2 $ JANUAR Y 10, 2025 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 2 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. A Brighter Way shines for the marginalized in Ypsi. page 5 MEET YOUR VENDOR: EMERI JADE BEY PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Where is the art hiding in Ann Arbor? page 6 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 Hear me out: Give what is asked for SHERI WANDER Daytime Warming Center For many folks this season involves gift giving and certainly it is a season where many folks make donations to shelters and groups working with economic refugees from capitalism. So, here are some tips for donating ... If you have stuff that you want to donate, ask who needs it. Give what is asked for. If it wasn’t asked for, check first — otherwise your donation might not only go unused but also make more work for the folks you are trying to support. Remember that many grassroots nonprofits and mutual aid groups don’t have a lot of storage space. Be mindful that no matter how adorable that bikini is we don’t have a place to put it in December nor do we have room for that snow suit in August. If you are unsure, ask if groups have storage for off-season stuff. If you can fix zippers, sew on buttons or make other improvements, please do so before donating. If you think an item is not in good enough condition for you to wear it is probably not in condition for someone else to wear. The time between Thanksgiving, Christmas and the new year often creates awareness of needs, and it is so beautiful that folks donate stuff then. It is great to give to a grassroots group or mutual aid project a gift in someone’s name. The challenge is that the needs are still there the 11 other months of the year (and again, see the above notes on the challenge of storage). If your holidays include the tradition of gift giving, consider giving the gift of a pledge to donate goodies at some other time. A promise to bring needed items when you are doing spring cleaning, a portion of your garden’s harvest or a pledge to shop at a local food pantry or bring groceries in the summer months when donations tend to drop off. (And then mark it in your calendar and be sure to honor your commitment.) Remember that shelters are often crowded and loud and folks don't have lots of storage space. Loud or huge toys are often not practical and can unintentionally lead to conflict or tears when they need to be re-gifted or stored elsewhere Cash donations are great and can allow for an individual or group to make their own decisions about what is most needed. Most importantly remember RELATIONSHIPS MATTER! All the above are easier if you know the folks you are giving to! Give your time, get to know folks, be vulnerable with them, be in community! Thanks for reading this. Thanks for caring and wanting to give generously. With hard-nosed hope and fierce love! Requested items for donation at the Daytime Warming Center Things we almost always need: • Bus tokens and 1 day bus passes (ALWAYS!) • $5-$10 gift cards to coffee shops • Socks, hand warmers, gloves and mittens • Long johns/thermals (this is the only item we ask be new) • Hygiene items (especially razors, small things of q-tips, single packaged toothbrushes, lotion) • Winter boots in good condition Other useful things to check in about: • Winter clothing (men’s moreso than women’s … hoodies, sweatshirts, jeans, flannel shirts, sweatpants) • Belts • Winter coats (larger sizes needed) • Blankets • Hats and scarves The Ypsilanti site (the Freight House) is open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. -6 p.m. but please bring donations by 5 p.m. The A2 site at St. Mary’s Student Parish on Thompson and Williams until January 31 (see more info page 4) is open Monday -Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; please bring donations before 3 p.m. JANUARY 10, 2025 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 Michelle Lardie-Guzek — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Bauman Emeri Jade Bey Jim Clark Cindy Gere Ramon Roberto Isla Caballero Natalie Mark Donna McGaughy Will Shakespeare Scoop Stevens Sheri Wander CONTACT US PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Steve Ross Anabel Sicko Allison Wei VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Sim Bose Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Jacob Fallman Glenn Gates Jonathan Glass Alexandra Granberg Robert Klingler Anthony McCormick Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof 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 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 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 10, 2025 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover vendor No. 638 Most Americans are literate enough to work a job and make a living but not civically literate enough to participate in democratic governance. The vocational training mindset permeates our nation and like docile slaves, Americans always have to be doing something to please their master — the almighty dollar. In the 1930’s, social critic Albert Emeri Jade Bey, vendor No. 660 In one sentence who are you? I am a young Moorish-American woman. Supreme honors to the Prophet Noble Drew Ali. (PBUH) When and why did you start selling Groundcover newspapers? I began selling Groundcover newspapers to meet my neighbors, provide extra income for myself and to gain more sales and writing experience. What is your life motto? My life motto is: Wake up everyday and do your best! What is your comfort food? Salads and Halal tacos. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be? My Man, a water filter, a cooking pot. If there was a theme song for your life, what would it be? “One Step at a Time” by Jordin Sparks. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I would like to see more people happy and smiling like it used to be when I was growing up here. What is one question you wish you were asked more often? "Do I still plan to have a music career?!" Which I do. I am working on a new CD right now! My singer name is @maryjademusic (one word). So be on the lookout for that if you like new music. Nock wrote about the proliferation of diploma mills and it was his opinion that we should only confer a bachelor’s degree to those who were educated in the liberal arts. After World War II this was not possible because 12 million military veterans were promised the opportunity to “earn” a college degree. The standards were degraded to accommodate these veterans and they have continued to be degraded; now we have degrees in real estate, interior design, communications, you name it. Fortunately, the university is not the only institution fostering intellectual pursuits these days. Since July 2010, Groundcover News has provided Washtenaw County with news about homelessness but no real effective solutions. In my article “Groundcover News Evolution Path,” I presented a plan that could provide solutions. In my opinion, homelessness must be tied into something bigger for real solutions to be discovered. The New Testament writers were inventing a religion to replace Judaism. Matthew, Luke and John were not written until after the second Jewish-Roman war (132-35 CE): the aim of these books is the creation of Jesus as the Jewish-pagan god-man. Many of the myth types that were common in Greco-Roman mystery religions are in these books, such as GROUNDCOVER NEWS Groundcover solutions, continued a miraculous birth, dying and rising god, and a miracle worker persecuted by authorities. What fictional Jesus said about the poor is irrelevant, unless understood as mythology. The New Testament book of James (Jacob) does express much Jewish thought, so much so that the anti-semite Martin Luther didn’t think it belonged in the New Testament! James writes about God’s judgment on rich oppressors in the last days; we can only hope. Since the sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous who will be kind to the poor (Ecclesiastes 2 verse 26), what should Groundcover do to alleviate the suffering of the poor if it were empowered to do so? I think making a real investment in our writing program and turning Groundcover into more of an educational institution, besides being a news provider, would be the best solution for us. 3 Respect my flow EMERI JADE BEY Groundcover vendor No. 660 When you see me say “Hey!” I’m your siSTAR and peer. :) Living my life and always glad to be here. Respect my flow, 'cause I got it goin’ on. Pretty and smart, always keep a smile on. They tried to jock me, but I always hold it down. Above, above average; An Original sound. With a style so clean, Don’t be surprised if I’m on a magazine. Life is so special, that in a time so rare No pity parties, when life’s not fair. We’re strong. We innovate. No swerve on the team. We were made to ELEVATE. So let’s do the dam* thing. ;) If you don't know, now ya know! DONNA MCGAUGHY Groundcover vendor No. 310 I’m Donna & I have my sidekick Angel, We’re here to hang out With my family , the Groundcover sisters and brothers. If you don’t know anything about me, just ask my girl Panda and she will let you know more about me Groundcover has welcomed me & helped me a lot with financing. I appreciate everything they do for Angel & me. Just ask Panda about Angel & me Because if you don’t know, Now ya know.
4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL GOVERNMENT Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti City Councils pass legislation that protect the housing insecure LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Monday, January 6, Ann Arbor City Council unanimously passed ordinance 24-2106 — nicknamed the “junk fee ban” — that caps application fees at $50 and makes the fees refundable if applicants don’t receive an offer for the apartment. The resolution also bans all waitlist fees. Further, the ordinance bans all fees before move-in except the $50 application fee and the security deposit. It also lays out punishments of up to $1,000 for landlords who don’t follow the law. This ordinance, brought forth by Councilmembers Travis Radina and Cynthia Harrison, addressed many of the demands that the Ann Arbor Tenants Union laid out in their “Trash the Junk Fees” petition which was launched in April of this year. The petition can be read in full at: bit.ly/A2JunkFees. The AATU first presented its petition demands aimed at the Ann Arbor City Council and the Michigan State Legislature in April 2024 in response to local landlords charging enormous waitlist fees, some costing up to $6,745. “[Passage of this resolution] marks a huge step forward for tenants who simply cannot afford these outrageously expensive junk fees. We don’t believe a tenant should have to pay anything before moving in. However, capping refundable application fees at $50 per unit is a reasonable path forward. The AATU is happy to see this ordinance pass and we hope to see it followed by more robust tenant protections in Ann Arbor,” said AATU representative Nathan Kim. The next day, on the east side of the county, Ypsilanti City Council discussed two familiar topics: unarmed response and permanent shelter. Newly elected Ward 3 Councilmember Amber Fellows and incumbent Councilmember Desirae Simmons brought forward two resolutions, 2025-007 and 2025-008, that requested support and funding from the Washtenaw County government for a permanent shelter and non-police crisis response, respectively. Unlike the ordinance in Ann Arbor which enacts immediate protections for renters, resolutions 2025-007 and JANUARY 10, 2025 AATU members and Ann Arbor Councilmembers Radina and Harrison at City Council after the ordinance passed January 6. Photo submitted 2025-008 require movement from another government entity to realize their full impact. Still, the resolutions don’t simply push the ball into the County’s court — 007 includes a shelter development timeline, a community engagement plan, and a commitment to collaborate with local partners. 008 resolves to post a Request for Proposals for an Unarmed Crisis Program that will coordinate triage with EMS and police departments. These two resolutions also passed unanimously, to the excitement of the public attendees. One Ypsilanti resident even brought chocolate cake and tea for the Councilmembers in appreciation. Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti are listening to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity and taking action! Advocacy is still needed to bring this change to the County level.
JANUARY 10, 2025 SPOTLIGHT GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 A Brighter Way: Peer-to-peer navigation through post-incarceration life. Photo submitted A Brighter Way shines for the marginalized in Ypsilanti A Brighter Way is a community nonprofit with headquarters in downtown Ypsilanti. This peer mentoring organization specializes in guiding formerly incarcerated people through re-entry to society. Peer mentoring happens when people who have lived experience of a situation help those who are currently going through one. Alcoholics Anonymous is a classic example. The concept of staying sober by helping someone else stay sober crosses over to many areas of human life. Surviving cancer, grieving, and substance abuse issues all have programs to bring survivors together. A Brighter Way is such a program that helps people who have been incarcerated or “justice-impacted” by providing social support and service connections. Something unique about A Brighter Way is that they have over 130 years of combined lived experience, Laquan Hill was incarcerated for 16 years for a crime he admits to committing. He is affectionately known as “Q” because according to Laquan, “people have a tendency to butcher my name.” After successfully completing parole on April 8, 2024, Q now serves the community as the Deputy Director of A Brighter Way. What does the organization do? “A Brighter Way navigates,” stated Q. “We meet the person where they’re at and help them find their way to success as they see fit. We assist individuals that have had situations with the criminal punishment system. I call it that because it is a system designed to punish people for crimes against society. That is not justice, that is punishment. Justice is about restoration and rehabilitation. The Michigan Department of Corrections espouses rehabilitation, but is still punitive in nature. They are making strides, so I am JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 hopeful.” Q continued, “A person who has been incarcerated may not have any family or friends to support them when they get out. Often this means being homeless upon release. A Brighter Way helps that person find the necessary resources that can help them find a place that they can call home. People who have been incarcerated for a very long time may need help getting caught up due to a significant gap in knowledge of technology. Still others may have medical or psychiatric needs but not have the skills to meet them. These are just a few of the ways we provide support. A Brighter Way helps by connecting people to the resources they need while also being a guide throughout the process.” One of the things that makes A Brighter Way stand out from other peer support programs is that the workers take the time to fact-check and make sure all the resources they connect people with are active and up-to-date. Q said, “You have to vet your resources. What I mean by that is when someone has limited means, getting transportation, for example, is a big deal. The timing is important. If you spend all day lining up transportation to get to a food bank or to a county service, only to find out the hours were wrong or changed, that can have a serious impact on your emotional and situational reality. There have been times when I was on the edge of making a bad choice but a note on a flyer opened a door and gave me a different option. Had I got there to find the office closed, things might have gone differently. When resource information is false, it may appear like a simple inconvenience, but it also may have life-threatening consequences.” A Brighter Way is located at 124 Pearl St in Ypsilanti. This part of the downtown area has been a theater of a struggle between local business owners, the community of unhoused people living on the street, and the people who work to alleviate homelessness. A number of the people on the street who are affected by this struggle seek services from A Brighter Way. I asked Q how he thought the situation should be handled. “We need to collaborate. Everyone wants to see the systemic conditions solved. The answer, though, is not to simply kick the can down the road, or worse, sweep it under the rug [by ramping] up more police presence. The answer is to provide a place for the people to be and get the resources and wrap-around care they need. This is a community dilemma and we need a community resolution.” Many people who need the services of A Brighter Way are homeless or housing-insecure. A Brighter Way is a valuable resource which is vital to a safe, stable and supportive community.
6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOCAL ART Mural inside Sweetwaters cafe on Washington Street. JANUARY 10, 2024 and see Ten Thousand Villages as they are celebrating their 20-year anniversary as of October. Makeshift Gallery The Makeshift Gallery was created Where is the art hiding in Ann Arbor? CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 2025 is all about being alive and exploring art in Ann Arbor. Sweetwaters on Washington St. I wandered into Sweetwaters where you are surrounded by amazing art works from the Huron Valley Art Collective, a wonderful art group that works with businesses to display their creations. There is art on just about every wall, many artists come from all over Michigan to show their art talents. The variety of art is very inviting. Each piece is for sale. The artists give a brief bio of their past and write about the kind of art they display, sometimes including QR codes to show more of what they have to offer. Many artists nowadays have full web pages and independent websites where they show their work and studio Crazy Wisdom My next stop was at one of my personal favorites: The one and only Crazy Wisdom. This shop holds many wonderful artworks from around the world, ranging from wall art to sculptures and jewelry. I was told they have sculptures from Spain and carvings from Indonesia. As a Native American, I love the dream catcher and wall hangings. Crazy Wisdom has many jewelry artists and much of the work is shown in display boxes around the front of the building. The artwork at Crazy Wisdom is spiritual in nature but also eye-catching. They reopened in 2023. Their annual magazine is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people in a spiritual and holistic way. WSG Gallery My next stop was the intriguing WSG gallery on Ann Street that carries absolutely one of a kind art works from artists all over the state. Each artist contributes their time back into the gallery; this gallery is owned and operated by the artist collective. Much of this art is very inspiring and modern, as well as traditional. It’s a wonderful group effort in which artists bring back art to the city. This gallery closed for some time because of COVID-19, and now has reopened for the public, so do stop by and see great and inspiring art. Chris Nordin I took a hop, skip and jump into the shop of one-of-a-kind artist Chris Nordin, a glass blower, which is right near WSG. He does awe-inspiring pieces. He also brings from around the nation well-known artists to show their great works of art within his gallery. What I find so amazing about Nordin’s artwork is the mix of metal and glass hanging from ceilings in offices around the nation. Glass is a hard medium to work with and extremely fragile. This makes it far more valuable to show to the world, in my opinion. You add light to the works and you get beautiful art. You just need to go and experience this impressive form of art: Thursday and Friday 12 to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ten Thousand Villages My next stop was Ten Thousand Villages on Main Street. I walked in and immediately saw silk scarves that I fell in love with; each one was bright and colorful. This wonderful shop practices fair trade with artists on the other side of the world and brings in amazing artwork to you and me. Fair trade gives artists equal opportunity in their communities and helps them with a living wage. It’s an international partnership that has lasted for decades. The amazing principles of fair trade ensure the rights of artists in their home nations – sustainable development, environment friendly partnerships, paying promptly and fairly. As I walked through the gallery I saw many functional artworks, such as jewelry, kitchenware, wall hangings and scarves of many colors. Please come by a small group of local artists as a pop-up in 2022. This group expanded with other local artists to create a locals-only arts gallery for equal exposure and fair pay practices. Many highend galleries take advantage of artists with the amount of cut each gallery takes, often leaving the artist out in the cold. Makeshift and other co-op galleries are forcing real change for artist work. Honest work for honest pay. The Makeshift was created by Cheryl Dawdy and Jim Moran, but many artists are part of the gallery. This is the next gallery I hope to find my own works in sometime soon. The Makeshift Gallery is a one-of-a-kind art collective. The artists themselves come together and show their works to the world, but also take the time to do both behind-the-scenes work and help with the front desk during open hours. This gallery has shows with invited musicians and has amazing events with open mics and concerts on Friday nights. Their events bring in the public and show off the artists’ work. There is a featured artist wall and some not only talented but also popular artists as well. This wonderful location at 407 E Liberty St is not to be missed. The kinds of art available here are: fine art photography, paintings, mixed media, ceramics, jewelry and musical instruments. Come see this art from Wednesday through Saturday 1 to 7 and Sunday noon to 5. Ann Arbor Art Center A2AC The Ann Arbor Art Center — I popped in to see all the wonderful A2AC activities that blanket the see ART page 8 Cindy at the Makeshift Gallery in front of Andy Schiff (left) and Zeke Mallory's paintings, holding a cigarbox guitar made by Mike Mouradian.
JANUARY 10, 2024 REMEMBRANCE In loving memory of Doug Redlin November 16, 1979 - January 2, 2025 Doug Redlin was born in the Detroit area. After some rough early times, he was adopted and spent his formative years in the Macomb and Oakland areas, including Hazel Park. Doug especially cared about his adoptive father and would reminisce about time spent with him and all that he learned from his dad. He spent his final years in Washtenaw County, and was well known in the community for his big heart, love of dogs, and supreme survival skills. He is survived by his fiancée Karlee Dixon and their baby, Phillip Doug Redlin, who is expected to be born in May. “Doug was the hardest person I've ever met to love. He was also the easiest. Doug's genuineness was his greatest asset. He believed in community and he believed in our community. He considered us family. He wanted camaraderie. He wanted brothers; he wanted his pack. Doug's temper was formidable. But he knew it. He was aware of his issues and was asking for help. We were ready for him, he would have stepped up if he was meant to go on. With his first child on the way, he knew it was time to man up. He would have made it, we would have made sure of it. Doug, you are loved.” — Jim Clark, Groundcover vendor No. 139 “Doug was a complicated man but he had a heart of gold.” — Josh Brooks Doug was well known in the community for his big heart, love of dogs, and supreme survival skills. He is pictured above left at Liberty Plaza, with his dog, Mr. Puzzles. Photo taken by SD Photography. On the right he is pictured with his fiancé Karlee Redlin. “Doug could be tough as a result of his struggles so not that many people got to know him well. But Doug was always cool with me, and I can attest there was a great deal of good in him. He was not only perceptive about individuals and about humans in general, he also was thoughtful and respectful when he felt you returned it. Many times his insights helped me a lot. He would give you presents, just little things that he thought you would like. Looking for stuff for Karlee, I ran across a video of him explaining to me about some funny color changing light bulbs he gave me. It absolutely breaks my heart that he gave out before he was able to reach his dream of being a father. But the joy those sonograms and doctors visits gave him was real. I’ll miss you, Doug.” — Cynthia Price, Groundcover Editor "One of the first times I met Doug must have been at Pizza in the Park. He charged across the plaza and approached me like we were already familiar, very confidently asking if I could give him a ride somewhere or whatever it was he needed. It was something I couldn't help with but there were no hard feelings, and he kept my attention by talking my ear off instead. As if he was set on leaving an imprint and making sure by the time we're done, I would remember him. I did then, and I will now." — Alexandra Granberg “Doug, myself, and Gracie drove around the city on a terribly cold evening to check on anyone we could find. Doug knew every nook and cranny and we were stocked with the blankets, hand warmers, and chili. He was so kind. And he sure loved dogs.” — Karen Jacobsen "Dougie. I’ve always respected your loyalty. You are genuine family man. I know you will find peace on the other side. Much love." — Brian Durrance “Like so many you were a complicated individual. I'll remember that you loved to cook for people and would use limited bridge card money to buy food to cook for warming center and weather amnesty guests. RIP Doug. May you find the peace that so alluded you in this realm. I know you are cooking up a feast, making art and smoking with Brian.” — Sheri Wander Doug's celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, January 14 at 11 a.m. at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse (100 Market Place). GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7
8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS WINTER Protect yourself — be "winter-wise" EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR With the risk of high snowfall and extreme low temperatures, the Executive Office of the Governor encourages Michiganders to make a plan for winter weather emergency preparedness. To learn more about how to prepare for winter weather emergencies, check out the MIREADY Winter Weather Preparedness online page at www.michigan.gov/miready/be-informed/winter-prep. Driving during bad winter weather recommended, but often is not unavoidable. If you have to drive in bad conditions, drive slowly, follow tips from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning on how you can be safe on the roads, and stock your car with emergency supplies. The Michigan Public Service Commission also offers excellent tips on how we can all be proactive about conserving energy and being “winter-wise.” Some of these tips include: 1. Shut-Off Protection: Senior citizens, low-income customers, those with a medical emergency or in critical care, and military personnel may qualify for heat shut-off protection. Contact your utility company for more information. 2. Plan Ahead: Many utility companies have Budget Billing Plans that can spread out your peak winter heating bills, allowing for a more affordable monthly bill during the heating season. Contact your utility company for more information. 3. Use Energy Wisely: Reduce your energy use using the helpful tips: www. energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/10/ f37/Energy_Saver_Guide-2017-en.pdf. 4. Request Assistance: Qualifying seniors and low-income customers may be eligible for financial assistance. Call 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org to learn about agencies in your county that can help you with your utility bill. 5. Be Proactive: Contact your utility company as soon as you know you will be unable to pay your bill on time. Do not wait for a shut-off notice. 6. Be Helpful: Share this information with family and friends! If you are able, you can donate to organizations that provide energy assistance for families in need. Utility Assistance Programs Winter can become stressful with high utility costs. Low-income Michiganders may qualify for assistance through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). We are prepared to ensure everyone across the state stays warm this winter. • State Emergency Relief: State Emergency Relief is a crisis intervention program that provides assistance for energy-related expenses like heating, fuel, electricity and home repairs. Those who can demonstrate need are encouraged to apply online through MI Bridges. • MEAP: The Michigan Public Service Commission administers the MEAP. The purpose of the MEAP is to establish and administer statewide programs that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. To seek help, contact 2-1-1 or your utility company to find programs in your area. • Weatherization Assistance Program: This program provides free home energy-conservation services to low-income Michigan homeowners and renters. These services can reduce energy use and lower utility bills. Some of the services include insulation, air leakage reduction, smoke detectors, and dryer venting. These services are conducted by local Community Action Agencies and non-profit organizations. You can visit www.michigan.gov/en/mdhhs/ assistance-programs/emergency-relief/ home-services/weatherization/ state-map-of-weatherization-operators to contact your local weatherization JANUARY 10, 2024 exp. 06/31/2025 operator process. to start the application ART page 6 downtown area. With their public art projects, they paint on all the planters across the downtown area and the murals on the buildings and in the alleys. A2AC has memberships and drop-in art shows for the public. What I found amazing is that this gallery just about does it all as a very active space. You don't just get art but also classes for the public and many camps for teens to further art education. The classes help bring art into each home across Ann Arbor as well as new art ideas for artists. I always wanted to take their ceramics classes and the jewelry classes. There are adult classes such as ceramics, comics, printmaking, jewelry and 2D sculpture. Art classes show the public the time it takes to be an artist and the complexity. Artists, both local and national, are showcased within the gallery. A2AC also has ongoing social events for fundraising This gallery truly takes care of the artists in the gallery by giving them full public exposure, and also places art around Ann Arbor in offices and corporations. The Gutman Gallery The Guild of Artists and Artisans was created in 1973 with the mission of bringing artists to the public in an art fair. This small annual event became what is today the Ann Arbor Art Fair, helping hundreds of artists from across the nation earn a reasonable living from their art. Art fairs have popped up all over the United States. Many artists travel from fair to fair for months on end. The Guild also helps local fairs across Michigan, and through its affiliated Gutman Gallery helps local and international artists get shown. I’ve also been to their holiday events and many independent shows focused on themes such as masks or watercolors. U-M Art Spaces The Stamps Gallery located on Washington Street and South Division that shows many world renowned artists as well as work from University of Michigan art students. Last but not least, the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) shows many international works of art and national artists from many cultures such as native artists from the Ojibway nation, as well as classical art.
JANUARY 10, 2024 PUZZLES 1 13 16 19 22 25 30 33 39 43 47 51 55 59 62 60 63 52 53 56 57 54 58 61 64 40 44 45 46 48 49 50 31 34 41 35 36 37 42 26 32 38 20 23 24 27 28 29 2 3 4 14 17 21 18 5 6 7 8 9 15 GROUNDCOVER NEWS The IE's Have It! Victor Schmitt 10 11 12 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 an issue more than 4 weeks old. • 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 or leave positive review of a Vendor experience please email contact@ groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. Thank you! ACROSS 1. "In their defense ..." to a texter 4. Reduplicative dance 10. __ Fring ("Breaking Bad" character) 13. Important echécs piece 14. From this point 15. Carnation container 16. Bygone I.S.P. 17. Nudge hall-of-fame QB Bob? 19. Crash lander? 21. "Maestro" subject Bernstein 22. Implied 23. S.N.L alum Kevin 25. Break down into ranks? 30. Basis of a screenplay 32. Sign above some doors 33. Played-out 34. Word with man or ma'am 35. Doofus 38. The Big Ten's Nittany Lions, for short 39. Mutilate 41. Default filename for most word processors 43. Starting to bend, in ballet? 47. Sign on some beaches 48. Great deal, informally 51. Phrase before wild ride 54. Prodigy 55. Lobe, maybe? 58. Letters on some passes 59. British bum 60. Cocktail served at a tiki bar 61. Summer in Strousbourg? 62. Bring home 63. Scattered (about) 64. 9-digit no. DOWN 1. Parcel of land 2. "In your face!" 3. Actor's IMDB entry 4. Weekly highlight, for a gym rat 5. Bad thing to have on earth 6. Wall St. trader 7. Sundar Pichai, e.g. 8. React, like a pooch to a police siren 9. San _____ (Texas city) 10. Greek earth goddess 11. Iron curtain letters 12. Bracketeer's ranking 15. "My Cousin" in a 1992 film 18. Word with square or cube 20. Good, in Guatemala 23. CBS police drama 24. Fair-hiring inits. 26. Suffix with vent or cult 27. Bleeped words 28. Leaven 29. Real catch 30. Few 31. Tribe 35. "Carry ____ you were" 36. Org. for Sinner or Alcatraz 37. Did, as Mad Libs 40. Danger to society 41. Trendy boot brand 42. Common noun suffix 44. Something to skip 45. "Jump on the bandwagon" and "miss the boat" 46. Like some milk 49. Show featuring Meghan Markle 50. Colorado ski town 51. Word with life or attention 52. Run out of gas 53. Musician's break 54. Chew (on) 56. Peace, in the 11-Down 57. Favor final?
10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS U.S. HISTORY JANUARY 10, 2024 President Carter exemplified Dr. King's vision of a Beloved Community Hello 2025, farewell 2024! In the afternoon and evening of December 29, 2024, the major broadcast news and cable news outlets announced that former President Jimmy Carter had died. He was the 39th President of the United States. What else do we know about Jimmy Carter? He was born in 1924 in a rural southern Georgia town known as Plains. His father was a peanut farmer who owned a large farm. His mother was a registered nurse. Young Jimmy Carter grew up in a house with no plumbing and electricity. His community was mostly rural and poor. He spent time with poor white and Black kids in his rural farm community. His family members attended church services in Plains as Evangelical Christians. Jimmy Carter identified as a long-term member of the Southern Baptist Evangelical Christian Church. He was a man of faith who had accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. After high school, Carter attended the U.S. Naval Academy and was trained as a nuclear engineer for a Navy submarine. He graduated in 1946 and came home to Georgia. He asked an adorable young woman, Rosalynn, for a date. They went to the theater to see a movie. Soon after he proposed to her, and subsequently they got married. His career as a Navy nuclear engineer was cut short when his father died. Carter returned to Plains in 1953 to continue his father’s peanut farming business. Southern Georgia was a bastion of racism and discrimination during the “Jim Crow” era of the 1950s and 1960s. Young Carter’s neighbors, who were members of a white supremacy group, incessantly tried to get him to join. He repeatedly said no, even when they offered to pay the membership dues of won the Democratic presidential nomination and defeated President Gerald Ford, the Republican nominee, in the November 1976 election. As president, WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 $5 for him. He was ridiculed by the racist group. They called him all kinds of derogatory names. Carter said that he was aware of the racism, discrimination and racial injustice in his home state. He wanted to bring opportunities in education, jobs and housing to the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. He served two terms as a state senator in Georgia during the 1960s. In the 1970s, he ran for Governor. He won! During his February inaugural speech, he got everyone’s attention when he declared, “I say to you, quite frankly, the time for racial discrimination is over …” Carter served as Governor of Georgia for one term which ended in 1975. In 1976, he ran for President of the United States. America, as a nation, was mired in melancholy and sadness over the “Watergate Break-in” crisis which resulted in the articles of impeachment against President Richard M. Nixon. He had resigned in 1974 and his replacement, Gerald R. Ford of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was immediately sworn in as the 38th President. After Carter declared his intention to run for President, a large cross-section of the American people kept asking, “Jimmy who?” Aware of his lack of name recognition, Carter, on the campaign trail of 1975 and 1976, would often say, “My name is Jimmy Carter, and I am running for President.” Carter Jimmy Carter appointed more women in key positions and federal courts than any of the previous presidents. He also appointed more Black people and other minorities to key positions than any of the previous presidents. President Carter was credited for improving the lives of “the safety net population” in the areas of public health, housing and other human service provisions. However, high food inflation, high interest rates, high gas prices and high unemployment doomed his chances for re-election against Ronald Reagan who repeatedly used the slogan, “Are you better off today than you were four years ago?” The Iran hostage crisis was a drag on his superlative foreign policy achievements, especially the Camp David Accords, which established a historic framework for peace between Israel and Egypt. Many historians say that President Carter’s four decades of service after he left the White House was a remarkable accomplishment. Carter and his wife Rosalynn traveled the world after they built the Carter Center at Emory University in Atlanta and another one in Plains. The Carter Center was a platform for the Carters to visit poor communities in developing nations to help address infectious diseases such as malaria, Guinea worms and HIV-AIDS. They also helped to feed the poor; house the homeless; provide safe drinking water; build roads, hospitals, and community centers; and helped with a team of trained observers to monitor presidential elections in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central AmerPresident Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalyn, assisting with the construction of a "Habitat For Humanity" project. ica and South America. Domestically, President and Rosalynn Carter entered into a partnership with Habitat for Humanity which has lasted for more than 40 years. “Habitat for Humanity envisions a world where everyone has a decent place to live, and President Carter was truly one of the great lights illuminating our path to that goal,” says a tribute posted by the East Bay / Silicon Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. This California chapter continues, “President Carter famously said, ‘I have one life and one chance to make it count for something … My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.’” We are deeply grateful for his 100 years of "making it count" toward the building of a better tomorrow. Dr. King’s Vision of the Beloved Community On the topic of “The Beloved Community,” the King Center in Atlanta see CARTER next page PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
JANUARY 10, 2024 U.S. HISTORY American cultures Gratitude to the culture for the triROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO Groundcover vendor No. 347 umph of the Cuban revolution that came to light in the 1960s. A crew without direction to conquer the fate of a merciless hand to Yankee imperialism as a good revolutionary took a step and a misfortune bribed by the U.S.A. I betray the passage of a navigator and with a letter of mourning without knowing the railway lines I shout, “Long Live Zapata.” The crying could not understand so much bitterness and from his lips bitter I endured the pain of a child of a mother with a black clover. I only look at the water where I can let loose the repentance and joy of a homeless person. En espanol: El agradecimiento a la cultura por el triunfo de la revolución cubana salieron a relucir en los años 1960. Una tripulación sin rumbo para conquistar el destino de una mano despiadada al imperialismo yanqui como un buen revolucionario dio un paso y una desgracia sobornada por los EE.UU. Traiciona a los pasos de navegante y con carta de luto sin conocer las líneas del ferrocarril grito, “Viva Zapata.” El llanto no pudo entender tanta amargura y desde sus labios amargo soporto el dolor de un niño una madre con un trébol negro sólo miro el agua donde puedo soltar el arrepentimiento y la alegría de un vagabundo. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 CARTER from last page nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation.” Dr. King gave a 1959 sermon which he dedicated to the lessons learned from Gandhi's philosophy and techniques of nonviolence. Once again, Dr. King said, “the aftermath of non-violence is the creation of the Beloved Community, so that when the battle’s over, a new relationship comes into being between the oppressed and the oppressor.” Some historians have also noted Dr King's Statue located close to the Lincoln Memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. made it clear that the term was first coined by the 20th century philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce — founder of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Dr. King became a member of Fellowship of Reconciliation and later “popularized the term and invested it with deeper meaning which has captured the imagination of people of goodwill all over the world.” Dr. King did not believe that “The Beloved Community” was a lofty utopian goal. The King Center said that King envisioned the Beloved Community to be “a realistic, achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to and trained in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence.” Historians and civil rights scholars reveal that as early as 1956, when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Montgomery Bus Boycott organizers, thereby ending segregation of bus seats, Dr. King said that “the Beloved Community is the end goal of a nonviolent boycott.” In 1957 Dr. King read a sermon titled “The Birth of a New Nation” in which he said that “the aftermath of that Dr. King made a reference to the Beloved Community as the end result of nonviolence in his 1963 “Letters from the Birmingham Jail.” Many scholars from various disciplines such as sociology, political science and law have tried to share many perspectives on King’s vision of the Beloved Community. A more compelling summary and interpretation comes from the editors of the King Center in Atlanta. They wrote: “Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In the Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. In the Beloved Community, international disputes will be resolved by peaceful conflict-resolution and reconciliation of adversaries, instead of military power. Love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred. Peace with justice will prevail over war and military conflict.” Conclusion Now, it is abundantly clear what Dr. King’s vision for the Beloved Community means. In his writings, sermons and speeches, Dr. King provides us with an expansive conception of the Beloved Community. The central messages are nonviolence and reconciliation, in addition to the panoply of social justice, economic justice, service, global vision, peaceful coexistence, equal rights, civil rights and human rights. On an interpersonal level, the Beloved Community vision requires mutual respect, mutual love, and a sense of dignity, empathy and sympathy for all God’s children. The Beloved Community vision has never been about tolerating discrimination, racism, hatred, tribalism or targeting and conspiring against certain individuals or communities who are considered “different" — as some culprits would say, “not one of us.” President Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy reflect Dr. King’s vision of Beloved Community. Both of them had a global vision about the solutions to poverty, inequality, hunger and homelessness and promoting democracy’s basic norms of free and fair elections. A recent Associated Press article noted that President Carter and Dr. King never met. However, they seemed to have lived parallel lives as they worked hard to end discrimination, racism, poverty, hunger and homelessness, to mention a few. We do know that Jimmy Carter reached out to Dr. King’s father, MLK Sr., and Dr. King’s widow, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, after Carter was sworn in as governor of Georgia in February, 1971. At Carter’s insistence, Dr. King’s birthplace and the old Ebenezer Baptist Church were designated historical preservation landmarks. As we pay homage to Carter’s legacy, let’s remember Dr. King’s admonition: “Darkness cannot drive away darkness, only light can do that; hatred cannot drive away hatred, only love can do that.” Finally, this Martin Luther King Jr. quote reflects the global perspective he shared with his Beloved Community volunteers, including President Jimmy Carter: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” — Dr. King’s letters from Birmingham, Alabama Jail, April 16, 1963.
12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Red pepper pasta NATALIE MARK U-M student contributor Ingredients: 2 red bell peppers 2 roma tomatoes 2 cloves of garlic ½ onion 1 tbsp of olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ½ avocado 1 lb of pasta, any shape Directions Toss red bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onion in olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes at 400˚F. While the vegetables are roasting, boil a pot of water for the pasta. Blend avocado in a blender or food processor, then add roasted vegetables and blend them together. Heat mixture in a separate pan and bring to a simmer. Cook pasta in boiling water one minute less than box directions; finish cooking pasta for another minute in sauce. Top with parmesan cheese and enjoy! Felicia Brabec, MSW /psychologist and former State House Representative will be speaking at the Westgate branch of the Ann Arbor library from 1-3 p.m. on Monday February 10. Her topic will be “Ask the Expert: Advocating for Mental Health.” This program is free, no registration JANUARY 10, 2024 $5 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $30 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 2/6/2025
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