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
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