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When it come to Auto Accident and Personal Injury cases, you worry about getting better. We take care of everything else. Call Abood Law. 517.332.5900 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 ‘Giving can do good, and be good for your taxes’

By BERL SCHWARTZ The limit is $300 total for the year, not $300 per singcitypulse.com for another.) (The writer is the editor charity. How much that will benefit you will depend It’s unclear if a couple filing jointly can take $600 and publisher of City Pulse.) on your overall circumstances. (And the good news this year. (They can for sure for 2021.) Some say The headline above caught is that the revised CARES Act extends the tax ben- yes, others say no. Worth a try? my attention last month in efit into 2021.) If you choose to give $300, you can split it up The New York Times. Like I Besides benefitting you, of course, it will benefit however you wish. We at City Pulse hope you’ll give am sure many people, I was qualified charities. They must be 501(c)3s, and to us — but more important this year is to give. It’s unaware that every taxpayer you must give in cash (including checks and credit a tough year for many charities: demand is up and can receive a $300 deduction cards), not in-kind. support is down … because demand is up. Accept on their 2020 taxes for donating to charity. We happen to have a 501(c)3 right here for your my thank you in advance if you give to our Fund. That is true even if you do not itemize, which is consideration: the City Pulse Fund for Community To do so, you may send a check to City Pulse usually not the case. As the story explains, Congress Journalism. Fund, 1905 E. Ave., Lansing 48912. included the special deduction in the CARES Act The IRS approved the Fund last January. Since Or stick in a note with how much you’re giving for pandemic relief last March. then, we have raised nearly $50,000 mostly in and include your credit card info: Name, billing It’s a nice break for taxpayers, especially because small donations. The average donation from about address, card number, expiration date and 3- or very taxpayer can take it, even those who take the 500 gifts has been $52.18. That’s after taking out of 4-digit code. You can also pay by credit card at lan- standard deduction — which is most of us. The the equation a $20,000 gift from the estate of one singcitypulse.com/donation. Or call Suzi Smith at vast majority of us benefit from taking the standard donor, the Realtor Jim Noble. (517) 999-6704. However you donate, we will send deduction rather than itemizing. But changes in If you’re a regular reader of City Pulse, you’ll you a receipt. the tax code three years ago that made the standard notice some stories carry a postscript that they If you don’t care about the tax break, then please deduction more beneficial overall for filers hurt were paid for by the Fund. Your contributions have give directly to City Pulse. Gifts to the Fund may charities because contributions couldn’t be includ- allowed us to expand our coverage even in a finan- be used in a limited way, such as for content. Gifts ed. Now, everyone can get up to a $300 reduction cially challenging year. directly to City Pulse can literally help pay the rent, in their adjusted gross income for 2020. That’s If you gave to the Fund, you should have received or any other expenses. Again, contributions to City an “important number,” the Times’ story explains, a receipt. Hold onto it in case the IRS has a (very Pulse are not deductible. “because it determines your eligibility for tax cred- unlikely) question. (If you cannot find it, please However you give, thank you. And happy holi- its and other deductions.” contact Suzi Smith at (517) 999-6704 or suzi@lan- days.

DONATIONS ARE EASY! Cash donations made this year to a 501(c)(3) are eligible for up to a $300 deduction when you file your taxes next spring! This expires after Dec. 31, so please act now.

a 501c(3) nonprofit approved by the • No itemizing required! • Internal Revenue Service. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!

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(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 or email [email protected] PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz 8 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 MANAGING EDITOR • Kyle Kaminski MSU scientists research wastewater for Covid [email protected] • (517) 999-6710 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 PAGE EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 21 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler [email protected] Lansterdam in Review: The Botanical Co. opens its doors (517) 999-5066 STAFF WRITER • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 SALES EXECUTIVE PAGE Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 SALES ASSISTANT 29 Earlisha Scott • [email protected] Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Sean Flash in the Pan: Crème Brûlée Flambè Bradley, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dawn Parker, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Cover Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Art Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Delivery drivers: Dave Fisher, Gavin Smith, Jack Sova

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NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION Nightmare on Townsend Street Last July, Lansing code compliance offi- guidance provided by the City Attorney’s cers conducted an inspection of the Porter Office in Council committee meetings, it is Apartments, a 98-unit, low-income apart- unclear if such provisions are permitted in ment building for senior citizens located PILOT agreements, which are based on a on Townsend Street in . template provided by the Michigan State More than 50 citations were issued against Housing Development Authority, the state the property for violations ranging from agency that approves all PILOT requests. inoperable smoke detectors in nearly If such conditions are not permitted in a one-quarter of the units to the presence of PILOT agreement, we believe they should a variety of nonhuman occupants, includ- be. We urge Lansing officials to confer ing cockroaches and rodents. It wasn’t the with state legislators on the matter and first time city inspectors were called to the request changes to whatever rule or law building, not by a long shot. According to stands in the way. It is bizarre that such city records, Porter Apartments has been an agreement can require that prevailing cited at least 17 times for safety and trash wages be paid on any work done to the violations since 2014. property but cannot require compliance More than a year later, it appears little with local building codes. We daresay that has changed. Thanks to excellent reporting such a requirement could have a salutary this week by the , effect on the quality of low-income housing we know that the property is still plagued across the state. But it would also likely with pests and unresolved physical issues that endan- face stiff opposition in the Republican-dominated ger the health and safety of the building’s residents. The CP Edit state legislature, where commercial property owners The LSJ article raises serious questions about why and their lobbyists have vastly more clout than low-in- such hazardous and unhealthy conditions have been Opinion come senior citizens with rats for roommates. allowed to persist at the building, despite repeated This unfortunate situation creates a real dilemma interventions by city inspectors. Because the prop- City leaders are reticent to approve the requested for city leaders. If the PILOT for Porter Apartments is erty is also inspected and subsidized by the federal PILOT extension for Porter Apartments, and for under- not approved, the property owners could decide it is Department of Housing and Urban Development, the standable reasons. Even though the purpose behind no longer profitable to own the building and simply responsibility to ensure that the property is safe for PILOT agreements is well established and entirely walk away. The last thing the beleaguered residents human habitation also falls on their shoulders. defensible, the notion that taxpayers will be subsidiz- need is to be evicted in the middle of a pandemic, Porter Apartments is one of 73 properties in 29 ing substandard housing leaves a bitter aftertaste. compounding their misery and burdening the city with states owned by California Commercial Investment Rather than an incentive to provide quality, affordable the task of relocating them in the dead of winter. A Companies, based in Thousand Oaks. The company housing, in this case the PILOT seems to operate as similar housing crisis erupted six years ago when the acquired the property, a former luxury hotel, out of a slumlord subsidy, lining the pockets of the absentee Life O’Riley mobile home park was condemned by foreclosure in 2005. Despite their lackluster track owner and investors while leaving vulnerable residents Ingham County health inspectors due to nearly iden- record of maintaining the building, the company is now to live in varying degrees of squalor. The property tical issues. Lansing doesn’t need a rerun of that sad asking the Lansing City Council to approve a 40-year owners argue that approving the PILOT will allow them episode. extension of its Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to invest millions of dollars to improve the structure, We would be remiss if we didn’t also point out agreement. For the unfamiliar, a PILOT is a long-term which was built a century ago and hasn’t had a major that the Lansing City Council has been aware of the tax break that aims to encourage the development update in more than 15 years. Better late than never, problems at Porter and reviewing the property own- of affordable housing. According to the nonprofit we suppose, but why has it taken them more than er’s request for a PILOT extension for at least two Community Housing Network, PILOTs can often make a decade to come up with a plan to modernize the years. It’s time to stop talking about it and start doing it possible for developers to invest in communities and building? something to put an end to the miserable conditions at neighborhoods where it would be difficult to develop if It doesn’t need to be this way. The most obvious Porter Apartments before tragedy strikes. Linking the the property was subject to taxation on the assessed solution is to use the PILOT agreement as leverage property owner’s PILOT approval to their compliance value of the property. In other words, PILOTS are the by placing conditions on its approval that require the with city building codes seems like the most promising special sauce that makes the economics of affordable owner to maintain the property to the city’s standards. approach. housing work for both investors and low-income resi- Failure to do so would void the agreement and sub- dents. ject the property to full taxation. However, based on

Send letters to the editor to [email protected]. Please limit them to 250 words 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 College student loans: another injustice for the Black community By DEDRIA HUMPHRIES BARKER likely to have debt and to have higher found that problem is rippling through crushing African American students. One trillion four levels of it.” The study, by Dartmouth our communities. Gladieux’s 1995 review, “Federal hundred billion dol- College sociologist Jason N. Houle and The student loan debt is a situation Student Aid Policy: A History and lars. Fenaba R. Addo of the University of that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy Assessment,” seemed to be peering into That’s how much Wisconsin-Madison School of Human DeVos finds unacceptable. Her solution a crystal ball. students owe the fed- Ecology, found that the student loan is to have students evaluate whether “There has been an erosion of need- eral government for problem is not confined to the campus. college is even worth it. She said that to based standards,” Gladieux wrote. “The college student loans. Houle and Addo wrote that “racial dis- the Virtual 2020 Federal Student Aid anti-poverty origins of the 1960s legis- It’s a curse. Barker parities in student debt may contribute Training Conference. lation have faded into history as eligi- While there is an to the continued racial inequality in the Thank goodness DeVos is getting bility for federal student aid has been argument for making college free for U.S. and may serve as obstacles for the the old-heave-ho, but before she leaves stretched up the economic ladder.” all Americans, the case is compelling future of the black middle class.” she is poisoning the well. In December, Student loan debt is a low blow to for the United States to pay tuition and So, student loan debt is not just the she gave instructions that seemed to African Americans who suffered the room and board for African American tempering of first-house dreams; it advocate a hard application of the betrayals of promises made after eman- students. Especially for African is a prison for African Americans. It’s administrative rules. Make them check cipation from slavery. We have trusted Americans. modern-day share cropping. Which their loan debt annually, she said. in education. Been patient about mak- The problem of student loan debt itself was modern day slavery. All are And, those who think obscure liberal ing progress, sent the women to be for Black college students is so bad situations that breed despair. arts fields are interesting may find, as school teachers and nurses, or to wash that Black-issues advocates are willing Black college students who need DeVos put it, that college “may not be floors, all to keep the kids in school. to campaign for relief for all college money for college can find themselves worth the cost.” Anything to keep the family going students. The Brookings Institution’s in a whole lot of trouble if they do not She was talking about students until someone could break through as Andre Perry, a Black man, wrote in finish their degrees, or they get a job Like me. Who earned two degrees in a doctor, or accountant, or judge, or 2019: “To boost black students, we or profession that does not pay enough English. make some money in a business that should give free college to students to make the loan payments and live. What’s not worth it is the system was legal. who don’t need it.” Lawrence Gladieux, executive director that finances higher education on Michelle Alexander pointed out how But if every student gets relief, there of the College Board, wrote in 1995, the backs of students. But instead of Jim Crow changes form in the United is less for Black students, and their “Low-income, at-risk students are reforming the public education financ- States. She discussed mass incarcera- need runneth over. actually the most ill-served. They end ing system, DeVos steers the conversa- tion. Student loan debt is the Jim Crow A 2018 study supports “previous up with no job, a defaulted loan and tion to whether college is worth it for of higher education. research reporting that blacks are more a bad credit record.” Houle and Addo students who don’t have the money. This is what the government should She significantly slowed action on do: pay tuition and books for African forgiveness requests, a form of free American students. Pay for housing. Have something to say about college, but a federal judge ordered Pay for food. Give black students the LETTERS a local issue or an item that her department to get to work. They basics. No loans. appeared in our pages? did — and denied most applications. And if the government wants to go to the editor Her position is that students who take further, forgive all student debt. Here Now you have two ways to on debt are irresponsible. One way she is the accommodation: Restrict the use sound off: said students can be more responsible of student loans. Lots of students, not Restore power, BWL is for them to check every year on their just Black ones, are trying to live their It is downright cruel for the 1.) Write a letter to the editor. debt loan. ultimate life while in college. As a tax- BWL to be shutting off custom- • E-mail: letters@ lansingcitypulse. Sounds good doesn’t it, so easy, like payer, I do not want to finance student ers as the pandemic rages (see com checking your bank balance on your housing that has kitchens with granite Rewind, 12-9) and just days • Snail mail: City Pulse, 1905 phone. Imagine, checking your student countertops. At least not until I myself before it would have been fore- E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, loan balance in a semester a demand- get one. closed under state law from doing MI 48912 ing professor is accepting no excuses. (Dedria Humphries Barker, of so. You see the BWL, unlike util- • Fax: (517) 371-5800 Reminders that the student is paying Lansing, who chairs The Andrew and ities who serve 90% of Michigan • At lansingcitypulse.com customers, has chosen to decline for that are not helpful. Mary Jane Humphries Foundation, money from the Michigan Energy Gladieux also wrote, “Above all, wrote “Mother of Orphans: The True Assistance Program (MEAP). 2.) Write a guest column: the drift toward a system that relies and Curious Story of Irish Alice, A By doing this, BWL cannot shut Contact Berl Schwartz for more primarily on student debt to finance Colored Man’s Widow.” Her opin- information: customers off after November higher tuition has turned the original ion column appears on the fourth [email protected] 1. Around $1 million could have commitment to equal opportunity on Wednesday of every month. or (517) 999-5061 been provided to customers its head.” This column was paid for by the (so they wouldn’t be in danger (Please include your name, That was 25 years ago. Congress did City Pulse Fund for Community of shutoffs) under MEAP. As a address and telephone number member of the BWL board , I so we can reach you. Keep letters nothing to fix it, and now the system Journalism, which can be found at urged the BWL to participate in to 250 words or fewer. City Pulse is crumbling under its weight. And www.lansingcitypulse.com/donation.) MEAP and then quit the Board reserves the right to edit letters when they didn’t do so (see City and columns.) B/21/044 2021 REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE CL-21-LTE-RC as per the specifications provided Pulse, circa October 2017). The by the City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids electronically on line at www. BWL should restore power to mitn.info or at the City Of Lansing Purchasing Office, at 124 W. Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Lansing, all customers who were shutoff MI 48933 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on JAN. 21, 2021 at which time bids will be opened. immediately, without charging a Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids are available by contacting deposit or a restoration fee. Stephanie Robinson at (517) 483-4128, or [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE Robert Nelson vendors and Lansing-based businesses. East Lansing CP#20-324 City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 REWIND CC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS OF THETHE WEEKWEEK By KYLE KAMINSKI Schor signs executive directive for ‘bias-free treatment’ In the wake of several documented allegations of racial discrimination, Lansing May- or Andy Schor announced Tuesday he signed an executive order to establish ways to further its “commitment to fair and bias-free treatment of all people.” The directive proposes a partnership with the National League of Cities to assess racial equity in Lansing. The city will also join the Government Alliance on Racial Equity, a national net- work of municipalities working toward social justice. Additionally, all city employees will be required to complete implicit bias training. All departments will also file a racial justice report to address ways to enhance equity in various city operations. The latest mayoral directive also specifically calls for plans for a community-driven, independent review of all departmental policies and procedures at both the Fire and Police depart- TERRA FORMS at Comerica Bank Schor ments. The Capital City Film Festival looked a little different during the State denies Nassar’s resentencing request Release Campaign, spearheaded by Redemption Cannabis and pandemic, but that didn’t make it Former Michigan State University gymnas- the Last Prisoner Project, among other groups. Thompson sold any less impressive this year — espe- tics physician Larry Nassar lost an appeal three pounds of cannabis in 1994 to an informant in the Flint cially for Friday night’s showing of this week to throw out one of the three sen- Area Narcotics Group. No guns were used during the sale, but “TERRA FORMS: Saga of a Cosmic tences he is serving. The 2-1 split decision re- because they were found at his home in a locked safe, Thomp- Tree” across all 15 floors of the portedly found that Nassar’s sentencing ap- son went on to be sentenced to 42 to 60 years in prison for Comerica Bank building in down- peal came too late and that any alleged bias firearm charges. Advocates labeled it a draconian sentence town Lansing. potentially exhibited by Judge Rosemarie and lauded Whitmer for setting him free. Drive-in movies played all night Aquilina was not improper. Nassar, who was Aquilina long on Friday and Saturday, but the main attraction was a stunning convicted of sexually assaulting over 150 girls Problems persist at Porter Senior Apartments piece of visual art that was projected and young women, is unlikely to ever see the outside of a prison Several residents have vertically across 12,000 feet of the cell with a combined minimum sentence of at least 140 years. said that substandard building, the kickoff of the abbrevi- living conditions are con- ated weekend showcase that repeat- Accident Fund pushes union staff to the frontline tinuing at Porter Senior ed every half hour on Friday night. At least a dozen employees at the Accident Fund Insurance Apartments, a subsidized Written by Ryan Uzilevsky and Co. of America headquarters in Lansing have said they’ve been complex on Townsend produced by Light Harvest Studio, unfairly required to report to work during the pandemic. The Street, reports the Lan- the massive-scale public art proj- common thread: They’re all members of UAW Amalgamated sing State Journal. Lansing ect has been in the making for the Local No. 2256, they contended. While state officials continue City Council members have raised concerns about bug infesta- last several years and included cas- to investigate employee complaints, corporate officials dou- tions and a lack of maintenance at the low-income apartment cades of lights and eye trickery that, bled down on their existing work-from-home policies and re- complex in recent months. Still, city, county and federal officials at times, made the building appear newed them through at least June 13. About 40% of the staff have reportedly visited the property and still consider it safe to be melting or collapsing to the must still report to work regardless of complaints, company enough to live in. The Journal found that many Porter residents ground, a narrative that followed officials said. are still frustrated, saying that issues have persisted despite the life of an ancient tree from tiny repeated complaints. Rental certificates at the site are still val- seedling to full-grown superorgan- id. ism. Crawford out as Schor administration turnover The “real” 10th anniversary cel- continues ebration of the Capital City Film Andrea Crawford, the city’s director of Six indicted in Whitmer kidnapping plot Festival is set for April 2021. the Department of Neighborhoods and Citi- Six men were indicted last week on charges of plotting to If you missed the live show, a zen Engagement, announced this week that kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and possibly hold her for ran- rebroadcast will soon be available to she will leave the job at the end of the year to som or leave her in the middle of Lake Michigan. The news ar- watch online through the Lansing “pursue other opportunities,” officials said. rives more than two months after their arrest after a federal Public Media Center, likely first She’ll be replaced by city neighborhood co- grand jury concluded there was enough evidence to bind the shared on its Facebook page and at ordinator DeLisa Fountain. She’ll earn about suspects over for trial. They each reportedly face one count lansingmedia.com. Crawford $7,000 less than Crawford. Crawford is at of kidnapping conspiracy, which could carry a sentence of life Film Festival Director Dominic Cochran served as executive director. least the eighth city official to leave their job in prison. The indictment didn’t add any new charges, though Funding was provided by the city of since Schor took office in 2018. more could be handed down. Lansing, the Arts Council of Greater Correction Lansing and the Arts Impact Grant Whitmer commutes sentences for drug offenders Because of a reporting error, the murder victim was mis- Program. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer granted four requests for clemency identified in last week’s Rewind item on charges that were this week — all for drug-related offenses — following recom- “Eye Candy of the Week” is our look at some of dropped in a 2011 killing. The victim’s name is Michael the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with Eyesore mendations by the Michigan Parole Board. Among them: Mi- Adams, not Abrams. of the Week and Eye for Design. If you have a sug- chael Thompson, who was the focus of the Michigan Prisoner gestion, please e-mail eye@lansing City Pulse regrets the error. citypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061. 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 MSU scientists searched wastewater for COVID-19. And they found it.

Wastewater research led identification of correlation between the HIV pandemic in and a to advanced notice of herpes virus that causes a skin can - East Lansing bar outbreak cer called Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Xagoraki said. As cases of coronavirus in Ingham That money ran out last December, county began to wane in June, stalling her studies for coronavirus in Michigan State University researcher the Detroit sewers until April — more Joan Rose noticed a sudden uptick in than a month after the first COVID-19 the amount of coronavirus in campus case was detected in Michigan. and Meridian Township wastewater. “We’re able to capture the second Without many students on campus, and third waves about three to four the news was puzzling. weeks ahead of time,” she said. “We started monitoring the waste- Capturing the increases in viral water on campus, and there weren’t transmission is important, she said, very many students in the dorms.” because it can inform public health offi- Rose explained. “It was kind of bounc- cials and hospitals on where and when ing around, but pretty low, around the a new surge is going to emerge more detection limit. Sometimes it was neg- broadly. It also provides an opportuni- ative. Sometimes we’d see a little pos- ty to communicate with communities Courtesy itive. We saw this huge peak in June, most impacted by COVID-19. Dr. Irene Xagoraraki poses while showing samples from her ongoing monitoring and I’m like, ‘What is this?’ It’s orders “Our early work confirmed the of magnitude larger than what we’d of Detroit sewer systems. validity of the method to provide ear- been seeing.” Then, scientists use a process known working for years to remove viruses ly warning of multiple viral diseases, Later, Rose learned it was the as PCR — or polymerase chain reac- from wastewater releases. Her Ph.D. including hepatitis and COVID-19,” start of an outbreak tied to Harper’s tion — that looks for specific genetic work was in Mexico, looking at vari- Xagoraraki said. “The Detroit project Restaurant and Brew Pub. material related to specific viruses. ous wastewater and enteric, or gut-re- goes above and beyond simple testing The wastewater research efforts are That allows researchers to determine lated viruses. Xagoraraki received of wastewater. We include multiple steered by Rose’s graduate students what viruses are present and in what $800,000 to continue her work on other data, measurements, and pro- who wanted to search for COVID-19 quantities, a valuable tool in quantify- viral infections in the Detroit sewage cesses to provide a tool that can be in wastewater. The idea is based on ing COVID-19 in Michigan. system. used by public health officials.” research that shows those infected with The state of Michigan is also hoping Those studies have resulted in the — TODD HEYWOOD the virus shed it in a variety of bodily wastewater moni- functions — including urine and feces. toring will help in And detecting the virus in the waste- the public health water early can help health officials process. It provid- track where the virus is spreading. ed about $1.3 mil- “People release viruses through lion to fund Rose’s urine and feces and then other secre- work, training and tions of the body like in our mucus, assisting staff at different parts of the body,” said Irene 20 advanced PCR Xagoraraki, associate professor of civil laboratories across and environmental engineering. “You Michigan and see, it’s not just the toilet. It’s just when offering advanced we wash our hands, when we take a analytical tech- shower. So, all the bodily secretions, niques. they end up in the collection system.” More than 100 All of that water — from the toilet, wastewater loca- the sink, the shower — flows into hun- tions will be moni- dreds of thousands of miles of under- tored for the SARS- ground sewer pipelines. Those lines CoV-2 virus to pro- then feed into water treatment facil- vide early warning ities, where the water is cleansed of and to assist local much of the waste, and then released health departments back into nature. in implementing The problem with looking for virus- public health mea- es in a slurry of wastewater, howev - sures to prevent er, is separating the viruses from the the spread of the mixture in the first place. Rose and virus — particular- others used a technique of a positive- ly to sensitive pop- ly charged screen, much like a net if ulations where the Courtesy photos you will, that attracts and captures the virus is found. Dr. Irene Xagoraraki's team works in the lab to identify various viruses found in Detroit wastewater viruses. Rose has been samples. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Legislation brings COVID-19 relief — and $600 stimulus checks

State, federal lawmakers plazas — in downtown East Lansing CORONAVIRUS IN MICHIGAN through at least Jan. 31. Violations, allocate billions to alleviate BY THE NUMBERS… WEEK 41 though very rarely ticketed, are con- financial strains sidered civil infractions and can lead MICHIGAN to fines of up to $25. State lawmakers in Michigan WEEKLY 12/15/20 12/22/20 CHANGE McLaren Greater Lansing as well approved a $465 million relief pack- as the Lansing Fire Department 442,715 466,485 ^5% age this week that reportedly includes CASES began the process of vaccinating their more than $63 million in grants staff this week after the Pfizer vaccine for small businesses and individual DEATHS 10,935 11,705 ^7% was distributed statewide last week- grants of up to $1,650 per person for end. McLaren received 975 initial those who lost their jobs or wages due doses; The Fire Department received to pandemic-related health orders. GREATER LANSING EATON CO. enough for command staff. The Michigan House of WEEKLY WEEKLY 12/15/20 12/22/20 CHANGE 12/15/20 12/22/20 CHANGE Ingham County Health Officer Representatives approved the pack - Linda Vail and several other health CASES 18,078 19,296 ^7% CASES 3,850 4,119 ^7% age, 97-5, Monday following a 35-2 department employees also received vote from the state Senate on Friday, vaccinations this week. She urg - DEATHS DEATHS reports the Detroit Free Press. 253 282 ^11% 69 82 ^19% es frontline health care workers to The measure is headed to the Gov. INGHAM CO. CLINTON CO. quickly follow suit. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approv- WEEKLY WEEKLY — KYLE KAMINSKI al, though she indicated that she may 12/15/20 12/22/20 CHANGE 12/15/20 12/22/20 CHANGE use her authority to line-item veto CASES 10,984 11,766 ^7% CASES 3,244 3,411 ^5% certain portions of the legislation DON’T FORGET before signing next week. DEATHS 153 163 ^7% DEATHS 31 37 ^19% WE’VE GOT The small business loan program reportedly caps grants at $20,000 for businesses completely closed Health and Human Services updat - the Eviction Diversion Program to THE PULSIFIEDS and $15,000 for businesses partially ed its epidemic order beginning this ensure that families can keep a roof BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS closed due to pandemic orders. The week to allow indoor activities where over their heads this winter amid the bill also includes millions to help the residents can remain masked, includ- pandemic. That program has helped Rates start at $24 state and local communities deliver ing inperson learning at high schools an estimated 16,000 people stay in for 4 lines and administer vaccines. and indoor entertainment venues like their homes to date, officials said. Submit your classified ad Additionally, live music and enter- casinos, bowling alleys and movie The East Lansing City Council to Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or tainment venues are eligible to receive theaters. Capacity will still be capped reupped an emergency declaration [email protected] grants of up to $40,000. Another at 100 people and social distancing is this week, as well as an order that Contract rates available, all still required. requires facemasks to be worn in rates net. Classified ads also $45 million was set aside for direct appear online at no extra payments to workers who have been The new order remains in effect all indoor and outdoor public spac - charge. Deadline for classi- fieds is 5 p.m. Monday for the laid off or furloughed as a result of until at least Jan. 15, though Whitmer es — including sidewalks, streets and upcoming Wednesday’s issue. the virus, with a focus on restaurant remains hopeful that her administra- and hospitality workers. tion can take “more aggressive steps” The Detroit Free Press reports the to lift restrictions on some additional ORDINANCE # 2620 funding could be made available as Michigan businesses after Jan. 1 as AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING early as next month. cases trend in a positive direction, OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND reports the Detroit News. FOR THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE Federal lawmakers also passed a CODE OF ORDINANCES. $900 billion pandemic relief pack - Whitmer announced this week that age this week that provides $300 per her administration will take a num - The City of Lansing ordains: week in supplemental jobless bene - ber of actions to provide support Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of fits and a $600 direct stimulus pay- for Michigan’s families, restaurants Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows: ment to most Americans. The $1.4 and small businesses. Among them: To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: trillion catchall spending bill also Another liquor buyback program for Case Number: Z-3-2020 includes another round of subsidies restaurants Parcel Number’s: 33-01-01-22-133-102 Address: 1030 S. Holmes Street for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, and bars STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT Legal Descriptions: Lots 1 through 13 inclusive & Lots 21 through 34 inclusive, Block 11, theaters, schools, health care provid- similar to the COUNTY OF INGHAM Manufacturers Addition No. 2, from “D-1” Professional Office and “B” NOTICE TO CREDITORS one admin- Decedent's Estate Residential districts to “DM-4” Residential district. ers and renters facing eviction, the File No. 20-000201-DE-P33 Estate of Gary Lee Thomas. Date Associated Press reports. The legis - istered last of birth: 7-25-1931. Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby TO ALL CREDITORS:* NOTICE repealed. lation just needs the president’s sig - year. TO CREDITORS: The decedent, T h e Gary Lee Thomas, died 8/15/2019. nature. Creditors of the decedent are Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on December 14, 2020, notified that all claims against the The 5,593-page legislation was by Whitmer estate will be forever barred unless and a copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan presented to Nancy L. Thomas, Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. far the longest federal bill ever to be adminis- personal representative, or to both the probate court at 313 W. passed, AP reports. tration also Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI 48933. Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect on the 30th day after enactment. announced Date: 12/12/2020 Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC another $2 Nancy L. Thomas In related news… 3505 Brisbane www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk million for Lansing, MI 48911 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-321 The Michigan Department of CP#20-314 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF LANSING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, January 11, 2021 at NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 7:00 p.m. during the regularly schedule City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, MI for the purpose of considering: Z-8-2020, 2918 N. East Street Rezoning from “F” Commercial to “H” Light Industrial An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend Chapter 240 of the Lansing Codified Ordinances in its entirety to restructure the grant award process for basic human services, The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., subject to ordinance requirements. via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider Z-8-2020. This is a request by GDN Farms, LLC to rezone 2918 N. East Street from “F” Commercial district to “H” Light Industrial Note: Michigan Director of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon’s Order of October 9, 2020 district. The purpose of the rezoning is to permit the property to be used for a marijuana grow regarding Gather Prohibition and Face Covering, as well as states of emergency declared by the facility. Mayor and approved by City Council have led to a closure of City Hall to public at this time due to COVID-19. Public observation and participation may be facilitated electronically in accordance Note: Michigan Director of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon’s Order of October 9, 2020 with the Open Meetings Act as amended, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. regarding Gather Prohibition and Face Covering, as well as states of emergency declared by the Mayor and approved by City Council have led to a closure of City Hall to public at this time due Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling to COVID-19. Public observation and participation may be facilitated electronically in accordance into the meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number with the Open Meetings Act as amended, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. 312-626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings into the meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice 312-626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation requests. Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. accommodation requests. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend [email protected]. the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk [email protected]. www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-316 Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-318 CITY OF EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF ADOPTION ORDINANCE NO. 1492

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTIONS 50-5, 50-36, 50-93, 50-94, 50-144, 50-593, NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 50-793, 50-812, 50-813, AND 50-814 OF CHAPTER 50 - ZONING - OF THE CODE OF EAST LANSING PLANNING COMMISSION THE CITY OF EAST LANSING TO MAKE UPDATES AND CORRECTIONS. NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that Ordinance No. 1492 was adopted by the City of East Lansing City Council at their meeting held on December 15, 2020 and will become effective upon the expiration of January 13, 2021 at 7:00 pm seven (7) days after the publication of the following summary of ordinance. THE MEETING WILL ONLY BE HELD ELECTRONICALLY SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1492 FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

THE CITY OF EAST LANSING ORDAINS: The Planning Commission of the City of East Lansing will hold a meeting and public hearing on January 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will only be held electronically pursuant to the Open Ordinance 1492 amends Chapter 50 – Zoning – as follows in summary: Meetings Act and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Orders. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider a site plan application from 270 W. Grand Section 50-5 – Adds new definition for the term “accessory structure”, amends the definition for River Blvd., for the property at 270 W. Avenue to demolish the existing structures and the term “building”. develop a parking lot. The subject property is located in the B-2, Retail Sales Business district.

Section 50-36(k) – Removes the standard relative to setbacks for administrative site plan review. The Planning Commission may also consider any business to come before it as permitted by law.

Section 50-93 – Inserts code section references to medical and adult-use marihuana land uses. Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Act 267 of 1976, and the MDHHS Epidemic Order, the City also gives notice of the following: Section 50-94(b)(2) – Removes the requirement for a special use permit for businesses selling alcohol for off-premises consumption if less than 25 percent of the sales floor area is devoted to 1. Reason for Electronic Meeting. The Planning Commission is holding the meeting by the sale of alcoholic beverages. electronic means only because of the gathering restrictions, capacity limits, and social distancing requirements set forth in the MDHHS Epidemic Orders. Section 50-94(b)(4) – Inserts geographical description of the area where Council may waive the requirement for first floor retail in the B-3 zoning district. 2. Procedures. The public may participate in the meeting and may make public comment electronically by video or telephone conference using the following information: Section 50-94(b)(5)b – Minor grammatical correction. URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82235712814 Section 50-144(8) – Adds swimming pools to the list of structures and encroachments in yards. Webinar ID: 822 3571 2814 Section 50-593(f) – Amends the minimum building height to four stories, clarified the maximum Call in Number: 312-626-6799 building stories to be eight and the maximum building height to be 112 feet. Toll Free Call in Number: 888 788 0099

Section 50-793.D. – Correction to the building height graphic. 3. Contact Information. For those people who desire to contact members of the Planning Commission to provide input or ask questions on the business that will come before the Section 50-812(5) – Adds new subsection that allows Council to modify the required parking public body at the meeting, please contact David Haywood, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI ratios with a special use permit. 48823, (517) 319-6861, TDD 1-800-649-3777 or dhaywood@cityofeastlansing,com, prior to the start of the meeting. Section 50-813(2) – Adds coffee shop to the required stacking spaces table. 4. Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities may participate in the meeting through the Section 50-814(6)a.1. – Extends the 50 percent parking reduction for any mixed-use development. methods set forth in paragraph 2. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services in order to attend electronically should notify Rebecca Urdiales, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, A true copy of Ordinance No. 1492 can be inspected or obtained at the Office of the City Clerk at MI 48823, (517) 319-6922, TDD 1-800-649-3777 or [email protected], within a City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, Michigan during normal business hours. reasonable time in advance of the meeting.

Jennifer Shuster Jennifer Shuster City Clerk CP#20-326 City Clerk CP#20-325 City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11 ‘Merry fucking Christmas’ City cracks down on away those who tried to stay. The news garnered some ire from lo- homeless camp during a cal residents in recent days, as well as an outpouring of community support. holiday pandemic Donations have been dropped off daily. Lansing firefighters didn’t want to put Several news outlets and camera crews out a small bonfire at a homeless camp have been on site. Several volunteers off Larch Street on Monday evening. and politicians have also recently shown They were just doing their job, follow- up to the camp, including First Ward ing orders from the top, they explained. Councilman Brandon Betz and his pre- After all, it was the darkest night of decessor, Jody Washington. the year. Temperatures were nearly And despite the firm deadline set last freezing. Snow was flurrying. week, most of the camp remained intact No firefighter signed up for the job on Tuesday. with plans to put homeless people out A city spokeswoman said that code in the cold — three days before Christ- enforcement officials will soon clear out mas and in the midst of a pandemic. But the remaining tents and debris in hopes “city policies” dictated otherwise. that those who remained there this “I’m sorry. We hate doing this, you week will find their way into a shelter. guys,” one firefighter told a group of Those who remain at the camp this several people gathered at the camp just week were largely there by choice and after sundown on Monday. “I have to, or not necessity. The City Rescue Mission, I’ll get in trouble. It’s a city policy, hun.” Haven House and Holy Cross’ New Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse The incident was captured on vid- Hope Community Center each reported The "Back 40" homeless encampment reportedly houses up to 20 people every eo and later published to Facebook by dozens of vacancies this week. But tra- night. Residents said the population there has only grown amid the pandemic. Ruckus Steve Swart. ditional shelters aren’t always desirable. “Merry fucking Christmas,” one man, For many, the Back 40 serves as an al- “We’re not hurting anybody out here. en House, with nine active COVID-19 a frequent resident of the camp, shot ternative sort of shelter, a sense of com- We’re just minding our own business,” cases, is the only one still on Vail’s radar back in response. “We’re copacetic. panionship, comradery, an escape from one guest said. “Have you actually been this week. We’re just trying to live, man. We don’t the routine, a place to crack open a tall to a shelter? Have you stayed there? It’s “We have done really fairly well with- want to be in that COVID ward.” boy and sit around a fire — a rare sense not a great place to be.” in our homeless community,” Vail said “This shit is pitiful. It’s fucking of freedom during especially dark times. Ingham County Health Officer Linda this week. “Of course, anything that COVID going on,” another man shouted Others said they just want to avoid in- Vail hasn’t tracked many coronavirus drives people indoors with less flexibil- back. “They’re all outside so they don’t door congregate settings, where guests cases at homeless shelters in Lansing, ity about wandering outside is going to have to get COVID. And this what y’all could be at a much greater risk of expo- which managed to escape most of the change the dynamics of what is going are fucking doing? It’s fucking sicken- sure to COVID-19. pandemic without an outbreak. Hav- on. We have a few challenges, but noth- ing.” ing out of control.” The firefighters appeared to leave mo- Kim Coleman, the city’s director of ments after raking around embers, leav- “No one should have to shelter or live in unsafe and dan- human relations and community ser- ing coals burning. The fire was relit that vices, said it’s up to code enforcement night. A small crowd was still gathered gerous conditions. Upon inspection, it was found that the staff to ensure the space is actually va- around the fire Tuesday morning. people at the Back 40 were living in a place with human cated. Exactly what those plans entail, “I’m not going anywhere,” one man however, remains unclear, but she said a said. “The firefighters told me they feces and used drug needles, and fires were being lit near forceful police removal isn’t in the city’s wouldn’t be back again.” very flammable materials putting people at great risk. playbook. The homeless encampment — the These people need and deserve a safe and appropriate And the timeline announced last “Back 40” — is tucked into a vacant field week was apparently a flexible one. City owned by the Sam Eyde Management shelter, and outreach staff has worked with each of these officials didn’t provide a precise time- Co. at the corner of Larch and Saginaw folks to offer and provided shelter. The City of Lansing frame for when garbage, tents and other streets. Eyde hasn’t raised concerns materials would be cleaned up on site. about the camp or been involved with Code Enforcement team and Human Services team, along “It had just become too much of a plans to clear it out. with partner agencies, have done a great job ensuring health hazard and was no longer safe,” The location admittedly hasn’t at- Coleman said. “It’s difficult to pin down tracted much development interest in the safety and security of the individuals who were living dates when things like this absolutely recent years, he said. at the Back 40, while being sensitive to difficult individual should happen. Our intent is to make “We’ve always said, unless they have situations. If tragedy were to strike, the sure that people are safe and in a healthy a place to put them, we won’t do any- environment. It became imperative that thing,” Eyde added. first question asked would be why people we do something.” Still, the city of Lansing is charging were allowed to live in these dangerous Mountains of trash are still piled be- forward with plans to have it vacated tween rows of tents and tarps on the as quickly and as humanely as possi- conditions. City staff are being proactive vacant lot. A car that has been parked ble. Under the direction of Mayor Andy to provide safe living conditions and avoid nearby for at least the last week has its Schor, city officials announced last week windows smashed out. One tent was that at least a dozen regular guests of tragedy.” covered in feces. Rotting food on site the camp would need to leave by Sun- — Lansing Mayor Andy Schor was known to attract insects before the day night. The plan from last week: Dis- mantle tents, clean up trash and shoo See Homeless, Page 12 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 Homeless from page 11 winter arrived. Many guests said they have men- tal illnesses or struggle with substance abuse. One man — who was known to use drugs — reportedly defecated last week into a small clear box containing the camp’s only emergency ration of Narcan, medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. Another man who identified himself only as Buster said the camp has been active for a decade. In recent years, how- Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse ever, its population has only grown. The (Left) Former Lansing City COVID-19 pandemic has also pushed Councilwoman Jody Washington, in a those numbers higher as homeless peo- Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse black mask, said she wants to ensure ple look for alternatives to traditional those struggling with homelessness shelters. ronment,” Coleman added. “It became creasingly unsanitary, unregulated and in Lansing have access to a clean, Buster estimated that up to 20 home- imperative that we did something about unhealthy space in recent months. safe place to sleep during the winter less people have been staying there each that. Whether it was today, yesterday or “I really believe people brought too months. Many of the people there night this month. even next week, it was a big concern for much attention to this place,” Wash- “I understand why some folks are un- us to make sure people were taken care ington added. “This is disrupting an have become like family to her, she happy to see this out here,” Buster said. of. This wasn’t the first time we’ve taken entire culture, and there wasn’t a lot of explained. “It’s scary looking in the day time and these steps, and it won’t be the last. It’s a time to work on it, but there are options (Above) Washington shook tents at the it’s scary as shit in the night time. If public health hazard.” available for these folks. They just need Back 40 on Friday, trying to convince you’re not street, I wouldn’t suggest you The U.S. Centers for Disease Control to take advantage of them. They don’t residents to seek shelter elsewhere come out here at night. Most of these and Prevention advise against breaking need to be out here. At the end of the and making sure they've been made folks are always welcoming. Others, you up homeless encampments without of- day, they all want what we have: Digni- never know.” fering readily available alternatives for ty, safety, a sense of belonging.” aware of vacancies at licensed shelters Few have argued the necessity of the shelter. Coleman said those opportuni- Betz, who replaced Washington on in the city. city’s plans, but the timing has been ties are available. And it’s unlikely the the Council, was at the camp Monday, a bitter pill. Firefighters put out a fire CDC would condone the camp’s condi- keeping guard with a group of volun- there in April and haven’t been back tions. teers with the Poor People’s Campaign, cold weather becomes unbearable be- since, campers told City Pulse. The most “This is an environment that is con- an advocacy team dedicated to eradicat- fore then, it could reopen even sooner, common question: If the camp has op- trary to a healthy environment,” Cole- ing racism, poverty and other social is- she said. erated for so long, why clear it out now? man added. “It’s important to keep sues. Betz disagrees with the city’s plan “That’s being set up as we speak,” Coleman declined to explain exact- in mind that we’re not asking them to to shut down the camp, but if it was go- Coleman explained on Tuesday morn- ly how or why city officials decided to leave with no other options. We’re busy ing to happen, someone needed to en- ing. shutter the camp during the wintry ensuring anyone that wants one can sure it was done humanely, he said. Coleman also said the city has no ac- months of a pandemic, except to note have access to a clean, safe space to sleep “I thought it was best to keep watch,” tive plans to clear out other homeless that local residents have called in an at night.” Betz said. “With this mayor, you just encampments in Lansing, including increasing number of complaints in Jody Washington, the former First never know.” Betz is among those who one near Frandor and another steadily recent months. The city of Grand Rap- Ward Councilwoman, has been among have demanded Schor’s resignation over growing camp on the north side. The ids also decided to clear out a similarly those spending her free time at the issues of civil rights and social equity. Back 40 was targeted, in part, because sized homeless encampment this week, camp in recent weeks. She just wants Coleman said the Lansing Police De- of its large size, she said. The others are but Coleman maintains it’s entirely un- people to know that other options exist partment won’t be involved in any force- much smaller. related. for shelter in Lansing. Most volunteers, ful plans to clear out the camp. The city In the meantime, advocates said res- “Our intent is to help make certain city officials and residents agree: The doesn’t intend to criminalize homeless- idents who are looking to support the that people are safe in a healthy envi- Back 40 has only devolved into an in- ness, she said. For her, it’s all about en- local homeless community can donate suring that residents of the camp have directly to service agencies (like the City Piles of food access to other options. It’s still unclear Rescue Mission or Holy Cross Services) waste, trash what will happen to those who refuse to that have been engaged in the battle and feces are take advantage of them, but forced re- against homelessness for the last several moval doesn’t sound likely. a common years. “There are operational teeth and a The City Rescue Mission, in partic- sight at the plan to move this forward, but I cannot ular, is searching for cereal, granola Back 40. Its speak to this plan,” Coleman explained. bars, coffee, stuffing mix, turkey gravy, unsanitary “It’s now up to code enforcement, and I tissues, cough drops, chapstick, gloves, conditions haven’t been involved with that.” insulated clothing and more. And those are part of In addition to available space at local who remained at the encampment only the motiva- shelters and drop-in centers, Coleman voiced one request on Tuesday morn- tion behind said the city also plans to reopen the ing: “More tents.” efforts to Gier Park Community Center by Jan. 6 — KYLE KAMINSKI for those who need a place to stay. If the shut it down. Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 The Whitmer-Shirkey relationship: The gulf remains deep

We would say “bull- POLITICS strong Type A personalities. shit.” Michigan’s Senate Nothing has worked. majority leader is a bit Even former Gov. Jennifer Granholm more refined. and former Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey would Mike Bishop would tolerate being in prefer to say, “Bovine the same room together. Not these two. secretion.” That’s I’ve touched on it in prior columns, what he calls the Gov. but here’s the recap. Gretchen Whitmer It all goes back to Whitmer’s 45-cent administration’s latest economic shut- gas tax increase proposal back in 2019. downs on restaurants and eating at Whitmer played ball with Shirkey and entertainment venues. Chatfield on an auto insurance reform The governor’s calculation here is designed to roll back rates. pretty plain. This was Republicans’ big issue, A bunch of people indoors + eating not Whitmer’s, but she gave in (to the without a mask on = COVID spread. objection of her trial attorney allies). If “I think it’s clear that the pause is she helped them with their issue, they’d working,” Whitmer said at her year’s help her with a gas tax increase to fix end press conference. “We should all the damn roads, right? take credit for that.” Well, their best counteroffer was The Senate majority leader doesn’t 20 cents spread over four years. That share this opinion and is using the wasn’t good enough for the governor. administration’s own data to prove it. She let them know. They didn’t budge. If the shutdown is working, why were She didn’t budget. They played a game new COVID case numbers already of chicken with the budget. Neither going down? veered off the road. The head-on col- If the shutdown was working, why lision was spectacular if like watching are Wisconsin’s COVID case numbers car wrecks. mirroring Michigan’s when they didn’t That’s the Cliff Notes version. have a restaurant shutdown? It’s all spilled over into how the state Whitmer argues Ohio didn’t have a is responding to the country’s worst shutdown and their numbers are still pandemic in 100 years and there’s no all over the place. end in sight. Where does the back-and-forth end? Today, it’s Michigan’s COVID It’s not, and that’s really the point. response plan. The statewide political division of Tomorrow, it’s how the state is dis- 2020 should be decelerating after the tributing vaccines. (Are enough going election. Instead, it’s motoring right to rural areas where medical options through into 2021. The philosophical are slim?) divide between the governor’s economic The next day maybe it’s a new strain shutdowns designed to stop coronavi- of the virus that the vaccine doesn’t rus and the Legislature’s more volun- work as well against. tary compliance approach has put them The rough facts are staying the same. a functional island. The governor believes it’s the govern- Lawmakers sail over a few bills to ment’s obligation to slow the virus’ Whitmer now and again to keep gov- spread through mandated orders to ernment running. They’re sign off on slow people’s movement. The majority more money for the unemployed and leader believes if people are given the businesses. Their input on Michigan’s information on how to slow the virus, coronavirus containment strategy? they will do the right thing. It’s worth about as much as this col- “Trusting people. Stopping with the umn or your letter to the editor. fear forecasting and instead inform, The gulf is deep. Whitmer and inspire and encourage our citizens is a Shirkey rarely talk, if they do at all. proven and robust action,” he says. They negotiate through their respec- “I’m not going to debate someone’s tive staffs and individual members like philosophy or opinions. I’m going to Senate Appropriations Chairman Jim follow the science and listen to the Stamas. experts. When we do that, it works,” she Chatfield has tried to mediate. Even- says. tempered and good-natured Senate That’s where we are. Minority Leader Jim Ananich has tried (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news ser- to play marriage counselor to these two vice MIRS is at [email protected].) 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

Lansing City Council 2021 Meeting Schedule

Monday, January 4, 2021; Annual Organizational - 1st meeting of year

FREE 1905 Monday, January 11, 2021 Monday, January 25, 2021 Monday, February 8, 2021 Monday, February 22, 2021; Board List - prior to first meeting in March Monday, March 8, 2021 Monday, March 22, 2021; Mayor's Budget - on or before 4th Monday in March 4045 YEARS - Monday, April 12, 2021 As Seen On the Cover of CityPulse AGGRESSIVE Monday, April 26, 2021; Mayor's Board Appointments - prior to first meeting in May LITIGATION Monday, May 3, 2021 Illustrations • Murals • Graphic Design Monday, May 10, 2021 Signs • Banners • T-Shirts •Logos EFFECTIVE Monday, May 17, 2021; Adopt Budget - not later than 3rd Monday in May MEDIATION Monday, June 7, 2021 Council Act on Appointments - at or before 1st meeting in June [email protected] Monday, June 21, 2021 Monday, July 12, 2021 Monday, July 26, 2021 517-703-4655 Monday, August 9, 2021 Monday, August 23, 2021 ArtByNevin Art_By_Nevin Monday, August 30, 2021 Monday, September 13, 2021 Monday, September 20, 2021; Budget Priorities - no later than October 1 Monday, October 11, 2021 Monday, October 25, 2021 Monday, November 8, 2021 Monday, November 29, 2021 Monday, December 13, 2021

B/21/046 LPD MOTORCYCLES as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City All meetings will be on Monday at 7:00 p.m. in one of the following meeting locations, virtual of Lansing will accept sealed bids electronically on line at www.mitn.info or at the City of Lansing Webinar, the Tony Benavides Lansing City Council Chambers, 10th Floor City Hall, or South Purchasing Office, 124 W. Michigan Ave 8th Floor, Lansing, Michigan 48933 until 2:00 PM local Washington Office Complex, 3200 S. Washington, Lansing MI 48910. The meeting location (or, time in effect on JAN. 7, 2021 at which time bids will be opened. Complete specifications and if virtual, the meeting ID and instructions for access) will be posted on the notice of the public forms required to submit bids are available by contacting Stephanie Robinson at (517) meeting in accordance with state statute. 483-4128 email: [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based Chris Swope, CMMC/MMC businesses. Lansing City Clerk CP#20-315 [email protected] www.LansingMI.gov/Clerk CP#20-322

ORDINANCE # 2620

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING ORDINANCE # 2618 OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND FOR THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING CODE OF ORDINANCES. OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND FOR THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE The City of Lansing ordains: CODE OF ORDINANCES.

Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of The City of Lansing ordains: Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows: Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows: Case Number: Z-3-2020 Parcel Number’s: 33-01-01-22-133-102 To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: Address: 1030 S. Holmes Street Case Number: Z-8-2019 Legal Descriptions: Lots 1 through 13 inclusive & Lots 21 through 34 inclusive, Block 11, Parcel Number’s: 33-01-05-04-202-021 Manufacturers Addition No. 2, from “D-1” Professional Office and “B” Address: 5400 S. Cedar Street Residential districts to “DM-4” Residential district. Legal Descriptions: Commencing 7 feet West of the Southeast Corner of Lot 7, Jolly-Cedar Plaza, Thence South 175.78 feet, Thence West 268 feet, Thence South 326 Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby Feet to the North line of the Consumers Power right-of-way, West 645.64 repealed. feet, North 600 feet, East 405.33 feet, South 98.07 feet, East 506.14 feet to the point of beginning; Section 4, T3N R2W, from “F” Commercial & “J” Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on December 14, 2020, Parking Districts to “G-2” Wholesale District with the following conditions and a copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan which shall run with the land and are binding upon all future owners thereof: Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. * No marijuana facilities of any kind may be established on the property Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect on the 30th day after enactment. * The proposed storage building located north of the S. Cedar Street driveway will have an architectural design that is consistent with the Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC rendering shown on the plan dated 8/29/2019 www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk * The site improvements shown on the plan dated 8/29/2019, which includes www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-321 landscaping, a connection path to the abutting non-motorized pathway and the provision of a bicycle rest area, will be installed prior to occupancy of the existing building or any new buildings on the site. DON’T FORGET • WE’VE GOT Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby repealed.

Rates start at $24 Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on December 14, 2020, for 4 lines and a copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan THE PULSIFIEDS Submit your classified ad to Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect on the 30th day after enactment. [email protected] Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified ads also www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk appear online at no extra charge. Deadline for classifieds is www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-323 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming Wednesday’s issue. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

All photos by Kaiti Chritz, Potter Park zookeeper Murphy Swartz (right) offers Jaali his favorite treat, an alfalfa cube, while zookeeper Ashleigh Winkelmann (center) gets lip service from Jaali's mother, Doppsee. A rhino grows in Lansing Baby’s first year, from birth to 860 pounds

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO be a rhino. Here’s an inside look of pandemic-year Facebook sure the major organs were n the wee hours of at Jaali’s first year, from his wob- and Twitter stars. Jaunty trots functioning. Christmas 2019, a hum- bly first steps to summer spar- around the yard, sparring “You could tell just by looking Ible birth in a straw-lined ring matches in the yard with matches, tender moments, mud at him that he was a very healthy barn in Lansing, Michigan, lit his mom, Doppsee, to this week’s baths — the rhino reality show rhino calf,” Eustace said. “He was up the front page of The New gala birthday cake, a vegetarian never stops. making the right sort of noises, York Times, was harked and browser’s fantasia of watermel- “The year has been amaz- moved normally, and he got up heralded on NBC and NPR and on, alfalfa cubes and peanut but- ing on social media,” zookeep- and nursed right away.” spread comfort and joy around ter frosting. er Ashleigh Winkelmann said. Rhinos are a “precocial” spe- the world. “People all over the world are cies, meaning they barrel into One year later, a sweet-tem- following Jaali.” the world like a miniature adult, pered eastern black rhino Raring to go On the day after Christmas, without going through a long, named Jaali is pushing 1,000 Pat Fountain, head zookeeper zoo veterinarian Ronan Eustace drawn-out series of develop- pounds — a conservation tri- at Potter Park Zoo, summed up verified that the baby was fine, in mental milestones. For exam- umph for the Potter Park Zoo, 2020 as a “very special and very what may have been the world’s ple, Jaali was walking within 90 a star attraction for its 100th difficult” year. fastest neo-natal exam. minutes. year and a precious package of “We didn’t get the chance to “We were able to separate “It’s not like a human baby,” genes with the potential to help share Jaali with everyone like we Doppsee from Jaali very, very Eustace said “They’re pretty a critically endangered species wanted to,” Fountain said. The briefly,” Eustace said. Doppsee, much raring to go within a few come back from the brink of zoo closed to the public March a 3,000-pound first-time mom, hours.” extinction. There are only about 14 for the first COVID-19 lock- was visibly getting more nervous For several weeks after Jaali 5,000 eastern black rhinos alive down and reopened, to outdoor by the second. “We wanted to do was born, keepers monitored the in the wild and fewer than 60 in viewing only, June 18, with strict more things, but we didn’t want barn via closed circuit TV. accredited zoos. distancing guidelines. to stress her out.” “We got to watch what rhinos While a turbulent 2020 raged None of that stopped Jaali Eustace checked Jaali for do at night when we’re all sleep- outside the zoo, Jaali quietly and her mother, Doppsee, from abnormalities like heart mur- grew a horn and learned how to instantly joining the ranks murs or cleft palate and made See Jaali, Page 16 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

Before and after Jaali grew his horn.

ly stepped up. His most recent time for the bongo and a heavy lift them. Jaali weigh-in, in November, came in at for all concerned. In April, a 4-year-old Malayan 390 kilos, just under 860 pounds. “Usually, any species over 100 tiger at the Bronx Zoo tested pos- from page 15 (He gains about 10 to 20 pounds a kilograms — that sort of manual itive for COVID-19. Four other week.) He’ll likely top 1,000 pounds, stuff is off the table, because they’re tigers and three African lions there or half a ton, by the end of the year. just too strong,” Eustace said. “It later tested positive. ing,” zookeeper Kim Hernandez takes 10 people to lift up a bongo In December, four lions at the said. “For one thing, Doppsee likes that weighs 300 kilos.” Barcelona Zoo tested positive. None to rearrange her house.” The barn Rhino en pointe But Jaali hasn’t flinched yet at a of them got seriously ill. floor was lined with straw instead Doppsee’s and Jaali’s easy-going blood draw or a vaccination. “They were infected from their of wood chips to make it easier temperament is an exception to the “I try my best not to dart an ani- keepers, who didn’t know they were for Jaali to keep her footing. Some rule in the rhino world, and a god- mal unless I really have to,” Eustace infected,” Eustace said. “Large tigers nights, Doppsee spent hours push- send to Eustace as he sees to their said. “No matter what you do, the and lions are more susceptible than ing the straw around until it was health and safety without any part animal doesn’t really understand domestic house cats, for whatever just right. of him being crushed or impaled. it. It’s always a negative experience. reason.” He guessed that the small For the first several weeks, mother Rhinos are prone to foot ail - But with Jaali, I just come up to number of big cats and their limited and baby were inseparable 24 hours ments, so keepers trained Jaali to him, scratch him, give him an injec- gene pool might play a role. a day, but night footage showed raise his foot in a rhino version of tion and he just stands there.” The Potter Park Zoo staff is track- Doppsee taking some “me time” ballet pointe for inspections, nail Rhinos look indestructible, but ing the pandemic as it unfolds and after that, leaving Jaali to sleep at filing and other cleaning and main- they are subject to perils such as modifying its treating of some ani- the far side of the barn. tenance. At the sound of the word leptospirosis, a bacterial blood mals, such as ferrets, when their By early January, Jaali was “foot,” he will raise his foot on a infection that infects wild and counterparts in other zoos get mouthing food and hay (without 3-inch block, allowing Eustace or domestic mammals and spreads to COVID. swallowing yet). By the middle of a student to reach under and do a (and from) humans. “Our interactions with Jaali were the month, he was coming up to the blood draw from the tender skin The infection, which can lead to a lot easier and a lot more natu- keepers to be petted. of his opposite thigh. Jaali has also kidney disease or rupture of red ral when we didn’t have to wear The tight-knit community of learned to open his mouth on com- blood cells, has been a significant face masks and he could see us,” rhino handlers already knew of mand, so Eustace and the keepers cause of death in black rhinos in Hernandez said. Doppsee’s remarkably gregarious can check on his teeth. captivity. When Jaali was newborn, keepers and calm disposition during her But Jaali and Doppsee have noth- Jaali has been vaccinated for lep- wore gloves when touching him, but pregnancy. It looked as if Jaali was ing on Phineus, the Potter Park’s tospirosis, rabies, West Nile virus after a few weeks, both rhino and picking up the same personality. resident male rhino, who can sit and eastern equine encephalitis humans delighted in skin on skin His gregariousness encouraged and lay down on command. (He viruses, known to veterinarians as contact. zookeepers to start training him learned those clinically useless but “triple E.” “Then we had to wear face masks earlier than most rhino calves, but entertaining behaviors at his previ- “Two years ago, Michigan had a and gloves again,” Hernandez it took patience to coax him to step ous digs, the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, triple E outbreak where 10 people sighed. on the scale for his first weigh-in Texas.) died and there were multiple cases Meanwhile, Eustace visits Jaali Feb. 22. It’s rare for any big animal, let in horses,” Eustace said. regularly for a social call and head They started by coaxing Jaali to alone a rhino, to stand still and allow Eustace doesn’t know yet wheth- scratch. That way, Jaali doesn’t touch his nose or some other part a safe blood draw or vaccination. er any zoo animals, rhinos includ- associate him only with pokes and of his body to a lollipop-lke “tar- The Potter Park Zoo’s 700-pound, ed, will get a coronavirus vaccine. probes. get stick” and rewarding him with full-grown bongo (a species of ante- Researchers are still learning how Potter Park’s rhinos have kept fruits and veggies. He gradually lope) has to be darted with a tran- the virus spreads among animals came closer to the scale and final- quilizer to get a shot — a stressful and how serious a threat it is to See Jaali, Page 17 City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

the yard. The public is encouraged to Jaali contribute browsing material to the zoo. A list of nontoxic plants from page 16 that make for good browsing, from dogwood and forsythia to Eustace busy all year. MSU large honeysuckle, sugar maple and wil- animal vets helped him with a low, is available at potterparkzoo. complicated and very heavy lift org/fresh-browse-donation-pro- this year: anesthetizing and per- gram. (People who plan to trim a forming an upper gastrointesti- tree soon can call Fountain at 483- nal endoscopy on Jaali’s father, 4222. In winter, the zoo staff will Phineus. accept branches without leaves.) In late September, Eustace In the summer, the rhinos enjoy and the zoo staff again examined long wallows in chocolatey mud. Phineus, working with Monica “The mud is really good for them,” Stoops, one of the nation’s top rhi- Winkelmann said. “It acts as a sun no reproductive experts. block and protects their skin. It’s In a historic step toward spe- a natural behavior, and we help cies conservation, Stoops collect- them do it.” In winter, when the ed semen from Phineus to freeze ground is hard, the keepers bring it for artificial insemination work. a large bucket of soupy mud into The semen can even be sexed, so the barn and rub it on the rhinos. researchers can target-breed to “We get real dirty with them, produce males or females, accord- and they seem to really enjoy it,” ing to need. zookeeper Murphy Swartz said. “We’re really happy that we “It’s like a spa day for them.” could help out with these repro- For Jaali’s birthday on Christmas duction conservation studies,” Eve, zookeepers will whip up a Eustace said. “There are only so special “cake” made of iced water- many black rhinos.” melon and other fruit, most likely with peanut butter frosting. There won’t be a live feed, but Snow and mud footage will go up on the zoo’s The Potter Park Zoo’s rhino website, where followers from barn is still closed to the public, around the world will share in the but viewing windows permit a festivities. peek inside. If the temperature is above 20 degrees and there’s no ice to slip on, the rhinos are free ‘They need more to roam the yard, where they are quite easy to spot, to say the least. rhinos’ As zoos evolve from entertain- “Doppsee loves snow,” ment venues to indispensable arks Winkelmann said. “When we get a of conservation, they’re not shy lot of snow, she loves to go out and about putting cute baby animals run around, get her horn into the to serious work. Jaali, Doppsee snow and toss it in the air.” and Phineus are part of an inter- Last week, keepers brought a national managed breeding plan, few buckets of snow into the barn a Hail Mary pass for a mighty line and showed it to Jaali. of megafauna that’s hanging on by “He hasn’t seen what Michigan its three massive toes. winters are,” Winkelmann said. Only about 27,000 rhinos “It will be really interesting to see remain in the wild today, down what he does with a lot of snow from 500,000 at the turn of the when we get it.” 20th century, according to the Throughout the year, keepers World Wildlife Foundation. Most introduce a variety of stimuli to of them live in national parks or the daily round of eating, sleep- wildlife preserves in South Africa, ing and hanging out in the yard. Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya, Spices and perfumes are brought where it’s harder for poachers to in for the rhinos to smell. (They get to them, but there is no such seem to enjoy cumin.) Food is thing as a safe space. In 2017, often packed into “boomer balls,” poachers shot and killed a rhi- thick plastic balls they love to bat no living in a zoo near Paris and around until the food pops out. removed its horn. Alfalfa cubes are Jaali’s favorite Rhino horn is worth more treat. Apples, sweet potatoes and than diamonds on the black mar- carrots are popular with all the ket, owing largely to widespread rhinos, but they also eat pumpkin, beliefs, especially in Asia, that watermelon, greens, peanut but- they work any number of miracles, ter and cereal, in addition to their from curing cancer to enhancing ever-present nutritional pellets. sex drive. The rhinos seem to prize pep- Jaali’s species, the eastern black permint candies most highly of all rhino, is slowly bouncing back — so highly that only the veteri- from a low point of about 2,500 narians are allowed to dole them 20 years ago to 5,000 at present, out, for positive reinforcement. but that’s still a tiny fraction of the In the wild, rhinos spend much 100,000 black rhinos that once of the day munching tasty leaves roamed east Africa. Worldwide, and branches from live trees and there are about 60 eastern black (Top) Jaali is a curious sort and began to butt objects in the yard early in the spring. shrubs. It’s hard to mimic the diet rhinos and about 1,000 rhinos of (Center) Rhinos browse on leaves and twigs in the wild, a habitat that's hard to mimic in of browsers in a zoo, but keepers all species living in zoos. zoos. The public is invited to donate fresh browsing materials that are safe for them to try to freshen up the “browse” reg- eat; see the zoo's Web site for details. ularly by placing branches around See Jaali, Page 18 (Bottom) Jaali seldom left his mother Doppsee's side all year. 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

Jaali takes a midsummer rest.

A tender moment in early spring, when rhino horns first come into bud.

baby and she continues to have lots of his father, Phineus, was. rhino,” Hernandez said. Jaali calves in her lifetime,” Eustace said. “Right now, the plan is just for him Jaali’s first birthday brings Swartz’s In a race against time, the Potter Park continue to learn to be a happy, healthy thoughts back to her most vivid mem- from page 17 Zoo is participating in a comprehen- rhino from his mom,” Eustace said. ory as a zookeeper. sive black rhino study organized by the For Winkelmann, Swartz, Hernandez In late 2019, Swartz got a chance to Smithsonian National Zoo. and fellow keepers Adriana Davidson put her hand on Doppsee’s stomach, “There’s just not enough to be genet- With blood samples from Jaali and and Amy Pierce, 2020 was a year like where a spunky Jaali was almost ready ically sustainable over 100 years,” rhinos around the country, Smithsonian no other. to see daylight. Eustace said. “They need more rhinos.” researchers are developing a genetic To Hernandez, the past year has been Rhinos can muster up some pretty Phineus’ sperm is already in a bank, profile of the captive rhino population, especially sweet after over two years of impressive intestinal rumbles, but this awaiting timely deployment. In a few to make breeding programs as healthy hard work laying the groundwork for was not that. “It was unmistakable, hav- years, a breeding recommendation for and productive as possible. Jaali’s birth, from multiple rounds of ing a foot kick your hand through her Jaali will likely take him to a zoo where That’s a lot of responsibility for a carefully managed mating encounters stomach,” Swartz said. “You’re just in his sperm is needed to keep the gene little guy, but Jaali seems to take it in to Doppsee’s long pregnancy. awe, ecstatic. Now he’s here, in the zoo, pool viable. stride. In several years, he will likely get “As testosterone kicks in, he could running circles in the yard, sparring “Hopefully Doppsee will get pregnant a “breeding recommendation” and be change and become more like his Dad, with Mom, doing natural behaviors he in another few years, she’ll have another paired with a female at another zoo, as but he’s just so mellow, not your typical would do in the wild.”

Potter Park's rhinos can be seen in the yard, if it's warmer than 20 degrees and there's no ice; if not, visitors can get a glimpse through viewing windows into the barn. So long for now. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

CITY OF LANSING ORDINANCE # 2619 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN, PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING Z-7-2020, 500 N. Cedar Street & 514 Erie Street OF A PARCEL OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN AND Rezoning from “H” Light Industrial to “G-1” Business FOR THE REVISION OF THE DISTRICT MAPS ADOPTED BY SECTION 1246.02 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES. The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider Z-7-2020, a request by MVAH The City of Lansing ordains: Development to rezone the property located at 500 N. Cedar Street and 514 Erie Street from “H” Light Industrial district to “G-1” Business district. The purpose of the rezoning is to permit the Section 1. That the district maps adopted by and incorporated as Section 1246.02 of the Code of properties to be used for multiple family residential/multi-generational housing. Ordinances of the City of Lansing, Michigan be amended to provide as follows:

Note: Michigan Director of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon’s Order of October 9, 2020 To change the zoning classification of the property described as follows: regarding Gather Prohibition and Face Covering, as well as states of emergency declared by the Case Number: Z-2-2020 Mayor and approved by City Council have led to a closure of City Hall to public at this time due Parcel Numbers: 33-01-05-05-126-101 to COVID-19. Public observation and participation may be facilitated electronically in accordance Address: 5528 S. M.L. King Jr. Blvd. with the Open Meetings Act as amended, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Legal Descriptions: Commencing at the Southerly corner of Lot 6 on the Westerly line of M-99, thence Northwesterly along the Southerly lot line 650 feet, Northeast Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling to a point on the Northeasterly lot line 550 feet Northwesterly from the into the meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number Easterly corner, Southerly 550 feet to the Easterly corner, Southwesterly 312-626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. to the point of beginning; Creyts Subdivision, from “D-1” Professional Office district to “F” Commercial district. Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice Section 2. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with the provisions hereof are hereby may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable repealed. accommodation requests. Section 3. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Lansing City Council on December 14, 2020, For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend and a copy is available in the office of the Lansing City Clerk, 9th Floor, City Hall, 124 W. Michigan the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. Avenue, Lansing, MI 48933. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email Section 4. This ordinance shall take effect on the 30th day after enactment. [email protected]. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-320 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-317

CITY OF EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

NOTICE OF ADOPTION CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING RESOLUTION EXTENDING STATE OF EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION AND ORDER REQUIRING FACE COVERINGS IN CITY DDA POLICY RESOLUTION NO. 2020-11 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held at City Hall, Council Chambers Date: December 15, 2020 located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, on Monday, January 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. in City Council WHEREAS, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1488, which authorizes the Mayor to declare or Chambers, Tenth Floor, Lansing City Hall, 124 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, for proclaim a City State of Emergency and to subsequently promulgate orders rules and regulations the purpose of receiving additional public input on the Parks and Recreation Draft Master Plan to protect life and property or to bring the emergency situation under control; and 2020-2025.

WHEREAS, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and increased cases and Note: Michigan Director of Health and Human Services Robert Gordon’s Order of October 9, 2020 hospitalizations in Ingham County, the Mayor properly proclaimed and declared a continuing City regarding Gather Prohibition and Face Covering, as well as states of emergency declared by the State of Emergency on November 6, 2020 ("Proclamation"); and Mayor and approved by City Council have led to a closure of City Hall to public at this time due to COVID-19. Public observation and participation may be facilitated electronically in accordance WHEREAS, in an effort to protect life and bring the emergency under control, the Mayor ordered with the Open Meetings Act as amended, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. on November 6, 2020, that all persons on the public sidewalks and streets in the City DDA District must wear face coverings over their mouths and noses, subject to certain exceptions ("Order"); Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling and into the meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number +1 646 876 9923 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. WHEREAS, pursuant to the Section 10-34e of the Ordinance, the City Council concurred within and consented to the Proclamation and Order and resolved on November 10, 2020, that the Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings Proclamation and Order would extend through December 31, 2020; and should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable WHEREAS, because COVID-19 continues to threaten the lives of those in the City, the City accommodation requests. Council wishes to further extend the Proclamation and Order. For more information, please call Parks and Recreation Department 517-483-4042. These NOW THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of East Lansing hereby documents are available for review at the office of the City Clerk or at http://www.lansingmi.gov/ extends the terms of the Proclamation of Continuing State of Emergency dated November 6, 2020, clerk under the heading of Documents Placed on File. If you are interested in this matter, please and the Order Requiring Face Coverings in City DDA District dated November 6, 2020, through attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between January 31, 2021, at 11:59 p.m 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., Monday, January 11, 2021, at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this City Council may terminate the Proclamation and Order [email protected]. sooner or may further extend the Proclamation and Order by resolution as circumstances warrant. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Jennifer Shuster www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk City Clerk CP#20-327 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-319 Speedway stores in Greater Lansing! Don’t see it? Now available in all Please ask a manager. 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC How Biggby helped bring gourmet coffee to the masses By SKYLER ASHLEY “I knew specialty coffee as a consumer, was a nice spring day so we went for a in 2015. These days, there’s a boutique coffee but I never knew it from a production walk,” Fish said. “Four hours later we "He’s a big part of the reason why shop on every corner in any given city. perspective. I learned that, came back came back, shook hands and decid- Biggby is at 250 units in 9 states, with For younger generations, it’s hard to and wrote up a business plan,” Fish said. ed that we’d become partners to grow another 110 in the pipeline,” Fish said. imagine a world without a decent selec- Fish and Roszel tracked down the .” Perhaps the biggest challenge in tion of coffeehouses. As he reflects on 25 original Biggby location, which is being Biggby Coffee struck a nerve by of- Biggby’s history came in 2007, when years of success, Biggby Coffee cofound- demol- fering gourmet flavor profiles minus the company needed a new name due to er and co-CEO Bob Fish recalls a faith- ished, in the pretentious attitudes and hard to the word beaner’s usage as a racial slur. ful trip to Seattle back in 1993 as the late 1994. pronounce Italian words. Giving drinks Rebranding a massive business can be moment he knew specialty coffee would After con- cozy names like Teddy Bear and Cara- highly polarizing, usually yearning un- finally takeoff nationwide. verting it mel Marvel made all the difference. “We fettered praise or great disdain — just “As kid, I grew up in England, France from an didn’t trip you up over what you didn’t look at New Coke if you want to see how and Germany. I didn’t think America Arby’s, know. Nobody knows what a macchia- ugly it can get. was ever going to catch up with special- the very to is, so we called it a Caramel Marvel,” “We didn’t know it was a slur when ty coffee,” Fish said. “But there it was.” first Bigg- Fish said. we opened up. There was no outside At the time, Fish was operating a Flap by, then As their name became well estab- pressure, but we as owners woke up Jack restaurant with his partner and fel- known as lished in Greater Lansing, Fish, Roszel every day knowing it was derogatory. low Biggby cofounder Mary Roszel. Im- Beaner’s, and McFall set out to develop a fran- We decided the right thing to do was pressed by the boutique coffee scene in was op- Fish chise. With just two locations opened, to change the name,” Fish said. “Folks Seattle, he began envisioning bringing erational. Fish said Biggby was often mistaken groaned and said we were being ‘too that trend back home to East Lansing. “Prior to that moment in time, going to for a chain anyway. People would call PC,’ but we just said thank you and took “I remember coming home and tell- a coffee shop in America meant getting in to ask where the company was based. it as a compliment.” ing Mary that as much as we loved a cup with your breakfast at Big Boy,” “That led us to believe we had a fran- Though Roszel would retire in 2012, Flap Jack, it was time to move on,” Fish Fish said. chise-able concept,” Fish said. “I would Fish and McFall maintain complete said. “There was something very special At the very first shop, Fish and Ro- consider Michael and I teachers, so control of the company. And while the happening in Greater Lansing, which szel were incredibly hands-on. Fish has the idea of giving people a system and coronavirus pandemic may have dis- had 35 coffee shops by 1995. But there plenty of memories of working all-day coaching them along to create a success- rupted the 25th anniversary, Fish noted weren’t 35 coffee shops in all of South- shifts, brewing and serving coffee and ful business fit our personalities well.” that sales are up 22 percent. He attri- east Michigan or Grand Rapids. It’s not sweeping the floors and wiping down By 2006, there were 60 Biggby lo- butes the success in spite of the pan- often Lansing is at the cutting edge.” the countertops. If you stopped by in cations and Fish and company crossed demic partially to Biggby’s fully fran- Fish and Roszel sold the restaurant 1995, chances are you were served by paths with Fred DeLuca, cofounder of chised setup. and took a year off to master the spe- one of the founders. This approach led Subway. DeLuca, who oversaw Sub- “Our owners are always local. It’s not cialty coffee industry. Their research them to Michael McFall, a barista who way’s growth into the largest fast food some corporate-run entity. The custom- included a three months stay in Seattle, would later manage the second Biggby chain in the world, mentored the team ers knowing the owner made a real dif- where they studied under micro roast- and is now co-CEO with Fish. on franchising and almost acquired an ference in the continuity of business we ers and learned the tricks of the trade. “I came in to interview him, and it equity stake in Biggby before his death were able to provide,” Fish said. Stacked signature sandwiches land in downtown Lansing By SKYLER ASHLEY Capital City Deli is the creation wide variety of ingredients and sig - take them home. Capital City Deli Capital City Deli, located inside of Michigan sandwich mogul Scott nature options. There are 59 different has plans to eventually offer delivery Meijer Capital City Market, offers Schulz, who first got into the business types of sandwiches available at the through services like Door Dash and gourmet sandwiches and salads 17 years ago with Cherry Deli and now deli, with its take on the Reuben one Uber Eats. Once the pandemic final- whether you’re at the new shopping owns several delicatessens — includ- of the most popular options. Capital ly dies down and temperatures warm center for some groceries or just to ing West Side Deli, which is situat - City Deli also makes some nods to back up, six wide garage-style doors pick up a quick bite to eat. ed inside a similar Meijer market in Lansing life, such as naming its that open up right next to the deli will downtown Grand Rapids. Based off blackened chicken sandwich after the allow shoppers to enjoy summer sun- New in Town: Capital the success of West Side Deli, Schulz Potter Park Zoo. light and fresh spring air as they eat City Deli was offered the opportunity to open “We’re really known for the amount their sandwiches. Open for takeout another location inside Lansing’s of meat on our sandwiches, and the “We’ve never had a restaurant in Located inside the Capital Capital City Market. selection of what you can get on them,” Lansing, so we’re learning as we go. City Market 600 E. Michigan Ave. General manager Madeline Schulz Schulz said. We have a vast selection, and we think Lansing 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Daily said Capital City Deli earned its repu- Because the pandemic has shut you’ll be able to find something you (517) 930-8719, tation by making its sandwiches very down all dine-in options, customers like,” Schulz said. Capitalcitydeli.com large and by offering an extremely have to pick up their sandwiches and City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 Scholarship for LCC students honors memory of Ngere Abdul Wali

By COLE TUNNINGLEY mation.” Penny Wali wanted to honor her To learn more about the Ngere The scholarship is just another way husband’s memory by lending a help- Abdul Wali Memorial Scholarship, for Wali to promote education. She ing hand to students attending his visit Lansing.AcademicWorks.com/ chose to give the scholarship money alma mater, Lansing Community Col- opportunities. The deadline to to LCC students because her husband lege. To do so, she started the Ngere apply is Jan. 31, 2021 had a great experience there. He trav- Abdul Wali Scholarship Fund six years eled to Japan and Kenya to build hous- ago. The scholarship offers students es through a program offered at LCC. $1,000 — about the cost of three class- They had been married for 24 years Wali, who retired from Michigan es at LCC. when he passed away in 2014 at the State University in 2010 as director Preference is given to students en- age of 60. “We followed jazz, we fol- of budget and personnel in the stu- rolled in the African-American His- lowed music around the country,” said dent affairs office, wanted to support tory program, though anyone with Wali. “My husband played trumpet LCC in his honor because of his as- a GPA of at least 2.5 can apply. Also and flugelhorn. We went all around sociations with it. preferred are students who plan on the country. We had a great life to- Wali also mentioned that her hus- enrolling in historically Black colleges gether.” band became a ping-pong champion and universities to pursue their four- Wali partnered with her sister, while he was traveling abroad. She year degree. Vicki Barker of Oakland County, and said that he played in the U.S. Open Wali’s late husband dedicated his her son, Malik, who is an aeronauti- against professional Chinese players life to preserving African-American cal engineer at the Ford Motor Co., and won. “He was just an amazing history. The two met at his shop, Afro- to find a way to continue the work that man,” she said. “And he had such an Visions, in the Lansing Mall, which he her husband started at AfroVisions. extensive history and such a great col- owned and operated for over four de- The store was his way of educating lection.” cades, until he closed it in 2013. the community about the contribu- Starting the scholarship fund gave In 1989, Wali was looking for a par- tions that African-Americans made Wali the chance to create opportuni- ticularly hard to find Billie Holiday Wali to this country’s history. So, since his ties for students every year, so perhaps VHS tape. death, Wali and her son started to sell they can benefit from LCC as much as “During lunch hour, I went over went to return the tape, she found out her husband’s vast collection of histor- her husband did in his time there. there to shop,” said Wali. At the time, that the store had shut down. ical artifacts. Some of the buyers were To her, the best part of founding a she worked at Michigan State Univer- Wali had planned to check out the old friends of her husband, educators scholarship fund is receiving updates sity as the budget and personnel di- film again. Instead, she went on a hunt who could use the materials in a way from the students. Every year, she gets rector for the student services office. to buy the tape, which led her to wan- that respected his memory. letters from LCC students who are “That’s how I met him. I loved Billie der into her future husband’s shop. Fittingly, Wali said that she plans to grateful for the help. Holiday, I loved jazz. I was just look- “He had art. He had music, films, donate everything that doesn’t get sold “We hear about what they’re study- ing for that one VHS tape.” posters, books. So, I went over there to public schools and libraries. ing, where they’re going to go to Wali said that she collects anything and asked him about that film,” she “At this point, we wanted to contrib- school, what their interests are. We related to Billie Holiday and Ella Fitz- said. “It took us a year and a half to ute his material to educational institu- really enjoy that,” said Wali. “It helps gerald. She had rented the VHS — look for it. We finally found it in Royal tions,” explained Wali. “We’re calling keep my husband’s legacy alive. You which featured a group of talented jazz Oak. A year and a half after that, we HBCUs and also looking at schools know, we’re able to continue the ed- singers covering Billie Holiday tunes got married.” It’s a story that sounds that have extensive libraries who could ucational process that he valued so — from a local video store. When she just like the plot of a rom-com. benefit from all this historical infor- much and dedicated his life to.” FRESH MEAT MARKET Michigan Home Comfort FREE INSPECTIONS Air Duct Cleaning AIR DUCT CLEANING HELPS • REMOVE MOLD & ALLERGENS • REDUCE DUST AND OTHER POLLUTANTS $ • HELPS FURNACE EFFICIENCY 5 OFF DELIVERY a $30 purchase expires 1/4/2021 $ AVAILABLE! 50 $10 OFF SUPPORT $ SMALL a 50 purchase OFF BUSINESSES! expires 1/4/2021 AIR DUCT Open 8am - 8pm CLEANING 618 E. Kalamazoo St. SUNSET FOOD MARKET EXPIRES 1/4/2021 Lansing, MI, 48912 618 E. KALAMAZOO ST • (517) 485-2028 833-642-3828 • 517-975-5030 9 AM-7 PM 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 er’ n BETTER tim t Favorite Things jump-star your fi tnes pla James Brains and the photograph 'Dissent' James Brains is a local freelance writer and creator of the popu- lar social media group, Lansing Foodies. Brains’ favorite thing is a photograph he modeled for back in 2017 shot by Oregon artist Tracy % Sydor. My favorite thing is a painting/ photograph I modeled for. It was OFF taken back in February of 2017, RETAIL which was soon after Trump took office. There were protests in Jan- 45GARDEN OF LIFE uary, which at the time was single largest day of protest in American history — it was called the Wom- PROTEINS & SPORTS en’s March. Afterwards, I wanted to do more. I saw that a local art - NUTRITION ist, Tracy Sydor, put out a call for • Protein powders and shakes a look of anguish on my face due • Collagen models for a photo shoot. I’d seen to social anxiety, so it was easy to • Sports nutrition her work before; she regularly did • Select paleo and keto products covers for a local alt-weekly in Or- recreate it for the photo shoot. • Meal replacements and more egon, where I lived at the time. It was basically me lying down She was looking for 30 women with my shirt off. I don’t remem- and one man for the shoot. It was ber how many women there were 4 DAYS ONLY DECEMBER 2730 going to in the end. I be a dark don’t think Save on top-sellers like these… piece based it was 30. It on an il- was proba- Garden of Life Garden of Life Garden of Life lustration bly closer to Raw Organic Fit Grass-Fed Sport Organic 20. They’re High Protein Collagen Plant-based inspired by Select Varieties Peptides Protein the Wom- wearing Select Varieties Select Varieties en’s March nightgowns, 29.6 oz 32.2 oz 19.75 oz on Ver- surround- 34 sailles in ing me with 09MEMBER 19MEMBER MEMBER 34 PRICE 24PRICE 31PRICE 1789. 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I went ahead and said, the people in power who are con- “Hey, I’ll do it if you still need a stantly taking away the rights to MARKET & CAFÉ guy.” their body. Shop us in-stores or at betterhealthstore.com She said I could take the job. I Interview edited and condensed had to shave my beard off for the by Skyler Ashley. If you have East Lansing (Frandor) Lansing shoot. I think it was so the cam- suggestions for Favorite Things, 305 N Clippert Ave Across from Frandor Mall 6235 West Saginaw Hwy era could more clearly pick up the please email Skyler@Lansingci- 517-332-6892 517-323-9186 agony on my face. I generally have typulse.com Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am-9pm • Sun: 10am-7pm Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am -8pm • Sun: 11am-6pm City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 Last Minute Stop to Christmas Shop! Ornaments • Cards • Alpaca Socks Polish Pottery • Jewelry • Accessories Flying birds make great gifts!

We carry Michigan’s Own 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 Lansing’s newest dispensary wants to get you high in the best way Botanical Co. tailors cannabis Lansterdam in Review: The Botanical Co. selections around ‘customer 3535 Capitol City Blvd. Lansing 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily experience’ Curbside pickup available soon. Online orders - WeedMaps By KYLE KAMINSKI thebotanical.co Lansing’s newest medical and recre- ational dispensary operates with a dis- tinct business model. While many pot shops seem to focus almost exclusively on packing as much THC as possible into their products, The Botanical Co. and its cultivation arm, Franklin Fields, are instead designed Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse to unleash the full therapeutic benefits The Botanical Co. is Lansing's newest of cannabis. Don’t be fooled: THC lev- dispensary. els are high. And you’ll still walk away stoned. But this is much more doctor’s getting themselves in over their head office than dispensary. and never giving marijuana another “It’s not uncommon for customers to chance. come in for a full consultation to help “That’s where our staff comes in, to them find the right products for them. help serve as a sort of guide on this jour- We’ll literally come in and sit down in ney,” Chamber said. an office with them to talk about it,” The retail and growing facilities are said co-founder Russ Chambers. brand new, constructed exclusively for The family-owned business opened BoCo over the last year. The lobby is its doors last week in the driveway to the sleek, clean and professional. On the Capital Region International Airport, sales floor, two-gallon jars are brim- 3535 Capitol City Blvd. Giveaways, ming with buds. Plastic racks are lined door prizes and other discount spe- with brownies, gummies, tinctures, cials are slated to continue through the concentrates and more. end of the month to celebrate its grand A live video stream also offers cus- opening in Lansing. tomers a peek inside the adjacent BoCo launched its first retail location growing facilities. Inside, hundreds of in Tawas. Lansing is the second. Up plants are beginning to bloom. The first next: Kalkaska. in-house harvest is expected to be sold Chambers and co-founder Mike in January. Until then, there are plenty Demmer planted early roots in the of local imports on the shelves to tingle recreational cannabis industry in the the senses. Check back next week for a late 2000s as caregivers for Michigan’s full review of some of those products. medical market. It was during this time Spoiler alert: It’s some good stuff. that Chambers said he learned that All told, Chambers and Demmer marijuana was about much more than have invested a combined $10 million simply getting high. to develop and open their growing “My parents, for example, are part of and retail facilities in Lansing. Once that Reefer Madness generation. I had fully operational, the two companies to educate them about the medical ben- expect to employ 40 full-time employ- efits before they could understand what ees across about 35,000 square feet of I was doing,” Chambers added. growing and retail space. Don’t have an ailment that needs BoCo also plans to grow several rare treating? No worries, Chambers said. and highly desirable cannabis strains The dispensary also caters to the recre- that can’t be found elsewhere on the ational market with a long list of prod- Lansing market, including Member ucts — many of them locally sourced. Berry, Critical Glue, Burkle and Lemon “Of course, there are also those who G. consume cannabis for simple relax- Kyle Kaminski is a City Pulse staff ation, and we are also able to develop writer and cannabis enthusiast who and source products suitable for those has been smoking marijuana just about customers as well,” Chambers said. every day for the last decade. Every Even on the recreational side of the week, Kaminski samples some of the best market, tailoring products for the cus- cannabis products available in Greater tomer experience is essential. There’s Lansing, gets real high and writes about nothing worse than a newbie smoker them. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25 Sports doc tackles racial division in American football By SKYLER ASHLEY Did being ostracized from his home Jones, George Webster and Charles If you’re a fan of Michigan State impact him emotionally? Thornhill really understood. Even football, you know that the Spartans You have to think about what it if they didn’t understand historical- captured back-to-back titles in 1965 does to one’s sense of self to live under ly what they were doing at the time, and 1966 under the leadership of the a law that says it’s OK to discriminate they understood that failure wasn’t an legendary coach Duffy Daugherty. against you; it’s OK to limit what you option. Football was changing; you But what you might not know is that can be and where you can physically could watch a game from anywhere — Daugherty led the nation’s first fully go. My dad grew up in a time where the eyes of the world were on them. I racially integrated college football you couldn’t go into a store, and if haven’t met anyone who follows MSU team. One of those players was Gene you were able to you had to enter football that hasn’t expressed excite- Washington — a wide receiver would through the back door. You couldn’t ment around these teams. go on to play for the Minnesota Vi- go outside the vicinity of your home kings and nab two Pro Bowl bids. after dark, for fear of violence and be- Washington’s daughter, Maya ing accused of something you didn’t Washington, grew up to be a filmmak- do. That was the reality that my dad er. In 2018, she directed “Through in the South grew up in. So of course the Banks of the Red Cedar, which that impacts you emotionally. captures the That’s what my dad’s generation “Through the Banks life of her Courtesy faced. The sad truth is, until recent- of the Red Cedar” father and Gene and Maya Washington. ly, many of them didn’t even have a Airs on the Big Ten Network chronicles platform to talk about the thing they Thursday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. Read the full Q&A on his time on players, their focus was achieving a endured. When you do talk to the Lansingcitypulse.com that historic better life for themselves through ed- men of that era, they don’t spend a lot MSU team ucation. They were obviously aware of time talking about what it did to and his expe- of what was happening with the ma- them psychologically, they focus on riences playing in the NFL. The film jor civil rights movement as the polit- the way they preserved and how their examines race relations in American ical backdrop of what was happening Black educators taught them they sports, and will reach a wider audi- at Michigan. could be the best. · Okemos ence when it airs on the Big Ten Net- John Hannah, then president of Those mid-60̓s MSU teams are not work on Christmas Eve. the university, chaired the United just historically significant because What inspired you to begin work States Civil Rights Commission. The of their racial integration — they on the documentary? climate at Michigan State was one were also dominant on the field. How In 2011, my father’s teammate that reflected the values of what was did your father manage to perform Bubba Smith passed away. I had the to come in the future of universities so well despite the immense internal MAKE YOUR opportunity to attend the funeral ser- around the nation. pressure? vice and spend some time with my Along with civil rights legislation, The Black players had one option, HOME FOR THE dad and his teammates at Bubba’s it inspired others to abandon the seg- let’s be real. If they didn’t perform at HOLIDAYS home. I heard all of these amazing regation of the past that would have the highest level their position on the We have everything you need in store stories from their time at Michigan prevented Black players from attend- team would be in jeopardy and their State in the ’60s, and learned that it ing those schools and participating future would be jeopardized as well. was Bubba Smith’s father who recom- in college athletics. I would say that If you ask them, they felt like they mended my dad for the opportunity players from those teams now under- didn’t have an option but to be great Books he was able to get at Michigan State. stand their importance in history. prove to everyone in the country that They lived miles apart in Texas, Segregation at the powerhouse they were the best. Games | Puzzles Bubba Smith in Beaumont and my football colleges of the South forced That’s what my dad and his team- dad in La Porte. This was during seg- your father to play ball elsewhere. mates like Bubba Smith, Clinton Toys | Gifts | Decor regation, so the idea that one family More! would recommend another family’s child for an opportunity to play foot- Open daily. Shop in store, order ball and track at Michigan State was ahead for curbside pick-up (call unheard of. Most people are focused 50% OFF 517.349.8840) or ship to home with an on finding places for their own kids ALMOST EVERYTHING online order at SchulerBooks.com. in the college recruitment game. I Curious Book Shop had a desire to learn more about this 307 E. Grand River, E. Lansing Store Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. 20% OFF 10am-7pm Mon–Sat, amazing piece of history, but also to 332-0112 s We validate parking EVERYTHING ELSE 11am-6pm Sundays say thank you for what their simple curiousbooks.com gesture ultimately did for my life. Archives Book Shop WITH THIS AD What did you learn about your fa- 519 W. Grand River, East Lansing ther’s experience on Duffy Daugh- Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. 332-8444 s Free Parking. Dec. 26-Dec. 31 REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS ON erty’s legendary teams? Did he know [email protected] (Closing 3 pm New Years Eve) OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE: at the time that he was a part of a wa- Facebook.com/SchulerBooks tershed moment in American sports SchulerBooks.com/Event history? For my dad and the other Black 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny December 23-29, 2020

J'Accuse!"--they're in ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your capacity for and is not so that the wild, fresh challenges and there. pioneering feats and impressive accomplishments opportunities of love can stream into your life in will be at a peak in 2021. So you could become the their wildest, freshest state. by Matt Jones best human ever at balancing a ladder on your chin or typing with your nose or running long-distance Across SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Until 1893, Hawaii while holding an egg on a spoon with your mouth. was a sovereign nation. In January of that year, a 1 Sluggish But I'd prefer it if you channeled your triumphal group of wealthy foreigners, mostly Americans, 5 Arm gesture done by energy into more useful innovations and victories. overthrew the existing government with the help of kids graduating elementary How about making dramatic strides in fulfilling the US military. They established a fake temporary school your most important goal? Or ascending to an unprecedented new level of inspiring people with "republic" that excluded native Hawaiians from 8 Hosts in one's apartment your passionate idealism? Or setting a record for positions of power. Their goal, which was to be (remember that?) most illusions shed? annexed by the United States, was fulfilled in July 1898. I propose that you use this sad series 13 The A in A.D. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ark Encounter is a of events as a motivational story in 2021. Make 14 Public radio host Glass fundamentalist Christian theme park in Kentucky. it your goal to resist all efforts to be colonized 15 Early online newsgroup Its main attraction is a giant replica of Noah's Ark. and occupied. Commit yourself passionately to system Constructed mostly from spruce and pine trees, preserving your sovereignty and independence. 17 "The Caine Mutiny" it's one of the world's largest wooden structures. Be a tower of power that can't be owned. novelist Even though I don't believe that there was in fact such a boat in ancient times, I do admire how its SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 2021, you 18 ___ squared (circle builder, Ken Ham, has been so fiercely devoted may be smarter than you have ever been. Not formula) to making his fantasies real. I encourage you necessarily wiser, too, although I have reason to 19 Act as a go-between to cultivate an equally zealous commitment to hope that you will leverage your smartness to manifesting your own visions and dreams in 2021. 20 Bygone laptop also deepen your wisdom. But as I was saying, company's fiscal year your intelligence could very well soar beyond its GEMINI (May 21-June 20): From 1961 until previous heights. Your ability to speak articulately, division? 1989, a concrete barrier divided the city of Berlin. 23 "Bleh!" Communist East Berlin lay on the east side of the stir up original thoughts, and solve knotty riddles Berlin Wall, and capitalist West Berlin on the west. should be at a peak. Is there any potential 25 "As Seen on TV" knife downside to this outbreak of brilliance? Only one brand It was an iconic symbol of the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union. More than 100,000 people that I can imagine: It's possible that your brain will 26 Dinnerware collections tried to escape from east to west, but just 5,000 be working with such dominant efficiency that it will 27 "Batman Forever" actor instance? Grande feet succeeded. The standoff ended in 1989, during the drown out messages from your heart. And that Kilmer peaceful revolutions that swept through Eastern would be a shame. In order to do what I referred 63 Playwright Beckett 7 Hires competitor 41 Like 50/50 odds Europe. In subsequent months, the Berlin Wall was to earlier— leverage your smartness to deepen 28 "Messenger" material 64 Suffix for Gator or 8 Platform for the 42 Alphabet where X is slowly demolished. Today, tiny fragments of the wall your wisdom—you'll need to be receptive to your 29 Talent for detail, maybe Power "Animaniacs" reboot "X-ray" are marketed as medicines for asthma, headaches, heart's messages 32 "Call Me Maybe" singer 65 Idaho neighbor 9 Bhutan's continent 43 Bridge section narcolepsy, and ulcers. Now I will propose that Carly ___ Jepsen in 2021, you adopt the demolished Berlin Wall as CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The birds 68 Midway through a 10 Retailer that filed for 46 Argentine soccer your metaphor of power. May it inspire you to be known as red knots breed every year in the Arctic 33 General ballpark migraine, e.g. bankruptcy in 2018 superstar Lionel gleeful and forceful as you dismantle psychological regions. Then they fly south—*way* south—down 35 It may be educated 69 "In the Heights" Tony 11 No divider, they 47 1960s United Nations obstacles and impediments. to the southern edge of South America, more than 37 "How does a company winner ___-Manuel Miranda 12 Spanish currency pre- secretary general 9,000 miles away. A few months later they make the CANCER (June 21-July 22): The year 2021 return trip to the far north. In 1995, ornithologists reserve a symbol to trade?" 70 Adult ___ (Cartoon euro 48 Dish prepared with will contain 525,600 minutes. But I suspect you and "How does it differ Network offshoot) 16 Briefly stated garlic butter and white wine might enjoy the subjective sensation of having managed to put a monitoring band on one red from NYSE?" knot's leg, making it possible to periodically get 71 Leg bone (connected to 21 Ball club VIP 50 Google gaming service far more than 525,600 minutes at your disposal. 44 Photographer Diane the arm bone?) as of 2019 That's because I think you'll be living a fuller life a read on his adventures over the subsequent 22 Leicester lineup years. The bird's nickname is Moonbird, because 45 Button alternative 72 China's Sun ___-sen 51 Inventor's concern than usual, with greater intensity and more focus. 23 "Kindergarten Cop" It may sometimes seem to you as if you are he has traveled so many miles in the course of his 46 Greek M's 73 Male cats director Reitman 52 "Allergic to Water" singer drawing greater riches out of the daily rhythm— life that it's equivalent to a jaunt to the moon. He's DiFranco accomplishing more, seeing further, diving down known as "the toughest four ounces on the planet." 49 Long-running forensic 24 Model/actor Delevingne drama with an upcoming Down 55 Fledgling pigeon deeper to capitalize on the privilege of being here I nominate him to be your magical creature in 30 "For real?" response on planet earth. Be grateful for this blessing— 2021. I suspect you will have stamina, hardiness, reboot 1 Ocelot foot 57 Rome home 31 ME zone, in winter which is also a big responsibility! persistence, and determination like his. 50 Mineral spring 2 See 4-Down 60 Royally named liner, 53 Airport posting 34 Holly Hunter, in "The briefly LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Our lives are filled with AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): An Aquarian 3 Sonic the Hedgehog's Piano" 54 Catchall abbrs. echidna friend 61 Arm bone (connected to puzzles and enigmas and riddles. We all harbor park ranger named Roy Sullivan was struck by 35 Astronaut Grissom aspects of ourselves that we don't understand. I 56 Largest moon of Saturn 4 With 2-Down, interviewee the leg bone?) lightning seven times in the course of his 71 years hope that in 2021, you will be on a mission to learn on the planet. (That's a world record.) None of the for John Lennon 36 "Pretty sneaky, ___" 62 Force to leave more about these parts of yourself. One of your 58 Particle accelerator (Connect Four ad line) electrostatic surges killed him, although they did particle retrospectives 66 Objective superpowers will be a capacity to uncover secrets 38 Storyline progression and solve mysteries. Bonus: I suspect you'll be able leave a few burns. After studying your astrological 59 "Me shooting 40% at the 5 ___ Dots (cryogenic ice 67 Letters on British potentials for 2021, I've concluded that you may be cream brand) 39 Many Super Bowl MVPs to make exceptional progress in getting to the root foul line is just God's way to battleships of confusing quandaries that have undermined the recipient, on a regular basis, of a much more say nobody's perfect," for 6 "thank u, next" singer 40 Capital at over 9,000 you—and then fixing the problems so they no pleasurable and rewarding kind of lightning strike: longer undermine you. the metaphorical kind. I advise you to prepare ©2020 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) A nswers Page 28 yourself to be alert for more epiphanies than VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When actor Gene usual: exciting insights, inspiring revelations, and Wilder was eight years old, his mother began to useful ideas. SUDOKU Intermediate have heart-related health issues. The doctor that treated her suggested he could help her out if he PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Coral reefs are in would try to make her laugh. From then on, Wilder danger all over the world. These "rainforests of the TO PLAY cultivated an ability to tell jokes and got interested sea" are being decimated by ocean acidification, in becoming an actor. Ultimately he appeared in toxic runoff from rivers, rising temperatures, and 22 films and was nominated for two Oscars and careless tourists. Why should we care? Because Fill in the grid so that two Golden Globe Awards. I foresee a comparable they're beautiful! And also because they're hotbeds development in your life in 2021: A challenging of biodiversity, providing homes for 25 percent of every row, column, and situation will inspire you in ways that generate a all marine species. They also furnish protection for major blessing. outlined 3-by-3 box shorelines from erosion and storm damage, and LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In my astrological are prime spots to harvest seafood. So I'm pleased contains the numbers 1 opinion, love won't be predictable in 2021. It won't people are finding ways to help reefs survive and be easily definable or comparable to what you're recover. For example, a group in Thailand is having through 9 exactly once. experienced before. But I also suspect that love success using superglue to re-attach broken- will be delightfully enigmatic. It will be unexpectedly off pieces to the main reefs. I hope this vignette No guessing is required. educational and fervently fertile and oddly inspires you to engage in metaphorically similar comfortable. Your assignment, as I understand it, restorative and rejuvenating activities, Pisces. In The solution is unique. will be to shed your certainties about what love is 2021, you will have an enhanced power to heal.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT Answers on page 28 MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 sure o ansing’s Musical ndscae sure o ansing’s TURN IT D WN!By RICH TUMusicalPICA ndscae TURNLoud dispatches from Lansing’sIT musicD sceneWNBy RICH TUPICA Michigan-made Christmas Mix Vol. 3: ‘Bermuda Snohawk’ edition

The Bermuda Mohawk compilation series has gathered locally-made holiday tunes for nearly 15 years.

Lansing musicians spotlight locally made holiday tracks from long-running compilation series

The annual “Bermuda Snohawk” award winners), Frank and Earnest. I layers of horns at Merckling’s stu- Thank you, Matt Waterman, for this gift compilations have become a holly jolly couldn’t fight the memorable melody dio, mere feet from Kalamazoo Street. that continues to give. tradition in the local music scene. and undeniable megaton drag on the Allen Toussaint I am not, but I had a Each winter, the tracklist delivers a heartstrings this one leaves you with. fantastic time using the horn to create Jennifer Toms (vocalist, bassist mixed bag of tracks. From joke tunes It’s a fittingly bittersweet combination a textural backdrop for the emotional in Scary Women) to thoughtful ballads, they’re always a for a time of the year that brings a lot payoff of the song. Every time I spin SONG: CrookedSound “Santa fun listen. Here are a few select cuts of mixed emotions for most. this song, I get transported back to that Quit” (2019) picked by area musicians. attic studio. There is a certain magic to this song: Peter Richards (musician, the story it tells of Santa leaving his Cale Sauter (musician, Stargrazer) Aaron Bales (songwriter, Flatfoot) post and the song’s enchanting music Cavalcade, Bermuda Mohawk SONG: CrookedSound “Santa In SONG: Matt Waterman “Screw are reminiscent of the best carols. Productions) Blue Jeans” (2009) Your Christmas Presents” (2018) “Santa Quit” is comforting in its lush Frank & Earnest “Stick a Fork in One of the annual traditions I’ve Just 93 seconds. That’s all Matt sounds and message of compassion. Me, I’m Done” (2008) always looked forward to is the holi- Waterman (Jason Alarm, The Devil’s Santa, whose “heart is so big,” cannot Having helped oversee nearly 15 day compilation put out by Bermuda Cut) needed to present an incredible return to the job without the help of years of “Bermuda Snohawk” punk/ Mohowk Productions — in recent Christmas anthem. In those seconds, humanity. The sentiment of the song indie holiday compilations with artists years assisted by GTG Recordings. you’ll encounter an arpeggiated slow is too lovely to be melancholy, and predominantly from Michigan, being It’s always full of surprises: some ram- piano intro, a count-in, driving punk the music’s gorgeous layering is so tasked with choosing your favorite shackle home recordings, some joke rhythm guitars and a keyboard hat- warmly inviting that one doesn’t want Lansing Christmas track is kind of like tracks by makeshift “bands” invented tip to a Christmas classic. Beyond to leave the wintry sonic landscape. being asked to name your favorite on the spot, some polished studio that, there’s fantastic twin “guitarmony” Part of the beauty of this song lies in child … if you had, like, 250 kids. Even material. Genres veer all over the solo nodding, the best Perry, Michigan its moments of quietness. As the lyrics then, I tried to look outside of these map from metal and punk to indie folk shout-out you’ll ever hear — and some contemplate the absence of Santa, the options. Lansing features a ton of wor- and hip hop, but the uniting factor is a incredibly earnest and heartfelt lyrics. music quiets to the sounds of Santa’s thy entries spanning back many years spirit of fun and irreverence. The 2009 This song rocks. Hard. It is also “magic call” to his reindeer and culmi- prior to the existence of this compi- compilation will always be a special beautiful and makes me tear up a little nates in a moment of perfect silence lation. All attempts aside, I couldn’t favorite of mine, and a standout track every time I listen to it. Additionally, before the music again envelops the shake “Stick a Fork in Me, I’m Done,” is “Santa In Blue Jeans.” at 93 seconds it makes the Ramones listener. Through its powerfully gentle from the 2008 edition of “Bermuda The song tells a tale that unfolds look like prog-rock. Give it a listen sounds, the atmosphere and intricate Snohawk.” in July, on Kalamazoo Street. Guitar, or 10. Feel the sadness, the triumph instrumentation takes the listener to It’s a ramshackle acoustic holiday warm fuzzy bass, and glockenspiel and the love. I’ve made some good a place of nostalgia for a world when breakup song delivered by Nick “Otis” are all played by Eric Merckling in a local Christmas songs with my band kindness won the day. At a time when Pierce with a surprising amount of casual way that underpins a tale of dis- Flatfoot and heard even more between the world feels disordered and chaotic, soul. It also unintentionally doubled appointment featuring the titular char- the various fun “Bermuda Snohawk” this song is heartening both musically as a debut track for Lansing band acter. Full disclosure: I play French and “Suburban Sprawl” compilations, and lyrically. In this sense, “Santa Quit” (and past City Pulse Top of the Town Horn on this track, and arranged the but this is the one I keep returning to. has a magic all its own. 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020

Virtual Trivia Challenge from KaHoot! Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 Download free app and join us! 4-11:45 p.m. Friday, December 25 p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Grand Ledge Area District Library. gladl.org Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 7:30- Thursday, December 24 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Tuesday, December 29 Can + Can Drive - Acts of Compassion Holiday Bazaar | Michigan Artisan Made - Saturday, December 26 is hosting a Can + Can Drive! 7 a.m.-7 p.m. all day - REO Market Place, 1027 S. Washington Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 10:30- Elmwood Elementary, 1533 Elmwood Rd, Lansing. St., Lansing. 11:30 facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Race to the Finish! - 9 a.m. Impression 5 ON THE Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517- p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Monday, December 28 485-8116. impression5.org. Glow in the Dark - 9 a.m. Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517- TOWN 485-8116. impression5.org. Events must be entered through the calendar at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Happy Hour 7 days a week Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. Save 10% if you order online before 6pm! Charges may apply for paid events to appear in print. If you need assistance, please call Suzi at (517) 999-6704. Wednesday, December 23 Free Online Roast of Rudolph - Celebrate Christmas with misfit comedians! 8 p.m. frontrowfilmroast.com.

Special Collections Look Club: Our theme this week is Families! 2-2:45 p.m. MSU Libraries, East Lansing. bookings.lib.msu.edu.

Tinker & Innovate - 9 a.m. Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517- 485-8116. impression5.org.

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3415 E Saginaw St • Lansing • (517) 580-3720 Order online for pickup, curbside & delivery: caskandcompany.com Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter & Get the Digital Edition in your Inbox FREE by 6AM Every Wednesday! A day before it is posted online. We work hard to keep you informed and up to date on the issues that matter most to you. Stay aware with local news right at your fingertips! Sign up on lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING Crème Brûlée Flambè

By ARI LeVAUX The dark days around winter solstice make human beings hungry for light. FLASH It could be a decorated tree, a meno- in the pan rah in the window, or just some lights on your house. Whatever your creed or culture, you probably have a tradition that casts a glow during the holidays. But this time around, as we bid fare- sparkles and dances in the flames. well to a dumpster fire of a year, pretty Enjoy the pyrotechnics of this beauti- lights might not be enough. It might be ful transformational force as we show time to light things on fire. 2020 to the doors, and venture forth Fire can be cleansing and creative as into the new year like an odyssey of well as a force of destruction, and some custard-happy phoenixes. of us surely hope to rise like phoenix- es from the ashes. But first we have to Orange Eggnog Crème Brûlée tuck in 2020. And we’re going to put it Flambé to bed in style, with a flaming orange The strong flavors of orange juice, eggnog crème brûlée, finished with a nutmeg and bourbon hold one anoth- bourbon flambé. A group of phoenixes er in check, while adding excitement is called an odyssey, which is appropri- to this otherwise mild-mannered cus- ate, because this dish is a trip. tard. The bourbon and sugar bonfire The Custard doesn’t produce the typical glassy crème Fills four ramekins, which for me is brûlée finish. So it won’t coerce the about one serving. eater into disfiguring the delicate 2 cups cream custard by jabbing its exoskeleton with 4 egg yolks a dessert spoon. The sugar melts, but ¼ cup sugar the bourbon prevents it from recrystal- 2 teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg and moves toward the centers, until the whiskey. lizing into a glassy sheet. Instead, they ¼ cup fresh orange juice + 1 table- the entire surface shrinks and tightens To each ramekin at a time, pour in combine into a granular topping that’s spoon OJ concentrate, or some similar and hardens into a darker yellow. a tablespoon of whiskey and light it firm yet soft. amount of juice Remove from the oven. If serving with a long-necked BBQ lighter. Let This recipe is for all of the people 1 tablespoon vanilla extract right away, prepare to light your fire. it burn for 30 seconds while you toss who don’t have one of those silly crème ¼ teaspoon salt If serving later, allow cooling to room 3 or so pinches of cinnamon into the brûlée torches. Perhaps you’ve been 4 buttered ramekins temperature, and adding the orange flames, and watch the spraying sparks. melting your crèmes brûlée under the Optional: thin-sliced shards of orange peel shard garnish, if using. Keep Then add a tablespoon of sugar mix to broiler, like a sensible person would. peel for the garnish chilled until ready to serve. the ramekin, and let the fire burn out, If it never occurred to you to simply Preheat the oven to 325. Place an Flaming Bourbon Sugar Sauce dissolving the sugar. ignite a bunch of sugar and booze atop edged cookie sheet on the top rack. A tablespoon of bourbon is actual- When the fire dies, it’s ready to your custard, you’re excused. But that Pour two cups of water into the sheet ly quite strong; you’ve been warned. I serve. When the first Orange Eggnog is why we are here. (to create steam for the custard). used my neighbor’s good stuff until he Crème Brûlée Bourbon flambé is gone, A fire that burns only to destroy isn’t Heat the cream slowly in a heavy-bot- cut me off, so now I use Southern Com- check the calendar. If it’s still 2020, eat worth its emissions. But the bour - tomed pan on the stove. Meanwhile, fort. And remember kids: never cook another. Repeat until it’s finally over. bon and sugar bonfire atop a crème combine the yolks, sugar, nutmeg with something you wouldn’t drink. Flash in the Pan is food writer Ari brûlée burns with purpose: to cast orange juice, vanilla and salt in a mix- Covers four ramekins with flambé LeVaux’s weekly recipe column. It runs light while combining bourbon and ing bowl. 2 tablespoons white or turbinado in about 100 newspapers nationwide, sugar into a penetrating sauce that When the cream starts to simmer, sugar nourishing food sections large and soaks into the orange vanilla eggnog add it slowly to the mix, stirring in 2 tablespoons brown sugar small with complete protein for the custard below. a little at a time to temper the yolks. 4 tablespoons bourbon belly brain. This crème brûlée flambé works “Temper” means heat the yolks and 12 pinches of cinnamon powder for This story is paid for by readers because it has too much of everything. combine them with the hot cream in the flame like you through contributions to Too much nutmeg, too much orange, a smooth, controlled way that doesn’t Serving time could be the minute the CityPulse Fund for Community too much bourbon and too much sug- cook and curdle the eggs. they come out of the oven, or the next Journalism. Cash donations made ar. But all of this too muchness adds up Add the warm batter to your but - day after the ramekins have properly this year to a 501(c)3 can be deducted to just the right balance of too-strong tered vessels, place them on the cookie chilled and the custard has settled. when you file your taxes next spring! flavors. sheet in the steaming water, and bake Whenever it’s time to light those fires This expires after Dec. 31, so please act Plus, it looks good on fire, especial- for an hour, until they are bubbling and serve those crèmes brûlée, mix the now. To donate, please go to lansingcity ly when you toss in cinnamon, which evenly. The bubbling starts on the edge sugars together, and get ready to pour pulse.com. 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020 TOP FIVE DELHI CAFE FAMILY • CASUAL • DINING PICK UP DINING GUIDE & DELIVERY THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN GREATER LANSING AS DECIDED BY CITY PULSE READERS THURSDAY- BEST BAKERY Open for Take Out and Curbside Pick Up 1. Flour Child Bakery ORDER YOUR 323 S. Bridge St. Grand Ledge Baklava & Spinach Pie TODAY! SATURDAY 11-7 flourchildbakeryandcafe.com • 517-622-4772 Lunch & Dinner Specials 2. Bake N' Cakes Greek Specials • Soups & Salads 3303 E Kalamazoo St. Lansing QUIET ATMOSPHERE & FRIENDLY STAFF bakencakes.com • 517-337-CAKE (2253) 4625 Willoughby Rd • Holt www.delhicaferestaurant.com 3. Strange Matter Coffee 517-694-8655 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM 2010 E. Michigan Ave. #103 Lansing T-F 11AM-6:30PM 1224 TURNER ST. OLD TOWN, LANSING strangemattercoffee.com • 517-224-5495 4. Gigi's Cupcakes of East Lansing 1020 Trowbridge Rd. East Lansing gigiscupcakesusa.com • 517-679-3982 5. Groovy Donuts 3054 E. Lake Lansing Rd. East Lansing groovydonuts.com • 517-580-7302 Appetizers WANT YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED? CALL 517-999-5064

Meat Southern BBQ WE BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES GREAT 1224 Turner Rd. BBQ. Award winning BBQ. Ribs, French fry bar, chili, sides Lansing including BBQ pit baked beans, mac n’ cheese. 18 rotating (517) 580-4400 taps of craft, Michigan made beers. Craft cocktails. We cater, meatbbq.com too!

Buddies Holt DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! Traditional 2020 2040 Aurelius Rd, Ste 12 classics and great drinks. Burgers, Mexican entrees, pizza Holt and appetizers. Buddies Bowls you can’t get anywhere else. (517) 699-3670 Locally owned and operated for over 20 years. www.buddiesbars.com

Airport Tavern WELCOME BACK! For 50 years, Airport Tavern & 5000 N. Grand River Ave Steakhouse has been a staple of Lansing's community. Lansing Full bar, daily lunch and dinner specials. Ribs, steak, (517) 321-3852 burgers and salads are all crowd pleasers at this neigh- FB: @AirportTaverandSteakhouse borhood establishment. Fresh food Family fun! Eastside Fish Fry GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on Food Net- 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., work’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our fried home-style clas- Lansing sics and fresh seafood are some of the best in Lansing. We’ve got 3 LOCATIONS (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, exotic fare, eastsidefishfry.com like frog legs and alligator tails and fresh seafood. Desserts, too!

El Oasis TRY THE CROWN JEWEL OF LANSING’S 2501 E. Michigan Ave. FOOD TRUCKS. Serving the Lansing community for PICK UP Lansing 13 years, we extend an invitation to all those to give us $ AVAILABLE! (517) 882-1777 a try to find out why we were voted the best food truck Call eloasistruck.com in Lansing’s 2019 Top of The Town Contest. 5 off 11AM-8PM any purchase of $25 or more OUR NEW LOCATION IS OPEN FOR Expires 12/31/2020 to place your Taqueria El Chaparrito TAKEOUT! We offer delicious and authentic Mexican order! 4832 W. Saginaw Hwy. food. We do catering and events. Birria tacos are our $ Lansing specialty. Be transported to a warm Mexican beach with 10 off (517) 574-3020 our rich, fresh flavors! any purchase of $50 or more East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am Delhi Cafe Family COME JOIN THE FAMILY! COMFORT FOOD Expires 12/31/2020 Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 Restaurant FROM GENERATIONS! A great meeting place for family and friends. Relax with a glass of wine and try Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am 4625 Willoughby Rd 4832 W. Saginaw Hwy. • Lansing DELHI CAFE Holt our daily lunch/dinner specials, soups, salads, Greek plates and more. Quiet atmosphere and friendly staff. 7 days a week 11am-9pm Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 (517) 694-8655 (517) 574-3020 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am SPONSORED CONTENT City Pulse • December 23, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 23, 2020