׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://FtBggyvFJHsnlV3lk3Dx3pv0qMfVVGnoVfwk56IVWUQa:`׉ 7cassandra://vmq5IVkDKTu-ipP4tWCyei9xeA67H3TPTzVqItE-yCQ͓`h׉ 7cassandra://P9xUHqyhU2bssIbIvDLJ2W1nmss6DjGBC2o0XbHwBiw2 `eh@טFu׈U׈Eeh@׉E@2 $ DECEMBER 29, 2023 | VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 1 YOUR PURCHASE BENEFITS THE VENDORS. PLEASE BUY ONLY FROM BADGED VENDORS. Washtenaw County lends and ear to those with lived experience. page 6 MEET YOUR VENDOR: JIM CLARK PAGE 3 GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP | WASHTENAW COUNTY, MICH. THIS PAPER WAS BOUGHT FROM Mixed media art pieces by T'onna Clemmons. • Proposal: Housing-development accelerator • Charbonneau: Open your eyes to housing inequity. PAGE 4 @groundcovernews, include vendor name and vendor # FUN-RAISER @ LIVE A2 on Fri, February 2nd, 6:30-9p ׉ 7cassandra://P9xUHqyhU2bssIbIvDLJ2W1nmss6DjGBC2o0XbHwBiw2 `eh@ҁeh@с בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://TynTUxcfijPE1ps-S2OCCQsJb1ZVoOan_EnpwK0tJbQ͏`׉ 7cassandra://WpSobUU4eFZNksQdLhToue-voFKax3yB4xT3R3YUONI͉h`h׉ 7cassandra://8RROGkidTRkT1ttpXSj06rVbKwOswPp7-2XGF0qPmDQ*`eh@טFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://tdsQu4-hb4ARoDF64VW_n-AQT6Vmjz2gs4kZV4YEIrY)`׉ 7cassandra://VCw5WwkIxmMS7G1uDhKN85v-JuvJdU8ztkGKIJsFoeI͌J`h׉ 7cassandra://7FfRHgsLta2h4x3IxLXEfVhX6szU1ottA0JCWtZ7FU4'`eh@נeh@ ?9ׁHmailto:neatonmath@gmail.comׁ ׁ Јנeh@ Q̩9ׁHhttp://mynumberdna.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EW2 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER from the DIRECTOR'S DESK LINDSAY CALKA Publisher We all know Ann Arbor is a pretty cool place. When the New York Times published “It’s the Coolest Rock Show in Ann Arbor. And Almost Everyone There Is Over 65.” on January 12, 2023, the rest of the world realized what we already knew. The New York Times story featured Live’s fondly nicknamed “Geezer Happy Hour,” which on any given Friday evening hosts over a hundred Ann Arbor townies, often 60 or older. You might remember the iconic photos shared on Facebook featuring fancy outfits and silver heads bobbing on a crowded dance floor. In February, for one night only, two of Ann Arbor’s hyper-local scenes are coming together for Groundcover News’ first fundraiser event since before the pandemic. Groundcover News is excited to co-host the Geezer Happy Hour — all thanks to bands Jive Colossus and The Sidemen who are donating their tips from the night to our organization, and event organizer Randy Tessier! There will be Groundcover merchandise available to purchase, two unique art pieces up for auction — created by local artist T'onna Clemmons— and of course all the live music and Groundcover News-fun that you can imagine. We have a handful of amazing programs in need of funding for the new year. You can see the impacts of these programs in 2023 on the back page of this issue. If your New Year’s resolution is to have more fun, dance more often and connect with community members, mark your calendar for Friday, February 2, 6:30-9 p.m. No cover. We look forward to seening you there! LIVE is located at 102 S First St in downtown Ann Arbor. More details leading up to the event will be posted on the Groundcover News Facebook page. RSVP there and feel free to invite rockers and readers alike! FEBRUARY 2, 2024 6:30-9p PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELFDETERMINED INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY POVERTY, PRODUCING A STREET NEWSPAPER THAT GIVES A PLATFORM TO UNDERREPRESENTED VOICES IN WASHTENAW COUNTY, PROMOTING AN ACTION TO BUILD A JUST, CARING AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY. Groundcover News, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in April 2010 as a means to empower lowincome persons to make the transitions from homeless to housed, and from jobless to employed. Vendors purchase each copy of our regular editions of Groundcover News at our office for 50 cents. This money goes toward production costs. Vendors work selling the paper on the street for $2, keeping all income and tips from each sale. Street papers like Groundcover News exist in cities all over the United States, as well as in more than 40 other countries, in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of homeless people and combat the increase in poverty. Our paper is a proud member of the International Network of Street Papers. STAFF Lindsay Calka — publisher Cynthia Price — editor Simone Masing — intern ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS Teresa Basham Jim Clark Cindy Gere Mike Jones Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz Joshua Lee Ken Parks Ashley Powell Earl Pullen Phillip Spink Shawn Swoffer 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 $900.00 Dimensions (W x H in inches) 5 X 3 or 2.5 X 6.5 5 X 4 5 X 6.25 5 X 13 or 10.25 X 6.5 10.25 X 13 PROOFREADERS Susan Beckett Elliot Cubit Anabel Sicko VOLUNTEERS Jane Atkins Jessi Averill Zachary Dortzbach Luiza Duarte Caetano Glenn Gates Alexandra Granberg Harleen Kaur Robert Klingler Ruben Mauricio Margaret Needham Emily Paras Melanie Wenzel Mary Wisgerhof Max Wisgerhof Emily Yao CONTACT US Story and photo submissions: submissions@groundcovernews.com Advertising and partnerships: contact@groundcovernews.com Office: 423 S. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor Mon-Sat, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Phone: 734-263-2098 @groundcover @groundcovernews DONATE, LISTEN TO A STORY + LEARN MORE www.groundcovernews.org linktr.ee/groundcovernews PACKAGE PRICING Three Months/Six Issues: 15% off Six Months/Twelve Issues: 25% off Full Year/Twenty-four Issues: 35% off Only run for two weeks/one issue: 40% off Additional 20% discount for money saving coupons @ LIVE A2 DECEMBER 29, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://8RROGkidTRkT1ttpXSj06rVbKwOswPp7-2XGF0qPmDQ*`eh@׉E$DECEMBER 29, 2023 ON MY CORNER MEET YOUR VENDOR MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 New Year, new location, Ypsilanti is the destination. I decided to build a customer base in the city and township I live in. I will start by saying big thanks to good friend and former vendor manager Jim Clark for his vision and incredible guerilla marketing skills. This past year or more, we at Jim Clark,vendor No. 139 In one sentence, who are you? A person who is challenged by a question such as this. A unique individual. A counter-culture revolutionary. Damn your “one sentence” answers, I’m an artist … Where do you usually sell Groundcover News?At my alma mater, Eastern Michigan University — Go Hurons! When did you start selling Groundcover? 2013. What is your favorite thing to do in Ypsilanti? Organize grassroots anti-capitalist warriors. What’s the worst/best thing about selling Groundcover News? Worst: Rejection. I have Rejection Sensitivity Dyphoria. Best: Self-discovery; Groundcover News believes in me. What is something about you someone on the street wouldn't know? I'm polyamorous. :) If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Anything from Speedy's Big Burger. What words do you live by? Matthew 25:40. “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ What motivates you to work hard selling Groundcover? I believe in the mission of Groundcover News, solidarity with my peers with lived experience, and I beleive in Lindsay Calka. What is a small thing that makes your day better? Smoking a pre-roll from Bloom! What change would you like to see in Washtenaw County? 1) A 24/7365 shelter in Ypsilanti. 2) End to all camp sweeps. 3) Decision-making power for homeless people in shelter spaces. Groundcover News have been talking about gaining a bigger customer base in Ypsilanti, to inform people on the issues of homelessness and poverty. This vision will now be made a reality. This December, I started on my mission selling Groundcover News in Ypsi. And what a response! Just as planned, people were noticing the Groundcover News GROUNDCOVER NEWS Selling newspapers in Ypsilanti signs all around the Ypsilanti area. I was received with open arms because people want to know more about this news publication. After a few days of testing the waters, I’m convinced Groundcover News will do well in this great city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. When out and about in the downtown area, one can find other Groundcover vendors or me, Mike Jones, in Depot Town, Bobcat Bonnie’s, and Cross Street by the EMU campus. Other vendors and myself look forward to engaging in friendly conversation and making ends meet at the same time. We at Groundcover thank all in advance for supporting our publication. 3 Neaton Math ASHLEY POWELL Groundcover vendor No. 595 Math, where would we be without this subject? As challenging as it may be for some students, it's worth grasping. There are theories that some people who are left brained vs. right brained excel at Math. Many believe that to be good in mathematics you need to be left-brained, or a logical and analytical thinker. Whereas if you're right-brained, or creative and free-thinking, you are doomed to struggle with the subject. But did you know this notion has been scientifically proven false? Let's be real, learning math helps with decision making and improves cognitive skills. I know personally that some issues that people have with learning the subject involve a lack of understanding of the terms and definitions. For those who are struggling, there is new software available through Neaton Mathematics. Neaton Mathematics was developed by a longtime math teacher who saw a need to augment the traditional math curriculum with a more personalized approach that gave teachers additional tools to help students. Too often teachers aren’t able to judge performance until it is too late. The My Number DNA program allows teachers to evaluate students’ performance in realtime and better understand their needs. To learn more visit: mynumberdna.com. To bring Neaton Math to your school email: neatonmath@gmail.com. Finding art supplies with no money Art is made by all kinds of people around the world, from some of the poorest nations to the wealthiest. The biggest issue is finding supplies. For low income artists, it’s nearly impossible . I personally will give you all of my secrets to help you find art supplies. I first look at what do I need, then I break it up into what I most need to what I least need at that stage of producing the art. Then I break it up into most expensive to least expensive. such as cobalt aqua marine blue paint. Even beads are broken up into shiny diamond-like beads to seed beads. Much of what I just told you is now in my head when I go to CINDY GERE Groundcover vendor No. 279 shows and stores to get what I’m needing. Now, on to the list of where to find supplies: • General garage and rummage sales; • Free bins and boxes that pop up alongside the roads in nice weather. • The store called Scrap Box on Washtenaw near Hogback Road is wonderful because it has so many useful things, nearly free. I generally pay just ten cents for most things. • Ann Arbor Thrift Store • Ann Arbor District Library Arts & Crafts supply exchange event which is coming on Sunday, February 24, 12 to 2 p.m. at Mallett’s Creek Library • Salvation Army • Goodwill Making art is about finding the art supplies as much as it is making the art, so remember it can be as much fun to find the parts as it is to make the art … keep it fun! ׉ 7cassandra://7FfRHgsLta2h4x3IxLXEfVhX6szU1ottA0JCWtZ7FU4'`eh@ԁeh@Ӂ בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://u_cC17K3ZPLd-fXNmWJa-rVL1l55o42Km-oi9Y-MMA0 =`׉ 7cassandra://OlQfhyY_Axpc-dM9ySpEg24xt33f4hWnLvjv540dgIc͍`h׉ 7cassandra://py9C-QR0nTDkDv38kmKumvi4XxQtInPpz8Ou6C_3t44'`eh@טFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://P7IUkQV4m8InNviixaos2fZXkD9iC7x-BY1D2YgULjM`׉ 7cassandra://ZIqUiMdk-WyBzqEly4IXtQnjg8bl7cMZ59rEm93n0kc͎9`h׉ 7cassandra://fi77zGFzJMlMDu7se623qZ_O9JF0A9Fvzed7swIrjiY&"`eh@נeh@ <̆9ׁHhttp://fifthave.aadl.orgׁ ׁ Јנeh@V 9ׁHhttp://ernews.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOMELESSNESS JIM CLARK Groundcover vendor No. 139 There are many highly intelligent people among the unhoused population of Washtenaw County. Some with degrees, even master's degrees. Some are gifted in ways not measured in academics, but have incredible talents, skills, perspectives, thoughts, ideas and so on. There are two prongs to this article. One is that among the homeless there are many gifted people who are unable to help themselves because of the toxic-stress effect of homelessness on their cognitive functions. Two, the lack of Executive Function (see definition below) training in the form of education can also contribute to homelessness. It seems counterintuitive to think that someone who is highly intelligent could wind up homeless, yet, anecdotally, there are a lot of people out there who fit the description. Crossing this descriptor with mental illness, we find many brilliant minds stifled by depression and anxiety or distorted due to mania or disassociation. A number of gifted people also suffer suppression due to medication — which motivates some to refuse it, hence making self-sufficiency difficult if not impossible. Executive functions are operations of our brains that help us traverse our world and realize our needs and desires. Stimulus is detected by our many senses, it is cognitively processed, and then a response is generated. The cognition and response frequently involve Executive Functions such as problem-solving, divergent thinking, planning, organizing, attention span and decision-making. It has been shown that during a homelessness episode these and other EFs become compromised because our nervous system is wired to revert to “fight or flight” survival mode. Living in this mode day after day can become toxic. According to firesteelwa.org, “Homelessness and poverty can have lasting consequences because they can create toxic stress. Toxic stress can alter how the brain and body respond to and process stress. Toxic stress can damage executive function, memory, learning, and social information processing.” Although it is not formally acknowledged, one of the effects an education has on a student is the practice and development of Executive Function skills. Our brains come with them “installed” but it is through education we are supposed to learn to use them fully. If you’ve dropped out of school, you missed this training. If you fall through the cracks into homelessness, you probably won’t have these skills to begin with, let alone have them compromised. It is intuitive to think that there is a negative relationship between homelessness and education. There is evidence that proves it. If a high school student is homeless, there is an 80% chance they will not graduate. It has been shown that high school students living in the inner city and attending underperforming schools also have a high probability of becoming homeless. (schoolhouseconnection.org/number) What if there was a way to restore Executive Functions to such a degree that those with compromised ability could undo the damage caused by toxic stress and take steps toward self-sufficiency? And what if those whose EFs are compromised due to lack of exposure to education could receive that training, thus enhancing DECEMBER 29, 2023 Toxic stress, executive function and remediation their EF to the point of also being able to navigate their way to self-sufficiency like their highly intelligent peers? As a training group, they could easily begin solving each other’s problems and create a synergy of interdependence, solidarity and community. They could run for office and make real changes due to their lived experience — not just for homeless people, but for all. They could join homelessness grassroots affiliates to bring insight and leadership. They could begin to solve not just their own problems and the problems of friends and strangers, but of the municipality and society at large. The new not-for-profit NeuroTraining Initiative seeks to set up just this type of group, initially focusing on the houseless community and their particular set of needs. After Jan. 1, there will be NTI sessions held at the Daytime Warming Centers (one in Ypsilanti at the Freighthouse, one in Ann Arbor at rotating church sites), promising to make strengthening life skills and the EFs fun and engaging. If you’re interested, please call 231-670-6059. Remembering Robert J. Delonis: a champion of compassion and community JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor In the quiet corners of Ann Arbor, a man's legacy echoes through the walls of a shelter, reminding the community of the indomitable spirit of compassion and dedication that can change lives. Robert J. Delonis, former chairman of Great Lakes National Bank (now part of TCF), left an enduring mark on the city through his instrumental role in the establishment of the shelter that now bears his name. The journey began in the late 1990s when Delonis, a respected figure in the business world, lent his administrative and financial expertise to the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. As the chairman of the management oversight committee generated by the County's task force on homelessness, he dedicated himself to improving the agency's capacity to address the pressing issue of homelessness in the community. Ellen R. Schulmeister, the former founding and long-time executive director of the Shelter Association, fondly recalls Delonis's commitment to the cause. "He was dedicated to helping people who were homeless. He lent his administrative and financial background to the Shelter Association to help us improve our agencies," she said. The culmination of Delonis's efforts came to fruition in the form of a groundbreaking project — the construction of a shelter facility that would provide a haven for those in need. From 1998 to mid-2000, Delonis collaborated with the Washtenaw Housing Alliance, the County, the City of Ann Arbor, and an architectural firm to plan and design the building that would stand as a symbol of community unity. "Bob Delonis symbolized how the community came together on this issue," remarked County Administrator Robert E. Guenzel, who recognized Delonis's leadership role in chairing the oversight committee. "A person of his stature gave credibility to the project." Delonis's commitment to the project remained steadfast even in the face of personal challenges. Despite battling a kidney condition, he played a pivotal role in securing City approval and funding for the shelter. The Ann Arbor City Council's decision on June 19, 2000, marked a significant milestone, with Delonis's presence reflecting his unwavering dedication to the cause. Beyond his involvement in the shelter project, Delonis had a history of community engagement. His previous roles in organizations like Washtenaw United Way, National Kidney Foundation, Artrain, NEW Center, and Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County showcased his broad commitment to social causes and nonprofit endeavors. The building that now proudly bears Robert Delonis's name stands as a testament to his vision and the collaborative spirit of the Ann Arbor community. Completed in October and operational since November 2003, the four-story facility provides separate men's and women's sleeping quarters with a total of 50 beds, a kitchen serving meals to 120 people on-site, and additional amenities such as a medical clinic and psychological evaluation services. As Ann Arbor residents walk past the Delonis Center, they are reminded not only of the man who dedicated his time and energy to a cause greater than himself but also of the profound impact that can be achieved when a community rallies together. Robert J. Delonis's legacy lives on in the compassionate spaces he helped create, serving as an enduring reminder that, indeed, "It takes a community." Delonis Center on W. Huron St. ׉ 7cassandra://py9C-QR0nTDkDv38kmKumvi4XxQtInPpz8Ou6C_3t44'`eh@׉EDECEMBER 29, 2023 CRISIS RESPONSE Ann Arbor cancels pilot unarmed response RFP; Care-Based Safety's single proposal dropped Groundcover News has been reporting on the City of Ann Arbor’s American Rescue Plan Act for two years, starting with its initial award of $24.1 million in March 2021 and community engagement in January 2022. Although the federal funding is time-limited — all dollars must be allocated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026 — the city attempted to do a somewhat thorough community engagement process to democratically spend the funds. (See February 1, 2022 issue of Groundcover News.) The results of the citywide community engagement produced new, interesting projects to fund. One was a Guaranteed Income Pilot (see September 22, 2023 issue of Groundcover News). Another was a City Unarmed Response Program, which would be the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. On April 5, 2021, “Resolution Directing the City Administrator to Develop an Unarmed Public Safety Response Program” was passed by Ann Arbor City Council. It ordered that the program would be launched through an RFP, or request for proposals. An RFP is a public posting — often from the government — announcing that bids from contractors are being sought to complete a project. The RFP also includes the guidelines for the project itself. Typically an RFP follows a standardized process including the public posting, application period, deadline, review period and final selection. $100,000 and over two years were spent on community engagement to inform the RFP draft. The language was unanimously approved by the City Council on June 20, 2023. As of the deadline of September 21, local crisis-response non-profit Care-Based Safety was the only applicant. (Read more about CareBased Safety and their work in Ypsilanti in the March 10, 2023 issue of Groundcover News.) October, which the RFP outlined as a tentative deadline for candidate interviews, came and went and Care-Based Safety still had received no contact from the City nor feedback about their proposal submitted on September 19. In a closed session meeting on December 18, Ann Arbor staff canceled the RFP and said that they will LINDSAY CALKA Publisher open a new RFP with an “updated scope” in 2024. A staff-level decision does not require a vote of the Ann Arbor City Council, and no such vote was taken. In this same meeting, the city hired its new police chief, Andre Anderson. “Bureaucracy is a tool of white supremacy,” Liz Kennedy of CareBased Safety stated at a community conference held online on December 22 in response to the cancellation. “The city did not follow their own process; they should be accountable to us.” Care-Based Safety was informed of the RFP cancellation via email, and they requested direct reasons on why their single application was dropped. Reasons given via email correspondence were: • “The scope of the RFP needs to be updated,” • CBS’s proposed timeline is not “fully operational,” • their services do not meet “clearly expressed” community needs and • that “experience and references did not meet usual expectations.” A press release was sent out by the City of Ann Arbor on December 27 entitled, “City of Ann Arbor Reaffirms Support for Unarmed Crisis Response Program.” The release reads, “City Administrator Milton Dohoney Jr. indicated that the city found it unacceptable that it would take at least five years for the unarmed crisis response program to fully ramp up under the approach submitted by CBS. In addition, the city found it unacceptable that calls for service would only be answered on limited days during limited hours leaving the city without a functioning unarmed crisis response after 11 p.m. and for much of the weekend.” CBS noted in a social media post uploaded on December 23 that the RFP never stated “fully operational,” nor do they define what that would look, or not look, like. CBS also challenges, “If fully operational means city-wide or 24/7 access, it would be unethical and a set-up for failure, to immediately provide 24/7, city-wide service for an untested program, immediately or even within two years. More importantly, the community deserves to be able to inform and shape that work and co-create its expansion.” Despite this setback, Care-Based Safety plans to seek other funding and continue their work through two main activities: community-building and care-based response. One attendee at the CBS December 22 press conference inquired about seeking funding from another source, such as through private donations or grants. Co-directors Kennedy and Luna NH agree that will be necessary, but expect it is unlikely enough to sustain the organization and its service at the scope of the RFP proposal. Regarding grants, Kennedy noted that very few grants are posted that fund this type of work locally. And when they are, community based groups are in competition with the Sheriff’s department. This year, the Sheriff’s department was awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services for their Co-Response Unit, which dispatches armed police officers with unarmed community mental health workers. “The Sheriff’s department is expanding services by co-opting community based projects,” Kennedy said. This leaves peer-led and grassroots organizations under-resourced and unable to develop the capacity to access institutional funding. At the time of publication the City of Ann Arbor has not provided the updated scope nor timeline of the second RFP, but have stated to release such information in January. It is unclear whether there is enough time to conduct due process before the ARPA funding allocation period ends at the close of 2024. Archived issues of Groundcover News can be viewed at groundcovernews.org GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out. Fifth Avenue Press AADL founded Fifth Avenue Press in 2017 to support the local writing community and promote the creation of original content. The imprint publishes works by authors who live in Washtenaw County. Consider submitting your finished manuscript to Fifth Avenue Press today at fifthave.aadl.org. Book Clubs To Go Book Clubs To Go is a service available at each AADL location that provides the convenience of complete kits for book discussions. Inside, you’ll find 10 copies of the featured book, one movie DVD, and a resource folder. Request a kit today through the online catalog or by calling (734) 327-4200. FEATURED EVENT STEP IT UP! THE FRENCH DUKES A CELEBRATION, PERFORMANCE, AND READING Saturday, Jan. 20 • 2–3pm Downtown Library Join us for a celebration of the French Dukes! Author Debbie Taylor will kick things off with a reading of her picture book, Step It Up! The French Dukes! Set in 1960’s Ann Arbor, inspired by the reallife French Dukes Precision Drill Team. Members of the original team will talk with Debbie about their experience, followed by a short performance. 5 ׉ 7cassandra://fi77zGFzJMlMDu7se623qZ_O9JF0A9Fvzed7swIrjiY&"`eh@ցeh@Ձ בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://MfPWa9DYFI8t4uI0vd1M0KyglgzNeVq2NuWN63TIeB8I`׉ 7cassandra://O2XZm-zEKPe0ayVS4FuJkIOWdwNjxPVXSmY46rk7-zY͍$`h׉ 7cassandra://T-NoCOgYEw8EBMuOhZN5wWYSn3_GiNSzbaoEXf4zDOI-f`eh@טFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://Q1lB-ddZ645Sqo9sKK-PuhwuIxtY4v9WyUEnfRu1nBwc`׉ 7cassandra://8Bcx8ybKCduVEOs56pw5JrG0Zo4We9YcaFmqLxfoMys͇`h׉ 7cassandra://Sf33HOnq9y3xehhjk_Ttj2PZaOjHs_gTvnna5Bz3z18%`eh@נeh@9ׁH!http://linktr.ee/groundcovernews.ׁ ׁ Јנeh@'%B9ׁHhttp://linktr.eeׁ ׁ Јנeh@9ׁH mailto:sions@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E 6 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HOUSING EQUITY DECEMBER 29, 2023 Washtenaw County lends an ear to those with lived experience Within Washtenaw County there is a department dedicated to bringing equality to all of its citizens. Part of the Racial Equity Office’s mission statement reads, “We are … spearheading the charge of (racial equity) policy, addressing existing inequities in the county and ultimately making Washtenaw County a more equitable place to live and work.” Department Director Alize Asberry Payne says that her work on racial equity also encompasses those who are impacted by other inequities such as housing. In an effort to reach those who are unhoused, Payne formed a recent event giving special focus to those with lived experience. Also known as epistemic privilege, this line of thinking gives recognition to those who have lived through a crisis as being the experts in sharing their knowledge about it. Payne also prioritized compensating the panelists for their time and effort which is often overlooked. There were three participants on the panel entitled, Housing Equity: Co-Creating a vision for Housing Equity in Washtenaw County — Centering the Voices of Lived Experience. Each unhoused panelist shared their unique experiences on the homeless struggle LIT KURTZ Groundcover vendor No. 159 in front of an audience of social workers and commissioners who gathered to gain a more firsthand account of what it means to live unhoused in the county. The panel included Rebecca Bongo who spoke from the perspective of the working homeless living a van life. Another participant was Gia Powers, a mid-twenties individual who has been housing-insecure for about the past year. I was the third person on the panel, having lived a decade unhoused following a mass layoff of teachers in the school district where I had previously worked. The panelists’ lives outside of mainstream housing were diverse, each reflective of different lifestyles and demographics. Rebecca Bongo was the only panelist who holds down a full-time mainstream job, while sleeping in her van. She expressed that her Commissioner Justin Hodge moderated Housing Equity panel featuring speakers Gia Powers, Rebecca Bongo and Elizabeth "Lit" Kurtz. “world changed” in 2018 and that she has “criss-crossed” the country several times in what she calls her “rig,” trying to figure things out. Of the many questions posed by the moderator, an important one asked panelists which available resources in the county for the unhoused are most beneficial. Powers was quick to praise Solidarity House in Ypsilanti which she credits with “saving her life.” Each panelist agreed that Fed Up Ministries is taking steps in the right direction by providing a menu that is more like restaurant fare than food designed for “the homeless." The general consensus and praise was towards organizations who are providing a more humanizing for those who are unhoused rather than those who tend to treat unhoused people like numbers and statistics. The Delonis Center generated the least favorable response from panelists, with Bongo noting that many individuals are unable to cope with the cramped quarters and other restrictions of shelter life. Her sentiment may shed light in the feelings of many who are experiencing homelessness in a new 21st century world where people who are unhoused are still looked upon as drags on society and too often lack places to be in the daytime due to a lack of day shelters. Having lived a decade without see PANEL next page  ׉ 7cassandra://T-NoCOgYEw8EBMuOhZN5wWYSn3_GiNSzbaoEXf4zDOI-f`eh@׉ERDECEMBER 29, 2023 READER FEEDBACK What do you like to read? Weigh in on Groundcover content homelessness. It also provides opportunities and a voice for low-income people. Our newspaper relies on the community for support, feedback and participation. There are many ways that you can get ERICK BROWN Groundcover vendor No. 617 We have some exciting news to share with you! We are planning to introduce new and diverse content to our publication. Our goal is to provide more stories that are relevant, interesting and engaging to you and your community. As you may know, MLive, one of the major news networks in our area, moved their office out of Ann Arbor last year, leaving a gap in the local news coverage. We see this as an opportunity and a responsibility to fill that gap. We believe that our newspaper can be a source of information, inspiration and empowerment for the community. We are thinking about adding more stories on topics such as science and technology, health and wellness, education and learning, environment and sustainability, arts and literature, history and trivia, humor and satire and more. We will also continue to cover the issues of poverty and homelessness, as well as the local politics, events and culture that affect your lives. However, these changes are not going to happen overnight. We need your help to make them possible. We need more advertisers to support our newspaper financially. We need more people to send in stories that they want to share with the world. We need more feedback and suggestions from you, our loyal readers, to improve our content and serve you better. Groundcover is a community-run newspaper that covers local news, especially when related to poverty and involved and help out our newspaper, such as: • Filling out this short questionnaire and letting us know what kind of stories you want covered in our newspaper. Your feedback will help us improve our content and serve you better. • Advertising with our newspaper or sponsoring a story or a section. You can contact us by email, phone or social media for more details and rates. • Sending us your stories or ideas that you want to share with the world. You can email your stories to submissions@groundcovernews.com or pitch a story on our linktr.ee. • Volunteering to help with writing, editing, designing, distributing or fundraising. You can contact us by email, phone, or social media to find out more about our volunteer opportunities. • Donating to our newspaper. You can make a donation online through our website or in person at our office. Every donation counts and helps us keep our newspaper running. • Spreading the word about Groundcover and inviting others to join our community. You can share our stories and information on your social media, email or by word of mouth. You can also encourage your friends and family to read our newspaper and give us their feedback. Please take a few minutes to fill out the questionnaire on page 10, cut it out and give it to a vendor, or mail it / drop off to our office. You can also fill it out online at linktr.ee/groundcovernews. Your feedback will help us improve our content and serve you better. Thank you for your participation and support. We hope you enjoy our new and improved newspaper! GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7 Shop at the Kiwanis Thrift Sale! Holiday Gifts, Decorations, Tree Sale November 3 - December 30 November 24 - December 30 Toy Sale { Fridays from 9 am - 1 pm and Saturdays from 9 am - 3 pm } Kiwanis Center in Scio Township 100 N Staebler Rd off Jackson Rd Kiwanis will be open for normal business hours through the 2023 holiday season  PANEL from last page mainstream housing, I expressed my frustration that the systemic issues of storage and available showers go unaddressed. I noted how this leads to more people who are unhoused not being able to move freely or be presentable for job interviews. Dan Kelly, who is the director of the Delonis Center in Ann Arbor, agreed with the need for better storage solutions and is making plans to address the problem in an upcoming meeting, which is a positive sign that listening to those with lived experience can be productive. When asked for suggestions for change, Powers talked about more direct giving and Bongo and I addressed the need for supervised, WiFi-equipped parking lots designed for people who are living in vehicles. While this panel was a significant step in the right direction and holds the promise of more inclusion for the unhoused community, it still feels symbolic — even experimental. Unfortunately, there are no plans in the near future for similar panels, and with the exception of some input for storage solutions for Delonis, none of us were invited to be a part of any major decision making going forward. Yet, for a government agency to hear our voices and provide compensation for our time seems to indicate there is real hope that more inclusion is on the horizon. ׉ 7cassandra://Sf33HOnq9y3xehhjk_Ttj2PZaOjHs_gTvnna5Bz3z18%`eh@؁eh@ׁ בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://hqzdHvaqfekU3n8ZtVqC-dmo1NYOrUZlmu8myXtuwwEf`׉ 7cassandra://ZgbPL6qJI-HYvtzHgIjjz9rZM0dGIVkCwfMki4wt53Mͅ`h׉ 7cassandra://pB9L4EV3t7HDmIPKJQvm9Red4l6ZPKFOgGTbclXeQVc&!`eh@טFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://6YMfUjAm6kuCEECYBbwCDf11HpshXYgLWKJvYNLvvWc`׉ 7cassandra://_CsOQcAuzjrmjlydAVHrZRrDoyRmCw6-1pp_tHDgTTg͆^`h׉ 7cassandra://RTGTNvt1sqOVssQFM2nqylkzRt6z5WH6izuwVNmGRPk(2`eh@נeh@9ׁHmailto:tact@groundcovernews.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E J8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS HEALTH The Doctor is In! Health Q&A This article was written in partnership with a group at the University of Michigan called Black and Pink at the School of Public Health. BPSPH works with incarcerated folks in Michigan who identify across the LGBTQ+ spectrum. As part of their work, BPSPH writes articles that answer people’s health questions and shares versions of those articles with Groundcover. If you have a health question you would like to see answered in a future issue of Groundcover, let the folks at the Groundcover offices know. Note: this health information is provided by medical students and other health trainees. If you have specific questions about your own health, please consult with a healthcare provider. How can I keep my feet healthy when I’m on them all day long? By: Amanda and Karelyn Walking or standing all day long can lead to so many aches and pains — but especially your feet! Knowing what types of pains are emergencies, not just annoyances, is important for your health. If your symptoms are severe or there is sudden trauma, go to the emergency room or talk to a doctor. Beyond emergencies, you’ll want to check your feet regularly. Whenever you shower, wash your feet with soap and water, including between the toes, to prevent infection. While you’re down there, look at every surface of your foot. Check for signs of something serious, like an infection or underlying medical condition. These can include: • Open wounds, drainage or bleeding • White/yellow moisture, significant odors • Swelling, rash, itchiness • Changes in skin color: redness (infection), darkened (dead tissue), blue-ish (poor blood flow) • Changes in feeling: numbness, burning or tingling (nerve damage) Other signs of infection are pain, fever or flu-like symptoms. Always talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have, even your feet. There are also podiatrists, who specialize in foot health. Now that we’ve addressed serious conditions, let’s talk about other aches and pains. Many folks, including myself, don’t learn proper nail-cutting techniques until later in life. To prevent ingrown toenails, cut straight across so the nail corner is visible. If you have a painful ingrown nail, you can put lotion on it and cover it with a bandaid. This softens the nail and can give some relief. Corns and calluses are common too; they’re thick parts of skin that are created when there is friction or pressure on your foot. You can remove these little by little with an emery board or pumice stone after showers, but if you have diabetes, poor circulation, or aren’t able to clean your feet with soap and water regularly, wait until a doctor can help you so you can avoid infection. Fungal infections usually cause thickening and/or discoloration of toenail — but you actually don’t have to treat these! If it’s bothering you, talk to your doctor about treatment options. (Each night immediately before going to bed, apply a dab of Vicks Vapor Rub to the affected toenail and cover with a sock. Eventually the toenail will clear.) Just a heads up, it can be really hard to get rid of these! Lastly, do your best to find shoes that fit well — wide enough, with some wiggle room for your toes. Being on your feet all day long is hard; rest when you can, and don’t be afraid to give yourself a foot massage! DECEMBER 29, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://pB9L4EV3t7HDmIPKJQvm9Red4l6ZPKFOgGTbclXeQVc&!`eh@׉EDECEMBER 29, 2023 PUZZLES GROUNDCOVER NEWS CROSSWORD from the International Network of Street Papers 9 Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling past monthly issues. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code please email contact@groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website. ACROSS 1. 12-point type 5. Pregnant, Baby9. Bursae 13. Broadcasting 15. ___ Minor 16. ___ du jour 17. Foreword, for short 18. 1990 World Series champs 19. Arm bone 20. Combining different species 23. Victorian, for one 25. ___ grass 26. Cleared 27. Change the tend of events 31. Group of singers in the highest range 32. Residence of an ambassador 36. Island rings 37. Cozy 39. "How ___ Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" (Kaavya Viswanathan novel in the news) 41. Lug 43. A commotion 44. Equal but opposite charge of a neutron 47. Kind of apartment 51. Body part 52. "Ouch, I stubbed my..." 53. Understands incorrectly 57. Lying, maybe 58. "Mi chiamano Mimi," e.g. 59. Go over 62. "Dear" ones 63. Tablet 64. Adult insect 65. "And ___ thou slain the Jabberwock?" 66. Bridge site 67. High School dance DOWN 1. Hawaiian dish 2. Setting for TV's "Newhart" 3. Relief through expression of emotion 4. Breezy 5. Mineral consisting of barium sulfate 6. Brought into play 7. Calf-length skirt 8. Snubbed 9. Matter expectorated from the respiratory system 10. "___ well" 11. Birchbark 12. Bear 14. Computerized people 21. "Go team!" 22. Length x width, for a rectangle 23. And others, for short 24. Guidelines 28. Bite 29. Adagio and allegro 30. International Monetary Fund 33. Dirty coat 34. Eclipse, for one 35. "Hurray!" 37. A tomblike monument to someone buried elsewhere 38. Decide to leave, with "out" 40. Channel 42. Been in bed 43. Arm bones 45. Flamethrower fuel 46. "To ___ is human ..." 47. #1 song 48. Leg bone 49. ___ manual 50. Archaic second person singular past of do 54. Ashtabula's lake 55. Brook 56. Fill-in 60. "Give it ___!" 61. Little dog, for short ׉ 7cassandra://RTGTNvt1sqOVssQFM2nqylkzRt6z5WH6izuwVNmGRPk(2`eh@ځeh@ف בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://cgiTcjIrG2hsqCDxK3zazDRrEVUZuAIECvsMyHcr3sI`׉ 7cassandra://yIJDxvuQUza9DExph2Avt3f1F0krL4-vPchVQF93JlUa`h׉ 7cassandra://5_xRygUTA8eYphfZzfUhfcVwCEaU7OclyiSU0TUhh-w:`eh@טFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://vjxHp3pp601GbbbwemTGdKVb9d_6AQo_SulIvMX-WMgj`׉ 7cassandra://pNmgYKokpsU6sg8yWH4Quc4GyXZ0oirsEEEZbb__MVU͇~`h׉ 7cassandra://EzlejtFzc7ZqHxZv6Dq-uS8iuS30nVAiv8gRNvBlX3k&`eh@׉E 10 GROUNDCOVER NEWS POETRY To my fiance, my soulmate SHAWN SWOFFER Groundcover vendor No. 574 Man of god EARL PULLEN Groundcover contributor As the coldness of winter sets in I feel like chill down my spine as I look over and see you holding my hand. I have never had such strong emotion such a deep connection to you I look into your eyes and see our future and as the sun sets above the snow I just know you are my soulmate I love you forever and ever. To the love of my life. You alwayz lie (I alwayz cry) TERESA BASHAM Groundcover vendor No. 570 You’ll never understand, Thee way I feel, You alwayz lie, I alwayz cry, You’re alwayz breakin my heart, When I alwayz fight to keep, Even when I feel you creep, You tear me apart, You never keep your word, You alwayz put me, From 10th to 3rd, Everythang we ever had planned, We just don’t go, You alwayz say you love me, I can see, I really don’t know. What type of stories do you read and want to read more of in our newspaper? (Rate your interest in each type of story, where 1 means not interested at all and 10 means very interested) Testimonies from the people on the streets 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Local politics Local events Sports Self-help or advice Creative stories Health and wellness Environment and sustainability Arts and literature History and trivia Humor and satire Other (please specify) How long have you been reading our newspaper? Circle one. - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Do you have any suggestions or comments on how we can improve our newspaper? Open response answer. Less than a month 1-6 months 6-12 months More than a year Please return to any Groundcover vendor or to the Groundcover News office, 423 S. 4th Ave. A man of God For whosoever Shall forsake a man Who is scorned On bended knee May the wrath of God fall On his head And then God shall Deliver him from The eternal fire Which is sure to come Thus then will the Scorned man rise From the pit of Desolation to the Gates of Heaven Like a man Who is in the Desert and there Is no way out No water And no end in sight DECEMBER 29, 2023 Trying to be heard as a brother of those unheard PHILLIP SPINK Groundcover contributor I am discovering how difficult it is To be listened to by the mainstream, When trying to stay a brother of the unheard, By speaking first for the love of those Out ragged in the sun and winds and on dusty corners, And so of the too discounted root. It is natural to want to be of the mainstream, Yet in the silence of lower tributaries of status There are often people of higher waters Of true kindness, modesty and wisdom. ׉ 7cassandra://5_xRygUTA8eYphfZzfUhfcVwCEaU7OclyiSU0TUhh-w:`eh@׉EDECEMBER 29, 2023 HOLIDAYS Happy Holy Daze I am the first born child of deeply religious parents. My father was a convert from sin to salvation. God was a better high than alcohol. I’m sure he once woke up with a hangover on January 1 as the holidays ended in a “holy daze.” He learned from my mother that Jesus was our friend of unconditional love. The belief in unconditional love led to marriage in the context of World War II. I was conceived a month after Pearl Harbor and was born the following October. The Battle of Stalingrad was raging and the American people were praying for a Red Army victory over the German Nazi “blitzkrieg.” It was the bloodiest battle in human history and the beginning of the end of Hitler’s Third Reich. The Canadian Broadcasting Company had a Big Battles series and was given access to both German and Russian archives to present an epic experience of “The Battle of Stalingrad.” Absolutely unforgettable! Our family celebrated Christmas with a deep belief that the birth of the Prince of Peace was a holy breakthrough. If we would follow the example of Jesus, we would experience peace and share it with the world. Our KEN PARKS Groundcover vendor No. 490 tradition came from the revolutionary expression of the Reformation, called pietistic Anababtists; The Brethren, Mennonite and Amish churches come from this heritage. We are committed to a simple life of service. The military is not considered service and we are encouraged to do ‘alternative service.’ In my case, I was assigned to a German industrial mission boy’s home. Gossner Mission in West Germany was founded by Horst Symanowski, a veteran of the German resistance to fascism. It was so interesting that I extended my service for six months to participate in a seminar about the mission of the church under 1960s capitalism. We went to a socialist country, in our case Poland, and worked in the German peace movement to settle World War II and agreement to the boundary between the two countries. We also organized against German troops in Vietnam. Fascism is a belief in supremacism. There is a new book “Wealth Supremacy” by Marjorie Kelly which explains our current supremacism. Can you imagine my inner turmoil as I experience the commodification of Christmas and the simultaneous march of the war machine becoming the main context of our lives? The next war begins before the last one ends. Millions can aspire for peace in the face of our habitual addiction to self-destruction. We have not yet reached critical mass for peace. More love is the answer. As Thich Nhat Hanh taught, “Meditate on your worst enemy until you see yourself in them!” The illusion of a permanent separate self will dissolve into a more complete reality, the all good expanse of primordial purity; all holy beings are at ease here. This may sound impossible until you begin to experience that reality has no borders. Look for the best teachers who embody this truth and can point the way. When the student is ready the teacher will appear. A natural breath will open the door. Continue as long as necessary. You will come out of the holy daze and become pure holiness. This is my faith assumption. I choose this over the prevailing cynicism and nihilism, two words which mean “nothing matters.” The study of actions and their results is the way to knowledge and wisdom. When holidays become a holy daze we can come out of the trance by remembering our ancestors and all our relations. Find your center in this community! CONTENT correction Jenny Sehenuk died in a motorcycle accident, Oct. 1, 2010. Groundcover writer Jane Reilly regrets the error in the December 15, 2023 issue of Groundcover News. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 11 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ׉ 7cassandra://EzlejtFzc7ZqHxZv6Dq-uS8iuS30nVAiv8gRNvBlX3k&`eh@܁eh@ہ בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://TQfCvYTrmVEJSVJekH78ZlgpSs-cmPjyikmwO2jWUYof`׉ 7cassandra://94b_mGBWq6nVN2T3ZqV1JrBIRyt_h-UXUoOwFVysZ3s͉`h׉ 7cassandra://keg1rQMymSurvNSQmHuT_dZyoxdZXupYSoJrSeNZWHg-`eh@׉E 12 GROUNDCOVER NEWS FOOD Christmas super moist cornbread JOSHUA LEE Groundcover contributor Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup sugar 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup (16 tablespoons) melted butter ½ cup oil 1 ½ cups milk 3 large eggs Optional: Creative add-ins or honey and extra butter for serving Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 inch pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, oil, milk and eggs. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until combined. Customize your Christmas cornbread experience with creative addins. From shredded cheddar cheese to candied jalapenos, green chilies, and even bacon — infuse your cornbread with the flavors of the season. Transfer batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for 15-20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve with butter and honey if desired. DECEMBER 29, 2023 ׉ 7cassandra://keg1rQMymSurvNSQmHuT_dZyoxdZXupYSoJrSeNZWHg-`eh@׈Eeh@ށeh@݁ ,December 29, 2023eU·