JULY 24, 2026 COMMUNITY letter to the EDITOR The Groundcover News issue June 26, 2026, Volume 17, Issue 14 is superb, a “keeper” — topics, writing, editing, interviews, information, photographs, essays, format, printing, publishing — all! Carry on. — Regards, Max Wisgerhof meet your PUBLISHER Lindsay Calka, Managing Director + Publisher Interview by Pedro Campos How did you become a Michigander? I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan from Tampa, Florida to attend college at the University of Michigan. Both my parents are from Michigan; most of my family lives between Ypsilanti and Port Huron. Growing up, Michigan was the place we came any time we could. It was always home. I have been keen on moving up here since I was young. What is your favorite place in Washtenaw County? Back porch of the Catholic worker house that I live at in downtown Ypsilanti. I do really love Lan City Hand Pulled Noodles on Washtenaw Avenue, too. You're so young, what do you want to be when you grow up? I have no career aspirations after Groundcover. I am who I want to be, but ever more patient, more kindly, more tolerant, more sympathetic, helpful and encouraging. Bonus points if you know why. Tell us what music makes you dance by yourself. The entire Little Dragon discography. When you are getting low, what brings you back up? Depending on the cause of the low-ness, a delicious cup of coffee, a cold cup of water, a run with a dear friend, or a nap. What is the article you never finished writing? I’ve been meaning to finish an article about the dynamic and random uses of faith spaces. Working in the Groundcover office (which is located in a church basement), and participating in various volunteer efforts around shelter and homelessness has piqued this curiosity. One time a Chinese restaurant operated out of the kitchen of Bethlehem United Church of Christ. What is your favorite book ever? “Animal” by Lisa Taddeo. Close second, “Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,” by Olga Tokarczuk. Where in the world would you like to live for a year? I think it would be hard for me to move somewhere for just a year. I would like to visit Beirut, Key West, Vietnam, Poland and see the Mediterranean Sea. And I’m always down to go to Cuba. What is the most rewarding aspect of your work? Seeing our news coverage and storytelling make an impact — on individual understandings, local policies, and even pride in oneself. I really, really believe in the mission of Groundcover; I love this group of people even more. So to do my job everyday, even at its most difficult moments, is rewarding. How does your job affect you emotionally? I was tempted to answer this question simply … "A lot.” Intervening in homelessness and poverty sometimes challenges my own stability. Our organization seeks out injustice, and works for justice. Still, it is joyful and exciting and fun and hopeful. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 Boss you’re the worst PEDRO CAMPOS Groundcover vendor No. 652 Yess, Boss Boss, you’re the worst feedback provider ever. Maybe on the story of journalism, you don’t answer. Never gossip, never brag, don’t spill the beans. No tips, no taps, no clues, no calls, no smoke signals, no Morse and no remorse. You’re such a riddle. Well, you can keep a secret. That much I respect. You’re reliable, efficient, fast, and very clever. Actually, you’re the best. Just reply to my request. Ppppppplease.
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