׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://gSvCDmdw2nQMPrDbNPiglVkBw7kLPJ1pHlfeAYOCgk0?`׉ 7cassandra://EZS4RD_hyqUSx6dqFfBwMa0d2p_yZFzsWwQSBjVr2C8͔`h׉ 7cassandra://sn0OOLGduY8evX8CcfE3qpqLWd6Ti7wiSMWAVSLcLi43`׉ 7cassandra://hFocjY_gxsTO9UF0YYpb8h_kqM0tYj4EbqdhFvmQJsU4J͠4dv-Fז0?HSטFu׈K0Y2׈Edv-Fז0?HSp׉E2 $ APRIL 7, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 8 ASK YOUR YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Poetry Month 2023 — read a poem in A2, write a poem in Ypsi. Page 6 VENDOR: WHAT IS POETRY TO YOU? TONY SCHOHL, #9 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. POETRY EDITION 2023 THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Felicia Wilbert, Groundcover vendor No. 234, reading from her murder-love story-mystery novel, "Billy Don't Kill Us" at Groundcover News' Hear Me Out open mic on March 25 at Argus Farm Stop. Photo credit: Luiza Duarte Caetano. @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # ׉ 7cassandra://sn0OOLGduY8evX8CcfE3qpqLWd6Ti7wiSMWAVSLcLi43`dv-Fז0?HSqdv-Fז0?HSp בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://JgBi-09zMwH5bF4EXX9Tt5fm6zD7cvopEm9K-gDr0_Y `I׉ 7cassandra://5MCacvOtxbmPvSpKF4lLLV0NwvY9hjpqw2vegJCfpXQ`׉ 7cassandra://Hr_77OpyE4Ef0niJASktBGBL0yrD9UVN_dRtvagXMF0C`׉ 7cassandra://8bEbklWIrJOS0zalNGUSaWZ8xXS4574rbzBsK2T5Bpo͠ idv-Fז0?HSנdv-Fז0?HS>9׉Hhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgGׁ ׁ rנdv-Fז0?HST9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנdv.Fז0?HS7e9ׁHhttp://oldtownaa.comׁ ׁ Јנdv.Fז0?HS^9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ES2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR's DESK Michigan Arts and Culture Council — that funded the publication of this issue. Groundcover News received a LINDSAY CALKA Managing Director If you look below this article, you will notice some new logos at the bottom of our evergreen section. The first one is the new International Network of Street Papers logo, which we have been a part of for a while. The other two are organizations — the National Endowment for the Arts and grant at the end of 2022 to publish more content promoting and sustaining arts and culture in our community, specifically to publish themed issues that allow us to dive deeper into the arts and widen our pool of contributors. April is National Poetry Month — what better time to put together a collective issue of literary arts? And who better than Groundcover vendors to distribute this, connecting with folks in our community with every sale? Groundcover routinely publishes poetry from a variety of local poets, many of whom are Groundcover vendors. To kick off this month in a special way, we thought a poetry edition was in order to celebrate those contributions and encourage budding poets. At the Hear Me Out Open Mic on March 25, we heard from some poets on topics such as carceral justice, changing seasons, grief and love. It was a proof that anyone can be a poet, and many types of spoken/written word have the potential to evoke grand emotions. Further, it was a great reminder that we need more time and space to share art in a decommodified fashion. We certainly look forward to hosting another open mic soon, maybe outdoors this time! Whether the last time you read a poem was the poetry unit in fourth grade English class, or you had to put down a poetry book to read this newspaper, there is something in this issue for you. But don't worry, we didn't omit the meat and potatoes of Groundcover News. Turn to pages 9-12 for puzzles, Truth or Lies mystery column, a piece from Ken Parks, (lots of new) coupons and a recipe. Thanks to the NEA/MACC Project Support Grant, you can look forward to more arts-themed content this year. Our next special issue will be a magazine feauturing exceptional individuals in the community; it hits the street Wednesday, April 19. Thank you to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council for funding arts and culture from the ground up! APRIL 7, 2023 CREATING OPPORTUNITY AND A VOICE FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE WHILE TAKING ACTION TO END HOMELESSNESS AND POVERTY. 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 Teresa Basham Elizabeth Bauman La Shawn Carlisle Juan González Valdivieso Rainey Lamey Markona Love Monkey (Josh L.) Ron Pagereksi Ken Parks Ameera Salman Karen Totten Felicia Wilbert PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Gigi Bylinsky Carson Collins Rhea Punjabi Elliot Cubit Layla McMurturie Anabel Sicko Melanie Wenzel VOLUNTEERS Jessi Averill Logan Brown Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Zachary Dortzbach Robert Klingler Grace Sielinski Mira Simonton-Chao Alex Tarbet Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Claude VanValkenburg Navya Yagalla Emily Yao 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, PITCH 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 ׉ 7cassandra://Hr_77OpyE4Ef0niJASktBGBL0yrD9UVN_dRtvagXMF0C`dv-Fז0?HSt׉EAPRIL 7, 2023 ON MY CORNER ASK YOUR VENDOR What is poetry to you? Something from the heart. — Tony Schohl, #9 Poetry makes you feel good; it makes you think, too. — Gary Leverett, #554 It means ... expressing yourself about the life you're dealing with and life in general. Poetry is letting people know your inner self. — James Tennant, #174 Poetry means freedom of emotional expression. — Markona Love, #590 It's a mathematical way of arranging words beautifully. — Daniel Wilcox, #592 Poetry to me is capturing your inner creativity. — Joe Woods, #103 All kinds of statements, all kinds of expressions. However you can document emotions and paint a picture. That is poetry. — Glen Page, #407 Beautiful, rhetorical expression of art. — Mike Jones, #113 Something that rhymes ... or not. — Felicia Wilbert, #234 Winter/Spring ANONYMOUS Groundcover vendor Along comes March Every day is different Some cloudy, some sun Hopefully more sun. For now, after a winter storm, the sunshine and warmth The snow, melting – can you hear it? Where new little streams, the running of the water from the rooftops it's the melting of the snow you can hear. Like lots of little tiny streams running everywhere. It's kind of soothing because the sun is warmer and you can hear water trickling. Can you guess who wrote this? GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 Conduit to the universe MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 Now I See From Here To There Light Was There Now It's Here A Wing of Feathers Truth Flies In Awareness Arrives Void Undone New Day Rise Old Day Fade Open Space Knowledge Replace This Pig Flies Kona, Quaker Parrot. Fallen feather MARKONA LOVE Upon a Fallen Feather I Float Weightless from Loss Falling Forever Green to Grey Faded Light Darkness Set In the Sea, A Light Distant Bright But, with Great Might Memories Avail Warmth Prevails From my Fallen Feather What would YOU ask? If you have a question you would like Groundcover vendors to answer in this column, email us at contact@groundcovernews.com We will be featuring vendor responses in future issues. 122 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor • oldtownaa.com • (734) 662-9291 Dine in only, offer good Mon - Sat 11:30 am - 4:00 pm, excludes alcohol. Expires 7/1/23 10% OFF LUNCH JOIN US FOR dv-Fז0?HSudv-Fז0?HSt בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://Fa2rlt3HNP6kvscxfj3H5rnstAa5yrzwOOgM7zcCGL8S`I׉ 7cassandra://Wr3TLYJYn-F_Ue64DGmgZmHVZpwGxOmtT4i9n_iAyr4͢F`׉ 7cassandra://hwoZcKwnLLAexMpMxNpJyatvGtjUxTfnDs4bWMyrcpo0`׉ 7cassandra://zOop_E-HDsHBTb9mwDJmGRWxsqj3eqyMIHHGT-yotx850͠ idv.Fז0?HS׉E 4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS LOVE Perfect love TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 One day you'll have a great catch, You'll have a perfect match, Unconditional love you'll be attached, You'll love their touch, Without sayin too much, You'll never be misunderstood, Even if you're from tha hood, Everythang will be, Just you and me, You'll be able to feel their pain, Sometimez you'll go insane, But thatz true love, Wit out a doubt, Ya know you'll alwayz be thankful of, There will be no chance, That you'd ever bounce, You'll never want it ta change, Alwayz wantin that perfect love, Ta stay tha same. APRIL 7, 2023 Love was a game to me AMEERA SALMAN Groundcover contributor Forever— And ever— And ever. Will i go, Will i search, For what i seek. I seek forever In pale gold lighting. A hand to a cheek. In silent prayer, Fingers caress down my spine, An easy defeat— If you’re mine. All for you TERESA BASHAM Sometimez I think about, Sometimez I doubt, I know I love you, Wit all my heart, I know I don't wanna be apart, But therez a possibility thangz don't stay, And one I will walk away, If we make it strong, I know it won't go wrong, My love izz everlasting and true, But it depends on you, I want this til my dyin day, My love will alwayz be, Believe you & me, I'm not goin anywhere, My love izz there, And itz all for you. I seek forever In the fallen snow— There is nothing but you, That i know. I push— Away, Away, From the cold— Into waiting arms. I seek forever In the summer heat— Drops of water and skin meet. A prayer— An answer. On a blanket Under stars, Skin touching skin. A prayer— An answer, I win. I seek forever— In a world I’ve never seen— Where grasshoppers fly And mountaintops glean. Not meant to be RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor She is only a dream to me, like forbidden fruit on a tree. For her I dare not reach, she even stops short my speech. I know it may sound silly, but near her my legs turn to jelly. Thoughts of her make me dizzy, make my whole world fizzy. She is a fantasy, heaven sent. Off limits to me, I lament. I wish she had never entered my sight, I am with her often in the dreams of night. Thoughts of her consume and spellbind me, like an intoxicating elixir numbs the senses, breaking down all my defenses. I am drunk on her charm, oh, just to have her on my arm and look into her pretty eyes and find all the stars that fill the skies. Near her my legs get weak, I can only stutter when I try to speak. I fear however I did discover, that she belongs to another. Forever And ever And ever, Will i go— Will i search— For what i seek. When what i seek, Is not meek. It is a forever, That looks like— I won. ׉ 7cassandra://hwoZcKwnLLAexMpMxNpJyatvGtjUxTfnDs4bWMyrcpo0`dv-Fז0?HSv׉E >APRIL 7, 2023 POETRY Leaf Quidditch LORRAINE LAMEY Groundcover contributor The chlorophyll has left the leaves. A zephyr sets the branches waving farewell to their bright or brown denizens. The road ahead drops just right for the tilted pitch of a Seeker’s two-wheeler. My bicycle and I take flight coasting downhill at a hearty speed and with precarious leanings but not so precarious as in years past. We sail among the drifting leaves dancing like sunbeams in and out of my outstretched fingers. I am transfigured with each ascension though my pace and joints evoke the rickety-clickety clack of an early wooden roller coaster hauling a full load to its peak height. The ten minute ascent garners scarcely a two minute ride. Push off, pedal a bit, brakes ready for the all-stop intersection, clear? Then pedal furiously to make up for caution. During each descent, the leaves and wind stream by and slough off another decade from my heart and soul. Weight, worry, and weariness whip behind me. By the fourth ascent, I am ten-years-old again and playing leaf quidditch on my bicycle. In that moment of refulgent joy, a wee brightest yellow sugar maple leaf finds me. Beloved Sinner LORRAINE LAMEY Some days chock full of sin all I can feel is the sun shining clean through inside and back out again. O happy fault, Adam's fall from grace, when the world's made right wrong as it is. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 5 LA SHAWN CARLISLE Groundcover vendor Do not take this piece personal. I had no rehearsal, this is the first draft. I simply am doing what I've done For longer than many do not see or know I am very comfortable with this platform to write my poetry Some may feel or imagine, they are out of place Yet, I do this just because In this, In it, I've not any room for hassles I do not have to run anyone's race My place is right here in this poem I write That is the idea I must feel that I'm at "MY" top Not as a so-called status quo that's been established many days ago To think me as shallow of perceptions most having not one thing to do with "ME" Because they were just straddling "MY" surface It was and is a malfeasance to the deeper "ME" So much more than their own limited views Such limited absurdity This written voice is such a beautiful and true reflection of "MY" abilities with this pen and paper Yet, also inclusive a many testament to this world's tragedies I am also a reflection of true undying human resilience Not just the things done unto "ME" Greater is my life now for it I'm looking forward to the Greatest gift An everlasting life that nothing or anything from or of this world can give to "ME" dv-Fז0?HSwdv-Fז0?HSv בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://B47IE9gmgrahvXxV11rqpejydSQmCQTVfSd6alz0A3MM`I׉ 7cassandra://TV1IioIi1mCSIoxE09kOBcCtYOnvBvWtnjaALJH_TGEj`׉ 7cassandra://fzJNCtjmcTpuPJiH1YTw-h0PQ1BzX5J8mG2B65cDfbQK>`׉ 7cassandra://nkwBbxCdMX7E8Mar2-so40qwsJufy5Jf0AcWg8jf-5gL| ͠ idv.Fז0?HSנdv.Fז0?HSKu̢9׉H'http://www.facebook.com/PoetTreeTownA2)Gׁ ׁ rנdv.Fז0?HS̍9׉H'http://www.facebook.com/PoetTreeTownA2)Gׁ ׁ rנdv/Fז0?HŞ9ׁHhttp://washtenaw.org/millageׁ ׁ Јנdv/Fז0?HSs̨ 9ׁHmailto:PoetTreeTownA2@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנdv/Fז0?HSEw̩9ׁHhttp://www.facebook.com/ׁ ׁ Ј׉E T6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY MONTH Poetry Month 2023 —read a poem in A2, write a poem in Ypsi CYNTHIA PRICE Editor Tree Town transforms into PoetTreeTown for the entire month of April in honor of National Poetry Month. Ann Arbor’s inaugural “community celebration event” matches up poets and local businesses to spread the love of poetry. Look closely in the windows of Ann Arbor businesses and enterprises to see a wide variety of poetic genres displayed on simple letter-size white sheets. Venues include 826michigan, Avalon Café and Bakery, Blake Transit Center, Bløm Meadworks, Blue Tractor, BonBonBon, Cherry Republic, Dawn Treader, Downtown Home and Garden, Found, Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin, the Downtown Library, Third Mind Books, Vault of Midnight and Vinology, but keep a sharp eye out and you will find many more. According to PoetTreeTown organizer Cameron Finch, a University of Michigan graduate who moved on to get her MFA at Vermont College of Fine Arts, “For me this is a labor of love, but I’ve also seen so much community effort by the businesses and poets who’ve been involved.” Finch was inspired in part by VCFA’s home, Montpelier, VT. “There’s so much appreciation of arts and culture – such a spirit of celebrating the talent within the town and sharing it with others.” Viewing Ann Arbor as a similar milieu, she decided to help “increase the community’s free access to art” as well as to deepen her own familiarity with what is going on in the local poetry scene. “It was important to me to have many voices represented. The current poetry industry has so many gatekeepers,” she says. “I liked the idea of just coming around a corner and finding a poem.” Each installation includes a QR code which when scanned allows viewers to hear the poet read it. Poems are also featured on the group’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ PoetTreeTownA2) and Instagram pages. There will also be a live event in celebration, coming up quickly. On April 8 at 8:00 p.m., Third Mind Books, purveyor of Beat Generation classics and rare first editions, will join PoetTreeTown for a free Open Mic. Not to be outdone, Ypsilanti will celebrate in a number of National Poetry Month events. Among them, the wonderful folks at Ypsi Writes want to help you become a poet yourself with two workshops. On April 15 see CELEBRATE page 8  Poet Tree Town Ann Arbor | April 2023 Subconsciousness / Consciousness In this auditorium And narrow Silence beside huge Shadows are frozen In a web on dust besides grotesque masks, props Hideousness on the Mirror reflects True form unclouded as uncave unburied alive Still light showing life real window curtains wide open see peer look the dancers are here ego the dancers are here! —Christopher Ellis View the PoetTreeTown Map PoetTreeTownA2@gmail.com IG: @poettreetown_a2 | #PoetTreeTown Look for Christopher Ellis's, Groundcover vendor No. 483, poem around A2! APRIL 7, 2023 Listen to the poem here! THANK YOU WASHTENAW COUNTY For supporting recovery Accessing substance use treatment should be quick and easy. Millage resources have helped simplify the process. LEMONT GORE FORMER STREET OUTREACH COORDINATOR UNIFIED HIV HEALTH AND BEYOND 24/7 CALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH OR SUBSTANCE USE SUPPORT 734-544-3050 Brought to you by the 2019 - 2026 Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage washtenaw.org/millage ׉ 7cassandra://fzJNCtjmcTpuPJiH1YTw-h0PQ1BzX5J8mG2B65cDfbQK>`dv-Fז0?HSz׉EAPRIL 7, 2023 POETRY This is a tree JUAN GONZALEZ VALDIVIESO Groundcover contributor This is a Tree Seed, Root, Leaf Weed, Wood, Beef Need, Love, Seen Lean, Full Pristine All it does is exist Yet They promptly insist On making it enlist It attempts to resist The struggle, a cyst Weaponized to lynch brothers and sisters Lethalized to make martyrs of victims Brutalized to make profits and pillage (and spew carbon emissions) Utilized to make authors of villains “Victimless” It dreams, though it witnesses It misses kids And innocence It listens in The whisperings A pilgrimage To peaceful bliss This is a Tree Shield, Shade, Life Wield blade, Knife Reap, Make, Fight Ally, Comrade Our Collective Might Hobo navigation MONKEY (JOSH L.) Groundcover contributor No home, Cold, Feeling free and bold, Weed as common as mold, Seeing egos at Delonis fold, going into fight or flight mode. If lost, Fred has advice worth more than gold; And always think twice before doing what is told For what may be sold, may be old. Fred is a famous worker at Delonis, who is known for going out of his way to help clients. 'Seeing egos at Delonis fold, going into fight and flight mode' is representative of the constant fighting over miniscule issues. I chose this topic because a lot of homeless people read the paper as it's sold by homeless and formerly homeless vendors. Most of them can closely relate to Fred's helpfulness, the constant fighting at Delonis, and other elements exclusive to the homeless experience and my poem. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Lady of the night RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Into the arms of Morpheus I fall to meet the dark lady of my dreams. She walks without a sound as if on gilded butterfly wings. When her bonny eye lights on me I tremble to my knees. My tongue will not utter the words in my heart. My soul overwhelmed shudders in its passion. I reach but find her gone. Morning sun peaks through dismal curtains, another day flying solo. dv-Fז0?HS{dv-Fז0?HSz בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://dHAe-mpEYxX9AMNF2ora1tyPSS5Kmi-Wi-GrwXi9cd4`I׉ 7cassandra://rd2YNdrZ-B4hUpPHjT_LAhd_UoJt7SQ62CzasiqEkm0X`׉ 7cassandra://zybVI1mBmNV01nAd89T5QWpom0I0hEzniLoP_bhgTBcG`׉ 7cassandra://HRH57uBi2A0YzsBPkHzTs7XZMgt7OsFoD9UJVWYxbO0T͠ idv/Fז0?HSנdv.Fז0?HS_9׉H,https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7933444Gׁ ׁ rנdv.Fז0?HSk_9׉H,https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7895785Gׁ ׁ rנdv/Fז0?HS9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY What the stars see KAREN L. TOTTEN Groundcover contributor What the stars know, What the North Star sees could take years to tell. They see the tops of our heads, sleep tossed hair, many different hats—scarves and ball caps, knit winter beanies, UM golf caps, a child’s tiara. They see flowers of umbrellas blooming at the first touch of rain, the chalky beams of yellow street lamps, lamp light reflections in inky pools of water and the hood of the bus hurrying, hurrying, late to dinner. They see the roof of the sky kissing late spring snowy hills, the passing hours of the innocent, wanderings of the lost. They see the river Huron like a vein pulsing across the skin of the Earth. Throat of the sun, moon’s bald pate, the surrounding broad kingdoms of trees, the arboretum, Gallup Park, full of mysteries, and faerie doors, and frogs. What the stars see of me is none of my business. I feel their gaze even in the heat of day. I am writing. I keep writing. I keep thinking we all find what we go looking for: shadows, halos. My friend Carolyn said, “This is a city of many people, trying.” I Have Not Given All I Can KAREN L. TOTTEN I have not given all I can to the effort of healing my heart.  CELEBRATE from page 6 Here it is the sixth decade of my life and still I am a babe who longs for mother, child looking for a home, woman walking alone, unable to save her parents from the inexorable climb life makes toward death. I am going about this wrong, I think. Forgiveness cannot be found in regret. Here is the world all around us every moment, if we only look. In my backyard the splendid willow tree bends to caress the wet face of the earth, the peonies unclench their tight fists to open their very colors. Life is sometimes a dark room where the light comes in only if we lift the blinds. from 1:00 to 2:15, beginners can learn from experienced Ypsilanti Poets David Boeving and Michelle Lietz how to make poetry out of their ideas in From Your Past to the Page: An Introductory Poetry Workshop over Zoom. To register, visit https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7933444. Then on April 29, in Toward a Poetic Album: An Intermediate Poetry Workshop, the same writers will “introduce intermediate poetic devices and challenge writers to imagine a suite of poems they can write after the workshop.” Though the April 29 workshop is more advanced, people of all skill levels may attend. The registration can be found at https://attend.ypsilibrary.org/event/7895785. Combining National Poetry Month and Earth Day is probably not a unique idea but the Ypsilanti District Library Michigan Avenue Branch (229 W. Michigan) is hosting the only such event in our area on April 22 at 1:00 p.m. Performers. including Leslie McGraw and Desirae Simmons, will offer up their work followed by time for an open group conversation and a limited number of Open Mic readings. There are many more celebratory events during April, including a National Poetry Month Meet-up April 23 (4:00 p.m.) at the downtown Ann Arbor Library. This month, take a step out of your comfort zone and enjoy a poem — or write one! How To Grow A Beautiful Heart KAREN L. TOTTEN No one said it would be easy An early spring rain and sun can awaken you, the ripening summer days. Just stand by the open windows and listen to Joni sing, try to sing along. Walk down shady streets beside yr. dear friends as they travel through their lives. Be someone’s anchor; be yr. own. Beauty and tribulation can walk together, but don’t let sadness make you mourn yr. life. Learn the verses to love poems, to sad poems, and recite as needed. Yr. past regrets and mistakes become kindling for the cold flames of yr. secrets. Draw courage from these transformations as you become you over and over again, every moment. Yr. heart turns bright scarlet as the burning bush of autumn behind the little house on Beyer Road, a meeting place for God and spirit. In the moments of one hero’s true life remember joy waits in the golden light of forgiveness in yr. luminous wounded heart. APRIL 7, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://zybVI1mBmNV01nAd89T5QWpom0I0hEzniLoP_bhgTBcG`dv-Fז0?HS~׉E APRIL 7, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS WORD SEARCH: RIVERS! S R D S A A V S Y E N I S E Y C Y D A O M E O E O R A N G E O J R S N M A S L Z F I R H D L H O D C U M Z L G E L B E N O D E R A R B E O S A A R R I R U N V D R M E W N I E A H L A O B W V A Y K O B Y O H O E D L R A T Y N A M M A C M N S O R H I N E Z U P E N O A E L N T U N N G L S A K G N P B E Y H D D P O I Y R O T G U H N U A S U C R C S A N Z O T U A K M O S G F Z O N G E A R A L O E N I R R A W A D D Y A N M N S T W I L L A M E T T E G A WORD BANK: 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. Amazon Brahmaputra Colorado Columbia Congo Danube Elbe Huang Hudson Indus Irrawaddy Jordan Lena Mekong Murray Nile Oder Orange Orinoco Parana Rhine Rhone Seine Somme Syr Darya Thames Tigris Ubangi Volga Willamette Yangtze Yellow Yenisey Yukon 9 dv-Fז0?HSdv-Fז0?HS~ בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://q3wyEA8ErCJ7z62ensern7_Sj7R81gJUbAdxJmdmG0I/f`I׉ 7cassandra://bAbw8vzrAi1pcgnqUV14fITSptc_MWKNXQAO-h2jels`׉ 7cassandra://hpQQGhO7NHLO7DBTg84gYiiOgCMpAdM45KCC9YOGaJ8Ol`׉ 7cassandra://l2FajCmLA7CzB1wbXQBJW33ej9JA1RxfHdaRAQRMgzYOl͠ idv0Fז0?HSנdv0Fז0?HSQ9ׁHhttp://vfpgoldenruleproject.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS EASTER Benny the bully Easter Bunny Benny was a troublesome, spoiled child who always wanted things his way. He bullied everyone he could. He would cheat during all games that were not adult-supervised. The children were afraid of him and would let him win; everyone thought he was a natural at all the games and sports. It was the last day before spring break and Benny was threatening the only friends he had left. Jane and Charles were the only kids who played with him. He wanted them to visit after school, hoping to persuade them to vote for him to be the town’s Easter Bunny. Benny always wanted to play this role; he was finally tall enough this year. However, Jacob, who always played the role, was not giving in to Benny. Benny used his usual threat of not letting their parents purchase any toys at all of the locations his dad's factory supplied. Jacob was a polite, well-mannered young man who wanted to become a teacher. Jacob was tired and frustrated with Benny’s rude, overbearing, bullying behavior. His plan was to remind the kids how much fun they had without the bully. He talked with everyone he could during recess, hoping they would stand up to the bully. During spring break he posted posters all over FELICIA WILBERT Groundcover vendor No. 234 town saying, “Remember when the fun never ends, vote for Jacob.” “What? No way!” Benny said as he ripped down his opponent's posters. He laughed out loud, hollering for everyone to hear, saying, “You won't win this year!” He pushed down anyone standing near a poster before destroying it. Jane asked him to stop tearing down the posters. Benny shoved her and said, “What a little baby girl,” teasing her. She got real upset with him and walked off, leaving him and Charles. “You should not have treated her that way,” Charles said. Benny got up in his face and asked, “What are you going to do about it?” He then put Charles in a headlock, nuggying his head saying, “You whiner … always whining.” Charles was embarrassed and walked off upset, wanting to punch Benny. The next morning Charles awoke early riding his bicycle to everyone's house. He invited them to a secret meeting at the old zoo. Everyone agreed to arrive early; they knew Benny did not like to wake up early when school was out. At the meeting everyone vented their frustrations about Benny. They swore a secret pact not to tell Benny about their plans or the meeting. The morning of the vote was upon them, everyone was in attendance. Benny spoke first, stating his plans to have a big egg hunt and ice cream party. Jacob spoke and reminded them how much fun they had playing the games and all the treats in years past. This year the golden egg would contain $5.00. The children were amazed — where would he would get that kind of money? It was time for the vote, everyone placed it into the bunny basket. The vote was counted and it read Benny 28 and Jacob 7. Benny shouted, “I knew I would win, nah-nah, in your face loser!” He then announced that the APRIL 7, 2023 party would be on Friday not Saturday as usual. Everyone turned and looked at him thinking he was too much. Now he’s changing the day of the party. They all agreed to Friday’s party then dispersed leaving upset. The morning of the party Benny arose early, excited about playing the Easter Bunny. He put on his suit and hurried to greet everyone. One hour passed and no one was there. He thought, “Oh everyone’s just late because of the new time of the party.” Three hours had passed still no one showed — not even his two friends. Six hours had passed and his mother was cleaning up wondering why no one had showed. Benny ran to his room crying see BUNNY next page  - ׉ 7cassandra://hpQQGhO7NHLO7DBTg84gYiiOgCMpAdM45KCC9YOGaJ8Ol`dv-Fז0?HS׉EAPRIL 7, 2023 SOLIDARITY Cuba or bust In 1979 my father, the Reverend James K. Parks went to Cuba with Christians for Socialism. He said that their mental health care was better than ours: “You will never get rich but you don’t need to worry about what happens when you get old.” Solidarity work has motivated both spiritual and KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 If you read my Groundcover articles “The Problems We Cause for Ourselves” and especially “Welcome Refugees…” you will know Cuba and the United States have a long, intimate history. Actions and their results – known as karma – have brought me into this history. Jose Marti is the historical saint of solidarity in America. Journalist, poet and revolutionary, he is the Patron Saint of the Cuban revolution. He was a journalist in the United States and referred to the United States as America.” the “other political aspirations. I am notorious for being both spiritual and political. In 1992 I was asked to look at the Caravan to Cuba project that was proposed by Pastors for Peace. I became the lead organizer for southeast Michigan and we did one or more caravans every year beginning that year. They were all hosted by the Martin Luther King Center in Marianao, Cuba. The MLK Center has a significant relationship for me to this day. I was also assistant to the founder of the U.S.Cuba Labor Exchange, working with trade union centered delegations. I began traveling to Cuba regularly, met Odalys on a solidarity project in 1997 and by 2000 was married to her in Cuba. Odalys is Cuba; when I married her, I married Cuba. Solidarity and love are expressions of life and are found in the changes that surprise us, as compatibility and incompatibility do their dialectical dance. The friendship of solidarity is a strong foundation and runs deeper than romantic love, so we are blessed to have a deep friendship. The struggle continues, Hasta la victoria siempre is a common phrase meaning "towards victory forever!" I am part of a large and extended family and have been supporting several households for 26 years now. Priorities change and my ahijadas (godchildren) became the priority, especially mother and son ahijados. I am a mentor, protector and spiritual friend. The money I have sent left me with no savings, and now is the time to go back and see family that I have not seen since before COVID-19. I have two missions. One coincides with the Ann Arbor delegation to May Day this year. May Day is International Workers day and is celebrated widely in Cuba. Every trade union hall has a party that starts the night before. On May Day, millions march with many international contingents. It’s a collective 24 hour party. Cuba solidarity includes Yousef Rabhi, Felix Sharp Caballero, Democratic Socialists of America, among others. We will do a report back in July, maybe the 26th, which is considered the beginning of the Cuban revolution. My second mission is to spend time with my Cuban family, including those who want to emigrate and help me in my last years. We are sons and daughters of the earth with homes in Cuba and Ann Arbor. We want to promote relations between the peoples. I hope you will be our guest in Guanabacoa, our neighborhood on the other side of Havana Bay. We will ride the ferry back and forth. I want to take tennis shoes and eye drops among other donations when I go. I think I can get a ticket but need financial help for everything else to stay at least one month in Cuba. Credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba so my social security will not be available until I am back in the United States. I have to take enough cash for the duration. I have people who work for Radio Havana English broadcasts; maybe I will get an interview and report our work to the world. The possibilities for solidarity work are as big as your imagination. Imagine a sailboat flotilla around the island or a bicycle tour into the provinces. The Golden Rule sailboat was in Cuba recently. Visit vfpgoldenruleproject.org and learn about this Veterans for Peace project which will take place in Toledo and Detroit in September. My time in Cuba is always busy with family and solidarity work. If you want to support this trip you can find the Venmo code at the bottom right corner of any Groundcover issue, and pay to @groundcovernews. Enter Ken Parks 490 in the notes. Muchas gracias for your solidarity. Grant your blessings that we continue the struggle for the flourishing of human dignity and well being. Hasta la victoria siempre! To contact me please call 313.918.2453. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11  BUNNY from last page because no one liked him. His mother consoled him saying maybe they forgot because of the new time. Benny knew deep down in his heart he had treated everyone terribly. His mother went to the grocery store to purchase some milk. She invited him but he refused to go. Benny knew he had to fix this or there would be no Easter. He jumped on his bicycle pedaling fast, reaching Jane’s house first. He knocked at the door and she talked from behind the door, still upset with him. Benny apologized and asked, “Can we all start over? I promise not to push, shove or try to take over every situation, please forgive me Jane.” She was amazed, never hearing him so humble. She opened the door and asked, “Do you mean it? You know, about being sorry for being a bully?” Benny crossed his heart and said, “If I act like that again you can punch my lights out! I was terrible, please forgive me. You think everyone else will accept my apology?” “I don’t know but you should try,” said Jane. Benny then asked Jane if she would go with him. Thank you Truth Or Lies readers you voted right, "King Charman the Leprechaun," published March 10, was FALSE. She knew he had changed. She got on her bicycle and rode all over with him as he apologized to everyone. They all met at the Ice Cream parlor; once again he apologized to everyone at the same time. He then asked, “Could we celebrate Easter tomorrow? And can Jacob be the Easter Bunny?” Everyone agreed and laughed while getting to know the new Benny. dv-Fז0?HSdv-Fז0?HS בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://7nq9g2NjHuQgrY2T0DakFx63JRgjXR8WoW7TUuTPR0A`׉ 7cassandra://py8cDFUyT8QUkwphYC7oTX-xwxvBWzK44wif9cm5QEs͖`h׉ 7cassandra://HBAQezX3ow5SefghAf_RVsia6Pbl_w2lor13UdfxPfU-`׉ 7cassandra://i-YLEIXVx0SpWRbny_9Q2vg5D0gdMQiyhKTdfDAaoo8KIW͠4dv1Fז0?HSנdv1Fז0?HSd 9ׁHhttp://PEOPLESFOOD.COOPׁ ׁ Јנdv1Fז0?HS h9ׁHhttp://peoplesfood.coopׁ ׁ Ј׉E 12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Spinach-cheese lasagna ELIZABETH BAUMAN Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds fresh spinach, coarsely chopped 1 15 oz. container ricotta cheese 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese 1 egg ¾ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper 30 ounces spaghetti sauce 10 uncooked lasagna noodles 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (I use a bit over two cups) ¾ to 1 cup water Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the spinach, ricotta, ½ cup parmesan, egg, salt and pepper in a large bowl and mix. Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce in a greased 12x8x2 inch pan. Arrange 4 lasagne noodles side-byside on spaghetti sauce, break other noodles to fill remaining space. Spread one-half of spinach mixture on noodles and evenly spread. Sprinkle ½ of mozzarella on top. PUZZLE SOLUTIONS S R D S A A V S Y E N I S E Y C Y D A O M E O E O R A N G E O J R S N M A S L Z F I R H D L H O D C U M Z L G E L B E N O D E R A R B E O S A A R R I R U N V D R M E W N I E A H L A O B W V A Y K O B Y O H O E D L R A T Y N A M M A C M N S O R H I N E Z U P E N O A E L N T U N N G L S A K G N P B E Y H D D P O I Y R O T G U H N U A S U C R C S A N Z O T U A K M O S G F Z O N G E A R A L O E N I R R A W A D D Y A N M N S T W I L L A M E T T E G A APRIL 7, 2023 Repeat layering ending with spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Run a knife around the edges of the casserole. Carefully spoon water around the edge; don't worry if it mixes with sauce. Cover the casserole TIGHTLY with tin foil, crimping edges. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until noodles are tender. Allow to rest for 10 minutes and then serve. A family favorite, I make our favorite basic marinara for the sauce. Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 6th 7pm; Good Friday: April 7th Stations of the Cross 12pm; Veneration of the Cross 1:30pm Easter Vigil: April 8th, 8:00pm Easter Sunday: April 9th, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm; 2:30pm Spanish Mass (no 5pm evening Mass) INTERNATIONAL COMFORT CUISINE! Available: Mon. - Fri. from 11-2 • Weekly menu at peoplesfood.coop PFC Kitchen proudly presents : $2 OFF NATURAL FOODS MARKET & DELI 216 N. FOURTH AVENUE ANN ARBOR, MI PHONE (734) 994 - 9174 • PEOPLESFOOD.COOP ANY PURCHASE OF $15 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 4/30/2023 ׉ 7cassandra://HBAQezX3ow5SefghAf_RVsia6Pbl_w2lor13UdfxPfU-`dv-Fז0?HS׈Edv-Fז0?HSdv-Fז0?HS ,April 7, 2023dv+?UŎ|