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29 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. Georgio's Gourmet Pizzeria reopens in East Lansing Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dawn Parker, FREEDennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Cover Paul Wozniak Art Delivery drivers: Rick Stilgenbauer, Dave Fisher Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected] Art by Nevin Speerbrecker -NEVIN ‘20

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION C is for COVID School bells are beginning to ring across support for working parents who may not mid-Michigan, but not in a way we’ve ever heard be able to stay home during the day to before. With no small amount of trepidation on supervise their children. Current enrollment the part of students, parents and educators, and capacity is just 600 out of the district’s with the coronavirus potentially lurking behind 11,000 students, but LSD is looking for every sniffle, many area schools have wisely opt- additional partners to expand the program. ed to begin the year in all-virtual mode. For an urban district where the vast A number of area schools have adopted majority of students qualify for federally a hybrid approach, which allows students to subsidized lunches due to poverty, tech- choose between in-person instruction and dis- nology-based education presents a unique tance learning. Others, like Lansing Catholic set of hurdles that must also be overcome. High School, brought students back to the Economically challenged families are less classroom this week for full face-to-face instruc- likely to have computers or Internet access tion. The school says its decision is based on — the essential tools of online learning. guidance from the Centers for Disease Control LSD is working hard to overcome the and the American Association of Pediatrics, both digital divide by providing Chromebooks to of which issued statements supporting in-person every student who needs one at no cost, instruction so long as appropriate safeguards and working with families and broadband are in place to protect the health of students and providers to ensure the availability of staff. broadband service in the home. Keeping kids at home is the surest path to Critics argue that even the most care- avoiding COVID outbreaks among students, fully crafted plan for virtual education is teachers and other school personnel. Even inferior to in-person instruction. They argue though school-age children are not especially that children’s social development and vulnerable to the coronavirus, we know almost mental health will suffer greatly from the nothing about the long-term effects on their lack of face-to-face interaction with their health. It is all but certain that the virus will also instructors and peers. These concerns are find its way home to parents, grandparents and not unfounded, but most young people siblings, with potentially devastating consequenc- we know don’t seem to have any trouble es. watching a screen all day, as long as it That’s why teachers in many school districts involves playing a game or watching Tik across the nation are pushing back. Numerous lawsuits Tok videos. Formal instruction is likely to be far less have been filed to stop in-school instruction due to the The CP Edit engaging and teachers certainly have their work cut perceived health risks. In Florida, where the governor out for them to keep kids’ attention. But school-age ordered schools to reopen for in-person instruction Opinion children are more adaptable and resilient than we often and threatened financial penalties for failure to comply, give them credit for, so we’re confident that distance teachers successfully sued to halt the plan. The case is learning will be a success. School leaders need to be now pending on appeal. virtual learning that will protect children, their families vigilant, though, to ensure that virtual education doesn’t The prospect of reopening schools for in-person and school staff. Teachers will be in their classrooms widen the achievement gap for students from economi- instruction while the coronavirus still rages presents an as usual, but students will engage virtually with their cally disadvantaged families. enormous challenge for educators. It’s a bold experi- instructors for part of the day and complete self-paced Taken together, this year’s back-to-school strategies ment not only in managing a public health crisis, but in assignments at other times. strike us as a massive science experiment, with chil- the viability and efficacy of virtual instruction itself. Will The district also partnered with community orga- dren, teachers and their families as the test subjects. it work? We’re about to find out. nizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Impression 5 On balance, we strongly favor distance learning, at We’re most impressed with the Lansing School Science Center and Woldumar Nature Center to estab- least for now, to mitigate the health risks for everyone District’s return-to-school strategy. Under the lead- lish “learning labs,” where students can safely partake involved in the education enterprise. Better to be safe ership of Superintendent Sam Sinicropi and LSD in a variety of in-person educational activities under than to learn the hard way that C stands for COVID. Board President Gabrielle Lawrence, the district has adult supervision. The labs are designed to provide developed a well-crafted, comprehensive plan for

Send letters to the editor on this editorial or any other topic to [email protected]. Please limit them to 250 words 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 Make an American slavery course a requirement

By DEDRIA H. BARKER the table for people who (The writer is the author of “Mother don’t look like them, and This story is paid for by of Orphans: The True and Curious they’re going to need readers like you through Story of Irish Alice, a Colored Man’s to understand some of contributions to the CityPulse Widow.” She lives in East Lansing.) the cultural nuances of Fund for Community Harvard University President the things that we go Journalism. To contribute, Derek Bok wrote in his 2017 book, through. Even though please go to lansingcitypulse. The Struggle to Reform our Colleges, we’re in the same spaces com/donation. “It’s the need to make when we walk into an OPINION progress toward both elevator to go to work or classes. The first and only time I objectives simultaneous- in a meeting, we might have different taught African American literature, ly that presents the greatest challenge experiences based on our history and the class was nearly full, it, but in a to America’s colleges.” Bok’s objectives based on how we’re treated” fit of honesty, I told them that I was were educating more Americans, and Today’s college student destined to a writing professor. And, actually, the to do so better. be tomorrow’s leader needs to study class was the second-semester writing Bok was talking about multi-task- slavery and grapple with its meaning course. Two days later, the second ing. COVID-19 and Black Lives Mat- and the fruit it produced so they are class meeting was socially distanced. ter present another opportunity. equipped to help build an America This was pre-COVID. As college and university admin- Barker that lifts African Americans and the I found one student who had disap- istrators finalize plans for fall 2020 entire country towards the values of peared in the cafeteria. He told me, for continuing student education me that question was for a position in our Constitution, and Declaration of “Honestly, I just didn’t want to work amid the reality and consequences of African American Studies.” Independence. that hard.” Of the half-dozen left, two COVID-19, they need to simultane- American leaders can ignore sys- Those values fuel immigration. wanted to leave every class 15 minutes ously address Black Lives Matter and temic racism as long as they think When Steve Harvey addressed the early to drive to their next class on the structural racism. They can do this by slavery is peripheral to the U.S. The issue of racism on his television show, other campus five miles away. Mak- making a class on American slavery reality is that slavery is central to our an audience member whose parents ing an African American slavery class mandatory. country. They can think treatment of were immigrants protested that Black mandatory will help change the image It’s needed. Systemic racism is not Black Americans is a problem Black Americans today can fix their situation of Black courses from easy-A classes to being addressed in most American Americans cause themselves through with hard work. But in the YouTube valuable, idea-rich classes deserving of schools. Even students not in college individual behavior, or, alternative- comments section, viewer Rodriquez serious thought. in know that it’s “not the thing you ly, through bad luck. A mandatory S. wrote, “It’s one thing to come to With only one-third of today’s 20 learn in school.” Race is the chief mo- class connecting slavery to today will the country with nothing, and quite million college students the first-gen- tivating bias of more than 40 percent prompt college degree holders, our fu- another to come as nothing. eration in their family to attend, it is of hate crimes on American college ture leaders, to thinking about slavery A mandatory Black American clear that Americans believe college campuses, according to "Indicators and its connection to systemic racism. college course will say that the Black has proven to be a valuable experience of School Crime and Safety," a report Mandatory classes are not new to American cultural experience is for young adults. Black students who issued by the National Center for Edu- American colleges and universities. important, as important as Europe- bask in their parents’ triumph over cation Statistics in July. “Perceived social and cultural need” an or white American culture. For post-secondary institutional racism, In every way, the treatment in our has kept composition in place at all instance, a Stanford University course may not realize how slavery is their country of Black Americans is im- types and sizes of schools for 134 whose content is Wordsworth, Austen, concern, so that when it strikes them, moral. To make that point, protesters years, David Fleming wrote in his Bronte and Dickens is described as “a they think it’s their individual fault. in Portland, Oregon, put up a Wall book “From Form to Meaning.” I was critical and historical examination of White students are more than of Moms against President Trump’s required to take mandatory classes to our culture’s obsession” with happi- happy to live their college lives in the storm troopers. earn my bachelor’s and my master’s ness. Among American literature, a image of Black culture — playing rap The basic moral conundrum is that degrees in English, and I taught the college student can spend a whole music as loud as any urban Black guy, white Americans continue now to reap mandatory course for 18 years at Lan- semester studying American southern or styling their hair in African-Amer- the benefits of the “peculiar institu- sing Community College. Everyone Gothic culture through William Fau- ican style braids and locks. Once they tion” while knowing little about how it who earned a college degree passes lkner’s work where Black people are get their degree, they can soften their relates to system of racism, including freshman composition before walking depicted exclusively, and romantically, music, cut their hair, get their good police killings, that African Ameri- across the stage. as servants/slaves. job and start living their lives, making cans encounter today, and most white In response to Black Lives Mat- Generally, the closest focus on Black their way up. Sometimes they don’t Americans prefer to keep it that way ter protests, Femi Brinson, African cultural experience arrives in survey even have to do that. Dad hires them through willful ignorance. American Master of Business Admin- courses, such as an English class on hoping for the best. If only it was so Manisha Sinha, an Indian-Amer- istration Association co-president, was the Harlem Renaissance, the golden easy for African Americans. ican professor of African American reported as saying on the Wharton Black literary period with a constella- Knowledge that slavery and sys- History, wrote in The New York School of Business website, “There’s a tion of stars such as Langston Hughes, temic racism now can prevent Black Times: “After graduation, I inter- need for us to educate people. There’s Alain Locke and Zora Neale Hurston. students from mental and emotion- viewed across the country for posi- a need for us to have some of these Such courses are offered infrequently, al problems. A mandatory course tions in early American history. I was tough conversations because we because, as Professor Sinha disco- can impart integrity to those white asked over and over again why, as an expect that our classmates are go- vered, a prevailing thought is that students’ lives. For those who don’t Indian woman, I chose to study the ing to graduate and become leaders. only Black students should have an care about slavery and the American history of slavery and the Civil War ... . They’re going to lead diverse teams. interest. See BLM, Page 7 The one interview where no one asked They’re going to need to be pounding Some students already chose Black City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 REWIND BLM NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS from page 6 By KYLE KAMINSKI Gov. John Engler turned off education unions, the system that holds Black people down UAW and progressive groups. Even the Black caucus literally and figuratively, a mandatory was angered by his actions, despite his class will require an intelligent, rea- background as the first Black person soned argument. Their college degree elected to the Lansing City Council. His will depend on how good a job they do departure was welcomed news for many on that. who have long sought his resignation Derek Bok put little faith in ac- from the board at MSU. crediting agencies for achieving his objectives, but these agencies have Lime scooters have returned to Lansing Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon already starting working on mine. Electric scooters are back on the streets of Lansing. won't take police union contributions Accreditation agencies’ general educa- Lime deployed a fleet of scooters in downtown Lansing tion requirements pave the way for a As Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon vies for last year, and isn’t letting a pandemic slow down busi- mandatory American slavery class. reelection in November, there’s at least one segment ness this summer. Dozens of scooters were dropped For instance, The Higher Learning of the community that she won’t tap for off across downtown Friday. Those responsible for Commission, a regional accrediting endorsements or donations: The police. charging scooters overnight have been asked to take agency for schools in 19 Midwest Siemon vowed this week (alongside doz- states, judges schools by “their encour- additional COVID-19 sanitation measures. ens of other prosecutors nationwide) to agement of curricular or cocurricular not accept any campaign contributions or activities that prepare students for Overnight parking hearing delayed a endorsements from police unions — a move designed informed citizenship and workplace to distance herself from perceived conflicts of interests success.” Professional school accredi- week as well as from the views of the police labor unions. tation criteria such as those revised by A city ordinance that bans local residents from parking Siemon recently received a formal nomination from The College Commission on Nursing overnight on city streets without a paid permit could the Ingham County Democratic Party and will face off Education in 2018 call for students to be erased as the Lansing City Council pushes forward against Republic George Platsis in the General Election be “exposed to individuals with diverse life experience, perspectives and plans to dismantle a paid permit system launched this in November. Her views on plea bargains and stance background.” The point is to “broaden year and reopen local streets for free parking from 2 to against sentences of life in prison without parole have student perspectives.” College faculty 5 a.m. caused some controversy in recent weeks, but it isn’t and administrators can make recogni- The existing parking ordinance, expected to jeopardize her chances for another term. which passed, 7-1, late last year tion of how slavery impacts Americans with Councilman Brian Jackson now a requirement for an educated opposed, offers residents a $125 Assessments for the Red Cedar project person. This would be a specific class, annual permit in exchange for not a selection from a smorgasbord of are en route to winter tax bills electives with tenuous ties to American the ability to park on the street The Lansing City Council moved a step closer this slavery and how African Americans from 2-5 a.m. Fines for violations week to issuing assessments to residents that would live and work today. are $25 (or $35 in a snow emergency). The latest ordi- help to cover about two-thirds of the costs to recon- Connect the dots. African Americans nance proposal from Council members Brandon Betz struct the Montgomery Drain. have and continue to contribute to and Kathie Dunbar would eliminate that system. A pub- The city’s portion of the project would tally to more than every aspect of American culture, and lic hearing for the changes was set for this week, but it $41 million, according to city calculations, when paid that means slavery is in every aspect of has been rescheduled to Aug. 31. back with interest over 30 years. While still subject to our culture. change as the tax rolls are set, that means the average The only way to change America is Dems abandon Ferguson for MSU board taxpaying property owner would pay an added .26 mills to educate our future leaders. Stuart Michigan Democrats will vote this week for two nom- on their winter property taxes — or about $13 for a Stevens, author of “It Was All a Lie: inees for the Michigan State University Board of home with a taxable value of about $50,000. Property How the Republican Party Became Donald Trump,” said in an interview Trustees, and Joel Ferguson will not be among the owners in the immediate vicinity of the project could that any time you attack education you choices. Facing the likely loss of the endorsement, pay much more: $377 annually for are on a path to decline. The corollary residences and $11,831 for commer- the 81-year-old, four-time incumbent and former board is, any time you hold up education cial, in addition to the city tax, early chairman announced last week that he will not seek you are moving forward. This Black another term. city projections showed. Lives Matter moment can be extended Ferguson, a wealthy developer, philanthropist and Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said he when American college students finally Democratic donor, has been a predominant power- tried and failed to convince Drain study American slavery and systemic broker at MSU. His connections with Jesse Jackson, Commissioner Pat Lindemann to tap racism now as a matter of their general Hillary Clinton and other prominent Democrats have the brakes on the decades-long plans education. Colleges and universities made him a powerful figure within Democratic circles to reconstruct the drain, which runs must move now to make such a course for multiple decades. from Frandor to the Red Cedar River, in order to cut a mandatory requirement for gradua- But Ferguson’s perceived public callousness toward the water pollution. Under the drain code, city officials have tion. sexual assault victims of Larry Nassar and his behind- said they’re powerless to stop the project and can only the-scenes maneuvering to bring in former Republican decide how to pay the bill. 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING Ex-judge hopes ‘implicit bias’ claims LEGAL NOTICE Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act Application Enrollment Period are heard with fresh ears in 2020

Notice is hereby given that the Charter Township of Lansing will accept applications during a 30 It’s been 12 years since the state a personal relationship and that if her day period beginning September 4, 2020 and ending on October 3, 2020 for the following licenses: • 1 Class A Grower Supreme Court tossed Beverly Nettles then-boyfriend, Deshawn Anderson, was • 1 Class B Grower off the Ingham County bench during let off early it was because the judge was • 2 Marihuana Processors • 2 Safety Compliance Facilities her lunch break. The locks to her office not given all of the necessary informa- • 1 Marihuana Secure Transporter were changed immediately. Her personal tion. An assistant attorney general con- Application forms are available at www.lansingtownship.org, or by calling the Clerk’s office at 517-485-4063. belongings were dropped off on her front cluded in 2004 that “it does not appear Susan L. Aten, Clerk lawn. that any crimes were committed” in the Charter Township of Lansing In those 12 years, matter. #20-195 POLITICS the judge former- — Her allegedly frequent absences ly known as Beverly from court. Nettles said she did work Nettles-Nickerson from home when there was no business hasn’t stopped fight- in front of her court. She sees nothing ing the loss of her wrong with that. NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES livelihood and her law Nettles cited other Michigan cases AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS (In accordance with P.A. 40, of 1956, as amended) license. She felt then where attorneys actually broke a law and what she feels now: received more lenient punishment. For Notice is Hereby Given that a Day of Review will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please take notice that the meeting will be conducted following the Implicit racial bias cre- example, she pulled the case of an attor- guidelines of Michigan Governor’s Executive Order 154, and all other Executive Orders that may ated trumped up charges that railroaded ney who pleaded no contest to felonious be applicable at the time of the meeting. Due to the requirements in the Executive Orders, the meeting will not be held in person, but instead will be held by remote electronic access. For those her to an overly severe punishment. assault and another who pleaded guilty seeking to participate through online video conferencing, participants can access the electronic It took George Floyd’s death at the to three separate drunk driving offenses. meeting through the following Zoom link: knee of Minneapolis police officer to Both were suspended for 179 days. Join Zoom Meeting make “implicit bias” a subject white folks Nettles was put in the same category https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86177153144 can fully appreciate. It took COVID-19 of other defrocked judges like Theresa Or Dial: +1 312 626 6799 to make state disciplinary hearings easily Brennan of Livingston County, who was Meeting ID: 861 7715 3144 accessible through Zoom calls. sentenced to six months in jail for felony Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc3QZbdn6z And that’s why Nettles said she feels perjury. In lieu of using the remote electronic access, any interested person may also participate in the that, after 12 years, the public will finally Or Jackson County’s James Justin, meeting by calling the Drain Office at (517) 676-8395 on September 8, 2020, at any time from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hear what she’s been trying to say. who dismissed his own parking tickets. “Systemic racism, sexism and culture Or Inkster’s Sylvia James who misused At that date and Zoom location, the Ingham County Drain Commissioner will hear the proofs and allegations and carefully reconsider and review the description of lands within Ingham in Michigan’s legal sanctioning bodies money meant for crime victims. Or County comprising the Drainage Districts for the Drains listed below, and will determine whether attributed to my removal and denial of Wayne County’s Wade McCree, who sent the addition or deletion of lands will more accurately define the boundaries of the land benefitted by the Drains and is just and equitable pursuant to Section 197 of 1956 PA 40, as amended. The reinstatement,” she said. a shirtless photo to a court employee and Drain Commissioner will also review the apportionment of benefits for assessment purposes. The Next Thursday, Sept. 3, Nettles will be then told a news reporter, “There’s no Drains are located and established in the following municipalities, and a general description of the shame to my game.” lands proposed to be added or deleted, in whole or in part, include the following: before the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board in a public Zoom video conference She blew the whistle on what she saw DRAIN NO. DRAIN NAME MUNICIPALITY SECTION to debunk any of the 10 Judicial Tenure as policies and administrative actions NUMBERS Commission counts that ultimately led that seemed to be aimed only toward B 01-00 BANK INTERCOUNTY DRAIN LANSING TOWNSHIP 7, 18, 19 to her demise. the few African-American women who B 18-00 BRIGGS EXTENSION LANSING TOWNSHIP 7, 18, 19 When it’s all over, she wants to be worked in the court system at the time, INTERCOUNTY DRAIN able to practice law again. But beyond for which she doesn’t apologize.

Maps of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions may be found on the that, she wants vindication that kicking She filed a civil rights complaint Ingham County Drain Commissioner’s website (dr.ingham.org). her, an African-American woman, off against the chief judge at the time,

The Ingham County Drain Commissioner will have the tentative apportionments against the bench in 2008 was a much more William Collette, in 2005. From that parcels and municipalities within the Drainage Districts available to review. Drain assessments will severe punishment than any white judge point and before she said she felt like she be collected in the same manner as property taxes. If Drain assessments are to be collected in would have received for the same alleged was subjected to a difference in treat- installments, they may be paid in full with any interest to date at any time to avoid further interest charges. The entities to be assessed at large are the municipalities listed above, as well as Ingham offenses. ment and undue scrutiny. That’s despite County for benefit to county roads, and the State of Michigan Department of Transportation for Here’s a recap on some of Nettles’ the Department of Civil Rights at the those Drainage Districts that include state highways. The lands to be assessed are those generally described as being within the Sections set forth above. offenses from 2007: time publicly urged judiciary officials — She filed for divorce in Kent to not discipline her for “exercising her Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Ingham County Drain Commissioner at (517) 676-8395, or the Michigan County as opposed to Ingham County, right to file” the complaint. Relay Center at 711 (TTY) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, where she and her husband last lived “Would what happened to me have hearing, or other assistance. together, allegedly to publicly shield the happened to a white judge?” Nettles You are Further Notified that persons aggrieved by the decision to add or delete filing. But Nettles notes that her hus- asked. She doesn’t think so. property to or from a Drainage District may seek judicial review in the Ingham County Circuit Court within ten (10) days of the decision, and persons aggrieved by the decision with regard to band did live in Kent County at the time Now she’s hoping that in 2020, more the apportionment of benefits for assessment purposes may appeal to the Ingham County Probate and the venue was proper. people will hear her argument with an Court within ten (10) days of the Day of Review. — She helped a friend and co-worker open mind. Patrick E. Lindemann get her boyfriend off of probation ear- (Kyle Melinn of the Capital news ser- August 13, 2020 Ingham County Drain Commissioner ly. The alleged friend, Gwen Dupard, is vice MIRSis at [email protected].) #20-197 prepared to testify that Nettles did have City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Transparency an issue for new citizens’ panel on race Schor mandates confidentiality pact “Racial justice and equity require action now, for justice and equity advisory board and a plan for the future. We Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is vowing Betz. “I think the mayor is blind to racial to turn community feedback into action equity issues. I haven’t seen any real need to continue to take action, plans after a three-part “input series” promises for change. Everything has just and to plan for even bolder on racial justice and police divestment been symbolic.” wrapped up last week. But some resi- Schor confirmed last week that mem- action every day.” dents are voicing concerns over a lack of bers of his alliance will be asked to sign transparency that could affect the pro- a “confidentiality” contract (essentially — Andy Schor cess. a non-disclosure agreement) that man- Over the next few months, Schor will dates all members of the alliance keep turn his focus to the Racial Justice and the content of their closed-door discus- but he had hoped that the alliance work Others — predominantly from the Equity Alliance — his handpicked team sions just that — behind closed doors. groups would operate with continued older, whiter crowd in Lansing — have of about 40 mostly Black community None have yet been asked to sign the public dialogue. voiced concerns over whether crime rates leaders — to chart a course for a more agreement, but they were briefed on the He also said he left the alliance because would increase as a result of reimagining inclusive and equitable path forward in concept at their first meeting last week. the advisory role clashed with his role as public safety services. Officials have also the capital city. Members of the public — and the media Councilman. If he stayed, Hussain would been on call to answer questions from The alliance will utilize feedback col- — are not allowed to attend, but mem- essentially be crafting recommendations residents and outline budgetary proce- lected at three separate virtual forums bers described the initial meeting as for himself, he explained. dures. over the last few weeks, divide into work largely organizational and about setting “My hope is this body gets to work Two blocked from speaking groups focused on broad categories (like goals. independent of elected official influence,” In the latest session last week, fired housing and public safety) and turn over “I want people to have the ability to Hussain added. mayoral staffer Natasha Atkinson and a series of policy recommendations next have a free flow of thoughts and ideas,” Alliance member Susan Cancro said Administrative Fire Chief Dave Odom year for Schor to turn into meaningful Schor explained. “We’re starting out with she’d have to review any agreement — two of eight people suing Schor and action. confidentiality and moving to recom- before signing it, but recognized the the city for racial discrimination — also “Racial justice and equity require mendations that will be public. That’s a importance of being able to facilitate an contend they were ignored during sever- action now, and a plan for the future,” pretty common process when people are open dialogue without fear of sugges- al rounds of public comment and feed- Schor told City Pulse on Tuesday. “We working on something leading up to a tions — including the bad ones — being back gathering. need to continue to take action, and to final product.” made public and amplified as real pro- Coleman, who facilitated the meet- plan for even bolder action every day.” Randy Watkins, who also serves on posals. ing, repeatedly skipped past both Odom That bold action, however, will require the mayor’s Diversity and Inclusion “We’ve got to choose the moments that and Atkinson, instead allowing oth- the alliance to be sworn to secrecy. Advisory Council, said he hasn’t had to we want to share with the community,” er speakers to voice their opinions — Apparently not all residents will be sign a similar agreement for his other said Human Relations and Community sometimes two or three times. Coleman allowed to speak. Two people who are appointments. He said he would only Services Director Kim Coleman. “It referred questions to City Attorney Jim suing the city for alleged discrimination sign the contract if it was justified, per- shouldn’t just be about gossip.” Smiertka. Schor also declined to com- were not recognized when they sought haps if officials are sharing confidential “If you want to look at where the ment. Smiertka hasn’t returned calls. issues, have people speak openly and “The fact is, if you want this input, honestly, and begin to peel it all back claim you’re all about transparency and “The mayor is blind to racial and look at where the issues are, well, claim you want to listen to the commu- they can’t speak openly and honestly if nity, then you should actually be listen- equity issues. I haven’t seen it’s just going out there into the commu- ing to the community,” Atkinson said. nity,” Coleman added. “They should have Betz also asserts the meetings have any real promises for change. that opportunity.” been more about influencing opinions The alliance is led, in part, by Teresa than soliciting them. Everything has just been sym- Bingman, a Lansing attorney who is Police Chief Daryl Green used the bolic.” being paid $63,000 to help guide racial second input sessions as an opportuni- equity reforms in Lansing. She also ty to blast the concept of police divest- — Brandon Betz moonlights as a consultant at Vanguard ment. He contended that crime would Public Affairs, a PR firm that promotes invariably increase if more officers the city and has ties to the Schor’s 2017 were cut from the department’s already to speak at the alliance’s third and last personnel details. campaign. leaned-down staff. Besides, his depart- public input-gathering video conference. Schor later clarified: That type of per- As part of the planning process, a ment doesn’t have much room for cuts. And now some are questioning sonnel information will not be shared series of sometimes poorly attended vir- Millions of dollars are tied up in retiree whether the true focus is on actual with the alliance. tual meetings have gathered public feed- pensions, he emphasized. reforms or damage control. Councilman Adam Hussain, who back over the last few weeks. Many of The results of police divestment “I didn’t see the mayor’s input ses- was appointed to the alliance but quit the comments are familiar echoes of the would create a “drastic and lasting sions but I understand they were not before it met last week, said confidenti- Black Lives Matter movement to defund impact on the safety of all people that well attended and it was kind of a sham, ality could make it difficult for members law enforcement and reinvest in social as expected,” said Councilman Brandon of the alliance to engage with the public, services. See Panel, Page 10 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 A cross unites Black and white churchgoers in south Lansing

When Joe Prevo Jr. started his Eagle Scout project at 16 years old, he hardly could have imagined that his work would one day bring a community together. It was a simple landscaping project, a flower bed built around a large and stoic, wooden cross. Over the years, it became overgrown and dilapidated. But years later, a predominantly white church and a predominantly Black church joined hands to restore his project and bring the community together. In 2016, a predominantly Black con- gregation bought Christ United Methodist Church, 517 W. Jolly Road, and turned it into the Epicenter of Worship. While making renovations, they discovered Prevo’s project. “We were just cleaning out weeds, and Skyler Ashley/City Pulse then we found that cross,” said Jacqueline Members of the Epicenter of Worship and volunteers from the former Christ United Methodist Church build a new cross. Humphrey, one of the organizers behind the renovation and a member of the cross to be restored because it seemed passed down Jolly Road.” issues that divide us.” Epicenter of Worship. “We talked to the significant. After her congregation made Pastor Sean Holland from Epicenter Prevo promised to help with the proj- right person, and they said they would so many renovations to the old Methodist of Worship said that rebuilding the cross ect. Along with him came a group of white like to be involved and that the gentleman Church, it only seemed right to restore the and restoring the garden is a community folks who had former connections to the who built the cross would like to build it cross to its former glory. effort towards solidarity. “Poor, rich. Black old Methodist Church. In a time when again.” “It was a really pretty sight,” she said. or white. We find ways to divide. But here, See Church, Page 11 Humphrey said that she wanted the “You could see it from the street if you we are working together to address the

Dunbar’s proposal to launch a commit- Panel tee and slowly transfer funds from the CITY OF LANSING Lansing Police Department into other NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING from page 9 social services is currently stuck in the NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Monday, August 31, City Council’s newly formed Committee 2020 at 7 p.m. during the regularly schedule City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion await- Meeting ID 840 5989 1689 for the purpose of considering: visit, work and reside in the city of ing a formal referral to the Committee An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Lansing Codified Ordinances Lansing,” Green said. He also maintains of the Whole before it can eventually go by amending Chapter 404 of the Lansing Codified Ordinances by adding Section 404.12 even modest reductions would lead to a before a vote of the full City Council. to provide for the declaration of snow emergencies during and after weather events that will require salting and/or plowing of roadways; to provide for how notice shall be given for rise in sexual assault, human trafficking The mayor’s alliance, Betz added, also snow emergencies; to prohibit parking in roadways during declared snow emergencies; and homicides. likely won’t be too helpful as those plans and to provide for penalties for persons parking on the roadways during declared snow emergencies. Schor (and the Lansing branch of the are assembled. His focus, for now, will NAACP) later said that a significant por- instead be on motivating other council Governor Whitmer declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to provide essential protections tion of the city’s population would also members — namely Equity Committee to vulnerable Michiganders and this State’s health care system and other critical infrastructure, it have concerns about public safety in the Chairwoman Patricia Spitzley — to move is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to-limit in-person contact, particularly in the context of absence of uniformed cops. Schor further quickly on the divestment proposal. large groups. Therefore, the public hearing will be conducted via audio/video conference. added that he would have “tremendous Spitzley, for her part, has emphasized The public hearing will be electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. A Michigan Executive Order provides temporary concerns” related to police divestment. the importance of doing research before authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings. Members of the public Betz and other activists have since taking action. Conversations surround- wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the meetings using disputed Green’s take, insisting that cops ing the proposal are expected to contin- the website or phone number and Meeting ID provided on the August 31, 2020 meeting agenda. (Note: this option requires downloading Zoom software. If you have not already installed the don’t prevent crime, only investigate it. ue at its next meeting this month. software, this may take a few minutes) Many also believe that reforms must “They’re slow rolling this, and it’s Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings simultaneously coincide with police frustrating,” Betz said. “That just means should contact the City Council Office at 517-483-4177 (TDD (517) 483-4479) 24 hour notice divestment in order to meaningfully we’re probably going to have to jump- may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation requests. reimagine public safety services in the start some external research outside of city of Lansing. the City Council structure. We need to For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. “And why is the police chief even get some of this figured out, and I need and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the involved in these conversations? He can to find a way to light a fire under some City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email butt out,” Betz added. “He doesn’t even of our asses.” [email protected]. live in Lansing, for one, so I really don’t — KYLE KAMINSKI Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC care about his perspective.” www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope #20-198 Betz’ and Councilwoman Kathie City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

ing this memorial garden,” said Prevo. “We from Christ United Methodist Church to knock down any walls, just to see the Church pulled the cross out of retirement. But it’s lived right in the neighborhood and were beauty in it, to enjoy it. We didn’t want to been out there for all those years, and it’s eager to see what was happening to their make it anything other than what it is.” from page 10 in sad shape now.” former church. Humphrey was excited to see the com- Prevo was excited to see his old proj- “They came over and welcomed us,” munity come together to work on this race relations are dominating the news, it ect restored. Looking out at all the volun- said Humphrey. “Sometimes people take project. To her, it symbolized harmony was an inspiring sight. teers weeding the garden and rebuilding churches and make them into clubs. They within the Lansing church community. “What we have is a church that’s pre- the cross, he felt nostalgic and apprecia- were so glad a church was still going to be Seeing a mainly white congregation come dominantly white coming to help our tive. “The Epicenter has been very gen- here.” out to support her predominantly Black church that is predominantly Black,” said erous about recognizing the past history Humphrey emphasized that Epicenter church gave her hope that people can see Humphrey. “We’re excited for the church- and contributions of the Christ United wants to honor the legacy of Christ United beyond skin color. es to come together.” Methodist Church,” said Prevo. “They Methodist Church and pay respect to its “We’re here for a common purpose,” Humphries said that white people in want to preserve some of that history.” storied history. Not to transform it or said Humphrey. “We want the commu- the neighborhood have visited Epicenter When Epicenter first moved into the neglect the past. The Epicenter congre- nity to see what’s happening with these of Worship and came to listen to a sermon old Christ United Methodist Church, gation put a new roof on the church and churches.” once in a while. Humphrey said that the surrounding made some renovations. Humphrey said ­— COLE TUNNINGLEY “If we could deliver any message in community — mainly white people — that members of the old church were just these times, it’s that God’s people can come were grateful that people were willing to glad that someone was taking care of it. together in a way that’s rich and a way take care of a church that meant so much “They let us know that they’re so grateful,” that’s helping to show the relationship we to them. Many of the former congregants said Humphrey. “We didn’t come here can have with another,” said Humphrey. EQUAL RIGHTS. “We’re happy to have them involved.” Joe Prevo, the father of Prevo Jr., EQUAL PROTECTION. has been involved with the church since CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING EQUAL ACCESS. 1970. Prevo attended the church when it LEGAL NOTICE SPECIAL USE PERMIT was known as Christ United Methodist EQUAL JUSTICE. Church. He was there when the original Notice is hereby given that the Charter Township of Lansing Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Offices located cross was built. It used to reside in what at 3209 West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, for the purpose of recommending approval or is now the parking lot of Epicenter. The denial of the following request: These are the principles I stand for. church used to bring it inside during Special Use Permit SP-20-08, to allow a 12,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank for fueling Stand with me. Easter and use it for their holy week ser- Transdev Services, Inc. fleet of vehicles at 1415 Lake Lansing Road. vices. But then the bottom started to rot Tentative text and other information may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, 3209 West out. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. Susan L. Aten, Clerk “Then my son needed an Eagle project, Charter Township of Lansing Paid for by the Committee to Elect Landis Lain so he approached the church about build- #20-196 PO Box 10002, Lansing, MI 48901

CITY OF LANSING CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Monday, August 31, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Monday, August 31, 2020 at 7 p.m. during the regularly schedule City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, 2020 at 7 p.m. during the regularly schedule City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 840 5989 1689 for the purpose of considering: Meeting ID 840 5989 1689 for the purpose of considering:

An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Lansing Codified Ordinances An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend the Lansing Codified Ordinances by a repealing Chapter 404, Section 404.01(j), to eliminate the prohibition on street parking by a repealing Chapter 404, Section 404.13, to eliminate annual and temporary permits for between 2:00 am and 5:00 a.m. on any day. overnight street parking.

Governor Whitmer declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the spread of the novel Governor Whitmer declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to provide essential protections coronavirus (COVID-19). To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and to provide essential protections to vulnerable Michiganders and this State’s health care system and other critical infrastructure, it to vulnerable Michiganders and this State’s health care system and other critical infrastructure, it is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to-limit in-person contact, particularly in the context of is crucial that all Michiganders take steps to-limit in-person contact, particularly in the context of large groups. Therefore, the public hearing will be conducted via audio/video conference. large groups. Therefore, the public hearing will be conducted via audio/video conference.

The public hearing will be electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act in an effort The public hearing will be electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. A Michigan Executive Order provides temporary to protect the health and safety of the public. A Michigan Executive Order provides temporary authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings. Members of the public authorization of remote participation in public meetings and hearings. Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the meetings using wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the meetings using the website or phone number and Meeting ID provided on the August 31, 2020 meeting agenda. the website or phone number and Meeting ID provided on the August 31, 2020 meeting agenda. (Note: this option requires downloading Zoom software. If you have not already installed the (Note: this option requires downloading Zoom software. If you have not already installed the software, this may take a few minutes) software, this may take a few minutes)

Persons with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in these meetings 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 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 may be needed for certain accommodations. An attempt will be made to grant all reasonable accommodation requests. accommodation requests.

For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. 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 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 City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. [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 #20-200 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope #20-199 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 Greater Lansing heads back to class Public school districts across mid-Michigan grapple with unprecedented fall semester

Gretchen Whitmer ordered public and ason Mellema knows there’s no private school buildings closed to curb realJ replacement for time spent in the the spread of the virus. But it wasn’t an classroom. early vacation for educators left scram- As an assistant superintendent at the bling to shift to a virtual world. Ingham Intermediate School District, Online lesson plans and printed Mellema is tasked with providing guid- packets were assembled for students to ance to a dozen public school districts wrap up the remainder of their short- across Greater Lansing as they attempt lived spring semesters, and teachers to rewire curricula for students during and administrators went into overdrive the new Pandemic Age. to ensure more concrete plans were in In an ideal world, Mellema would place for classes to resume this fall. have every student back in the class- More than a million meals were dis- room, but he knows that COVID-19 tributed across the Ingham ISD this still poses a very real threat across summer, including 600,000 meals for Michigan. And he also knows there’s no students at the Lansing School District one-size-fits-all solution when it comes and 10,000 meals distributed weekly to how students should head back to for East Lansing Public Schools stu- school. dents, said ELPS Superintendent Dori “When this pandemic struck schools, Leyko. we were all thrown into a tailspin District officials also monitored quickly,” Mellema said last week to the Health Department data while simul- Lansing Economic Club. “We were able taneously surveying parents, students to lean into each other and think of and staff about plans to get classes back ideas and solutions that could be appli- up and running by August. Schools cable both here and at other districts.” now have a choice to physically reopen, Fear of the coronavirus has pushed but only with masks, social distancing many local districts to close their doors and cleaning protocols in place. And as students start off the fall semester in Michigan, that created a variety of entirely online. Other districts, espe- learning plans. cially those in more rural areas, are Peter Spadafore, in addition to physically reopening for the first time serving as president of the Lansing since the spring. City Council, works as a deputy direc- Different townships and cities are tor at the Michigan Association of tracking different levels of viral commu- Superintendents and Administrators. Shauna Stocken/City Pulse nity spread and face varying challenges He said the last few pandemic-filled Dansville Schools students board school buses at the end of the day. with transportation and internet access, months have been uncharted territory Mellema said. Lansing School District’s for public schools statewide. Lansing School District, even before students and staff healthy. It seemed as 10,800 students, for instance, needed “We’re seeing an unprecedented the changes, was among the first to cases went up, the prudent thing was a different return-to-learn plan than amount of collaboration and teamwork shift to an entirely virtual curriculum. to start out with an online education. what was needed for the 550 students to make this work,” Spadafore said. “Of Interim Sam Sinicropi said student We’re going to analyze the first nine at Webberville Community Schools. course, it’s our preference as educators safety was a priority, and the logistics weeks and determine when it’s safe to The uncertainty has bred a hodge- to have students in the classroom, to be of socially distancing 10,000 kids made return.” podge of lesson plans in mid-Michi- face-to-face with them, not just for the reopening impossible. Several local districts — including gan as districts balance feedback from academic component of education but Not all students could attend on those in East Lansing, Grand Ledge, parents and staff and data from their also the social and emotional learning the same days. There wasn’t enough Dewitt, Haslett, and Okemos — have local health departments — while also taking place. But right now, in some space. More distance between stu- also opted to begin the fall semes - weighing the social-emotional impact cases, it’s just not possible.” dents also means more buses needed to ter entirely online. Other districts are of a largely computer-based education. Whitmer signed a series of bills last bring them to class. And Sinicropi said giving students an option to decide “This is a moving target,” Mellema week that provide flexibility for K-12 Lansing alone would’ve needed more between virtual or physical class, or a said. “What we think we need today schools, waiving physical attendance than 100 more buses to make it work mix of both. may not necessarily meet the challenges and minimum instruction require- — not necessarily a financial reality in a “We’re all trying to make it work of what we’ll need in a few months. We ments to allow for remote classes. She school district that is already strapped in the best ways we possibly can,” need to stay open-minded and contin- also announced that she would allocate for cash. Spadafore added. “If education wasn’t ue to be flexible. We’ll continue to need nearly $65 million in federal funding to “We did look at surveys and choices this vital to the economy, we’d proba- some creative solutions.” school districts, colleges and other edu- of parents,” Sinicropi added. “We also bly be having a different conversation. A few weeks after Michigan detected cation-related entities most significant- spent a lot of time looking at the sci- its first COVID-19 cases in March, Gov. ly impacted by the pandemic. ence. My number one concern is to keep See Education, Page 13 City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13

instruction can offer students — and Education the consequences of too much isolation How Mid-Michigan schools are dealing without it. Webberville is still offering from page 12 daycare and homeroom options for kids with reopening in a pandemic In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- to get out of the house. Lansing is set- The pandemic has forced local schools to make tough decisions on cial education students to start. ting up “learning labs” to give up to 400 reopening. Here is a list of what each Virtual Instruction: Yes. students a physical space to learn. Eaton Rapids Public Schools We’re really trying to evaluate all the district is doing and how many cases of statistics, all of the facts to learn how Mellema advises districts to have Start Date: Aug. 31 COVID-19 there are in their commu- Student Population: 2,266 to deliver something that’s never been teachers offer plenty of face-to-face nities. COVID-19 Cases: 433 done before — and that’s a complete instruction and one-on-one time with COVID-19 cases tracked for districts In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a flipping of how we deliver education.” students, even from a virtual distance. in Ingham County are represented by hybrid model paired with virtual learning. In Webberville, for instance, an It can be easy to lose a sense of engage- the total number of confirmed cases Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid model and an entirely online alternative. entirely virtual curriculum wasn’t con- ment through a computer screen over relative to the zip code(s) in which the Grand Ledge Public Schools sidered, officials said. Busing a few extended periods of time, officials district is most centrally located. Cases Start Date: Sept. 8 hundred students in a socially distant explained. for districts in Eaton and Clinton coun- Student Population: 5,375 fashion is more manageable in a small- “Nothing replaces face-to-face con- ties are simply the total number of cas- COVID-19 Cases: 433 In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- er, rural district. And with fewer than tact. This is the time when our educa- es in those counties. Bath Community Schools cial education students to start. 30 cases confirmed in the village, sur- tors need to wrap their arms and minds Start Date: Aug. 24 Virtual Instruction: Yes. veys showed that parents were compar- arounds students the closest because of Student Population: 1,123 Haslett Public Schools atively eager to take the risk of in-per- the trauma they’ve experienced through COVID-19 Cases: 373 Start Date: Aug. 31 Student Population: 2,742 son classes. COVID-19 in general, but they can only In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- cial education students to start. COVID-19 Cases: 41-50 As part of a working solution, most do it through a screen,” Spadafore add- Virtual Instruction: Yes. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- Webberville students will be split into ed. Bellevue Community Schools cial education students to start. two separate cohorts and attend in-per- Leyko, of the East Lansing schools, Start Date: Aug. 17 Virtual Instruction: Yes. Holt Public Schools son classes for two days each week. said paraprofessionals will visit some Student Population: 600 COVID-19 Cases: 433 Start Date: Aug. 31 Daycare and daily “home room” options virtual classrooms in East Lansing In-Person Instruction: Yes. Student Population: 5,440 are available, but school buildings will using a “mood meter” to gauge how Virtual Instruction: Yes — but only as an COVID-19 Cases: 91-110 otherwise be closed on Wednesday. students are connecting with the mate- entirely online alternative to in-person class- In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- cial education students to start. A district spokeswoman said up to rial from afar. From there, teachers can es. Charlotte Public Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes. 90% of Webberville parents preferred quickly identify which kids might need Start Date: Aug. 24 Lansing School District in-person lessons. Despite some initial some extra attention or help with a par- Student Population: 2,530 Start Date: Aug. 31 hesitation from teachers and staff over ticular lesson. COVID-19 Cases: 433 Student Population: 10,661 COVID-19 Cases: 756-810 the summer, that parental insistence Special education students with In-Person Instruction: Yes. Virtual Instruction: Yes — but only as an In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- weighed heavily on the district’s even- highly customized education plans have entirely online alternative to in-person class- cial education students to start. tual reopening plans, she added. also required more logistical work for es. Virtual Instruction: Yes. Online classes — which include a mix school districts. Local schools are large- Dansville Schools Leslie Public Schools Start Date: Aug. 25 of face-to-face synchronous instruction ly handling those plans on a case-by- Start Date: Aug. 24 Student Population: 747 Student Population: 1,212 and pre-recorded asynchronous lessons case basis and bringing students back to COVID-19 Cases: 1-10 COVID-19 Cases: 11-20 — are still available for parents and stu- class even in districts otherwise closed. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a In-Person Instruction: Yes. dents that want it. It’s a model mirrored “Those students can receive hands- hybrid model paired with virtual learning. Virtual Instruction: Yes — but only as an entirely online alternative to in-person class- at several rural school districts across on instruction with physical or occupa- Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid model and an entirely online alternative. es. the Lansing region. tional therapies that are difficult to rep- Dewitt Public Schools Maple Valley Schools At Maple Valley Schools in licate in the virtual format,” Mellema Start Date: Aug. 24 Start Date: Aug. 24 Vermontville, about 35% of students added. “It’s about balancing the fidelity Student Population: 3,196 Student Population: 970 COVID-19 Cases: 433 have opted to take online classes this of services with safety. Equity is dif- COVID-19 Cases: 373 In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a semester and about 65% of the stu- ferent from equality, so it won’t be the cial education students to start. hybrid model paired with virtual learning. dent body will return for in-person les- same for everybody.” Virtual Instruction: Yes — with a phased- Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid sons. A lack of stable internet access in The Michigan High School Athletic in approach to in-person instruction in model and an entirely online alternative. Mason Public Schools the region also pushed that district to Association has postponed all school September. East Lansing Public Schools Start Date: Aug. 26 reopen this fall. sports to spring except for cross-coun- Start Date: Aug. 25 Student Population: 3,259 “We’re following science in terms try, golf and swimming. Some districts Student Population: 3,711 COVID-19 Cases: 91-110 COVID-19 Cases: 484-520 of how to do things safely,” said have allowed band and choir programs See Schools, Page 18 Superintendent Kathy Bertolini. “I’d to continue with social distancing pro- also make a request that all people are tocols or canceled them altogether. In and social distance, even with half of al framework in place now will be bet- patient with schools. We’re working Okemos, for example, those co-cur- our student body.” ter suited for the possibility of a virtual with more radical changes than we’ve ricular classes are shut down through Districts that have reopened for state mandate later this year. It’s always seen in the last 100 years, and we’re October while future planning contin- in-person instruction are also pre- easier to send kids back off to school extremely committed to safety and ues. paring for the possibility of a sudden later than to send them back home for welfare and continual reflection and “In Okemos, we really looked at shift back to a virtual environment virtual classes in the middle of the year, improvement. We’re asking for some what we could provide safely and con- should COVID-19 cases swell as stu- he said. patience.” sistently,” said Superintendent John dents return. The overarching concern: “There’s no playbook or map. We’re In line with parental preferences, dis- Hood. “Also, in looking at the size of Uncertainty amid continued uncertain- all just trying to make the best choices,” tricts have also weighed the social and our classrooms and student body, we ty in a year filled with uncertainties. Spadafore added. emotional benefits that only in-person realized we just couldn’t safely reopen Spadafore said districts with a virtu- — KYLE KAMINSKI 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 Our one-room schoolhouse: Education from home

By SHAUNA STOCKEN ond grade, didn’t stop us from stay- (The writer is a Lansing resident ing with the district. After three years whose stepdaughter is enrolled in of memories, friends and the person- Bath Community Schools.) alized academic support gained at What will happen to snow days, Bath, we had a difficult time finding field trips and sharing secrets with another school to which we’d wish to your BFF at recess? These are the relocate. types of questions my stepdaughter, We felt Bath was the best learn - Summer, age 9, has about a virtual ing institution with the most value school year during a pandemic. As a for our child, both academically and parent entering the unknown world developmentally. The community of homeschooling, my questions do offered yearly dance classes for her not seem as silly or as easy to answer. age group, including a Halloween I met my fiancé’s daughter, themed performance at the school Summer, when she was 4 years old. trunk-or-treating event and holiday By age 5 and a half, she began liv - parades we participated in through- ing with us full time. A month later, out the years. In addition to Girl I was returning to college courses in Scouts, Art & Literacy Nights, and the fall of 2016, and she prepared for other school functions, our fam - kindergarten at a new school. ily spent a lot of time interacting The reputation of the Bath com - with Summer in her learning envi- munity, test scores, teacher-to-stu- ronment. The environment where dent ratio, online reviews and nearby behind its walls, she learned how to family members made the decision be a successful student, a kind friend a no brainer. Moving to our dream Shauna Stocken/City Pulse home in Lansing, following the sec- See Home, Page 16 Home school student Summer with her bookshelf and learning supplies.

SPONSORED CONTENT We Can Help You Get Your GED By Barbara Schmidt If you or a friend or family member is interested in obtain- ing a GED, we would love to help you make that dream come true! Here at Capital Area Literacy Co- alition, or The Reading People, we offer a non-classroom GED alternative program. You can call us at (517) 485-4949 to schedule an appointment to get WE ARE OPEN! signed up. The store is once again open for walk-ins and by appointment. During this one and a half hour appointment, you will fill We are open Tues-Thurs from 10:00am–4:00pm out your paperwork, learn about and can have your friends and family attend how our GED program works and take as well. three tests to see where your reading, As is our policy, all our materials and writing and comprehension levels are. This testing is free of cost to our students. Most will help us determine how to help you be people finish the program, steadily working most successful in obtaining your GED. You and studying in one to two months. In will leave with study materials and a time addition, we have tutors available for each to return and take your tests each of the of the subjects who can work one-on-one four subjects. Once you have passed the with you if you need extra help. Our goal is 20% OFF four “Official” state sanctioned tests, you to help you complete your GED! will be eligible to attend our graduation cer- Due to COVID issues, we require masks ALL IN STOCK ITEMS emonies held at at all times in our building for everyone’s the Capital Area safety. We are also only taking appoint- Must show ad for discount District Library’s ments – no walk in help will be available. Cannot be used on items billed to insurance main branch on We are now taking appointments for Capital Ave. You September 1 and beyond! We hope to see will be wearing you soon! 727 Lincoln Ct. Lansing, MI 48917 517.332.3294 frontroomunderfashions.com a cap and gown thereadingpeople.org City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

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For me, overseeing 35 hours a Summer takes a break on the swingset at a local playground. Home week leaves me questioning what my life will look like as we move for- from page 14 ward. The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 also dictates what I will do for a career and whether I will be and a leader. ready for Summer to return to hybrid Due to the long commute and busy or in-person learning any time soon. schedules, our family’s per-pandem- When I started college, I began ic routine was necessary to keep us studying elementary education at all on track. Now, as Summer begins LCC and thought I would transfer the fourth grade, a new routine is to pursue a career as a second-grade underway and our schedule will have teacher. Over time, my interests to fit around one another’s in an all- developed, and I found myself study- new way. ing business administration. In years past, Summer would I feel lucky to have had even a spend roughly seven hours a day, little experience in elementary edu- five days a week in school. At the cation to hopefully ease this virtual same time, her father worked 40 learning process and keep Summer hours a week or more. I juggled col- on track. For parents with other sib- lege at Lansing Community College lings, demanding careers, a depen - and senior-level business courses at dent to care for or other time-con - Ferris State University while work - suming endeavors amid a pandemic, ing for the LCC independent student I don’t know how active parents will Newspaper “The Lookout.” be at overseeing a child’s education. Like many families, ours depends How effective is online learning if on K-12 education to be responsi - public and private schools seem to be ble for our child and their learning the norm over homeschooling chil - throughout the day. School gives dren? I suppose only time will tell. parents time to work, time for house For Summer, virtual learning is a chores, aiding younger siblings and positive event that she looks forward personal errands. to from the comfort of her own one- Since graduating from FSU last room schoolhouse — designed in the winter and changes in our work spare room of our home once used schedule due to the pandemic, our for storage and the pets. family has received a gift in disguise; I covered the walls with maps, we received the unique opportunity posters, and included educational to dive headfirst into homeschooling supplies, hoping the space would with Summer this fall. encourage and motivate learning. After six months of not partaking No toys, no distractions, an upgrade in school from the classroom, it’s from virtual learning at the kitchen time to return to virtual learning. table. Homeschooling will require parents Summer is a social butterfly, a class and caretakers to oversee a child’s clown and a warrior. She will be just education for 35 hours a week. In fine with online learning and limited addition to that time, I will help face-to-face interactions. Summer with her homework, any This experience has given her makeup work, and reading before father and I more time to encourage bed. new ways of learning. From raising

Shauna Stocken/City Pulse

chickens, ducks and a turkey, paint- new opportunity to bond. We will all ing, learning to cook and landscap - adapt in time as we continue to teach ing, Summer’s experiences have one another from home. NOW HIRING vastly changed. Homeschooling is a Train for a rewarding career and Dean offers a competitive benefits safely transport children to and package including health insurance, 401k, from school with Dean! paid time off, flexible scheduling and advancement opportunities. No experience needed. First Presbyterian Church of Lansing Dean provides paid CDL training for For more information and to apply, new bus drivers. visit deantransportation.com/jobs. Welcome Back Students, Faculty & Staff Weekly Virtual Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m. @LansingFirstPresbyterian (Email for Zoom ID)

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[email protected] 517-482-0668 www.lansingfirstpres.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17 Learning on the run COVID makes for challenging first year for Lansing schools’ board president

By DEDRIA HUMPHREYS BARKER issue. Gabrielle Lawrence is navigating a “Frankly, one of the reasons that I’m steep learning curve. In January, she no longer an active member of the Ju- was elected president of the Lansing nior League is I didn’t feel it was repre- School District Board of Education, sentative of our community,” said Law- and just two months later she was rence, who herself is a white woman cramming to help the district get past who looks paler because of her auburn COVID-19. hair. “There was kind of this white sav- “I remember sitting in a board meet- ior situation that was going on, or the ing on the evening of Thursday March, appearance of one.” I think it was the 12th, because we were Junior League of Lansing is a pri- conducting a first round of interviews marily white women's organization. City Pulse to hire our new superintendent. And I Lawrence was appointed to the Watch a Zoom interview with Gabrielle Lawrence at lansingcitypulse.com/radio-tv Board of Education in 2015, and then remember I was sitting next to Samp- and to get my thoughts on son Sinicropi, who was our current su- in the 2016 school election, she won it. We’re so lucky to have This story is paid for by perintendent, and he wrote a note that her seat. That was a self-actualizing her, even though she went readers like you through moment for Lawrence, who is a “very said, “Detroit’s closing.” And I thought, to Everett. I’m just going contributions to the CityPulse proud and vocal graduate” of Sexton wow, this is so crazy. What’s going to count her as an honor- Fund for Community High School, on the west side. Sexton’s on? This is so crazy. And by Monday, ary Big Red because I love Journalism. To contribute, mascot is Big Red. Lansing’s other two schools were closed statewide. It hap- her.” please go to lansingcitypulse. high schools are Eastern and Everett. pened so quickly.” To accommodate the com/donation. “There are two Big Reds on the Schools closed March 16 by order of switch to at-home in- Board of Education, and whenever the governor reopened later in spring struction, the district has there’s anybody from Sexton in the au- Blue State, Blue Cheese Hamburgers with remote learning. Remote learning provided some necessities for students, dience, or we’re talking about anything one night. We had AOC seafood pasta, is still modus-operandi, but for Lan- including food. Meal Pickup signs on that ever went on at Sexton, you bet- which was the brain child of Mr. She sing’s fall semester it’s called “Lansing Lansing street corners point, not at ter believe that we’re going to stop the Ate (her husband, Mark Lawrence, the Schools Reimagined.” Meijer or Kroger, but to school build- meeting just to say, “should have been city’s citizen’s advocate.). I try to keep In this plan, when the more than ings. a Big Red.” it fun. We’ve done vegetarian week. We 10,000 students report on Monday Post-Covid, some of the $11 million That’s a school taunt. It’s flung most just try to do things different. I always (Aug. 31,) students will see their teach- schools’ transportation budget, and the fiercely at Lansing Everett High School. try to be seasonal, so we’ve had a lot of ers livestreaming from their classrooms personnel paid from it, have been used Lawrence is one of the people ed- corn, a lot of seasonal produce, just try- via a device made available by the school to deliver food to homes. ucated in Lansing Schools who have ing to keep ourselves fed and sane and district. “Lansing Schools Reimagined” At her own home, Gabrielle Law- emerged to help lead through the two healthy.” is explained in a video posted on the rence pays close attention to food. She crises. An ever-present frustration of What is she cook- district’s website (lansingschools.net). is a food critic, the author of the popu- waiting on the state legislature is alle- ing for the GOP convention? Last week, the district announced lar City Pulse column “She Ate,” which, viated by Lawrence’s good working re- “Nothing. Nothing, not a thing,” Law- that several community organizations with its companion column “He Ate,” is lationship with the state representative rence said. “I could think of something have pitched in to establish learning on hiatus. Like most people, Lawrence for House District 68, Sarah Anthony. sinister, couldn’t I?” labs. Up to 600 students will be able is cooking more at home, and being The House of Representatives “had a Who’s to say no? The Lansing Board to spend the school day with adult su- more creative. vote on the legislation that was coming of Education is nonpartisan. pervision. Because each student has a “This past week, because of the Dem- regarding back-to-school and I appreci- device of their own, paid for by the dis- ocratic National Convention, we had a ate so much that she reached out to me trict, the learning labs will be able to themed menu,” Lawrence said. “We had accommodate students who are in dif- to talk about how she was going to vote, ferent schools, and in different classes. While the plan leaves the vast ma- jority of students sitting at home with their parents, it does provide child care for some. Parents must show proof of employment so their child can apply to be in a learning lab. Vote for Lawrence recognizes the dual role her academic institution plays. “Ideally, we would have childcare Steve Kwasnik provided for each student in the district if they need it, and ideally we would for 30th Circuit Judge have a one-on-one tutor that’s working with each child in the district all day As a prosecutor for 15 years, specializing in long. Wouldn’t that be incredible?” child protection, I have worked on behalf of The child care piece is essential, said Lawrence, 38, an attorney with a our most vulnerable citizens. Children and 9-month-old and a 2-and-a-half-year- families in crisis deserve a judge with old. experience and empathy. "I know each family grapples with this. So we as a district are going to try to help our families navigate this.” The district’s learning labs partners are longtime collaborators on programming, Lawrence said. Some were already operating in school VOTE buildings, and will continue to do so. Lansing schools’ student body is about 70 percent students of color, according to the state Department of Education. Community volunteers help kwasnikforkids.com in the schools, but in wake of the Black NOVEMBER 3 Paid for by the Committee to Elect Lives Matter movement, the impact Steve Kwasnik for 30th Circuit Judge of some volunteer groups could be an Paid for by Carol Koenig for Justice, 690 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 1302 Fairoaks Ct., East Lansing, MI 48823 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020

model paired with virtual learning. COVID-19 Cases: 433 Start Date: Aug. 31 Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid model In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- Student Population: 2,992 and an entirely online alternative. cial education students to start. COVID-19 Cases: 21-30 Ovid-Elsie Area Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- from page 13 Start Date: Sept. 8 St. Johns Public Schools cial education students to start. Student Population: 1,489 Start Date: Sept. 8 Virtual Instruction: Yes. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- COVID-19 Cases: 373 Student Population: 2,796 Webberville Community Schools cial education students to start. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a hybrid COVID-19 Cases: 373 Start Date: Aug. 24 Virtual Instruction: Yes. model paired with virtual learning. In-Person Instruction: Yes. Student Population: 502 Okemos Public Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid model Virtual Instruction: Yes — but only as an COVID-19 Cases: 21-30 Start Date: Aug. 26 and an entirely online alternative. entirely online alternative to in-person classes. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a hybrid Student Population: 4,616 Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools Stockbridge Community Schools model paired with virtual learning. COVID-19 Cases: 121-130 Start Date: Aug. 24 Start Date: Aug. 24 Virtual Instruction: Yes — both a hybrid model In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- Student Population: 647 Student Population: 1,249 and an entirely online alternative. cial education students. COVID-19 Cases: 373 COVID-19 Cases: 11-20 Williamston Community Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes. In-Person Instruction: Yes. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- Start Date: Aug. 31 Olivet Community Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes — but only as an cial education students to start. Student Population: 1,893 Start Date: Sept. 8 entirely online alternative to in-person classes. Virtual Instruction: Yes — with a phased- COVID-19 Cases: 41-50 Student Population: 1,413 Potterville Public Schools in approach to in-person instruction in In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only for spe- COVID-19 Cases: 433 Start Date: Aug. 26 September. cial education students to start. In-Person Instruction: Yes — but only a hybrid Student Population: 804 Waverly Community Schools Virtual Instruction: Yes. BE ORIGINAL • BE OLD TOWN Proudly representing Michigan Artists

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ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC REO Town’s Threadbare Mitten Film Festival goes virtual

By COLE TUNNINGLEY Threadbare Mitten Threadbare Mitten Film Festival Film Festival founder Dan Kofoed Kofoed has adjust- — a showcase ed to volatile times in order to keep his of eccentric indie film festival alive. Falling victim genre films — is to the coronavirus, the festival will going virtual this be held entirely online. It’s a drastic September. change, which gives way to the subtitle of the festival’s fourth year: “A Year of TransFOURmations.” To successfully host the festival online, Kofoed tracked down a Holland-based company that could provide an online space to host the festival that meets industry standards. “We wanted to stay local, so it was perfect that we found a company from Michigan that could do that for us,” Kofoed said. Anyone can buy an all-access pass or a limited Threadbare Mitten ticket that Film Festival will allow you Sept. 3 - 7 to name your Full schedule and lineup: threadbarefilmfest.com own price Purchase tickets at and pick five threadbare.festivee.com programs to stream on-de- Courtesy Photo mand over the weekend at your conve- we’re putting together the tracks of an Also showing at the fest are three fea- Kofoed said that the coronavirus has nience. After that, all you have to do is album,” Kofoed said. “Every film in a ture-length, Michigan-made documen- had a widespread effect on the film sit back and stream the films from the program is a step in telling a larger sto- taries. “One of them is this one about industry and a nation of moviegoers. comfort of your home. “This is just the ry. The advantage of that is, as an audi- rock and roll van culture from the ’70s,” What’s the point of summertime if you nature of what we have to do right now,” ence member, you know what you’re Kofoed said, emphasizing that the film can’t go sit in a dark, air-conditioned Kofoed said. While he acknowledged it going to get.” has a great throwback soundtrack. room and watch a nice movie on the big may not compare to the movie theater That way, he explained, if you buy a “Another one is about the sport of screen? “There’s a pent-up demand for experience, there’s simply no other way ticket for a certain program, you won’t synchronized ice skating,” Kofoed said. this stuff right now,” Kofoed said. he could have possibly held the festival be unpleasantly surprised. There won’t “It’s a really inspiring and beautiful The last movie Kofoed saw in the- this year. be a horror movie popping up in the film.” When Kofoed talks about the aters was Josh and Benny Safdie’s There are 80 movies showing at the middle of your comedy program, or an films playing at the festival, he was “Uncut Gems,” a film about a reckless, festival from Michigan and around the adult drama popping up in the middle unceasingly enthusiastic. His passion relentless gambler who can’t stop get- world. A judging panel led by Kofoed of the kids’ program. for film — especially locally produced, ting himself in trouble. Just like “Uncut combed through a few hundred sub- Kofoed said that he’s not excited DIY films — is immediately apparent. Gems,” 2020 has been anxiety-inducing missions to decide which films should about one certain film at the festival; While Threadbare was lucky enough and chock full of unexpected twists and make the cut. he’s excited for them all. Otherwise, he to find a home online, Kofoed acknowl- turns of events. “We’re looking at the quality of the said, he wouldn’t have included them in edged that the state of the film indus- Now, with the virtual edition of films,” Kofoed said. “But we’re also look- the first place. try is fairly bleak right now. Barely any Threadbare Mitten Film Festival, he ing at films that are similar that we can One of the films playing this year at theaters are open, films are being post- hopes to satiate cinephiles who long program together.” Threadbare is divid- Threadbare is Michael Fausti’s “Exit,” poned and festivals are being canceled. for the days of going to the cinema. ed into themed programs, such as hor- a debut feature film from the United Ann Arbor Film Fest went online, the Watching movies on a TV or computer ror, comedy, documentaries and short Kingdom. Kofoed described it as a psy- Detroit Trinity Film Festival went may not be ideal, but that’s just the way films. The festival organizers carefully chosexual horror film with slight polit- online. “Other than that,” Kofoed said, it is. To stay safe, we have to stay inside. curate each program to create the per- ical, Brexit-inspired undertones. “It’s “There hasn’t been anything available Or, as Kofoed put it: “No crowds, no fect film fest experience. very visually rich,” he said. “That one is for Michigan filmmakers and fans of death plague.” “Someone told me that it sounds like a lot of fun.” independent cinema.” 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 Favorite Things The cleanest and easiest way Neo-soul singer Vee Soul to get (very) high in Lansing By KYLE KAMINSKI and her partner’s teal bike Over the last few weeks, cannabis Lansterdam in concentrates have found a special Review: HomeGrown place in my heart. With THC percent- Cannabis Co. ages well above 60%, they’re usually 5025 S. Pennsylvania., an incredibly efficient way to smoke. Lansing (517) 708-7729 Just a few dabs will usually do the hgcannabisco.com trick. My only complaint: It takes too much effort to use a blow torch. staying true to the natural flavor and Enter the vape. These things have effects of each strain. come a long way in recent years, from The upfront costs here are tied into bulky table-top machines to a series the disposable cartridge pods. The of sleeker, handheld pens. Among the battery itself only costs about $25, newest on the local marijuana scene but each oil-filled cartridge retails is the Claw VFIRE Mini — and my for about $50 — or $52 (plus tax) at new personal favorite way to consume Homegrown. cannabis. The directions are simple: Use a Claw Cannabis, a Michigan-based USB cord to charge the pen, stick in company, makes a mission out of pro- a cartridge, press a button and puff viding the cleanest, safest products away. For reference, the pen is thicker possible to both patients and recre- than a Juul but feels much sturdier in ational consumers. They also strive the hand. And with plenty of airflow, to be “on the cusp of innovation,” it’s among the smoother models I’ve according to its website, ensuring had the pleasure of toking on. that every concentrate cartridge is It’s also great for our back-to-school My favorite thing is currently my and downhill. Not knowing when consistently clean and smooth while partner’s bike. I ride it more than to change gears, then learning how See Lansterdam, Page 21 she does. She’s a blessing. It’s a teal, to change gears. It’s something I’ve Diamondback mountain bike. I first become attached to. I never had a started riding it around 2018. I start- bike like this. The other bike I had ed riding it because I was having a got stolen. 610 S Waverly Rd. hard time, and I didn’t have many I just like to ride my bike to get Lansing, MI 48917 coping mechanisms. the breeze and enjoy the nature. I This bike has changed my life. My also like to intentionally make myself deltawellnesscbd.com partner likes to rollerblade with me. sore. Part of biking is about exercise, We ride the trails together. It’s pretty but I also just want to feel the wind (517) 536-1558 cool. I’ve never had a partner that I and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also my would do stuff like that with. outlet, my coping mechanism. I was ending a relationship when Usually, I ride around the city or I first got the bike, and I had to move the Lansing River Trail. I like to sit by in with some friends. I wasn’t in a the river and listen to the water flow. Natural Relief great place mentally and I didn’t have I sit by the water and write my music. a therapist at the time. There were a I try to incorporate the river into my Oils Free shipping & lot of things that I didn’t have back music. I let the water flow into my Pet then that I do have now. I feel better. energy. local delivery! When I first started out riding Under the tunnel by Lansing Topicals that bike, I would just ride and think Market, I used to sing over there. Gummies about my life. Thinking about what I That’s my favorite spot. I like the could do to grow and figure out what acoustics over there. I used to go Vape it is that I wanted to be. Because I there and write my music. Now I like Bath & Body wasn’t in a good place. I was think- to ride over there because it’s filled Typically used as a natural treatment ing: Should I stay in Lansing, or go with good memories. option for: pain, arthritis, anxiety, back to Detroit? What should I do (This interview was edited and inflammation, & stress with my music career? condensed by Cole Tunningley. If you But now, in 2020, when I ride have a recommendation for “Favorite this bike, I don’t have to think those Things,” please email skyler@lan- 20% off purchase difficult thoughts. It’s more peaceful singcitypulse.com.) in store or online with code: DELTA20. now. I’ve learned how to take it up No medical card needed. Cannot combine with any other promo. Expires 7/31/2020 City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21

picked up two cartridges but simply Lansterdam didn’t have time to crack into the sec- ond one. Stay tuned. Lansterdam in Review is a new col- from page 20 umn written by Kyle Kaminski, a City Pulse staff writer and cannabis enthu- edition because, well, it’s discreet and siast who has been smoking marijua- works in bathrooms. na just about every day for the last Claw Cartridge — Strawnana decade. Kaminski samples some of the Price — $52/1g best bud in Greater Lansing, gets real THC content — 67.5% high and writes about it. Like most concentrate cartridges, expect a high THC percentage with the Claw. But also know that it’s not the only thing that matters for an enjoyable cannabis experience. You’ll get just as ripped from a 50% THC cartridge as you would a 67.5% car - tridge like Strawnana. The bigger distinction here is in the terpene pro- files, which allow smokers to find the high that hits just right. Terpenes, for the uninitiated, are organic compounds responsible for Courtesy Photo giving each cannabis strain its unique Flavored THC cartridges that are used with the Claw VFIRE Mini handheld vape. smell, taste and effects. Some, for example, may taste like citrus and work well for anxiety or inflamma - almost clove-like, backdrop that straight days of relatively heavy week- tion. Others might carry a sweeter, cleared out a week’s worth of mental end use. Concentrates are typically herbier sort of spice and help with static and led to a wave of creativity in a higher price range than bud, but sleep. that, since ignored, led to a deep and with cartridges that last this long, The Strawnana, like one might lengthy conversation about the mean- it might actually be a better value. I expect, has a rich, creamy sort of fla- ing of life. vor with just enough of a fruity taste Unlike joints and bongs, vape pens tend to give me a much more to fully trick the brain into thinking 1041 N. CEDAR ST • LANSING it’s flavored like a strawberry banana clear-headed type of high. General milkshake. It took a while to adjust to euphoria was instant. The subsequent MON-SAT 11-6 CLOSED SUNDAY vapor after doing nothing but smoke calm wave of focus arrived a few min- 517-487-9090 • SUCASABOUTIQUE.COM for several months, but it’s smooth. utes later. Just be warned: The great SuBOUTIQUE Casa The predominant terpenes in this taste made it way too easy to puff way blend are limonene, B-caryophyllene, more than was necessary. myrcene, ocimene, humulene, pinene The cartridge itself also lasted lon- and bisabolol. The combination bal- ger than expected; I had some left - ances a light citrus taste with a spicy, over on Monday morning after three

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By BILL CASTANIER new book, “Woodland Echoes,” about Civil Rights Act of 1964. Soon another summer of sun- the lesser-known African American “Idlewild was sold out and Woodland drenched days and cool nights loaded resort Woodland Park, which is 18 Park was a spillover. My mom thought with laughter, card games and barbe- miles south of Idlewild. it would be a good safe place to take cues will be behind the cottagers of Both resorts were populated by her five boys. She wanted us to get Idlewild and Woodland Park. These members of the Great Migration, away from the city,” Bates said. “On pleasant summer memories are part of which brought hundreds of thou - the last day of school, mom would a deeper historic lineage. Both parks sands of African Americans to the have the station wagon packed and were safe havens for African American Midwest for jobs between 1916 and ready to drive up to Woodland Lake. vacationers during the Jim Crow era. 1970. Toran’s grandfather, Ollie, When we arrived, we would make a There are several books about made his way to Lansing in the early mad dash to the lake with mom yell- the more-glitzy Idlewild, including part of the last century. After a short ing, ‘You have to unload the car first!’” “Idlewild,” by Ronald J. Stephens and detour to Munising, where he worked Bates’ father used the cash he made “Black Eden,” by Lewis Walker and in the lumber industry, he returned from repairing and selling a damaged Ben C. Wilson, but third-generation to Lansing and moved his family to firetruck to pay for a boat. Woodland cottager Dianna Cross Filley Street. Soon, the Bates boys would learn Toran has added to the oeuvre with her Toran has fond memories of the how to waterski and their antics mostly white neighborhood. She would become known as the Cypress attended Otto and Pattengill before Gardens' show of Woodland Park. relocating to Cincinnati in 1969. Their flashy boat had cottagers rush- Her grandfather became attracted ing to the beach to watch them ride. to the more rustic life of Woodland of the prospective cottagers and visi- They mastered all kinds of tricks, Park, with its pristine lake, and built a tors recall seeing Black faces having including skiing barefoot, using five cottage there in 1947. He would soon fun and wanted to join the bucolic ropes and riding the “bronco,” or a half Meridian Mall · Okemos use the skills he gained in the timber atmosphere. barrel. industry. Woodland Park was the brainchild “This place holds a really special “He built the cottage on the wrong of Marion and Ella Auther from place in my heart and soul,” Bates said. property and had to move it two lots Chicago. Marion had been a super Woodland Park made a good busi- VIRTUAL EVENTS Author Talks, Book Clubs, over,” Toran said. salesman for cottage property at ness decision to focus on a more laid- Storytimes · Attend an event A photo in the book shows a wom- Idlewild, but when that park sold out back lifestyle, contrasted with the without leaving home! an in the cottage looking out a win - of spaces he and Ella decided that an more uptown atmosphere of Idlewild’s dow while it is being moved. “The additional African American summer nightclubs. But that’s not to say SPEAKING OF HORROR women were inside cooking,” she said. resort could flourish as well. important African American figures Virtual Author Panel “Growing up and continuing today, I One family that Toran highlights didn’t seek out the quiet of Woodland August 26 · 6pm was so excited to come to the cottage. in her book is the Bates. The Lansing Park. The Subtle Use of Horror Across There’s something healing up here.” family's five boys were well known for Famous guests to the park includ - Genres: a virtual discussion featuring Richard Kadrey, W.M. Akers, Nicky Toran, who did scores of interviews their antics on waterskis. ed Joe Louis and his Spouse, Marva, Drayden, Premee Mohamed and for the book, mentioned, “I heard Mark Bates is a third-generation cot- internationally recognized elocution- Caitlin Starling. How do you define horror? Join the spirited discussion! almost the same thing over and over tage owner, thanks to a grandmother ist Hallie Winn Brown and W.E.B. again — that all cares and worries just who was a member of the Colored Du Bois, the great African American EVERYDAY AYURVEDA disappear.” Women’s Democratic Campaign orator and civil rights activist. It GUIDE TO SELF-CARE Part of the enchantment revolved Committee. Idlewild was one of the appears from the numerous citations with Kate O’Donnell August 27 · 7pm around African Americans' being safe few places their family could stay since in Toran’s book that the Authers and at Idlewild and Woodland Park. Many white hotels were off-limits until the Du Bois were good friends and corre- Turmeric Macchiato? Yes, please! Kate discusses her new book The Everyday sponded with each other often. Ayurveda Guide To Self-care and shows As you might expect when writ - us how to make her turmeric macchiato. Find us on Facebook! Curious Book Shop ing about cottage life, Toran’s book NOT YOUR NORMAL 307 E. Grand River, E. Lansing is filled with delightful oral histories. #LOVESTORY Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. Toran said she initially started work- Virtual Author Panel 332-0332 s We validate parking ing on the book to write about her September 1 · 7pm For online store and GoFundMe links, family’s experience but expanded its These hilarious young adult novels go to curiousbooks.com scope after hearing tremendous tales bring comparisons to #planebae, Gilmore Girls, and The Devil Wears Archives Book Shop during her interviews. Toran is plan- Prada. Authors, Sonia Hartl, Not Your ning a second book that focuses exclu- #Lovestory and Becky Wallace, Far From 519 W. Grand River, E. Lansing Normal stop in to share their new novels! sively on Woodland Park. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 12-5 p.m. This year, Toran has visited her cot- 332-8444 s Free Parking. Email us at [email protected] tage six times, despite it being a sev- REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS ON en-hour drive from Cincinnati. OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE: We have books you always Facebook.com/SchulerBooks wanted but never knew existed! “That’s how badly I want to be up SchulerBooks.com/Event Quality Used Books at Great Prices! here,” she said. City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 Gilberts Hardware Store The perfect household cleaner! BUY 2 FOR $1.49/GAL. (normally $4.49 each) Clean glass, mirrors, ceramics and stainless steel with All Purpose Cleaning Vinegar. HARDWARE and RENTAL We’ve Got Grills! Customer appreciation • Free cover with grill purchase coupon • $5 off any purchase over $25 • Massive Discount and savings on all grills • Free delivery w/in 25miles (inquire)

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Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny August 26-September 2, 2020 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries author since you're entering a phase when your original "For the Birds"-- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar writes, "Some stuff can ideas will be crucial to your growth. So listen up, multi-tasking for be fixed, some stuff can’t be. Deciding which is Libra: If you want to stimulate your creatively to the "modern Stone which is part of maturing." I offer this meditation the max, adopt the fresh-eyed attitude of a rookie Age family." as your assignment in the coming weeks, Aries. or a novice. Forget what you think you know about [#34, Feb. 2002] You are in a phase when you'll be wise to make everything. Make yourself as innocently curious various corrections and adjustments. But you By Matt Jones and eager as possible. Your imaginative insights should keep in mind that you don't have unlimited and innovations will flow in abundance to the Across time and energy to do so. And that's OK, because degree that you free yourself from the obligation some glitches can't be repaired and others aren't to be serious and sober and professional. And 1 Drains, as energy fully worthy of your passionate intensity. You really keep in mind that Stevens said you need courage 5 R&B singer Cantrell should choose to focus on the few specific acts of to act this way. mending and healing that will serve you best in the 8 Cause counterpart long run. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): "As idiotic as 14 Jog like a horse optimism can sometimes seem, it has a weird TAURUS (April 20-May 20): "There are all habit of paying off," writes author Michael Lewis. 15 Presidential monogram kinds of love in the world, but never the same love during the 1960s According to my analysis, the coming weeks will twice," wrote author F. Scott Fitzgerald. This is true provide you with ample evidence that proves 16 "Starlight Express" even between the same two people in an intimate his hypothesis—on one condition, that is: You director Nunn alliance with each other. The love that you and your will have to cultivate and express a *thoughtful* 17 Gigantic bird with a spouse or friend or close relative or collaborator kind of optimism. Is that possible? Do you have stone passenger cabin exchanged a month ago isn't the same as it is now. It *can't* be identical, because then it wouldn't be the audacity to maintain intelligent buoyancy and 19 Item with an image- vibrant, robust love, which needs to ceaselessly discerning positivity, even in the face of those who chiseling bird transform in order to be vibrant and robust. This might try to gaslight you into feeling stupid for being buoyant and positive? I think you do. 20 Suffix for McCarthy is always true, of course, but will be an especially potent meditation for you during the next four 21 With a tilde, "year"; weeks. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author without, something Rebecca Solnit writes, "The things we want nastier GEMINI (May 21-June 20): As a professional are transformative, and we don’t know or only writer, novelist Thomas Wolfe trained himself think we know what is on the other side of that 22 Darkness and transformation." Her statement is especially obscurity to have keen perceptions that enabled him to penetrate below surface appearances. And yet apropos for you right now. The experiences you're 23 Musical item using a he wrote, "I have to see a thing a thousand times yearning for will indeed change you significantly pointy-beaked bird 53 "The Heat ___" alphabet song guy in famous situations" before I see it once." In other words, it was hard if you get them—even though those changes movie 28 Eye color location 55 Dig in 7 Article written by even for him, a highly trained observer, to get a will be different from what your conscious mind Voltaire? 38 Old paint additive deep and accurate read of what was going on. thinks they'll be. But don't worry. Your higher 29 Birds on a ranch Down 56 Pension plan self—the eternal part of you that knows just alternative 8 List-ending abbr. 40 Ostrich or kiwi, e.g. It required a long time and many attempts—and Under rarely occurred for him on the first look. Even what you need—is fully aware of the beneficial 30 Word after tight or 57 Writing implement 9 Web design option that's 41 "First Do No ___" if you're not a writer, Gemini, I recommend his transformations that will come your way when you rear using a bird's beak obsolete (Meryl Streep TV film) approach for you in the coming weeks. You will get what you yearn for. 33 "Ad ___ per aspera" 59 Talking bird flying back 10 Thighbone 44 Sallie ___ (student attune yourself to current cosmic rhythms—and thus be more likely to receive their full help and CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): At age 22, (Kansas state motto) and forth between stone 11 "The Greatest Story loan provider) boxes blessings—if you deepen and refine the way you future pioneer of science Isaac Newton got his 35 PBS kids' show that ___ Told" 47 Site of a 1949 use your senses. college degree just as the Great Plague peaked taught Ubby-Dubby 61 Cover for a platter 12 Stopper for the bubbly European "Convention" in 1665. As a safety precaution, he proceeded to CANCER (June 21-July 22): It's sometimes quarantine himself for many months. During that 36 Fortune 500 member, 62 "Little piggy," really 13 Singing syllable 48 Takes to the soapbox most likely tempting for you to seek stability and safety by time of being sealed away, he made spectacular 63 "___ but known ..." 18 Cowboy's rope 49 Wishes remaining just the way you are. When life pushes discoveries about optics, gravity, and calculus—in 37 Signaling item, when 64 Tousles, like a puppy 50 Carreras, Domingo, or you to jump in and enjoy its wild ride, you may dramatic contrast to his years as a student, when the bird's tail is pulled 24 Hockey great Bobby 65 AMA members and family Pavarotti imagine it's wise to refrain—to retreat to your his work had been relatively undistinguished. I'm 39 Motorist's signal, when 51 Etch away sanctuary and cultivate the strength that comes not predicting that your experience of the 2020 the bird is squeezed 66 Corrida cheers 25 Summer sign from being staunch and steadfast and solid. pandemic will prove to be as fruitful as those of 26 Service station owned 52 Harold of Sometimes that approach does indeed work for your fellow Capricorn, Isaac Newton. But of all the 42 Parisian street "Ghostbusters" you. I'm not implying it's wrong or bad. But in the Down by BP signs in the zodiac, I do think your output could be 43 Annoying "Sesame 53 "To Live and Die ___" coming weeks, I think your strategy should be most Newton-like. And the coming weeks will be Street" muppet 1 It's made to step on 27 Arizona City, today different. The advice I'll offer you comes from 54 Twist, as statistics a good time for you to redouble your efforts to 30 Cost-friendly Cancerian author and aviator Anne Morrow generate redemption amidst the chaos. 45 "Biography" network 2 Obey Viagra? Lindbergh: "Only in growth, reform, and change, 31 Bookish type 57 AOL or MSN, e.g., 46 "Abso-friggin-lutely!" 3 San Francisco and New once ... paradoxically enough, is true security to be found." AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The rapper 47 Mother of all, in Greek Orleans, for two 32 Cooked to perfection named Viper has released over 1,000 albums. 58 ... and where to find LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): "To be successful, the mythology 4 Frequent NASCAR 33 Off-kilter them In 2014 alone, he created 347. His most popular sponsor first thing to do is fall in love with your work," work is *You'll Cowards Don't Even Smoke Crack*, 48 Other, to Osvaldo 34 Elisabeth of "Leaving 59 "___ be my pleasure!" says author Sister Mary Lauretta. Have you been 5 Uses an iron, maybe Las Vegas" which has received over three million views on 49 Garden tool, when the 60 Sorority letter making progress in accomplishing that goal, Leo? Youtube. According to *The Chicago Reader*, one bird's legs are squeezed 6 Quick stretch in the 35 Woody Allen "regular According to my astrological analysis, fate has of Viper's most appealing features is his "blatant been offering and will continue to offer you the disregard for grammar." I should also mention that ©2019 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) An swers Page 26 chance to either find work that you'll love better than the work you're doing, or else discover how he regards himself as the second Christ, and uses to feel more love and excitement for your existing the nickname "Black Jesus." So what does any of work. Why not intensify your efforts to cooperate this have to do with you? Well, I'm recommending SUDOKU Intermediate with fate? that you be as prolific, in your own field, as he is in his. I'm also inviting you to experiment with VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): "Self-love is also having a fun-loving disregard for grammar and TO PLAY remembering to let others love you. Come out other non-critical rules. And I would love to see of hiding." Poet Irisa Yardenah wrote that advice, you temporarily adopt some of his over-the-top and now I'm passing it on to you, just in time for a braggadocio. Fill in the grid so that phase when you will benefit from it most. I mean, it's always good counsel for you to Virgos to PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): "If you don't ask the every row, column, and heed. But it will be especially crucial in the coming right question, every answer seems wrong," says weeks, when you'll have extra potential to bloom singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco. I suspect you may outlined 3-by-3 box in response to love. And one of the best ways to have experienced a version of that predicament ensure this extra potential is fulfilled is to make in recent weeks, Pisces. That's the bad news. The contains the numbers 1 yourself thoroughly available to be appreciated, good news is that I expect you will finally formulate understood, and cared for. the right questions very soon. They will most likely through 9 exactly once. be quite different from the wrong and irrelevant LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran poet Wallace questions you've been posing. In fact, the best way No guessing is required. Stevens wrote that if you want to be original, you to find the revelatory questions will be to renounce must "have the courage to be an amateur." I agree! and dismiss all the questions you have been asking The solution is unique. And that's an important theme for you right now, up until now.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT Answers on page 26 MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25 urve of ning’ Mui ne urve of ning’ TURN IT D WN!By RICH TUMuiPICA ne TURN IT D WNBy RICH TUPICA Turn it Down: From Big Sur ‘Infinite Morning’ review

“Infinite Morning” front cover. “Infinite Morning” back sleeve. From Big Sur formed in Lansing in 2009. (Courtesy photo.) A track-by-track breakdown of the latest LP from Lansing’s From Big Sur

Having a band with multiple By Your Love” dishes up huge ’60s- tic, storytelling country-rock tune the record. Closing out the LP is songwriters can be a double-edged AM radio vibes, but also splices in echoing the likes of Townes Van “Boblo,” a carefree track about trav- sword. While having a surplus of some scorching guitar solos that Sant and Neil Young. “What Were eling and escaping to an island. material is a generally a positive swerves the track into progressive You Thinking” then shifts the disc These days, who can’t relate with thing, sometimes having too many alt-rock territory. “Hold Me” has back into more contemporary ter- that notion? ideas on the table leads to a mean- throwback Motown attitude — a ritory. The haunting ballad doesn’t dering mashup on record. From nice-an-mellow soulful rock ‘n’ roll rush to get where it’s going. From Big Sur, a Lansing outfit, have long tune. “Ear to the Ground” kicks Big Sur isn’t afraid to let its songs managed to rein in all of their lyrics in with some stripped down, well- breath, and on this one, the track CITY PULSE and riffs into one cohesive blend crafted verses before sonically moves along slowly and soulfully that touches on various genres erupting on the choruses — all — sonically hitting both low valleys MITTEN MUSIC QUIZ: while maintaining their own distinct parts accented by tasteful blasts of and towering vocal peaks. After spirit. guitar licks and percussion. that emotional refrain, “Leaving” 1. Founded in 1914, this is Michigan’s Since 2009, the band has issued At the start of it, “Waiting for Me” boosts up the ambiance with a premier orchestra and performs at five albums of originals. The band comes off like it might be a basic, Byrds-esque folk-rocker that could Orchestra Hall in Detroit. — which comprises Kevin Ream scuzzy blues rocker, but in typical be a shelved cut mistakenly left off 2. This Southfield native released (guitar, piano, banjo, vocals), From Big Sur-fashion, it abruptly “Sweetheart of the Rodeo.” Roger Wesley Tkaczyk (bass, guitar, transcends beyond that with genre- McGuinn and the ghost of Gram his debut album, “31 Minutes to vocals), Shawn Doolittle (drums, bending, majestic hooks. Parsons would no doubt appreci- Takeoff” in August 2010. percussion) and Mark King (keys, “Bad Milk” poetically closes out ate it. 3. This Detroiter wrote and sitar, mandolin, guitar, vocals) — all Side A of the vinyl with a ballad that The biggest earworm on the recorded “The Twist” a year before lend a hand in creating its colossal sounds like it perhaps Bob Dylan album is hands down “Who I Am.” Chubby Checker. sound, being backed-up by a ‘90s alt-rock This one tells me that the song- Pressed on wax and CD over the supergroup — an unusual concoc- writer likely grew up on both The 4. In 1967, (this future member of The summer, “Infinite Morning” shows tion that somehow works on wax. Beatles and Fountains of Wayne. Eagles) formed The Mushrooms, a the band in all of its authentic glory. This also fully documents From Big Penned by Tkaczyk, it’s a perfect- garage band. Lots of instrumentation. Lots of Sur’s amazing dynamics and ability ly executed pop song. Remember vocals. But, at the same time, they to layer soaring vocal harmonies “120 Minutes” on MTV? This 5. Nate Young founded this know when to dial it back and let alongside guitar-driven melodies. would’ve been in constant rota- experimental Michigan-based noise silence seep into the mix. Opening Side 2 of “Infinite tion. Personally, I was surprised group in 1996. Opening the album, “Surrounded Morning” is “Heart Away,” a rus- it was buried near the bottom of Answers on page 26 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020

Main St., Bath. shopbfm.org. Red Cedar River Cleanup - Join us for a MichiganHistoryCenter/ Curious GLADL - Create a LAVA lamp. Join community clean up of the Red Cedar River! 9 us via Zoom for something fun , something a.m.-1 p.m. McCormick Park, 123 High Street, curious, something science or STEAM! 3-4 Williamston. p.m. gladl.org for link. Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) Dimondale Farmers’ Market - 3-7 p.m. - 7:30-8:30 p.m. facebook.com/ Village Square, 136 N Bridge St, Dimondale. refugerecoverylansing 517-646-0230. villageofdimondale.org. Sunday, August 30 ON THE Kidney Disease - free online health series - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 734-645-4215. nkfm.org. East Lansing Farmers Market - 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Valley Court Park, 300 Valley Court, East My name is Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 Lansing. cityofeastlansing.com. p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Robin Lea

Monday, August 31 Laurain TOWN South Lansing Farmers Market - 3-7 and I am asking Events must be entered through the calendar p.m. Casimir Catholic Church, 800 W Barnes you to at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Ave, Lansing. 517-374-5700. Refuge Recovery Lansing Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. (Virtual) - 6-7 p.m. facebook.com/ Vote Green Charges may apply for paid events to appear Friday, August 28 refugerecoverylansing for Michigan’s in print. If you need assistance, please call Education Slate. Suzi at (517) 999-6704. Community Open Call: Women of Color Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program Writing Workshop - Are you a Woman of Information Session - 5:30-6:30 p.m. I am the Co-Chair of Color (WOC) looking for a safe space to readysetprevent.org. the Green Party of Michigan and I am the dual forge relationships with other WOC graduate candidate for the Green Party of Michigan and students? 10 a.m.-12 p.m. broadmuseum.msu. the Socialist Party of Michigan. Wednesday, August 26 edu for Zoom link. Tuesday, September 1 The Fluid Frontier Revisited - The Visit us at michgreenparty.org. 2020 East Lansing Kiwanis “Virtual Live Music on the Patio with Greg Allen Michigan Underground Railroad Heritage Check out all our Green Candidates! BBQ” - 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. For info and - 6-9 p.m. Coachs Pub and Grill, 6201 Bishop Gathering as a month-long virtual conference! #michigangreensunited tickets: elkiwanis.org. Rd, Lansing. 517-882-2013. 3:30-5 p.m. Michigan History Center, 702 Paid for by the Trust Robin Laurain 2020 Committee W Kalamazoo St, Lansing.facebook.com/ 4106 Bridgeport St., Lansing, MI 48911. Allen Farmers Market - 2:30-7 p.m. Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) Allen Farmers Market 2020, 2100 E. - 7:30-8:30 p.m. facebook.com/ Michigan Ave., Lansing. refugerecoverylansing You know they ARTpath | Public Art on the Lansing River Trail - 8 a.m.-9 p.m., ongoing, miss seeing you! along the Lansing River Trail. 517-374-6400. Saturday, August 29 lansingartgallery.org. Send some Floral Hugs and Smiles today! Back to School/Home School Drive-thru Building Early Emotional Skills for Festival - For parents in need of assistance Parents Webinar Series - Parenting with school supplies. You must pre-register. 5 FREE Local Contactless stress? Learn how to help your young child p.m. Frances Park Pavilion, 2701 Moores River manage their strong emotions! 8-9:30 p.m. Dr., Lansing. againstalloddsfoundation.com. Delivery With Any msu.edu $ Meridian Township Farmers’ Market - 8 Floral Order 40 Or More Farmers’ Market Wednesdays - 3 p.m. a.m. Meridian Township Farmers’ Market, 5151 Meridian Township Farmers’ Market, 5151 Marsh Rd, Okemos. Open M-F 8-5 & Marsh Rd, Okemos. Polish MANIA Warsaw Cuisine Food by appointment LCC Transfer-in Advising Seminars - Truck - 1pm-7pm! 1-7 p.m. Ellison Brewery + theplantprofessionals.com 6 p.m.-10 a.m. Lansing Community College. Spirits, 4903 Dawn Ave, East Lansing. lcc.edu 16886 Turner St. Lansing • 517-327-1059 Virtual Diabetes Prevention Program Information Session - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. readysetprevent.org. MITTEN MUSIC QUIZ ANSWERS 1. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra Thursday, August 27 2. Mike Posner 3. Hank Ballard Bath Township Farmers Market - 3-7 4. Glenn Frey p.m. James Couzens Memorial Park, 13751 5. Wolf Eyes For our Children.

SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION For our Families. From Pg. 24 From Pg. 24 For Judge.

Paid for by the Colline Cheltenham for Judge Committee, 1140 Abbot Rd., #4153, East Lansing, MI 48823. City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 ENJOY SUMMER in the GARDEN!

Lansing Gardens MON-SAT 8-6 SUNDAY 10-3 Select Pond Supplies We also have great services! 10% off • Lawn Clean Up • Mulching • Irrigation Everything • Landscaping • Lawn Care • Fertilizer Delivery Not Included, Must 50% off • TLC for the beautiful space of relaxation Present Coupon While Supplies Last! and enjoyment for the whole family Excludes Floral Shop • Mulch, Soil and Stone Delivery Available GARDEN VEGGIES NOW AVAILABLE! Contact the office at 517-322-2671 for Outdoor Beautification Services 1434 E. Jolly Rd., Lansing, • Garden Center 517.882.3115 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020 No News Is Bad News

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To contribute by credit card, go to www.lansingcitypulse.com and click on the banner ad at the top of the page Call (517) 999-6704 Mail a check made out to City Pulse Fund 1905 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 All donations are tax deductible. City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING East Lansing pizzeria opens new location at The Hub

By COLE TUNNINGLEY ers have the option of parking on Beloved East Lansing pizzeria the ground level or parking in a cov- Georgio’s is back. With the reopening ered section behind the building. All of its Charles Street location, and the parking is free. grand opening of its brand new spot When Georgio’s reopened, inside of Michigan State University’s Nicolaou said that his loyal custom- on-campus housing structure The ers were jumping at the opportuni - Hub, ownership feels the classic piz- ty to have a slice of his pizza. “Right za joint is better than ever. when we opened, we had lines of cus- The new look has Georgio’s sport- tomers outside,” he said. “We’re really ing higher ceilings and modern excited that they are back.” industrial decorations. Nicolaou said that he was initial - “Finally, after the worst of COVID ly concerned that the COVID-19 has passed, we were able to reopen,” outbreak would negatively affect said Georgio’s owner Vackis Nicolaou. his business. But after reopening, “We have been around East Lansing his concerns suddenly seemed less for 25 years, so people are excited to dire. Georgio’s customers were loyal come back.” enough to keep him afloat. Courtesy Photo Nicolaou said that he’s excited to “We’ll be fine,” Nicolaou laughed. Platters of pizza waiting to be devoured at Georgio's Gourmet Pizzeria. serve classic Georgio’s pizza to new “I think we’ll be serving pizza for customers. Georgio’s offers nearly another 25 years.” 40 unique slices of jumbo, gourmet Still, without a flood of students pizza. Its coming back to MSU for the fall Georgio’s Gourmet selections semester, Nicolaou acknowledged Pizzeria include that business won’t be the same. Happy Hour 7 days a week 120 Charles St. spinach College students just love pizza. East Lansing, MI 48823 Save 10% if you order online before 6pm! (517) 333-9990 pizza, Without them, he loses a large cus - Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. all week 918 E. Grand River, East Lansing stuffed tomer base. But Nicolaou has his (517) 351-1000 meat eyes set on the future, and he’s opti- Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday,11 a.m. to 8 p.m. lovers, mistic. “We are looking forward to 2021,” Mediterranean. Georgio’s also offers said Nicolaou. “When all those gluten free pizza with a cauliflower 50,000 students come back.” crust. Customers are invited to come in and create their own eight-pack spe- cial with any variety of pizza slices that they would like. “It was challenging to see the old building demolished,” said Nicolaou. “But we knew we were getting a new unit with a modern, new look.” With Georgio’s new setup, custom-

3415 E Saginaw St • Lansing • (517) 580-3720 Order online for pickup, curbside & delivery: caskandcompany.com 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020

ATE WHERE L NIGHT Fresh food Family fun!

3 LOCATIONS MEETS EARLY BIRD 936 Elmwood Rd. Lansing NEW PICK UP (517) 708-8743 Serving HOURS!! AVAILABLE! Call BUY ONE ENTREE bagel sandwiches and OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11AM-8PM waffles you’ll kill for, to place your GET ONE HALF OFF FROM 7:30AM-10PM order! OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE. coffee & more For dine-in only. Expires 8/31/20. Carryout • Dine-In BUY ONE PIZZA East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 WE’RE OPEN FOR Delivery through DoorDash GET ONE HALF OFF Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am DINE-IN Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 SERVICE! 625 E. Michigan Ave. 75¢ SMOKED WINGS Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am Lansing • 517.580.8611 Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 [email protected] 809 E Kalamazoo St. Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am M-F 7-3 • Sa 9-3 • Su #forgetaboutit www.artspublansing.com

3700 S. Waverly Rd. AppeWANT YOUR RESTAURANTtizers LISTED? CALL 517-999-5064 Lansing, MI 48911 Meat Southern BBQ WE BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES GREAT 517-887-3888 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 ORDER ONLINE: too! Art’s Pub YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS BAR IS BACK crazycrablansingmi.kwickmenu.com 809 E. Kalamazoo St., AND BETTER THAN EVER We brought back Lansing our famous pizza for you to order whenever you (517) 977-1033 want it-morning, noon or night. We’re also pour- artspublansing.com ing seasonal, trending and new beers daily.

Buddies Holt DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! Traditional 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 Goodfellas Bagel Deli OPEN FOR PICKUP, DINE IN AND 625 E. Michigan Ave. DELIVERY! Stop in and grab a bagel sandwich, or Lansing try one of our new waffle sandwiches. We feature a (517) 580-8611 variety of flavors of bagels and spreads. Hot coffee OPEN FOR goodfellasbageldeli.com and freshly made juices, too! Pancho's Taqueria GREAT FOOD AT GREAT PRICES! Friendly 936 Elmwood Rd. customer service. We've got authentic dishes. Try our Lansing nachos or Milensa. Tacos and tamales, too. Catering is (517) 708-8743 also available for your big events. Come see our warm, FULL SERVICE Facebook: Panchoslansing family atmosphere. El Oasis TRY THE CROWN JEWEL OF LANSING’S 2501 E. Michigan Ave. FOOD TRUCKS. Serving the Lansing community for TUESDAY- Lansing 13 years, we extend an invitation to all those to give us (517) 882-1777 a try to find out why we were voted the best food truck eloasistruck.com in Lansing’s 2019 Top of The Town Contest.

SATURDAY 11-7 Crazy Crab LIP SMACKING UNIQUE CAJUN BROIL Now re- 3700 S. Waverly Rd. opened for carry out. Please order online at our new web- Lansing site: crazycrablansingmi.kwickmenu.com Currently you (517) 887-3888 crazycrablansingmi. can get the best broil around from 3-9PM but we’ll extend kwickmenu.com our hours soon. Or come in or place order by phone.

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 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM (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! 1224 TURNER ST. OLD TOWN, LANSING City Pulse • August 26, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31 THE PULSIFIEDS BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS

Special Thanks OFFICE to City Pulse and Rich and Johnny for spot- lighting Home Grown Michigan-Made Music!!! FOR RENT Listen for free at skiddfreeman.com 1905 E. Michigan Ave. second floor 4045 YEARS - THE FUTURE OF walk up (above City Pulse). Two rooms, AGGRESSIVE bath, carpeted, 2 parking spaces. 630 LITIGATION FOOTWEAR IS HERE! SF. $500 + utilities. For information, EFFECTIVE call 517.819.9811 or email publisher@ MEDIATION lansingcitypulse.com.

Classified Rates Commercial & Rates start at $24 for 4 lines. Each additional line is $6. Residential EXTRAS. Boldface Type: $7 per line GET $600 PAIR OF ORTHODICS HEADLINE: $11 per line Fully Insured FOR $150 Border: $11 SHIPPED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR! LOGO: Space needed Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified ads also appear online at no extra charge. Deadline for classifieds is Call Joan at: Come see us today for a 3D scan of 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming Wednesday’s issue. You can your feet & pressure points! also submit your classified ad to Suzi Smith at 517-999-6704 or at [email protected]. (517) 881-2204 The Aetrex machine will print custom orthodics from the scan Select from a wide varitey of men’s

FREE and women’s shoes - including 1905 work boots and orthodic inserts

As Seen On the Cover of CityPulse Illustrations • Murals • Graphic Design Signs • Banners • T-Shirts •Logos 215 S. Cochran Ave [email protected] Charlotte, MI 48813 517-703-4655 517-543-6988 ArtByNevin Art_By_Nevin charlotteshoerepair.com

DON’T FORGET • WE’VE GOT Rates start at $24 THE PULSIFIEDS for 4 lines BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS Sell Your Stuff! Find a Advertise Your Service! House! Find a Job!

Submit your classified ad to Suzi Smith: 517-999-6704 or [email protected] Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified ads also appear online at no extra charge. Deadline for classifieds is 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming Wednesday’s issue. 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • August 26, 2020