׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://q-3eh-kssTBvnY0CKLqObmEAeqelKyYSHe6DJ9nTtxg|3`׉ 7cassandra://APBSWHF4cvjs1_NcffTOkmGAIVp-8jyMGayETl6K9-0n`h׉ 7cassandra://BEuu_zs3yq7lpBA1bEdqZM3BLXvyQ6ln9F7rrcFpoj4(`׉ 7cassandra://HK4gKRtl7vHKrJfNa8GIzL2YNZX7USc479rvW3WMltYL7F͠4dvFז0?HSCטFu׈K0Y2׈EdvFז0?HS1׉E2 $ MARCH 24, 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 7 YOUR DONATION BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is March 25-26. Page 4 MEET YOUR VENDOR: LARZELL WASHINGTON PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. Ozone House: a sanctuary for struggling youth in Washtenaw County. page 5 Photography by Saif Sarab THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # ׉ 7cassandra://BEuu_zs3yq7lpBA1bEdqZM3BLXvyQ6ln9F7rrcFpoj4(`dvFז0?HS2dvFז0?HS1 בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://KJtamMMPqg2lvlT4kJy9ZKwD-tdRhrHMpWv_SRmuhswz`I׉ 7cassandra://N5JPwQP63ERVrukNDlCAZWGFyxwYmTt689OjV3Hru_Q`׉ 7cassandra://0u2Vm106ikIbtWEDGn-Wmziii-GCwMTO6jTKbDZ4D0sO`׉ 7cassandra://hD3_10ibvt4jkzinEzP0MP1PxslK0u7XKBu3PXCls70>͠ idvFז0?HSHנdvFז0?HSFǁ9׉Hhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgGׁ ׁ rנdvFז0?HSG܁9׉H http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsGׁ ׁ rנdvFז0?HSN9ׁH http://linktr.ee/groundcovernewsׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSMʁ9ׁHhttp://www.groundcovernews.orgׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSL 9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSKN!9ׁH&mailto:submissions@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSJ9ׁH"mailto:renterscommission@a2gov.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉Ev2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER in this ISSUE WHAT the STREET TOOK Markona Love, page 3 PHOTO ESSAY: THURSDAYS at OZONE Saif Sarab, page 6 U-M OPENS the 27th EXHIBITION of ARTS in MI PRISONS Aaron James, page 7 THE WOMEN of GROUNDCOVER NEWS Lit Kurtz, page 10 and 11 WHAT HAPPENED to the MIDDLE CLASS? Mike Jones, page 10 A GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY OPEN MIC MARCH 25TH, 6-8PM ARGUS FARM STOP, LIBERTY CAFE Join the Groundcover News community for another open mic centering on community perspectives on social injustices! content CORRECTION In last issue's article titled "The Ann Arbor rental market is a pretty scary place," it was stated that landlords can't require you to resign a lease until 150 days have passed of a lease. Instead it should have read, "In 2021, City Council amended the Early Leasing Ordinance so that landlords cannot require tenants to sign leases before 150 days remain on the lease." For a year-long lease, this is about 7 months into the leasing period. If you have any questions, please email renterscommission@a2gov.org A WORKSHOP ON BUILDING NARRATIVE POWER MARCH 24TH, 2-4:30PM ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY DOWNTOWN BRANCH - FREESPACE Join journalist Lauren Slager and Groundcover News for an op-ed writing workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library. Link lived experience with a call to action to inspire change in your community! Participants will be invited to speak at the following open mic and publish in Groundcover News. MARCH 24, 2023 HEAR ME OUT! 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 Aaron James Mike Jones Lit Kurtz Markona Love Calista Redington Saif Sarab Will Shakespeare Maya Strohband PROOFREADERS Angelina Akdis Susan Beckett Robert Coulter Elliot Cubit Sooyun Kim 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 Layla McMurturie Jesse Owen Anabel Sicko Sandy Smith Erin Trame 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, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, PITCH A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews 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 ׉ 7cassandra://0u2Vm106ikIbtWEDGn-Wmziii-GCwMTO6jTKbDZ4D0sO`dvFז0?HS5׉EMARCH 24, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR What the street took To my Sisters and Brothers of the street … I write this directly to you and about Us — who carry an experienced awareness of a reality that we all share. Our conversation is meant to be heard by all, so to educate and create awareness in other human beings who care. We lose all our monetary possesLarzell Washington, vendor No. 128 In one sentence, who are you? I try to be an understanding person. Where do you usually sell Groundcover News? Everywhere, but more recently, Bobcat Bonnie’s on Michigan Ave. What is your favorite thing to do in Ypsilanti? Talk to people. Why did you start selling Groundcover? I believe it was just my niche in life. Life recruited me. What words do you live by? Forgive while you are still here. Lack of forgiveness is a psychological disorder. What are you most likely to be famous for? Communicating well with people. Or bank robbery ... just joking! What's the best way to start the day? Saying “good morning.” What is a small thing that makes your day better? A nice, cold Faygo. Orange flavor. What would be the first thing you did if you won the lottery? Shop for joy! If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A nice chef’s salad with ranch and thousand island dressing. What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? I would like to see Washtenaw County recognize mental health more. That it is a real situation. sions, getting shoved to the street, but the struggle is in what of Us we leave on the street that we may never recover and the pain carried from losing an irreplaceable part of Us. For me, it was my most loved and trusted companion Kona, and the peace of mind from believing the system would take the necessary action. The story is so sadly common — unscrupulous landlords and a landlord-biased system. Many landlords/apartment managers of low income housing are nothing more than criminals riding the “river of bias” streaming through our authoritative system. Really, you're forever one foot out the door, often ending up in a homelessness carousel. This creates an insecurity that is painfully and possibly permanently burnt into a consciousness that may struggle with recovering from a previous ignorance of insecurity. So many people who have not had this experience do not realize they are just one step away from “one step beyond.” So, how did we get here/there from here/there? What did we (Us) lose of ourselves, how do we lose it and is there a way back, emotionally? How were you put on the street(s)? I can only imagine the countless — possibly close to infinite — ways. Each tragic story is so specific to each special human being. I say “special human being” because that human being got knocked down, taken out, and now you see that “special human being” trudging with a backpack or shoving a cart … you’re witnessing somebody of great courage attempting to get the f*** back up! We all need to respectfully ask that person their story. We all have something to learn from everybody, especially the homeless who show the greatest strength and courage, fighting a seemingly endless battle. Their story might help save your life or somebody's that you love. This battle starts day one and you soon realize the system is completely inadequate; therefore it’s a seemingly unwinnable battle. But you're watching a human being who MARKONA LOVE Groundcover vendor No. 590 knows how you're looking at them but fights on. I have seen this fight clearly since I was young, all over the world. There is an endless list of tragic ways in which some of our hearts were taken from us. How do “Homers” (the housed unaware) cope and grieve? Attend funerals, Shivas, consoling potlucks at home, vacations from work and more. Ask Homers how hard it was to cope … then ask how they would have done it if they have to shove all that pain deep down, hold their head up and drive on into the wind — work it to get it (food, heat, sleep, transportation, safety) or just give up and die! The homeless can and do come from various economic stations. Intelligence, education, or original status does not make you impervious to a “slip and fall” to the street. Some of our Ann Arbor homeless people have several jobs and are still unable to obtain permanent housing. Many of Us also volunteer, support other homeless people in need and contribute actively to our community. Many homeless people are cognizant and ultraaware of politics in order to just navigate a dysfunctional system. We (Us) have to be more informed and aware than others in order to be consistently facilitating a far more complex way of survival. Homers base their assumptions on a preconceived bias, based solely on appearance. These misconceptions support the system, pigeonholing us into a convenient place on their game board. Then we become pliable to the machine merely to become fuel for their fodder. You are now whatever they want you to be — your life becomes a loose kite with them carelessly holding the string. You hope for grace, but that's spread far and thin these days. So you reach for a belief/faith or maybe some luck from the cosmos. In the end it relies on HOPE. Hope is the edge of the cliff. To all So many people who have not had this experience do not realize they are just one step away from 'one step beyond.' of you on the streets, from the street, or on the way to the street — hold on, don’t let go — don't give up that hope, that's yours. Keep it safe and nourished. Don't let it go. Believe it or not there are other human beings who will love and care about you but, it might take awhile for someone to see you for who you truly are, a special person that needs some help and understanding — empathy, love. Everyone of us is a beautiful human being who just needs some level of help — getting it right. It's a comfortable release for the ignorant to quickly judge instead of caring with any empathy. Yes, it’s an effort. Anything worthwhile is, like an investment. Do not give up hope, ever! After putting some real time in on the street you start to lose faith in this system; it wears you down with poorly placed protocols, incompetence and just plain inaction … sometimes purposeful. We (Us) know of this, and several of Us have experienced this firsthand — some more than others, usually due to prejudice. This just beats you down, and some politicians are counting on that. It’s all figured into the design of the bills they write. This practice includes all Washington politicians, from one end of the spectrum to the other, even the ones that throw Us an occasional crumb. This is something Homers aren’t told but many of Us experience directly. And, in the same way they suppress minority rights, they then turn Us against each other to divide and conquer. Remember who is at the keyboard that are the switches of your destiny — life! Oh! Don’t forget social media — they’ve mastered it to their own, eventual self-destruction. They’ll try to shove you so far into the corner that you start dropping diamonds. This is something I experienced, and am still experiencing. If we (Us) try to help or inform others, Uncle Sam comes down on Us with no mercy, with “Maxwell’s Silver see STREET page 8  GROUNDCOVER NEWS 3 " dvFז0?HS6dvFז0?HS5 בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://z2wBTwdJl2gJXBsM05OXBCIpW8PQpTW-uTMPvL-_2jsZ`I׉ 7cassandra://NkYsSWobuEncF1aLt9j3_tkaKvmUWkvmAS_iaH0uP3s(`׉ 7cassandra://tidHDU2EwOPvOkHlmzPQa1ZzbTGHU5calvztrw0Z7XoU`׉ 7cassandra://v3Qxuwa8yU-QhSLWPXhR-vEknAk4WjGNu7i8DkppQhs'͠ idvFז0?HSOנdvFז0?HSS <t9ׁHhttp://AADL.org/foolׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSR <x̴9ׁHhttp://AADL.org/shelfserviceׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSQ W9ׁHhttp://AADL.org/ׁ ׁ Ј׉El4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POWWOW MARCH 24, 2023 Drum circle from the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow in 2018. Images obtained from the U-M Powwow website. 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is March 25-26, 2023 When you know who you are; when your mission is clear and you burn with the inner fire of unbreakable will; no cold can touch your heart; no deluge can dampen your purpose. You know that you are alive! — Chief Seattle, Duwamish (1780-1866) The 49th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, co-sponsored by the University of Michigan Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives and the U-M Native American Student Association, will be held on March 25-26 at Skyline High School in Ann Arbor. The powwow is a celebration of American Indian culture. The annual event is one of the largest student-run powwows in the country, bringing together over 1,000 Native American singers, dancers and artists from across North America. “People from diverse indigenous nations gather for the purpose of dancing, singing and honoring the traditions of their ancestors,” according to ethnomusicologist Tara Browner. The ritual likely originated from one of the Algonquian nations known as the Northeast Indians. In the past, individual tribes would gather and celebrate by themselves. Today, powwow is intertribal and inclusive. The contemporary powwow is a fusion of different tribal traditions. “The songs and dances performed at 21st-century powwows derive primarily from those practiced by the warrior societies of the Plains Indians,” Browner said, “with the greatest influences coming from the Heluska WILL SHAKESPEARE Groundcover vendor No. 258 Native Americans in its origin, history, growth and success. The annual powwow event is in line with U-M’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission, which aims to “work to create a university community that reflects the vast, rich heterogeneity of the state and the broader society.” On Sept. 29, 1817, the Treaty of Fort Warrior Society styles common to the Omaha and Ponca peoples.” Powwow in Washtenaw County In 1972, a small group of faculty, staff and graduate students at the University of Michigan initiated the powwow event in Ann Arbor. An energetic group of undergraduates, the Native American Student Association, took charge of planning and publicity for the annual event in 1976. The powwow continues to get bigger and better each year. Local powwows have been held at Huron High School, the Michigan League, the Michigan Union, Cleary College of Ypsilanti, Pioneer High School, Chrisler Arena and Saline Middle School. In 2017, with the help of Eastern Michigan University’s Native American Student Organization, U-M started to hold the powwow at Skyline High School. Land gift to U-M The University of Michigan is tied to Meigs was signed between Michigan’s territorial governor, Lewis Cass, and the native tribes of Ojibwe (Chippewa), Odawa (Ottawa), and Bodewadimi (Potawatomi). These tribes resided in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula at the time of Fort Meigs’ Treaty. A remarkable unraveling in the treaty of 1817 is summarized by the following statement: “In the treaty process, Gov. Cass persuaded the Natives to cede 3,840 acres of land, half of which was earmarked for St. Anne’s Church, and half for ‘a college of Detroit’ in which the natives would be eligible to enroll.” After the treaty was finalized, Judge Augustus Woodward, the Rev. Gabriel Richard and the Rev. John Monteith drafted legislation that founded the University of Michigan in Detroit under the name Catholepistemiad on Aug. 26, 1817. The university moved from Detroit to Ann Arbor in 1837. The land gift to U-M by the tribes was sold and the income investment became the foundation of U-M’s endowment. Groundcover News will be tabling at this year's powwow! Come by to experience and embrace Native American culture in Southeast Michigan through song, dance, cuisine and more! ׉ 7cassandra://tidHDU2EwOPvOkHlmzPQa1ZzbTGHU5calvztrw0Z7XoU`dvFז0?HS7׉EMARCH 24, 2023 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Ozone House: a sanctuary for struggling youth in Washtenaw Ozone House is a non-profit organization based in Ann Arbor that opened its doors in 1969 due to the growing number of runaway youth migrating to Washtenaw County. Today, they are the only agency in Washtenaw County that provides free, confidential, and voluntary shelter and support services to runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth ages 10 to 20 and their families. The mission of Ozone House is to “[help] young people lead safe, responsible, and healthy lives through intensive intervention and prevention services.” The organization consistently provides non-judgemental support and safety for youth in crisis through various programs including emergency services, counseling, drop-in hours, housing, job training and transportation. Ozone House offers free counseling and case management services to provide youth a safe space to talk about any issues at home that may be affecting their mental well-being. Licensed social workers are available to provide crisis intervention and individual or family therapy as well. Similarly, Ozone hosts meals and drop-in hours throughout the week, inviting 13 to 20-year-olds the opportunity to relax in a controlled space, eat a hot meal, take a shower or even just talk to a peer in a safe environment. Shelter is one of the main resources that Ozone House provides to youth in the community and there are three different types: SafeStay, Transitional Living, and Supported Opportunities for Living on Your Own. SafeStay offers emergency shelter where those in need can participate prepares homeless or at-risk youth for their first job. Tim, an 18-year-old who participated in this program, CALISTA REDINGTON U-M student contributor “put his customer service skills to use at McDonald’s, where he has worked for several years.” The program helps with resume building, interview skills, and ultimately concludes with a 100-hour paid internship. This program has helped numerous young adults find stability in a career and build a new life for themselves. Ozone House also provides transin individual and family therapy, group therapy, life skills workshops, educational support and safe recreational activities. This resource is for youth ages 10 to 17 who need an escape from their situation at home or a safe place to stay, whether overnight or only a few hours. Transitional Living, called Miller House, is open to 18-to-22-year-olds who do not have a safe or stable home. Residents can stay for up to 18 months, giving them time to get back on their feet. Residents must go to school or have a job and participate in case management, life skills training, counseling and paying “rent” that goes into a savings account for later use. Miller House sets their residents up for success by teaching them the skills they need to regain stability in their lives. Supported Opportunities for Living on your Own, or SOLO, offers supportive housing for youth 18 to 21 with disabilities. Job and leadership training is another resource that Ozone House offers to struggling youth in the community in the form of WorkZone. WorkZone is an employment training and paid internship program that portation for those in need, partnering with the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, or The Ride. This is a notfor-profit local organization that helps youth get a ride to their school if their living situation is unstable or provide reduced fare cards so they can get to school and work. Affordable or free transportation is extremely important for those seeking help from Ozone House. Since moving to their new location at 1600 N. Huron River Drive, Ozone House has upgraded their maximum capacity and can currently hold 25 youth per night. They are always looking for volunteers and for the community to get involved in their cause, specifically for the crisis line, to listen and provide critical information to those in need. They also accept donated goods. They encourage volunteers to help advocate for public policies that improve the lives of young people or invite Ozone House staff and young people to share about key issues. Ozone House is an extremely important resource within the Washtenaw County community that provides help to youth experiencing homelessness and instability. Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Databases at AADL Did you know all AADL library card holders have access to databases? You can search consumer reports, genealogy, and much more! Visit AADL.org/ collections/databases AADL Shelf Service Place your request with our Shelf Service and let AADL know the types of things you’re looking for. AADL staff will fill a bag with items we think you’ll like! For more information visit AADL.org/shelfservice FEATURED EVENT 5 Friday, April 7 • 7-10pm Kerrytown FoolMoon is back with light-filled art and creative experiences in the Kerrytown district. Dress up, light the luminaries, celebrate, spread smiles, and share some love with A2 local businesses! This year’s theme—U.F.O.s (Unidentified Foolish Objects)—brings arts + lights + wonder! FoolMoon is in partnership with Assembli. All the details can be found at AADL.org/fool dvFז0?HS8dvFז0?HS7 בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://4Gc9WlFyl25XMxo158ipIVDi5zL6HK8lvkd_IPAUXeMj/`I׉ 7cassandra://dB0JZXQmdcMNYR5W_deYH4sO3loyQJEtqJ_05eAll_E'`׉ 7cassandra://rTfGjO5PDPkR_gajMBmpro1VaQ-8euyzT0EE2_RswmQU`׉ 7cassandra://jW2n2CD2VORujA_XibmjcCzfnRJRo5WZBiAHGF6_Mcs+CT͠ idvFז0?HST׉EZ6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS PHOTO ESSAY Thursdays at Ozone by Saif Sarab MARCH 24, 2023 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) ׉ 7cassandra://rTfGjO5PDPkR_gajMBmpro1VaQ-8euyzT0EE2_RswmQU`dvFז0?HS9׉EyMARCH 24, 2023 ARTS + CULTURE GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Left: State of Mind by Christopher Stark. Middle: A tribute to Norman Rockwell, Self-Portrait by Robert Tate. Right: Don't Wait Until Too Late by Jeffery Hoaglin. Below: Hopelessness by VAN. U-M opens the 27th annual Exhibition of Arts in Michigan Prisons AARON JAMES PCAP Three hundred and sixty unique artists inside 25 Michigan prisons are collaborating with the University of Michigan’s Prison Creative Arts Project, to showcase 645 pieces of art including paintings, three-dimensional creations and drawings. The 27th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons runs March 21 through April 5 at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. This exposition is the world’s largest display of its kind, where underground art meets academic exhibition. A community of often unheard artists partnering with U-M facilitators and curators radically form what late PCAP founder and English professor Buzz Alexander called “our bridge.” Prices of art vary greatly and each artist receives their full asking price if their work sells. This reinforces that their art is an “extension of someone.” Emily Chase, art therapist and PCAP’s Arts Programming Coordinator said. Chase believes “art expresses something subjective about experience that quantitative research cannot.” Chase describes feelings of polarization on selection trips inside prisons meeting artists. “I feel joy in connection while my heart is breaking,” she said. “Mutual change happens through that connection.” Master of Social Work student Sarah Hebert-Johnson shared that engaging with incarcerated artists “challenges the dominant narrative of punishment.” “The deep conversations with talented people make me rethink society,” she said. For some, like artist BEE, this rethinking reminds society that, “Some people are already in prison, and they will never step a foot inside a prison.” He said this about his juxtaposition-themed painting, State of Mind. After her first selection trip inside, such liberation awareness encouraged undergraduate student Suzy Moffat to add Art and Design to her Anthropology major. She’s been on 13 eye-opening trips to correctional facilities this year. “My thinking has become less cut and dry, more understanding and empathetic,” Muffat said. “Art is already a medium for that. Without going in and talking [to the artists], I don’t think I would have added Art and Design.” PCAP Community Engagement Specialist Sarah Unrath has worked directly with artists both presently and formerly in prison. “It gives me goosebumps walking in the gallery, that precious arena that exudes the whole gamut of emotions of what it means to be human,” Unrath said. Unrath calls PCAP interactions authentic. “It’s something you just can’t shake. Whether that’s through revelations that happen during workshops and undergraduate courses, the powerful experiences of art selection trips, or the radical community of Linkage, PCAP seeps into the fibers of your being and changes the way you do life.” The exhibition is presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. It’s held at the Duderstadt Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. on U-M’s North Campus in Ann Arbor. The eclectic Opening Celebration and reception kicks off on March 21 at 5 p.m., with the Ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Duderstadt Basement. It features speakers from U-M, the Michigan Department of Corrections, artists from previous exhibitions, and exhibition co-founder, Janie Paul. Early releases of Paul’s new book about the exhibit, "Making Art in Prison: Survival and Resistance," will be available on opening night. dvFז0?HS:dvFז0?HS9 בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://whalGVel1MIJR3FCjz7dqaCfQBAcOLzENgXtDajsQVIE`I׉ 7cassandra://xim_boKXeDAtj_W7EdtGeaq9b4ncrsXChWFni-h3XLc`׉ 7cassandra://Oj_h9-WVOt4FguA1fpSdzlgt4cgOH2tBy57uJ-P7XDkM`׉ 7cassandra://bLzMVODCeJolXj3okmlZ6UYshbe3IgGoW-ASvphps884͠ idvFז0?HSVנdvFז0?HSZ9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS COMMUNITY RESOURCES  STREET from page 3 constantly been enlightening me with, Hammer.” Still, we need to give credit where it is due — the social workers that are doing the work on and off the streets, who tirelessly are at homeless encampments trying day in and out to save lives, with very little appropriate support from the system that assigned them. And there needs to be a special awareness to the Washtenaw General Defense Committee and Washtenaw Camp Outreach, tirelessly and fearlessly being there for the desperate homeless. There are many other involved entities, including Mission, Solidarity House, Mercy House, Purple House, Peace House, Hamilton House, the Ypsi Freighthouse and other warming centers, and the Hope Clinic (especially Heather) and so many others I’m not fully aware of. Many selfless individuals dedicate themselves when the system just works to keep you in the corner. They all, in some part/manner, have assisted in a step back up for me … although unfortunately too late for my faithful Kona. Here’s how I’m trying to get hold of that kite string: face them directly, unflinchingly, never ever even considering defeat. You have never lost until you’ve given up. Ken Parks has “Breathe in, breathe out and do some good today.” All of Us owe a great deal of respect and gratitude to Ken Parks for standing strong on the front lines decade after decade. The powers that be must be saying, “How is this man still here, still fighting for them?” I have great appreciation for the loving grace of Ken for grabbing me by the cuff when I might have been going under, for Christie Blais’s (of PATH) diligence, patience, and kindness, and for Lindsay Calka (Groundcover News publisher and friend) who encouraged me to finally use the pen. I thought I was going to be writing about Kona first, or how we got here — but, out there…they’re all me, we are, all going through the same s*** — we are all One — unforgettably feeling pain shoved deep, haunting every homeless step. But, everybody who works with or at Groundcover News is dedicated to a better world in which we love, accept and support. Groundcover vendors are the brothers and sisters that immediately opened the family door without hesitation or judgment. Their shoulders are keeping me up now. They know I'm/we are here because we've been knocked down, and inevitably have seen a lot a s*** — and are ready to get back up and get it right. This is the rest of the family that has the love, skill, and/or determination to be there and raise Us up; advertisers, volunteers, editors, publishers, sponsors (Argus's for kindly and supportively allowing me/us to sell papers there). This is the Ann Arbor Groundcover family! — or one of our approximately 100 integrated street papers worldwide that are dedicated to those of us following closely behind… May Grace be to OUR Streets Markona Love Author's note: This piece is dedicated to KONA (bird pictured right in byline photo). Kona gave me the life I was destined for — against All odds from her many great sacrifices — ultimately Her Life. She is the Love of MY Life … Kona showed me that every sentient being feels love and pain. Knowing this is a heavy burden in life but, the journey was unimaginably joyful. I literally cried from overwhelming pure joy countless times; I had never known that it was possible to see life flushed in such brilliant colors, like nothing I could have ever dreamed or imagined — constantly checking “how can this be possible, to be in such a state of bliss, naturally?” With Kona anything was possible. Then, Kona was gone —- I was washed into a grey sea that I will forever tread to keep a memory of an impossible dream. Kona was and Always Will Be 'My Conduit to the Cosmos' P. S. The political extremists have dug in deep and entrenched in our system and have slandered and discredited me and everything else under the sky, just shy of shooting me in the head to keep me silent. So, might as well just “on my own … here we go." Write and Speak! "Stay Tuned To This Bat Channel" to see if I’m still blinking, when this comes to print. It is your time to get aware and step the f*** up! No, not for me. I’m just a speck in the dust that covers all the mistruths. Let’s start by getting back to the Ann Arbor you thought you never lost. Talk is cheap. Change always takes work and sacrifice. May we all one day see each other! MARCH 24, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://Oj_h9-WVOt4FguA1fpSdzlgt4cgOH2tBy57uJ-P7XDkM`dvFז0?HS;׉E MARCH 24, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. dvFז0?HS<dvFז0?HS; בCט u׉׉ 7cassandra://vydkI9dXjbs2b9qnes0WLM-SFxHHqducMjwYzv1z3JE`I׉ 7cassandra://qK4iufjYD56x0X6QRKAns84SsGKyGb8-MV9ayrnRvAQA1`׉ 7cassandra://YFNqoVqQIz2xdVyONrzPuIutKZL3GAyfsdyBNoiWnQw_`׉ 7cassandra://tR39YstJVtXmB58M1w37ULYCPTyRP6fZb9AtfXZPk-o.\̠͠ idvFז0?HS[נdvFז0?HSX́39׉Hhttp://litspage.com%20%20Gׁ ׁ rנdvFז0?HSYh9׉Hhttp://litspage.com%20%20Gׁ ׁ rנdvFז0?HS^Gr9ׁH"mailto:contact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HS]a9ׁHhttp://litspage.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR VOICES The women of Groundcover News LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 Only a select group of people will ever understand life without mainstream housing. Even a smaller group will appreciate what it is like to be a woman facing this struggle. Women have special challenges on the street. From the teen who has been abandoned by parents or freshly aged out of foster care to the elderly woman with no family, there are challenges and vulnerabilities that are unique to being a woman. In a 2017 article, former Groundcover Human Service Director Laurie Wetcher noted that families make up half of the unhoused population and that, of those families, 90% are headed by single women. These women's lifestyles will invariably have an impact on future generations. The women of Groundcover News and street papers around the world know the struggles all too well. Yet despite obstacles or because of them, we are among those who have defied the odds and changed our circumstances through the entrepreneurship model this publication offers. The women of Groundcover make up a small percentage of vendors; presently only a third of active Groundcover vendors are women. We are women who are small businesses with taxpaying responsibilities. We are the ones who face all weather conditions and frequent societal hostilities and rejections while remaining steadfast in improving ourselves in this entrepreneurial endeavor. We are women from different ethnic backgrounds, varied age groups, different races and classes all working on a common goal. The noticeable differences of the larger world are obscured as we fight for survival and to share the common message of the plight of the unhoused. Although we are from different walks of life, our shared struggles unite us into a sisterhood that is undeniably our own. Yet well into the 21st century we face the struggle that many women have faced throughout American history — lack of inclusion. There seems to be no accomplishment worthy of recognition by our housed peers. For example, Kung Fu Panda is not only an artist who has faced housing insecurity, she is an artist in her own right with her own style. However, she is not present in the art galleries around our city. La Shawn Courtwright published a book of poems. Felicia Wilbert is published as well. Yet even during Women’s History Month these ladies' works are not sought out and featured in any of the displays featuring women's accomplishments. As a woman, I myself am proud to have been the first vendor nominated in 2016 for the Best Vendor Contribution Category at the International Street Paper Conference in Greece where I was one of the top five finalists. And yes, I plan to join the list of other women vendors from Groundcover who have published a book. Still, the glaring omission of unhoused women remains an anachronism in a world and community who feel they have “dotted all i’s and crossed all t’s” when it comes to equity and fairness for everyone. Increasingly, though, we are a force that is becoming more and more difficult to ignore. So, this Women’s History Month I celebrate myself and all women of Groundcover News and of street papers around the world. I hope you will join in this Women’s History Month to show your appreciation and help to celebrate us too. Besides selling Groundcover News, I am a writer, blogger, and am becoming a social media influencer. You can find out more about my activities at http:// litspage.com MARCH 24, 2023 What happened to the middle class? Once upon a time, not long ago, people liked to chill and live life slow. “Leave it to Beaver,” the family show in the 1960s and 70s was the poster family of the American middle class. I was raised in a middle class household. During this time period in American history the economy and the middle class was thriving. From the time I was a child to this very moment is like night and day, so much so it can make you lose faith in capitalism. Capitalism is an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by a few private owners for profit, rather than by the state. The essential feature of capitalism is the motive to make a profit. MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 Middle class families’ jobs have been exported overseas to various different parts of the globe. That’s why people like myself no longer live in a middle class neighborhood. Car companies like Ford, GM and Chrysler, along with other jobs that used to sustain the middle class, are gone. Inflation is the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time. Everything has gone up besides our paychecks. Recession is part of the business cycle when things are not going well, resulting in things like high unemployment. There is a saying, “the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.” Unfortunately, all of this is by design, through big government, Wall Street bankers, and more. A lot of people who are still in the middle class find themselves in a struggle to remain there, often having a hard time making ends meet. ARE YOU A PHOTOGRAPHER LOOKING TO GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY? - Join the Groundcover News crew of volunteer photographers! Commitment can be anything from assignment-based images (for publication in the newspaper) or photography at Groundcover News events (for use on social media and Groundcover communications). If you have lived experience with homelessness there may be paid opportunities. Email contact@groundcovernews.com to learn more and sign-up for our list-serv. ׉ 7cassandra://YFNqoVqQIz2xdVyONrzPuIutKZL3GAyfsdyBNoiWnQw_`dvFז0?HS?׉EMARCH 24, 2023 WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH GROUNDCOVER NEWS THE WOMEN OF GROUNDCOVER 11 LIT KURTZ #159 is a writer, blogger, and social media influencer. She became associated with Groundcover as a result of being one of 4,000 teachers laid off in the school district that she worked. Since joining the organization, Lit has represented Groundcover on the international stage at the INSP conference, being the first vendor from Groundcover to be a finalist in the Best Vendor Contribution competition. As a former teacher, she is passionate about helping youth who are experiencing housing instability. Recently, she has organized and led a homeless advocacy workshop at the Ypsilanti District Library to get community members more aware of, and more involved in, the homelessness crisis. AMANDA GALE #577 's life is about worshipping Jesus, thriving in life for Him, for herself and for those she loves. She works for a local retailer, sells Groundcover and volunteers for various worthy causes. She loves her mom, her pet turtle Ticia, appreciates her church and prays for God's blessings. BEVERLY BOSS #583 started selling Groundcover last year and has found success as an outgoing, independent saleswoman! She grew up in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. FELICIA WILBERT #234 is a cheerful, God-loving entrepreneur. She is a mother and grandmother who has overcome many obstacles only because of the grace of God. She has been working off and on with Groundcover since 2015, both selling and writing. She appreciates Groundcover and Groundcover readers. Without them she would have to create another way to survive. Felicia is the mastermind behind Truth or Lies Mystery Lane and has two murder-love-story-mystery books available for purchase on Amazon. SHELLEY DENEVE #22 Shelley began selling Groundcover in the depths of the recession in 2010 to avoid eviction. She has worked steadily at Subway for years but continues to be a contributing member of the Groundcover community, writing and supplementing her income as needed. DENISE SHEARER #483 likes to comfort people, make people smile and laugh. Denise has been selling Groundcover since 2018. She currently both writes and illustrates cartoons for Groundcover. CINDY "KUNG FU PANDA" GERE #279 is a happy-go-lucky creative artist, warm greeter of Ann Arbor and Grouncover vendor who sells at the Sweetwaters Cafe on Washington Street in downtown A2. Cindy writes a column for the newspaper where she interviews low income and homeless artists in the Ann Arbor and Ypsi area. Her work is on display at the Groundcover News office in addition to Journey of Faith Church’s Art on a Journey gallery. TERESA BASHAM #570 is the mother of five beautiful children and grandmother to 10! Teresa started selling Groundcover in May of last year and started publishing her poetry in the paper in the fall. Check out some of her work in the upcoming poetry issue or read past poems in the archives on the Groundcover website. LA SHAWN COURTWRIGHT #56 is a Groundcover vendor and writer. Although many readers know her for her fierce poetry, La Shawn has recently written freelance reporting assignments for Groundcover News. La Shawn has a book of poetry published entitled "The Fold: a Collection of Poetry." She says, "this collection of poetry speaks to a very common theme of real human experiences, and they are just a small part of mine ... For anyone who has had to experience incarceration for any amount of time can understand where I'm coming from in two of poems." these TABITHA LUDWIG #360 has been selling Groundcover since 2016. She is currently expecting her fifth child, a baby girl whose due date is in July of this year. In her free time she enjoys watching movies and reading. dvFז0?HS@dvFז0?HS? בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://E55slBHm-ODMGLXia08PaHMQ_GlfnBR-1FOCKnu6dj4`׉ 7cassandra://wEYeiIvq9hnhi2GXU9td7ycI6jpHxNdFYqWasTqgNQU͗-`h׉ 7cassandra://ocAHG6d-_7Ykdf7ygp8J5gL8IgDjMK9M-ddq_hzVtJM/n`׉ 7cassandra://XhQyj-mFnEF8QVZibE4OVta0A_r7TIl5xLEf89FPIhw40Q~͠4dvFז0?HS_נdvFז0?HSbd 9ׁHhttp://PEOPLESFOOD.COOPׁ ׁ ЈנdvFז0?HSa h9ׁHhttp://peoplesfood.coopׁ ׁ Ј׉E $12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Gebrannte Mandeln MAYA STROHBAND Groundcover contributor This tasty treat is frequently found at German Christmas markets. The smell alone makes any kitchen feel like a winter wonderland! These candied almonds take approximately 25 minutes to prepare and only use six simple ingredients. Ingredients: 1 cup (~8 oz) of almonds 1 cup of cane sugar 1/3 cup of water 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon Pinch of salt Directions: Add the water, sugar, salt, vanilla extract or bean paste, and cinnamon into a non-stick pan. Bring to a boil until the sugar is fully dissolved. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add the almonds and reduce heat to medium-high when sugar is fully dissolved. MARCH 24, 2023 Be sure to stir the almonds frequently for the next 20 minutes. The sugar will crystallize after approximately 20 minutes and return to a dry state. Don’t worry! This is supposed to happen. Reduce heat to medium and continue stirring. The sugar will dissolve again and thickly coat the almonds. Once the crystallized sugar has fully dissolved and coated the almonds, spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let cool. They will be very hot! Let cool down completely and enjoy! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS BECOME A GROUNDCOVER NEWS VENDOR • Make money on your first day • Choose your own schedule • Work for yourself • Join a supportive community • Get started this week for FREE 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 NEW VENDOR ORIENTATIONS ARE EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY, 10 AM @ THE GCN OFFICE. Trainings take 90 minutes. New vendors will get a temporary badge and 10 free papers to start. BLAKE TRANSIT Willam St. AADL The Groundcover office is located in the basement of Bethlehem United Church of Christ (423 S 4th Ave, downtown Ann Arbor) Packard St. Fifth St. Fourth Ave. ׉ 7cassandra://ocAHG6d-_7Ykdf7ygp8J5gL8IgDjMK9M-ddq_hzVtJM/n`dvFז0?HSA׈EdvFז0?HSBdvFז0?HSA ,March 24, 2023dv?UŎ|