2 $ JULY 12, 2024 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 15 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Extended Stay hotel gives eviction notice to long-term resident, twice. page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: PHILIP SPINK PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Huron Street overpass bridge before (right) and after (left) the Black Lives Matter mural was taken down. The art of gentrification. page 10 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor #
2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS OPINION JULY 12, 2024 Hear Me Out: the SCOTUS Grants Pass v. Johnson decision is a declaration of war People experiencing homelessness survive by sleeping in tents and alleys and bushes. Sleep and safe shelter are second to food and water, which means homeless people are literally barely hanging on to their lives. And now the United States Supreme Court has said it is okay to further punish people for trying to survive homelessness. In the case City of Grants Pass, Ore. v. Johnson, the Supreme Court was asked to determine if punishing homeless people for trespassing is cruel and unusual, per the U.S. Constitution. This June, they decided it is not: the Constitution does not protect the homeless from arrest or financial penalties — even though our economic JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 and penal system put them there. Our lives as Americans are 100% built around and governed by our economic system. For those close to the bottom, the grind is getting some kind of job then entering an endless cycle of going to work and paying bills. The bills include some of the very things that support life — food and shelter specifically. Without these things, survival is impossible. The life-support things are commodified, so the only access you have to them is with money. Meaning if you don’t work in the system, you don’t get to live in the system. America is a pay-to-play country, and by play we mean survive. In America, you must be part of the economic system or you will die a slow death. Americans die every day from malnutrition, exposure to the elements, critical mental illnesses and from the violence of surviving on the street. And now, additionally, being homeless is a criminal act in America. The prevailing attitude towards people experiencing homelessness in our country is that it was their fault, due to some moral failing like “laziness,” and they could get out of their situation if they wanted to do so. The fact of the matter is, every homeless person I’ve met wants to get out of poverty. What people don’t realize is how hard that is in a capitalist system. In our system, one has to compete to survive. But the playing field is not even. To begin, most people need a cell phone and a car to get a job. Both cost money. You also need to be able to interview and prove you can make it to work. You also need to be clean see GRANTS PASS page 4 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 Hanan Husein — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Jim Clark Misti Davis Luiza Duarte Caetano Amanda Gale Cindy Gere Alexandra Granberg Robbie February Hosea Hill Jane Reilly Wayne Sparks PROOFREADERS CONTACT US Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Zachary Dortzbach Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Jacob Fallman Robert Klingler Simone Masing Emily Paras 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 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 12 2024 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR GROUNDCOVER NEWS Students design new shoe HOSEA HILL Groundcover vendor No. 532 Philip Spink, vendor No. 630 In one sentence, who are you? A human being, I think. Where do you usually sell Groundcover? Packard Street and Carpenter Road. Why did you start selling Groundcover? To earn some extra money to help out a disabled friend. What are your hobbies? Doing artwork, writing, watching old movies. What is a small thing that makes your day better? My luck pebble. What is the most impressive thing you know how to do? Write in a grand tone or write in a small tone. What is your superpower? Anxiety. What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor? My bed. What song do you have completely memorized? None, I've got a memory like a sieve. What is your pet peeve? Trump. What is the best way to start the day? With a coffee and a cigarette — but I quit smoking. A Poem About Myself I am a person for fun, For dancing in the rain And playing in the sun. Although what I write May make me seem to others a sober philosopher, I am far less a wannabe Socrates Than a man against hurts and hypocrisies. I am no intellectual Attila the Hun; Just a man inspired by being tired Of Babel and gun, And all the sorrows eating at the sun. Hearing many wounded cries I try to work to be helpful and wise; Yet what can any writer do shy and unknown But wear himself to the bone, Without help not to be a singer alone. What I long for most is the company of others, To live and to work as part of a rainbow Of sisters and brothers and all one anothers, Who believe in caring for one and all, And that the light is on down the hall. WAYNE S. Groundcover vendor No. 615 Groundcover News wants to give a shoutout to our neighbors at Muehlig Funeral Chapel. They have extended their hand to their neighborhood by presenting their first ever Juneteenth celebration. While joining in the festivities, this reporter had the chance to talk with Funeral Director Kelsey Tingley. Kelsey was a wealth of knowledge for me, telling me facts about our neighbors that were quite impressive. For example, Muehlig Funeral Chapel is the longest running establishment of its kind in the state of Michigan. They are coming up on Muehlig Funeral Chapel joins the hood on Juneteenth their 150th year in business. When asked how this celebration came about, she said, “Well when the idea came up, the whole staff was excited about it and directed me to office manager Corey Leniear Sr.” So I sat down and had a chat with Corey. Corey was in charge and I found him to be a young man who was very excited about the festivities. He was going from place to place making sure things were running smoothly. He said he was glad to be working for an organization that was just as excited about this event as he was. Last but not least was the entertainment put together by an up-and-comer on the Ann Arbor entertainment scene, DJ Freeze, who entertained the crowd with his masterful performance at the turntable and mixer. Groundcover gives a shoutout to Corey and the rest of the Muehlig staff for putting together a wonderful event to spend the Juneteenth holiday. Thanks from the neighborhood to Kelsey, Corey and the whole staff of Muehlig Funeral Chapel. Students at the Akron-based “I Promise School” recently designed a basketball shoe for LeBron James. The LeBron James Foundation supports the I Promise public elementary school that is specifically geared to at-risk children and has a trauma-informed curriculum. The eighth-grade students were thrilled to come up with a vision and make new custom designs and play around with color choices for the new LeBron NXXT Gen shoe. They drew out these designs and used computer software at the Kaulig Media Lab in Ohio to create the shoe specifications. The I Promise School boys and girls basketball teams, step-team and cheer squad had the opportunity to team up with Nike designers to design the shoe. Portions of the profits will go to the LeBron James Family Foundation. The shoe is on sale at nike.com for about $100. 3 She's perfect When I look into your eyes I see an ounce of pain. To whoever gave you that … Thank you, for she’s made of gold, 1000% my gain, a treasure so fine and true. There’s many things I wish to do but one of them is loving you. I feel as if forever is still never enough time … for us! Every day I learn more and more about you but MISTI DAVIS Groundcover vendor No. 625 my soul feels as if I’ve known you my whole life … as if we met in a previous life and where I knew my sexy wife.
4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING JUSTICE JULY 12, 2024 Extended Stay gives eviction notice to long-term resident, twice ALEXANDRA GRANBERG Groundcover contributor On May 24, Elizabeth “Lit” Kurtz, a long-term homeless guest at the Extended Stay America hotel in Ann Arbor, was handed an eviction notice for no reason. She had been paying her fees in full and on time. She never violated any guest rules or did anything else to break her contract with Extended Stay. It was after requesting her tax exemption — which she is legally owed and had received in the past — that the hotel decided to terminate Lit’s contract and ability to continue reservations. Without telling Lit why she was being kicked out and refusing to communicate further with her, the hotel management then called the police to physically remove her. The police instead suggested a seven-day eviction notice that the hotel staff posted on her door. The hotel’s site manager disabled Lit’s keys. She decided to stay in the room and mobilize community support via her social media followers and Washtenaw Camp Outreach (WCO) to put pressure on the hotel. Lit had three demands: that the management come to the table and give her answers, pay her legally owed tax rebate, and allow her to continue reservations at the same rate she had paid previously. Most importantly, she said, “I stayed to begin the discussion about human rights for everyone, not just me.” Over five days, community members put on a mass pressure campaign, making nearly 100 complaints through the hotel’s website and phone line. Finally WCO — in talks with Lit — hand-delivered a letter to the hotel on Friday June 7. In the letter WCO stated Lit’s demands and made an ultimatum: if the hotel management did not contact Lit to communicate in good faith by the following Monday morning, WCO and solidarity organizations would be hosting a press conference outside the hotel about the situation on that same afternoon. This final push to pressure the hotel was successful — initially. The next day, Saturday June 8, the hotel’s general manager Amber King called Lit; she agreed to all three of Lit’s demands and lifted the eviction. With the help of generous community contributions Lit was also able to pay for the days she hadn’t been able to leave the hotel to make money. This concession turned out to be short lived. In the next booking period, despite Amber King’s promise, the hotel charged Lit for the taxes — over $50 more than it would have been with the exemption. Lit refuses to pay her reservation fee until the hotel honors the tax rebate. On June 17 the front desk handed her another seven-day eviction notice. This time they did not disable her keys, so Lit is still able to leave her room. She has since not been able to contact Amber King, and King has not reached out to Lit. The only point of contact has been at the front desk, who is directly going against the word of the general manager. Lit is trying to take her case to the courts on a formal eviction basis. Michigan law does not make it clear when an extended stay hotel guest becomes a tenant, so a legal eviction case would likely be complicated and not necessarily fruitful. Lit Kurtz is facing eviction from Extended Stay. The law and its cruelty allows private establishments like Extended Stay and other hotels to bend contracts and kick people out without reason. However, both Lit and WCO recognize that this is a violation of human rights, starting with the seven-day notice. Seven days is not nearly enough time for anyone to find and make arrangements to move to another safe location after having established long-term residency. Some reviews on Extended Stay’s Facebook page reveal that this is not the first eviction to take place on their property. It will likely not be the last. The short pressure campaign with WCO led to a temporary but material win for Lit. But if this case is resolved, the real victory, in her own words, would be “for my human right to stay housed.” She says the fight is just getting started. GRANTS PASS from page 2 and presentable when you go to work. Some people can pull themselves up, but it still doesn’t happen overnight and it doesn’t happen without a safe, reliable place to sleep. There is a stark parallel between being homeless and being displaced by war. In war, people are forced to leave their homes by a military system either because soldiers force them at gunpoint, or because their homes were destroyed by weapons of war. In America, people are forced to leave their homes by a capitalist system either by cops forcing them to leave at gunpoint, or just having their tents and belongings destroyed by a bulldozer. In war, people who are displaced are seen as an enemy, in America, the homeless are considered a nuisance, a word not as strong as “enemy” but equally dehumanizing. In war, refugees end up sleeping in tents; in America the homeless do as well, but now that can be disrupted at gunpoint. If you think “gunpoint” is too strong I must remind you, cops carry guns, are not afraid to use them, and have a license to kill. In other words, they are soldiers charged with “protecting and serving” capitalist interests. America has demonstrated a certain hatred towards the homeless. It is seen in other nations that practice genocide. One earmark of genocide is forcing people out of their homes and into the streets where their chances of dying increase. This is the exact same thing the U.S. Supreme Court just did! The reality is that punishing humans for trying to survive is a hate crime. Pay attention to anyone who supports such treatment. The hate is visceral. You can hear it, you can taste it. People who have never wanted for anything stand in judgment of the homeless, find them unworthy and deserving of being exterminated. This is what they mean when they say “the solution to homelessness is a bus ticket out of town.” Or jail. Or death. They don’t care, just get them out of their backyard. What this decision allows for is sinister. Any town, county, state or federal entity can declare homelessness a form of vagrancy and disorderly conduct. This means a person can be picked up for sitting on a bench too long. If you think that doesn’t happen, you’re deluded. It happens every day and now there is no defense you can make against it. If you happen to have a warrant, you can end up in prison, and guess what? Many states still allow chattel slavery. People are owned by the penal system and forced labor is not considered cruel and unusual. But it doesn’t stop with the homeless. The sayings “one paycheck away from losing housing” or “one car breakdown away from losing a job” describe real situations. The working poor (including myself when I had a job but nowhere to live) have never been so at risk from becoming refugees of war. If you lost that job because the car broke down and now you don’t have that check to pay rent, your chances of becoming homeless are near 100%. You may end up sleeping on the street; literally, this is how it happens. Then people can be fined for trespassing and punished by incarceration. This is business as usual in America. The Supreme Court of the United States has created an atmosphere so similar to genocidal nations that their decision could be taken as a declaration of war against the homeless. The poor must take it that way. Americans have kicked the last refuge out from under our feet. We must unite against this passive-aggressive attack. Wake up. The rich have always despised the poor, have always seen us as disposable cattle, and have always resented having to pay us to produce the wealth they enjoy. Technology replaces wage slaves everyday. Now they want to incarcerate us. And guess what? Prisons are so poorly managed that you may contract a disease or simply be killed by a fellow inmate. Homelessness can be a death sentence if it leads to prison. Since it is now illegal to be homeless anywhere, catching charges for trespassing on federal land can result in a felony punishable by prison according to our Constitution. The song “Talkin’ ‘bout a Revolution” by Tracy Chapman has a line that goes “poor people gonna rise up and get their share. Poor people gonna rise up and take what’s theirs.” It is time.
JULY 12, 2024 SPORTS SAWC invites Darren McCarty to speak at annual fundraiser Darren McCarty, a former professional hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, was the keynote speaker at "Almost Home," June 24 at Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor. "Almost Home" is a Shelter Association of Washtenaw County fundraiser to support the homeless community. Cazzie Avery, a former shelter client now housed, also was a guest speaker as advertised on the SAWC website. A Groundcover News press credential request was turned down. McCarty did not respond to email. McCarty is best known for fighting Colorado Avalanche right wing Claude Lemieux, March 26, 1997, in retaliation for Lemieux's hit from behind on Kris Draper in the 1996 playoffs. In the real world, both Lemieux and McCarty would have been charged with assault. The illegal hit, which broke Draper's jaw, orbital bone, cheekbone and nose, and caused a concussion, was not fatal or career-ending but easily could have been. The Wings went on to win the Stanley Cup as the best team in the NHL, one of four for McCarty and Draper, best friends. McCarty was best man at Draper's wedding. Along the way, McCarty said he became addicted to gambling, alcohol, marijuana, Ecstasy and cocaine, as reported by Deadline Detroit. He lost $6.2 million and filed for bankruptcy according to ESPN. McCarty was put in the NHL substance abuse program four times. McCarty remained employed until four events in succession in 2007: he suffered a sports hernia injury, Calgary did not re-sign him, he failed an NHL drug screen resulting in a ban from the NHL until he was drug-free. Draper, still a Red Wing, was also part-owner of the Flint Generals of the International Hockey League, Draper signed his friend in January 2008 and paved his way to return to the Red Wings in March. In a 1995 interview, the late Steve Howe, 48, said many professional athletes use cocaine for energy because of the travel and physical demands. Howe, a left-handed relief pitcher for Major League Baseball and U-M, was banned for life from baseball in 1992 for drug use, including seven times for cocaine. He threw between 90-96 miles-per-hour. Unlike the general public, McCarty was never imprisoned for cocaine use, purchases or trafficking. Howe stayed overnight once awaiting JANE REILLY Groundcover vendor No. 611 believes medical marijuana saved his life and uses it for pain. He now earns a living through speaking engagements and selling marijuana. Still, elite employers avoid hiring candidates who choose these options, legal or not. Cannabis may have closed more doors for McCarty than it opened. "Darren is a wonderful example of arraignment in 1991, according to the Los Angeles Times wire service. A plea deal reducing the felony to a misdemeanor resulted in the MLB lifetime ban. Felony cocaine conviction means five years imprisonment in Montana where Howe moved and four in Michigan. Howe, from Clarkston, was reinstated in 1993 because of the MLB Players Association, possibly in an attempt to save his life. Individual teams, MLB and the NHL made money from the work of Howe and still do from McCarty. The Professional Women's Hockey League just finished its first season in history. It played 24 regular season games, with either three or four days between games. It also has specific checking rules to eliminate dangerous hits of stationary players and hits away from the puck. The same NHL rule is rarely enforced. The NHL players take multiple strides before checking. The NHL plays 82 regular season games, of which two a month are consecutive. The remainder have either two or three days in between. More rest between games and enforcing the checking rules means less exhaustion, fewer injuries, eliminates the need for cocaine and lessens the need for painkillers. It also means less money. McCarty now has his own cannabis brand, named after himself. He someone who has constantly reinvented himself," SAWC Development Director Sarah Paspal-Jasinski wrote via email. "Every time he gets knocked down, he gets back up. As a substance abuse survivor, Darren has explored many paths since he left hockey. He has boxed, golfed, become a public speaker, and an entrepreneur. This makes him relatable and an ideal guest speaker for our organization. He understands the experiences of those we serve who are experiencing homelessness and recognizes how circumstances and decisions in life can bring you down. However, Darren's journey exemplifies that you can always rise again and reinvent yourself." At "Almost Home," guests had the opportunity to: purchase $100 raffle tickets to gamble for a one in 52 chance to win $2,600, purchase as many $30 tickets as were available for wine pulls (choosing a mystery bottle of various prices), compete against each other in a silent auction and learn about becoming "a sophisticated stoner," as McCarty referred to himself in The Detroit Free Press. Encouraging gambling, drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana, all legal addictive behaviors prohibited at the Delonis Center, ensures job security for Delonis staff. Like all the Delonis clients, McCarty is being helped by SAWC. It is keeping both itself and McCarty employed. 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. The Summer Game If you’re reading this, the 2024 Summer Game is officially in full swing! Use your Library this summer to find codes, solve puzzles, attend events, and earn points toward awesome AADL prizes. Visit aadl.org/play to learn more and get started! 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 Summer Game SPECTACULAR Saturday, July 27 • 1–4pm Veterans Memorial Park Come one, come all, to the annual splendiferously staggering, outdoor, earn-a-metric-ton-ofpoints, Summer Game Spectacular! We’ll be at the baseball fields near the parking lot off Maple for an outdoor extravaganza featuring the high-flying circus The Aviary, our amazing outdoor game collection, face painting, food trucks, and more! 5
6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS ARTS CONTEST Vote for your favorite drawing and view submissions to the other three media categories online at linktr.ee/ groundcovernews Voting closes August 5! JULY 12, 2024 Eric Kopchia Philip Spink Denise Shearer Rainbow Country Lovin Alexandra Salazar Paul Wertz James Manning
JULY 12, 2024 STREET ART CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 I've always felt artists, in the past, were seen as a low class group of people working for kings, emperors and patrons. Sad but true, we still don't get the recognition or the status we merit. We are willing to do great works of art but still people look down on art; this is not new at all. It was well-known that if you wanted to become an artist, family would discourage it for lack of wage or stability. We still don't get the recognition of, say, a lawyer or doctor. Even if we create great works of art like we see from the Renaissance, family and bosses say that it's just artwork, as if it has no greater worth than a nice image. This stigma has been the artist's burden for centuries; yet in countries like Ireland and Cuba and France, art is valued so much that artists are given stipends for projects. This gives artist recognition across the nation. New projects are starting to pop up slowly, giving majority artists recognition in those countries. My personal goal is to bring more recognition to low income artists and new businesses that feature their art. Street music artists and street visual artists: it's about recognition, dignity and pride. I try to do my own small part to bring to the public an artist who otherwise would be overlooked, unnoticed and unseen. Each one carries with them the amazing talent and artistic work that help influence America today. Street artist James Manning James says: “My natural art talent was discovered in the fourth grade when a teacher asked the class to draw three dimensional images. The simple lines all connected on the chalkboard creating depth and perspective. That was when my art talent showed itself. “When I was a child many things influenced me such as anime, and the 1988 movie “Akira” which is very dystopic. As I got into my teenage years, new influences came into my world such as the rave dance craze and gatherings of like-minded people. With this kind of dance came music such as techno, steampunk, cyber punk and punk rock. “My cousin was a working tattoo artist. As a young person, I was very aware of the subculture of tattoos but had no idea it was going to influence me so much. It led to me discovering GROUNDCOVER NEWS Undercover art intel: street artist James Manning Manning selling art at the corner of 4th and Liberty Street. 7 tribal art. “Tribal art in the tattoo art world came from three large native groups — Pacific Rim islanders, the New Zealand Maori, Australian Aboriginals — as well the Canadian Inuit and Northwest coastal people, who all adorn both body and face with tattoos. For many tribal people, this form of tattoo is a right of passage into warrior society and man and womanhood rights. Shamans also tattoo the face to show one’s spirit animal and status. “Tribal tattoo art has become a new form of cultural expression, and it takes on a sense of sacredness. It truly is a bold statement when shown on the body. “What I did not know is how fast I would come to love this form of imaging. Tribal became my new obsession. What I love about it is the bold sweeping curves, and the many different kinds of images. No two are exactly the same. “I do commission work as well as see JAMES page 11
8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES AMANDA GALE Groundcover vendor No. 573 Warning! This article is kind of an open article for Christians — and whoever else wants to come along. In the ageless, timeless Book it is declared: “Let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years.” (Gen 14.d-g, GNV) Like any widely observable and somewhat rare Heavenly phenomenon, the Great American Eclipse (April 8, 2024) came and went, and with it the typical doomsdayers and spin prognosticators seeking to capture it to their ends. If we consult The Maker of The Eclipse, however, we might just find HIS timeless, priceless message. It was widely advertised that the trajectory of the 2024 Eclipse that passed through North America included seven cities that are named Nineveh. There is also an eighth city of Ninevah that the Great American Eclipse passed through in Canada. Often in The Bible we find repeating names of people and places when GOD wants to emphasize certain indications and meanings from those names. Also, various Christian scholars throughout the ages (and in modern time, most notably D. James Kennedy, “The Gospel In The Stars”) have noted that stars, constellations and planetary signs are interspersed throughout The Bible. The scales of Libra make their appearance in The Book of Daniel (Daniel 5:27). WARNING! A Kingdom wanting for justice — will soon have it meted out. The Symbol of Libra also appears in Revelation with one of the four apocalyptic horsemen carrying it and crying out, “A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and oil, and wine hurt [you] not,” (Rev 6:5), signifying economic hardship and/or famine. The Virgin of Virgo has an extra-special picture for us to wonder at; the Deliverer-Child birthed to Her, and the old cataclysmic battle from "The Dragon" against Her and This Child (Rev 12), enraged and doing all he can, however he can — to seek their demise (Rev 12:34, 6-7-17). Holy Scripture indicates eclipses as special attesting indications from GOD (Joshua 10.12, Isaiah 13.10, Acts 2.20) and we find a special eclipse or an eclipse-like effect occurring during the three hours CHRIST was atoning for our sins on HIS Cross (Luke 23:44-45). But it was to Jonah (Matt 12:39, 16:4) that CHRIST referred when people requested of HIM “a sign.” So what is the sign and message of Jonah? And what BLESSING is there if we receive its impact? Why will we not want to miss this special message, even after the Eclipse itself has come and gone? When Jonah was being RESCUED, he JULY 12, 2024 Jonah and the Great American Eclipse: are we yet missing it? declared, “They that wait upon lying vanities, forsake their own mercy”’ (Jonah 2:8, GNV). What if we observe Heavenly Signs and Earthly Wonders — and never really meet with and worship The GOD WHO made them? Why would we want to appreciate spectacular effects and not connect with the special, awesome PERSON from WHOM these proceed (see John 6:26 and Jeremiah 29:13)? Let’s step back in time; Jonah was one of GOD’s Prophets, though unlike most of the prophets, Jonah was sent to a “heathen” people — to Nineveh — to warn them that they might repent, turn to GOD and not face judgment. The Assyrian Kingdom that Nineveh was the capital of, and to which Jonah was sent, was expanding greatly. Meanwhile, Jeroboam II was a wicked King who was reigning over the Nation of Israel, with its capital Jerusalem. It’s like GOD was saying, “OK, the Nation of Israel through which I’ve been seeking to get my message of grace out to everyone in the whole earth isn’t cooperating; so, I’ll send SOMEONE (Isaiah 49:6-7, Luke 2:32) directly to these other people — starting at Nineveh.” Jonah didn’t want to obey GOD and tell this other group of people, this other nation, about GOD’s Mercy and Love they would experience if they would but turn to HIM (Jonah 4:2). Some of that seems to be nationalistic superiority; Jonah certainly was missing GOD’s plan and Heart (as in Luke 9:54-55). There also was likely understandable fear! “What will occur if that rival nation continues its expansion? Can GOD be trusted?” It would also be really embarrassing for Jonah and the Nation of Israel that GOD had been pleading to be HIS witness to everyone! In the whole earth, if Nineveh and not Jerusalem was repenting. However, even now the “religious Jerusalem” (See Rom 9:6 and Rev 21:2) isn’t repenting. Yet GOD will get HIS message of mercy to everyone somehow; and HE will not forsake his own nor any of HIS promises. We fallen and finite humans want “the Wrong Thing.” Instead of really caring about people and see JONAH page 11
JULY 12, 2024 PUZZLES 1 13 17 20 23 29 32 33 37 40 43 46 51 52 55 56 57 60 63 58 61 64 38 41 44 47 53 59 62 65 45 48 54 49 50 42 34 24 18 21 25 30 22 26 27 28 31 35 39 36 2 4 5 6 7 GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 3 8 14 15 16 19 9 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 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. Airport in AK 4. Kvetch 8. In base 8 13. 2016 Olympics host 14. Division signs 16. "Ta da!" 17. Proxima Centauri b, for one 19. English county 20. Unit of pressure 21. Needle holder 23. Salad green 25. Pixie 26. "A Nightmare on ___ Street" 29. Egyptian fertility goddess 30. Barbecue site 31. Chinese "way" 32. Fang contents 34. Do some modeling 35. "Mr. Holland's ___" 37. Zeal 38. Library stamp 39. Hang loose 40. Lug 41. Singles 42. Bleeding heart 43. Part of mpg 44. Bread at an Indian restaurant 45. Sound of resignation 46. Tokyo, formerly 47. Hall of Famer Mel 48. Givens 51. Not domestic 54. Spoiled brat 55. Give rise to 58. Praising 60. Gold unit 61. Collection 62. "It's no ___!" 63. Foreword, for short 64. Christmas season 65. In medias ___ DOWN 1. Mountain crest 2. Watergate figure 3. Organized 4. Maj.'s superior 5. Lessens 6. Ashcroft's predecessor 7. Diplomat 8. "Your turn" 9. Beautician 10. "___ the season ..." 11. A pint, maybe 12. Calif. airport 15. Lists (Brit.) 18. Captured enemy 22. More fitting 24. Vigor's partner 27. Celebratory circuit 28. Shed feathers (Var.) 32. Do a background check on 33. Run off to the chapel 34. Long cigar 36. Sneaky 38. Philanthropist 42. Half a dozen 45. Summer footwear 49. Code with dots and dashes 50. Eye sores 52. "I'm ___ you!" 53. Expert 55. Hit the slopes 56. Give a bad review 57. "A jealous mistress": Emerson 59. Affirmative vote
10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS STREET ART The art of gentrification There are a few new murals going up at any given time in Ann Arbor. It’s one of the many things that make the city lively and fun. My friend Ben recently received a commission to do an amazing mural at Washtenaw Dairy. There was a 10 by 40 foot mural called “Best Boy Blue” of a staggering and under-recognized genius that went up in Graffiti Alley last month. Graffiti is a voice of underserved people that expresses concerns about society, remembers lost loved ones, or shows affection for bodily functions and components, to name a few. Originally seen as a form of vandalism, graffiti has evolved into a recognized art form that shapes the visual and cultural landscape of neighborhoods worldwide. This evolution challenges conventional perceptions and highlights graffiti's role in fostering creativity and community engagement. Beyond aesthetics, graffiti plays a crucial role in shaping neighborhood identity. It serves as a visual representation of cultural diversity, historical narratives, and community values, thereby fostering a collective memory among residents. This cultural richness distinguishes neighborhoods and enhances their appeal as vibrant, livable spaces. However, the increasing popularity of graffiti has also sparked debates about gentrification and urban development. Real estate developers and businesses sometimes appropriate graffiti to enhance property values or attract affluent residents, displacing long-time residents and erasing the authentic character of neighborhoods. In recent years, graffiti has become a prominent medium for social justice movements. Artists use walls as canvases to memorialize victims of racial injustice, challenge systemic racism, and advocate for social change. These murals serve as poignant reminders of ongoing struggles and rallying points for community solidarity. Anthony McCormick, a local housing justice advocate, said, “Destroying a mural is equivalent to silencing a community. These voices that once cried out for recognition now fade into the background.” Recognizing public art’s potential as a vehicle for education and community engagement, schools and organizations increasingly incorporate graffiti workshops and mural projects into their curricula. These initiatives not only teach artistic skills but also foster civic responsibility and cultural awareness among participants. By involving residents in the creation of public art, communities build social cohesion and strengthen bonds across ROBBIE FEBRUARY Groundcover contributor Huron Street bridge after BLM mural was taken down. JULY 12, 2024 diverse demographics. In neighborhoods with rich cultural histories, graffiti serves as a means of preserving traditions and memories. Artists draw inspiration from local folklore, ancestral practices, and community narratives to create murals that celebrate diversity and challenge stereotypes. Graffiti thus becomes a living archive that documents stories and experiences, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to resonate within contemporary urban settings. Despite its cultural value, graffiti faces regulatory challenges and legal scrutiny in many municipalities. Advocates argue for policies that recognize graffiti as a legitimate art form while addressing concerns about property damage. By fostering dialogue between artists, policymakers, and community members, cities can develop inclusive strategies that promote responsible graffiti practices and support artistic freedom. Ann Arbor shame One culturally significant piece has existed on the Huron Street railroad bridge — a hangout near the Delonis Center — for a few years. This piece of art recognized those that were killed by police, specifically people of color; it celebrated their lives and called for change. This art was significant and this art had meaning but it was removed. Replacing art of those killed in police action with “flower-washed” tissue box art disrespects the community whose collective struggle it represents. In May 2024, Ann Arbor unveiled a new mural adorning that same bridge, signaling a transformational moment for the city's downtown area. The mural's vibrant colors and flowery theme were intended to beautify the area and create a sense of pride and shared identity among local residents; but some feel differently. One local resident and artist stepped away from the excellent job they were doing managing FedUp Food Ministries to speak with me. Cortney Labbe said, “They intended to include Delonis Center residents in the project. I am not sure they did so. I’m surprised that covering up a significant Black Lives Matter mural didn’t raise any concerns during planning.” Ripping out and replacing significant art to meet upper middle class aesthetics will not create the future that Ann Arborites want. According to newspaper reports, the corporate artists and their supporters, “The Murals That Bridge,” raised over $150,000 for this and a similar amount for other overpass mural projects. That is more than 15% of the budget for The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. SAWC claims to serve more than 1200 people annually. Therefore, this effort to turn the Huron Street Bridge BLM mural into a Kleenex advertisement is a waste of funds that could otherwise house, feed and support nearly 200 at-risk individuals in our community for a year. It demonstrates a lack of understanding of art, human kindness and fiscal responsibility. If we continue to feed the cultural racism masquerading as quasi-philanthropic acts, our community will continue to fracture around borders. socioeconomic
JULY 12, 2024 CONTINUED JAMES from page 7 drawing what moves me. If someone wants an image of tribal art, I'm willing to go for it. Many also use this for tattoos or just hang it on a wall. Believe it or not, I have two commissions I’m currently working on. I hope to get more as the summer progresses. “I'm looking at the possibility of going into art school and getting a bachelor's degree in graphic design and starting some computer graphics classes as well. "The art form I now practice is called abstract tribal art. Abstract is shapeless and formless, influenced by indigenous tribes across the world, along with the influence of lovecraft, steampunk, cyberpunk, bubblegum, pacific rim, Battle Angel and Dragon Ball Z.” Conclusion As a low income artist it can be hard to get art supplies and work. So I give a small shout to the world to help with James’ work. If you wish to show interest or even commission a piece of work from James, please contact Groundcover (page 2), or you can often find James near the downtown Ann Arbor library on the corner of Fifth Street and GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 Liberty selling Groundcover News. You can also help James out by giving him any of the following: • mechanical pencils • fine point sharpies • sketchbooks (medium sized) • Prismacolor fine point pens • small sketchbook for ideas JONAH from page 8 animals, we want esteem, trendy causes, right doctrine and liturgy, clubby, churchy culture. The message Jonah ultimately points us to however, is CHRIST’S Cross and HIS Resurrection. Here we find encouragement and hope for humanity. The Book of Jonah points to CHRIST via symbol-types; for example, prophetically prefiguring depictions that parallel HIS PERSON, sufferings, death, resurrection and redeeming mission. Just a few of these are; The "Word" (John 1:1) that comes to Jonah (Jonah 1:1) to The Assyrian King (Jonah 3:6) and The Word that is proclaimed (Jonah 3.4, 7-9). Jonah as the strange, out-of-realm “FOREIGNER,” and the “guilty” one who must be sacrificed for others’ absolution and freedom (Jonah 1.:, 11-12). The REDEEMER, the SUFFERING ONE; and one who is utterly forsaken (Jonah 2.4, Matt 27:46) all prefigure and point to CHRIST’S PERSON. Almost all of Jonah Chapter 2 is replete with descriptions paralleling CHRIST’S sufferings and death, and temporary banishment to Hell. From 2:3 for example, “Weeds were wrapped around my head” even specifically prefigures the horror of the Crown of Thorns CHRIST would receive. Jonah was spared death; however the language indicating death pangs and death following and along with grueling sufferings, are intertwined throughout Jonah Chapter 2. We find descriptors such as, “Out of the belly of hell,” (Jonah 2:2), and “The waters compassed me about unto the soul: the depth closed me round about …” (Jonah 2:5a-b) , and “For [you had] cast me into the bottom in the midst of the sea, and the floods compassed me about: all [YOUR] surges, and all [YOUR] waves passed over me.” (Jonah 2:3) for example. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION is vividly and poetically afore depicted as, “I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me forever; yet [have YOU] brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my GOD” (Jonah 2:6) Also, other various allusions prophetically indicating CHRIST are presented via Jonah’s Redeeming Mission, a parallel/contrast of the Redeemer asleep in the bottom of a boat during a storm that has other passengers troubled, and casting of lots that occurs, just as it will/ did for CHRIST’S last garments. Each of these pointers thus, is towards CHRIST; just like the Voice present at HIS baptism that Calls Out; “This is MY BELOVED SON; HEAR HIM!” This message is therefore inviting us to believe on JESUS and be saved (Mark 1:15, John 14:6) transformed to be like JESUS (Rom 13:14) — and as much as we will (Matt 13:8). Also then, CHRIST’S people and church are supposed-to-be being “salt and light” on this Earth, bringing GOD’S mercies to as many people as possible who will receive HIM. We are also supposed-to-be not only GOD’s Voice calling people out from the ways of this fallen, sinful world, but also exactly to GOD’s Ways of LOVE and MERCY (Matt 12:7, John 13:34). This includes not only acknowledging the ONE, TRUE and LIVING GOD; but also exactly in HIS SPIRIT to minister to practical needs and empower to “a leg up” — just as the First Century Christians actually did! (Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:34-35) It’s not enough to simply wish people good (Jas 2:16 a-c , I John 3:17) ; we must actively be bringing GOD’S mercies via meeting practical needs, and opening jobs and opportunities. We must do this for everyone. Including the outcasts, the non-in-crowd, those who for whatever reasons have practical needs for life openings and resources. Whatever blessings I have, I therefore have the responsibility to seek the blessing of others. At this time in Christian history, there has been much saying correct teachings about who CHRIST is, and the salvation from our sin HE offers — though astonishingly then not actually being as JESUS in this World— to have and lead the way for social conscience, to give gladly what we truly can to stop our arrogance of blame for practical needs and invite people to the level ground at the foot of CHRIST’S Cross. To humbly seek to live in and offer CHRIST’S transformational LOVE to a world in need! Exactly this includes offering job openings, life calling opportunities, providing resources and means, empowering shoulder to shoulder. This fallen, sinful world only has counterfeits! This is also why it’s so important that GOD’s conduit for modern-day — the actual, believing Christian Church — return to being “on-mission” with GOD and HIS mercies for people and animals and for this World that HE created and HIMSELF suffered and died for (John 3:16-17). It’s easier and more “culturally comfortable” to cognitively believe — as even demons do! (Jas 2:19) — all the right facts, doctrine. The actual, liberating Gospel of Jesus however, calls us to real heart transformation and life (II Cor 5:17). The Christian contemporary band Casting Crowns has a line in a song that says, “What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines, and loved like [HE] did?” “Churchianity” calls us to counterfeit; THE HOLY SPIRIT calls us to really live the values of JESUS — to be HIS Hands and Feet (I John 4:17)— in all aspects of our lives. THE HOLY SPIRIT wants “a cup of cold water” (Matt 10.42) to be given in JESUS’ name. When CHRIST’S people don’t do this, others counterfeit. Jonah’s message includes the irony that if those of us who “believe-on-JESUS” are refusing our mission — GOD in HIS mercies will nonetheless one way or the other send out and offer HIS mercies. As GOD deals with people in The Book of Jonah, we find HE is completely trustworthy. HIS ways are goodness, truth, mercy. HE will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb 13:5). Following HIM leads us only to good for ourselves and others — though sometimes in this fallen, sinful world also with some sufferings and persecutions. There is a 1990s song by Christian singers FFH called “Big Fish” that certainly can be a fun reminder about Jonah and GOD’s Message to and through him, and thankfully over our own failings. A sad thing regarding Jonah is that after he was delivered and no longer in danger: 1) He allowed himself to forget the tender touch of GOD’S LOVE that he had experienced SO powerfully and particularly while he was being rescued (Jonah 2:6-10); 2) Jonah did not continue to defer to GOD when his own limited understandings were challenging what GOD exp. 01/31/2025 was actually telling him and CALLING him to do (Jonah 4:1-4). As we look forward, will we ourselves receive JESUS and truly share HIM with others? The gourd plant (also symbolizing CHRIST) that comforted Jonah and then was mercilessly eaten by a worm exposed Jonah’s return to hypocritical, non-care for people and animals (Jonah 4:2, 11). This observation helps us realize our own utter callousness to CHRIST, people, animals, and plants. In light of CHRIST’S horrible sufferings and death to atone for us, after GOD stretched out HIS arms on a cross — WHAT ARE WE DOING? Are we living HIS LOVE? Being HIS Hands and Feet? For shame! If we don’t seek our every breath and moment — given back in praise and gratitude to HIM. FATHER, help us look to YOU, and not miss the BLESSED sign of Jonah; to point us to CHRIST JESUS and the LOVE HE has for us EACH and ALL, and wants us to have for each other. AMEN.
12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Brazilian blender carrot cake LUIZA DUARTE CAETANO Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 3 medium carrots, washed (no need to peel!) ¾ cup of vegetable oil 3 eggs 2 cups sugar 1 pinch of salt 2 cups flower 2 tsp baking powder Optional: one can of sweetened condensed milk and two tbsp of cocoa powder for frosting! Directions: Preheat the oven to 350F and butter or oil your cake pan. Blend the carrots, oil, eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the flour and baking powder and blend again. Use a spoon PUZZLE SOLUTIONS A N C C A R P R I O O B E L I E X O P L A N E T I M P P I T JULY 12, 2024 O C T A L V O I L A E S S E X T O R R T O N E A R M E N D I V E I S I S E L M T A O V E N O M P O S E O P U S E L A N D A T E R L O L L T O T E O N E S P E R N A N S I G H E D O O T T F O R E I G N S N O T S P A W N L A U D A T O R Y K A R A T I N T R O A R R A Y U S E Y U L E R E S S O F T Y A X I O M S to mix if needed. Pour the cake batter onto the pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick or fork inserted in the center comes out clean. Drizzle mixture of sweetened condensed milk and cocoa over top (if desired) while still warm.
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