sauce. Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 6th 7pm; Good Friday: April 7th Stations of the Cross 12pm; Veneration of the Cross 1:30pm Easter Vigil: April 8th, 8:00pm Easter Sunday: April 9th, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm; 2:30pm Spanish Mass (no 5pm evening Mass) INTERNATIONAL COMFORT CUISINE! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop PFC Kitchen proudly presents : $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 4/30/2023

2 $ MARCH 24, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 7 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is March 25-26. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: LARZELL WASHINGTON PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Ozone House: a sanctuary for struggling youth in Washtenaw County. page 5 Photography by Saif Sarab THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER in this ISSUE WHAT the STREET TOOK Markona Love, page 3 PHOTO ESSAY: THURSDAYS at OZONE Saif Sarab, page 6 U-M OPENS the 27th EXHIBITION of ARTS in MI PRISONS Aaron James, page 7 THE WOMEN of GROUNDCOVER NEWS Lit Kurtz, page 10 and 11 WHAT HAPPENED to the MIDDLE CLASS? Mike Jones, page 10 A GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY OPEN MIC MARCH 25TH, 6-8PM ARGUS FARM STOP, LIBERTY CAFE Join the Groundcover News community for another open mic centering on community perspectives on social injustices! content CORRECTION In last issue's article titled "The Ann Arbor rental market is a pretty scary place," it was stated that landlords can't require you to resign a lease until 150 days have passed of a lease. Instead it should have read, "In 2021, City Council amended the Early Leasing Ordinance so that landlords cannot require tenants to sign leases before 150 days remain on the lease." For a year-long lease, this is about 7 months into the leasing period. If you have any questions, please email renterscommission@a2gov.org A WORKSHOP ON BUILDING NARRATIVE POWER MARCH 24TH, 2-4:30PM ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY DOWNTOWN BRANCH - FREESPACE Join journalist Lauren Slager and Groundcover News for an op-ed writing workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library. Link lived experience with a call to action to inspire change in your community! Participants will be invited to speak at the following open mic and publish in Groundcover News. MARCH 24, 2023 HEAR ME OUT! CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Aaron James Mike Jones Lit Kurtz Markona Love Calista Redington Saif Sarab Will Shakespeare Maya Strohband PROOFREADERS Angelina Akdis Susan Beckett Robert Coulter Elliot Cubit Sooyun Kim GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Layla McMurturie Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Erin Trame VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MARCH 24, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR What the street took To my Sisters and Brothers of the street … I write this directly to you and about Us — who carry an experienced awareness of a reality that we all share. Our conversation is meant to be heard by all, so to educate and create awareness in other human beings who care. We lose all our monetary possesLarzell Washington, vendor No. 128 In one sentence, who are you? I try to be an understanding person. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Everywhere, but more recently, Bobcat Bonnie’s on Michigan Ave. What is your favorite thing to do in Ypsilanti? Talk to people. Why did you start selling Groundcover? I believe it was just my niche in life. Life recruited me. What words do you live by? Forgive while you are still here. Lack of forgiveness is a psychological disorder. What are you most likely to be famous for? Communicating well with people. Or bank robbery ... just joking! What's the best way to start the day? Saying “good morning.” What is a small thing that makes your day better? A nice, cold Faygo. Orange flavor. What would be the first thing you did if you won the lottery? Shop for joy! If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A nice chef’s salad with ranch and thousand island dressing. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I would like to see Washtenaw County recognize mental health more. That it is a real situation. sions, getting shoved to the street, but the struggle is in what of Us we leave on the street that we may never recover and the pain carried from losing an irreplaceable part of Us. For me, it was my most loved and trusted companion Kona, and the peace of mind from believing the system would take the necessary action. The story is so sadly common — unscrupulous landlords and a landlord-biased system. Many landlords/apartment managers of low income housing are nothing more than criminals riding the “river of bias” streaming through our authoritative system. Really, you're forever one foot out the door, often ending up in a homelessness carousel. This creates an insecurity that is painfully and possibly permanently burnt into a consciousness that may struggle with recovering from a previous ignorance of insecurity. So many people who have not had this experience do not realize they are just one step away from “one step beyond.” So, how did we get here/there from here/there? What did we (Us) lose of ourselves, how do we lose it and is there a way back, emotionally? How were you put on the street(s)? I can only imagine the countless — possibly close to infinite — ways. Each tragic story is so specific to each special human being. I say “special human being” because that human being got knocked down, taken out, and now you see that “special human being” trudging with a backpack or shoving a cart … you’re witnessing somebody of great courage attempting to get the f*** back up! We all need to respectfully ask that person their story. We all have something to learn from everybody, especially the homeless who show the greatest strength and courage, fighting a seemingly endless battle. Their story might help save your life or somebody's that you love. This battle starts day one and you soon realize the system is completely inadequate; therefore it’s a seemingly unwinnable battle. But you're watching a human being who MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 knows how you're looking at them but fights on. I have seen this fight clearly since I was young, all over the world. There is an endless list of tragic ways in which some of our hearts were taken from us. How do “Homers” (the housed unaware) cope and grieve? Attend funerals, Shivas, consoling potlucks at home, vacations from work and more. Ask Homers how hard it was to cope … then ask how they would have done it if they have to shove all that pain deep down, hold their head up and drive on into the wind — work it to get it (food, heat, sleep, transportation, safety) or just give up and die! The homeless can and do come from various economic stations. Intelligence, education, or original status does not make you impervious to a “slip and fall” to the street. Some of our Ann Arbor homeless people have several jobs and are still unable to obtain permanent housing. Many of Us also volunteer, support other homeless people in need and contribute actively to our community. Many homeless people are cognizant and ultraaware of politics in order to just navigate a dysfunctional system. We (Us) have to be more informed and aware than others in order to be consistently facilitating a far more complex way of survival. Homers base their assumptions on a preconceived bias, based solely on appearance. These misconceptions support the system, pigeonholing us into a convenient place on their game board. Then we become pliable to the machine merely to become fuel for their fodder. You are now whatever they want you to be — your life becomes a loose kite with them carelessly holding the string. You hope for grace, but that's spread far and thin these days. So you reach for a belief/faith or maybe some luck from the cosmos. In the end it relies on HOPE. Hope is the edge of the cliff. To all So many people who have not had this experience do not realize they are just one step away from 'one step beyond.' of you on the streets, from the street, or on the way to the street — hold on, don’t let go — don't give up that hope, that's yours. Keep it safe and nourished. Don't let it go. Believe it or not there are other human beings who will love and care about you but, it might take awhile for someone to see you for who you truly are, a special person that needs some help and understanding — empathy, love. Everyone of us is a beautiful human being who just needs some level of help — getting it right. It's a comfortable release for the ignorant to quickly judge instead of caring with any empathy. Yes, it’s an effort. Anything worthwhile is, like an investment. Do not give up hope, ever! After putting some real time in on the street you start to lose faith in this system; it wears you down with poorly placed protocols, incompetence and just plain inaction … sometimes purposeful. We (Us) know of this, and several of Us have experienced this firsthand — some more than others, usually due to prejudice. This just beats you down, and some politicians are counting on that. It’s all figured into the design of the bills they write. This practice includes all Washington politicians, from one end of the spectrum to the other, even the ones that throw Us an occasional crumb. This is something Homers aren’t told but many of Us experience directly. And, in the same way they suppress minority rights, they then turn Us against each other to divide and conquer. Remember who is at the keyboard that are the switches of your destiny — life! Oh! Don’t forget social media — they’ve mastered it to their own, eventual self-destruction. They’ll try to shove you so far into the corner that you start dropping diamonds. This is something I experienced, and am still experiencing. If we (Us) try to help or inform others, Uncle Sam comes down on Us with no mercy, with “Maxwell’s Silver see STREET page 8  GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 "

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POWWOW MARCH 24, 2023 Drum circle from the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in 2018. Images obtained from the U-M Powwow website. 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is March 25-26, 2023 When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know that you are alive! — Chief Seattle, Duwamish (1780-1866) The 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the U-M Native American Student Association, will be held on March 25-26 at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. The powwow is a celebration of American Indian culture. The annual event is one of the largest student-run powwows in the country, bringing together over 1,000 Native American singers, dancers and artists from across North America. “People from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of their ancestors,” according to ethnomusicologist Tara Browner. The ritual likely originated from one of the Algonquian nations known as the Northeast Indians. In the past, individual tribes would gather and celebrate by themselves. Today, powwow is intertribal and inclusive. The contemporary powwow is a fusion of different tribal traditions. “The songs and dances performed at 21st-century powwows derive primarily from those practiced by the warrior societies of the Plains Indians,” Browner said, “with the greatest influences coming from the Heluska WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Native Americans in its origin, history, growth and success. The annual powwow event is in line with U-M’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission, which aims to “work to create a university community that reflects the vast, rich heterogeneity of the state and the broader society.” On Sept. 29, 1817, the Treaty of Fort Warrior Society styles common to the Omaha and Ponca peoples.” Powwow in Washtenaw County In 1972, a small group of faculty, staff and graduate students at the University of Michigan initiated the powwow event in Ann Arbor. An energetic group of undergraduates, the Native American Student Association, took charge of planning and publicity for the annual event in 1976. The powwow continues to get bigger and better each year. Local powwows have been held at Huron High School, the Michigan League, the Michigan Union, Cleary College of Ypsilanti, Pioneer High School, Chrisler Arena and Saline Middle School. In 2017, with the help of Eastern Michigan University’s Native American Student Organization, U-M started to hold the powwow at Skyline High School. Land gift to U-M The University of Michigan is tied to Meigs was signed between Michigan’s territorial governor, Lewis Cass, and the native tribes of Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodewadimi (Potawatomi). These tribes resided in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula at the time of Fort Meigs’ Treaty. A remarkable unraveling in the treaty of 1817 is summarized by the following statement: “In the treaty process, Gov. Cass persuaded the Natives to cede 3,840 acres of land, half of which was earmarked for St. Anne’s Church, and half for ‘a college of Detroit’ in which the natives would be eligible to enroll.” After the treaty was finalized, Judge Augustus Woodward, the Rev. Gabriel Richard and the Rev. John Monteith drafted legislation that founded the University of Michigan in Detroit under the name Catholepistemiad on Aug. 26, 1817. The university moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837. The land gift to U-M by the tribes was sold and the income investment became the foundation of U-M’s endowment. Groundcover News will be tabling at this year's powwow! Come by to experience and embrace Native American culture in Southeast Michigan through song, dance, cuisine and more! MARCH 24, 2023 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Ozone House: a sanctuary for struggling youth in Washtenaw Ozone House is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor that opened its doors in 1969 due to the growing number of runaway youth migrating to Washtenaw County. Today, they are the only agency in Washtenaw County that provides free, confidential, and voluntary shelter and support services to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth ages 10 to 20 and their families. The mission of Ozone House is to “[help] young people lead safe, responsible, and healthy lives through intensive intervention and prevention services.” The organization consistently provides non-judgemental support and safety for youth in crisis through various programs including emergency services, counseling, drop-in hours, housing, job training and transportation. Ozone House offers free counseling and case management services to provide youth a safe space to talk about any issues at home that may be affecting their mental well-being. Licensed social workers are available to provide crisis intervention and individual or family therapy as well. Similarly, Ozone hosts meals and drop-in hours throughout the week, inviting 13 to 20-year-olds the opportunity to relax in a controlled space, eat a hot meal, take a shower or even just talk to a peer in a safe environment. Shelter is one of the main resources that Ozone House provides to youth in the community and there are three different types: SafeStay, Transitional Living, and Supported Opportunities for Living on Your Own. SafeStay offers emergency shelter where those in need can participate prepares homeless or at-risk youth for their first job. Tim, an 18-year-old who participated in this program, CALISTA REDINGTON U-M student contributor “put his customer service skills to use at McDonald’s, where he has worked for several years.” The program helps with resume building, interview skills, and ultimately concludes with a 100-hour paid internship. This program has helped numerous young adults find stability in a career and build a new life for themselves. Ozone House also provides transin individual and family therapy, group therapy, life skills workshops, educational support and safe recreational activities. This resource is for youth ages 10 to 17 who need an escape from their situation at home or a safe place to stay, whether overnight or only a few hours. Transitional Living, called Miller House, is open to 18-to-22-year-olds who do not have a safe or stable home. Residents can stay for up to 18 months, giving them time to get back on their feet. Residents must go to school or have a job and participate in case management, life skills training, counseling and paying “rent” that goes into a savings account for later use. Miller House sets their residents up for success by teaching them the skills they need to regain stability in their lives. Supported Opportunities for Living on your Own, or SOLO, offers supportive housing for youth 18 to 21 with disabilities. Job and leadership training is another resource that Ozone House offers to struggling youth in the community in the form of WorkZone. WorkZone is an employment training and paid internship program that portation for those in need, partnering with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, or The Ride. This is a notfor-profit local organization that helps youth get a ride to their school if their living situation is unstable or provide reduced fare cards so they can get to school and work. Affordable or free transportation is extremely important for those seeking help from Ozone House. Since moving to their new location at 1600 N. Huron River Drive, Ozone House has upgraded their maximum capacity and can currently hold 25 youth per night. They are always looking for volunteers and for the community to get involved in their cause, specifically for the crisis line, to listen and provide critical information to those in need. They also accept donated goods. They encourage volunteers to help advocate for public policies that improve the lives of young people or invite Ozone House staff and young people to share about key issues. Ozone House is an extremely important resource within the Washtenaw County community that provides help to youth experiencing homelessness and instability. Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Databases at AADL Did you know all AADL library card holders have access to databases? You can search consumer reports, genealogy, and much more! Visit AADL.org/ collections/databases AADL Shelf Service Place your request with our Shelf Service and let AADL know the types of things you’re looking for. AADL staff will fill a bag with items we think you’ll like! For more information visit AADL.org/shelfservice FEATURED EVENT 5 Friday, April 7 • 7-10pm Kerrytown FoolMoon is back with light-filled art and creative experiences in the Kerrytown district. Dress up, light the luminaries, celebrate, spread smiles, and share some love with A2 local businesses! This year’s theme—U.F.O.s (Unidentified Foolish Objects)—brings arts + lights + wonder! FoolMoon is in partnership with Assembli. All the details can be found at AADL.org/fool

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PHOTO ESSAY Thursdays at Ozone by Saif Sarab MARCH 24, 2023 Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 6th 7pm; Good Friday: April 7th Stations of the Cross 12pm; Veneration of the Cross 1:30pm Easter Vigil: April 8th, 8:00pm Easter Sunday: April 9th, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm; 2:30pm Spanish Mass (no 5pm evening Mass) MARCH 24, 2023 ARTS + CULTURE GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Left: State of Mind by Christopher Stark. Middle: A tribute to Norman Rockwell, Self-Portrait by Robert Tate. Right: Don't Wait Until Too Late by Jeffery Hoaglin. Below: Hopelessness by VAN. U-M opens the 27th annual Exhibition of Arts in Michigan Prisons AARON JAMES PCAP Three hundred and sixty unique artists inside 25 Michigan prisons are collaborating with the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative Arts Project, to showcase 645 pieces of art including paintings, three-dimensional creations and drawings. The 27th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons runs March 21 through April 5 at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. This exposition is the world’s largest display of its kind, where underground art meets academic exhibition. A community of often unheard artists partnering with U-M facilitators and curators radically form what late PCAP founder and English professor Buzz Alexander called “our bridge.” Prices of art vary greatly and each artist receives their full asking price if their work sells. This reinforces that their art is an “extension of someone.” Emily Chase, art therapist and PCAP’s Arts Programming Coordinator said. Chase believes “art expresses something subjective about experience that quantitative research cannot.” Chase describes feelings of polarization on selection trips inside prisons meeting artists. “I feel joy in connection while my heart is breaking,” she said. “Mutual change happens through that connection.” Master of Social Work student Sarah Hebert-Johnson shared that engaging with incarcerated artists “challenges the dominant narrative of punishment.” “The deep conversations with talented people make me rethink society,” she said. For some, like artist BEE, this rethinking reminds society that, “Some people are already in prison, and they will never step a foot inside a prison.” He said this about his juxtaposition-themed painting, State of Mind. After her first selection trip inside, such liberation awareness encouraged undergraduate student Suzy Moffat to add Art and Design to her Anthropology major. She’s been on 13 eye-opening trips to correctional facilities this year. “My thinking has become less cut and dry, more understanding and empathetic,” Muffat said. “Art is already a medium for that. Without going in and talking [to the artists], I don’t think I would have added Art and Design.” PCAP Community Engagement Specialist Sarah Unrath has worked directly with artists both presently and formerly in prison. “It gives me goosebumps walking in the gallery, that precious arena that exudes the whole gamut of emotions of what it means to be human,” Unrath said. Unrath calls PCAP interactions authentic. “It’s something you just can’t shake. Whether that’s through revelations that happen during workshops and undergraduate courses, the powerful experiences of art selection trips, or the radical community of Linkage, PCAP seeps into the fibers of your being and changes the way you do life.” The exhibition is presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. It’s held at the Duderstadt Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. on U-M’s North Campus in Ann Arbor. The eclectic Opening Celebration and reception kicks off on March 21 at 5 p.m., with the Ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Duderstadt Basement. It features speakers from U-M, the Michigan Department of Corrections, artists from previous exhibitions, and exhibition co-founder, Janie Paul. Early releases of Paul’s new book about the exhibit, "Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance," will be available on opening night.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY RESOURCES  STREET from page 3 constantly been enlightening me with, Hammer.” Still, we need to give credit where it is due — the social workers that are doing the work on and off the streets, who tirelessly are at homeless encampments trying day in and out to save lives, with very little appropriate support from the system that assigned them. And there needs to be a special awareness to the Washtenaw General Defense Committee and Washtenaw Camp Outreach, tirelessly and fearlessly being there for the desperate homeless. There are many other involved entities, including Mission, Solidarity House, Mercy House, Purple House, Peace House, Hamilton House, the Ypsi Freighthouse and other warming centers, and the Hope Clinic (especially Heather) and so many others I’m not fully aware of. Many selfless individuals dedicate themselves when the system just works to keep you in the corner. They all, in some part/manner, have assisted in a step back up for me … although unfortunately too late for my faithful Kona. Here’s how I’m trying to get hold of that kite string: face them directly, unflinchingly, never ever even considering defeat. You have never lost until you’ve given up. Ken Parks has “Breathe in, breathe out and do some good today.” All of Us owe a great deal of respect and gratitude to Ken Parks for standing strong on the front lines decade after decade. The powers that be must be saying, “How is this man still here, still fighting for them?” I have great appreciation for the loving grace of Ken for grabbing me by the cuff when I might have been going under, for Christie Blais’s (of PATH) diligence, patience, and kindness, and for Lindsay Calka (Groundcover News publisher and friend) who encouraged me to finally use the pen. I thought I was going to be writing about Kona first, or how we got here — but, out there…they’re all me, we are, all going through the same s*** — we are all One — unforgettably feeling pain shoved deep, haunting every homeless step. But, everybody who works with or at Groundcover News is dedicated to a better world in which we love, accept and support. Groundcover vendors are the brothers and sisters that immediately opened the family door without hesitation or judgment. Their shoulders are keeping me up now. They know I'm/we are here because we've been knocked down, and inevitably have seen a lot a s*** — and are ready to get back up and get it right. This is the rest of the family that has the love, skill, and/or determination to be there and raise Us up; advertisers, volunteers, editors, publishers, sponsors (Argus's for kindly and supportively allowing me/us to sell papers there). This is the Ann Arbor Groundcover family! — or one of our approximately 100 integrated street papers worldwide that are dedicated to those of us following closely behind… May Grace be to OUR Streets Markona Love Author's note: This piece is dedicated to KONA (bird pictured right in byline photo). Kona gave me the life I was destined for — against All odds from her many great sacrifices — ultimately Her Life. She is the Love of MY Life … Kona showed me that every sentient being feels love and pain. Knowing this is a heavy burden in life but, the journey was unimaginably joyful. I literally cried from overwhelming pure joy countless times; I had never known that it was possible to see life flushed in such brilliant colors, like nothing I could have ever dreamed or imagined — constantly checking “how can this be possible, to be in such a state of bliss, naturally?” With Kona anything was possible. Then, Kona was gone —- I was washed into a grey sea that I will forever tread to keep a memory of an impossible dream. Kona was and Always Will Be 'My Conduit to the Cosmos' P. S. The political extremists have dug in deep and entrenched in our system and have slandered and discredited me and everything else under the sky, just shy of shooting me in the head to keep me silent. So, might as well just “on my own … here we go." Write and Speak! "Stay Tuned To This Bat Channel" to see if I’m still blinking, when this comes to print. It is your time to get aware and step the f*** up! No, not for me. I’m just a speck in the dust that covers all the mistruths. Let’s start by getting back to the Ann Arbor you thought you never lost. Talk is cheap. Change always takes work and sacrifice. May we all one day see each other! MARCH 24, 2023 MARCH 24, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES The women of Groundcover News LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 Only a select group of people will ever understand life without mainstream housing. Even a smaller group will appreciate what it is like to be a woman facing this struggle. Women have special challenges on the street. From the teen who has been abandoned by parents or freshly aged out of foster care to the elderly woman with no family, there are challenges and vulnerabilities that are unique to being a woman. In a 2017 article, former Groundcover Human Service Director Laurie Wetcher noted that families make up half of the unhoused population and that, of those families, 90% are headed by single women. These women's lifestyles will invariably have an impact on future generations. The women of Groundcover News and street papers around the world know the struggles all too well. Yet despite obstacles or because of them, we are among those who have defied the odds and changed our circumstances through the entrepreneurship model this publication offers. The women of Groundcover make up a small percentage of vendors; presently only a third of active Groundcover vendors are women. We are women who are small businesses with taxpaying responsibilities. We are the ones who face all weather conditions and frequent societal hostilities and rejections while remaining steadfast in improving ourselves in this entrepreneurial endeavor. We are women from different ethnic backgrounds, varied age groups, different races and classes all working on a common goal. The noticeable differences of the larger world are obscured as we fight for survival and to share the common message of the plight of the unhoused. Although we are from different walks of life, our shared struggles unite us into a sisterhood that is undeniably our own. Yet well into the 21st century we face the struggle that many women have faced throughout American history — lack of inclusion. There seems to be no accomplishment worthy of recognition by our housed peers. For example, Kung Fu Panda is not only an artist who has faced housing insecurity, she is an artist in her own right with her own style. However, she is not present in the art galleries around our city. La Shawn Courtwright published a book of poems. Felicia Wilbert is published as well. Yet even during Women’s History Month these ladies' works are not sought out and featured in any of the displays featuring women's accomplishments. As a woman, I myself am proud to have been the first vendor nominated in 2016 for the Best Vendor Contribution Category at the International Street Paper Conference in Greece where I was one of the top five finalists. And yes, I plan to join the list of other women vendors from Groundcover who have published a book. Still, the glaring omission of unhoused women remains an anachronism in a world and community who feel they have “dotted all i’s and crossed all t’s” when it comes to equity and fairness for everyone. Increasingly, though, we are a force that is becoming more and more difficult to ignore. So, this Women’s History Month I celebrate myself and all women of Groundcover News and of street papers around the world. I hope you will join in this Women’s History Month to show your appreciation and help to celebrate us too. Besides selling Groundcover News, I am a writer, blogger, and am becoming a social media influencer. You can find out more about my activities at http:// litspage.com MARCH 24, 2023 What happened to the middle class? Once upon a time, not long ago, people liked to chill and live life slow. “Leave it to Beaver,” the family show in the 1960s and 70s was the poster family of the American middle class. I was raised in a middle class household. During this time period in American history the economy and the middle class was thriving. From the time I was a child to this very moment is like night and day, so much so it can make you lose faith in capitalism. Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by a few private owners for profit, rather than by the state. The essential feature of capitalism is the motive to make a profit. MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Middle class families’ jobs have been exported overseas to various different parts of the globe. That’s why people like myself no longer live in a middle class neighborhood. Car companies like Ford, GM and Chrysler, along with other jobs that used to sustain the middle class, are gone. Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time. Everything has gone up besides our paychecks. Recession is part of the business cycle when things are not going well, resulting in things like high unemployment. There is a saying, “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” Unfortunately, all of this is by design, through big government, Wall Street bankers, and more. A lot of people who are still in the middle class find themselves in a struggle to remain there, often having a hard time making ends meet. ARE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER LOOKING TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY? - Join the Groundcover News crew of volunteer photographers! Commitment can be anything from assignment-based images (for publication in the newspaper) or photography at Groundcover News events (for use on social media and Groundcover communications). If you have lived experience with homelessness there may be paid opportunities. Email contact@groundcovernews.com to learn more and sign-up for our list-serv. MARCH 24, 2023 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH GROUNDCOVER NEWS THE WOMEN OF GROUNDCOVER 11 LIT KURTZ #159 is a writer, blogger, and social media influencer. She became associated with Groundcover as a result of being one of 4,000 teachers laid off in the school district that she worked. Since joining the organization, Lit has represented Groundcover on the international stage at the INSP conference, being the first vendor from Groundcover to be a finalist in the Best Vendor Contribution competition. As a former teacher, she is passionate about helping youth who are experiencing housing instability. Recently, she has organized and led a homeless advocacy workshop at the Ypsilanti District Library to get community members more aware of, and more involved in, the homelessness crisis. AMANDA GALE #577 's life is about worshipping Jesus, thriving in life for Him, for herself and for those she loves. She works for a local retailer, sells Groundcover and volunteers for various worthy causes. She loves her mom, her pet turtle Ticia, appreciates her church and prays for God's blessings. BEVERLY BOSS #583 started selling Groundcover last year and has found success as an outgoing, independent saleswoman! She grew up in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. FELICIA WILBERT #234 is a cheerful, God-loving entrepreneur. She is a mother and grandmother who has overcome many obstacles only because of the grace of God. She has been working off and on with Groundcover since 2015, both selling and writing. She appreciates Groundcover and Groundcover readers. Without them she would have to create another way to survive. Felicia is the mastermind behind Truth or Lies Mystery Lane and has two murder-love-story-mystery books available for purchase on Amazon. SHELLEY DENEVE #22 Shelley began selling Groundcover in the depths of the recession in 2010 to avoid eviction. She has worked steadily at Subway for years but continues to be a contributing member of the Groundcover community, writing and supplementing her income as needed. DENISE SHEARER #483 likes to comfort people, make people smile and laugh. Denise has been selling Groundcover since 2018. She currently both writes and illustrates cartoons for Groundcover. CINDY "KUNG FU PANDA" GERE #279 is a happy-go-lucky creative artist, warm greeter of Ann Arbor and Grouncover vendor who sells at the Sweetwaters Cafe on Washington Street in downtown A2. Cindy writes a column for the newspaper where she interviews low income and homeless artists in the Ann Arbor and Ypsi area. Her work is on display at the Groundcover News office in addition to Journey of Faith Church’s Art on a Journey gallery. TERESA BASHAM #570 is the mother of five beautiful children and grandmother to 10! Teresa started selling Groundcover in May of last year and started publishing her poetry in the paper in the fall. Check out some of her work in the upcoming poetry issue or read past poems in the archives on the Groundcover website. LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT #56 is a Groundcover vendor and writer. Although many readers know her for her fierce poetry, La Shawn has recently written freelance reporting assignments for Groundcover News. La Shawn has a book of poetry published entitled "The Fold: a Collection of Poetry." She says, "this collection of poetry speaks to a very common theme of real human experiences, and they are just a small part of mine ... For anyone who has had to experience incarceration for any amount of time can understand where I'm coming from in two of poems." these TABITHA LUDWIG #360 has been selling Groundcover since 2016. She is currently expecting her fifth child, a baby girl whose due date is in July of this year. In her free time she enjoys watching movies and reading.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Gebrannte Mandeln MAYA STROHBAND Groundcover contributor This tasty treat is frequently found at German Christmas markets. The smell alone makes any kitchen feel like a winter wonderland! These candied almonds take approximately 25 minutes to prepare and only use six simple ingredients. Ingredients: 1 cup (~8 oz) of almonds 1 cup of cane sugar 1/3 cup of water 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Directions: Add the water, sugar, salt, vanilla extract or bean paste, and cinnamon into a non-stick pan. Bring to a boil until the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the almonds and reduce heat to medium-high when sugar is fully dissolved. MARCH 24, 2023 Be sure to stir the almonds frequently for the next 20 minutes. The sugar will crystallize after approximately 20 minutes and return to a dry state. Don’t worry! This is supposed to happen. Reduce heat to medium and continue stirring. The sugar will dissolve again and thickly coat the almonds. Once the crystallized sugar has fully dissolved and coated the almonds, spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let cool. They will be very hot! Let cool down completely and enjoy! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE INTERNATIONAL COMFORT CUISINE! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop PFC Kitchen proudly presents : $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 4/30/2023 NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ MARCH 10, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 6 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Non-police crisis response piloting in Ypsilanti. Page 11 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT GOAL ARE YOU WORKING TOWARDS RIGHT NOW? GARY ROBINSON, #224 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Boober seeds bearing fruit — Kevin helped me and so many others. page 8 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Kevin Spangler, Groundcover vendor No. 307 and founder of Boober Tours, driving a pedicab in downtown Ann Arbor. Photo credit: Barry Chatillion. @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK Friday, March 24, we invite writers (and future writers!) with lived experience to a workshop on building narrative power. The workshop will be led by journalist and poverty solutions advocate Lauren Slagter. "Op-ed" might techincally stand for LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director If you attended Street Wisdom, the Groundcover News open mic honoring Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, you already know our writers and vendors have a lot more to say than just what meets the page. Street Wisdom packed the house and had a lasting impact on many who attended. Ever since that Friday in November at Argus Farm Stop, we’ve been excited to secure another time to share space as a community. At the end of March, Groundcover News will be hosting a two-part event entitled “Hear Me Out.” "opposite the editoral page," but here at Groundcover we consider the "op-ed" simply a powerful tool for communicating informed opinion to large audiences. Together we will practice linking our own compelling stories and experiences to quantitative data and calls to action in order to inspire social change. Come with an idea, or a piece already written. Even the best writers need an editor! The day after that, Saturday, March 25, 6-8 p.m. at Argus Farm Stop (Liberty Cafe) we invite all community members to an open mic where workshop participants will speak out, reading the individual projects borne out of the workshop. Time permitting, we will open the floor to everyone to speak on their experiences with social injustices. Hear Me Out — you don’t want to miss this one! A GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY OPEN MIC MARCH 25TH, 6-8PM ARGUS FARM STOP, LIBERTY CAFE Join the Groundcover News community for another open mic centering on community perspectives on social injustices! A WORKSHOP ON BUILDING NARRATIVE POWER MARCH 24TH, 2-4:30PM ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY DOWNTOWN BRANCH - FREESPACE Join journalist Lauren Slager and Groundcover News for an op-ed writing workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library. Link lived experience with a call to action to inspire change in your community! Participants will be invited to speak at the following open mic and publish in Groundcover News. MARCH 10, 2023 HEAR ME OUT! CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Angelina Akdis Elizabeth Bauman Susan Beckett Alexandra Granberg Ken Parks Samiha Rahman Denise Shearer Felicia Wilbert David Winey PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Mia Barr GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Elliot Cubit Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Erin Trame VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons MARCH 10, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What goal are you working towards right now? Getting a car, then getting an apartment. — Gary Robinson, #224 I am working towards getting my t-shirt business off the ground, I’m working to be a better person and trying to educate myself on financial literacy. — Joe Woods, #103 Ultimately, I’m working towards being somebody that my kids to look up to. Right now that means selling the paper more and stabilizing my life. — Sean Almond, #561 My goal is to graduate from college, to get my journalism and audio engineering associate's degree. —Mike Jones, #113 That’s personal. — James Tennant, #174 Peace in my life. — Larzell Washington, #128 I got a voucher so I’m working on getting an apartment. —Mansell Williams #96 To be here. I'm working to be, and stay, present in my own life. —Ken Parks, #490 I'm working on getting my dental health figured out and working on getting housing! — Glen Page, #407 What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. St. Patrick’s Day is a great, festive holiday. It’s a good reason to have fun. It’s a good excuse to eat good corned beef sandwiches. It’s a good excuse to eat potatoes for the day. St. Patrick’s Day is also a good day to make corned beef stew. And it’s a good excuse to drink green lime punch, if you don’t want to drink beer. Green is one of my favorite colors and people wear a lot of green on St. Patrick’s Day. I love to go to St. Patrick’s Day parades and see a lot of beautiful clothing and beautiful things.The last time I went to a St. Patrick’s Day parade was in the 90s. It was in downtown Detroit. I had just made a new friend; she was with one of her friends and we went to the parade. Dennis Archer GROUNDCOVER NEWS The joys of St. Patrick's Day I like to make beautiful St. Patrick’s Day artwork. I love going to St. Patrick’s Day parties with my friends. I love Irish music, too. St. PatDENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 rick’s Day music is soothing for when you are just relaxing at home, or doing housework. St. Patrick’s Day music is good when you are partying, too. St. Patrick’s Day can also be a was the mayor at the time and he waved at me. I saw men in kilts, which is like a man’s skirt. I saw women in beautiful crocheted green hats. Afterwards we went to a restaurant and had corned beef sandwiches. That was a good day. spiritual holiday because St. Patrick was a saint. It can also be romantic — just like Valentine’s Day — because you can celebrate it with people you love. Both St. Patrick and St. Valentine were saints. I always love celebrating both holidays! 3 Truth or lies: King Charman the leprechaun In the year 1600 BC, King Charman Plenza was ordered by the Forest Fairies to wed by St. Patrick’s Day. Queen Zia of the fairies warned him if he did not wed, all would be lost. The kingdom would fall and the forest would disappear and he would turn into a leprechaun. The king laughed and insisted that this was a tall tale. Four days before St. Patrick's Day, Zia appeared before the king pleading for him to find a bride. King Charman was a young, handsome, playful man, who never took his responsibilities seriously. The morning of March 17, 1600 BC, King Charman awoke feeling energetic and curious. Eager to fulfill his kingly duties he walked to his dressing table and looked in the mirror. He saw no one. The king thought, “What is the meaning of this?” He looked again; still he could not see himself. Just as he was speaking, the king's hands and feet turned into a leprechaun form. The king called for his servant Oswaw. King Charman told Oswaw that he could not see his reflection in the mirror. Oswaw said, “Hold it, what have you done with King Charman? You will be beheaded!” The king said, “What do you mean? I am the king!” Osawa said, “The king is not a leprechaun.” up camp. The trio would often venture out on camping trips. Charman watched from a short FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 The king hollered, “Oh no! I am a leprechaun; the fable has come true, oh no!” The castle started rumbling, then it started sinking. The king hollered for everyone to flee the castle. As he ran outside for cover, he noticed the forest starting to disappear. King Charman was all alone within an hour, as if he never existed. The forest was gone. King Charman sat on a stoop and cried out for the fairies. The fairies were gone with the forest. King Charman went into hiding. Time passed. Decades passed, centuries passed, still Charman stayed hidden. In the year of 1300 BC, Charman was hiding in the redwood trees (they were his favorite). He heard voices and Charman jumped up to go see where they were coming from. It was Judy, Trina and their cousin, Regina, who were setting distance. He was curious about the tents they were putting together. He noticed Regina; her hair was a golden red and she had green eyes. Charman fell in love, constantly watching her. He decided to leave her a path of flowers leading to the river. Regina would wash the dishes at the river twice a day. She noticed the path of flowers, laughing, wondering who placed them there. Charman knew he had only one chance to woo her. The next afternoon he placed her a bouquet of flowers by the river. She noticed the flowers, giggling, wondering who left them. He finally got up enough nerve to speak to her. He said, “Hello my name is King Charman.” She looked and did not see anyone. He then said, “Can you find a four leaf clover please?” Regina laughed and said, “Who is asking?” “King Charman, I am!” “Where are you?” Regina asked. Charman said, “You must find a four leaf clover in order to see me.” Regina asked, “How would I find that clover?” Charman said, “Over there, just look through the grass, you will see KING CHARMAN page 7 

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING Imagine paying thousands of dollars for various fees months before living in your apartment. This is the reality for Ann Arbor renters. In addition, tenants experience a lack of maintenance, instability, renewal struggles, landlords dodging legislation, and waitlists, not to mention immense cost! Finding a place to rent is vital for those who aren’t ready to invest in a house. Over the past decades, deceitful landowner tactics have made the process of finding housing extremely difficult and downright unfair. I sat down with Zachariah Farah, University of Michigan alumnus and current member of the Ann Arbor Renters Commission, to discuss these landlord tactics. As a member of the Central Student Government, he was approached by the Graduate Employees' Organization’s Housing Caucus for support in changing the city’s Early Leasing Ordinance. The ELO determines when a landlord can ask for renewal. At the time, landlords had the liberty to ask for renewal only 70 days into the present lease term. If you were to decline this renewal opportunity, your home could be rented to a new tenant. This was a pressure tactic by landlords. With only 70 days in your unit, how would you know whether you want to SAMIHA RAHMAN U-M student contributor necessary. Nowadays, what happens if you do agree to renew your lease? The landlord must accept your wish, regardless of how many individuals are on a waiting list. In 2022, Ann Arbor passed Right to Renew, requiring landlords to make a good faith renewal offer to current tenants. If landlords don’t comply, they are required to pay a two-month relocation stipend. This law is designed to prioritize the stability of current tenants. continue living there or not? CSG drafted an amendment to the Early Leasing Ordinance, which was passed by City Council in 2021. Although CSG and GEO were requesting the time be extended to 210 days into the lease, they were only able to get the date amended to 150 days, offering light reassurance that your unit won’t be shown or rented out to someone else. Upset landlords immediately dashed to find loopholes. Landlords implemented waitlists, exploiting prospective tenants, charging them a “waitlist fee” with no guarantee for a unit. Landlords take advantage of desperate students and residents looking for extremely limited housing, creating a sense of false hope and charging more money than MARCH 10, 2023 The Ann Arbor rental market is a pretty scary place GEO’s Housing Caucus is also starting conversation around rent stabilization to help fight the ridiculous cost of rent. However, in Michigan, municipal-level rent control is preempted by state law. Many tenants around Michigan are seeking a reversal of the state-level preemption. This would allow cities to have control and start acting right now to control the high cost of rent. see RENTAL page 7  GET CONNECTED The Renters Commission is looking to fill two vacant tenant seats. Individuals belonging to historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Applications are especially welcomed from individuals with disabilities, individuals who have experienced housing insecurity, individuals who have enrolled in low income/ Section 8 housing, or individuals belonging to racial and ethnic minority groups. Applicants need not be renters, though some personal experience with renting or struggling to rent is preferred. You can read more about the Commission here: a2gov.org/renterscommission To apply, please fill out this application form: http://a2gov.legistar.com/Page.aspx?M=Q If you have any questions, please email renterscommission@a2gov.org Housing issues and solutions in northern Michigan Housing shortages plague the entire state of Michigan but the causes — with the exception of NIMBYism (Not In My Back Yard) — and solutions vary by locale. It is difficult to find suitable sites to build on around Ann Arbor. In northern Michigan it is difficult to find the skilled tradesman needed to build housing. Ironically, that shortage of workers is due in large part to the lack of affordable housing. Rural areas also often have greater difficulty getting approved for Low Income Housing Tax Credits. (The federal government offers tax credits to private investors like banks that use that money to help finance the construction of low-income housing.) “There has to be some kind of funding that usually comes from the state or federal level to subsidize it a little bit, just because it's so expensive to build,” said Corey Monroe, development coordinator for Haan Development which is building 60 units of affordable housing on Emmet St. in Petoskey. They received assistance SUSAN BECKETT Publisher emeritus The cost of living there is high, too — from the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation’s Emmet Housing Solutions Fund after they were denied the tax credit funding. In vacation destinations such as Grand Traverse, Charlevoix and Emmet counties, 32% of housing is non-homestead (rental properties or second homes) and the cost of an average house ranges from $500,000 to $600,000, depending on the county. Across the ten counties served by the non-profit Housing North, 40% of the population is rent-burdened. comparable to that of Washtenaw County — but they generally lack services such as public transportation that help make ends meet. Exceptions include Boyne City which offers Monday through Saturday daytime pickup and drop-off anywhere in Charlevoix County, and Traverse City which has public buses Monday through Saturday. Both have consistently made choices to maintain livability for a large cross-section of residents. Some remedies to the affordable housing shortage could be implemented this year. American Rescue Program Act funds for shovel-ready projects should include projects that increase the housing stock for low and moderate income families. A renter’s tax credit, issued monthly by the IRS, could help some middle-income year-round residents afford to rent properties that are typically occupied just a few months each year by vacationers, or only during the school year by college students. It would also provide relief to the multitude of low and middle-income renters whose rent exceeds 30% of their income. Currently, the primary beneficiaries of our tax code are wealthy individuals and corporations, often at the expense of those with lower incomes or little wealth. Congress spends approximately $200 billion per year on housing, but the majority of that goes to the highest income households through benefits like the mortgage interest deduction. The wealthiest seven million households in the country receive more housing assistance through tax credits than the 55 million lowest-income renters, according to a 2017 article in The Hill. There are four new Michigan laws granting municipalities greater power to offer tax-reduction incentives to build affordable housing within their boundaries. Maybe that will persuade some developers to build for ordinary people instead of the wealthy. And maybe it’s time to adjust the federal tax code to discourage the ownership of multiple houses. MARCH 10, 2023 HOUSING GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ARTS + CULTURE MARCH 10, 2023 Installation image of Dopamine Dressing by Charlie Edwards. Dopamine dressing is so much more than putting on a pretty outfit It’s no secret that wearing clothes you love drastically changes the outcome of your day. Allow me to present the idea of dopamine dressing: the act of putting on clothes that make you happy. I explored this concept after visiting the University of Michigan Museum of Art in February to see YehRim Lee’s new exhibit with the same name. What is dopamine dressing really? Dopamine dressing consists of putting on brighter-colored clothing with a personal, meaningful backstory to boost your mood. Its goal is to allow believers to have more freedom in their fashion choices and challenge them to be bold. While not scientific by any means, the intention behind dopamine dressing is extremely powerful. With such a title, I expected the UMMA’s Dopamine Dressing exhibition to be filled with brightly colored clothing. I was instead surrounded with 21 neon and pastel clay sculptures. Initially alarmed, I truly experienced the idea of dopamine dressing in action. This begs the question, does the experience of dopamine dressing — or art in general — bring one happiness? At the small but mighty exhibit, I was able to spend a small chunk of my day exploring this question. Lee’s use of color and sculpture entranced me. With most pieces being around two square feet I was able to see the level of detail and thought put into every curve and color layer. ANGELINA AKDIS U-M student contributor Some of my favorite pieces included “Three Hearts are Trouble” and “Wall Flower Green #2.” The amount of detail associated with each layer of paint and overlap of clay was astounding. Each time I walked around to look at a piece I found a new detail or section that intrigued me. Even though the room was relatively small, I could stay there for hours examining each sculpture from every angle. I was struck by how the production of dopamine transcends the act of dressing or viewing art. YehRim Lee, a Chinese ceramic artist, uses her art to capture the human condition. With a goal to have viewers look closer at life through her art she uses multiple painted layers and complex structures to challenge their thoughts. When I looked at her pieces I could see this in her colors. As a result of her constant re-firing technique I was prompted to think about constant human evolution — not only in style but in evolving tastes — reflecting how our dopamine triggers are consistently evolving. After exploring, I’ve come to the conclusion that it is the intentional experience of wanting happiness that brings you dopamine in the first place. As seen in Lee’s exhibit, happiness comes in many shapes and forms. Walking around the small but colorful room exploring the intricacies of each piece I was brought happiness. I, however, truly enjoy exploring art. This may not bring others the same satisfaction. At the very least Dopamine Dressing further shows me how art has the ability to evoke emotions, inspire new perspectives, and bring people together. Whether it's through the beauty of a sculpture, the excitement of live performance, or the thought-provoking messages conveyed in a film, art can play a significant role in promoting well-being and happiness for those who engage with it. I highly recommend carving out 30 minutes of your day to view it! Dopamine Dressing is on display until August 2023 and free to view. YehRim Lee in her studio. Photo credit: U-M Penny Stamps School. MARCH 10, 2023 CONTINUED  KING CHARMAN from page 3 find it.” Regina laughed, and proceeded to find the clover, thinking one of her friends was playing a joke on her. Regina reached down, and grabbing a handful of grass, searched through it. Finally after five minutes she found a clover, holding it up saying, "I found one!” Charman said, “You won't be scared, will you? I'm a leprechaun." “A what! A leprechaun doesn't exist.” Charman explained what happened to him, waiting for her reaction. Regina told him she would not be scared, she wanted to see a leprechaun. The king came out of hiding. Regina looked and said, “You are real!” Charman remembered he was running out of time. He had two days before St. Patrick’s Day. He asked Regina if she would grant him a favor. Regina said, “Maybe, what is it?” Charman said, “Will you marry me?” She said, “What? Marry you? You are a leprechaun!” said Regina. Charman explained how he would turn back into a twenty-five-year-old man if she married him. He told her he only had two days left, and to please help him. Regina thought about what he said, laughing and still Thank you Truth Or Lies readers, "The Unexpected Valentine," published February 10, was based on a TRUE story. However, the places and names were changed. not believing Charman. However she wanted to see if it was real, and agreed to marry him. He said, “If you put on this ring you would be my wife.” The ring was a green four leaf clover encased in twenty-carat gold. She looked at the ring. Her heart pounded; she placed it on her ring finger. Regina looked at Charman: he started to transform right before her eyes. “Thank you, my love,” King Charman Plenza said, “and you will be Queen Regina Plenza.” He asked her to wait at the river while he went to retrieve his ancient treasure of gold, diamond and gems. Once he returned, Regina could not believe her good fortune. Every St. Patrick’s Day he gave her a new gem for rescuing him. Their union lasted through ten decades. Forever loving each other!  RENTAL from page 4 Different cities have different situations, so providing individual freedom is most sensible. Farah also discussed some of the Renters’ Commission’s work surrounding rental fees. The list seems endless — security deposits, waitlist fees, application fees and even a no-hassle fee (a real thing). Farah expressed his disappointment. “These are hundreds of dollars people are not going to get back,” he explained. “We want the city to regulate those.” The Renters’ Commission is currently analyzing these fees to provide the council with a report. Landlords claim tenants will receive all of these fees back; however, often this does not happen. Tenants often must resort to extreme lengths, like threatening legal action, to be heard. Tactics like simply being assertive, or underutilized resrouces like small claims court and the Student Legal Services at U-M can save tenants hundreds of dollars. If you are waiting on obtaining a fee/security deposit back or have been waiting for over a month to have something repaired, U-M GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 students have access to free lawyers waiting to provide free legal advice that might prevent the need to go to court. Those who aren’t U-M students can email the Renter’s Commission at KVanderLugt@A2gov.org for assistance. Landlords are also required to provide a physical copy of the “Rights and Duties of Tenants” booklet when tenants move in, with noncompliance subject to a $500 fine. So how did this problem of acquiring fair housing within Ann Arbor even come about in the first place? One factor is that the University of Michigan is rapidly increasing the population of Ann Arbor, with more students, staff, and faculty every year. One solution is for the University to pay its fair share by contributing to the affordable housing fund, a city fund that supports the construction of lower-cost housing within the city to accommodate the growing population. The University is not living up to its responsibility, and definitely not using its full ability, considering its considerable endowment and the prominent role they have played in this complication.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS BOOBER TOURS MARCH 10, 2023 Boober seeds bearing fruit — Kevin helped me and so many others I hadn't spoken with Kevin Spangler in quite some time. I met him when I was homeless. He gave me a job, gave me some inspiration, gave me some hope. He taught me some valuable, memorable lessons (mix LSD, pedicabs, foreign exchange students, Buddha, swimming, nakedness, Barton Pond, but that's another story...). The night we spoke five months ago, he was tired. To be a Boober driver is not the easiest job, if only because of the schedule — awake when bar nightlife begins (around 9 p.m.), cabbing through this time till usually 3 or 4 a.m., and then the wind-down takes an hour or two simply from the exercise and the excitement. Then up for the games, or campus events, catching naps in between. When you’re in rehabilitation (as anyone who has been through addiction knows), sleep time is treasured moments whenever you get them. Most of the employees when I worked for Spangler were either just out of jail, had felonies, were homeless or were trying to get clean. Besides this, employees would try to keep the enthusiasm that the owner held and expected. “Boober Tours, the only way!” was the common greeting. He was the example. On each cab read “Boober Tours, the only way!” He asked his employees before being hired to do one thing: “Give me two lists, 1) one hundred reasons to stay sober and 2) one hundred reasons why drugs screwed up your life.” I personally only got to 40 or so on each list. He still hired me. Seeing him tired was rare for me. This Kevin was a bit different. The glow behind the eyes was still there, simply dimmed. I know this was the same man who with a conscious mind tried to better himself in some way each day while determined to possibly inspire any of the many individuals he came into contact with on a daily basis, direct reflections of his Buddhist practices. “Advertising,” he said. His eye had a different spark which, good or bad, was there. His new book was “Rising Out of Depression and Going up the Royal Road.” I asked about the telling of his story and sharing this with customers. Most of the sayings that were printed on the middle compartment of the pedicab for any passenger to see were now taped or painted over — his business being just that, a business. He had a number of drivers, people who wanted to work, who loved to earn that money and now had Boober DAVID WINEY Groundcover contributor as a job not just to get by or to start over, but as their main income. I asked him about the new bike lanes, his current employees, his thoughts on the growth in Ann Arbor. He now has 15 regular employees. Two years ago, kids would line up to drive for him during a football game. All his vehicles are now electric! I love this as I was a bit lazy and loved the electric bikes, always vying for them. I bet he would love them humanly operated, but the physical prowess to do such takes an athlete, and to keep employees with the enthusiasm he does, the electrics make it easier. And of course, the environment, another main reason for his business. Residents rent his cabs (groups, family or friends or students, 6+ seaters) to shop at the local stores, all on a cab (electric) to cover greater distances than one would do in a car. It is simply smart. It's taken me five months to write this, simply because Boober Tours was in the middle of changing their shop location again. Any small business person knows the difficulties of renting a place in any city; with the growth of downtown Ann Arbor in the last few years, renting as a human for personal use or renting space as a business, is still very difficult. This is Boober's Tours' third location. The business and Kevin have outgrown the previous two locations. He must be doing something right. Right? I questioned a volunteer at one of the University of Michigan museums and asked her if she had ever been on one of the rickshaw cabs, the people who ride around on bicycles with a cab on back. She laughed. She had some friends visit from out of town, a bit of money in their pockets, and she convinced them to ride a “Boober Cab” — they thought it would be a waste. Similar to every ride I had as a driver, the passengers always loved the experience. She said the same! They probably could have taken a limo or something; they took a “Boober Cab" and loved it! Illustration by Jeanelle Mapili I would guess every business has its growing pains and tries to remain true to its ideals. Those who know where Kevin came from, where he is today, and how many people he helped — giving them a job when no one else would — would be proud of him. In this short history of Ann Arbor, not a blink in anything (his Buddhist teachings affecting me?) and to have Boober Tours be a current landmark in my time with Ann Arbor and U-M in itself is a great accomplishment. I know he helped me and many others during our time in recovery. Those people will be affected for the rest of their lives. I also know that anyone and everyone who does take a ride from Boober loves it! I asked him, “Kevin, what is your current goal?” “A moral self-governing society in the next 50 years.” That sounded pretty f-ing great to me. To quote Joni Mitchell and her words from her song “California:” Reading the news and it sure looks bad They won't give peace a chance That was just a dream some of us had It — Boober Tours — was just a dream Kevin had. I believe Joni was talking of a bigger picture. Those 1960s-1970s hippie activists took on the whole pie, knowing it would take years, but still they planted seeds in us that have been growing for years. Seven years sober he has now! Congrats Kevin! CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNITY MEMBER EDITION This April Groundcover News will be publishing a special edition magazine that will highlight exceptional people in our community ... however you choose to define exceptional! Choose someone and either interview them, write a biography or discuss with them what it means to be an active member of our community. Be creative in your methods to convey their story or message! Like all of Groundcover News publications, everyone is invited to submit! DEADLINE: MARCH 20TH, 12PM EMAIL SUBMISSIONS@GROUNDCOVERNEWS.COM MARCH 10, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS WORD SEARCH: LATIN PHRASES! K N Z P Z I A P E R S E N O A Z A F P O S T S C R I P T U M C P I Q T P E R P R O S Q E D I R D O N E R U T A D I F X G R O E F D T T O P E R C E N T C T I V K A M S X S A D G N Z A E D E P L X O H R D V I Z B I M E R F I G Q E X L I B T E V D F S W A V T V Z I D Q E F E E E U R L E J F O B E N D E R F N S F C O T E P Q L U E A B A S A T V L G C C Q I M J Q S C O E E U M I B I D C E U S A T R I N L O C O T I E R R E P O A D N A U S E A M T O E Q Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. WORD BANK: Ad lib Ad nauseam AMDG Circa De facto De jure E.g. Et alia Et cetera Ex lib FD Fec Fidei defensor Fl I.e. I.q Ibid Id est In loco N.B. No. Numero Op. cit. P.a. P.S. Per pro. Per se Percent Post scriptum Protem Prox Q.E.D. Q.E.F. Q.v. Seq Sic Ult Verb.sap Versus Videlicet Viz 9

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THINK ABOUT IT Does the system work? I am talking about the current system: its political economy and ideological foundation, the culture and social system we all have been socialized into. It’s called “growing up,” getting in compliance, that is. The December 30, 2022 issue of Groundcover News has an article I wrote, “Mother Nature’s Last Call,” which talks about our current geological age of humans and capitalism as the anthropocene. The victory of capitalism over feudalism was a centuries-long struggle for private property to replace the remaining commons as the dominant political economy. Feudalism privatized indigenous commons but created a social contract that gave peasants some rights to the land they lived on and worked. Private property is now regarded as the foundation for civilization and the creation of wealth.The social contract of feudalism viewed land use as some shared responsibility. The peasants had to give the lords a share of the crop but had rights to live on the land and benefit from their plot. When the growing business class saw the profits possible from sheep’s wool spun in the textile mills, they began the ideological, judicial and police/military campaign promoting the virtues of private property and the need to drive the peasantry off the land. You may have heard of the enclosure laws and vagrancy laws which KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 revolutionary changes from feudalism to capitalism as an important advance in social evolution, preparing the way for the next revolutionary leap to socialism and then communism as we fulfilled the vision of sharing that is deep in the heart of humanity. “From each according to their ability, to each based on their contribution” is the ethic of socialism. “From each according to their ability, to each according to their need” is the ethic of communism. The struggle is intense. So is the system working? The capicreated large numbers of refugees. Many Scots went to Ireland following promises of land; as their numbers grew, the overflow went to “the new world” as the settler class that supported the privatization of indigenous land. Land-hungry peasants flooded “America” and became working class or settlers on indigenous land. The Indian wars began with the arrival of Europeans and coincided with the slave trade. Investing in violence for land and slaves was the business of the colonial phase of capitalism. The lure of profit brought many into “the pursuit of happiness,” as it was called. Capitalism is still evolving as it privatizes your time with many wonderful appearances of happiness that seem irresistible. There is no doubt that capitalism has created amazing productive capacity. Marx wrote positively about the talism of this epoch is designed to create large amounts of wealth, measured in capital, by extracting from nature and producing goods and services by human, animal or robot labor. This market mechanism, in which everything is a commodity for sale and speculation, has regular crises but is able to play financial games that basically move wealth from the bottom to the top. It is designed for that purpose. There is constant tinkering with the financial flow but the main current creates a wealth gap that has unbalanced the world towards war as the solution to any looming economic crises. Sanctions have done more damage than the nuclear weapons which are prepared to destroy the world upon command. We are in a life and death struggle. Natural law will overrule human law as our dysfunction continues. Therefore, climate chaos. We are at the point of no return, greatly addicted to our comfort zone. Definitely time to take a breath and reconsider reality. Do we have the nerve to consider a new social design that makes good work fun, productive and beneficial? Enough said. Time to work on redesigning our lives, especially towards “Democracy at Work” in the words of Richard Wolf’s Course on Capitalism. What did World War II resolve? The people wanted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the capitalist class wanted war. Hollywood was attacked first. “Salt of the Earth,'' an unsurpassable movie (and book) tells the story of this war. It has intensified since Star Wars (the Strategic Defense Initiative) and full spectrum domination warfare focused on information control. The capitalist designers and defenders have large amounts of money for their campaign which amounts to a war on the working class. If you say anything you will be accused of class warfare. We have all the resources we need, particularly our ability to face reality as death approaches. People — foremost, young people — have some sense of big changes coming as the ideological wheels of fascism and communism are turning. It is time to talk intergenerationally about what we want to do. MARCH 10, 2023 MARCH 10, 2023 CRISIS RESPONSE ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor Last month, Care-Based Safety, a grassroots group, announced that they have secured funding to pilot an unarmed, non-police crisis response program in Ypsilanti in mid-2023 – the first of its kind in Michigan, according to the group. How the program – for now referred to by CBS as the Future Program – will look is still evolving. Some elements will likely be included: mobile response groups on the streets and transformative justice tools – with focus on individual and community healing rather than punishment in the face of violence. Another element will be an urgent response program through a public, 7-digit phone number, separate from 911 and with no referrals to police. Washtenaw County’s mental health department currently provides a similar service for mental health crises – but unlike CBS’s hope for the Future Program, that is a police collaboration. CBS has asked several impacted groups for local feedback. They have also consulted similar, successful initiatives in cities across the US. The idea is that the pilot will inform a model that can be scaled up and later implemented in all of Washtenaw County. Any existing actions here would not be duplicated by existing departments. Rather, the program seeks to fill a gap. No violence, no police Last summer CBS broke out from, and is functionally independent of, CROS, Coalition for Re-envisioning Our Safety. CROS was formed in April 2021, after the Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution to create a new, unarmed public safety program. CROS focuses on advocacy; CBS on research, program design and fundraising. While the resolution made no mention of independence from police, CROS and CBS intend to create such a model. “An unarmed response is not a true unarmed response unless it is unarmed non-police,” Hoai An Pham, a CROS member, said in an interview to Hour Detroit. Crucially, CBS response teams would not handle active violence involving guns or non-consensual domestic issues. It would address issues such as conflict de-escalation and wellness checks, involving for example mental health, overdose, post-violence situations and complaints. Despite this, concerns about a non-police response have been voiced by Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton, among others. One worry is that a seemingly non-violent situation can escalate into violence, requiring police. According to a data review by the New York Times, however, it appears only a fraction of policing is devoted to handling violent crime. Citing the review, CBS writes that most emergency calls are about “interpersonal complaints, traffic-related issues, wellness checks and medical calls.” No police, no violence Homelessness and mental illness are often more prevalent among incarcerated people than in the general population. Members of CBS and CROS want to see a system that focuses on community well-being – preventing rather than criminalizing problematic behavior. In CBS’s strategic plan published in February, the group states: “We believe in a future where public health programs and infrastructure are resourced, including the creation of new, care-based programs, making policing and state-sponsored punishment obsolete.” Ideally, the new program will not be connected to police at all, providing an alternative to crises. But Natalie Holbrook, a CBS member and spokesperson based in Ypsilanti, and part of the American Friends Service Committee, says she would “personally prefer 911 calls related to hunger or mental health crises to be directed to the program, over what is happening now.” A Washington Post investigation from 2015 showed that every fourth person who was killed by police suffered with mental illness. The AA City Council in its proposal states some of these deaths occur “where the deployment of police officers was not necessary.” Some police are also concerned about this. Among them, though not alone, is former Ann Arbor Police Chief Michael Cox, who told the Michigan Daily that mental health training is inadequate – and that therefore it is not ideal to send police to deal with mental health calls. Mayor Christopher Taylor has said explicitly that police are overworked, forced to deal with situations best dealt with by unarmed personnel. Violent failure Reform remains the popular go-to among both local and federal politicians, when advocating change in the police system. But attempts at reform – whether material, intellectual or organizational – have proven insufficient in the past. Body cameras, a type of material reform, were introduced on a wide scale shortly after police fatally shot Michael Brown in Ferguson in 2014. Three years later a study showed that the increased surveillance had not prevented police from using unwarranted violence. When police killed David McAtee in the summer of 2020, they had simply turned off their cameras. Chokeholds had already been banned in New York for 20 years, when a police officer choked Eric Garner to death in 2014. The case drew attention and drove police reforms around the country. Five years before George Floyd died under the knee of now-former policeman Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, the city had carried out these types of reforms. Among them was a warning system to detect problematic cases within the police force. Chauvin, with 17 complaints filed against him at the time, had evidently escaped this. Inherent violence CBS states that re-training or reforming police “is not a viable solution, given that the underlying purpose of policing is fundamentally different from the underlying purpose of providing direct care.” Driving CBS and abolitionism, both of which have roots in the Civil Rights movement, is the idea that policing as a system is inherently violent. In the words of abolitionist leader Mariame Kaba: “Everywhere, have they suppressed marginalized GROUNDCOVER NEWS Non-police crisis response piloting in Ypsilanti populations to protect the status quo … When a police officer brutalizes a black person, he is doing what he sees as his job.” The police and mass incarceration systems, they mean, are not broken but working as they were designed to – leaving nothing to “be fixed.” While CBS is informed by research and statistics, its members are also people of the community who in some way have been impacted by the current system, or love somebody who has been harmed by police – as is the case for Holbrook. She believes the state is incapable of providing the care and protection that a community can. Holbrook dreams of strong neighborhoods that look after themselves; sharing power, “rather than handing it over to the state,” which, she says, “takes individual power away.” “We simply want something else to rely on. A system rooted in care and compassion.” A river runs through it So far, funding for CBS efforts comes from the Michigan Justice Fund with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and United Way of Washtenaw County. At the time of writing, CBS is in the process of hiring two co-directors to head the pilot in Ypsilanti. The co-directors will help develop the program based on community feedback, as well as years of research and interviews with experts. In April, CBS hopes to finalize the design in order to put the program to practice this summer. After that, the group will dissolve, having fulfilled its function – passing on the leadership to the new response team and Future Program. Read more about the proposed program and background at linktr.ee/ carebasedsafety 11 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS K N Z P Z I A P E R S E N O A Z A F P O S T S C R I P T U M C P I Q T P E R P R O S Q E D I R D O N E R U T A D I F X G R O E F D T T O P E R C E N T C T I V K A M S X S A D G N Z A E D E P L X O H R D V I Z B I M E R F I G Q E X L I B T E V D F S W A V T V Z I D Q E F E E E U R L E J F O B E N D E R F N S F C O T E P Q L U E A B A S A T V L G C C Q I M J Q S C O E E U M I B I D C E U S A T R I N L O C O T I E R R E P O A D N A U S E A M T O E Q

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Baked caramel popcorn ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 5-7 quarts popped popcorn 2 cups brown sugar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. vanilla 1 cup butter ½ cup light syrup ½ tsp. baking soda Directions: Melt butter and stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, leave for 5 minutes without stirring. Then remove from heat. Add baking soda and vanilla. In a very large bowl, pour over popcorn and mix well. Spread onto 2 shallow layer large cooking sheets. Bake at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Cool and break apart. Store in an airtight container. Such a special treat, you won’t be able to stop eating the corn! MARCH 10, 2023 Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 6th 7pm; Good Friday: April 7th Stations of the Cross 12pm; Veneration of the Cross 1:30pm Easter Vigil: April 8th, 8:00pm Easter Sunday: April 9th, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm; 2:30pm Spanish Mass (no 5pm evening Mass) BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ FEBRUARY 24, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 5 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Ann Arbor for Public Power is working to bring real power to the people. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: BEVERLY BOSS PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Madras Masala Indian Restaurant in 2020. Photo credit: Amy Cantu. A memory train to Madras Masala. page 8 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER in this ISSUE THE WISDOM of the BODY CAN TEACH, LEAD and HEAL Ken Parks, page 3 HOMELESSNESS — a CHANGE in DISPOSITION; a CHANGE for the BEST Mohammed Ahmed, page 6 HOW ABILITY AFFECTS HOUSING Washtenaw County United Way, page 7 HOW DOES SOMEONE LIVE with NO COMPANIONSHIP? TOLEDO STREETS VENDOR JOE on HOMELESSNESS, MENTAL ILLNESS and WORK Joe Taylor, page 7 MEMORY TRAIN to MADRAS MASALA Maithili Banerjee Pratiti, page 8 PUZZLES page 9 SLUSH to STEAM — the GENTRIFICATION that COMES with UPGRADING SCHOOLS Lior Cooper, page 10 FEBRUARY 24, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Ahmed La Shawn Carlisle Lior Cooper Cindy Gere Zachariah Farah billy hill Mike Jones Ken Parks Maithili Banerjee Pratiti Maya Strohband Joe Taylor United Way of Washtenaw County GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Erin Trame CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons FEBRUARY 24, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Slavehood LA SHAWN CARLISLE Groundcover vendor It is said that I have the spirit of a slave That's because I do That's because I am I'm a slave to obeying the Lord Jesus Christ! I'm a slave also to other things Beverly Boss, vendor No. 583 In one sentence, who are you? I am a kind, caring and outgoing person. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Liberty and State Street. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Go to the park. Why did you start selling Groundcover? To help get news out there about the homeless and better help the community. What words do you live by? You only have one life to live; live happy. What is something someone on the street wouldn't know? I was in foster care. What are you most likely to be famous for? Helping others. What's the best way to start the day? Coffee! What is a small thing that makes your day better? People with a positive attitude. What would be the first thing you did if you won the lottery? Help the homeless. Like living my life to my greatest potential While being loving to my neighbors, as I know that some of them despise, even hate me I'm a slave to my lost family By existing systems in another form Like back in the old days of slavery My family has been dissimilated, scattered, broken, torn in both their bodies and minds I'm still a slave even in these Even as I know better Yet, I gave, give in to lies Spoken By? It doesn't matter who Where, when, do I get up Where, when, can I come down Most likely the last thing, I ever thought I would phantom My words today and hopefully not lived Will be latter That's the real The only truths that matter!! So, I as a modern day slave speak them through my pen!! If I must speak, say them with my voice, I speak them vociferously If you call or think me loud That's your dilemma, problem! It has not one thing to do with ME! I might be a slave, Only in my body!! If you can not, do not, understand this I only gather that you must not have met, KNOW ME!! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 The wisdom of the body can teach, lead and heal I am learning to tune in to the wisdom of the body with practicing a natural breath. It begins with good posture and awareness of the breath. If you can complete 21 deep breaths you are now a champion on the beginner’s road. Whatever arises in the mind is okay, especially if you begin to exhale it and experience detachment. It’s an exercise in finding your core. The play of body, speech and mind is a core exercise. After my second inguinal hernia What would YOU ask? If you have a question or issue you would like Groundcover vendors to discuss, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. surgery at the age of 70, I found an article “Do squats not kegels” and learned about pelvic floor weakness syndrome — partly caused by the modern toilet and loss of the ability to squat. Pilates was recommended to me. Pelvic floor weaknewss affects everything. I am at the stage of life where my core fell through the pelvic floor; now bladder and bowel issues bounce around pain in my hip and knee. I am stalled by the bureaucratic quagmire of corporate dysfunction that turns healthcare into a and we want to stop it. To sit in good posture may hurt. KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 The recommended full lotus is not in my range of motion. It is good to start where you are and just sit – even on a chair – and simply observe the breath. Simple is good. After 42 years as a beginner, often lost in perfectionism, I am starting over again. It is a great blessing to ourselves commodity in the marketplace. Another distraction from a focused breath. The experience of clarity, no matter how brief, is testimony to the positive nature of the mind. Our tendency to fixate on thoughts, from chasing them into oblivion to avoiding them, is strong. Detachment begins with just observing the play of the mind and “letting go” of any fixation. It is so easy to get lost in our habitual patterns of stereotyping and craving. Suffering arises naturally, be it physical or mental, and others to begin the day with gratitude for our ancestors. Offerings are good, water is life and can represent many kinds of offerings. I love offering body, speech and mind to benefit all beings without exception. My fresh start is to begin every day with whatever I can do to get started in a good way. “Spring forward, feel your toes'' is a Groundcover article I wrote in July 2021. I was beginning to learn the wisdom of the body and play with pain in a more healing manner. Pain is an important message. It is asking for a change that you may see BODY page 8 

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CLIMATE In September 2022, the World Meteorological Organization under the direction of the United Nations compiled and released the 2022 United in Science report. It outlined the complete failure of developed nations to uphold their pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Frighteningly, it reminded us that these failed emissions goals were not projected to reverse climate change or even stop it, but rather only to lessen global devastation. One of the notable conclusions of the report is that the ambition of emissions-reduction plans would need to be increased seven-fold to limit global warming to 1.5ºC (2.7ºF). In other words, our leaders have utterly failed to protect our planet and our future, and yet again, political inaction has caused the walls of climate disaster to close in on us further. Standing up to meet this existential challenge, the City of Ann Arbor has geared up its efforts to reduce emissions and increase sustainable practices, setting an ambitious goal to achieve 100% renewable energy powering our community by 2030. In Michigan, over a quarter of our emissions comes from generating power. In fact, despite our claimed slogan of Pure Michigan, we burn coal and methane to produce the majority of our electricity. In a single year, Michigan’s energy sector produces approximately 58.9 million metric tons (13 billion lbs) of the carbon dioxide equivalents that are currently warming our planet. Here in Southeastern Michigan, our energy production is particularly dirty. We purchase our electricity from DTE Energy, a state-protected, for-profit monopoly utility. DTE’s monopoly ensures that DTE decides how to produce the electricity we use to power everything from streetlights to electric vehicles to the heating and air conditioning in our homes. So how exactly does DTE produce this power? Are they really as green as they claim to be in their advertising? According to DTE’s 2021 fuel mix disclosure, 58% of DTE’s electricity comes from burning coal, the energy source that emits the most greenhouse gasses. ZACHARIAH FARAH Ann Arbor for Public Power Shockingly, less than 10% comes from renewable energies like wind and solar. These numbers make DTE one of the dirtiest utilities in the United States, sparking serious concerns about how Ann Arbor can transition to 100% renewables if we have no choice but to buy our power from DTE. We know we can’t count on DTE to make this ambitious transition. In October 2022, the Sierra Club released a report analyzing the energy transition plans of power utilities across the country. DTE received a failing F grade (14.6/100) for its completely inadequate climate commitments. Interestingly, the utility company with the highest grade is a public power utility in Oklahoma with a score of 99.5/100. Public power utilities are publicly-owned entities that don’t operate with the objective of generating profit for shareholders (like with DTE), but rather to provide reliable electricity for the greater good of the communities they serve. Because public power utilities are controlled by democratically elected boards, they are directly accountable to the people and businesses they serve. Overall, this accountability results in significantly better service. On average, public power utilities are cleaner, cheaper and more reliable than their private, investor-owned counterparts. A coalition of local organizations came together in 2020 to form Ann Arbor for Public Power. We believe that the only way to decarbonize our energy grid by 2030 is to take control from DTE and bring the decision-making back to the people of our city. Making our utility public opens up GET CONNECTED If you are interested in helping us achieve A2P2's vision of affordable, reliable and renewable public power in the city of Ann Arbor, please sign up to volunteer and receive their newsletter on the website: AnnArborPublicPower.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/a2publicpower Instagram and Twitter: @a2publicpower Youtube: @annarborpublicpower6388 Cartoon by Izzy Hedin-Urrutia several exciting opportunities. First, instead of paying our bills to DTE, we’d pay them directly to the public power utility. This means we’d get rid of DTE’s extractive corporate structure that siphons over $1 billion annually of our rate-payer dollars out of our grid. We’d also be able to streamline the process of installing solar panels on residential roofs, a proposal that DTE has been fighting for years because it threatens their corporate profits. Most importantly, we’d be able to decide exactly how we produce our electricity. We could invest in solar and wind power and fully eliminate our dependence on coal. All of this would be possible because we the people would elect those who control our utility. Creating a public power utility would certainly be transformative. This process is also realistic. A2P2 has FEBRUARY 24, 2023 A2P2 is working to bring real power to the people identified the legal pathway to acquire DTE’s grid and establish a municipal public power utility in its place. In fact, Ann Arbor’s right to do this is enshrined in the Michigan Constitution. To make this a reality, we need to build overwhelming support for public power in our city so that when we bring it to the ballot box we know that we will win. So far, A2P2 has been supported by thousands of hours of donated labor by volunteers across our community who believe that we must take bold climate action now. Editor's note: Chelsea, Lansing, Marshall, Niles and Wyandotte all have public power. There are more than 40 public power communities in Michigan and over 2,000 nationwide. FEBRUARY 24, 2023 CLIMATE The Animal Kingdom's letter to humanity regarding global warming Good morning, Mark Robinson here reporting for Get-Cha-Mind Right Radio Alaska. Topping the news this morning, the Global Animal Affairs Committee plans to organize animals from all over the globe to discuss and write a letter to you, humanity, about the overwhelming effects of global warming. The board members of GAAC are: Big Mike the Polar Bear, Grizzy the Grizzly Bear, Lindsay the Blue Jay, Anastasia the Great Bald Eagle, and Chippie the Chipmunk. All five of them are childhood friends now fully grown with families of their own. One beautiful day Lindsay the Blue Jay ran into Big Mike the Polar Bear, and whispered something in his ear. Soon after a conversation ensued. The news spread like wildfire and animals were having great discussions all over the animal kingdom. As a result, the committee decided to take action and do something about the problem of global warming. They asked all animals from all over planet Earth — the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia, air, land and sea — to write to the committee on effects of global warming in their “neck of the woods.” The committee will read all letters from the animal kingdom and then, the committee will write a final letter to humanity with all the animals’ concerns. The response was great and immediate. All letters from all the animal kingdom were read by the Global Animal Affairs Committee. Once again good morning, this is Mark Robinson reporting for GetCha-Mind Right Radio Alaska. Topping morning headlines, Global Animal Affairs Committee, announces Animal Kingdom letter to Humanity, concerning global warming. I had a chance to meet and talk to committee President Big Mike (the Polar Bear). He said, “The Committee wishes to convey the terrible effects climate change has on wildlife and biodiversity and to see if the animal kingdom and mankind can work together to solve this serious issue.” “One more question, Big Mike, before I let you go. How do you see mankind reacting and responding to the letter from the Animal Kingdom?” “I would hope mankind would receive the letter in good spirit and expect a swift response due to the serious nature of the problem. We only got one home, Mother Earth, let's take care of her." “I want to say thanks to the committee and all the countless animals who took time out of their busy to-do lives, to take note and respond to the issues and the terrible effect that concerns them and their family and loved ones on the subject of climate change.” Dear Humanity Dear Humanity and Mankind, we hope this letter is received with love and respect for our beloved Planet Earth. I, Big Mike (the Polar Bear), the president of Global Animal Affairs Committee, would like to start by saying climate change has most definitely devastated the region and surrounding areas of Alaska. GAAC is located in the wilderness of Alaska, but climate change is not just affecting this part of the Planet Earth. Global warming is pervasive. I would like to note: this letter is written by animals from all regions of the animal kingdom worldwide. “Pervasive” (especially of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people. Global warming and the heating of the Earth's surface have been observed MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 since the pre-industrial period due to human activity, such as land and ocean temperatures increasing, rising sea levels, loss of ice at Earth’s poles and mountain glaciers. Frequent and severe change in extreme weather, drought, floods, etc. have been observed. The elements — earth, air, fire, wind and water — will become agents of harm to living creatures of Planet Earth. We must consider coming together and pooling all our resources in order to combat the problem. Near the North Pole, the island of Greenland is warming almost twice as fast as Antarctica, which is causing the ice to melt and the rise in global sea levels. The world’s oceans will rise one to four feet in a person's lifetime. One out of three species will die off if climate change continues. Does mankind know that the beautiful Koala is in danger of being extinct? Because of the effects of climate change, heating of the Earth has made the plants the Koala eats toxic in the Eucalypt Forest. The list continues; less than 500 Bengal Tigers are left in the animal kingdom. Something has to be done to put a stop to the annihilation of millions of species in the animal kingdom. Some animals can adapt to global warming better than others. Most species are in migration mode. Animals are moving to more comfortable climates because some species can’t handle real hot temperatures or vice versa. We the animal kingdom and the whole wide world should be on code red. The evidence is too great to ignore. We humbly ask for your consideration in regards to the subject and hopefully we can work together soon to improve our beloved and dear planet and its inhabitants. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Databases at AADL Did you know all AADL library card holders have access to databases? You can search consumer reports, genealogy, and much more! Visit AADL.org/ collections/databases AADL Shelf Service Place your request with our Shelf Service and let AADL know the types of things you’re looking for. AADL staff will fill a bag with items we think you’ll like! For more information visit AADL.org/shelfservice FEATURED EVENT 5 Illustration by Cindy "Kung Fu Panda" Gere, Groundcover vendor No. 279. Illustration colored by Cameron, office visitor, age six. Sunday, March 5 • 1–3pm Downtown Libary AADL is excited to host the 2023 Washtenaw County CSA Fair in-person at the Downtown Library! Visit local farmers at their information table to find out more about their CSA offerings for this year and sign up for one for yourself or your family! For more information, visit AADL.org/ csafair

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS FEBRUARY 24, 2023 Homelessness — a change in dispostion, a change for the best MOHAMMED AHMED Groundcover contributor Homelessness creeps up on us; right now, somewhere on this planet, someone is being served with employment termination papers or they are losing their business or source of income, and their rent or mortgage is past due, with no option but eviction or foreclosure in sight. I am going through it right now. I continue to be amazed by the boundlessness of human generosity and kindness. Here is the thing, my friend: organization is sophistication. If you are an organized person who is solution-based, you will power through it on your own with the available resources. But if you are an introvert who has social anxiety and prefers to distance yourself from social interactions, the guide below will help you. What do you do when your husband, boyfriend, mother, landlord, grandma, girlfriend, fiancé, wife or whomever you were living with kicks you out, or somehow your circumstances change and you are homeless with no money for a hotel, no car, no friends, no family, no savings and only $5 to your name? 1. Google and find your local homeless shelter and go. If it's winter, inquire about warming centers, warming shelters and rotating shelters, as one needs a warm place to sleep. Additionally, at your local homeless shelters you'll find a supply of clean undergarments and socks, toiletries, bus tokens and discounted transportation cards, bicycles, free clinics, a slew of donated items ranging from food to clothing to shoes, and assistance with obtaining an ID. The best homelessness perk I ever got was a foot massage from a University of Michigan Medical School student, through the foot clinic program. God bless her, she will make one fine physician. Also Google and contact your local housing homelessness and shelter authority. I haven’t been homeless in the summer yet, but except for warming and rotating shelters, the advice is the same. You might find cooling shelters in summer. 2. Join a gym. When you're homeless, your biggest battle is against time, and your main enemy is idleness; so keeping occupied and finding a warm place if it's winter or an air-conditioned place if it's summer through a gym is a triple win, and here's why: Planet Fitness is open 24 hours a day, and the YMCA is open most days of the week. The gym gives you access to a clean place to shower and store clean clothes for work and social events. In addition, working out is fun. I like to go there two or three times a day. It is also a place to meet new people, make new friends, and develop both social and economic connections and opportunities. When I had shelter, I rarely visited the gym. 3. Find gainful employment: Being homeless does not mean you have to stop working; you can continue to go to work if you have a job. Figure out which bus route is best for you; understand the bus schedule so you know exactly how much time you need from bed to bus stop with all the intricacies in between. Google Maps has an option where you can choose your arrival time, and the application will tell you what time to start your bus trip. In my personal experience, I have been heavily reliant on temporary employment, or "gig apps," as I call them, where businesses advertise their daily labor needs, which I can apply for and fill on the same day. Pay is either instant, daily or the day after, which keeps constant money in my pocket for me to take care of my needs as a modern man. I recommend checking out Instawork, Wonlo, Veryable, Hyer, Adia, Bacon, Gigsmart, We Work. All of these apps are awesome for making income. Secret shopper apps as well. 4. Food: eat less; be less indulgent. Recognize that food is a fuel source rather than a delicacy. Look for local food banks and pantries. Most homeless shelters provide two meals a day and religious organizations will provide free breakfast services. Certain restaurateurs in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area will place unclaimed delivery orders in front of their establishments for those in need to take free of charge. 5. Physical appearance merits attention. As a general respect for society, troubles, degree of destitution or lack of comforts should not be visible in one’s physical appearance. Homeless shelters often have agreements that provide a voucher to purchase needed clothing at the local Salvation Army and/or thrift stores. A respectful appearance and a well-groomed and well-kept demeanor will get you a long way in life. I do laundry in a twoweek cycle, budgeted for and organized. I also keep two colognes, use non-scented deodorants, always use lotions, and use my personal nail and grooming kit on a weekly basis. Fingernails, especially if they are long, must be kept clean. Looking good will lead to self-esteem appreciation, which will in turn make you smile, which will in turn lead to a succession of reciprocating smiles. Homelessness helped me get rid of a lot of bad behavior, such as narcissism, greed, selfishness and close-mindedness. I’ve developed a general appreciation for my fellow humans regardless of their whatever, and it's beautiful. Homelessness is a catalyst for a better you. Once you master coming out of it — whether to a lease or a title deed in your own name or to a federal housing voucher, you will be a more organized, more athletic and more economically upwardly mobile individual with more defined goals and dreams and the confidence to match and achieve them. "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal." — Earl Nightingale Ahmed recommends using gig apps like Wonlo (top right), Instawork (middle right), Veryable (right bottom) and Gigsmart The Ann Arbor YMCA offers financial assistance for membership on a case-by-case basis, based on gross annual income, household size and special circumstances. They utilize Housing and Urban Development income data in Washtenaw County in order to distribute aid in a way that reflects the community. Contact nmoorehouse@annarborymca. org for more details. (above) to find work on a day to day basis. Selling and writing for Groundcover News also offers flexible employment for people experiencing homelessness. FEBRUARY 24, 2023 DISABILITY GROUNDCOVER NEWS “How does someone live with no companionship or love in their lives?” Toledo Streets vendor Joe on homelessness, mental illness and work You may be asking yourself how the listed words in the title of this article fit together. Let me explain why I have grouped them together. The most recent count of homeless people I can find is 600 to 800 in Toledo. A good portion of them have a mental and/or physical disability. Which played a big part in their present situation. From not being able to hold a job to not being able to get a job because of a disability. Which in turn is a big factor in how homelessness starts. I have sat down with some of the homeless people that were willing to elaborate about their life and how they got where they are. I will not be using real names as they have requested of me. Some of their stories even overwhelmed me emotionally. As I listened, I felt the struggles and pain. It was almost too much to take in at times. Each person was unique, but somewhat the same, if that makes sense. Jane, as we will call her, was born with Epilepsy and Tourette’s. From the time she could remember her family was ashamed of her. To the point when they had company outside of family, they would lock her in her room or the basement like an unwanted animal. She remembers like it was yesterday. She was home-schooled so as not to embarrass her parents. Which makes it almost impossible to function in today’s society. When she turned 18 she was kicked out into the street with nothing but the JOE TAYLOR Toledo Streets vendor clothes on her back. Without a diploma and no job or social skills, it was almost impossible to survive. She tried a variety of workplaces, from fast food to the factory. Nothing was comfortable for her. Jane faced many challenges to the point she would only last a few days at each job. The end result being no income, except what she would make panhandling. Her emotional state was very distraught and hollow while talking with me. Despite her hesitation, Jane got help to get SSI benefits two years ago. As of six months ago she was approved. She tells me now she is so used to being homeless, she will live the rest of her life this way. I asked her if there was anything I could help with. Jane replied, “Love one another no matter what.” Jane is right, so many of us are fixated on appearance and material things. We forget to look past these things to see the true beauty of a person. Next, I spoke with John. John is a 44-year-old man who has been in and out of prison since the age of 22. He suffers from Bipolar II. He had loving parents who did everything they could to support him. Still, he was kicked out of school non-stop, from kindergarten to senior high school. John’s parents died in a car accident when he was 25. He explained that he gave up on life after they passed. He was convicted of crimes from robbery to attempted murder. He does not receive any government assistance at this time. Since the last time he was released from prison in 2017 he has been homeless. The way he talked about his disability is “a fight in your brain.” One side of his brain says yes and the other side says no. Which in his head creates confusion. “It is a war within your head that drives you to anger,” he said. Every job he held ended with him assaulting customers or nonstop arguments with bosses and co-workers to the point that it became physical. He gave up trying to be a productive member of society. Some of John’s everyday struggles are homelessness, hunger, loneliness, trust issues and getting into daily fights. Now he asks for spare change or food to survive. He made it clear he prefers to be homeless. This way he doesn’t have to worry about affection or dealing with people too much on a daily basis. The few times he has asked for help, he was admitted to different mental facilities, which seems to only make him madder. When I first approached him he was very standoffish with me. I was a little distrusting of his demeanor at the time I met him. I explained to him I just wanted to tell a story. He was kind of hesitant but decided to give me a chance. After talking with John, I felt a heaviness in my heart. How does someone live with no companionship or love in their lives? So many thoughts going through my head. I had to walk away from this story for a couple days. We take life for granted on a regular basis. I personally suffer from seizures and Bipolar I with self-destructive tendencies. I can relate to mental and physical disabilities. It is hard to hold a job and function daily. Which is a big part of selling street papers. They help me to grow constantly. We are a very judgmental world in many ways. I believe Lucas County, Ohio, needs more avenues for people with disabilities. More places to fit their needs in the work industry, so they can be productive in a positive way and feel somewhat normal. It is hard to function when it feels like you are destined to fail. Honestly, in my opinion, the system that is in place has failed many people. As a society we must learn to be more accepting of those with disabilities. Open your eyes to the people around us. Listen for a minute, you would be surprised by how much they have been through and are going through. Courtesy of Toledo Streets / International Network of Street Papers 7 How ability affects housing equality UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY Housing insecurity is an issue that disproportionately impacts people from various marginalized groups, one of which is people with disabilities. One cannot discuss housing insecurity without bringing disability into the conversation. The terms “unhoused” and “houselessness” were recently adopted and preferred by individuals coping with housing insecurity. Proponents of the updated terms say that houselessness does a better job capturing their situation. Home is more than the physical space. Home is composed community, memories and family, while the house is the actual structure that they’re living without. It is estimated that 25% of people who are unhoused are people with disabilities. Although there are laws in place to protect the rights of people with disabilities, discriminatory policies and housing practices still exist. An example of a discriminatory of housing practice is when property owners and property management companies require that applicants earn three times the monthly rent in order to be considered for housing. As a result of living on a fixed income, many people with disabilities don’t make enough to pay market rent rates and are left looking for affordable, and in some cases, accessible housing without success. Often the applicants are put on waiting lists that range between six months to eighteen months. When you add the need for accessibility to the equation, finding affordable housing is considerably more challenging. A recent report found that only 6% of homes nationwide are accessible while more than 15% of households include someone with a physical disability. Many shelters across the country are not accessible. This leaves people with physical disabilities with unstable and unsafe housing options. The lack of accessible and truly affordable housing around the country, coupled with attitudinal barriers, directly impacts people with disabilities. To address this situation people in positions of power need to adopt policies that prohibit discriminatory renting practices and be prepared to enforce these policies. Everyone, including people with disabilities, should have access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing. Originally published as part of United Way of Washtenaw County's Disabiltity Awareness Challenge in 2022.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY A memory train to Madras Masala It was January 20. A Friday. But for the residents of Ann Arbor, it was not just a typical day. This isn't yet another report of how Madras Masala, one of the city's most well-known Indian restaurants, caught fire. This article merely aims to bid a fond farewell to Madras Masala, one of the most cherished Indian restaurants of the community by reminiscing about some pleasant experiences. First, a brief history. According to the Ann Arbor Fire Department, the fire started in the kitchen of the restaurant Madras Masala. The students still remember the thin layer of smoke stretching Maynard Street to the Diag. This fire incident may look like just a restaurant closing, but the students believe it is the end of an era. In addition to serving as a gathering spot for fans of Indian cuisine, Madras Masala served as a bridge between various cultural groups. On a regular weekday or weekend, you could see not just Indians, but people from different ethnicities enjoying Indian food. Many believe it was not just about the food but also about the warmth the owner of this Indian restaurant gave its customers. Amanda, a junior at the University of Michigan, said,"I come from a white family, and I didn't have exposure to south-Asian culture while growing up. But after I came to college, long-time presence downtown, Madras Masala was not only a place to make new memories but also a place to remember ones from the past. You can get curious about why MAITHILI BANERJEE PRATITI U-M student contributor I fell in love with Indian food and culture through Madras Masala. I remember that the owner addressed the female customers as 'Ma,' which meant 'mother' in Hindi and Telugu." Madras Masala was a go-to restaurant for people of different age demographics too. When news of the fire broke, the internet was flooded with comments from many generations of people. Jackson Kim, a 79-year-old man, commented on the Ann Arbor Fire Department's post about Madras Masala, "Two of my grandsons used to go to the University of Michigan. I used to visit them every weekend and take them to Madras Masala for lunch. Although my grandkids graduated in 2016, we continued visiting that restaurant because we had many beautiful memories there." Because of the restaurant's Madras had such a diverse set of customers. Throughout the interviews that I did, I got various answers. For some people, it was the food. For others, it was the restaurant's ambiance, but the most popular one was that Madras's food was designed so that people with different dietary restrictions would have equal options to choose from. For instance, Madras served halal food, which is a diet preferable to Muslims. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of restaurants in Ann Arbor that serve halal food, which made Madras Masala a go-to place among the Muslim community. Phoebe Sarkar, a Bangladeshi American, said, "I grew up in New York having desi halal food, and I missed 'ghorer khabar' (home-cooked food) after I had moved to Ann Arbor for college. When I used to miss home food, I ordered food from Madras because it was halal and carried the smell of my ghorer khabar." Like Phoebe Sarkar, Madras Masala was a home away from home for thousands of people. Madras Masala is associated with so many beautiful tales and memories, but no one was able to bid it a good farewell because it vanished without warning. The unannounced comeback of Madras Masala in Ann Arbor remains a question among the University of Michigan students and Ann Arborites. It is said, "Good things don't last for long." But as Madras was better than good to the people of Ann Arbor, it will last forever through the memories people have created in that restaurant. FEBRUARY 24, 2023 Madras Masala on the afternoon of January 20, 2023.  BODY from page 3 I met Joya d’Cruz at Crazy Wisdom Women movement was born to address begin on your own but often requires an experienced healer. All of us have some healing power, which begins when you notice someone's pain and feel concerned. Prayer is a common request and excellent offering. If you have any experience with nutrition and massage, those are important healing skills. Remember your grandma’s chicken soup and someone’s hand on your shoulders to relieve the load you feel. Applied kinesiology is an important skill which tests muscle strength to get clues about your specific issue. I first experienced it with Dr. Goodheart who my parents swore by. Google says “pseudoscience,” while the Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as “a diagnostic system that uses manual testing of the functional integrity of muscles to identify illness in other parts of the body.” My rebirthing healers used applied kinesiology to look at decisions made at my birth. You will test strong or weak to any statement you make like a built in lie-detector. The body does not lie. during a workshop on emotional intelligence. She is a focusing-oriented therapist, mentored by Eugene Gendlin who has offered great guidance to me. Gendlin learned the wisdom of the body beginning with his father’s experience of escaping fascist Austria. “How did you do that Dad?” “My body told me which customs line to get in!” Eugene was on a healing path that led to writing the book “Focusing.” The act of focusing is one of the main tools of the wisdom of the body. That book will help you do that. Many meetings are difficult for me due to my hearing disability. We had a good Article Review meeting at Groundcover News earlier this year which I could feel but not understand, so I asked Joe Woods to summarize it for me and learned that “stereotyping” was a main theme. (We are planning an article on the topic together.) The suffering that arises from stereotyping includes the many kinds of violence we experience in this world, from war and mass shootings, to emotional and sexual abuse, racism and poverty. The Missing and Murdered Indigenous generations of suffering that persists now. Our ability to learn needs exercise. Let’s grow the wisdom of the body. Tuning in to your own suffering helps you feel anyone’s pain. Hugs are often healing for all of us. Breathing peace is a way to start the healing process. We have mentors among us as ancestors and living persons who are experienced in pointing out the way. I was honored to meet Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk who among other things organized expeditions of young people carrying humanitarian aid into the war zone to help villages hit by natural disasters. He was on tour as a guest of the Fellowship of Reconciliation when I met him. “Whatever you can do to stop the war,” was his message. I was reborn in his presence and became a draft resister. He founded Plum Village in France which promotes global awareness of simple breathing. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. The Tibetan Kagyu lineage led by the 17th Karmapa is a deep connection for me. I am reconnecting with my Mennonite-Church of the Brethren heritage, a gift of my parents and the Shalom Community Church of Ann Arbor. Simply breathing opens the door to new experiences and relationships. Old relationships can be reborn into deeper creativity. Explore yourself and be amazed at how deep are the obstacles that arise in life and at how well you can harness that energy as you turn to the clear light nature, the mother of the wisdom of the body. Bethlehem United Church of Christ is turning to street wisdom from the office of Groundcover. Further, they are turning to the wisdom of the body, speech and mind in the Upper Room at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays with a Tibeten Buddhist practice. Explore your community and grow many kinds of skillful means and wisdom. Great blessings are waiting for you. Be curious and enjoy. My core fell through the floor and I am now untangling a bladder/bowel Gordian knot as I breathe to work with my core in a healing process. The struggle is good. Hasta la victoria siempre! FEBRUARY 24, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. MATH PUZZLES JAN GOMBART GROUNDCOVER CONTRIBUTOR 1.On a table are 11 pennies. The first player picks up 1, 2, or 3 pennies. The second player picks up 1, 2 or 3, and they continue taking turns. The player who picks up the last penny loses. How does the first player win?

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ANN ARBOR SCHOOLS FEBRUARY 24, 2023 Slush to STEAM — the gentrification that comes with "upgrading" schools When I was in fourth grade, the news came out that my elementary school would soon be remodeled, revamped and renamed. No longer would it just be Northside Elementary; now, it was Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside. Even as a 10-year-old I could objectively see why they were doing this kind of upgrade: the administration was a mess, there were more unused classrooms than used ones because there were 188 kids stretched among the six grades taught there. VHS tapes were still the most common form of media at our school in 2014. Despite the fact that these new upgrades appeared good, there was something deep down that made me feel like something wasn’t right about the way in which they were making all these changes. As time marched on, the school became more and more unrecognizable from what it used to be, more and more different from how I remembered it. And no, I’m not talking about the multi-million dollar new gym, or the iPads guaranteed to every STEAM student, or even the massive blue squares they used for the exteriors of the building additions; those were the changes that were paraded around at countless celebrations of the completion of the “new” school. Those aren’t LIOR COOPER Groundcover contributor the differences I’m talking about. It started in 5th grade. We had retained most of our original Northside cohort going into that school year, the first year of the STEAM experiment, but our grade had nearly doubled in size from the sheer number of new students coming to the school. Our whole school experienced a population boom: our school of 188 students suddenly grew to 401. This sudden jump in population also meant a steep demographic shift within both my cohort and my school as a whole. Within a single year, Northside went from being a school where 51% of the students were economically disadvantaged in the 2013-14 school year, to a school where that percentage was 25% in the 2014-2015 school year. My grade went from having exactly half of us being considered economically disadvantaged to only 34%. This trend hasn’t changed since that first year of the new school, either: In the 2021-2022 school year, 16% of the student body as a whole were considered economically disadvantaged. This change was not because the economic situations of the families already at Northside were suddenly improved; This was because new families — richer families — were becoming a part of the now “new-andimproved” STEAM community. Families that had been going to Northside for possibly generations — the school had been around for around eighty years at that point — felt sidelined by the district and “progress-at-all-costs” mentality when it came to changes with the school. Before becoming STEAM, Northside was a Title 1 school, meaning at least 40% of its student body is considered low income. With that Title 1 status comes funding targeted towards helping the families of these economically disadvantaged students. Even with its flaws, Northside used its Title 1 money to really help ensure students were on grade level, even if they left students who were above grade level (like me, for instance) with nothing to do but read since we already understood the material being taught. Post-STEAM transformation, the school was no longer a Title 1 school, but it’s not like STEAM really needed the funding. They used their sudden influx of money from the district to help push above-grade-level students to go as far in their academic journey as they could go, meaning a number of my peers ended up entering high school ready to take calculus. On the other hand, they gave nearly no funding to helping students who were below grade level, who are often those same kids who are considered “economically disadvantaged.” The sudden drop in how many low-income kids there are at this one school, as well as the demoralizing lack of academic support they receive, speaks truth to the gentrification that has been taking place all over Ann Arbor for decades. You cannot revamp, remodel, and rename without ensuring that everyone impacted by that change can be properly and equitably supported. With each year that the issues I outlined with STEAM go ignored, more and more kids run the risk of being academically and socially left behind by this enigma of a school. - FEBRUARY 24, 2023 COMMUNITY RESOURCES GROUNDCOVER NEWS Washtenaw County Food Pantries Ann Arbor Ypsilanti MAIZE AND BLUE CUPBOARD 420 S State St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Sunday 2-6 p.m. Monday 3-7 p.m. Tuesday 3-7 p.m. Wednesday 12-7 p.m. Thursday 3-7 p.m. Friday 3-7 p.m. Must provide M-Card to enter BACK DOOR PANTRY 2309 Packard St Ann Arbor Thursday 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. SALVATION ARMY 100 Arbana Dr. Ann Arbor Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES 815 Taylor Tuesdays: 2 - 5 p.m. Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES 5200 Venture Thursday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. = Last names beginning with A-M 2-4 p.m. = Last names beginning with N-Z COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK 3 West Eden Ct. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fridays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. HOPE CLINIC 518 Harriet St. Available Pantry Appointment Times Tuesday - 12:30 -2:30 p.m. Wednesday - 4-6 p.m. Friday- 9:30 -11:30 p.m. Saturday -10-11:30 p.m. You must have a grocery appointment to shop at the pantry, call (734) 484-2989 weekdays, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. to reserve a time. Stop by the front office any time during business hours and ask for a bag of Emergency Food. Monday - Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. HOPE CLINIC FARM STAND 454 Harriet St Monday: 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m. Thursday: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CHRISTIAN LOVE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 1601 Stamford Fourth Saturday of every month 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. SOS COMMUNITY SERVICES 114 North River St. Tuesday 1 – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. EMU SWOOPS PANTRY 104 Pierce Hall Monday and Thursday 12-5 p.m. Wednesday 12 – 6:30 p.m. 24/7 WALK-UP PANTRIES Solidarity Pantry 169 N Washington St Peace House Ypsi 706 Davis This is not a complete list. If you need additional food resources, Food Gatherers has an interactive map of area pantries and programs on their website www.foodgatherers.org/foodresources/map/ 11 untitled billy hill writer the phrase the good shepherd is an interesting one. the reason being, is that people throughout time have always trusted the notion that there is a greater order to things. so the phrase, “the good shepherd “ is one we avoid a deep thinking upon. case in point: a shepherd, being a human who rears sheep so their wool and milk and flesh and offspring can be sold as profit, just to line the shepherd’s pockets. the dilemma becomes obvious. the irony being; the wild mountain goats, that roam the countryside freely, feeding themselves, coming & going as need be, able to bathe and sleep where mother nature intended. those lone billy goats who are ostrichsized for not giving in with the herd, who just execute their collector’s plan. the personal freedom exemplified and by virtue of the truth of who we are, secretly the sheep know there is purpose in the goat’s musings. though scapegoated, to put the focus on such issues, our ideal shepherd, the wild mountain goat who from the vantage points of view from the peaks above can perceive all the workings of the world below at the same time, in their own proper context, which the folks in the moment, who have their faces buried in their toil, and farming, for example, are too engrossed in to notice. the natural ability to adapt to circumstances and in still natural order through presence, is a great instructor and powerful ally. clearly the problem lies not with the free goats reminder of the folks mis_taken trust in wolves in shepherd’s form, rather the problem is of the sheep being bred into slavery. if any of these sheep were allowed, to thrive and flourish for the first time in their existence, a certain residence of the truth would be unleashed from within the deep being of our fortunate pasture dweller, the other sheep would instantly pick up on, and notice intuitively. sooner than later the cat would have been discovered to have already discarded the bag long ago, still. people do not always find freedom, and satisfaction in self expression, relates directly with our desire to fit in as a self-preserving technique. the control of fear exercised dis-allows further inquiries that could lead to insight and clarity that allows self mastery. through self-honesty and responsibility, a sign of someone mature enough to deal with things as they are, and to co-create their own reality, actually. a lot of unplanned and unexpected pregnancies could be avoided if people were empowered to handle and own their own energies and life force in a healthy honest way. encouraging the reason a lot of others to step into their values and live from a purpose driven place in one’s self, enables us to take the wheel in our own lives. to become and stay our own counsel, to guide our own course as, the same stuff as the universe, that courses through every cell of our bodies of which our bodies are composed of, in all existence, ushers us onward upon our own path. to accept responsibility with this, is why progress occurs. left to our own devices, in our natural conditions we thrive as ourselves.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Chicken enchilada soup MAYA STROHBAND Groundcover contributor This simple soup takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and is a wonderful dinner during the colder months. This delicious meal uses ingredients found in most pantries and, with its quick prep time, is sure to become a staple in any kitchen! Serves about four. Ingredients: 1 rotisserie chicken (ideally shredded but can be roughly chopped) 4 cups chicken stock 14 oz canned tomatoes 14 oz canned sweet corn 19 oz canned red enchilada sauce Optional garnishes (lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips or shredded cheddar cheese) FEBRUARY 24, 2023 Directions: Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add your choice of garnish — lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, tortilla chips or shredded cheddar cheese all go well with the soup. Add hot sauce for an extra kick! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Math puzzle solutions: 1. Work backwards. You want to leave one penny on the table to win. The play before, 5 is the number to leave. He picks up 1, 2, or 3 and you pick up 3, 2 or 1 to leave 1. To get to 5, you should leave him 9. So, on the first play, pick up 2. BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ FEBRUARY 10, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 4 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. The racialization of Washtenaw County's unhoused population. Page 4 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SONG? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Graphic by Agniva Bhaumik, Michigan in Color THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER You might think that a community street newspaper like Groundcover News is the exact opposite of Michigan in Color at The Michigan Daily, the long-standing student-run newspaper of the University of Michigan. But these two publications that seem very different from the outside have more in common than you might think. Groundcover News was founded in 2010 with the purpose of empowering low- to no-income people of Washtenaw County to transition from “homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed.” Groundcover News is grounded in several principles, including the beliefs that “all people have the right to dignity,” “poverty is political — systemic change is necessary,” “building community is essential to social change” and “solutions to poverty must involve people who are directly affected.” As a street paper, Groundcover is sold by people experiencing poverty or FEBRUARY 10, 2023 from the JOINT DESK of Michigan in Color and Groundcover News LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director homelessness as an immediate and dignified means of obtaining income — all while wielding journalism and advocacy to fight poverty from its roots. Michigan in Color was founded by three women of Color in 2014 as a safe and brave space for people of Color at the University of Michigan to express themselves and their urgent needs. Since its founding, MiC has remained committed to its mission of liberation for people of Color, especially in intersection with other marginalized JESSICA KWON Former MiC Editor identities — liberation which necessitates abolishing oppressive forces like imperialism, capitalism, colonialism, occupation, apartheid and white supremacy, which mutually reinforce one another. Here at Groundcover News and Michigan in Color, we believe our missions are intertwined. The fight for abolition cannot be separated from the realities of racism and the stark “pileup of inequities” experienced by working class and oppressed peoples. We are committed to publishing work that challenges traditional ways of knowing — and no, that doesn’t just mean we identify as “alternative” media. For these reasons, Groundcover and MiC stand in solidarity with each other and proudly present this special collaborative edition. Our intentions for this issue are twofold: first, we want to build connections between the U-M community and the unhoused community of Washtenaw County. Make no mistake: the University of Michigan is a wealthy institution attended by thousands of financially-privileged students. The students and faculty of the U-M community hold social privilege that cannot be understated — but this truth can also muddle the simultaneous reality that there are many working class students who often struggle with feeling alone and invisible in their experiences; first generation, see MIC COLLAB next page  CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Agniva Bhaumik Amy Deng Akash Dewan Mike Jones Saarthak Johri Jessica Kwon Anchal Mahl Cedric McCoy Ken Parks Will Shakespeare Denise Shearer Maya Sheth Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Zachary Dortzbach Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons FEBRUARY 10, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is your favorite song? "Beautiful Eyes" by Glenn Lewis. — Gary Robinson, #224 "Let it Be" by the Beatles. — Tony Schol, #9 "I love the Lord He Heard My Cry" by Pastor Danny Hollins. — Lit Kurtz, #159 "My Ambitionz" by Mozzy. — Derek Allen, #177 "Haunt Me" by Sade. — Joe Woods, #103 "Know You Will" by Hillsong UNITED. — Amanda Gale, #573 "Mainstreet" by Bob Seger. — Fred Allen, #170 "Gotta Get Mine" by MC Breed. — Brian Hargrove, #158 The Chinese National Anthem. — James Tennant, #174 "1980" by Rehab and Steaknife. It's our song! — Tabitha Ludwig #360 and Sean Almond #561 Philidelphia sound, Motown. — Schillington Morgan, #148 "Fireflies" by Owl City. — Tre McAlister, #519 "Desert Rose" by Sting. — Cindy Gere, #279 "Goodnight Irene" by Pete Seeger. — Ken Parks, #490 "Purple Rain" by Prince. — Gary Leverett, #554 Listen for yourself! Scan the QR code to listen to the "Groundcover News vendor top hits" playlist on Spotify.  MIC COLLAB from last page low-income students who don’t enjoy the same privileges as their peers, students who have experienced homelessness themselves, students whose dire needs are seldom met by the University. Our second intention is to raise awareness of the circumstances of the Washtenaw unhoused community, in their own words, and of the ethical responsibilities U-M students, from their positions of relative privilege, have to those unhoused around them — whether it be mutual aid, a Groundcover News purchase, a simple conversation or even just eye contact and a smile. The more knowledge community members have of Groundcover News, the better the street paper model works. Groundcover vendors contend with the challenge of the University population's yearly turnover, especially because they are not allowed to sell on campus. Each year, relationships are made, people move away and are replaced by 7,00010,000 new residents who have no clue what Groundcover News is — unless, perhaps, they come from another city with a street paper. In sharing print space with each other, we hope to expose future customers and readers to Groundcover News early, and amplify their support of its work, operations and mission. We hope that this collaboration will inspire you in the U-M community to develop relationships with unhoused people, carry couple of physical dollar bills on your persons to provide financial aid to those in need and to purchase — and read — Groundcover News as often as you can. We hope you will interact with Groundcover News vendors on the streets, because even when you lack the means to lend them help monetarily, a smile or a conversation can bring them comfort and emotional support. And we hope you will learn something about the topics covered in this collaboration — anti-homeless infrastructure, the Trotter Multicultural Center and the Ann Arbor public school system, to name a few — and think about them, and the lenses through which we view them. Peace, appearances and transforming reality Peace is a revolution of values that respects the appearances of reality and also respects the reality from which appearances arise. Our most profound context is derived from the truths we hold to be self-evident. Everything is interrelated. Loving kindness and compassion make this interrelated reality a workable situation. It promotes discriminating awareness to make sense of the vast display of appearances. Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Thich Nhat Hanh are among our 20th century “saints” who pointed the way. As A. J. Muste said, “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” The 2023 MLK event by the Chapter 93 branch of Veterans For Peace discussed this revolution of values with a look at MLK’s landmark speech “Beyond Vietnam, A Time to Break Silence.” This outstanding presentation by Bob Krzewinski and Bill Shea will help anyone who hears it begin to mature as a human being for peace. MLK’s eloquent analysis and meditation on reality is the way to begin a genuine education for peace. Only then can we look at our current situation in the context of militarism, racism and materialism — the great sins of “Manifest Destiny” and “American exceptionalism.” All actions have results. We have a responsibility to look at how those results play out. White There is no way to peace, peace is the way. — A.J. Muste KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 supremacy is linked to the most dangerous supremacies of imperialism and fascism. How is it that we have avocados year round and avocado-producing countries have a flood of refugees at the border? It is our responsibility to answer the question of young people, “What world system are you supporting?” We hear the refrain “another world is possible!” Breathe peace and go to work on the everyday things that create our lived experience. This is the work that meetings, vigils and rallies will promote. The heart of the struggle is to be aware of the results of our work.The chain-of-command mentality may not even know who is at the top of the chain. When compliance with instructions is automatic, we can easily carry out orders that are destructive to the common good. A good neighbor may regularly promote the war on nature if compliance requires chemical warfare. When weeds become the enemy, it is mother earth who suffers. When painkillers shut down the causes of pain, we will go from one pain to another and never learn our true condition. When violence becomes the norm, we may focus compulsively on the details of the latest mass killing and not look at the dysfunction that produces violence as a habitual response to suffering. The suffering we experience can only be cured by looking at causes and context and exercising our creativity. Curiosity is the key. Explore interrelatedness and discover the peace which prevails in the same way that the grass still grows and the birds still sing. We can begin peace by demilitarizing the war machine. Put a flower in the barrel of a gun. Love your enemy enough to risk your life for peace. At least study a wide variety of views that help find the clues to promote love as the best option! Loving your enemy is the most revolutionary value to begin living in peace. Aikido — the way of harmonizing energy — is a state of mind; play with whatever comes your way. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 "

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS FEBRUARY 10, 2023 The racialization of Washtenaw County's unhoused population CEDRIC MCCOY MiC Assistant Editor In the last decade, scholars across academia have begun to investigate the phenomenon of homelessness through contemporary, intersectional lenses. Historically, being unhoused has been understood as being unimpacted by societal and systemic influences and more often interpreted as resulting from a series of an individual’s choices or circumstances. Modern studies have deemed this framework to be objectively false: homelessness is a complex issue that requires multifaceted approaches in order to determine its root causes as well as its catalysts. Vijay Mago et al describe this in “Analyzing the impact of social factors on homelessness: a Fuzzy Cognitive Map approach.” “Homelessness is a complex social problem with a variety of underlying economic and social factors such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, uncertain physical and mental health, addictions, and community and family breakdown. These factors, in varying combinations, contribute to duration, frequency, and type of homelessness… Homelessness is difficult to define, thus governments struggle with uncertainty when creating and implementing policies they hope will effectively manage or eradicate this problem.” The rise in our unhoused populations is problematized further by concurrent factors that act as limiting and oppressive, such as race, gender, ability and immigrant status. This article takes a look at the demographics of Washtenaw County’s unhoused population by race in order to demonstrate the dramatic overrepresentation of People of Color in our local homeless community. In his article “Racialized Homelessness: A Review of Historical and Contemporary Causes of Racial Disparities in Homelessness,” Dr. Matthew Z. Fowle describes the narratives that have formed around homelessness in the last half-century: “Research examining the prevalence of homelessness by race and ethnicity implies that homelessness prior to the 1980s was predominantly experienced by single older White men. However, a broader understanding of the histories of homelessness among Black, Latinx, and Native American people suggests substantial racial overrepresentation has existed for far longer than the past 40 years—in many cases, for centuries.” Fowle goes on to identify the early manifestations of what would become “homelessness” in the colonization of America. By primarily making connections to the forced migrations of Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans, Fowle crafts a new narrative — one in which the displacement of People of Color in America is understood as a cultural institution that has been operating since the conception of this nation by Europeans. This understanding directly parallels the origins and histories of Washtenaw County and its municipalities. For example, the name “Washtenaw” is an English approximation of the Ojibwe (sometimes “Ojibwa,” “Ojibway” or “Chippewa”) word used to describe the land that various peoples inhabited prior to colonization. Not only was this land stolen and its peoples forced elsewhere, but so are its name and cultural significance. The Detroit metropolitan area became one of the larger centers of trade and commerce in the late 18th–19th century for the early Midwest. Originally colonized by the French, Indigenous peoples were the first to be enslaved and used in the fur trade industry. These Indigenous slaves were the primary labor force of the area, until wealthy French slave owners and their African slaves began to settle in the region soon after. Harvard professor Dr. Tiya Miles describes these early enslavement practices and demographics in her 2017 book “The Dawn of Detroit: A Chronicle of Slavery and Freedom in the City of the Straits” as well as her U-M Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program Mapping Slavery in Detroit. Immigration to (as well as migrations from) Detroit, located in Wayne County, had a significant impact on the racial demographics of surrounding areas in the coming centuries. By the peak of American industrialization and the subsequent Great Migration in the 20th century, Black Americans as well as Latine and Indigenous peoples began to constitute significant portions of the regional population. Upon the collapses of major American manufacturing industries and factories in the Midwest during the mid-20th century, however, newly immigrated populations lacked the social and economic capital to relocate again; thus, many of these communities have remained a part of the makeup of the region. People of Color in the state of Michigan in general, but Washtenaw County specifically, are demographically underrepresented in the population when compared to the national average. Despite this, People of Color are drastically overrepresented in the unhoused population. Since 2005, the Washtenaw County Continuum of Care (CoC) has published its Point-InTime (PIT) counts of its unhoused population; these reports include county-wide demographics, as well as interpretations of the data and occasionally plans for improving the current findings. The most recent report, completed in January 2022, found that roughly 211 persons in Washtenaw County met the government definition of chronically unhoused on the evening of the count (though in 2020 upwards of 2,800 met the definition of literally unhoused). Of those 211, 43% identified as Black or African American. While there was a reported decrease in the overall number of unhoused people, as well as a decrease in homelessness for all racial minorities, Black people still represented nearly four times as many unhoused persons as they do people in the general population. Furthermore, the national average of unhoused Black people is 40%; thus in Washtenaw County, Black people specifically are overrepresented in nearly every possible category of homelessness, even in comparison with the rest of the country. But why is this overrepresentation so dramatic? Let us return to the original remarks from “Analyzing the impact of social factors on homelessness.” Empirically, Black-identifying persons suffer from higher rates of mental health disorders (as well as a lack of access to treatment), poverty, inability to build wealth, lack of access to affordable housing and homeownership, among other social factors. To be overrepresented in both the predictive metrics for homelessness as well as the complicating factors makes certain that Black people would be overrepresented in homelessness itself. Beyond being unhoused, exiting homelessness is incredibly difficult for Black people. On this, Teresa Wiltz of Pew Trusts writes: “People of color are more likely to get pushed into homelessness because they are more likely to have a criminal record, which makes it tough to find housing or a job. Or they have a past eviction. Or they have money to pay the rent, but can’t afford the security deposit to move into a new place. Perhaps the landlord doesn’t accept housing vouchers.” Historically, housing injustice in Washtenaw county has been fueled by discriminatory housing practices. Racially restrictive homeownership clauses in its most populous cities (that still exist in many current home deeds), such as in Ann Arbor, document the inaccessibility of housing to Washtenaw’s Black residents. Washtenaw also faces a significant opportunity gap in terms of employment and education for its Black residents, stunting upward mobility. Pair this with the state of Michigan’s eviction crisis in a country where Black people — specifically Black Women — are disproportionately affected by eviction, and the causes of the racialization of Washtenaw’s unhoused population become clear. Thus, Black people are notably more likely to be unhoused and stay unhoused, especially in Washtenaw County. This isn’t some new discovery, unfortunately: MLive reported on the racial disparity found in the CoC’s reporting in 2017, and in 2018, Washtenaw’s own CoC identified the racial disparity in their reporting and published its assessment of its data collection methodologies in order to ensure that the overrepresentation was not in error; and though not specifically focused on the racial disparity, The Michigan Daily reported on Ann Arbor’s homelessness crisis in 2020 and 2021. Ultimately, the racialization of Washtenaw’s homeless crisis is one made by and sustained by intersecting systems of oppression aligning to target (both directly and indirectly) the Black population. The continued lack of access to recovery and transition programs, as well as housing, stems from public lawmakers and representatives not allocating funding and personnel to the issue. Within the greater context of a capitalist framework, homelessness should be understood as an inherent characteristic rather than a side effect of our society. There are some steps we can take in our own communities to help reduce the impacts of homelessness for our unhoused population: volunteering at shelters and resource centers, engaging in mutual aid and using our voting power to demand our representatives amend legislation that will otherwise continue to harm our unhoused. In the meantime, we can also lean into compassion and understanding, and care for each other in every moment possible. Housing inequity is caused by the ruling class’s systems, but the solution can only come from our community. FEBRUARY 10, 2023 HOMELESSNESS Movie night ANONYMOUS MiC contributor I don’t wish I had never been homeless. How else would I have developed my impeccable Scottish accent? Or how to make cheese and off-brand Ritz crackers feel gourmet? Or how that the back door in the local library never got locked so you could sneak in to use Wi-Fi even in the dead of winter? That being said, waking up the morning of your 16th birthday to put on a wrinkled, hand-washed AP Environmental Science t-shirt you got for free is not ideal. Neither is the cold. “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” is why I have such a good Scottish accent, by the way. I snuck back to my house (not my house) after school one day and squatted in the backyard with the clunky old laptop I had borrowed from an uncle. I connected to the Wi-Fi and held the Dell out of the snow for the 23 minutes and 16 seconds it took to download the movie. That night, I told my younger siblings, “Now we have a movie we can watch without the internet, how fun!” In “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” the squid-faced pirate (Davy Jones, apparently) spoke in a Scottish accent. I brazenly mimicked that same inflection to make my family laugh. Every time we’d watch the scene with the hordes of crabs running around every which way, I’d take in a deep breath and, channeling every single one of my Scottish ancestors (of which there are none), yell out accented, improvised dialogue. I’d shout, “What have you done to my brethren!” as they scuttled about my warped screen, rolling my r’s like any self-respecting Scotsman. My siblings would collapse in heaps of giggles, sprawled out in glee. I’d pull the shared blanket back over them to conserve heat. I cannot count how many times I’ve seen that movie. I was homeless and it’s fine because it happened but also it’s not fine because what did we do to deserve that? Why did that have to happen to us? Why does that have to happen to anyone? In what world is that an acceptable reality? After some time, your brain starts to warp your perception of reality to reconcile the cognitive dissonance brought on by the whole situation. The human brain is made deeply uncomfortable by conflicting information. “I was homeless,” you reason, “because I deserved to be. I must be a truly terrible person deep down inside. I believe I have good intentions but that must be my deceptive evil subconscious, so evil that it lies even to me. I must be a bad person and that is my explanation and now I move on with my life knowing I am, at the end of the day, no good at all. It all makes sense.” If you believe you are a bad person for long enough, you become one. There is no use in not stealing, telling the truth or sharing a smile because you are constantly told that you are fundamentally bad and will be treated as such. Engaging in bad behavior is not just a possibility but an eventuality. So of course you stole that pen. You are bad and that is what bad people do. It’s what you always would have done even if you want to be good because, at the end of the day, your true nature will always win out. A bad person has no business trying to be good because they will always be bad. Being good is a fruitless effort. You will always be bad because it’s the only thing that makes sense. Such is the nature of self-fulfilling prophecy. I was never able to fully convince myself of my badness. My intentions are good and my actions minimize harm and I would rather not hand all my agency to a self-fulfilling prophecy like that. Some classmates make me wish I was bad, though. The righteous anger of a good person just isn’t enough for someone who claims “poor people don’t work hard enough,” while their parents pay their tuition and connect them to cushy internship opportunities. I want to tell them working three jobs isn’t laziness and that existing in poverty is costly and time-consuming, racking up more expenses than any well-off person could ever imagine having to deal with. There are no bootstraps to pull yourself up by when the world is designed to make you fail. It’s fine most times but some days I think I should kick everyone’s walls in and see how they like it. Sometimes I wish I had never been homeless. If only to rewatch “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End”. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PUBLIC PLACES FEBRUARY 10, 2023 Examining Ann Arbor's hostile and hospitality architecture SAARTHAK JOHRI MiC columnist If you’ve ever taken a long walk through Ann Arbor, you might note that for a relatively walkable city, benches are somewhat rare. They’re a bit more common at bus stops, but there’s usually something a bit odd about them. A bar is affixed — usually welded on so removal is impossible — to the bench, dividing it into sections. It’s often cylindrical, making it difficult to use as an armrest. Smaller benches are made impossible to sit in for plus-size individuals and the overall lack of benches makes it harder for those with chronic pain or fatigue to traverse the city on foot. So the question arises: Why are they built this way? This bench division is a long-standing practice of hostile architecture, which makes cities less hospitable for those mentioned above. But that very hostility is intended toward one of the most vulnerable populations — the unhoused. Bars that divvy up benches make it more difficult for unhoused people to use them to sleep. Hostile architecture to prevent the repose of the unhoused manifests itself in many other ways all over the world: several sharp stones placed inside structures, spikes on the ground under the pretense of modern art, benches that are fixed to tilt forward, the lack of access to public bathrooms, loud noise blaring through the speakers of local businesses — Ann Arbor being especially complicit in those last few. If you’ve ever taken a walk through downtown — especially in the winter — you might notice that many restaurants have built small huts, igloos and heated patios for diners to eat in. This hospitality architecture heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restaurateurs had to figure out how to serve patrons under quarantine regulations in the cold of winter, even with the risk of fire to their building. Even after things warmed up and patrons began getting vaccinated, local businesses kept this practice, for the sheer novelty of the customer experience. And isn’t that just a little odd? These restaurants were able to acquire permits and quickly build small, heated housing in the streets of Ann Arbor for the purposes of the profits they brought in; to use the words of the Michigan General Defense Committee, it seems tents on the streets are fine as long as there aren’t any unhoused individuals in them. Now, let me be clear — this is not a condemnation of our local businesses doing whatever they can to survive — but our unhoused population is doing exactly that to a much more severe degree. What we should call into question is our city’s priorities and how we think about the architecture they form. Ann Arbor isn’t as extreme an offender in blatantly hostile structures as some other cities. What’s still striking about these choices is that so much thought is placed into making a city hostile to the unhoused rather than addressing its own housing issues. If you’ve taken a walk anywhere see HOSTILE page 11  Illustration by Maya Sheth, Michigan in Color Boober and public benches offer respite from weariness and weather First of all, I want to talk about public benches. They are very helpful to people with disabilities and elderly people. They are very much needed. I think they need to be on every street and by every business. I think they make the community look good. They are good for vendors who sell things. They are good for vendors who sell things who have disabilities and who are elderly. They are also good for anyone else who is just tired from being on their feet all day in rough weather. I hope they put more public benches in the community. I use public benches everywhere I DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 go if they’re there. I use public benches for waiting for the bus or sitting in the park or just resting by a library. Everywhere that I go I would like to have a public bench or public chair because there’s people with disabilities, including me, whose feet don’t always do what I want them to do. I appreciate the public benches that are painted pretty colors and the benches that are dedicated to a loved one by someone who loved them. Boober pedicabs are very much needed and appreciated too. I think people who provide rides with Boober are offering a very needed service and I really admire them. They make me happy. Riding on Boober is very comforting. Riding on Boober is also a relief from trying to walk on ice and snow. Riding on Boober is a relief when your legs and feet are tired. Boober is not only a needed service in winter weather but in hot, summer weather, too. I think it’s a relaxing ride with or without the driver playing music. I have taken Boober for a short ride and a long ride — you can do both with Boober! Riding on Boober is very comfortable and relaxing. Boober gives a kind of service that makes me feel there are still people in the world who care. FEBRUARY 10, 2023 VALENTINE'S DAY Truth or lies: The unexpected valentine “Good morning! You are currently rocking with K-M Vibes of Manhattan, New York City, the station that plays all your favorite hits. DJ Chopper is the greatest, chopping out hits from old to new …” Jack Harloway, aka DJ Chopper, was a popular, up-and-coming disc jockey. Chopper had won a five-year radio apprenticeship during his last year in college at Musicland University. All during school he never participated in any programs or dances, uncomfortable that everyone teased him about the birthmark on his face. It spanned from the middle of his eyebrows, curving around his eyes and ending at the tip of his nose, shaped like a heart. He did ask Ashley Blake to the prom in high school; however, she shut him down, criticizing the birthmark. He had a crush on his science partner Daphne Pager in college, but he never acted on his feelings. However, he never gave up on his DJ career and was ecstatic about his position at the local radio station. It was his third year working at the station and he was now working the morning shift. This position was very important to all his of co-workers; everyone wanted the morning shift except Chopper. He knew the position FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 came with a lot of public association and appearances. His co-worker “DJ Head” was a confident handsome man, popular with the ladies. DJ Head often teased Chopper on and off the radio about talking to the ladies … “Good day ladies, its DJ Head the smooth operator — ‘smooth with the ladies playing the smooth sounds of love' — unlike Chopper, who’s always chopping up your smoothness with his uncouth sense for love.” It was Chopper’s turn to speak. “Once again Chopper fans, hop on to this beat.” He played LL Cool J’s “I Need Love.” Being a shy man, the evening shift was perfect for Chopper: he could express himself without being seen. Unfortunately for him, Valentine's Day GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Illustration by Amy Deng, Michigan in Color was the next holiday on the schedule. The holiday he hated the most. He often remembered that the only valentine he ever received in school read “Be my Valentine, Scarface. Sike!” The station decided to hold an auction at the state fair auditorium to raise money for muscular dystrophy. The winner would receive a free movie and dinner date with their favorite DJ. He was worried that once the winner saw the birthmark on his face they would be appalled. DJ Head was an arrogant man, talking about the auction and how the ladies were going to come out and bid for him. On the other hand, Chopper was totally shy, trying to avoid his questions about who was going to bid on him. He wanted to opt out of the auction; however it was mandatory that each DJ participate. One morning two weeks before the auction, Chopper had had enough abuse from his co-worker and he just told his story on the radio. He expressed his dislike of Valentine's Day due to the see DJ CHOPPER page 11 

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EDUCATION My struggle with education MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Throughout my life I struggled with school. I got my education through the Ann Arbor School District. I attended Bach Elementary School, Slauson Middle School and Pioneer High School. As a young lad I first attended Mack Elementary School. Mack Elementary had a predominantly Black student body; it was where all my neighborhood friends went to school. One week into the start of my schooling, Ann Arbor Public Schools relocated me to Bach Elementary because I lived on Ashley Street between Kingsley Street and Miller Avenue. I was outside the district and had to attend Bach Elementary, which had a predominantly white student body. Every year in elementary school, at the end of the school year, I would have a one-on-one talk with the teacher about my disruptive behavior. I was simply moving to the next grade because I was too big, he explained, and he was not going to let me disrupt next year's class. In the fifth or sixth grade the principal of Bach Elementary, my teacher and my grandmother had an Individualized Education Program meeting concerning my disruptive behavior. In that meeting they decided to put me in special education for the emotionally impaired. I was sent to Thurston Elementary School. Mr. Lee was the teacher and Judy was the assistant teacher. In special education class they required two teachers per classroom. Besides Mr. Lee, in special ed. the teachers were called by their first names. The first thing I noticed was that the educational curriculum was more reflective of third-grade education. I noticed this throughout the special education system as a whole — even in middle school and high school the educational material was kept at a third- to fourth-grade level. They tended to deal with behavioral issues more than actually educating the students. For example, every day in school, the teacher, the assistant and the students would have two group meetings per day to discuss behavioral issues. The teacher and the assistant would basically engage in conversation with the students that would end with a student (or students) being put on timeout where the student would sit in a corner in a study carrel. If the disruptive behavior continued, then the student would be sent to the blue room. The blue room was just that: a blue room with five divided sections for disruptive students to sit in for 15 minutes. My favorite staff member was a big Black guy, named Big Mike, who ran the blue room. Let's say the student doesn’t want to and refuses to go to the blue room; then the teacher and staff (Big Mike) would gang up and restrain the student until he submitted or calmed down. I was never restrained during the time I was in special education. Middle school was the worst. By this time, I’d earned my way back to general schooling. I lived in Principal Michael’s office at Slauson Middle School. It got so bad they decided to put me back in special ed. After another IEP meeting they sent me to Pleasant Lake School, which was located out in the country (the boondocks). Then Pleasant Lake relocated to Ann Arbor's Lakewood School. A lot was learned there. This was when I started my journey in rational thinking. I hated everything about special ed: no girls in class; when we walked down the school hallways they made us line up in a single-file line; we had to ride the short bus with other students with severe disabilities to school. I felt deep inside myself I needed to get out of that place. I wanted to be like all the other students in general school. I made up my mind that I would get out of special ed. and back into general school. My problem was that I wanted to argue with teachers and staff. I learned the power of rational thought. Being emotionally impaired means you have a tendency to not think rationally and allow emotion to dictate behavior. Eventually, I learned the philosophy of “if you can’t beat them, join them.” I learned how to have proper dialogue with them and soon I was back in general school again. It was a long process in order to get back into general school. It was called the “step system.” There were five steps to complete. They used a point system; every class the teacher would give points on your behavior in class and you had to get so many points a day. The student had a sheet of paper to keep track of his points. Step one, the sheet of paper was pink. If you were well-behaved that week you would get rewarded; it was called honor roll and progress. The students that got enough points for good behavior got to watch a movie and eat cheese popcorn. A teacher named Gary used to make the best cheese popcorn. Two weeks of good behavior then you move to step two. Step two, the student would get a blue sheet of paper to keep a record of points. It took three weeks to move to step three. Step three was a yellow sheet of paper. It took four weeks to move to step four. Step four was a green sheet of paper. The final step — a purple sheet Jones studying at the Washtenaw Community College student building. Photo submitted. of paper. After this step you are allowed to re-enter general public school parttime for a semester. If you behaved and continued on the right path, the next semester you could re-enter general public schools full-time. In 1988, at the tender age of 15 years old, I started high school at Pioneer. That year, Pioneer hired a Black principal, Dr. Jones. Students in this era produced no-nonsense principals like Dr. Jones. I am going to make it plain for you: in one week’s time, a lot of Black students got kicked out of high school forever, including myself. I’m not going to lie; the people that got kicked out of school were involved in gangs and street activities. This is when alternative schooling came into effect. Many students who were having problems in general high school and were no longer allowed to attend “forever” had a choice to continue high school courses in order to graduate or obtain a G.E.D. certificate from alternative schools. In the Ann Arbor area, students like myself went to Stone School. Most students continued taking high school courses at Stone School in order to graduate but I decided to get the G.E.D. certificate instead. General Education Development signifies that you have an equivalent level of knowledge compared to a high school graduate, without actually having graduated high school. I felt that I had no other choice because I was so far behind in high school credits. It only made sense to get my G.E.D. The G.E.D. test consists of four tests: English, math, social studies and science. It took me a semester to complete. I did well on English and social studies but struggled a little on math and science. I still passed all four tests on the first try. I felt a sense of accomplishment. As time went on, I lingered around at my grandparents’ house smoking weed, listening to Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre and being constantly reminded by the commercials on TV that “this is your brain on drugs” or “a mind is a terrible thing to waste” and finally this one: “you are never too old to go back to school.” I struggled, but came up with the conclusion to go to college. Needless to say, my struggles continued as I attended my first year at Washtenaw Community College in 1994. The first thing I learned about college is that it’s like a full-time job. It requires a lot of time and effort. I wanted to be a doctor as a youngster, so I took a medical terminology class. I dropped that class because I felt discouraged; it was like learning another language and I was taking a full class load and got overwhelmed and dropped out completely. I returned back to WCC in 1996. I took a computer application class in Microsoft Excel, and got a B grade. I also passed a basic writing class in 2009. As adult life started taking its toll on me as far as being married, raising a family and all the other life challenges, I decided to put schooling on the back burner. I became a cab driver and drove Blue Cab for nearly 15 years where I serviced the Washtenaw County area. I drove University of Michigan students to all the nightclubs — Scorekeepers (Skeeps), Good Time Charley’s and Rick’s — and back and forth to the airport. Those were the good-ol-days of cab driving. Thanks to Uber and Lyft, I am now a retired cab driver with a new occupation, writing and selling Groundcover newspapers. Now that my daughter is all grown up and is an army nurse and my son is in high school, I feel this is the time to go back to school to further my education. In the winter 2023 semester, I’m taking an English class toward my Journalism Associate’s degree and Music Production and Audio Engineering certificate. Music runs in my blood. I’m a lifetime musician. In my youth I played the bass guitar and piano. In 2012, I started a music group called Get-ChaMind Right Crew. GCMRC is a crew of emcees and artists in the wilderness of North America striving to have their see EDUCATION page 12  FEBRUARY 10, 2023 FEBRUARY 10, 2023 ON CAMPUS GROUNDCOVER NEWS William Trotter Center: legacy of Black student activists’ vision of a multiracial University of Michigan In the 1960s, young Americans, especially college students, found themselves in revolt. Activism to change the world was in full force. There was agitation for women’s liberation, including reproductive rights. There was crusading to protect the environment and save the planet. There was activism for educational diversity, equity and inclusion. And of course, there was a major civil rights movement to end racial injustice, social injustice, economic injustice, healthcare disparities, racism, poverty, militarism, discrimination and inequality. With Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership and the involvement of millions of “ordinary” people, Congress passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The following year, in 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act. Both were signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson. In 1967, President Johnson came up with a non-discrimination executive order; it created a national office for affirmative action compliance. The key goal of this executive order was to encourage colleges, K-12 schools, state governments, local governments and businesses to take serious actions to recruit, train and retain people of Color. The federal government wanted any organization that was getting government contracts to help promote diversity, equity and inclusion in America. The Civil Rights Movement pushed for a multiracial democracy and Johnson’s administration used the compliance power of the federal government to ensure more multicolored and multi-cultural college campuses and workplaces. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, on April 4, 1968 was an earthquake that shook the moral conscience of our nation. It led to riots and profound demonstrations in most of the major cities and towns. There was sadness everywhere. Dr. King’s death led to increased activism by Black students and their multiracial allies. Those activists did sit-ins, protests, and even occupied buildings which housed university presidents and other administrators. There was always a list of demands. At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, students demanded more students of Color be admitted, more faculty and staff of Color be hired, that a building be designated as a U-M multicultural center and that a Center for Afro-American and African Studies be established. The implementation of the above demands, among others, was gradual, and some have yet to be WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 9 met. In the early 1970s, the William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center was first established off-campus at the corner of Washtenaw Avenue and South University Street. The University community of students, administrators, faculty, staff and alumni were happy to see the recent relocation to a more central campus location. Trotter’s legacy William Monroe Trotter was an African-American journalist, civil rights activist and real-estate businessman in Boston. He was born on April 7, 1872 in Chillicothe, Ohio and died April 7, 1934 in Boston. After Trotter graduated Phi Beta Kappa with distinction from Harvard University, he founded and edited The Guardian, a progressive newspaper that was published in the building that had previously housed an abolitionist newspaper, The Liberator. During the early 20th Century, Trotter helped W.E.B. Du Bois and other civil rights activists organize a group to achieve racial equality: the Niagara Movement. That effort led to the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Trotter was a fearless activist. He challenged the pragmatic views of Booker T. Washington in 1903 and was arrested for heckling Washington at the AME African-American Church in Boston. He pushed back against presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson on questions of racial inequality, segregation and discrimination. In 1919, against the wishes of the U.S. government, Trotter was named a delegate to the National Equal Rights League at the Paris Peace Conference. Related to Sally Hemings William Monroe Trotter’s father, James Trotter, was born a slave in Mississippi. James’s father was a white slave owner of James’s mother, Letitia; William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center is located on State Street. Photo credit: Jessica Kwon. she and her children were set free by their master after their owner married. Letitia and her mixed-race children (including James) were sent to Cincinnati, Ohio, a northern state with a supportive community for free Black people. Young James Trotter fought on the Union side during the Civil War and was promoted to lieutenant in the famous 55th Massachusetts Regiment. Trotter’s mother was Virginia Isaacs. Like William’s father, she was a Black American of mixed race said to have been born free. Her mother was born a slave and lived at Monticello, the primary slave plantation of America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson. Virginia Isaacs' mother was Ann Elizabeth Fossett. She was the great-granddaughter of Elizabeth “Betty” Heming, a slave who gave birth to six children by owner John Wayles, including Sally Hemings, who all looked white but were born into slavery. Conclusion As Ann Arbor welcomes the Multicultural Center to its new central campus location, let us remember that shared values of many at the University of Michigan — activism, social justice, excellence, civic engagement and community engagement — are part and parcel of William Monroe Trotter’s legacy. There is so much that has changed since the 1960s and 1970s. Some challenges remain. But to have a “Michigan in Color” is to have a “Gorgeous Mosaic.” Dr. King’s dream shall never die. His hopes for pluralism, diversity and inclusion still live. On this campus, the difference is beautiful. This article was originally published in Groundcover News in May 2019.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS DOWNTOWN FEBRUARY 10, 2023 Photography by Akash Dewan, Michigan in Color Stop ignoring homeless people on State Street ANCHAL MALH MiC contributor If you ever find yourself at the University of Michigan, chances are you’ll take a trip down State Street. During the early evening hours after the last classes for the day have ended, State Street comes alive. Many of the local campus eateries, shopping and living complexes are centrally located there. Although it is a hub for college students and located in the heart of one of the country’s best college towns, Ann Arbor is still a city where individuals and families with no association with the University reside. Recognized as the third best public university in the nation, it is no surprise to University of Michigan students and associated employees that the cost of living in downtown Ann Arbor and its surrounding neighborhoods is high. The level of prestige, elite status and innovative research tied to the Michigan name alludes to an exclusive lifestyle attainable by the average student on campus. It’s important to acknowledge that the average U-M student most likely doesn’t have an issue with meeting housing costs due to help from family members or other resources. The median student household income of a student that attends the University of Michigan is $154,000, while the average American household’s median income is $67,521. Therefore, when apartment complexes located close to campus like Foundry Lofts, The Hub and The Varsity begin charging more than one thousand dollars per occupant in a unit, it’s no shock that other complexes in Ann Arbor have started following suit. According to PayScale, housing costs in Ann Arbor are 16% higher than the national average. In 2023, the average Ann Arbor apartment is predicted to cost between $1,368 and $1,917 per apartment. With 47,659 students currently enrolled as either an undergraduate or graduate student at the University, there is demand for housing that needs to be met. And as recalled before, the average U-M student has the means to meet prices put in place by landlords. However, where does this leave low-income and/or unhoused residents of Ann Arbor not associated with the University? And how do they manage to survive in a town built to cater to those who come from an upper-class society? According to the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, in 2020, 2,800 individuals experienced homelessness or sought emergency housing. More recently, at the end of 2022, the demand for a place in Ann Arbor homeless shelters rose by 30%. During my time as a student, I’ve noticed the housing crisis gets worse on everyday walks down State Street as the population of unhoused people continuously grows. There is a common misconception that those who face housing insecurity or financial troubles misuse their money or “don’t spend it on the right things.” (Who are we as a society to police the way people choose to spend their money? Unhoused persons may struggle with addiction and when medical resources are unavailable, treatment for substance abuse is unattainable.) However, research shows that the average person is only one or two paychecks away from experiencing homelessness. In general, society holds extremely negative perceptions of people in poverty experiencing homelessness. It often leads to the dehumanization and criminalization of the homeless population. Unhoused persons are more likely to be subjected to violent crimes, harassment and public degradation. There are rules present in cities across Michigan prohibiting sleeping, receiving free food or loitering, all activities unhoused persons engage in to survive. In Ann Arbor, the Michigan State Police once threatened to evict residents of Camp Take Notice, a tent community that provides food and shelter to individuals in need. The policies established to erase Ann Arbor’s homelessness crisis continue to isolate homeless persons, restrict them from receiving help and further perpetuate the idea that an individual’s actions are what got them to that place. It fails to acknowledge other non-controllable and systemic circumstances that can cause someone to become homeless. Furthermore, people tend to look away when they see a homeless person on State Street. For some reason, they have this elaborate fantasy that they’ll be singled out by an unhoused person, where they will then be forced to offer money. When the people of Ann Arbor turn a blind eye to the town’s homeless population, it denies their experience, ignores the realities of the Ann Arbor housing crisis and further alienates unhoused persons from society. Extending a hand or simply smiling at someone is an act of kindness that’s often forgotten about. Walking past someone asking for food or money in front of our local Target or Starbucks is a form of dehumanization that U-M students actively participate in every single day. As another student, I understand that sometimes we can be trapped in our own world with tunnel vision, focused on being on time to the next class or meeting. However, when you consciously put in your AirPods, fake a phone call with an imaginary friend or decide to cross the street early before you are approached by a homeless person, it becomes clear that they are not seen as a person in your eyes as they become invisible to you. - 120 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 734-327-9239 FEBRUARY 10, 2023 CONTINUED  HOSTILE from page 7 around Central Campus — South University, State Street, downtown — you’ll undoubtedly question why so much of this city is under construction. Sites and advertisements promise new luxury high-rises taking up even more space in this city in the midst of such little access to affordable housing. This architecture is Ann Arbor’s most hostile action against the unhoused and the rest of the city’s population. To their credit, our local government is attempting to restrict the construction of even more exorbitantly expensive housing — student or otherwise — and has granted funds for a more affordable housing development explicitly targeted for individuals leaving their unhoused status. However, these steps taken don’t mean we shouldn't hold our city accountable for their actions. When aiding the unhoused with its millions of dollars in federal funding remains Ann Arbor’s lowest priority, when money and time is wasted on construction that hurts local businesses and police manpower is used to sweep shelters for the unhoused, it’s clear that our city’s attitude toward the unhoused has thus far been less than understanding. We can acknowledge and thank those who are as hospitable as we should be, like the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County’s Robert J Delonis Center in Ann Arbor. The unaddressed status of unhoused individuals in our city is a failure on our city’s part in housing issues, and their efforts need to be for the unhoused — rather than a bar dividing a bench.  DJ CHOPPER from page 7 prank that was pulled on him in school. He also stated he was looking for a wife, not a playgirl to break his heart. How he wanted to love one woman and have children in the future. DJ Head assumed that he had embarrassed Chopper, asking about his birthmark on the radio, and that the women would not like him or bid on him due to his birthmark. The holiday was quickly approaching. Four days before the auction, Chopper got off work and went to his car in the parking lot. He could not believe his eyes — his car was covered in Valentine’s Day cards, even the roof. There was a large card signed by fans and a red bow sitting on the hood, surrounded by other pink, purple and red cards. He gathered all the cards, planning to read them once he got home, where he fixed his dinner and put on the TV. To his amazement they were talking about the upcoming auction on the news. Just then, he remembered the cards and retrieved them from his car to read them. Reading the first three cards, he was flattered and blushing — feeling something he had not felt in all his life. The next day at work Head started in on him again, not knowing about the cards. Chopper began his morning shift thanking all the people who gave him a card. He then admitted that he had given up on Valentine’s Day until he received all the cards, and he was looking forward to the auction. The morning of the auction arrived too soon. Chopper was thinking, who would bid for him, the man with the birthmark? He never expected anyone to bid on him, but he was getting more bids than DJ Head. Then all of a sudden one person placed a bid for him that was five times the previous amount, totaling $3,000. He could not see through the crowd, wondering who bid all that money for him. Standing on the stage waiting, finally he could see it was Daphne Pager from his science class. He had not stayed in touch with her, assuming she did not care for him. He was relieved it was Daphne, the woman he had a crush on in college and he felt comfortable talking with. During the date she asked Chopper why he never called her after graduation. He replied that he did not think she cared for him and was embarrassed to be seen with him. She placed her hand over his hand and explained to him it's not about looks; it's the love you have in your heart and share. Chopper knew he had found his wife, his Valentine for life. Love finally blossomed that year. From that day, they never separated, getting married the following year on Valentine’s Day. The Blessings, published January 13, was based on a true story, however the names and places were changed to protect the families. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Peanut butter fudge CHRIS FIELDS Groundcover contributor Ingredients: ½ cup butter or margarine ½ cup brown sugar 1 16 oz jar peanut butter 2 cups powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Desired toppings (nuts, chocolate chips, dried date pieces) Directions: Combine butter and brown sugar in a medium saucepan and stir over low heat until mixture begins to bubble around the edges. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla extract. Sift in powdered sugar one cup at a time, stirring until smooth. Pour mixture into a round or square baking dish lined with foil (8 inch cake pan works well) and press toppings into the top. Chill until hard. Slice into cubes and serve at room temperature! FEBRUARY 10, 2023  EDUCATION from page 8 music heard throughout the world. Get-Cha-Mind Right Crew Music is on music platforms now. My other passion is to express myself through writing. I like writing rap songs and love songs and things I experience in my lifetime. I also find it necessary to express or write about issues that concern me. For example, I wrote an article on the “Gentrification of Ann Arbor” in the Nov. 1, 2022 issue of Groundcover News. I got a great response and encourage all to check out that article. I am truly happy to have found my passion and purpose in music and writing. The saga continues and the beat goes on. I plan to take one or two classes a semester and prioritize my time in order to get school assignments done. I am confident that things will work out and I will successfully accomplish my goals. I’m finishing up my second week of class and things are going well. I like my instructor and there are good vibes overall. Meeting new people and getting back into schooling is exciting; I’m looking forward to getting involved in different student activities. I have reached out to the school radio station and have been trained to host my own show. Sometime soon I’ll be hosting my own show on the school’s station, Orchard Radio. I’m also looking to get involved with the WCC newspaper, The Washtenaw Voice. Even though I struggled with schooling throughout my life, I feel encouraged. I know if I just take my time and put my school work first, I believe I can obtain a degree in journalism and a music production and audio engineer certificate.

2 $ JANUARY 27, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 3 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Are you really listening? Street paper vendors engage in everyday acts of communication. Page 7 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JUSTEN WHITE PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. VENDOR APPRECIATION WEEK FEBRUARY 6-12, 2023 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Vendor Appreciation Week spans February 6-12 this year. Vendor Week is the seven days we reserve each year to celebrate Groundcover News vendors and all they do in the community. This edition you are reading now is the Vendor Appreciation Week issue, which we fill with vendor voices and messages that affirm the work of selling Groundcover News. We receive complaints every now and then at the Groundcover office. We typically do not publish them, unless they are specifically submitted as Letters to the Editor, in which case we are obliged to publish. Still, some complaints rise to the level of necessitating a response. The following message is a complaint that was filed to the Michigan Attorney General’s office in October, 2022. “Groundcover news is parading as a nonprofit foundation in Ann Arbor Michigan established to assist homeless people in the community [to] get their act together and get back into society rehabilitated. These individuals who LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director ground cover is providing vendor licenses are not at all homeless or in need of rehabilitation. These men and women are regular people who are using these licenses to steal money from unexpecting hard working people. Their pitch is usually, ‘can you buy a newspaper to help support the homeless of the community? 100 percent of the process [sic] are given to those who are in need.’ This is in fact a lie. These individuals are pocketing 100% of all monies collected. Some of these individuals are making over a thousand dollars a day via cash another torrent Venmo sales and cash app or square sales which go directly to their personal bank accounts. The people running ground cover know of these but continue to support This behavior because these fraudsters are keeping their organization valid and afloat. Most of these homeless vendors are making anywhere from 5 to 10000 a week. This terrible theft needs to stop immediately. The organization is stealing from the innocent. Please look into this immediately and stop this crime.” I’ll admit, it's not a great Vendor Appreciation Week message. Although it is upsetting to read, I wanted to put it out into the world in order to correct the false accusations and grand misunderstandings, and to open a conversation about Groundcover News. “Groundcover news is parading as a nonprofit foundation in Ann Arbor Michigan established to assist homeless people in the community get their act together and get back into society rehabilitated.” False. Groundcover News is JANUARY 27, 2023 from the DIRECTOR's DESK: clearing up misconceptions a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower low-income persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. We recognize these people as members of the community (and society) already, not people needing to be brought into society. “These individuals who ground cover is providing vendor licenses are not at all homeless or in need of rehabilitation.” True. Not all Groundcover vendors are experiencing homelessness. The only qualification is self-identified experience with homelessness and poverty. This means vendors can be years out of homelessness, looking to fill in the gaps in their income by selling the paper. Vendors can be actively experiencing homelessness, or, never experienced homelessness at all — just seeking low-barrier employment to avoid homelessness. Successfully selling Groundcover can make it see MISCONCEPTIONS page 10  CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman Susan Beckett Beverly Boss La Shawn Carlisle Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg billy hill Mike Jones Cynthia Price Jo Reddit Ken Parks GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Erin Trame CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JANUARY 27, 2023 VENDOR WEEK MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS Vendor Appreciation Week: February 6-12, 2023 Show vendors how much they are valued in the community! There are many ways to get invovled with Vendor Week festivities. 1. Bring a treat, snack or hot beverage during office hours for vendors to enjoy while buying papers (Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) 2. Bring your vendor a hot chocolate, cup of coffee or pack of hand warmers if you see them selling. It's cold out there! Justen White, vendor No. 543 In one sentence, who are you? A man striving to keep chivalry alive. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Main Street. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Play pool and challenge the public to chess. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? Anywhere not in Ann Arbor, haha! What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? I’m motivated by the chance to better other people’s lives. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Prime rib with Yorkshire pudding. What words do you live by? Be better than your yesterday’s self. What is your superpower? To make anyone smile when they are upset. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? More affordable housing for people who make less than $30K a year. What are your hobbies? How did you get started doing them? Pool, chess, skateboarding. I simply gravitated towards them. What is something someone on the street wouldn't know? I am a huge nerd and outdoor enthusiast. What's the best or worst thing about selling Groundcover News? The worst thing is dealing with rude people. If you could do anything for a day what would it be? Go shopping in Japan. If you had a warning label what would it say? Caution: Born and raised in Hell, Michigan! What are you most likely to be famous for? My one-handed pool skills! Gary Leverett: Most likely to remember your name Shillington Morgan: Healthy food expert Brian Hargrove: The most relentlessly optimistic and loving person James Tennant: Most thought provoking debater Joe Woods: Most determined haggler and seller of ideas James Manning: Most creative embroidery Cindy Gere: Most earnest and personal multimedia artist Mike Jones: Most iconic townie Lit Kurtz: Ardent homelessness advocate Christopher Ellis: Prolific poet Ken Parks: Deepest thinker and biggest believer in humanity Justen White: Most humble chess player and extreme sports enthusiast Lonnie Baker: Best dressed (Go Blue!) Shelley DeNeve: Most loyal Felicia Wilbert: Future NYT Bestsellers List Snap: Most knowledgeable about all there is to know about soccer Fred Allen: Mr. Fix-it 3. Tip your vendor when buying a copy of Groundcover News. 4. Take a photo with your vendor or of your copy of Groundcover News and share on social media. Tag us! @groundcovernews on Instagram and Twitter and @groundcover on Facebook. We will be reposting all week. 5. Tell your Groundcover vendor how much you appreciate them and their steady presence in the community. 6. Talk to your friends and family about how selling Groundcover is legitimate work that changes lives. 7. Show your support for Groundcover News vendors by buying and displaying a sign in your front lawn or in the window of your home or business! Signs are $30 and can be pre-ordered by making a $30 donation on the Groundcover News website. Signs can be picked up at the Groundcover News office during Vendor Appreciation Week. They are yellow and black. Proceeds will go towards purchasing new, protective Groundcover vendor vests. Lonnie Baker, Groundcover vendor No. 99, and board member Jack Edelstein in October. THANK YOU GROUNDCOVER VENDORS! I BUY AND READ GROUNDCOVER NEWS. Best of Groundcover News Derek Allen: Best bars Teresa Basham: Fiercest defender of those she cares about, and of justice Mary Bolden: Epitome of Southern charm! Pony Bush: Best smile Amanda Gale: Most personable. Can have an interesting conversation with anybody! Gary Robinson: Best dance moves Leon Odom: Devoted father and caregiver Hal Klenk: Best singing voice Larzell Washington: Can make anyone’s day by saying "God Bless You!" Tony Schol: Could win the Tour de Ann Arbor Will Shakespeare: Most giving and best book recommender Sean Almond and Tabitha Ludwig: Best couple Beverly Boss: Boss saleswoman Tre McAlister: Most likely to help out a friend Denise Shearer: Most loveable La Shawn Courtwright: Most tenacious poet 3

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS The Washtenaw County Continuum of Care completed its annual Point in Time count early Thursday with dozens of volunteers taking a snapshot of people experiencing homelessness. Mandated by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Continuums of Care are bodies charged with ending homelessness, in particular through getting involvement community-wide. The result? The count of unsheltered people, conducted from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 2 a.m. Thursday, increased over the previous year’s count by more than threefold, up from 6 to 22. Volunteers and Washtenaw County staffers scoured the entire county in the light snow, handing out snacks and even offering a one-night hotel stay if the people they encountered wanted it. In some sense, the increase in unhoused persons found for the count reflects greater diligence and location information going in, but it is also likely that the sheer numbers increased. It is important because it JANUARY 27, 2023 Point in time count seeks snapshot of homelessness CYNTHIA PRICE Editor An intrepid group of Point in Time volunteers ready to leave for the count. Organizer Andrew Kraemer is seated in front. informs how much funding a county CoC receives from HUD. The volunteers, recruited and organized by Washtenaw County CoC Data Coordinator Andrew Kraemer, must watch a training video, and they receive a route. Many have years of experience. Teams were able to connect before going out for the count. They also give a brief survey to anyone they find experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The challenges inherent in that snapshot approach likely result in underreporting, but that condition applies equally to all of the 400 CoCs in the U.S. The online 2022 count report for Washtenaw County warns, “The reader is … cautioned that since compliance with these [methodology] standards may vary, the reliability and consistency of the homeless counts may also vary among CoCs.” (That report may be found at the HUD exchange website by filtering the search for MI-509.) The 2022 report states that there were 172 homeless people in the County as of the 2022 Point in Time Count. The full figures for 2023 will be released at the end of February. Different CoCs make detailed plans to get the number of people experiencing extended houselessness down to zero. The Point in Time count is just one way they obtain data that shapes their planning. Critics say that even within the snapshot framework there are ways to take a more accurate count. Outreach to see PIT page 9  Family housing emergency resources – HAWC back on track Family homelessness is exploding this winter. When Covid emergency funds ended and inflation spiked, families fell off the cliff, especially large families. To make matters worse, the Washtenaw County single point of entry, HAWC, was undergoing a rocky transition from being run by the Salvation Army to being run by Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development. Staffing HAWC services has been the main challenge in transitioning the hotline to a new service provider. With phone calls often not answered and messages not returned for days or more, even the resources available for imminent emergencies were not reaching those who needed them. Word got around to not even bother calling HAWC. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County and MISSION were providing limited emergency hotel stays with funds from the Emergency Sheltering Program. David Goldbaum, Program Manager of MISSION's Family Emergency Sheltering program, was concerned about the conditions families with children were living in due to systemic dysfunction. Kathy Wyatt, Executive Analyst and Assistant to the Washtenaw County funding from the County and its cities. At the height of the pandemic, when SUSAN BECKETT Publisher emeritus sheriff, reported that judges are just sick over the evictions they are forced to sanction by law, knowing that these families have nowhere to turn. Fortunately, HAWC staffing is now in place to both answer calls and provide immediate stipends or hotel stays for those who would otherwise spend the night exposed to winter weather. The County provided $50,000 in funding to the Emergency Sheltering Program for the stipends and hotel stays, but with 29 families on the literally homeless list and an average wait-time of 101 days for placement in permanent housing, officials expect the sheltering program will need $695,000-$995,000 to shelter those families through March. They are hoping for additional proximity to others posed danger of infection and hospitalization, the Covid Emergency Rental Assistance program provided federal funds to help people pay for their own lodging. Now the CERA program has ended and rental prices, along with the cost of everything else, has made self-sufficiency impossible for some families. The Covid-19 risk to vulnerable family members makes the traditional doubling up of families untenable for many. Most of the families now on the waiting list for housing are new to the system. It has been especially difficult for larger families who require multiple rooms. The average size of the families now calling HAWC is 3.8 people. HAWC does the initial intake and provides emergency shelter assistance if needed, then refers families to SOS Community Services and individuals to the Shelter Association (the Delonis Center) for a thorough assessment that could lead to permanent housing. SOS has hired three additional staff to do these assessments. They were completing training in late January. The Shelter Association was trying to hire two additional assessment staffers as of late January. Families can now expect an assessment one to two weeks after their HAWC intake. Call 734-961-1999 to get started. Having financial records on hand will expedite assistance. Urgent cases — those with no shelter — can come in person at 8:30 a.m., Monday-Thursday to the Delonis Center or SOS. Editor’s note: During the Continuum of Care board meeting on January 18, HAWC call center data was presented, praised for improvements and then critiqued after further examination. It was determined that many metrics were missing from the call center’s data presentation including time between intake and assessment. Groundcover News will follow up on the stated improvements of HAWC staffing and oversight to determine if HAWC begins to meet community standards across the board. Individuals and families should continue to call HAWC, as CoC representatives are concerned that improvement in call center metrics is due to widespread frustration with the hotline rather improvement. than operational JANUARY 27, 2023 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT Supportive Connections now open for referrals in Washtenaw County LA SHAWN CARLISLE Groundcover contributor Hi everyone. I'd like to present Supportive Connections, an Ann Arbor City criminal deflection service. I interviewed Karen Field, the program director, to get to know the program better in order to share with Groundcover readers. LC: When was Supportive Connections founded? KF: Supportive Connections started when I was hired as the program director in July 2022. We opened for referrals on November 2, 2022. LC: As the program director, what are your goals and/or plans for Supportive Connections? KF: The mission of Supportive Connections is to assist individuals who are in crisis or need of social service supports and at risk of becoming involved or re-involved with the criminal justice system. Our primary focuses are substance abuse and mental health. Our program is not directly connected to the court or law enforcement, so we rely on the community for referrals. Anyone can refer to our program. A person can even call to ask for services themselves. Once a person is referred to Supportive Connections, we reach out to the referred person. Participation with Supportive Connections is voluntary. If someone wants to participate, we look at the individual's needs and concerns. Our case manager, Johnathan Laye, works within existing community resources as much as possible. We also have some funding to support our mission, which can pay for things such as substance abuse treatment and mental health services. We have many people in our community doing great work. I am not looking at stepping on anyone's toes or reinventing the wheel. If a referred person is already working with or receiving services from a community agency, we will reach out to that agency or worker to see if there is any assistance that we can provide. We are hoping we can help fill any gaps and coordinate assistance. As much as possible, we want to help where needed and not duplicate or undermine other efforts. I believe there are enough people in need in our community for all programs to coexist and work together. LC: With this being said, I'd like to note that in my mind it is a wonderful idea to have supports in place. Yet, fundamentally, it is a much greater provision to implement community access resources that aid and/or assist in preventative programs that are able to detect and look at how to avoid further injury to people in crises. A format where we can be taught what to avoid in some cases. To allow questions to be asked by the consumers, then have some tenured advocates or recipients that are successful in the utilization of specific programs and services to answer them. Another key part of offering services is to address the need for transportation to access these supports and/or services. Many people give up or are discouraged due to limited or the lack of safe and adequate means to access and receive services that are and may become available. Yes, the limitations that exist in order to access these benefits and services that aid in support from community programs can make some people give up, while others are even more frustrated because of the gap that does not bridge access for provisions to be made. What are you doing to make people aware of the program? KF: Community outreach is, and will continue to be, vital to our program. We have contacted a number of community agencies and community leaders. We have made presentations to over two dozen organizations and groups. We are continuing to reach out to community agencies and respond to all inquiries about our program. LC: Where is the office located? KF: Our office is currently located at the Justice Center, 305 E. Huron Ann Arbor, Mich. If someone is not comfortable coming into the Justice Center Building, we will make efforts to meet them at another community location. LC: How many agencies are aware of the Supportive Connections program? KF: We have reached out to over 50 community agencies, organizations, and groups by email and inperson. I also think word of mouth is working as we have received referrals from agencies with whom we have not yet met. LC: Is there any data that you are using to design the Supportive Connections program? KF: We are collecting a number of data for this program and will utilize it to continue to develop and refine this program. This is a new and a dynamic entity, which is open to some modification as determined by community needs. LC: I know that it is wise for individuals to review records and documents with agents/people who gather information. This way, if there seem to be or are things that the client does not see as an accurate record, they can have that noted. A person's needs are met better when they are more clearly understood, stated and documented with a meeting of the minds. Most importantly let us always keep in mind that it is more productive to prevent a crisis and address things that are preventable. Let us not leave the marginalized in a place to use substances as an answer. Let us restore hope and trust in our communities and their professional and voluntary agents. As a further update, as of January 19, 2023 there is a free Narcan vending machine in the front vestibule (Huron St. entrance) of City Hall. Obtain this at your own discretion and purpose of comfortability for a crisis that may arise, whether it be known or unknown to you. Thank you, City of Ann Arbor, for your willingness and ability to move forward with a unified goal to connect the otherwise silenced and unheard (because of shame or the lack of connection) to community facilities and their resources. For anyone looking to contribute to or engage with Supportive Connections please contact them by phone at 734-794-6934, or by email at SupportiveConnections@a2.gov.org, or online at a2gov.org/ SupportiveConnections. Sunday, February 5 • 4–6pm Downtown Libary As part of the 2023 Washtenaw Read, AADL hosts Kiley Reid, author of the 2023 Washtenaw Reads title Such a Fun Age for a talk, reading, and Q&A session. This event includes a signing with books for sale. For more information about Washtenaw Reads and previous years’ reads, go to wread.org. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Databases at AADL Did you know all AADL library card holders have access to databases? You can search consumer reports, genealogy, and much more! Visit AADL.org/ collections/databases. AADL Shelf Service Place your request with our Shelf Service and let AADL know the types of things you’re looking for–AADL staff will fill a bag with items we think you’ll like! For more information visit AADL.org/shelfservice FEATURED EVENT 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Old world vs. New world order MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Illustration by Cindy "Kung Fu Panda" Gere, Bold moves have been made of late by conductors of ideology of the old world order, as the new world emerges. One must ask, is it out of desperation and fear of a new world order and ideology? Taking a look at global affairs and issues: Russo-Ukrainian War, Roe v. Wade Supreme Court reversal, the deadly protests in Iran after Mahsa Amini died in the custody of Iran morality police. And there are the culture wars, race relations in the United States and Europe and tension between the U.S. and China. As I reflect on the old world order, I must say, I can’t wait to see what a new world has to offer. Let's talk about “isms” — racism, sexism, nationalism and so on. Unfairly, these "‘isms” will exist in the new world, let us not be naïve. But I'm quite sure that those who look forward to the new world are conditioned to resist by any and all means necessary, because the old world is not going out without a fight. Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine is simply an attempted land grab, reclaiming territory lost in 1991 as a result of the fall of the USSR. He thought the war with Ukraine would be a walk in the park but underestimated the will and the resolve of the Ukrainians. September 16, 2022, was the start of civil unrest in Tehran and throughout the region, over the death of Mahsa Amini. Young Iranian people, especially young women, are outraged at the Iranian government for abuse against women. This struggle is the age-old war on and against women. The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court reversal was a low and unexpected blow. As a result, it turned up the heat for midterm elections. A lot is on the line here: we take two steps forward, we can’t afford to take three steps back. This was one of the major reasons for the record return of absentee ballots in midterm elections. Are there culture wars in the United States and Europe? I know many culture defenders in the United States. “Isms'' is a problem in Europe as well. Groundcover vendor No. 279. Illustration colored by Cameron, office visitor, age six. These remnants of old ideology and the old world philosophy are a testament of the will and audacity of a people stuck on ideology of the past. China, North Korea and that region are a hot and contentious region of the globe, to say the least. It’s hard to know where the leaders in that region stand in regards to Russia and the war on Ukraine and also China’s plan to “landgrab” Taiwan. No doubt about it, it’s going to be a tight fight. We must look forward to embracing the unknown and the new that is to come, and learn from our past history in order to CO-EXIST. JANUARY 27, 2023 Challenges being a houseless woman selling Groundcover News assault and assumptions. These are the extra weights to carry. The first weight is all the rudeness and hostile attitudes about homelessness. People assume you are lazy, don’t want a job, do drugs or are just begging. People think they are higher class than you. The second weight — which is speBEVERLY BOSS Groundcover vendor No. 583 There are a lot of challenges being a houseless woman selling Groundcover News. Some of them are attitudes about homelessness in general and extra challenges of dealing with sexual cific to being a woman — is the sexism, sexual assault, invisibility, verbal assault and assumptions you are a prostitute. Many people in the community are only one check away from being homeless. Have empathy! Angelz in the sky (part 2) TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 I know I'm missin you, Some timez I wanna cry, Some timez I wish I could touch, Give ya a kiss, Some timez I wanna talk, I love & miss ya so much, All tha time I wish, All tha time I ask why, Therez so much I wanted ta do, Now I just gotta move on, Wit chu in my heart, Izz where you'll stay, Til that end day. JANUARY 27, 2023 VENDOR VOICES GROUNDCOVER NEWS Are you really listening? Street paper vendors engage in everyday acts of communication The need to communicate with another human being is quite human. Passersby also have their share of stress on a daily basis. Here's what I tell my clients: "I'm here to sell a magazine, but I'm here for you first." Selling is important, but so is listening to passersby. The pink flowery hijab In a cheerful tone, and spontaneously, I call out to her: "Your hijab is beautiful!" She smiles. Then I add: "You are very pretty." Seeing her radiant face, I understand that I have touched a sensitive chord. She moves forward, rummaging in her bag. I refuse the money. She doesn't understand. I am just happy to see her smile at me and I feel grateful. She insists on giving me the money. I refuse it and wish her a nice day by giving her the magazine. The elderly lady JO REDWITCH L'Itineraire street paper vendor An elderly lady stops, wallet in hand: "Would you like a magazine, ma'am?" She answers me with a nod. "Do you want today's or the 1 November issue, which contains two pages I wrote? It's the article called ‘Letter to my younger self.’" I show her the photos that accompany my article. She might be the more visual type, you never know. She holds her purse tightly, it's rush hour and it's crowded, but this detail doesn't bother her at all. "My niece just had a baby. Her husband works a lot and my niece is exhausted. I’m going to her house to help her cook. " I listen to her patiently in spite of the traffic in the subway. It's 5 p.m. sharp. Her story over, she leaves me with a big $10. "Keep the change, thanks Jo." The early childhood educator Another woman stops and calls out to me: "I read your piece: ‘Letter to my younger self.’ Then, as you suggested, I tried to do the same – I wrote as if I were talking to myself as a child. I wondered if I had made the right choices, especially in early adulthood. As I reread it, I started to cry, tore it up and threw it in the trash." "Why?" I asked her. "You know, I work in daycare and have had some serious health issues this year." I nodded... "And I had an epiphany. Since the health thing with my heart, I've come to the realization that I never thought about myself. I sacrificed my whole life for my husband, my children. Now I feel stuck." I listened to each of them. The elderly lady needed empathy and recognition for helping her niece. My regular client needed me to tell her that it was not too late to take care of her own needs instead of those of others while the young woman in the hijab simply needed to hear a compliment. Active listening, for me, is listening without intervening. Just listening. I try to understand the other person's inner world, show real empathy, and then give the person time to tell their story. Also, it's always good to verify with the person to make sure that I have understood. Maybe the person doesn't need you to help them solve their problems, maybe they just need an ear. Genuine listening gives importance and value to people who need to talk, and even more to the person who is too often silent. Courtesy of L’Itinéraire / International Network of Street Papers. L’Itinéraire is a street paper located in Montreal, Quebec. Welcome refugees and consider being a co-sponsor Immigrants are often refugees from economic or natural disasters. Many post-colonial — poor — countries are impacted by a disaster, some by two or more. In a homeland targeted by the global investor class for “regime change,” a type of coup d’etat by sanctions and financial destabilization, we see full spectrum warfare. The "flood" of refugees at the United States border is on our social screen. The cause of this exodus from third (poor) to first world (rich) countries is well studied by Monthly Review in particular, with its focus on the “politics of underdevelopment” and the “new world order,” better known as the neoliberal form of imperialism. “The Open Veins of Latin America” by Eduardo Galeano is a classic book on the subject. The Biden administration has addressed this situation, not by looking at the causes, but by shifting USCIS (Citizen and Immigration Services) policy to allow Haitians, Cubans, Nicarauguans and Venezuelans with family in the United States to be sponsored by a supporter from that family — but only if the sponsor qualifies. I do not qualify as a supporter because my income is too low, but with a backup supporter we could apply and bring some of my Cuban family to Ann Arbor. KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 apartment, Cuban culture could easily accommodate six or more people. We would, however, abide by Ann Arbor residency compliance rules. My life is complex and interesting. All the above-named persons, except Santiago Alberto, are active on Facebook, and I pay to keep their cell phones open. With this background, I invite you to friend-request them, and consider being a backup supporter or possibly a lead supporter — and I held two babies in my hands in Cuba; Daniela Valdes Negret in 2001 and Kevin Toledo in 2006. I committed to be padrino — a mentor, protector, spiritual friend. So I am a co-parent with the biological father. This is a serious responsibility in Cuba and I am being implored to start the work to bring them here. Daniela has a threeyear-old, Santiago Alberto, named after my middle name, Albert. He is my third ahijado, spiritual child. I held him before he was born. I want to invite mother and son to live with me. We know how to live in a small space. I also have a stepdaughter, Daymara Rovira Negret, who was once a Cuban national weightlifting champion in her age and gender class. She is a physical trainer. If we had a two-bedroom become a part of our ever-growing extended family. We are all part of a large global family between Cuba and the United States, as well as Canada, Mexico and other Caribbean islands at the center of our lives. Our experience of natural borders will open our understanding of the nation state. Let’s do something good together. Consider sponsoring or co-sponsoring someone you find a connection with. My phone number is (313) 918-2453. 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY JANUARY 27, 2023 The brunch revolution — Around the Kitchen Table with Peace House Ypsi ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor Waffle iron sizzling. Kids laughing. Community mingling. Around the Kitchen Table with Peace House Ypsi is no mimosa-and-avocado-toast, reservations-only, kind of brunch. Free, weekly brunches — a concept sprouted from Peace House, run by Sheri Wander and her husband Pat — were already underway a couple of years before the pandemic hit. When that happened, the brunch had to be re-imagined. Wander started running weekly food deliveries instead. But it just wasn’t the same. “The whole point of the brunch was building community, and I was mourning the loss of that,” said Wander. A few months earlier, Wander had met Lisa Gizzi, a long-term food enthusiast and vegan. Gizzi had run her own, fully vegan prepared food business before realizing “I just wanted to feed my friends, my family, anybody.” So she quit her food business and started thinking about how to make food — tasty, healthy, and, in her case, vegan — more accessible. “Food should be free.” In September 2022, Gizzi and Wander thought the timing was right to restart communal meals. Peace House had been approached by Growing Hope, a nonprofit focused on strengthening the local food system in Ypsilanti. “There was a natural space for collaboration,” said Wander. They all met up, decided they liked each other and that they wanted to work together. The previous brunches had been held at the small space that Peace House provides. Growing Hope had a much larger space to offer, and that’s where it clicked. The bigger space could accommodate more people, and its central location in downtown Ypsilanti made it more accessible. Bee Mayhewn, the kitchen manager at Growing Hope’s Incubator Kitchen, was able to use her connections to get food donations for the brunches — though a lot still comes out of Wander and Gizzi’s own pockets. All three are involved in the cooking along with other volunteers, a setup they hope will grow more sustainable. To that end, Wander would like to be able to get grocery store gift cards to people who want to contribute with their cooking or baking but can’t afford ingredients. Beggars can be choosers The renewed brunches have brought a more diverse clientele than those at Peace House: a lawyer mingling with someone experiencing homelessness; a college student sitting with a dad of five. Some bring food to share, others just happen to walk by. Gizzi estimates that the brunchgoers are a fifty-fifty mix of people who need a free meal, and people who just crave a good brunch. “Whether you’re seeking community or are food-insecure, it doesn’t matter once you’re through the door,” said Wander. And community is what it’s mostly about, according to Wander: “Food is an important tool in community building, such a natural way of sharing our cultures, family stories, experiences. The act of sitting around a table together often creates a relaxed space.” But why brunch? Gizzi says they tried dinner at first, but once they switched to brunch “it exploded” — from some 20 people in the beginning to upwards of 75 last Sunday. Part of the explanation could be that many other places offer free dinners, but elaborate breakfasts are hard to come by. The more diverse brunch crowd was “more what we wanted it to be, and what the community wanted,” said Wander. Then there’s this: Brunch is considered a bourgeois luxury, something they wanted to “flip on its head.” “Sometimes beggars can be choosers,” said Wander. The statement carries a fundamental doctrine. “The expectation is often that one should be thankful for whatever food, if it’s free. We tried making this brunch a celebration, a treat, with vegan and gluten free options — fancy stuff. We all deserve that.” Wander used to think of Ypsilanti as a food desert, but now views it more as “food apartheid” — a systemic limit to easy access to healthy, fresh food. The tagline for the now monthly brunch is Relationships are made around the kitchen table. Unofficially Gizzi adds and revolutions — because “food is political.” These brunches, however, are meant to be a low-barrier event, where anybody and everybody can come and sit down with others, sharing informal knowledge and information over a meal, or just taking the food to go. Making a free meal into a luxurious Top: Saif and Malaika, two Around the Kitchen table attendees, enjoying full plates of brunch food. Bottom left: Grace Wu and Heidi Bechtel are kitchen volunteers from Growing Hope. They assisted with serving the buffet-style brunch. Bottom right: The vegan waffle bar at the January 15 brunch was complete with berries, coconut, candy pieces, sprinkles and so much more! brunch is about making a statement. But, Around the Kitchen Table is also about good eating. And the brunches can be just that — waffles with whipped cream, or the best vegan cheesy potatoes around. The next brunch is February 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Growing Hope Kitchen on 16 South Washington St, Ypsilanti. More info: peacehouseypsi.org. JANUARY 27, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. MATH PUZZLES JAN GOMBART GROUNDCOVER CONTRIBUTOR 1. Bruce was a pupil at Madison Elementary School in 1945. The year of his birth is a perfect square. How old was he on his birthday in 1988? 2. Three men are lined up behind each other. The tallest man is in the back and can see the heads of the two in front of him; the middle man can see the one man in front of him; the man in front can’t see anyone. They are blindfolded and hats are placed on their heads, picked from three black hats and two white hats. The extra two hats are hidden and the blindfolds removed. The tallest man is asked if he knows what color hat he’s wearing; he doesn’t. The middle man is asked if he knows; he doesn’t. But the man in front, who can’t see anyone, says he knows. How does he know, and what color hat is he wearing?  PIT from page 4 people in the community who know where to find people could be stepped up, and the data in the report on sheltered homeless people (which is obtained separately) could include houses of hospitality and other stopgap measures. One local critic notes that the universities could provide information about unhoused students, since they offer assistance to those students. While those who “couch-surf” are not unsheltered, attempting to derive information about them for the report would round out the picture. Look for an analysis of the 2023 count in a March issue of Groundcover News.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR WEEK  MISCONCEPTIONS from page 2 possible for vendors to move out of homelessness. Homelessness can take many forms, and poverty even more. You never know what someone’s life experience is, and we know that definitely cannot be assumed from what meets the eye. “These men and women are regular people…” True! No explanation needed. “... who are using these licenses to steal money from unexpecting hard working people.” False. Groundcover vendors are individually licensed for charitable solicitation by means of selling newspapers. Groundcover News is a real publication that has a real purchase price. I personally think that Groundcover is worth more than just $2 — especially with that $2 Co-op coupon in every issue! “Their pitch is usually, ‘can you buy a newspaper to help support the homeless of the community? 100 percent of the proceeds are given to those who are in need.’ This is in fact a lie.” False, though this one toes the line. This is a pitch that someone, usually new, might use to distance themselves from the transaction. It is not the norm, not what is taught and gets corrected once observed. The information in this pitch is true but phrasing it in third person makes it sound like the money is going to a third party, instead of that member of the homeless community, who is speaking. “These individuals are pocketing 100% of all monies collected.” True. That is how Groundcover works. Groundcover vendors purchase the newspapers they sell at a wholesale price and re-sell them on the street to customers, keeping the revenue they make, including tips. The money vendors receive on the street is the vendor’s income, as selling the newspaper is the job. “Some of these individuals are making over a thousand dollars a day…” False. Many community members are very generous, and sometimes, vendors are surprised with a larger gift that exceeds what someone might consider just a tip. But, those gifts are few and far between and certainly not enough to warrant the daily take-home pay to be anywhere near $1,000 a day. “... via cash another torrent [sic] Venmo sales and cash app or square sales which go directly to their personal bank accounts.” True. Groundcover vendors are encouraged to use personal accounts to accept cashless payments from customers. This is something we pushed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued ever since. It has truly been a successful, safe and easy way to facilitate the exchange. Unless a vendor uses the Groundcover Venmo account, the money goes directly to them. If a vendor uses the Groundcover Venmo account, the money goes directly to them as cash on a weekly basis. “The people running ground cover know of these but continue to support this behavior because these fraudsters are keeping their organization valid and afloat.” False. Behavior that deviates from the Vendor Code of Conduct puts Groundcover News, and therefore, other current and future vendors’ employment/income at risk. We have a standardized violation policy that we act upon if we witness an incident or can validate a reported infraction. “Most of these homeless vendors are making anywhere from 5 to 10000 a week.” False — for now. Some Groundcover vendors sell the paper to fill in gaps in their income, selling only one or two times a week, and some consider selling Groundcover a fulltime job. To make $10,000 selling the regular $2 paper (that vendors profit $1.50 off of) would take selling 15,000 newspapers in a week. On average, all 35-45 active vendors sell 1700-2200 newspapers every two weeks. If, in the future, the newspaper is in such high demand that one vendor can make $10,000, we would celebrate, not shame them. Groundcover News values economic autonomy. “This terrible theft needs to stop immediately. The organization is stealing from the innocent. Please look into this immediately and stop this crime.” Homelessness and poverty are already highly criminalized identities. Selling Groundcover is legitimate work and exists because so many other informal employment opportunities are criminalized. I do not write this in blind defense of every Groundcover vendor, and every Groundcover News transaction, or interaction. Even though I wish there was, there is no guarantee that every interaction purchasing Groundcover will be a positive one — people have bad days, might be stressed, traumatized from the experience of being unsheltered, or just from being a human in this world. I know many complaints are valid. We welcome them, especially in view of the earlier point: holding vendors accountable is necessary to ensure that Groundcover vendors can keep doing what they’re doing. I write this to shine light on the many misconceptions that community members have about our newspaper, and our workplace. I want to recognize that the experience of selling Groundcover means going up against the guilt, fear and/or hatred people have towards another person asking them for money. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS JANUARY 27, 2023 About a year ago now, Mary and Max Wisgerhof, office volunteers, shared with me an essay from the Atlantic by James Parker entitled, “An Ode to Giving People Money.” It is a short, profound narration of someone’s experience when asked to give money. Its concluding paragraphs: “Here’s my tip: If you’re temperamentally indisposed, keep your money. A penny given a poor man 'grudgingly,' wrote the French Catholic mystic Léon Bloy, 'pierces the poor man’s hand, falls, pierces the earth, bores holes in suns, crosses the firmament and compromises the universe.' So don’t do that. “But if you are inclined to give, then give wholeheartedly. Not for charity, not for empathy, not for any groaning abstraction, but that the divine economy of giving might circulate through you unobstructed. Through your glands and through your veins. The person before you needs money, and you need to give it. Unplug the wellspring of life, and hand it over.” The entire essay can be found at: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/ archive/2022/04/an-ode-togiving-people-money/622835/ This week is Vendor Appreciation Week. Recognize this paper not as a prop for asking someone for money, but as a unique and valuable asset in our community. Recognize the act of selling Groundcover not as a crime, but as a service to the community. Thank your vendor for distributing a newspaper filled with solutions-based journalism, community voices, puzzles, recipes, stories and a chance to communicate. Look to the back page to see ways to go above and beyond in this celebration. Thanks for buying — and reading — Groundcover News. Math puzzle solutions: 1. 52 years old. The year of his birth was 1936 = 44 x 44. 2. Since the first man doesn’t know, he can’t see two white hats (otherwise he would know his hat is black), so the other two can conclude that their hats are white and black or black and black. If the second man saw white, he would conclude that his hat must be black. Thus, the third man knows that his hat is black. JANUARY 27, 2023 THINK ABOUT IT untitled billy hill writer there are times in individuals' lives where things make sense. a certain familiar sense of simplicity, we allow ourselves to return with from time to time — where the truth speaks with us. when we collect ourselves we can begin to notice how things are, beyond how we think about life. when we withdraw from fleeting thoughts and silly identifications, and move into our purpose — the soul of our being — and connect with our inner person — the voice of wisdom in life — we remember who we are and where our life’s work has been this entire time, still. in the bigger picture, the small details of existence appear self-evident. like all those options we just realized were always here, in this very moment. it has been stated that most of human psychology is a dance of relating self to others as a strategy of self organization. as one wonders about what is beyond the borders of the known, eventually a clear picture emerges within the same truth we are. plato’s cave analogy, the story of captives who, restrained in a cave to near complete darkness and oblivion, save through the shifting glimmer of a partial ray of sunlight that casts semi silhouettes of the hostages themselves. from the point of view dependent on desperate grasping at truth, the same truth in the described scenario; displaced circumstantially, the cave dwellers assume that their relative awareness is all there is in existence in the universe (a so-called optical illusion of the self). plato further illustrates, through this tale, with the additional twist of philosophy: if one of the cave’s victims of fate were to manage an escape and release from their indentured servitude to the ignore-ance of wholeness in the cave’s obscurity and set free to learn the greater world they are a part of, their past ignoring the rest of life would become irrelevant. the freed individual would take their place in the greater life they are part of, in direct sunlight for the first time to see the world first person. if, plato continues, the free person were to, after exploring their world, return to the cave to report to the others of the greater existence of life they’d been deprived of, the captives would disbelieve, perhaps ridicule and probably resent the messenger due to their condition. through which the messenger must be forced to the solitary return, to beyond the cave. modern day life has inspired a new lens to add to the allegory of the cave: plato’s cell phone. that nowadays a lot of folks forget to look past the screen on their palm to see to the rest of the world they seek to know. the antidote to the situation is an old one; empower ourselves to enjoy where we are whether thick or thin. the way things are in this moment is what our lives are like, actually. being able to find our balance with the universe as it GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 happens is how growth teaches us who we are. to be able to enjoy ourselves both is an asset and an ability and the enthusiasm is contagious. it brings us back to ourselves.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Vegan butternut squash chili ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 red onion, diced 2 cups vegetable stock 2 cloves of garlic 1 green pepper, diced 2 ½ to 3 cups cubed butternut squash 28 oz can diced tomatoes 1 1/2 cups canned black beans 1 1/2 cups canned kidney beans 1 tablespoon chili powder, more or less to your preference ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Cilantro, chopped Directions: Sauté onions in ¼ cup of vegetable stock or water for 3-5 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Add the green pepper and sauté for 3 minutes. Add butternut squash and sauté for an additional 5 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Finally, add the beans and spices and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve topped with cilantro. JANUARY 27, 2023 BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Conquer the Cold is Back! The challenge returns January 10–February 10, 2023! Register now at CommuteandWin.org #OwnWinter @getdowntown The getDowntown Program provides commuting programs and services to downtown Ann Arbor employees and employers. A program of TheRide, getDowntown's partners include the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor DDA. Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ JANUARY 13, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 2 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Food should be free! Ypsilanti shutters the Love Stand. Page 4 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT WOULD MAKE ANN ARBOR A BETTER PLACE FOR FAMILIES? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. green gold? Who can afford FOOD ACCESS EDITION Fresh, local produce at Argus Farm Stop. Photo credit: Alexandra Granberg. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # NEW ISSUE EVERY OTHER FRIDAY!

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER community EVENTS UNARMED RESPONSE PUBLIC FORUM In April 2021, the Ann Arbor City Council passed Resolution R-21129 to develop an unarmed crisis response team. The City of Ann Arbor asked Public Sector Consultants to gather feedback from community members about the best way to create a team of unarmed social and human services professionals to respond to crisis and public safety calls in the city. January 19, 6 p.m. Virtual via Zoom: https://pscinc.co/discuss Meeting ID: 859 4501 3079 Passcode: 090446 UNITED WAY 21-DAY EQUITY CHALLENGE DISCUSSION GROUP Sign-up for the challenge at UWGive.org January 14, 21 and 28, 4 p.m. Booksweet Bookshop, 1720 Plymouth Road MLK and MILITARISM: WHAT WOULD MLK SAY TODAY? MLK declared there were three issues that adversely influenced American Culture: Racism, Extreme Materialism and Militarism. Bob Krzewinski and Bill Shea of local Veterans for Peace chapter 93 will discuss MLK's point of view on Militarism and suggest what he might say about new international militarism and current events. January 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Ann Arbor District Library, Multi-Purpose Room NEWS WRITING BEST PRACTICES INTERVIEWING SOURCES AND IMPROVING YOUR ARTICLES TUESDAY, JAN 24, 2023 6:30PM YDL-WHITTAKER 5577 WHITTAKER ROAD WRITING A NEWS STORY TAKES A KEEN EYE AND A LOT OF LISTENING. GET GUIDED PRACTICE INTERVIEWING YOUR SOURCES AND TIPS ON INCORPORATING THEIR THOUGHTS INTO YOUR STORY. YOU'LL ALSO LEARN TO HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN HOOK OF YOUR ARTICLE AND HOW TO WRITE IN A WAY THAT KEEPS EVERYONE READING UNTIL THE LAST LINE. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YPSIWRITES AND GROUNDCOVER NEWS. QUESTIONS? Call 734-482-4110 X2411. SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER! JANUARY 13, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mira Simonton-Chao Anna Gersh Jan Gombart Alexandra Granberg Mike Jones Emma Lapp Sophia Lupton Will Shakespeare Kaylee Smith Washtenaw GDC Felicia Wilbert GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alex Granberg Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 JANUARY 13, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What would make Ann Arbor a better place for all families to live? Earlier this year, Fortune magazine ranked Ann Arbor first on its list of the nation's "best places to live for families."Concetrate magazine responded to this ranking by publishing an article that asked 12 Ann Arbor residents and leaders the question: "What would make Ann Arbor a better place for all families to live?" Jessica Letaw, community activist and advocate for housing and affordability, responded, "I’d be more interested in how Groundcover News would rate Ann Arbor; and I’d be excited to attract to our community the people who think that kind of coverage counts." More housing for the "missing middle." — James Manning, #16 Actually affordable housing. — Ken Parks, #490 Everybody to be loving and caring and don’t recognize color, because we all come the same place. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Get rid of the crooked mayor. Don’t let people who are rich control everything. — Schillington Morgan, #148 Make it more affordable. — Fred Allen, #170 Continuity within the community — especially between the homeless and non-homeless community. — Kevin Claypool, #584 Better affordability across the board. — Mike Jones, #113 Child support is a B! I got word that the Wayne County Sheriff came to my house with a child support warrant for my arrest. I wasn’t home at the time. The next day I gave them a call and talked to some Wayne County detective. He explained to me I had a warrant and I needed to just turn myself in to the 36th District Court to be arraigned and I would be released. The next day I did just that, driving my girlfriend's Jeep to downtown Detroit to the 36th District Court house. I walked in and before you knew it I realized I couldn’t just leave. I was in a court chambers, a jail cell. The judge sentenced me to 30 days for contempt of court or whatever. Mind you my girlfriend's jeep is outside in a paid parking lot in downtown Detroit and would soon be towed away. I had to make a collect call to my girlfriend to tell her about me getting locked up for 30 days and she needed to come get her Jeep before it got towed away. Wayne County Jail and Washtenaw County Jail are two completely different places state of Michigan. I met guys from Hawaii, Florida, Wisconsin and other states.That was in 2004. In 2007, there was another child MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 — Washtenaw County Jail is Disneyland compared to Wayne County Jail. In Washtenaw County Jail you got a couch, big screen TVs, you can order Big Macs. Wayne County Jail is just a jail that rhymes with hell. Because that’s what it is. I was placed on the 13th floor, cell 1308. I will never forget that cell number. There I met a lot of people from all over the country. In Michigan, a person can be charged for felony non-child support, and if you try to leave the state or reside out of state, you will receive a free flight courtesy of the U.S. Marshals back to the support warrant for my arrest from the Wayne County Sheriff. Back in court again, this time at the Coleman A. Young Building on the 19th floor, the building on Woodward and Jefferson you see on the Detroit local news all the time. This time my girlfriend came to court with me. Once again I was found in contempt of court and sentenced to 45 days in the county jail. I was sent to the Dickerson facility on the eastside of Detroit, where I served 30 days and was then released and that was my last time being incarcerated. 76% of non-custodial fathers with children under the age of 19 pay child support in the United States. The state child support office in Michigan provides services for more than 830,000 children and families. There is a lot I don’t like about the Michigan child support system but one good thing I got out of the whole process was ACCOUNTABILITY. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Truth or lies: The blessings Mrs. Levan Flora had just celebrated her 100th birthday in her South Carolina home. However, she was feeling anxious. She had worked as a nurse and caretaker up until the age of 78. Her husband had passed away when she was 80, leaving her alone. She never bore any children, but they did adopt a daughter who was now also deceased. Her daughter never had a chance for a family; she was in a fatal auto accident returning home from school. Levan always believed that she What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. would be reunited with them in heaven. She had outlived all of her relatives. Levan could still get around and occasionally would sneak off and drive her golf cart to the mall across the street from her estate. She was blessed to be able to still comprehend things and did not have body illness or dementia; she just walked slowly. Her butler and maid were still employed after 35 years and they often assisted her with keeping track of her estate. She was wealthy and had been stressing over who she would leave her wealth to. The very next morning Levan FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 was up early feeling refreshed and eating a hearty breakfast. She was thinking about her dream, not wanting to say anything about it to her help. Levan had decided to slowly withdraw her money from the bank and get as much cash as possible. After going to the bank she snuck off to the mall and purchased all the blankets she could. Levan kept this routine for the Levan did not attend church services ever since her husband passed away. She still prayed and believed in God, knowing she would meet with her family in heaven. One day Levan was feeling happy — bedtime came quickly that day, for she could turn off her mind and sleep. After she said her prayers she went to bed, still wondering who she would leave her wealth to. Levan started to dream about God instructing her to give all her wealth away in order to enter the gates of heaven. God also told her, “You shall know who to give your home to when the time comes.” next three weeks. However one day when she next arrived at the mall, there was a family of five holding signs. The man held a sign stating that he had lost his job and they were homeless. “Please help.” Not even considering her safety, she knew God wanted her to help them. Levan did not hesitate; she pulled up to the family in her golf cart and asked how she could help them. The man, Jack, introduced himself and his family. He then asked her if she had any work he could do to earn money for his family. Levan introduced see BLESSINGS page 10 

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY RESOURCES WASHTENAW GENERAL DEFENSE COMMITTEE On December 4, 2022 the Love Stand, a free food stand in Depot Town, was shut down by the City of Ypsilanti due to citations of blight and incorrect zoning. The owner and operator of the stand failed to pull necessary permits, including historic district commission and zoning permits. Zoning — specifically historic zones — are weaponized to protect the property values of homeowners and business owners by keeping poor people out of those areas. These "health and safety" spatial regulations were originally implemented in the United States to designate safe areas for white people to own property, segregated from the rest of the community. As fuel prices skyrocket, so does the price of everything else. Most food types (dairy, meat and produce) have inflated by more than 10% over the past year alone. The price of eggs has inflated more than 30%. To no one's surprise, wages have stayed relatively the same, forcing individuals and families to live more precariously just to access basic needs. Food pantries are essential resources, but oftentimes they are only open at specific times and days. The Love Stand was a key resource in Ypsilanti as a 24/7 access point for free food. Community members were witnessed using the stand constantly — from the middle of the day to the middle of the night. After an initial news blast reporting on the ordered closure, community members responded with overwhelming frustration with the city, showing the need for such a resource. We had a community resource. The city ordered the removal of that community resource. We will continue to organize to protect access to free food in our community. We invite all community members acting in good faith to participate in stocking, maintaining and gathering from open-access free food pantries at 169 N. Washington St. (immediately north of the Ypsilanti Transit Center) and 706 Davis St. (Peace House Ypsi). Details of where to access more food pantries and free hot meals in Washtenaw County can be found in the Washtenaw Street Survival Guide. PROTECT FOOD ACCESS! Solidarity Pantry is a 24/7 access outdoor food pantry located at 169 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti. JANUARY 13, 2023 Food should be free! Ypsi shutters the Love Stand JANUARY 13, 2023 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT Down Maynard Street, a welcoming stand points towards the back entrance of Betsy Barbour Residence Hall: “Maize and Blue Cupboard — Walk This Way!” Walking in, I am greeted with smiles and pleasantries by volunteers who are students just like me. I am given a brown bag to hold whichever shelved food items I would like, along with a sample of pre-made overnight oats. I am even given a recipe for the oats on a small slip of paper, with a list of all the ingredients I can also get from the pantry. The Maize and Blue Cupboard is a student-organized food pantry that provides food, household supplies and resource support for the University of Michigan community. Their mission is to ensure that all members of the University can receive equitable access to healthy, nutritious and nourishing food and can prepare it for themselves or others. To learn more about the Cupboard, I spoke with Keith Soster, Director of Food Sustainability and Student Community Engagement. The Maize and Blue Cupboard was initiated in 2011 by university SOPHIA LUPTON U-M student contributor shoppers per week. Who does the pantry serve, and who are the shoppers? The Cupboard is targeted to anyone with an MCard, but Soster also points out, “We will not turn anyone away. If somebody in the Ann Arbor community were to come in, we are going to allow them to shop and we are also going to give them a list of resources in Ann Arbor.” These resources range from students Wesley Zhu and Forrest Burczak. Soster explained their foundational goal is to alleviate food insecurity on campus by offering food to those students, faculty and staff in need. In order to reduce the stigma often associated with food insecurity, the name Maize and Blue Cupboard was chosen specifically to be inviting to all. “Sometimes [the name of] food banks and pantries can prevent people from utilizing its services,” noted Soster. Over the last couple of years, the number of shoppers has continually increased to about seven hundred Maize & Blue Cupboard creamy carrot soup MIRA SIMONTON-CHAO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 yellow onion 1 or 2 fresh carrots ¼ bag frozen carrots ¼ bag of a different frozen vegetable, ideally root or squash 2 tsp vegetable or chicken boullion 1 tsp salt 1 can coconut milk Pepper to taste Any other vegetables Directions: Coarsely chop vegetables. Heat a large pot on medium-high heat with butter or oil. Add yellow onion and saute for 3-5 mins. Add the cut carrots, frozen carrots, and other frozen vegetable of your choosing to the pot with 1 cup of water. Add chicken boullion, salt, some cracked pepper to taste and 1 tsp cumin (optional). Add can of coconut milk— if you don’t have coconut milk you can use about 1 cup of heavy cream or milk. Simmer until large carrots are soft. Ladle 1-2 cups into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture into a different pot or bowl. Repeat until you have a full pot of yummy creamy carrot squash soup. Other veggies you could add to the mix: celery, a small amount of potato, any kind of fresh squash (I would recommend baking this before blending), and ginger! churches that serve hot meals to housing insecurity programs. So if you are a non-University of Michigan community member, you are still welcome at the Maize and Blue Cupboard. Moreover, you will be provided with additional resources that are provided in Ann Arbor if you are in need of additional help or social services. Although Soster’s work is to connect the Cupboard to other departmental resources across campus, he is quick to note that it is a team effort. “Students play a big part in the operations of it all,” explains Soster. “It's amazing how many people come in to volunteer. We usually see more donations or volunteers [during the GROUNDCOVER NEWS Tackling food insecurity with Maize and Blue holiday season], just because people get in the spirit of giving, and I think that's awesome. I'm really excited about that.” The Maize and Blue Cupboard is open from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, except for Wednesday when it opens at noon. It not only runs during the fall and winter semesters, but the Cupboard continues to operate in the summer as well. They also offer mobile deliveries if people are unable to come to the central campus location. Whether you are struggling with food security, just need a little assistance getting back on your feet, or would like to lend your own helping hand and volunteer, reach out to the University of Michigan’s Maize and Blue Cupboard! As for me, I returned to my dorm with a brown bag of groceries, proud to be at a university with a food pantry that provides to any and all a full stomach, a smile and a warmed heart. mbc.studentlife.umich.edu/ 420 S State St., Ann Arbor 734-936-2794 Easy tomato beef pasta EMMA LAPP U-M student contributor Ingredients: Neutral oil 16 oz can of canned spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce 1 lb. package of ground beef Whatever type of pasta you want — I prefer to make this dish with garganelli Cheese (mozzarella or parmesan is great) 2 tsp Italian seasoning Salt and pepper to taste Directions: The first thing that you are going to want to do is start to boil the water for the pasta. While the water is boiling, heat up a pan on the stove and add a little bit of oil. Add beef and heat up to a point where it is broken down. While doing this, add seasonings. Hopefully around this time, the water should be boiling so add your choice of pasta to it! Try these recipes from shoppers at Maize and Blue Cupboard that utilize common pantry ingredients! Once the ground beef is looking cooked (brown), open the can of diced tomatoes and add that to the pan with the ground beef. Combine these two together completely, but turn the pan temperature down so that it keeps it just warm and isn’t overcooking the dish. Strain the pasta and add it to the pan with the beef and tomatoes and mix them all together. Add finishing touches (more seasonings, cheese) and serve! 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD ACCESS JANUARY 13, 2023 Ken Parks, Groundcover vendor No. 490, is a regular at Argus Farm Stop on Liberty street where he buys groceries with his Bridge Card. Outside, he has deep conversations with some of the other customers while selling Groundcover News. Every Thursday he picks up his produce box. "I could have used some of this when I made my soup earlier," he said as he opened his weekly surprise. Photo credit: Alexandra Granberg. Local food is better — if you can afford it ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor “Eat your vegetables.“ A platitude perhaps irritatingly linked to memories of your gradeschool teacher or endless nagging at family dinners. But it strikes a chord when you consider that as many as 85% of Americans really don’t eat enough vegetables. That large majority is lacking the vitamins and minerals essential for normal physical and mental development, based on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommended daily intake. They are suffering from something called micronutrient deficiency, or hidden hunger. Hidden hunger is a serious public health problem with repercussions beyond the individual. In and of themselves, vitamins don’t contain calories to fill us up when we feel hungry; their absence alone doesn’t lead to malnutrition and weight loss as long as we get enough food of any kind. This makes hidden hunger difficult to detect. But these micronutrients – found in whole foods like beans and vegetables — are vital for maintaining life functions such as the immune system, disease protection and childhood growth. A lack of them can lead to stunted growth, reduced brain function or child and maternal mortality. Not just how much, but what we eat, therefore matters a great deal. Carrot comes to town Dark green and orange vegetables, legumes and whole grains are among the most under-consumed foods worldwide. Thankfully, local food — which rapidly disappeared from our plates with the industrial revolution and subsequent depopulation of rural areas — is coming back around. In Ann Arbor, Argus Farm Stop is spearheading this trend. Their grocery stores/cafes on Liberty and Packard Streets sell only fresh, local products from over 200 producers in the region, year-round. It is a catch-all daily farmer’s market if you will. Though the Ann Arbor Farmers Market offers many of the same products, it is open only twice a week — once a week in the winter. Unlike a traditional retail model, Argus uses a consignment model which allows producers to set their own prices. In this setup, producers keep 70 percent of the sales price of their goods, as opposed to the 15 percent they might get in a traditional retail relationship. This arrangement has helped generate more than $15 million in income for local producers since 2014. This is all good. Small, local businesses can provide an opportunity for communities to take control of their economy. Money spent at local businesses is more likely to stay in the community, and the wealth created is less likely to end up as over-inflated corporate profit. Local producers also tend to care more about the impact their products have on a community, as they are part of that community themselves. With food, this often means less of the harmful chemicals and toxic sprays otherwise used in the industry — better for local ecosystems and biodiversity, and for human health. Transportation routes are radically shortened, leaving much smaller carbon footprints. And wider access to healthy, fresh and seasonal products – in Ann Arbor seven days a week thanks to Argus — means more people get to enjoy these goodies. In other words, locally grown food benefits most people. But in one important aspect it benefits some more than others. Double hunger, triple burden In Washtenaw County an estimated 38,470 people are experiencing food insecurity — meaning they lack the economic means to buy enough food — according to Feeding America. More than 33 million people nationwide, about 10% of Americans, are food-insecure according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food insecurity among Black and Hispanic people is close to double that, 19.8% and 16.2% respectively. The modern, high-sugar, low-nutrient diet is shared by almost every one of us — 85% evidently — including those who could afford better food. But it affects the least affluent most. When we talk about food security, we often mean access to enough quantities of food to fill stomachs. While this might meet the most acute need, hidden hunger is growing. Not only do people who experience food insecurity typically consume fewer calories overall, on average they eat half as much fruit as someone who is food secure. Proteins and whole grain products are also frequently missing from an already sparse diet. see LOCAL page 11  JANUARY 13, 2023 IN THE CLASSROOM GROUNDCOVER NEWS Opening young minds to critical issues of nutrition in difficult circumstances ANNA GERSH Groundcover board member The readers of this publication already understand many of the challenges faced by homeless and near-homeless people. That’s what this paper is here to do, but it’s important to discuss these issues with everyone, not just those folks who read newspapers. We know that to meaningfully address the problems of our many fellow humans who live in poverty, we need every mind directed toward these issues as early as possible! That’s why Groundcover News visited Eastern Michigan University’s Bright Futures after school program at Wildwood Elementary School. We asked Mr. Brett’s 2nd through 5th-graders to think about nutrition and staying healthy when there is no refrigerator or a stove to protect and prepare food. We asked the kids what they thought would be the ideal food for someone who moved around a lot and didn’t have a reliable place to store their food. We talked about foods with high levels of nutrition, foods that help our bodies stay warm (and keep cool!), and food that keeps well over long periods of time. After our brainstorming sessions and discussion, the kids spent some time thinking about and then drawing what they saw as the best foods to meet those criteria. When we returned to see what they came up with, the kids shared their ideas in a special presentation. Thanks so much to Mr. Brett and all our new friends at Bright Futures at Wildwood ES for your great thinking on this important topic! Top left: Ellie is participating in Mr. Brett's brainstorming activity. Top right: Sammy, Xavier and Shawn participate in the creation process. Bottom left: Sammy recommends an orange because it stays clean and has lots of vitamin C. Bottom right: Alana recommends yams, chicken and mac'n' cheese. Abby suggests watermelon because its very tasty. They are pictured working on brainstorm activity. 7

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MLK DAY JANUARY 13, 2023 The evolution and revolution of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — from segregation to equality On January 16, 2023, the University of Michigan and the metropolitan community of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti will celebrate the life and accomplishments of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The University of Michigan has one of the largest MLK birthday celebrations in the nation. U-M’s MLK events formally started in 1986 on the Ann Arbor campus. Today, the Dearborn and Flint campuses have become integral components of Dr. King’s birthday celebration. In addition to the January 16 events on U-M campuses, there are also significant events to celebrate MLK's birthday at Eastern Michigan University, Concordia College, Washtenaw Community College, and the public school systems of Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Lincoln Consolidated, Willow-Run, Dexter, Saline and Chelsea, as well as most of the major towns and townships in Washtenaw County. What is the Michigan connection to Dr. King’s birthday celebration? Four days after the assassination of Dr. King on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee, Michigan Congressman John Conyers introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to honor Dr. King with a federal holiday on his birthday. Conyers's bill was reintroduced in Congress year after year. The MLK Federal Holiday Bill was eventually approved in the Senate (78-22) and President Ronald Wilson Reagan signed it into law in 1983. Michigan was among the first states to celebrate MLK as a federal holiday. Some states, such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Arizona refused to honor King on the third Monday of January as prescribed by the 1983 legislation. But America’s civil rights advocates and millions of ordinary citizens persevered. By the year 2000, all 50 states in the United States had chosen to make the MLK federal holiday a state government holiday, too. Furthermore, University of Michigan Professor Emeritus of Architecture and Afro-American Studies, Dr. James Chaffers, was invited to serve on the National Design Council for Dr. King’s Memorial Statue, located near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. In 2023, the University of Michigan’s theme for its annual symposium at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor is: “The (R) EVOLUTION OF MLK FROM SEGREGATION TO ELEVATION.” The Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the School of Business are the primary planners of U-M’s MLK Symposium events. They have defined “EVOLUTION” as the gradual process WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 of development and/or diversification from earlier realities, especially from simple to more complexity. The concept of “REVOLUTION” is defined as a forcible, sudden or complete change in favor of a new system. I intend to present Dr. King’s evolution from his birth to his staggering impact as a civil rights leader, struggling against segregation in the southern and northern regions of America. Dr. King had a dream that he said, “was rooted in the American dream.” After the basic anti-discrimination civil right laws and the voting rights law were passed respectively in 1964 and 1965, Dr. King called for genuine equality in income opportunities, non-discriminatory fair/open housing policies, socio-economic advancement, healthcare access and equity, and educational access and equity. The bottom-line is that Dr. King called for an equitable and inclusive multiracial democracy which strives for a “more perfect union” through an implementation of the constitutional Bill of Rights and the key preambles of the July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence —“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, and among them are the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” After the Keynote Speech at the U-M Hill Auditorium by Dr. Aletta Maybank, Chief Equity Officer and Vice President of the American Medical Association, U-M Distinguished University Professor of History and Public Policy, Dr. Earl Lewis will moderate the conversations on equity, diversity and inclusion. Mr. Jalen Rose, former U-M and NBA basketball player and founder of the Jalen Rose Leadership academy, and Mr. Edward Buckles, director and documentary film producer will join the conversation at Hill Auditorium. Specific topics may include Black excellence, poverty solutions, campus climate, healthcare disparities, economic inequality, unequal Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. pictured with his wife Coretta Scott King, son Martin Luther King III and daughter Yolanda Denise King. They had two other children, Dexter Scott and Bernice Albertine King. Photo credit: Parade. educational access and resources, racial injustice, wealth gap, school achievement gap, career achievement gap, homelessness, mass incarceration and criminal justice reform. A Brief History of Dr. King’s Evolution Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 in the segregated southern city of Atlanta. His baptismal name was Michael King, not Martin Luther King. His dad was a renowned pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church who traveled to Germany in 1934. History. com editors said that Dr. King’s dad was “inspired by the Protestant Reformation Leader, Martin Luther.” As a result, King Sr. changed his own name as well as that of his six-year old son. Historians say that Dr. King entered College at the age of 15. He attended a Divinity School in Pennsylvania known as Crozer Theological Seminary, following his graduation from Morehouse College at the age of 19. After he received his Divinity Degree from Crozer, he enrolled at Boston University. Dr. King majored in Systematic Theology and his doctorate was awarded in 1955 — one year after the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Linda Brown and overturned the Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision of 1896. That decision said that Separate but Equal was the law of the land. In May 1954, Chief Justice Earl Warren and other members of SCOTUS said that Plessy was wrongly decided. The Brown decision was momentous! After about six decades of separate and unequal law, African Americans looked forward to a more equal, tolerant and inclusive society. In 1955, Dr. King was appointed pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama after the previous pastor, Rev. Dr. Vernon John, left. That same year, Dr. King became one of the leaders of the Montgomery Improvement Association which worked with community leaders such as Ms. Rosa Parks to undertake the Bus Boycott of December, 1955.The Montgomery Bus Boycott lasted for more than one year before the local civil rights group achieved a durable victory. On May 17, 1957, King gave a speech before an audience estimated between 15,000 and 30,000. History.com noted that Dr. King’s speech “drew strong reviews and positioned him in the forefront of the civil rights leadership.” Dr. King was nearly assassinated in Harlem, New York City, on September 20, 1958. He was at a signing ceremony for his first book, titled “Strides Toward Freedom” at Blumstein’s department store. He was approached by a mentally deranged woman named Izolia Ware Curry. She asked Dr. King if he was really Martin Luther King. After he said yes, the woman proceeded to say that she had been looking for him for five years, and she stabbed Dr. King in thee chest with a 7-inch knife. King underwent an emergency surgery. The doctors told him that the blade came so close to his aorta that one sneeze could have punctured the aorta and killed him instantly. A little white girl from White Plains High School sent a very kind letter to Dr. King telling him that she read the newspaper story, and was happy to learn that he did not sneeze. That letter can be located at the Morehouse College’s central archives of Dr. King’s papers. Dr. King also talked about it in his April 3, 1968 “Mountaintop Speech.” The second major assassination attempt on King’s life took place in Memphis. King arrived in Memphis to see MLK next page  JANUARY 13, 2023 PUZZLES  MLK from last page support a strike staged by the Black Garbage Workers Union. On the wet and stormy night of April 3, 1968, King was feeling a little cold, but he summoned enough energy and strength to deliver the “Mountaintop speech” at Mason Temple Church of Memphis. He was prophetic when he preached, “ … like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land. And I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I am not afraid of any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the Lord.” The next day, around 6 p.m., April 4, 1968 Dr. King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his second floor room at the Lorraine Motel by a career criminal named James Earl Ray. Dr. King’s family refused to believe that Mr. Ray acted alone. Dr. King’s Revolutionary Spirit, Impacts and Legacy Many historians cannot say for sure when Dr. King’s revolutionary spirit started. However, the change of his name from Michael King to Martin Luther King when he was about six years old was a major change in his young life. Enrolling in college at the tender age of 15 in the segregated South may have contributed to his revolutionary spirit. Obviously, having Pastor Martin Luther King Sr. as a dad and a role model could have fired up Dr. King’s revolutionary spirit. We do know that King had read most of the Great Books before his death. Dr. King was a voracious consumer of knowledge and information. In general, he believed that “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” King’s 1947 article, published in his college newspaper, The Maroon Tigers, argued that “…education must also train one for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively and to think for one’s self is very difficult. We are prone to let our mental life become invaded by legions of half truths, prejudices and propaganda. At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances, do not give the objective and unbiased truths.” Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute published Dr. King’s 1947 College article, with the title, “The Purpose of Education.” Dr. King also said, “…To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from fiction … But education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be a man gifted with reason, but with no morals.” This writer believes that Dr. King experienced a great revolution of the mind and spirit while studying at Morehouse College in Atlanta. We know that he loved to read, think and reflect. He was knowledgeable about the writings of ancient civilizations in Egypt, the Holy Land and Greece. He was familiar with writings about the Roman Empire and the Renaissance era. He was aware of the voluminous work of Germany’s Martin Luther who embarked on the reformation of the Christian Church. Dr. King was influenced by the writing and oratory of the legendary abolitionist, Fredrick Douglass. King was knowledgeable about the work of anti-slavery activists such as David Walker’s “Appeal,” Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad, William Lloyd Garrison’s “The Liberator,” W.E.B. DuBois's “Souls of Black Folk” and Booker T. Washington’s Black development strategies to mention a few. Dr. King left a legacy of non-violent direct action for social change, a life of service and activism, inclusive multiracial democracy, resilience and perseverance, community self-analysis of value choices and world-mindedness. We encourage our readers to watch the video “The Other America” and to listen to the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” and “What is Your Life’s Blueprint?” speeches on Youtube. Because race still matters in American life, culture and society, we do encourage our readers to view the video of Dr. Cornel West's 2002 speech titled “Race Matters.” It was delivered as the Jessie and John Danz Lecture at the University of Washington in Seattle. There have been noticeable improvements in society since the late 1960s. The nation is more diverse and more prosperous. However, issues of racism, poverty, inequality, inequity and inclusivity are still problematic. In the cold winter of 2014, some homeless people in Washtenaw County froze to death. It’s much better today. In Los Angeles, five homeless people die every night. There are still more than 44,000 people who are experiencing homelessness on the streets of Los Angeles. Mayor Karen Bass got the city council to pass “A Homeless EmerGROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 LOGIC PUZZLE BY JAN GOMBART 1. Create an eight-digit number using the digits 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1. Make sure the ones are separated by one digit, the twos are separated by two digits the threes are separated with three digits and the fours are separated by four digits. What is the number? gency Ordinance.” Most urban counties in America are faced with similar shelter and health emergencies. What would Dr. King say? He would want us to declare a national emergency now. Enough partisan politics! Enough NIMBY policy debates and public hearings!! Action now to save lives!! Learn more and articipate in the conversation: https://oami.umich. edu/um-mlk-symposium/events/

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AFFORDABILITY Eating out on $20 a day in Ann Arbor The city of Ann Arbor is well-known for having a lot of good eats, but it is not necessarily known for being affordable. As someone who is new to Ann Arbor and also happens to be a broke college student, I wanted to explore the city, try out the famous food and do it all on a budget. My goal was to find three different places to eat, all within walking distance of the campus; one for breakfast, one for lunch and one for dinner, and do it all while spending only twenty dollars. I found that for breakfast there are a lot of large chains where you can get something affordable to eat, but I had somewhat of a harder time finding an affordable breakfast meal from a local restaurant. The place I did end up finding is called RoosRoast. This cute little cafe has two locations, one walkable located downtown on East Liberty St. and one that is a bit further from campus. The RoosRoast located on Rosewood St. has an extensive drink menu along with a good selection of breakfast items and pastries. I decided KAYLEE SMITH U-M student contributor to go with their “duh bagel sandwich” made up of a fresh everything bagel topped with cheddar cheese and cream cheese for only $4.50. This sandwich was the right call, filling and delicious. Lunch and dinner were my favorite parts of the day. There were so many options for these meals it was hard to narrow them down, but I did my best. For lunch, I decided to go with Joe’s Pizza, an Ann Arbor staple. Joe’s is a New York-style pizza place located on Central Campus on South University Avenue. There are multiple Joe’s Pizza locations in the world. The restaurant originated in New York City and the Ann Arbor location is one of the only restaurants not located in New York City, the others being in China. There is a limited menu, and by limited I mean the only option is pizza, but in my opinion that is all you need for a delicious lunch. There are seven different kinds of pizza and a slice ranges from $3 for a cheese slice to $4.75 for Caprese and supreme. I decided to go with plain cheese because not only is it the most budget-friendly option, but it is also my favorite. The restaurant is set up uniquely. You walk up to the counter and tell the worker which slice you want and they stick it right in the oven for you. The slice comes out hot and perfectly crispy. For dinner, I tried No Thai! which was voted Ann Arbor's best Asian restaurant. It is located near Pinball Pete’s at South University. The majority of the dishes are $12. First, you choose your dish, such as pad Thai or drunken noodles. Second, you pick your protein. You can choose between chicken, beef, tofu, or for an extra dollar, shrimp. Lastly, you select your spice level. The options are no spice, weak sauce, medium, yoga flame, or dim mak. I decided to go with the Pad Thai with chicken and weak sauce. This meal did not disappoint. It came out steaming hot and fresh. While it is on the pricier side of this list, the portion size is fairly large and I had a good amount left over. Although restaurants in Ann Arbor do not come across as affordable, there are some worthwhile budget-friendly options. If I were to rank the restaurants I visited based on flavor and price I would put No Thai! at the top of the list, followed by Joe’s and lastly, RoosRoast. For the full day of eating I was able to stick to the $20 budget and have a good time while doing it. Ann Arbor is a great place to venture out and try new things! JANUARY 13, 2023  BLESSINGS from page 3 herself and answered yes while looking at his pregnant wife. She asked their names again and explained that they could go over to her estate and wait for her while she shopped. She then asked Jack to assist her while she shopped so they could talk more. Levan told the wife Rebecca to tell the butler, Ronald, to prepare food and she would be home soon. The first thing she did in the mall was go to the pay phone and call Ronald and inform him to assist the family in any way possible. She visited all of the stores that sold blankets, once again purchasing them all. While helping, Jack said, “Wow! Do you really need all of those blankets?” Levan answered, “Yes, and you shall see I need even more than this.” Jack shook his head and kept carrying the bags and packed them into the golf cart. Finally the shopping spree was over and Leven asked how he lost his job. Jack stated that he had worked for Fry’s Electronics and the company just shut down without giving a warning to its employees. Levan remembered hearing about it on the local news. “Where do you and your family sleep at night?” she asked. “We stay in a hotel when we can afford it and in our family van. We park at the truck stops when we can. The children have not attended school this year due to our situation,” Jack stated. “I have been applying for jobs. However, I have to get messages and our mail through the shelter." "What kind of work would you have for me?” he asked. Levan smiled and said, “Don't worry about that. We must get you and your family secure first, then you can work for me.” She knew that he was an honest man who valued his family and worked hard to take care of them. Returning home she was tired, but she knew she had to make sure his wife was comfortable. Levan fed the family then took them to her guest house in the back of her estate and gave them the keys. The husband and wife hugged each other with tears of gratitude in their eyes. Levan said that they would talk about work the next day, that they should just get settled and rest up for a big day. She then retired to her room knowing her work still wasn't done. She closed her bedroom door and continued her assignment. That night she dreamed God was happy with the decision she made to help the family; however, the voice in her dream said once again to give away all her wealth. Arising the next morning, she knew she did not have a lot of time to get the job done. Feeling that the angels were awaiting her arrival, she pushed herself to continue her mission. At breakfast she told the couple that they would inherit her house and part of her money. Jack and Rebecca both said they could not accept and asked where her family was. Levan explained how she had no family members left, and this was the best solution for her problem. She then asked the family if they could assist her Saturday morning passing out all the blankets at the shelters. They said they would be happy to help with the blankets. Levan then showed them the estate and informed Jack of the business she owned that would be his – Paul's Hardware, located two miles from the house in the next shopping district. Jack cried and thanked God for his blessing from Mrs. Flora. Levan called a notary to meet with them at dinner. She already had her documents ready. When the notary arrived, she wrote a new will and testament and was happy that she had done what God asked of her. She left the estate, the hardware store, all her automobiles and three million dollars to the family she took in. She also left her butler and maid one million each. The only job left was Saturday morning giving out the blankets. Jack, Rebecca and the children - passed out over 2,000 blankets that weekend. Levan was excited and happy they were with her, especially the children. Monday morning came and Levan was bedridden, feeling weak and exhausted. However, she knew her work was done. She called Rebecca into her room and gave her a jewelry box containing all her jewelry. She took off her wedding band and handed it to her. Levan said, “My mother passed this to me for my wedding. This is for your daughter.” Rebecca was thinking how she did not have a daughter, only three sons. Levan smiled and said, “Remember this is for her.” Rebecca thanked her for everything and asked Levan if she wanted to call for the doctor. Levan smiled and said, “My doctor has already informed me it's my time to come home. Don't bother, I will be fine.” That night Levan passed away in her sleep. When the family went to check on her she was laying in her bed smiling. They were sad she left them so quickly; they had just met her and she blessed them beyond belief! That evening Rebecca decided to watch the news. The breaking report was how a family gave out blankets to the poor with $2,500 tucked inside each blanket. Four months later Rebecca did have a daughter and named her Levan; Rebecca understood what Levan’s mission was. The Christmas Miracle, published Decemeber 15, was LIES. JANUARY 13, 2023 AFFORDABILITY  LOCAL from page 6 And as if going hungry is not bad enough, people who live with food insecurity often face the triple burden of malnutrition: a combination of under-nutrition (too few calories), being overweight (too many bad calories, often from junk food) and micronutrient deficiency – hidden hunger. This is a dual problem of availability and cost. “Food deserts” are areas without access to grocery stores or affordable food. While this is often a problem in rural and remote areas, it also affects city dwellers. Sometimes food insecurity can even be more widespread in cities than in rural and suburban areas. For someone who can barely afford to feed themselves at all, paying the high price of healthy, nutritious food — like the stuff at farmers markets — is out of reach. Highly processed junk food, on the other hand, is both cheap and widely available. “It’s not just a shortage of calories, it’s a shortage of affordable nutrients,” said Michael Malmberg, Chief Operating Officer at Daily Table, a nonprofit grocery store chain in Massachusetts. When means are sparse, quantity becomes more important than quality. The step to buying a filling burger for a few hard-earned bucks is, understandably, smaller than spending the same amount of money on a bag of kale. A luxury within reach? While local food is better than non-local food in almost every way, it is often not cheap. In fact, the kale from farmer John is almost guaranteed to cost you more than the greens that traveled 1,500 miles to grocery stores in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. This is understandable, as smallscale producers must bear the brunt of large production costs themselves, and organically grown produce naturally has a shorter shelf life. So, who can afford to buy this green gold, supporting a local economy while also feeding their own families with nutritious food to secure a healthier, possibly happier life for them? Food insecure or not, the answer is generally: not nearly everyone. This consumer reality is of course a reflection of the wider economic inequity in the United States. But large food corporations are, by definition, driven by profit and could care less about people. Places like Argus on the other hand — a mission driven business whose stated goal is to “grow our local agricultural economy” — have a greater stake in their community. According to Rosie Estes and Tess Rian, who both work at Argus and feel passionately about the subject, the commitment to expand local food goes hand in hand with increasing food access. “That the two ideals should somehow be incompatible is false,” said Rian. The Double Up Food Bucks program, which started in Detroit and is now offered nationwide, is one attempt at merging the two. The program, initiated by the Ann Arbor-based Fair Food Network, reimburses stores for half the money spent exclusively on fruits and vegetables with federal food assistance funds, using the EBT Bridge Card, once known as food stamps. Since its start in 2009 the Double Up program has helped over 758,000 people across 30 states add more produce to their diet, while also injecting tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. Both the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor food co-ops participate in the program, as do several farmers markets in the area. (Kroger, Meijer, Busch’s and Walmart do not.) Normally, Bridge Card owners earn one dollar in food credits for every dollar they spend on produce. At Argus the program works slightly differently, where produce bought with the Bridge Card is currently discounted 50 percent. Estes and Rian agree that the most valuable thing a Bridge Card will get you at Argus is the weekly produce box packed with select, fresh produce worth $30, for only $3.75. The price is made possible with a grant from the Michigan Fitness Foundation, in addition to the Double Up half-off deal. In 2022 (until mid-December) $6,766 was spent on these produce boxes using Bridge cards — a total worth of $53,520 spent exclusively on local produce. Counting all Bridge Card purchases at Argus last year, including produce boxes and other Double Up produce, total sales were $71,695. While harder to calculate the value of all food bought through food assistance — due to the Double Up discount on the same card — Estes roughly puts the number around $100,000. Early indicators show these numbers might be on the rise. That would mean local food is reaching more people, advancing both vendors (financially) and residents (health-wise) in the area. In addition to Argus’ mission, owner Kathy Sample also thinks access to healthy, fresh food is important. “We operate with food access clearly in mind and look for ways to improve that.” When funding for the Double Up program ran low, Fair Food Network capped the price of their reimbursement at $20 per day. Instead of simply adapting at the customers’ expense, Argus is investigating new ways to bridge this funding gap. At the time of writing, Argus customers with a Bridge Card can still buy unlimited produce for half price. Any discount over $20 is subsidized by a customer donation program and the owners. “The commitment to provide accessible produce is significant. We need more of that; let’s make that the rule, not the exception,” said Rian. Food communities, unite! Another runner in the race to end hunger in Washtenaw County is Food Gatherers. The food bank and rescue program collects food from several sources and distributes it through food pantries at schools, assisted living communities, the Delonis Center Community Kitchen and other partners — in 2021 an equivalent of 6 million meals. But despite the earnestness of nonprofits like Food Gatherers, or small businesses like Argus, the gap between addressing food insecurity issues and growing the local food economy remains. Estes and Rian think all the pieces are there, they just need to come together. "There is a food access crisis in Washtenaw County, but not enough bridges between the abundant local food scene here and people who need fresh food,” said Estes. “What does our abundance mean if it’s not accessible to everyone?” Estes suggests that a diverse group of local community members is needed “to advocate for and find solutions to these issues — solutions that are easily implemented for both consumers and small businesses.” The Washtenaw Food Policy Council has a Food and Access Policy Action Team, which anyone can join. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Far from everyone in need of food assistance qualifies for the Bridge Card. To reach more people, and “to address issues of equity and food access,” Rian believes we need programs beyond the Double Up program and government structures: “This is where coalition building can really be powerful.” She stresses that the coalitions should be headed by those who are directly affected. That is not going to happen at Whole Foods or any other profit-driven conglomerate, both agree. Instead, the local food community — already intertwined with both food and the local community — need to find where they fit into this equation. There are obstacles. Some are practical; taking on a large infrastructure like expanding the use of Bridge Cards and all the extra work that entails — finding grants, program upkeep and so on — can be demanding for a small business. Financially it can be rough. And venturing into new spheres can feel like a risky business move, when adding up the cost of time, labor and marketing. There are political hurdles, too. Programs like Double Up and the Bridge Card are government funded. “So it is also important to elect politicians who will work to implement stronger food access infrastructure,” said Estes. But ultimately, local food and food access belong together. In fact, Estes thinks ”they can’t be mutually exclusive.” Acknowledging that is the first step. Author’s note: I work at Argus Farm Stop, on Liberty street. I encourage all new customers to come by.

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY Happy 2023! ANONYMOUS Not abandoning the lessons of year 2022 I welcome you already 2023 Although many think that they have failed because 2022 is gone 2022 in my eyes brought me closer to my goal to not be limited in my Mind, person, often referred to as my personality, character. I see 2023 as the gates of opportunity For the time 2022 has carried me with and through, on out of it! I have come, privileged to write this testament Will you agree? Oh! I know that we have not accepted the most beautiful, powerful parts of us! We just at times are entranced by a gaze pretending not to look as we peek At what is more beautiful, most worthy to contemplate! Not even imagine, Can not see Oh! How much 2023 means to me. Happy New Year!!!! TWO RECIPES ON PAGE 5: Creamy carrot soup and Easy tomato beef pasta Logic puzzle solution: 41312432 JANUARY 13, 2023 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Conquer the Cold is Back! The challenge returns January 10–February 10, 2023! Register now at CommuteandWin.org #OwnWinter @getdowntown The getDowntown Program provides commuting programs and services to downtown Ann Arbor employees and employers. A program of TheRide, getDowntown's partners include the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor DDA.

2 $ DECEMBER 30, 2022 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Women, life, freedom: What you should know about Iran's protest. Page 8 MEET YOUR VENDOR: BRIAN HARGROVE PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Undercover art intel: Native American art store opens in Ann Arbor. page 7 Inty Muenala in front of his store, NTVES, a Native American fine art and craft store located at Briarwood Mall. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # NEW ISSUE EVERY OTHER FRIDAY!

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK biweekly edition of Groundcover News. The date of publication will be the date printed on the paper. Don't be alarmed if it is a different month or year than the day you purchase (like you might see with this issue). In addition to the outcome of consisLINDSAY CALKA Managing Director Did you notice the yellow banner on the cover? "New issue every other Friday!" It's not a big change but it's an important one. The issue you are holding right now will only run for 14 days — two weeks exactly — and there will be a new edition out January 13, 11 a.m. The decision to go "twice monthly" last year was one we did not regret, but in 2023 we wanted to make the publication cycle as consistent as possible for both the vendors and our customers. This is the first tency, this change will increase the amount of issues we will be publishing in a year. Even though it is small, the uptick from 24 to 26 issues means more space for more writing, and therefore new contributors! Remember, anyone can write for Groundcover News. The submission deadline is every other Monday — the Monday after each new issue release — and can be done by emailing submissions@groundcovernews.com. If you are interested in writing as a community reporter, consider attending our news writing workshop with Ypsilanti District Library in late January (details listed on next page). If it isn't already, Friday is about to be your favorite day of the week! DECEMBER 30, 2022 letter to the EDITOR Dear Michigan Ability Partners, I wanted to thank you for all of the support you have given me over the years. I spent a night outside a few days ago in Ann Arbor, from around noon till noon the next day. This was once an everyday occurrence for me. As the evening got colder, walking past many of the places I used to “sleep,” I recalled how miserable and hopeless I was. I was thinking, “How do people do it?” “How did I do it?” — even though I knew I would eventually return to my apartment (MY apartment?!). When I did eventually return I was overwhelmed with relief, gratitude and an appreciation with an understanding: had I not been housed I truly do not know where I would be today, or even if I'd be alive. I didn't realize the healing process would take so long. A counselor at Delonis said I was a success story, which (at the time) I balked at, as her definition of success was quite different from mine. Sometimes it seems as though I knew more people who passed away in my three years of homelessness in Ann Arbor than all the people I have met in my 50 years of life! All were wonderful amazing individuals in their own way and are gone mainly because of becoming homeless and all that comes with being such. I still have a long way to go to become the “success” in my mind and knowing with your continued support I wouldn't have made it this far and still have a hope for the future. Again, Thank you! Sincerely, David Winey CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Jim Clark — vendor manager ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman Odile Hugonot Haber Cindy Gere GEO Abolition Caucus Mike Jones Emma Kin Ken Parks Denise Shearer Kevin Spangler VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alex Granberg Robert Klingler Mira Simonton-Chao Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 DECEMBER 30, 2022 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Facing the new year It can be hard coping with Brian Hargrove, vendor No. 158 In one sentence, who are you? I’m Brian Hargrove. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Around everywhere. When and why did you start selling Groundcover News? I restarted December and it's been good for me since I’ve been selling them. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Talk to people and have fun meeting people. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Eat some food and be around good friends. What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover News? I’m motivated by the prospect of getting off the streets by making my situation better. If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza, ice cream and soul food! What words do you live by? Keep my focus on God. What is your superpower? I can lift a lot of things. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? More people helping homeless people get off the street. This would make it better for everyone in Ann Arbor. What are your hobbies? Reading a good book at the library. What is something someone on the street wouldn't know? I’m a happy person who likes to make everybody smile. What's the best or worst thing about selling Groundcover News? The worst thing is people who are rude. facing a new year. It can be hard because you never know what’s going to happen in a new year. It can be hard facing a new year because you never know what’s going to change; sometimes people and things change for the bad instead of for the good. You never know who or what you are going to lose that makes life happy and pleasant for you. Sometimes good things happen in the new year. Sometimes you gain new people and things that make life pleasant and happy. Music is always pleasant and DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 Jesus always makes life more pleasant. Having a cup of iced tea or lemonade is a good way to cope with the day, anytime of year. Singing a spiritual song in your mind about God and Jesus is always a good way to cope any day of the year. Toys are also something pleasant to help cope anytime of the year and on any day. Things change for the good happy. Nice artwork is always pleasant and happy anytime of the year. Celebrating God and sometimes; things change for the bad sometimes. I like to love and celebrate God and Jesus when things change for both the good and the bad. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 The killing machine: mass incarceration Mass incarceration rips apart families and communities, disproportionately hurts people of color and costs taxpayers $260 billion a year. Michigan has an incarceration rate of 599 per 100,000 people (including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile justice facilities), meaning that it locks up a higher percentage of its people than almost any democracy on Earth. There are two million people in the nation’s prisons and jails — a 500% increase over the last 40 years. Changes in sentencing law and policy, not changes in crime rates, explain most of this increase. What is the cause of mass NEWS WRITING BEST PRACTICES INTERVIEWING SOURCES AND IMPROVING YOUR ARTICLES TUESDAY, JAN 24, 2023 6:30PM YDL-WHITTAKER 5577 WHITTAKER ROAD WRITING A NEWS STORY TAKES A KEEN EYE AND A LOT OF LISTENING. GET GUIDED PRACTICE INTERVIEWING YOUR SOURCES AND TIPS ON INCORPORATING THEIR THOUGHTS INTO YOUR STORY. YOU'LL ALSO LEARN TO HIGHLIGHT THE MAIN HOOK OF YOUR ARTICLE AND HOW TO WRITE IN A WAY THAT KEEPS EVERYONE READING UNTIL THE LAST LINE. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YPSIWRITES AND GROUNDCOVER NEWS. MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 incarceration? Drug offenses still account for the incarceration of almost 400,000 people, and drug convictions remain a defining feature of the federal prison system. Police still make over a million drug-possession arrests each year, many of which lead to prison sentences. I had a chance to interview a childhood friend, Brian, who has been incarcerated several times. Brian's first prison sentence was in 1996 and he was just released from his most recent stint in April 2022. Now homeless and staying at the Robert J. Delonis Center after getting kicked out of statefunded housing, Brian said, “It's not easy making it in society without housing, a place you can call your own.” Brian added, “Being homeless, staying at the warming center, is like prison because you are always in a toxic environment. Drugs, violence, etc.” Register online for Groundcover and Ypsilanti District Library's workshop by scanning the QR code!

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION DECEMBER 30, 2022 “Fund safety, not police:” How U-M administration makes us less safe and stifles alternatives U-M GRADUATE EMPLOYEES' ORGANIZATION ABOLITION CAUCUS On November 17, as University of Michigan President Santa Ono was leaving after his speech at the Ross School of Business, he was confronted by a march of two hundred members of Graduate Employees Organization 3550. This march, which kicked off our union’s contract negotiations with the University, featured speakers calling for a living wage and for a campus free from policing. Our march was trailed by four U-M police cruisers. Ono’s hasty departure presented an opportunity: two GEO members held up a banner, created during the 2020 strike, to block the president’s path and prevent him from continuing to ignore us. The banner read “FUND SAFETY NOT POLICE.” The underlining of “ICE” also signals GEO’s current demands for codifying protections for international graduate student-workers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The two students were quickly pushed aside by members of the President’s security detail, eager to shuffle off the disruption so Ono could return to business-as-usual. Each year, the University of Michigan spends over $32 million on policing and security. While the university’s endowment reached a record $17 billion during the COVID-19 pandemic, essential student services (such as Counseling Services, Services for Students with Disabilities, and the Center for the Education of Women) remain underfunded and the salaries of graduate students and other workers have not kept up with the rising cost of living in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. This is why, in fall 2020, GEO went on strike for a safe and just campus. In the two years since, U-M has failed to redirect funds from policing. It has instead used diversion and counterinsurgency tactics, such as starting a toothless task force on public safety and a scholarship in the name of George Floyd. It has also attempted to normalize policing across campus. Under the “Ambassadors Program,” the university sent campus police officers and work-study students to enforce social distancing rules — a plan that was quickly canceled under pressure from the undergraduate Students of Color Liberation Front and the 2020 strike. As we wrote in the Michigan Daily earlier this year, “When it comes to campus safety, the university is trapped in an endless cycle of scandals and promises to do better.” U-M is quick to cry poor when it’s cutting budgets, freezing wages and raising tuition; yet the cost of policing continues to grow. The Division of Public Safety and Security, which houses the U-M Police Department, currently receives over $32 million dollars annually from the university. But what do they actually do in and around campus with this enormous budget? To answer this question, we obtained the daily activity logs of U-M police from January 2001 through July 2022. These data reveal several crucial facts that support the abolitionist call to dismantle U-M police and redirect its resources towards the life-affirming services that graduate workers, undergraduate students, staff, faculty and community members need. First, the vast majority of U-M police activity is not in response to violence, but rather to property crimes like a stolen bike or laptop, traffic violations, or drug and alcohol use. In 2021 for example, there were over 200 police activity logs related to drug or alcohol use. Likewise, most arrests are for drug and alcohol offenses (33%), traffic violations (13%), or disorderly conduct (18%). Disorderly behavior includes people experiencing a mental health crisis, urinating in public, and sleeping, resting, or hanging out in public spaces (such as the Nichols Arboretum). Contrary to what the cops say, it is police involvement in such things that is the major source of violence in communities. These statistics show how U-M police criminalize poverty, displace the poor, and effectively control who is allowed to be in or near campus — thereby further gentrifying the Ann Arbor area. Second, U-M police are involved in situations they shouldn’t be — and they make things worse. For example, campus hospitals are major hot spots for police activity. Michigan Medicine pays tens of millions of dollars to maintain a Division of Public Safety and Security presence in hospitals. As a result, people seeking care are harassed and arrested for things like possession of marijuana; the narrative “Marijuana was found in patient property” appeared 128 times in the police logs in 2022 alone. This is part of a long history of medical providers collaborating with police and other state agencies to criminalize or commit disabled people; those with unmet mental health and/ or housing needs; Black, Indigenous, Latinx, queer and trans people; and immigrants. For many marginalized groups, seeking care comes with surveillance, policing, punishment and Percentage of police activity between 2001-2022 that involved arrests, broken down by police activity type (excluding ambulance/fire calls). Absolute numbers of arrests shown in parentheses. control. Policing in hospitals negatively impacts patient and community health outcomes. Police violate patient-provider confidentiality and trust and deter patients from seeking out necessary care out of fear of persecution by police, as well as child/family welfare and immigration authorities. In U-M’s case, we found that police are often called to handle suspected cases of domestic violence, child neglect, or mental health crises (including suicide attempts). All of these are serious matters that the police are ill-equipped to handle, and which require a noncarceral, non-police, community-controlled and anti-racist response. Third, U-M police directly collaborate with other police agencies, from the Ann Arbor Police Department to the Washtenaw County’s Sheriff’s office to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The logs reveal that U-M police have detained and turned people over to these other police forces, including ICE. Campus police are thus part of the larger system of racist violence that inspired the 2020 uprisings and GEO’s strike. The recent U-M task force on policing has failed to provide more information about these collaborations. Aligning with police is predictable given that U-M’s current Director of Housing Security, John Seto, was the Chief of the AAPD when police shot and killed Aura Rosser, a Black woman, during a domestic dispute (Aura had moved to Ann Arbor to find safe access to community mental health). These are only three main takeaways about U-M police activities. For more, see the interactive map on the GEO website: abolitiongeo.org. You can use this map to see what U-M police do in the place where you work, study, teach, and live — and ask yourselves whether this keeps you safe. Yet this data is incomplete. The map does not show the activities of police forces that collaborate with U-M police, such as ICE or AAPD. The City of Ann Arbor has denied our FOIA request for similar data on AAPD’s activities, and the city administrator, Milton Dohoney, subsequently denied our appeal. The data are also incomplete with respect to U-M police activities. Critical information is missing, including the race of the people arrested by U-M police during each incident, which the DPSS website does not make available. We know these data exist because the Michigan State Police publishes aggregated statistics about arrests made by U-M police broken down by race. U-M has denied our Freedom of Information Act request for these data, and the University President’s office has rejected our appeal of that decision. In a letter dated September 15, 2022, the Office of the President wrote that “the university is not required to make a compilation, summary or report of information, nor create a new public record, in order to respond to your request,” and pointed us to the existing DPSS website which doesn’t contain the information we have requested. This chain of events demonstrates that the university president is also the campus’s top cop: actively committed to concealing police activities amid calls for even a modicum of transparency. While the recent U-M task force on policing has called for more transparency, so far we have only faced institutional opacity. This active hiding of the racist nature of policing is intended to protect police power and undermine abolitionist efforts to build safe alternatives. But police power can and must be dismantled. Crucially, U-M police is relatively new. The campus police was see POLICE next page  DECEMBER 30, 2022 AROUND TOWN How to be happy during the Michigan winter As the days become shorter and the weather becomes colder, it becomes difficult to maintain a positive attitude on life. The sun setting as early as 5 p.m. depletes motivation, and fatigue makes it harder for individuals to continue their daily activities. Some may even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is due to the lack of sunlight the body receives, resulting in higher levels of melatonin, drowsiness and depression. In addition to the psychological effects, Northwestern Medicine reports that low temperatures can increase the likelihood of getting sick. The immune system weakens and becomes less effective at fighting viruses. Once there is snow on the ground, it becomes important for individuals to be aware of their mental and physical wellbeing. Luckily, there are ways to combat the dangers of Michigan winters. Here are some easy accessible methods that you can participate in to take care of yourself during wintertime. Considering how long Michigan winters tend to last, this season is the perfect time to start a new project with an end date in mind. Dr. Supriya Blair, clinical psychologist, suggests this solution to create a sense of excitement, curiosity and fulfillment. Having a goal helps individuals to stay motivated throughout winter as they attempt to accomplish their projects. Depending on the timeline of the project, this motivation can sustain people against the cold temperatures for a long time. Even the smallest efforts towards a goal can provide encouragement to continue the season with a positive attitude. This is adaptable for everyone as there are multiple possibilities: beginning a new workout plan, cleaning out a room, or setting a reading down and view oneself in a new light can help relieve feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Finally, those struggling to make it EMMA KIN U-M student contributor goal every week. This practice is very versatile since it is up to the individual to decide what they can manage. Staying accountable and setting small achievements can change one’s entire life during winter. Journaling is a creative outlet for people to release tension and worries by becoming intimate with themselves. When the lack of sunlight takes a toll on the human body, journaling can deliver self-care and contentment. Because of this, Dr. Blair also suggests journaling and making it a habit. What to journal is up to the writer as the purpose is to make one aware of one’s wellbeing. Many begin with a gratitude journal and answering simple questions. Some examples to consider for gratitude are to think about the relationships, achievements or lessons that developed during this year. Reflecting on the year is a productive way to stay mentally healthy since it helps lower stress levels and allows clarity of one’s being. Once again, this resource for joy is obtainable for the majority of people since it only requires paper, pencil and one’s thoughts. Even in this day and age, paper is an option though electronic devices have become the new norm for writing. Taking time to sit through the winter should focus on three components during their daily lives: exercise, diet and sleep. These three components are essential to having a healthy body and mentality. Exercising reduces multiple health risks like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day is very important for one’s health, and everyone can experience the health benefits of physical activity. Although it may be difficult to afford a gym, taking a brisk walk outside is just as helpful as working out in a gym. Eating a healthy diet is just as critical as moving the body. An extra emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein energizes the body throughout the day, and the nutrients help cells to grow and repair, resulting in a healthier and stronger immune system. Again, cost for produce may be an issue for some, but there are resources available to gain nutritious food. The Maize & Blue Cupboard provides healthy and nourishing food to those who lack equitable access. They also provide cooking utensils and household items to support the community. Lastly, sleep is key for good health and well being in the winter. Getting between seven and nine hours of sleep is important for hormone and cell growth. It can also affect how well one thinks, works, learns and gets along with others. Because all three of these factors occur naturally, extra focus should be placed on these activities to avoid the effects of winter. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Fifth Avenue Studios To foster the creation of original audio content, AADL has launched Fifth Avenue Studios to support local podcasters, musicians, and audio creators in the Ann Arbor area. Want to launch a podcast? Record and release an album? Produce an audio drama? Visit AADL.org/ fifthavenuestudios and pitch us your idea! Fastest WiFi in Town Every AADL location has loginfree wireless inside all buildings and parking lots, available 24 hours a day. No restrictions, no monitoring, and some of the fastest speeds in town! FEATURED EVENT 5  POLICE from last page only established in the early 1990s. On a campus with a long and proud history of radicalism, university administration also hoped that police would crack down on the anti-racist student activism that had intensified in the late 1980s. Their demands have yet to be met. Today, GEO members are committed to creating a safe and just campus for all, just as earlier generations of activists were. Our platform for negotiations with the university includes the demand that U-M fund the proposal for a non-police, unarmed emergency response being explored by the City of Ann Arbor. Led by the Coalition for Re-Envisioning Our Safety (CROS), the proposal would create a community-based program and hotline modeled on the best practices of crisis response teams across the country. GEO is proud to be among the more than forty community groups — including mutual aid groups, housing justice groups, and abolitionist groups such as Liberate Don’t Incarcerate — that have endorsed the plan. DPSS’s over $32 million budget can be put towards alternatives such as CROS, as well as towards other beneficial ends, including: better wages for staff and student workers, better health and mental care, better support for survivors of sexual violence, or housing for the unhoused — all of which would be preferable to a dangerous, bloated and racist police force, shielded by unaccountable administrators. Sunday, January 29 • 1–4pm Downtown Libary Looking for a preschool? The annual Preschool Expo brings representatives from area preschools to one location on one date. Connect with schools in Washtenaw County and explore your options to find the best preschool for your child. For more information visit AADL.org/preschoolexpo

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMONS DECEMBER 30, 2022 Odile Hugonot Haber was visisting People's Park in December 2022 when she documented the destruction of the park by the University of California. They intend to build student housing in its place. People's Park is a very famous historical place and the site of an epic battle ODILE HUGONOT HABER Groundcover contributor A battle of epic proportions is happening in Berkeley, California even now, a continuation of a battle first fought in the 1960s on 62 acres in the middle of Berkeley. It was won by the people and gave birth to the famed People's Park. In the aftermath of the “Free Speech” which consisted of students speaking about the effect of the war in Vietnam, in particular we remember the Mario Savio speech: “There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part! And you’ve got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels…upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you got to make it stop!” When, in the summer of 1969, the peace activists were kicked off Provo Park, they went to do their peace events on a piece of land nearby, off campus. There they built a Free Speech Stage where they could continue their anti-war speeches and actions. That land had been seized by the University under eminent domain a year before. They had demolished the 53 red, shingle-topped houses that had served as habitations to students, leftists, artists — a poorer population that the university blamed for being the "counter culture” that was at the base of the peace and freedom movement. The UC said they wanted to build student housing but left the land in shambles and progressively people moved onto it, women with their children at first. People started digging, laid sod, planted flowers, trees, and built a playground for the children. Some people were crucial in advancing the project and raising money for it. They were Michael Delacour, Jon Reed, Wendy Schlesinger, Frank Bardacke, Stew Albert, Judy Gumbo and so many others … The idea went public and grew big … They reclaimed the land that had been taken long ago — from the Costanoan Indians, also known as Ohlone; they believed that the land was under the care of the people who used it and lived on it. On May 15, 1969, known also as Bloody Thursday, 5,000 people gathered and marched to the steps of Sproul Hall. They also confronted the police, erecting a fence around the park. Mayor Johnson called for martial law and Governor Reagan activated the National Guard. Eventually buckshot was fired; 150 people were wounded, 40 were hospitalized, one became blind and James Rector was killed. The battles lasted a week. Eventually people put flowers in the guns, and peace came back. People’s Park went on. People’s Park was well known around the world as a people’s victory and a successful Commons. The park was neglected by the University, but it grew more beautiful as the people worked. "Everyone gets a blister” was the park’s motto, posted on a mural outside. Over the years, as Berkeley grew to be exorbitantly expensive, artists and activists left, so the park was neglected and some drugs dealers moved in. Nevertheless the garden continued to grow, sheltering many bird species, and while the University liked to call it a “crime scene,” there was apparently much less crime there than in the 20 blocks around that area. Recently the University decided one more time to grow student housing. On August 22, 2022 they came with Caterpillars and started butchering all the remaining plants — redwoods, palm trees and rose bushes — and destroying gardens. The park looked terrible with parts of trunks thrown everywhere. They said they are building 1,100 apartment for students and some for community members, and that 60% of the park will remain and be memorialized, as they will abide by the landmark designation. The Park Defense has challenged the University in courts for its failure to have an adequate environmental report. For now, activists got the courts to place an injunction on any construction until November. They would like to see the University consider other alternatives. Activists fear that the university will wait for a time when no one is paying attention to continue their sinister business. While 48,000 students, researchers, and staff are on strike at the University of California, the cost of living seems to be more of an issue to them than People's Park, even though climate change is so forward in the consciousness at this time. Student classes are disturbed by the strike, says the Daily Californian. It seems that the actions of the UC system indicate an overall lack of respect and understanding for nature, the community it serves and their workers. This is a deplorable way to administer a university. Michael Delacour is one of many organizers who conceived, built and fought for the People's Park in Berkeley, California. The above picture is from 1969. DECEMBER 30, 2022 ARTS + CULTURE Art intel presents international Native artist Inty Muenala. He has traveled the world and has landed on the shores of Ann Arbor. I was wandering the Briarwood Mall and lo and behold, right before me was a very colorful shop named Natives written in a unique way NTVES. I, as a Native Canadian from the Kaska Dene Tribe, was in fact shocked to see this store. We tribal people are so underrepresented in the mainstream. I personally have known Muenala for years as a vendor for his artwork at the Ann Arbor Pow Wow. As a native dancer I always had people come up to me after the fact saying, “When is the Ann Arbor Pow Wow going to be held?” Sadly I would tell them it was now in fact over and to look for it the next year. But now I can also tell them NTVES is here and we all hope to stay. NTVES was created by Inty Muenala and his wife Lizbeth Conejo Kawaii. Muenala comes from the Kichwa tribe of South America Ecuador in the Otavalo region; his tribe honors the Condor, a bird of greatness representing liberty, love and protection. He has has been making art for 25 years. He was educated in the capital of wonderful His beautiful wife helps create the jackets and GROUNDCOVER NEWS Undercover art intel: Native American art store opens in Ann Arbor My last question was what the store fashion designs. His son is finishing up at his university, studying international marketing and business. He hopes to join the family after graduation. What is found in the new native CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 Ecuador at the Central University of Quito, and he was also educated in New York in 2002 at the Art Students League. Muenala’s art reflects the web of life and natural native spirituality of the ages before 1492. His colors blast on the canvas and create vibrant images that tell stories of native life. Muenala has traveled across continents to display his works in France, Russia, Italy, Canada, the United States and his home lands of Quidore. I asked him what made him come to Ann Arbor. He talked about how the lakes and water reflect his home village back in Ecuador. He loves the lush trees here as well. store? Wonderful paintings and native-made clothing from Lizbeth. There are wonderful sculpted pipes, beadworks and blankets. Other items are sage dreamcatchers and, of course, Muenala’s paintings. My personal favorites are the shields, jackets, blankets and the wolf pipe in the image shown below — all reflect my Wolf Clan. My clan of wolf represents family, loyalty and warriorship. Muenala can also be seen with his artworks at the Ann Arbor Art Fair in July and the Dance for Mother Earth Pow Wow. The Pow Wow will be held this year Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, 2023. was about — besides just bringing Native American culture to every American home. He replied, “Where there is no representation other than reservations and online, I want to bring together the sacred part of our native ways and strength, with the web of life — unity of all — and show off the native tribes of the Americas to the world.” Native Americans are very important to the original cultures of the Americas. My tribe is Kaska Dene from the Yukon, Canada. Seeing the store brings faith back into my world and I hope and pray yours. Let us all join together in the sacred ways of this shop and bring back the unity of the United States of America because that was the original dream of the Indian soul. Yours truly, Kung Fu Panda aka Kulema, Fire Woman. NTVES.COM FACEBOOK.COM/NTVES2020/ INSTAGRAM: @NTVES.CO 7 Conquer the Cold is Back! The challenge returns January 10–February 10, 2023! Register now at CommuteandWin.org #OwnWinter @getdowntown The getDowntown Program provides commuting programs and services to downtown Ann Arbor employees and employers. A program of TheRide, getDowntown's partners include the City of Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor DDA. Top and bottom left: Decorative pipes and a wolf shield available for purchase at NTVES. Bottom right: Muenela's largest pieces, including "Water is life, Sacred Protector" are on display throughout the store.

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WOMEN'S RIGHTS DECEMBER 30, 2022 Women, life, freedom: What you should know about Iran's protest September 16, 2022, is a day that will forever be remembered in Iranian history. On this day, the religious morality police in the country of Iran killed an innocent woman by the name of Mahsa Amini. She was only 22 years old. In present day Iran, the government in power is an strict Islamic regime, forcing authoritarian religious laws on its citizens. One of these laws is forcing all women to wear a hijab in public. On September 13, Mahsa was out walking with her hijab only partially covering her hair. The morality police took her into custody and three days later, she was dead. The government tried to claim that her death was caused by pre-existing medical issues, but her family vehemently denied this, saying that Mahsa was completely healthy and did not have any medical conditions. Since her death, protests have shot up all over the country as the Iranian public was enraged after hearing the news of her death. These protests have continued across Iran and have gained traction all around the world. In response, the government has responded with cruel and extreme actions, from arresting thousands of protesters, to detaining political prisoners for long periods of time, and in RYAN YOUNESSI U-M student contributor many cases executing some of them. Even with the horrifying actions taken by the government, the protests have not been quelled. Iranians have responded to the situation in a multitude of ways. Individuals of all ages have marched demanding that change take place in the country. The majority of these protesters are young people, sometimes as young as 14 or 15 years old. Some protests have even gone to the extent of shutting down different sectors of the economy, with workers boycotting and not showing up to work, even in critical areas of the economy such as oil and steel. The protests have significantly differed from ones in past years. First, instead of calling for reforms in the law or modernization of the government system, protesters are demanding a total upheaval of the regime and the ushering in of a new government. Second, the protests do not seem to have a singular figure representing the movement. Third, the individuals participating in the protests are from regions all over Iran and even in the heavily religious areas of Mashhad and Qom. This phenomenon has never happened in the past. Additionally, there has been a resounding reaction from the international community. From foreign leaders all across the world, including figures like President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emanuel Macron, to the European Union and United Nations, a response like this has not been witnessed. People all over the world have been protesting in big cities and even in their local communities. Just in the past two months, six different protests have taken place in the city of Ann Arbor. The protests have not stopped yet, and it is the hope of many that some long overdue change will take place in Iran. Since the start of the protests, the Iranian government has responded with violence and condemnation. Due to Join the Conversation! Unarmed Crisis Response Team Public Forum In April 2021, the Ann Arbor City Council passed Resolution R-21-129 to develop an unarmed crisis response team. The City of Ann Arbor asked Public Sector Consultants, a nonpartisan research and consulting firm, to gather feedback from community members about the best way to create a team of unarmed social and human services professionals to respond to crisis and public safety calls in the city. Join the conversation at one of the upcoming public forums! Monday, January 9 1:00 PM Downtown Ann Arbor District Library 343 S. Fifth Avenue Multipurpose room— basement Thursday, January 12 6:00 PM Pittsfield Ann Arbor District Library Branch 2359 Oak Valley Drive Program room Thursday, January 19 6:00 PM Virtual via Zoom https://pscinc.co/discuss Meeting ID: 859 4501 3079 Passcode: 090446 censorship of the government, it is not known the exact number of individuals who have been arrested or killed, but outside groups believe that over 15,000 people have been arrested, and several hundred people have been killed. The government has tried to claim that Western nations instigated the protests in the nation and that they are behind the protests, but this is simply not true. With the government in control of all media and the internet, they have used state-run television to provide misinformation to the Iranian public about the protests; they also shut down the internet, disconnecting social media apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram to stop Iranians from communicating with one another and the outside world. Even with the horrible actions taken by the government, the Iranian people have refused to give up. With protests still going on, there is no sign of them stopping. The new generation of Iranians are ready for a different Iran than they grew up in and there is no stopping them from achieving their goal. There is a long fight ahead but the international community must coalesce see IRAN next page  DECEMBER 30, 2022 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor corner policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website.  IRAN from last page around the Iranian people and support them. As the child of two Iranian immigrants, I have heard firsthand the difficulties and oppression that exists with living in Iran. Family friends of mine have had loved ones killed for speaking out against the government. The fight for basic human rights must go on in Iran and cannot stop until real change is made. I encourage you to get involved. Join protests, call your representatives and urge them to take action, take the time to hear and learn from Iranians in your community. Finally, always remember these three words: Zan, Zendegi, Azadi (Woman, Life, Freedom).

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES Mother nature's last call KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 When I was a child I knew the Earth was flat because I went to the edge in a dream, looked into the fog far below and saw the mystery of the bottomless void. We lived in Oregon and California in my early childhood so I saw the Pacific Ocean and the curve of the horizon. The Earth is round. What a great discovery. Then I learned that China was on the other side and started digging holes in the ground. I learned that the diameter of the earth is big enough that it would take a lot of digging to get to the red hot molten core at the center — another void that was found in my six-year-old mental capacity. My sense of awe and curiosity grew from there, as all children who love dinosaurs well know. Where does power come from? Every sentient being — a being with consciousness — has perceptions and emotions that lead to actions and, ultimately, results. Karma is the word. Everyone has a karmic accumulation of actions and results that is carried throughout life until awareness arises and we see the depths of reality. There is no bottom. The debate about the extent of human influence upon geological time is raging now. Is our awareness and intelligence up to examining what geological age we live in? Are we in the Anthropocene? Alan Haber, the Ann Arbor Commons guy, mentioned that we may be in the Pyrocene (age of fire). Whatever the case, our Paleolithic heritage lives in indigenous culture and our DNA. I am back from a break after some adventures in the alleys of my mind. The downtown library has a large magazine collection. I was fortunate to find the November issue of Monthly Review and a good article by Carles Soriano entitled, “Anthropocene, Capitalocene and Other ‘Cenes.” Soriano is a geologist from the Geoscience Barcelona Institute of the Spanish National Research Council. Monthly Review is an important voice, as the editors have been studying, writing and publishing about the “metabolic rift” (the damage that occurs due to capitalism’s extractive nature) that Marx observed. As capitalism evolved, the expropriation of nature and the exploitation of labor created great wealth known as capital accumulation. It takes great mental focus to understand this process of commodifying everything, largely because we are addicted to the consumerism that is the global culture. It drives excess wealth in the first world and poverty in the third world, where people are consequently fleeing to the first world. Fortunately, the Editor’s Note in November’s Monthly Review is a good place to learn about and focus on the basics of capitalism and geological age. I want to be in a group studying MR’s article “Anthropocene, Capitalocene and Other ‘Cenes.’” It is not long but goes deep quickly with much to meditate on and analyze. My past articles usually refer to what I consider essential reading, from “Black Elk Speaks” to “Inflamed: Deep Healing and the Anatomy of Injustice.” Maybe we will come up with some shared language. It’s a wonderful thing to share a language that helps you navigate reality. I am asking for help in organizing collective study that will enable us to come to some conclusions on how to approach this examinat ion and organize ourselves. Groundcover News has an important relationship with the University of Michigan and it is time for us to take a fresh look at what we can do together. My good karma connected me with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Native American Student Association where I met some brilliant minds fully embodied in indigenous-centered life. What a blessing to meet a professor there from the School of Environment and Sustainability, Kyle White, who is aware of history and science as we face our current situation. I believe we can lighten the load of individualism as we share in the intellectual organizing work and get our hands in the dirt. Every kind of labor is precious and it is the commodification of everything that distorts our perception of reality. Human beings and our labor power become alienated when commodified. The perception of self and others is a limiting cognitive bias, which we can heal into an experience of completeness. Everything is interconnected; solidarity includes all living beings without exception. When Mother Nature calls, it's best to get the message and look forward to the next step. Boober Pink Castle EDM Club. Boober update KEVIN SPANGLER Groundcover vendor No. 307 It has been a while since Boober has put out an article. Where do we start? We last left off getting a new 3200 square foot warehouse. That was interesting. I found out what it was like to get into a five year lease. We didn’t move in because we were having to put a garage door in to make the space work for Boober. Then we started learning about permits … time … architects … We never moved in and I went to the guy we signed a lease with and said long-term this agreement will not work and offered $2,000 to buy the lease out. He didn’t like this and said it would cost a lot more to get out. It was at that time I shook his hand and said I’ll figure it out. That was July 1. We decided to throw a rave because my friend has DJ equipment. So we rallied the troops on social media and threw a rave on Sunday, July 3. We had 100 people show up to the new venue Pink Castle EDM Club. We took the name from the previous name; the space was previously called Pink Castle Fabrics. Well, we only operated for two months. Towards the end we were running an after-hours club, 2:30-7 a.m. It all ended when the landlords found the whole parking lot covered in chalk and they checked the cameras including the cameras inside. They said to me, “You can’t do that.” Well, we do what we do to try to make the rent. Honestly it just barely made the rent. But the experience was worth it — the stories we created, the fun we had. And we were able to hang out which I have not done in seven years. My friend and I maintained sobriety through the whole thing. In the end we were let out of the five-year lease with a better story that will be remembered in many hearts. Now, the Boober progress. We started another business called Action Jackson Electric Bicycle Parts. We have invested our money into parts for pedicabs and electric bikes. Our next step is setting up an Amazon account. Been working on these projects for a while and collecting many parts. Oh yeah, we bought a party bus for the Pink Castle but it now serves as storage for all our parts. We also started a nonprofit called The Royal Road and will be creating a cultural center that teaches how to forgive, reprogram our brains and create goals. We have increased our fleet with eight new carriages that fit four to six people. We have also expanded the fleet to 25 pedicabs; some are projects to resell and learn how to fabricate different products. We have expanded to an old auto shop with four garage doors. We’ve patched the roof, put insulation in and currently we are grinding the floor and basically freshening up the whole place to store all of our equipment and have space to work on projects. We have two new sponsors, JARS cannabis and Spa Daze. We now have accomplished one of our goals of massages once a week. Oh, one more thing. I got my license to drive again after 20 years so we can operate pedicabs in major cities. All in all, we have been enjoying this time on Earth and will continue to spread the message of forgiveness. DECEMBER 30, 2022 - DECEMBER 30, 2022 POETRY To my Lil Boodaboo TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 There comez a time, In your life, To where ya don't want drama around, You want peace of mind, Don't wanna be on shaky ground, Don't wanna be a tool of any kind, Don't wanna be lied to, Don't need that knife Going through your heart, Don't wanna fall apart. You do wanna be next to One you wanna love, The one you dream of, The one you fell in love, Somehow you'll know, That cha don't wanna go, There'll be somethang in your heart, That will let you know, You never wanna be apart. To my Lil Boodaboo RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor My poetry is bad I must admit. On the open mike, I'm not a hit. But bide your time if you've got a while I'll do my best to make you smile. Inspired to write by one I met who later said I made her fret. She thinks I'm weird, my mind all bubbly but I'm as harmless as a Teletubby. She looks down on me, I fault her not, a humble life is all I've got. Where she went is all a blur, I still long to be friends with her. But social class is her life's story I fall quite short in every category. I'd love to take her out, eat fried chickens she looks down on me like slim pickens. In her mind my face does reside, reminding her of a horse's backside. I said, let's go out and have a beer, she told me, take a long walk on a short pier. I know her heart I'll never win, I thought I told her I don't know how to swim? My thoughts of her are pure, not kinky, But, I'm as virtuous as Tinky Winky I'll never get a letter or call on the phone, I guess I'll eat some fried chicken alone. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Swimming with chickens 11

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Garbanzo bean and vegetable soup ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil 2 stalks celery, diced 1 carrot, diced 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 cup sliced Bella mushrooms (I also use white) 2 tbsp minced garlic 2 tbsp tomato paste 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 32 oz. vegetable broth 15 oz. can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 small zucchini, sliced ¼ cup parsley Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Using a heavy pot, heat oil on medium heat. Add celery, carrot and DECEMBER 30, 2022 onion and sauté for five to six minutes (onions should become translucent). Add the mushrooms, garlic, tomato paste and tomatoes and sauté for another 3 minutes. Turn the heat to low and add the vegetable broth, beans and zucchini. Simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. Add the parsley, salt and pepper and simmer for a few more minutes. Serve hot. So perfect on a good winter day! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave.

2 $ JULY 14, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 15 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. New Yspi Cafe focuses on community, promotes local art, provides healthy meals Page 10 MEET YOUR VENDOR: SCHILLINGTON MORGAN PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Public art sculpture by Terra Incognita on display at Ingall's Mall during Ann Arbor Summer Festival. This installation was one of many elements of the series “Ann Arbor is Burning — a celebration of the radical queer imagination” organized by Express Your Yes Foundation. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #

2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK Groundcover News’ third Community Arts Edition showcases works by Groundcover artists and creatives in the greater Washtenaw community. Through the pieces we publish we challenge the idea of what “art” is and is not. We aim to uplift art practices of all kinds — poetry, sculpture, painting, activism and more. This year, our Community Arts Edition unintentionally took up a theme: art spaces in Washtenaw County. On pages 10 and 11, we highlight Now Studios in Ann Arbor and The Deep End Cafe in Ypsilanti. Both art spaces are not only promoting marginalized artists, but also showing through practice what is possible in these environments. the meaning that is born out of knowing the people behind the product. Behind every piece of art is an artist! That is why we are hosting a LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director Groundcover News Community Art Market on the evening of Friday, July 21, 4-8 p.m. (weekend of the Ann Arbor Art Fair). If you’re heading downtown for the festival already, consider stopping by Bethlehem United Church of Christ, There are many homeless and low-income artists who do not have access to gallery spaces to sell their work, exception for limited sites on the internet where customers cannot meet the artist and connect to them as people. At Groundcover, we understand the importance of face-to-face interactions and meeting the artist vendors and purchasing their products. If you avoid the Ann Arbor Art Fair at all costs, consider making an exception and come downtown to hang with the Groundcover crew! Poster by Mira Simonton-Chao JULY 14, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes towards production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Layla McMurtrie — deputy editor ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Mohammed Almustapha Teresa Basham Noah Bodie (Nobody) Luiza Duarte Caetano Christopher Ellis Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Mike Jones Eric Kopchia Layla McMurtrie Ron Pagereski Denise Shearer Laurie Wechter Joe Woods PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Sandy Smith Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Holden Pizzolato Alex Tarbet Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Navya Yagalla Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon – Sat, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews GROUNDCOVER NEWS ADVERTISING RATES PACKAGE PRICING Size 1/8 1/6 1/4 1/2 full page Black/White $110.00 $145.00 $200.00 $375.00 $650.00 Color $150.00 $200.00 $265.00 $500.00 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons JULY 14, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR Butterfly art pleasant Art made of butterflies is very to see. Butterflies have beautiful, unique colors at times. There are all kinds of butterfly artwork. Sometimes it calms people to look at butterfly art and it is very comforting for me to look at butterfly art. You can use butterfly art in all seasons of the year. I like to wear clothing that Schillington Morgan, vendor No. 148 Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Not all the same place – wherever there is an open spot. When did you start selling Groundcover? In 2012 or 2013. What is your favorite thing to do in Ann Arbor? Talk with righteous people. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? The People’s Food Co-op. What is something about you that someone on the street wouldn’t know? I am not phony. What's the worst thing about selling Groundcover News? When some people do not want the truth. What are you most likely to become famous for? Inventing things. What are your hobbies? Art. I just started doing it. What would you do if you won the lottery? Buy Big Momma’s House so good people could have a place to stay. What do you wish you knew more about? How to get and stay in HEAVEN! What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? Not to keep building and bringing in the fake, unrighteous people. What's the best way to start the day? Sing my prayers to our Lord. What's the most impressive thing you know how to do? Make things when I get good ideas. If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? Be with our Lord God forever. has butterfly art. And sometimes on Halloween, I like to use butterfly wings and be a fairy princess. Butterfly wings can be used for fairy princesses and even angels. There can also be such a thing as a Christmas butterfly — that’s going to be a different article from me sometime. Butterflies can be brown, orange, blue, yellow, a lot of different beautiful colors. It’s good to make butterfly pillows too. And you can make butterfly dolls or stuffed animals. I like to color and cut out butterflies and decorate my home with them. and comforters, butterfly pajamas and purses with butterflies on them and butterfly earrings. A song that I really enjoyed by Bob Carisle is called “Butterfly Kisses.” And Denise Williams made a song called DENISE SHEARER Groundcover vendor No. 485 “Black Butterfly.” Butterflies are very beautiful beings that God made. We can enjoy them and imagine them in a lot of beautiful ways. For Pride month, there can also be rainbow butterflies of different colors. I’m going to buy some butterfly stickers and decorate my wheelchair and some of my personal belongings with them. You can also get butterfly dishes and maybe decorate your bathroom and bedroom with butterfly stickers and pictures, too. I went to the Detroit Zoo and saw a butterfly exhibit full of real butterflies. You can make animations of butterfly people, too. I like butterfly bedsheets GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 JOE T-Shirts JOE WOODS Groundcover vendor No. 103 Groundcover News was first founded as a street paper to help homeless people provide basic necessities for themselves while going through their transition to housing. Over the years, Groundcover has evolved in many different ways to address more than just basic necessities and a roof over your head. Groundcover News actually gives people the opportunity, resources and support to achieve dreams and goals on top of providing a decent, legal income for themselves. And I say that because of vendors within the organization — myself included — who utilize Groundcover to the fullest to start and or pursue different goals. I started a t-shirt company called JOE T-Shirts: Jesus Over Everything, LLC. I first thought of the concept because my initials are an acronym for “Jesus Over Everything,” but the main concept is Jesus, and my goal is that my T-shirts plant positive seeds all over the world as people read my messages on my shirts. Joe’s limited edition 2023 Hash Bash T-shirt design. So come by our Community Art Market at Bethlehem United Church of Christ on Friday, July 21, 4 – 8 p.m. and grab a shirt or two. You'll be getting a great product and also helping out a great cause within Groundcover News; it's people selling papers to provide the basics, to thrive in becoming entrepreneurs and actually being able to make a decent honest living to provide for themselves without any handouts or any assistance from the government for housing. I speak for myself on that part. I thank everybody that purchased the paper and who buys from me and other vendors. I thank everybody that deals with us on a daily basis — because we are human just like you are human. I want to give all praise to Jesus Christ for opportunities even when the situation may seem bad. In the long run, if you stick to your guns and stay persevering and do what you need to do, you can achieve goals that once looked impossible.

4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION Dreamcatchers: the good, the bad, the ugly Dreamcatchers are more than just a decorative and attractive accessory. They have roots in legend and folklore and are rich in revealing history. The legends and meetings associated with each dreamcatcher reveal how Native Americans relied on the Earth for their home. Modern day interpretations have altered the intentional significance of a dreamcatcher. The concept of the first dreamcatchers were created by Native American culture that believed the air at night was filled with good and bad dreams. Each creation was intentionally designed as a protective charm that was placed hanging above cradles of young children and beds of adults, the belief being the dreamcatcher would protect them from bad dreams. Dreamcatcher enthusiasts believed that their bad dreams were trapped in the web and destroyed by the light of day. TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 JULY 14, 2023 Dreamcatchers are more than just round hoops with feathers and beads. Each dreamcatcher is unique, with shapes and accessories having specific meanings to the Native American. Traditional, authentic dreamcatchers are made using only organic natural materials — from the wooden hoop, to the sinew webbing (animal intestines) and handmade beads. Can you spot the differences between these two dreamcatchers? The left is a tchotchke, decorative rather than functional, and the right is a traditional dreamcatcher. Art, it's so much more Art — what is art? I had to think deeply about this question. I wanted the answer to be genuine, not some copy-pasted Google jargon. So, after a cup of coffee and a few drags of the mango vape, here's what I came up with: Art, my dear reader, is the act of transmitting an idea or a thought from one mind to another, or to humanity in general. Humans are social beings, whose complexity includes an appreciation for beauty, vibrancy and color. As we go on living, we accumulate memories and experiences, both serene and chaotic, sweet and bitter. These experiences and memories become an inspiration for creativity. The beauty in art, for me, lies in the realization and understanding of the ideas or representations of the artist's thoughts by the consumer. Something magical happens when we read a poem, enjoy a nice portrait or hear a song that resonates with us. It makes us feel happy or leads us to reminisce about past times. In a sense, art allows us to feel collectively cohesive and socially connected. It lets us feel human and say, “Hey, the artistic human who wrote the song or painted the portrait or the singer who sang it did so with so much feeling. They must have experienced a similar situation or encounter to mine,” and this, in turn, connects us together. How much effort goes into sculpting or composing a song, painting a picture or cooking a meal? Art requires a MOHAMMED ALMUSTAPHA Groundcover contributor cherished memory during a wedding dance. Meanwhile, another song can be chanted by thousands at a concert. Art is the creation and appreciation great deal of energy — both mental and physical. The accuracy and focus of a painter's hands, the subtle flicks of a guitarist's fingers, the agony, pain and heartbreak a poet feels when writing that love song — it is not easy for humans to bring beauty into the world, yet it is so easily enjoyed. We experience art every day, whether it's the songs we listen to, the logos on our T-shirts, or our favorite piece of art that resonates with us. Art is also an expression of the collective progression and sophistication of our species. Look how far we have come from Neanderthals drawing on cave walls to Michelangelo, Picasso and Tupac. Art is healing. There is a reason why music therapy, pottery and drawing therapy work. The concentration and focus required in creating art can be calming. It is relaxing and makes one feel good, contributing to our overall well-being. A beautiful song can bring two souls together in love or create a of beauty. Art is respect in the sense that we understand the hard work and effort artists put into bringing joy into the world. Art is love in its many forms, whether romantic, familial or patriotic. Art is understanding. Art is compassion. Art is life. Art is color. Art is vibration. Art is the beautiful feeling you get when your favorite song comes on. Art is the smile that lights up your face when you see a pretty picture. Art is the intense happiness of the first bite of your favorite meal because food is art too. Culinary art, in my eyes, is the most intense because it takes the chef's precise mixing of ingredients at the right timing to create a masterpiece that one enjoys not only with the palate but also with the sense of smell and sight. We humans are the greatest work of art. I started to look at all my fellow humans as beautiful art pieces created by the greatest artist of all — not speaking in terms of physical beauty but in the sheer capacity to be generators of good, laughter, happiness, joy and love. Our capacity to do things for each other, to be empathetic, and to think about how our actions will make others feel is amazing. The variations in our culture, traditions, thinking, phenotype — it makes us truly amazing. If we could all start to look at each other as pieces of art, here is what I think would happen: if we looked at women as walking living art, there would be no more domestic violence, no more sexual violence, no more sex trafficking, and no more assaults. If we looked at children as art, there would be no more child abuse and child kidnapping. If we view each other as works of art, we raise the collective appreciation of each other and can progress into a better future. All I'm saying is this: take some time out, listen to a good song, go to a flower garden, attend a poetry slam or a museum. It will invigorate your state of mind. My favorite artwork is “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” by Jacques-Louis David. It shows Napoleon in his full military regalia crossing the Alps on his Arabian mare, Marengo. The portrait shows the determination of the short little Corsican to achieve his goal and objective. It motivates me every time I look at it. My favorite song is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles; it picks up my spirit every time. I'm still looking for a favorite poem. “Striving to be a better man today than I was yesterday, and a better man tomorrow than I am today.” JULY 14, 2023 POETRY Sleeping in the rough NOAH BODIE (NOBODY) Groundcover contributor (days and nights of absolute despair and futility) Other people, those with a permanent and safe roof over their heads, can take that as well as much else easily for granted; however, most of them will never know or understand what it is like for those who have to try sleeping in the rough, outdoors, underneath the stars, in the rain or during other severe inclement conditions, even if and when they are fortunate enough to have a tent or some other type of temporary structure, until it is vandalized or removed; sometimes by municipal authorities and anyone else who simply wants to kick them down the road, as if the person were some useless empty can. Just ask anyone who has experienced such treatment for themselves; it is really agonizingly tough, which is an understatement to be certain; truly; it's downright dehumanizing, immoral and should be against the law; yet ironically, under the law, those living unhoused (aka homeless) have little, if any, actual protection as well as little, if any, justice. Yeah, justice is definitely blind, for sure. Who gave society the right to deprive an unhoused person of their civil and human rights, merely due to the fact that they do not have a permanent abode of their own to call home and sanctuary?! Explain that one, if at all possible. Though, on second thought, don't bother; because no one is probably even listening, nor obviously caring; not to mention about how, truth be told, neither am I; not unless and until each of us open both of our hearts as well as our minds to what else might be possible and have a meaningful dialogue together and, somewhere down the road, build a better as well as different future; where everyone can attempt to live in mutual peace and harmony. Imagine that, if you can. Cemetery morning RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Mourners gather to pay respects Handful of dirt each collects To toss upon the box they brought His death an end he had not sought But came for him by and by Comes for all, time we cannot buy Survivors, sad and so depressed Focusing on the soul dispossessed Wealthy dead, no longer proud Coffin draped in satin shroud A soft silent tear mingling… With the morning mist GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Plus, we heard there are plenty of Summer Game codes hidden across all of our locations, exclusive to library visitors. Exhibits at AADL In an effort to increase the visual education and artistic experience of all visitors, the Library’s exhibits feature local, regional, and national artists as well as traveling exhibits. The Downtown Library has multiple spaces throughout the building with regularly rotating exhibits. See what’s on display at AADL by visiting AADL.org/events-feed/ exhibits. Public Computers AADL has public computers available for use by cardholders and non-cardholders at all five libraries. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest internet in town. All buildings also feature publicly accessible WiFi in buildings as well as extending to parking lots adjacent to the buildings. FEATURED EVENT THE ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY TINY FILM FESTIVAL July 8–August 6 The Ann Arbor District Library is once again hosting the Tiny Film Festival for movies one minute or less! Film and edit your movie and upload it from July 8 to August 6, 2023. Winners will be announced at the Summer Game Game Over Gala on August 27. 5

6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRINT GALLERY Christopher Ellis JULY 14, 2023 GROUNDCOVER GALLERY Eric Kopchia “The Village,” Multimedia sculpture “The Universe” “Semi galaxies” JULY 14, 2023 PRINT GALLERY Cindy Gere GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 “Unity,” Acrylic on canvas, 13 x 10" “Spirits,” Acrylic on canvas, 4 x 4' Laurie Wechter For every issue of Groundcover News, Gere decorates her newspapers with stickers, tape and gems. Her papers were used to design the Community Art Market poster. “Face Value” Multimedia on paper 14 x 18" “Internal Affairs: Chapter and Verse” Acrylic on paper, 9 x 11"

8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PRISON ARTS Bask in the Light Art Show 2023 U-M SCHOOL OF PUBLICH HEALTH, BLACK AND PINK Bask in the Light is an art project that centers the work of people incarcerated in the state of Michigan who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum and/or are living with HIV/AIDS. The show opening was held on April 13, 2023 at the Michigan League on the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus. This event represents the culmination of a year of work by Black and Pink volunteers at the School of Public Health and Michigan Medicine, and many, many letters sent back and forth through prison walls. Through their work, ten participating artists express longing for community and connection, desire for healing and repair, and resistance to incarceration and heteronormativity. The title of the show, Bask in the Light, comes from the work of artist Ladi Dä, reflecting the strength and beauty of transgender, gender non-conforming and intersex individuals trapped in the prison industrial complex. This project was funded by a DEI Innovation Grant at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Carceral State Project at the University of Michigan. Ladi Dä I Am Ladi Dä. My survival depends solely upon my Activism. My art is inspired by the daily experiences of the transgender, gender nonconforming, and intersex individuals trapped in the Prison Industrial Complex. It is meant to keep us inspired and remind us that everyone knows: “WE ARE THE STRONGEST INDIVIDUALS IN THE WORLD.” Take it from someone who's spent over two decades incarcerated for a crime they did not commit. This piece was drawn on an MDOC grievance form with a segregation pen while housed in Solitary confinement where I currently reside. Love you, Ladi Dä. “Bask in the Light” JULY 14, 2023 “Won’t Explain” Painted coasters JULY 14, 2023 PRISON ARTS Transcend AARON Bask in the Light contributor Transcending the lines of a bar that was never set. How fundamental and emotional, can one person get? subliminal test broken cabinet in my chest I ache, and I crave To be unlonely If only… If only Whispers AARON Tears whisper unanswered questions. Silently shed from my eyes to the only things that seem to catch them, my shirt, or the floor. Why can’t the whispers leave me be. Artist statement: I write from my heart, and only about things as I understand them. I love myself, but do feel a lot of angst. I’m working on compiling a book of my poems entitled “Who can understand this pain I can’t seem to convey?” Thank you for reading my work. Love to all of you. They’re self reflecting and I hate that what I see is self loathing and every sin set on a reel so I may see that all the pain I’ve caused is real. DWIGHT Bask in the Light contributor Some men live for others and make their every act known Some live in seclusion, choosing to live life alone But of these men the group I’m in are the Men Behind the Wall They’ve forfeited their freedom, tossed away their rights By day they walk in darkness and sorrow fills their nights They’ve learned to hide their teardrops but still they fall At wee hours they cry and home seems gone for Men Behind the Wall Some have lost their family, most have lost their friend For them, today brings heartache that tomorrow cannot mend Where letters are not answered, when no one takes their call They cannot take the lost and what a cost it is for Men Behind the Wall Their past is forever in their future however far away Their story has been written with little left to say No one to stand beside them and catch them when they fall The debts they’ve made are never paid for Men Behind the Wall If there is one who’s righteous, then let them cast that stone And to be that has lived perfection, then let him die alone The ONE who was perfect was judged in Pilate’s mall He knows their debt and loves them despite them being Men Behind the Wall GROUNDCOVER NEWS Men Behind the Wall 9 Michael McCloud Dear Art Viewers, Hello, my name's Michael McCloud. I'm 33 years old. I'm from Jackson, Mich. I have turned to making, doing and creating art because it's peaceful to me and time distracting. Most of all I love my color schemes and how I make my colors pop off the paper, like they're just coming right at you. This piece you're looking at is called Kill COVID. I created this piece because, as the U.S.A. we have faced a tragic time as far as COVID. There's many messages in Kill COVID, it's just up to you, the art viewers, on how you look and judge my art piece. I hope you enjoyed my piece and look forward to seeing more from me. Thank you. “Kill COVID.” McCloud made an envelope out of DOC order forms to send in his artwork.

10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ART SPACE Ann Arbor is burning — arts and culture for whom? ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor I met Petals Sandcastle (they/them) on the grass in the Diag-State-Hill triangle. It's familiar grounds for Petals, who studied at the University of Michigan. A stone's throw away is Now Studios, run by and homebase for the Express Your Yes Foundation. Petals is founder and guiding light. It's a 501(c)(3) creative nonprofit fusing activism with art. It's an underground art and performance venue, political playhouse and more, full of “creative disruptors and thought leaders.” It's also a safe space for people to be themselves, away from the heat of the neutral gaze — one that is “passively active, indifferent.” Last year the studio arranged over a hundred free events in the city. Most recent is an event series under the project Ann Arbor is Burning — a celebration of radical queer imagination, part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Now Studios advocates for the city's abundant resources to go to the homeless, queer, Black, immigrant, disabled and other marginalized communities. “I keep coming back to this place [Ann Arbor] thinking, certainly it doesn’t want to be a soulless playground. But very few want to give money or leverage an inch of their privilege. It's a hard pill,” Sandcastle says. “This place does not want us.” Beyond art This year Ann Arbor was named the number one best place to live in the United States, based on a “10 expert list” search by StudyFinds.org. “Best for whom?” asks Petals, see STUDIOS next page  Sandcastle holding one of their paintings "Gerf" at Now Studios. JULY 14, 2023 A2 Artisan Market should be your Sunday destination about finding parking and admission is free as well. In 1991, artists and craftsmen from MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Ann Arbor's best kept secret is the Sunday Artisan Market. It is located in the Farmers Market pavilion from April until Christmas, from 11a.m. – 4 p.m. every Sunday. For those who don’t know, parking is free every Sunday in Ann Arbor, so you don’t have to worry the Farmer’s Market felt they needed another day when they could highlight their art because of the lack of good space at the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers Markets. Thus began the Artisan Market. This Sunday destination in the Kerrytown District is a wonderful place to bring the family to soak in the sunshine and to enjoy the many restaurants and places to shop. My friend TJ, who is a vendor at the Artisan Market (Kinetic Re-Design), has a booth that sells tie-dyed shirts and fabric. I purchased a shirt from my friend TJ and I love it. One can also find vendors that sell jewelry, wood crafts, photography and much more. Far left: Lloyd Holdwick and his display, Artistics in Wood. Left: TJ sells funky tie-dyed suits at his booth Kinetic Re-Design. Top: TJ and Mike Jones together as Jones models a Kinetic Re-Design original button-up shirt. Above: Jewelry display at the Sunday Artisan Market. JULY 14, 2023 ART SPACE GROUNDCOVER NEWS New Ypsi cafe focuses on community, promotes local art, provides healthy meals The Deep End Cafe & Gallery opened in Ypsilanti just three months ago, and owner Candace Cavazos hopes to use the space to benefit the community in multiple ways: to promote local artists, make healthy eating affordable and provide free meals to people in need in Washtenaw County. Being from Detroit, Cavazos never planned to open a store in Ypsilanti, but she found out about the space and thought it was a good fit for her vision. Cavazos was aided and inspired by the mission of The Squeeze Station in Detroit, making healthy eating accessible. “Their mission is to basically bring healthy eating to the community, especially in Detroit where there's a food desert,” Cavazos said. “We learned that this area in Ypsi has similar issues when it comes to getting access to affordable healthy foods.” So, The Squeeze Station helped Cavazos put together a food menu that includes a variety of breakfast items, wraps, salads, quesadillas, tacos and more. The cafe also offers coffee drinks, tea, smoothies and fresh pressed juice. Most recently, The Deep End has begun a program called “Each One Feed One” to help provide free meals to people in the community. Customers can purchase any beverage, meal or treat for someone in need and get 10% off of their order. The cafe will have a sign outside that states how many free LAYLA McMURTRIE Deputy Editor meals are currently available. Cavazos wants to do more than just provide meals and beverages though. As a poet herself, she hopes to promote other local artists. “My personal mission is to just make a space for underrepresented artists, make space for people that come from low-income backgrounds,” Cavazos said. “My goal is to just really provide a high-quality experience to people that come and engage with the underrepresented artists that come through here.” Cavazos features a new local artist each month and allows local creatives and organizations to host events in the space and sell locally created art prints, books and products inside the cafe. The name “The Deep End,” comes from the feeling throughout her own life of being in the deep end, and being successful in her creative pursuits anyway. She hopes to show other people with Founder of The Deep End, Candace Cavasos, behind the register at the cafe and gallery. Photo by Mike Jones. hardships that they can do so, too. “I come from a very low income background; my parents both struggle with addiction and it was hard for me to achieve college and achieve all these things that statistics said I was not going to achieve, so I feel like I was born under pressure,” Cavazos said. “If you feel like you have to break cycles in your family, then I think that the pressure of that can sometimes be crippling. But if you are encouraged and you're in a community where people can inspire you and encourage you and validate you, then you can become a diamond and that's kind of what the brand is for The Deep End — ‘Be where the pressure is and become a diamond under pressure and let's celebrate all the people that decide to keep fighting and keep swimming and not let the pressure fold them so that they can also become diamonds.’ ” To learn more about The Deep End Cafe & Gallery and stay up to date on specials and events, follow their Instagram @tdecafe, visit their website www.tdecafe.com, or go to the brick and mortar at 310 Perrin St. in Ypsilanti. 11  STUDIOS from last page invoking (at least for this writer) Lenin's question "Liberty for whom?" “Washtenaw is the worst county for upward mobility. This city thinks it’s liberal. It's a place for students and [property] owners.” “Others are just here to be paraded, tokenized and to tick boxes,” Petals says. “The cognitive dissonance of this place is crippling. There's a serious disconnect between the brochures and what plays out on the pavement.” During the Ann Arbor Art Fair, Now Studios activates “an entire militia” of artivists. It's an attempt to “un-Karen” hitherto ignorant people and put queerness in front of the masses. It's powerful, but also a tough process for those putting their bodies on the line, Petals says. Now Studios, in addition to hosting community arts events creates space for civic enagegment with City Council meeting watch parties, protests, Beating heart Of course there should be anger and rage, says Petals — without it, there's no push back to the status quo. “But love really is at the center of this,” they say, referring to the multiple free events the studio puts on to build community and understanding. In May, Now Studios converted Main Street into one big art and community space during the weekend’s closed streets. Crayons and big canvases, hula hoop rings and a silent disco drew families and friend groups alike. The street was packed with happy people enjoying themselves and each Selfie taken after storming the June 20 Ann Arbor City Council meeting. Individuals pictured were advocating for the passage of an ordinance that would restrict police from conducting traffic stops for minor violations. It was approved unanimously. political performance art, clubhouse mind-share and issue-based community organizing. “We don't fit into the cookie cutter box; we're human, with rotting teeth and rent and dreams, not just the town jester — put your hand on my heart, it beats.” other. It was joyous and fun, easy and free (of charge). The asphalt was covered in crayon messages of love. This writer, who was there, wonders if anyone ever stopped to ask: Who made this possible for me and why?

12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MONEY SAVERS Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. JULY 14, 2023 JULY 14, 2023 PUZZLES 1 14 17 19 22 25 31 34 40 43 44 45 50 53 59 62 64 65 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ACROSS Across 1. Area 7. Falling flakes 11. Software program, briefly 14. Irritate 15. Great Plains nation 17. Downright 18. Misers' sins 19. Deception 20. Breakup 22. Soft throw 23. Greek god of love 24. Campaigner, for short 25. Words on a Grecian urn 26. Romanian money 27. Saliva 31. Cunning 33. Circumference 34. Where all must go? 40. Dweeb 41. Marry a woman 43. Opposed to 46. Put in stitches 49. "Geez!" 50. Baby seal 51. Creole vegetable 52. Appear 53. Some cosmetic surgeries 58. Agcy. 59. Kind of mapping 60. Pierre's boat 62. Oily fish in the Atlantic 63. Depth charge targets during WWII 64. Rotten 65. Chuck 66. Seal 54 55 56 57 60 63 66 DOWN 1. Gulp 2. Regular 3. Delicate blue perennial 4. Victorian, for one 5. Lyrical poem 6. Whole 7. Picket line crossers 8. ___ Scotia 9. Arab League member 10. Charge 11. Honor 12. Carbolic acid 13. Mortar and ___ 16. Takeaway game 21. Former French coin 27. Editor's "It wasn't me!" 28. "Before," when before 29. "___ alive!" 30. Become friendlier 32. Abominable Snowman 33. Meas. of a country's economy 35. Plant bristle 36. Legal thing 37. Skill 38. Legume in many soups 39. Get out of 42. Hand over with confidence 43. Poise 44. Kind of hen or pig 45. Add 46. Hit the slopes 47. Greek god of darkness 48. Sushi condiment 51. "Good ___" (Pratchett and Gaiman novel) 54. Anglo-Saxon letter 55. Checked item 56. ___ list 57. Aces, sometimes 61. Deck (out) 61 51 46 47 48 32 35 36 37 41 49 52 58 20 23 26 33 38 39 42 27 28 29 30 21 24 2 3 4 5 7 9 GROUNDCOVER NEWS f CROSSWORD 8 10 15 18 16 13 rom the International Network of Street Papers 6 11 12 13 S P H E R E S N O W A P P W E A R O N C O M A N C H E A R R A N T A V A R I C E S L I E D I S B A N D M E N T L O B O D E E R O S W I L Y P O L L E U S P I T T L E G I R T H C L E A R A N C E S A L E T W E R P A G A I N S T P U P O K R A L I P E C T O M I E S O N E T O O N E W I V E S E W M A N A C T B U R B A T E A U M E N H A D E N U B O A T S B A D T O S S S I G N E T

14 GROUNDCOVER NEWS INSP JULY 14, 2023 Shediart: The history, process and techniques of Shedia’s upcycling project TONY INGLIS International Network of Street Papers Editor When INSP visited Greek street paper Shedia in Athens, we visited the home of its various social projects, including its long in fruition, and now operating, upcycling project Shediart. Here, former vendors, and otherwise socially marginalised people involved at Shedia, were trained in reconstituting old, unsold Shedia magazines into beautiful, artistic, functional products. In the workshop, as items were being made, one of the people behind the idea, Katrin Kretschmer, explained how it came to be and what was going on. INSP: How was the Shediart concept born? Katrin Kretschmer: There were so many old magazines in storage and no one really knew what to do with them. If you bring them to a recycling plant, you get very little in return for them — maybe around 50 euros — and it is quite a job to transport them. So, while it's the ideal disposal method, it's difficult for us in terms of time and effort. And recycling — okay, it's better than burning them of course, but there's no real benefit for any person (other than the overall environmental aspect), which is what they were printed for in the first place. So we thought, is there an alternative? What else can we do? And I started to try different things, just experimenting using the paper — what could it do? Could you use a tool to turn the paper into a pulp and mold with it? Or perhaps weave it like a textile? I tried different techniques, making some jewellery, and I said, ok it’s possible to produce good and different things out of this paper we use. And when we had nailed down the techniques, we started to have workshops. We invited the Shedia vendors to come to upcycling workshops. They were open — anyone who was interested could come just to see if they took an interest in handicrafts and being creative. But we didn't say anything about creating jobs in the beginning, mainly because we wanted the people who were really interested, and not just those interested in money but also in the art form. No one was excluded. We had a lot of workshops to begin with. Some people said it was a bit difficult — maybe they weren't so dexterous, or their eyes weren't so good. And there were a few people who said they'd like to do it but just didn't find that they were particularly good at it. It’s not the simplest thing to do right away. But if you can do things with your hands, and you really like it, you can learn. Some needed a few months to improve and produce really beautiful things. And some others, from the start, just were talented at it and it was second nature to them. And as we work as a team, we learn from each other, come up with more ideas and learn how to make the techniques better, to make the whole process more efficient and make the end products more beautiful. So it's an ongoing process. INSP: When you make a specific kind of product, is there, for example, a checklist, a set process — how does each piece come together in a practical sense? KK: Our thought from the beginning was we didn't want to create useless stuff. I suppose jewellery could be called useless but people like to have it! But we didn’t initially want to produce art that is stationary, like a sculpture that just sits in your living room. Perhaps we will at some point. For now, our checklist is: Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Is it more or less practical to produce? And do we have someone who can produce it? Because we also have a few ideas, though nobody skilled in doing it yet, that would require proper sewing. There are many things that we could do if we had people who were really qualified. But we have already trained as much as we can at this point. And we need to create an income from the project so that we can bring more people on board. We really want to pay people for their work. We really want to have another work opportunity for those who were former vendors, if possible. It's not easy, and if you want to adopt this, to copy and paste it to other street papers, there may be fluctuations in the difficulty of doing that. We can't say ‘this is how it is,’ but we can show you how we do it, and maybe it will be a fit. If there are only two to four people in a street paper who might be interested or able after some lessons — and for us it really took about two years, we even had lessons about how to host a workshop — it was not that we said we know everything now. We asked for help — how to speak to different age groups, how to run things. We care that we do it properly. The training, for those involved, even for a short time, has such a big impact that it’s worth it. INSP: And in the workshops, how many of the techniques used were planned out and were trial and error? see SHEDIA next page  JULY 14, 2023 INSP  SHEDIA from last page KK: We started with the simplest things. With the easier techniques. You feel and you see if it’s working or not. Initially we used this technique where we roll the paper into straws. These need to be straight and rigid. For those who found that difficult, we tried other things. Some didn’t take to any of those, but fortunately the ones who did make it can do all of the techniques extremely well. Katrin then talked through some of the common techniques they use. Here we have some strips of the magazine paper, and we take wooden or metal sticks (like a cocktail or kebab stick) and you roll any size strip of paper around the stick. It has to be tight around the stick. Glue the end and it becomes a straw. Then you use these [firm but malleable] straws to weave. Another is we shred the paper and blend it into a pulp. We mix it in a bucket like a smoothie! Then we dry it [using essentially a large sieve] and drain it. Then, using molds of shapes, of whatever you like really, you can use it to create things. That’s how we make bowls, clocks and even lampshades. Sometimes we use the pre-pulped strips, from the shredder, to create products. On some products, we like to show a bit more of the magazines, so you can see where this beautiful product really came from. Inside the mold, we put in strips of paper, then the pulp. So, even though the final product looks very nice and intricate, it is simple. If you have decent use of your hands, it can be done. Exactly. If you have the knowledge, and some help from say a shredder or a mixer, then you can do it. It’s not a mystic thing! We teach this — we go to schools; we have companies come here to learn. INSP: Not only is Shediart becomin turn increasing its ing a success in terms of its products, sustainability, but those involved are also earning even more of an income — and, crucially, other skills and self-esteem building — when leading workshops and classes on how to make these products. At the moment, two women (over the age of 50, as is the case with the majority of individuals involved in Shedia social projects), Christiane and Vanessa, are employed at Shediart. Christiane, now 61, has experienced drug addiction, prison time and has been otherwise socially excluded or unable to find employment. Watching her work and talking to her at Shediart, it is clear that she is not only happy with the income she is now receiving (she used to sell the street paper) but absolutely loves the work. “No matter how difficult an item is to make, I come to the work with love,” she says. INSP was lucky enough to sit in on a workshop held by Vanessa and Christiane at the original Shediart workshop (located in a small unit in a city centre arcade that lets out shops to local social projects). The attendees were refugee children, who were brought along by charity Caritas. The joy on both their and Christiane and Vanessa’s faces was evident throughout. KK: We even have the kids work with the pulp at an early stage — they will make bowls, pins and badges, and keychains by working the pulp into ice cube trays, letting them dry and then painting and designing them. Our idea ties together many things. There’s the obvious benefit of the income generated for those who do the work. In Greece, there is a big trash and environmental problem. So there is a sustainability aspect. The thoughts and impetus behind that part of it, we also want to spread. It is still a problem here, even if it is getting better. It shows that not only is Shedia an organization with a social conscience in terms of the actual paper, but generally throughout our projects. People come to our workshops and ask ‘what kind of paper can and should we use?’. We say absolutely anything — even pizza delivery advertisements you get through your letterbox. That’s why any street paper could do it too. Just try and use it. INSP: How about in terms of start-up costs, and what is the sustainability of the project now? KK: There was not much of a cost in the beginning. I was taking the workshops just until we had those with the knowledge to take them themselves. In the beginning there was no money involved. We had some funding to pay our employees until we started selling. But now since the production, there is no need for this support. We originally trained eight people fully to do this, and two are currently employed, but we have high hopes this will increase. Demand for the products and the workshops is high, but it’s still the beginning. Courtesy of the International Network of Street Papers GROUNDCOVER NEWS 15

16 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Homemade granola LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups of oats 1 cup of nuts and/or seeds ½ cup fat (such as melted butter or vegetable oil) ¼ cup of sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey or sugar) 1 tsp of spices (cinnamon, cloves, allspice, etc.) 1 pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) ½ cup of extra toppings (such as dried fruit or chocolate chips) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together the oats with the nuts and seeds, salt and spices. Add the vanilla (if using), melted fat and sweetener and mix thoroughly. JULY 14, 2023 Spread over the baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Take out, rearrange granola on the baking pan with a flipping motion. Bake another 25 min. Once the granola cools, add the extra toppings (if using) and store in an airtight container for up to four weeks. IT’S SUMMER, LET’S GET GRILLIN’! $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 OR MORE One coupon per transaction. Must present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupon good for in-store only. No other discounts or coop cards apply. Not valid for gift cards, case purchases, beer or wine. OFFER EXPIRES 8/15/2023