AUGUST 21, 2026 IN MEMORIAM In loving memory of Shawn Hardman AUGUST 4, 1978 - JULY 2026 At his August 11 memorial, loved ones of Shawn Hardman shared memories from his life. It was apparent he deeply cared for the people around him with both emotional and survival support. Shawn was a talented sketch, portrait and tattoo artist. He is pictured below drawing at the Daytime Warming Center where many spent quality time with him in his final years. He is survived by his children, his brother Jesse Hardman, his sister Nina Perry and brother-in-law Jason Perry. He will be remembered as a generous, helpful and light-hearted member of the Ypsilanti street community. He will be missed very much. Colors of His Presence by Monique Caldwell He lived big, A friend whose presence filled the air before he spoke— his laugh thundered, his smile shined, his energy restless, joyful, impossible to ignore. He was an artist at heart, everything in him– His kindness, laughter, even sorrow— bled out in colors of his talent. Bright reds for his warmth, gold for the help he gave freely, deep blues for the sadness he carried quietly, never wanting us to see. He painted louder, laughed harder, gave more than he had to give. And that's how he will be remembered— in the colors that still shine, in the kindness that lingers, in the echo of his laugh, lifting the air all around us. Shawn your friendship will be missed. community EVENTS PARKRIDGE SUMMERFEST Saturday, August 22, 12.m.-6 p.m. Parkridge Park, Ypsilanti. Joe Dulin Day brings community together, celebrates Ypsilanti’s long history, and provides information about resources and services that are available to Washtenaw County residents. Groundcover is tabling! SONIC LUNCH: MAVIS STAPLES Thursday, August 27, 11:30 a.m. (doors close when seats are full). Michigan Theater. This legendary 86-year-old gospel, soul and R&B diva possesses a quintessentially gospel voice. With a trademark blend of muscular power and shimmering grace punctuated at times with a startling growl, her luminous singing is designed to, in her words, “leave people feeling better than when I found them.” Opener: Mei Semones performs jazz-influenced indie pop originals with lyrics in both Japanese and English. ANN ARBOR LOCAL FOOD FESTIVAL Thursday, Aug. 27, 5–8 p.m. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. The free event will feature a mix of demonstrations, tastings, food trucks, live music, games and interactive learning opportunities that showcase the value of a strong local food system. AADL MENTAL WELLNESS BOOK CLUB Thursday, August 27, 6-7:30pm. AADL downtown, 4th floor. All invited to join a discussion of San-Francisco based writer and advocate Esme Weijun Wang’s 2019 collection of essays "The Collected Schizophrenias" that explores her experience with schizoaffective disorder. Presented in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Washtenaw County. DANCE SHOWCASE: SHAPE//MATTER Thursday and Friday, August 27 and 28, 8 p.m. Liberty Plaza, E. Liberty at S. Division, Ann Arbor. Outdoor tap, tango, hip-hop and modern dance performances by regional dance troupes. YPSI PRIDE Sunday, August 30, all day starting at 12 p.m. Depot Town Ypsilanti., Cross Street from N Huron to River Streets. An all-day celebration of Ypsilanti’s queer community featuring music, drag, entertainment, local vendors, food and friends! Family focused activities12-4 p.m. Stage show starts at 2 p.m. JOHN E. LAWRENCE SUMMER JAZZ SERIES Fridays, July 31-August 28, 7-9 p.m. Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti. Free smooth jazz concerts; bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and coolers and head on down. Free entry, $20 parking fee. August 28: Johnathan Butler. Submit an event to be featured in the next edition: submissions@groundcovernews. com GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5
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