2 $ MAY 30, 2025 | VOLUME 16 | ISSUE 12 ROBERTO ISLA CABALLERO #347 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Homeless community bands together, offers job services. page 3 ASK YOUR VENDOR: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT? GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. 2025 Summer Events Calendar page 6 Thrift store roundup page 7 Summer construction updates page 4 Play the AADL Summer Game! page 5 Cooling centers page 8 Schillington Morgan, vendor No. 148, selling Groundcover News during the Ann Arbor Art Fair. @g, i @g, i 2 0 2 F 5 S E U M M R U N !
2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Board members discuss Groundcover's impact MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Since 2010, Groundcover News has provided those who are unhoused and those facing financial difficulties in the Washtenaw County area a sense of purpose. Groundcover News is a street newspaper produced, purchased and sold by the homeless and those facing poverty. These newspapers provide a source of income and platform to interact and build relationships in the community. Street newspapers mainly focus on topics concerning homelessness, poverty, social justice, local issues and events. Publications such as these provide communities with a unique perspective for readers to receive information on topics and issues of being unhoused and/or facing financial hardship. Street newspapers are non-profits; the community itself can be involved through volunteering their time and services. Students from various colleges and universities also do their internships at these publications. Like any other publication, street newspapers provide advertising opportunities for local businesses and organizations. These publications are a part of a street newspaper syndicate called International Network of Street Papers. 92 street papers, in 35 countries, published in 25 languages, make up their network. • 3.2 million readers worldwide. • 904 volunteers worldwide supporting our network • Over 390,000 people in poverty supported since the first street paper was published in 1989 • 5,730 vendors sell street papers at any one time • 13.15 million street papers were sold across the world in 2021 • 1,350 towns and cities had a street paper presence in 2021 Myself and other board members would like to share our thoughts and experiences with the organization. There is an old saying, “Life is what you make it.” This is true when working for a street paper. In the beginning, I was oblivious to the true meaning and purpose of a street newspaper, the possibilities this occupation would lead me to. It took me some time to find my voice as a street paper vendor, and after jumping in the water and getting my feet wet, I finally got my pitch down pat. Once you learn how to vibe and communicate with the public, one should have no problem making money and new friends. There are other financial opportunities within these publications' structures through means of: writings, recordings (Groundcover Speaks Podcast), workshops and through different public engagements. I find this very helpful in two ways: first, it helps make ends meet, and second, allows vendors to explore their creative inner self. — Mike Jones, Groundcover News vendor and writer, board member Groundcover News is an integral part of our richly diverse community, offering valuable benefits to our residents. Firstly, Groundcover provides its vendors, most of whom are economically marginalized, an opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling the newspaper throughout Washtenaw County. Groundcover gives voice to viewpoints rarely encountered elsewhere, namely issues related to poverty, disenfranchisement and homelessness. — Jack Edelstein, Ph.D., Owner, JonesWoods Properties, board member I believe Groundcover News is an important part of our community because it offers a meeting point between people. It gives us all a reason to stay curious about who we are capable of meeting from our community in a day and the value of sharing space, even briefly. — Jessi Averill, Groundcover News volunteer, board Treasurer Groundcover News is a very important part of our community for multiple see IMPACT page 11 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 ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Ann Arbor District Library Brandon Bay Jud Branam Jim Clark La Shawn Courtwright Catalina Echavarria Cindy Gere Mike Jones Bryan Kiser Victor Schmitt Scoop Stevens Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett 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 June Miller Steve Ross Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Sim Bose Jud Branam Libby Chambers Yumna Dagher Luiza Duarte Caetano Regina Duerst Jacob Fallman Glenn Gates Bella Martinez Robert Klingler Ari Ruczynski Jack Weinberg Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof CONTACT US 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 MAY 30, 2025
MAY 30, 2025 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is your favorite restaurant? Taco Bell. — Roberto Isla Caballero, #347 Just down the street from us ... Earthen Jar. It's fireworks in the mouth! — Cindy Gere, #279 I like breakfast places like Coney Island. — Terri Demar, #322 Taco Bell and Vito's Pizza are my top two. — Misti Davis, #625 Fleetwood Diner. — Wayne Sparks, #615 Achilles. — Jim Clark, #139 Motor City Soul Food. Out here, my favorite is Village Kitchen. — Pony Bush, #305 Old Town. — Tony Schohl, #9 Ruby Tuesday. — Lonnie Baker, #99 Missing Lil' Clarence LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT Groundcover vendor No. 56 I miss you so much Lil' Clarence My precious baby boy I'm counting on finding you this year It's been more than a quarter of a century since you've been gone I need to find you So you can finally meet and see me again I just hope that they did not do to you what they did to your other biological sisters and brothers I miss you more and more every day I just can't wait to see you again My dear, precious, baby boy Lil' Clarence!! Rent-free living vouchers would tip the scales SCOOP STEVENS Groundcover contributor In general, rent is parasitical, it produces nothing — and could be the starting point to approach the rent-free living voucher as the solution for homelessness in America. The feudal “landlord” pilfered the produce of his subjects. He left them just enough to survive, but not thrive. Interesting that we use the word landlord in our commercial relations. After World War II, hubris replaced humility. Instead of accessible housing, we got rent. Government in the United States of America was instituted to protect the rights of individuals, not to build houses. All the non-government resources that went into putting a man on the moon could have been used towards putting people into affordable housing. All the technological advancements that were byproducts of the moon project supposedly make our life better. Nature’s bounty has already provided all that we need, if we are in balance with her. The rent-free living voucher would provide housing for the homeless. It would be funded by wealthy individuals who seek to justify their tax exempt status by providing a public good. The rentfree living voucher will tip the scale back to equity in housing and balance in life. GROUNDCOVER NEWS Homeless community bands together, offers job services BRYAN KISER Groundcover vendor No. 670 When facing homelessness or just dealing with an unlucky life, the world can seem very difficult. Imagine not only having mental health or physical health problems, but also financial. With the cost of everything on the rise it's hard to keep up with food and daily essentials. How does someone on the street pay for things, you might ask? One way is we (including myself) barter. It may be hard to believe but we have our own way of trading items with one another for common needs. This system allows those without money/jobs to be able to afford the things we need to survive. Does education really matter when hiring someone? Since I've been traveling to various places with heavy homeless populations, I noticed that a lot of homeless people are very educated. The most common field I hear about is science. You would be surprised at how many people know about physics, biology and medicine; the non-science of metaphysics is common too. The second most common field is construction. I also used to work in that field, doing general labor from cutting oil pipes to demolition. The great thing about talking to the homeless is that you can see and hear the intelligence in each and every person. Every one of them expresses themselves differently through their craft, words, 3 and even artwork in a creative way. Have you ever wondered, “What if homeless people were once great people and for some reason society decided it no longer needed them?” Does my background/record scare you even if I try to change? Should the labels prevent me from getting a job to take care of myself? Why do I get judged for past mistakes? These are the questions and doubts that hinder homeless minds and progress. We who attend the breakfasts at St. Andrew’s have come up with a solution for the employment problem. Every morning at Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church (guided by Sue) there is a free breakfast for the homeless community. It’s an opportunity for others to find workers. Inside the church, we as a group made a job board where employers or people who have short-term jobs can check out candidates and their skills. Each candidate has a picture, list of skills they have, how to reach them and also a little bio. The goal is to bridge the gap between the homeless and work. Sometimes the help or change we need is right in front of us. If you would like to find workers or hire candidates feel free to visit Saint Andrew’s Church any morning between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS SUMMER CONSTRUCTION Border-to-Border Trail link construction CATALINA ECHAVARRIA U-M student contributor Ann Arbor is almost always under construction with residents often not knowing why. One of the many construction projects currently happening is the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail link. The City of Ann Arbor announced that work on the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel began the week of March 24, 2025. The goal is to construct a pedestrian tunnel beneath the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) railroad that is operated by Amtrak. Upon its completion, Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area will be connected, providing a safe connection for bicyclists and pedestrians. As of right now it is illegal to cross the railroad tracks except where signage clearly indicates otherwise. This project is a partnership between the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission and the nonprofit Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative. Essentially, the project will connect the B2B Trail to the new segment of the trail previously completed in the summer of 2024, making it over 20 miles long, perfect for avid bikers. The current anticipated completion date is 2025 but as of right now it is a tentative date. This project brings about restrictions that are relevant to Ann Arbor residents. As expected, there will be no access permitted within the construction site. Outside of this area, the gravel parking lot off of Huron River Drive and the pedestrian bridge connecting Huron River Drive to Barton Nature Area will both be closed until the construction is completed. On June 3 and 4, the vehicle bridge into Bandemer Park from Barton Drive will be closed to through traffic. On this note, there will be a 48-hour railroad track outage on these days, so consider alternative long distance transportation options on those days, if relevant. This project isn’t limited to the Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel as it also will include pathways connecting to the tunnel, renovations to the parking lot off of Huron River Drive and a new public art installation on the interior of the tunnel. This new art will add to the already lively art scene of Ann Arbor. The cost is divided up evenly amongst the three institutions named above, with the City’s portion coming from the Park Maintenance and Capital Improvement Millage, which funds updates and maintenance at city parks, capital projects, park forestry and the Natural Area Preservation. Ann Arbor residents voted to renew this millage for another 20 years in 2024. A portion of Washtenaw’s funding is the fouryear long road and trails millage which was also renewed by voters in 2024. As for the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative’s portion, it is in part funded by a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation with the rest coming from donations from private donors. Updates on the project’s progress will be provided by the City on the City of Ann Arbor Facebook, NextDoor specifically for Ann Arbor residents, as well as on the project website engage. a2gov.org/barton-bandemer-pedestrian-tunnel. The website provides information on the project timeline: the Feasibility Study (2019-2021), Design (2022-2024), Phase 1 Construction (Summer 2024), Phase 2 Construction (began March 24, 2025), Warning! Roads closed ahead LINDSAY CALKA Publisher Ann Arborites joke that they know that winter is only really over when road repairs begin. Loud sounds, dust, unwieldy detours and traffic back-ups make many dread this fifth season in Ann Arbor: construction season. Pedestrians, bikers, riders and drivers alike — if you know what construction is happening, where it's happening and why it's happening, you might reduce your transit rage! Fifth Ave Closure Fifth Ave. is closed between William and Jefferson streets. Project includes water main replacement (Jefferson to Packard), street resurfacing, repairing identified storm drains, upgrading concrete ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act Standards and the installation of the city's first contraflow bike lane. A contraflow bike lane allows cyclists to ride in the opposite direction of normal traffic flow on a one-way street. The road will be fully closed to users throughout the duration of the project. Navigation tips: Heading north? Take South Division. Heading south? Take 4th Ave. Groundcover office visitors, be prepared to leave the office the same way you came. Projected completion: July 2025. East Medical Center Drive Rehab and Widening The East Medical Center Drive Bridge over the Amtrak Michigan line was constructed in 1982 and is now being inspected every twelve months due to its deteriorating condition. It is the City's intent to rehabilitate the bridge in order to return it to a state of good repair and prolong its life span. University of Michigan is partnering on this project to widen the bridge in order to improve traffic flow into and out of the University Medical Center. Navigation tips: If you can, avoid the intersection of Fuller Rd, Maiden Lane and E. Medical Center Drive at all costs during rush hour. Remember you cannot take a left onto Fuller from Maiden Lane — if heading east, accessing Fuller Rd via Fuller Street is a better bet! Projected completion: July 2025. Miller Ave Improvements There have been points of conflict between cars, bikes and people at various points along Miller Ave. However, by providing dedicated infrastructure and reducing speeds, those conflicts become more manageable and safer. From Newport Road through Seventh Street, work will focus on replacing water main pipes, improving stormwater detention, realigning the intersection at Red Oak, and repaving the road. Miller Avenue will be closed on this section until July 7, 2025. The next phase of the project will close a different portion of Miller Ave. Navigation tips: Cyclists who normally use Miller Avenue are advised to travel to and from downtown Ann Arbor via Dexter Avenue, South Revena Boulevard and West Washington Street. Bus riders on Routes 32 and 61 can view detours on TheRide.org/ rider-alerts. Projected completion: The last stage of this project will begin Fall 2025. State Street Water Main and Resurfacing This is a continuation of projects along State Street. Stormwater runoff quality will be improved by constructing an infiltration trench to send water into the aquifer instead of directly to the Huron River which gives soil the opportunity to filter out pollutants. Two aging water mains maintained by the City of Ann Arbor and U-M will be consolidated into one. Protected bicycle lanes will be installed. Two raised mid-block crosswalks will enhance safety for people crossing the road. A northbound transit queue jump lane to improve bus headway times along the corridor will be constructed. A transit signal at the intersection of State Street and East William will allow buses to get ahead of other vehicles. On-street parking will be removed to make space for the transit and bicycle improvements. The city is reviewing adjacent locations for on-street parking. Navigation tips: To quickly move across downtown, rely on Huron St, 4th Ave or Packard St. From June 5 to August 31, other reliable downtown streets such as Main St. will be closed Thursday 4 p.m. to Sunday late for the A2 Summer Streets celebration. Projected completion: July 7, 2025. The second phase will begin July 21, after the Ann Arbor Art Fair concludes, and is projected to be completed in November 2025. Ann Arbor set a goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries resulting from traffic crashes by 2025, called “Moving Together Towards Vision Zero.” The City also has set a goal to transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, “A2Zero.” Many of these construction projects aim to make progress on these commitments. Follow updates on each of these projects and more at engage.a2gov.org MAY 30, 2025 Track Outage (anticipated date of June 3-4, 2025), and Project Completion (Fall 2025). The Barton-Bandemer Pedestrian Tunnel project represents a significant step forward in enhancing Ann Arbor’s outdoor recreation infrastructure. By safely linking Bandemer Park and Barton Nature Area, the project will promote sustainable transportation options as well as increasing the community’s access to nature and public art installations. As construction progresses, Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to stay informed and plan accordingly. Upon its completion, the project will be a valuable addition to both Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities that are a part of the Border-to-Border trail.
MAY 30, 2025 LIBRARIES Play the AADL Summer Game! ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY Use your library this summer to find codes, solve puzzles, attend events and earn points towards awesome AADL prizes — courtesy of the Ann Arbor District Library and the Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library! You don't even need a Library card to play! Origins of the Summer Game The Ann Arbor Public Library promoted a summer reading program as far back as the 1930s, encouraging kids to continue reading over their summer break. In 1960 the theme was Highway to Alaska. In 1952 it was Flight to Mystery Island. Who could forget 1954’s Space Ship to the Moon? The modern Summer Game was born in 2011, combining the classic Summer Reading Game but adding much, much more for kids, teens and adults. Today's Summer Game is a puzzle-filled spectacular with codes, clues, scavenger hunts, badges and more! Three ways to play 1. The Summer Reading Game: Kids can complete the Summer Reading Game by reading or listening to 10 books. Finish 10 books to earn Summer Game points, a free book and a coupon for $1 off a book at any of the Friends shelves at any AADL location. Teens and adults can complete the Summer Reading Game by consuming 10 ANYTHINGS (books, podcasts, magazines, articles or pieces of content) to earn Summer Game points, a free book, and a coupon for $1 off a book at any of the Friends shelves at any AADL location. Pick up an Explorer Guide/Summer Game Reading Card at any AADL library, or download it from our website! 2. The Summer Game Explorer Codes: Explore parks, all five AADL locations and sites across the city, or attend in-person or online AADL events to find Summer Game codes. Redeem those codes for points, badges and prizes galore. 3. The Summer Game Online Codes: Hidden in the AADL’s online catalog and the internet at large are hundreds of Summer Game codes worth thousands of points. Every Friday, the AADL Summer Game team releases a new series of themed online puzzles, which can be solved with savvy searches of our catalog and the web. Discover these secret codes, unlock points for prizes and earn special badges throughout the summer. YOU KEEP MENTIONING PRIZES! Every code you enter, every badge you earn, and every puzzle you solve gives you Summer Game points. Those points can be used to get Summer Game prizes in the Summer Game shop, which opens in early July. Past prizes have included t-shirts, stuffed animals, vintage lunch boxes, pins, coffee from Roos Roast, tea from Arbor Teas, coffee mugs, notebooks, frisbees, beach blankets, tote bags, umbrellas and so much more! How to get started 1. Sign up for the Summer Game using your existing AADL account. If you don't have a Library card, you can still create a Summer Game account and play along. For parents: you can add kids and teens to your Summer Game profile as well! 2. You can also text NEWPLAYER to 734-327-4200 to create a profile and play via text (messaging and data rates may apply). 3. To play the Summer Reading Game, pick up a Summer Reading Game card at any AADL location, or download an editable Summer Reading Game card. 4. To earn points from online codes, tackle an easy puzzle first by solving a standard difficulty websearch badge. Decipher the clues and use AADL's catalog search to find game codes. Find all five and earn the badge! 5. To become a Summer Game Explorer, check out the main Summer Game page and look for where you might track down codes first. A good start is inside all five libraries. Don't forget to look for the Summer Game banners outside! 1,001 ways to earn Summer Game points 1. Find codes inside all AADL buildings, the sides of AAATA buses, in newspaper ads or at in-person and online AADL events. 2. Solve online puzzles by searching the AADL catalog and the internet for codes — and get bonus points for completing badge series! 3. Finish the Summer Reading Game! 4. Earn 50 points per day for reading, watching, or listening to stuff. Bonuses for the more days you log! 5. Review items in AADL's catalog. 6. Rate items in our catalog. 7. Points-O-Matic! Help the AADL Archives and our collection of Ann Arbor newspaper microfilm, or help the AADL collections team with its series data in the Points-O-Matic News Sprinter and Points-O-Matic Super Serializer. You can also earn points for reviewing reviews for items in our collection with the Points-O-Matic Review Reviewer. FAQs 1) Is the Summer Game just for kids? Heck no! Kids (and parents) have tons of fun participating in the Summer Reading Game but guess what? At least half of our players aren’t kids! Teens and adults love puzzles, scavenger hunts and getting points to use for free stuff too! Fun for all ages—and we're not just saying that! 2) How long does the Summer Game go? The Summer Game runs from June 11 through August 24, 2025. Players can sign up at any time during the summer and have plenty of days to earn points, win prizes, and have fun. 3) Can my kids play the Summer Game if they don’t have a Library card? Absolutely! Summer Game accounts can add extra players to their profiles and help young ones and family members enjoy the Summer Game as well. Codes can be entered separately for each player or texted through a single number to credit each account with the code. 4) Do I need an Ann Arbor District Library card to play the Summer Game? Nope! Anyone can play the Summer Game if they create an account on aadl.org. 5) Where can I find some easy codes to get started? If you're into exploring, a lot of players like to walk through each of AADL's five libraries, tracking down the 10 codes hidden inside each branch and 15 codes Downtown! There's also a big banner hanging on the outside of each library with a larger-than-life code as well. 6) When does the Summer Game Shop open? The Summer Game shop opens in July. We're sure to make a big announcement when we have the exact date. 8) When are new codes and badges added to the Summer Game? New badges drop every Friday during the Summer Game, plus a few surprise badge drops here and there. Check the main page at play.aadl.org to keep up on the latest drops. 9) I heard about Summer Game lawn and library codes. Are those coming back? AADL lawn and library codes will be back this year! Stay tuned for details on the play.aadl.org page. If you have any questions, or comments, or have trouble with any part of the Summer Game: Email askus@aadl.org, Text or call 734-327-4200 or visit the contact us page on AADL.org GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5
6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EVENTS CALENDAR 2025 Summer Events Calendar TASTE OF ANN ARBOR Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Main and Liberty streets Dozens of area restaurants offer samples in the $1-$6 price range. Live music on Main Street from noon to 5. mainstreetannarbor.org/ taste-of-ann-arbor ANN ARBOR AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL Saturday, June 7, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. N. 4th Ave and East Ann St. The 28th Annual African American Downtown Festival provides a platform for celebration of African-American community, heritage, and achievement. Jazz and R&B performances, market stalls and non-profit groups create a rich and unique vibe for all to enjoy. www.a2festival.org A2 SUMMER STREETS Thursday through Sunday, June 5 - Aug. 31 Weekend street closures downtown along Main, Liberty and Washington Streets to enable dining, strolling with refreshments, shopping, artistic and musical performances. Presented by Main Street Ann Arbor. www.mainstreetannarbor.org/ a2-summer-streets YPSI PRIDE "CELEBRATING OUR STORIES" Friday, June 6, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. East Cross Street, Ypsilanti Join for full day and evening of LGBTQIA+ focused events, sales and performances. All ages welcome. 5TH ANNUAL YPSILANTI JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION June 20-22, 11 a.m. to late 301 W. Michigan Ave Expect local vendors and community organizations, live performances, and a weekend of community gathering. Headliners and special guests include: Lady Sunshine & Grammy Award Winning Gospel Artist Fred Hammond. SOUNDS AND SIGHTS Thursdays from June 5-July 31, 6:308:30 p.m. Downtown Chelsea Arts, entertainment, and musical acts are performed at 10 various and separate stages throughout historical downtown Chelsea. Every week brings something new, is family friendly, and free! Kids will enjoy acts like magicians, circus acts, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, the 'How to Chalk' themed art stage and much more, while music enthusiasts will experience many genres of music all in one night. FOURTH OF JULY PARADE Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 35th annual Independence Day celebration, hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees. The parade route starts at E. William St. and N. University Ave, running north on State, West on Liberty, South on Main, East on William and ending south on Thompson. Line up will be down N. University Ave. A2ZERO WEEK June 1-7 A week-long celebration of climate action and community in observance of Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality pledge and efforts. Broad range of events from natural fabric dyeing to all-electric home tours to green business networking events. And fun parties! www.a2gov.org/sustainability-innovations-home/newsletter-events/ a2zero-week SONIC LUNCH Thursdays at noon, June 5 - Aug. 28 Liberty Plaza park, Liberty/Division streets Free music series sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor mixes local and touring acts. www.soniclunch.com/ TOP OF THE PARK June 13-29 U-M Campus near Bell Tower Presented by Ann Arbor Summer Festival An Ann Arbor summer staple for 40 years, Ann Arbor Summer Fest began as a high-brow theater and dance series but has evolved to mostly local live music, movies, fun activities and plenty of catching up with friends and neighbors at its Top of the Park series. Free shows on two stages Tuesday through Sunday nights, rotating family activities, sidewalk chalk art and free latenight movies under the stars! www.a2sf.org/calendar/ ANN ARBOR ART FAIRS July 17-19 Three massive street art fairs blend creativity and commerce, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Fairs are spread across a 30-block swath of downtown, from Main Street to South University Avenue. Admission is free, while the art, retail and food offerings are decidedly not. www.theannarborartfair.com/ YPSILANTI JAZZ FESTIVAL Friday nights August 1-29 Ford Lake Park, Ypsi Township $20 parking fee Aug. 1: Randy Scott / Demetrius Nabors, Aug. 8: Marion Meadows, Aug. 15: John E. Lawrence / Yancyy / The Return of the WCC Jazz Orchestra, A Tribute to Dr. Morris J. Lawrence Jr., Aug. 22: Gerald Albright, Aug. 29: Jeff Lorber Fusion www.johnelawrencejazz.com/ Events compiled by Jud Branam MAY 30, 2025
MAY 30 2025 THRIFT SHOPPING Homelessness takes everything from you. In February 2019, between a divorce and a car crash I lost nearly all of my belongings including my clothing. After finding refuge at the homeless shelter, I found myself with a pair of pants, a sweater, a few t-shirts, three pairs of socks and underwear, hiking boots and my leather jacket. These were the only clothes I had in the middle of a Michigan winter. In Michigan, proper clothing is essential to one’s health, as the comfortable, non-lethal weather only lasts or a few months in the early spring and late summer. Some people in Washtenaw County cannot afford good quality clothing. There are a few “free stores” for clothing if you know where to look. (Bridge Cafe and Regal Beagle in Ypsilanti have them, for example.) Otherwise, the best way is to visit one of over a dozen thrift/resale shops in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to dress for the weather — and to look and feel good because that’s important, too. Here’s a breakdown of some of the major thrift stores: GROUNDCOVER NEWS Hey, Groundcover, can we go thrift shopping? JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 given their proceeds to an incredible number of non-profit agencies and they have competitive grant programs which paid out $475,000 last year. AATS is run by its 326 volunteers. Among them is Mary-Lee W. who said, Ann Arbor PTO 2280 S. Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor. Open Thurs.-Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Located on bus route 6, the Ann Arbor PTO thrift shop fits the thrift shop template. Clothing starts at $3.25 with excellent color-tag-of-the-day discounts that can result in clothes as low as 50 cents; there is an equal mix of clothing and non-clothing items, including an excellent selection of crafts. Caitlyn Wackrow, assistant manager, says Ann Arbor PTO has a great customer-worker vibe. She says of a particular customer; “He commutes from Toledo to work in Ann Arbor, but stops in everyday, buys a little something and chit-chats with us. We love seeing him and all of our regulars who come in. They are a real bright spot in our day.” Ann Arbor PTO does not have a voucher program; however, all proceeds from sales go to aid the students of Ann Arbor Public Schools. Ann Arbor Thrift Shop 3500 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor. Closed Sunday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Located on bus route 4, The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop is a community aid powerhouse. For 93 years they have “Our volunteers are all very dedicated to the community and the mission of our shop.” All proceeds go to organizations that provide emergency services such as housing, food and medical care. The list of organizations is stunning; it includes: A Brighter Way, Avalon Housing, Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw, Community Action Network, Corner Health Center, Dawn Farm, Food Gatherers, Friends in Deed, Home of New Vision, Alpha House, Jewish Family Services, Ozone House, Packard Health, Peace Neighborhood Center, Safe House Center, Shelter Association of Washtenaw, SOS Community Services and the St. Andrews Breakfast Program. They do take Washtenaw County vouchers and have their own “shopping card” program for the under- and unemployed. 7 Vendors Cindy Gere (left) and Wayne Sparks (right) display clothes at the Groundcover office free store. accepted donations of unwanted goods and then employed people to repair and prepare the items for sale. The profits of the sales became the wages for the employees. As they grew, they began focusing on people with disabilities, enabling people who had barriers to employment find meaningful work. Today, Goodwill offers many services that help a wide range of people who have different employment skills. For example, the micro-enterprise program “Art Works” provides studio space for artists and teaches them entrepreneurial skills. Other programs include: Youth Start which gives at-risk youth skills and support to carry into adulthood; vocational and employment training; literacy; industrial contracts which partner with organizations that will employ people with training under Goodwill; and other semi-skilled labor opportunities. “A hand up, not a hand out” is a phrase used to describe the mission of Goodwill. agencies. People present their ID and can sign up to visit the store once every three months and fill a shopping cart.” I personally used their service in 2019 where I found a painting of Saint Nicholas delivering a bag of toys and a cat for some lucky family. (Santa Claus is one of my heroes.) Kiwanis Thrift Sale 100 N Staebler, Ann Arbor. Open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday; closed the rest of the week Proceeds raised by Kiwanis Thrift Sale fund other nonprofits, especially child-oriented organizations. According to their mission statement: Goodwill 3782 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti. Open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday and 8 p.m. the rest of the week. Goodwill is located on bus routes 5B and 66. The first thing I noticed about the store was it surpassed all the others in organization. It reminded me of a regular retail clothing store, à la TJ Maxx or JCPenney. In fact, there were brand new socks and Crocs. And if neon colors light you up, Goodwill is a beacon of 80’s throwback fashion. The most impressive thing about Goodwill as a non-profit is that they are not about affordable used clothing. Secondhand retail is a vehicle for their true purpose. Around 1890, a Methodist minister, Edgar Helms, wanted to help the jobless population so he opened “Morgan Memorial Cooperative Industries and Stores, Inc.” which House by the Side of the Road 2051 S. State St, Ann Arbor. Closed Saturday and Sunday, open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekly Located on bus route 6 and established in 1970, House by the Side of the Road started as a partnership between Washtenaw County and local churches. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit that is all-volunteer-staffed. Although there are no qualification barriers to access, the outfit primarily serves the County's homeless and housing-insecure citizens. I asked volunteer Mary-Lee Woodworth about how it works. She said, “We don’t charge for anything. We are open to the public, but sometimes are referred by social service "Kiwanis International’s mission is to improve the world by empowering communities and making lasting differences in the lives of children.” In addition to goods for sale to the general public, social workers who attend a training program are able to bring homeless and income-insecure clients in for free items. Easily the biggest thrift shop in town, the place is like a labyrinth in a Harry Potter movie. The multi-room building sprawls over 123,000 sq ft, so make sure your kids, friends and spouses are securely tethered to you at all times. The most impressive thing about Kilwanis is its selection. It’s like the Meijer of secondhand goods. Kiwanis’s challenge is its accessibility. The only way to get there, if you have no vehicle, is an independent bus service with its own schedule (visit the Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express website for more information). Also, they are only open two days a week. see ROUND-UP page 10
8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS TRUTH OR LIES Truth or lies: The ocean find He posed, wearing his four medals while holding a sparkling, seashell trophy mounted to a golden set of fins, and decorated with smaller shells. “I am Layio, brother of two, warrior and captain of Hawaii’s most furious Lu’uais. As a deep diving prize winner of the Lu’uais, I was awarded champion of the two hundred meter dive. If anyone can challenge me, step forth. Win my title, challenge me!” He would recite this every weekend on the beach to anyone who would listen. Layio and his family moved from Hawaii to Laguna Terrace off the coast of California when he was sixteen years old. Picture this: To Layio at 21 the ocean is a great exploration trip. He lived underwater, practicing every day, exploring, searching the ocean floor. He dreamed of finding a big shipwreck one day. He felt that dream would not come true that season because the waters were getting choppier and colder by the day. The only things he ever found were a few coins and an old gold ring. He always wondered if those coins came from a ship. Maybe they were from the 1800s, after all. FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 On the evening of November 29,1986, he dove further than he ever did before, exhausting himself. He returned to the beach where his brothers were waiting for him, only to find his brothers were quite impatient to go home. Tervan and Bervet started teasing him, saying, “You’ll never find that ship. You’re too blind. You can’t see it!” Layio only wanted to be left alone, to enjoy his last day of the season on the beach. He walked away from his brothers in the direction of the twin caves. He was so tired that when he sat down he fell into a deep sleep. When he awoke, the moon was shining off the water. Looking at the water, he saw a light and a woman diving beneath the water. Layio wiped his eyes in disbelief. However, when he opened his eyes he saw the same thing. He asked himself, how could that be? She was beyond the swimming zone. Suddenly, the woman started calling for help! Layio grabbed his light and dove into the water. He swam over to where he last saw her. Layio then noticed a small boat. “Where is she? I hope she didn’t drown,” he thought. Suddenly, a glimmer of light caught his eye. Layio immediately dove beneath the water and quickly followed the light. Almost at the 200 meter mark, there she was floating, her gown hooked to a piece of wood. Layio saw that the woman could not free herself from a sunken ship. He untied the woman, grabbed her and went shooting for the surface. Once he reached the top, Layio placed her into the small boat. Swimming and tugging the boat as fast as he could, he raced for the beach. It was daylight now, and several people were on the beach. He hollered for help while approaching the shore. They grabbed the woman from the small boat, laying her on the beach. Upon giving her CPR trying to resuscitate her, Layio heard a lady scream, “That’s Natalie Wood!” referring to the famous actress. Everyone was amazed and whispered, ”That’s Natalie Wood!” Thank you Groundcover News readers for your patience and understanding. Yes it’s true, I’m writing part two of my murder love story mystery, “Billy Don’t Kill Us.” That’s why my stories have been absent. However, "The never forgotten love" published March 7, 2025 was FALSE. MAY 30, 2025
MAY 30, 2025 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS Pawsome Puzzle Victor Schmitt 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. Mesh (with) 4. Wall St. debut 7.___ Jima 10. "Mr. Blue Sky" band, to fans 13. German gran 14. Bored with 16. Purple or candied spud 17. Backstabbing spy 19. Greek letter that rhymes with both of its neighbors 20. "Hey ___!" (Nickelodeon cartoon) 21. Mobster's piece 22. Ado 23. Word with spice or squat 24. Starting segments in most S.N.L. episodes 26. Abbr. on some speedometers 27. Dance when doubled 29. In a manner of speaking 30. Hypes up 32. Lil' ones 33. Healthy restaurant toppings 36. Campus program for future C.O.s 37. Rips 38. At the onset 41. U.F.O. passengers 42. Big name in pens and lighters 45. Microwave-safe dish 47. Some restaurants have a 'secret' one 48. Leggy wader 49. ___ Speedwagon 50. Panther and Lynx, for two 52. Start of many Californian city names 53. Dog hybrids, or what's found in 17-, 24-, 33-, and 45-Across' circled letters 55. Yoko who wrote "Grapefruit" 56. Print again, as a book 57. In the style of 58. "Family Feud" airer 59. Explosive letters 60. Service inits. 61. Tennis call that aptly rhymes with 'net' DOWN 1. Cut all lines of communications 2. Genre for XXXTentacion or Juice WRLD 3. 4-Across, e.g. 4. "___ pass" (comforting words during a thunderstorm) 5. ___ Piper 6. Singer Rita 7. Principles 8. Falls short 9. Frequently, poetically 10. Exams consisting of reading increasingly smaller letters 11. Some mujeres 12. Lead actor in "Lupin" 15. Frozen waffle brand 18. ___ Choy 22. Cuddles, maybe 24. Famed opponent of Caesar 25. Semiaquatic mammals 27. Tailbone 28. "Ben ___" (1959 best picture winner) 30. Deeds 31. Rank above cpl. 33. "Beloved" author Toni 34. Short Instagram video 35. Nosh 36. Wayfarers and Aviators, for two 38. Literary closing 39. Conan who "Needs a Friend" in his weekly podcast 40. Dead end indicator 42. "Stop kidding yourself!" 43. Going nowhere, as a car 44. Swear to 46. Afflictions 47. Comedian Martin 50. Border 51. Shape of a family, in charts 53. He played Clubber Lang in "Rocky III" 54. Broadband abbr.
10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS THRIFT SHOPPING ROUND-UP from page 7 by submitting documents, such as proof of income, to the Salvation Army office. They also have a “tag-color-ofthe-week” discount system that aids people who are income-insecure. Salvation Army is also the “sleeping bag capital of Ann Arbor.” Value World 1410 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. Open Plato’s Closet 860 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Located on bus routes 25 and 67, Plato’s Closet is unique among the area thrift shops. Although they are a for-profit franchise chain, Plato’s Closet buys clothing. They have an automated system that determines the cash value for items based on brand, condition and other factors. This is very useful to people who are income-insecure and makes up for not having a voucher system. Pricing is fair, items are priced up to 70% off retail value, the quality of their items is like new, and they have excellent clearance sales. Another thing that makes Plato’s Closet stand out is they cater primarily to teens ranging from middle school to college age. Unlike other thrift shops, Plato’s Closet likes to keep up with trends young people find appealing. Gabby Cushman, general manager, pointed out, “The workforce is all teens to mid 20’s which helps Plato’s Closet Ann Arbor stay in touch with our young clientele by creating a hip and welcoming vibe." The ShareHouse 5161 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. the rest of the week, closed on Sunday. Located on bus route 30, The ShareHouse is a non-profit that serves the income-insecure population by offering massively discounted sales and a free shopping program around Christmas time. The store has the feel of a small-town antique store. Built from what may have been a livestock facility, there are ramps up and down to various sections throughout which make shopping adventurous. The clothing is limited proportionately to the rest of the things, while Americana knickknacks dominate the wares. The coolest thing about the place, though, is the shop cats, Jasper and Gypsy. Good luck telling them apart. Also, the largest collection of kneeboards I’ve ever seen. noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. the rest of the week. Located on bus route 43, Value World is a family-owned store with 13 locations and has been in business for 68 years. Although they do not have a voucher system, their daily tag color discount system, 99-cent section and loyalty points program keeps prices accessible for the income-insecure. Value World prides itself on two things: doing business with non-profits and saving material from landfills. VW boasts that it buys all of its inventory from non-profits and municipal programs. “Ethical fashion” is how they frame their sustainability-consciousness, citing the fashion industry as the biggest contributor to landfills and pollution. The most remarkable thing I noticed about Value World is that, proportionally, they are only rivaled by the Salvation Army in the amount of clothing available. With the square footage of a Dollar Tree, the non-clothing items are pushed to the perimeter to make way for a massive clothing store. I estimate the clothing to non-clothing ratio for most places to be 60/40 whereas VW is closer to 90/10. But don’t get me wrong, they still have cool non-clothing things like iron skillets and adult coloring books. MAY 30, 2025 baby/toddler sized clothes and linens such as towels and blankets — and volunteers. 2. Wednesday Summer Sales are in effect! This means you can find men’s and women’s summer apparel for 50% off on Wednesdays! There are a few other sources of free or low-cost clothing to mention: Emmanuel Lutheran Church on River Street in Ypsilanti has a free clothing distribution on Wednesdays where you can get a shopping bag of clothes once a month. Dress For Success located on McCauley Ave in Ypsilanti. Their mission “is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Hospitality House Ypsi on N. Washington St. has a free store for browsing Thursdays 4-7 p.m. and Sundays 12-3 p.m. There is also Nu2u on Carpenter Rd in Ypsilanti. In Ann Arbor there are St. Vincent De Paul on Broadway, the Second Baptist Church on Red Oak, the Habitat Restore on April St. Finally, once a month at Growing Hope, 16 S Washington, there is a massive, community-organized free clothing swap. Come with clothes to trade or simply pick up some free clothes. If you want to know when the next swap is happening, email me at baldr4077@ gmail.com. Salvation Army 1621 State St. Ann Arbor. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, closed on Sunday “Above all, Love,” 1st Peter 4:8 is the foundation of the service of the Salvation Army. Located on bus route 62, The Salvation Army rivals Value World in terms of clothing to non-clothing ratio of items and Kiwanis International in terms of popularity. Since 1865, The Salvation Army has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to help with eviction prevention, addiction issues, income insecurity, disaster relief and homelessness. The expansive store is an Ann Arbor icon. The warehouse-like store is filled with aisles of clothing and linens. There is a substantial non-clothing section including lots of linens, appliances, housewares and more. The store offers a voucher program that can be obtained through a social worker, or The Thrift Depot 19 E Cross St, Ypsilanti. Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and 12-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday. Located on route 42 in the dreamy Depot Town area of Ypsilanti, this is a great spot for second hand aficionados as it borders an antique shop and a vintage clothing store! Once upon a time, they had vouchers. Due to the limited size, though, they had to stop. However, they have a mini food pantry, hygiene products, diapers and donation-matching. They describe themselves as “a small store doing the right things. We do what we can to support our disadvantaged neighbors.” I tend to agree. Ypsilanti Thrift Shop 14 S Washington St, Ypsilanti. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, and 1-4 p.m. on Monday and Friday weekly. Closed on Sunday. Located two blocks from the Ypsilanti Transit Center, the Ypsilanti Thrift Shop is part of a vibrant downtown community and street culture. Run entirely by volunteers, YTS has been in operation since 1942 and has donated more than $340,000 to local social service agencies. They have a voucher program and even refer you to the Hope Clinic where you can find a caseworker. Two important things to note: 1. They are currently short on exp. 06/31/2025
MAY 30, 2025 ART INTEL local hit group. It was such a good time back then, fond memories.” As he got older, different music GROUNDCOVER NEWS Undercover art intel: Music as art, the sounds of heavy metal Ann Arbor townie Ponyboy Kurtus Michael Damon grew up with dreams of becoming a heavy metal rock star. One truth is, he can sing with such soul. Watching him on video blew me away because he sings from the heart and from his memory. I used to sing in the choir in my dad’s church and singing from memory is hard. Without sheet music, it is next to impossible without the right training. People always say music is simple, but I always say no, it's not. The tempo must be right and so must the pitch. Without a real understanding of music, you may fail. Kurtus is truly one of the most upbeat individuals I've met in a long time. He takes the time to put you first. He told me that, as a child growing up, he would love to climb all over his family's home, going into cupboards to play hide and seek. He told me he did parkour before parkour became a thing. “I was an ADHD kid; my body went before my mind. I would jump off the refrigerator for fun. Nothing would stop me from getting into stuff and being all over the place. My mom bucked the doctors and teachers about my antics. She told them no one was going to put me on any kind of drugs to control me.” Kurtus’s mom put her foot down, refusing to put any of her kids on any drugs, because Kurtus is who he is. Kurtus told me, “My mom told me you're an amazing singer, you're going IMPACT from page 2 reasons. First of all it employs people who are experiencing pitfalls that life can throw at you whether it's experiencing homelessness, going through substance abuse, having a record or just getting out of jail and looking for work, working to make ends meet or supplement your income or just wanting to be a part of something positive. — Joe Woods, Groundcover News Vendor, board member 2014 - 2022 Groundcover News stays a strong advocate of the community by reaching out and encouraging everyone to participate in the overall process. As each contribution enhances the learning activity, a community becomes richer in thought for it. — Glenn Gates, Groundcover News volunteer, board member CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 to be a rock star, just keep singing.” So that’s what Kurtus did. She helped him with the piano by sending him off to his grandmother’s to take music lessons, which led to more voice lessons. She taught him classical music and how to read sheet music, as well. “When I was very young, at the age of eight, me and my church did a Christian concert where I sang at the Schoolcraft College Auditorium,” said Kurtus. “I was so impressed with the huge size. This helped me see possibilities. I was the only child tenor. Singing there gave me more determination to sing to the public. And to follow my dreams.” Kurtus’s family supported his music ambitions by helping him create fun bands. As a kid, his first band was called “Kurtie and the Jammers;” classmates who had skills with drums and guitar would join in. When other kids played hide and seek or tag, he was in the back basement with his buddies forming a band. “We had two guitar players and a drummer. My kid sister was the go-go dancer. All the local neighbor kids loved watching us and drinking pop and eating popcorn. We became the Groundcover News is an essential and growing low-barrier entrepreneurial opportunity designed for individuals coping with the effects of poverty (usually long term) who are interested in making money. One of the things I love most about Groundcover is that it provides opportunity without strings attached. It also welcomes ALL who demonstrate interest and willingness to try selling local print newspapers to individuals, person to person. There is nothing else like Groundcover. It provides both opportunity AND a public service in the form of valuable local print journalism. Another thing I love about Groundcover is that you can see its impact on the individuals who have been with the program long term. They are dedicated salespeople and writers who are interested in being engaged with the community and lifting up others, regardless of where they start. I am so proud to be a board member with Groundcover News and I look forward to celebrating 15 years of Groundcover News serving Washtenaw County!! — Anna Gersh, PhD., Administrative Director A2 JAZZ FEST, Interim Director Creative Washtenaw, Groundcover News Board President. shaped his style. “Growing up, I listened to popular singers like Elvis Presley and Chicago, but as I heard more, I fell in love with Jimi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, Ted Nugent, ZZ Top, Iggy and the Stooges. The list could go on.” In his early teen years, small gigs would come up for cash, like Friday or Saturday nights at the local church. They also did small competitions with other kids and the best band would win the night, getting a small portion of the money for the events. “By then, I was around 14 or 15. We had little groupies who loved to follow us from school to school. And it was at this time we started to sing for different events, like parties. Backyard gigs and dances around Washtenaw County. I got hardcore into the band to make it more professional.” The band was called The Heat, but the band changed the name to CrossFire. The Heat made an album starting with six songs; it was a four track that became an eight track. “We were on top of the world. Growing and now traveling around the state to bigger and bigger events and competitions. At full strength, it was a year of being the best and I felt, at 16 to 17, that we had arrived. We played just about every weekend.” Kurtus would DJ between gigs and singing events. He built up a strong reputation in his smooth performance. As a talented DJ, he traveled around the nation singing and deejaying, 11 getting many jobs in well known establishments. Kurtus told me he would get gigs that pay well for some time in different places like New Orleans and Las Vegas. Kurtus returned to playing his own music when he joined two bands, Static Overdrive and Chrome Mollie, between 2008 and 2010. For so many artists the COVID-19 pandemic was the life-changing event that had tragic consequences for people’s lives. Performers and bands like Kurtus’s relied on performance events like plays and concerts that abruptly just stopped. So many artists lost opportunities and jobs. “And now I want to get back on that stage and sing and put my name in the lights,” Kurtus said. “Music is in my blood. I want to do one big song that puts me on the billboards, a real dream.” Many people now have disabilities — often ones that don't show. These silent disabilities can profoundly affect people in negative ways. Kurtus has ADHD but for him this "issue" became a powerful, positive thing, giving him more energy when performing and pushing him when most people would stop and slow down. Kurtus pushed through and kept the energy going all the way to the end of the performance — a true inspiration to the world to never give up, never give in. He goes beyond expectation and chooses to not live in disability but let it all go. We can all take a page from Kurtus — rising above is the only way to go!
12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Protein-packed garbanzo bean stir-fry BRANDON BAY U-M student contributor Ingredients: 1 can garbanzo beans (or 1 cup cooked from dry) 1 carrot, thinly sliced 1 small onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp olive oil Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro Directions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft. Toss in carrots and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes. Add garbanzo beans and soy sauce. Stir-fry for another 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, sesame seeds or cilantro if using. Serve with rice. Double the batch and use leftovers in wraps or salads. MAY 30, 2025 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS $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 6/26/2025
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