Groundcover News and Solutions from the Ground Up

GROUNDCOVER NEWS AND SOLUTIONS FROM THE GROUND UP

MAY 2018 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 5 Your donation directly benefits the vendors. Please buy only from badged$2 vendors.

Ypsi Bike Co-op p. 6

INSIDE

Systemic poverty 2

America’s “Hello Girls” 3

Renter empowerment 4

Billy Davis interview 5

Book review 5

Asian cashew stir-fry 7

Boober Tours update 8

Puzzles 9

Among the trees 110

Story of a prep cook 11

www.GroundcoverNews.org 2 OPINION VETERANS 3 Poverty-perpetuating structural forces to tackle Remembering the “Hello Girls” – America’s first female soldiers ranges from too little income to afford and is a project worthy of support. tions but migraines, asthma, severe ar- by Will Shakespeare toward the end als. They were nition to their services. However, only housing or health care to the fallout thritis and other diseases still preclude Groundcover Vendor #258 of World War I turned down. 50 were still alive. Breakdowns in health impede regular from past economic catastrophes con- regular work for some sufferers. The (1918), young According to by Susan Beckett employment and family stability. With- tinuing to drag people back under. It proposed changes to the federal food Memorial Day (or Decoration Day) is American wom- Ron Harrison of Articles written by historian Lois Keel Publisher out effective treatment, they often lead takes wealth to build wealth – even on assistance program, SNAP, to require a federal holiday set aside for honoring to self-medicating with alcohol and en were enlisted Michigan State for the Bell Telephone News, Volume 9, a modest scale. Renting a place requires 20 hours of weekly work to receive food people who died while serving in this street drugs. The Medicaid expansion in the army. University, the described the Michigan connection to savings of triple the monthly rent. Our country’s armed forces. It is important General John Hello Girls were the Hello Girls of World War I. Oleda shelters and County help with this for has helped with managing some condi- see POVERTY, page 11 to understand the difference between “Black Jack” turned down Joure Christides came from Marine As Ted Sylvester takes over the day- their clients, and sometimes funds are Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Vet- Pershing of the because regula- City, Mich. and was in the final unit of to-day operation of Groundcover, I found for suddenly displaced rent- o e erans Day is designed to celebrate the American Expe- tions addressed the Hello Girls sent to France. She was have more time to contemplate what ers, but savings are necessary for most LETTERS t th EDITOR service of all U.S. military veterans – ditionary Force males, not only 20 years old. Another Michigan I’ve learned and how to use that to people to be able to rent. not just the war dead as on Memorial asked for and females. There Hello Girl who joined the Michigan make a difference. The Poor People’s Kudos on King article When living hand-to-mouth, there Day, when many people visit cemeter- received more was also a con- State Telephone Company was Ms. Campaign and efforts to restore equal I recently read Will Shakespeare’s It is very important to have this his- isn’t much left to cover emergencies. ies and memorial places to honor the than 200 women sensus that the Louise Gordon. After their military ser- representation in government provide article in Groundcover (April, 2018) toric context in order to understand sacrifice of men and women who died soldiers who immediate opportunities. For people working in the informal titled “Martin Luther King, Jr. re- why, as Mr. Shakespeare wrote, there Hello Girls were vice, she and Oleda Joure continued to economy (such as selling Groundcover membered: ‘A Drum-Major for Social are “millions of poor and homeless during military service. enlisted and more civilian work for the phone company. The third I’ve been privileged to work with and News, babysitting or shoveling snow) Justice’.” blacks” in our country today. served as “front- volunteers than member of the Michigan Hello Girls learn from Groundcover vendors and or at part-time jobs without benefits, The precise origin of Memorial Day line computers” military mem- was Cora H. Barlette from Hillsdale. I would just like to comment that This article also serves as a wake- volunteers who fight through so many getting sick or hurt can mean imminent remains the subject of intense debate in the war zone bers. this was a very well-written and re- up call to Americans: that it is not Some female soldiers in WWI served on the She did not come home alive. She was disaster, especially if they do not have a obstacles on a regular basis. Doing searched article. I greatly appreciated merely enough to idolize Dr. King. – informal memorials appear to have of France. front lines as telephone operators and members the only female casualty of World War something with what I’ve learned is im- lease in their name. the author’s reflection on the historic We must continue his struggle started in the South early in the Civil of the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Eventually, the I. She was not killed by shell or gas. She portant to me. Obstacles generally fall discrimination African Americans against racial and economic in- War, and gatherings of newly freed Women used injustice of the And once a person undergoes a finan- was killed by a worldwide pandemic into four categories: economic, health, have faced, such as community equality. slaves to honor black Union soldiers early 20th-century telephone technol- Hello Girls’ story gave new energy to cial collapse, climbing out of the hole called the Spanish Influenza, which criminal justice and addiction. They are redlining and disinvestment, as well who died in the war form another ogy to help the Allied forces win World the Suffrage movement, and in 1920 killed more U.S. soldiers than battles is made more precarious by the lack of as those that still persist, such as mass Rabi Osagie often intertwined. important chapter in the story. By the War I in France more quickly than Congress passed the 19th Amendment access to banking services. If back taxes incarceration. did. 1860s, 27 northern states had started The wide swath of economic difficulties are owed or a creditor has a judgment, anticipated. These young women were to the Constitution, giving women the money deposited in a bank account is Fermi 2 up for DTE stockholder vote to observe the holiday at hundreds of popularly known as “The Hello Girls.” right to vote. In the age of the #MeToo movement, likely to disappear and be applied to cemeteries. Michigan led the way leg- About 7,000 U.S. and Canadian women it is especially fitting that this Memo- GROUNDCOVER the debt. Consequently, people hide A DTE Energy shareholder submitted ning them any longer increases the islatively in 1871, making Decoration heeded the call to volunteer during It took 60 years to rectify the wrong rial Day we acknowledge the sacrifices or pocket their money for rent and a resolution for DTE to do a study on risk of a major disaster on the scale Day an official state holiday. By 1890, World War I. Three hundred thirty-two done against America’s first female made by the women of the Armed MISSION: the economics of closing the Fermi of Fukushima. In his testimony the other monthly payments and it is not every other northern state followed were accepted, but only 223 were al- soldiers. President Jimmy Carter signed Forces, too. 2 nuclear power plant before the end official gave the example of a paper Creating opportunity and Michigan’s example. Today, Memorial lowed to serve. They became telephone Senate Bill 1414 in 1978, giving recog- uncommon for it to get stolen or lost. of their newly extended closure date clip being bent. He said that if tests a voice for low-income They also end up paying fees for money in 2045. DTE lawyers appealed to the are done to show that one can bend a Day speeches speeches have become operators, and some of them came from people while taking action orders and check cashing. U.S. Securities and Exchange Com- paper clip five times before it breaks, something to expect from politicians, Michigan cities. They were trained to to end homelessness and mission (SEC) to be allowed to omit then that should be the rule. Don’t religious leaders and community lead- serve overseas as members of the Army poverty. But even worse is the lack of access to the resolution. However, the SEC bend the paper clip more than five ers. Signal Corps. credit – especially to fix or acquire a ruled that it was a viable resolution times. This analogy suggests that the Susan Beckett, Publisher critical piece of machinery on which that stockholders needed to vote on, reactors were designed to run for 40 History tends to be written by men, In March 1918, the first contingent of [email protected] one’s livelihood depends, such as a and so it is now Proposal 5 in DTE’s years before they faced a potential about men. Nowhere is that tendency Hello Girls was sent to numerous battle painter’s power washer. After the reces- Stockholders Resolutions for share- breakdown from fatigue. Now, Fermi Ted Sylvester, Executive Director more conspicuous than in the way our locations. Some were sent to the front sion ended, a person I knew received a holders’ vote. 2 is licensed to run 60 years, with nation’s military history is normally lines in France. Other contingents ar- Andrew Nixon, Editor good-paying job offer but he couldn’t the option of making that 80 years Fermi 2, like all nuclear reactors, was – twice as long as it was designed to told, which would have one believe that rived just in time (September 12, 1918) accept it because it was not on the bus built to last 40 years, but recently operate. women played only peripheral roles in for the final push in the battle of Saint- line. Because he didn’t yet have a steady the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Contributors its shaping. Yet early on in America’s paycheck, he couldn’t get a loan to buy (NRC) extended by two decades the Two studies have shown that DTE Mihiel. Some of the Hello Girls worked Elizabeth Bauman a car to get to that factory. license that was to expire in 2025. could buy electricity on the open history, women were integral to the around the clock, handling telephone Marti Bombyk An organization promoting nuclear market cheaper than they can keep successful function of our military – communication in eight front lines. Martha Brunell The perils of Pay Day loans are well- energy, the Nuclear Energy Institute, operating Fermi 2, and they are los- and often in surprising ways. known. Limiting usurious interest rates advised companies to go ahead and ing the customers who choose to put The bravery and courage of the Hello David KE Dodge apply for another 20-year extension up their own solar system if DTE is getting attention on a national level. Shortly after the Civil War, soldiers’ Girls were impressive. General Pershing Thomas King before current laws change. One won’t. But simply eliminating them leaves graves were decorated by women rela- stated, “The part played by women in Lori Lawrence company, Florida Power and Light, folks who are over a barrel with even has already requested extensions for What can you do about it? Ask all the tives and community members. Some winning the war has been an important Rasna Neelam fewer resources. two of their reactors south of Miami. DTE stockholders you know to vote historians suggest that such traditions one. Whether ministering to the sick Will Shakespeare “Yes” on Proposal 5 and let DTE do started before the Civil War but acceler- or wounded, or engaged in the innu- United Way of Washtenaw County is A retired NRC official filed to rescind the study to prove the issue – one way ated in the southern regions afterward. Kevin Spangler working to address this gap. They are all the 20-year extensions because he or another. merable activities requiring your aid, running a demonstration project that believes the reactors will be so brittle During that war in the south, women the cheerfulness, loyalty, and efficiency Story or Photo Submissions: mobilizes credit-building, low-interest, after 40 years of operations that run- Jim Sherman in Savannah, Georgia were also rec- which have characterized your efforts [email protected] no-fee loans of up to $1,000 for their ognized for decorating Confederate deserve the highest praise.” soldier’s graves. Advertising: current financial coaching clients and A2 City Council’s new term limits problematic members of local labor unions. How- When the Hello Girls came home after [email protected] ever, it is likely to be years before the Dear Editor, responsibility- and democracy-free. Hello, Girls their military service ended, a strange reality awaited them. They used their www.groundcovernews.org infrastructure and resources are in Ann Arbor City Council members The City Council phone number is In a tribute to America’s first female facebook.com/groundcover place to meet the general needs of even recently extended their terms to three (734) 994-2700. soldiers, Professor Elizabeth Cobbs of newly found confidence and courage 423 S. 4th Ave, Ann Arbor Washtenaw County. Access to financial years each. Thus, every third year Texas A&M University and Stanford’s to request veteran status, honorable Paul Lambert 734-707-9210 services is critical to building wealth would be local-election-free and also Hoover Institutions, observed that discharge and World War I med-

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 4 COMMUNITY ARTS 5 Renters find power in numbers Billy Davis and the myth of stardom by Marti Bombyk it is simple: when the community of by Thomas King suspicious of anything that appears A: What year was that? could play. I have over 50 unpublished Professor of Social Work tenants meets, it is easier to hear each Groundcover Vendor #439 bodacious. Hence my motivation for photographs of Elvis Presley. this interview: to get to the source with BD: 1959. Eastern Michigan University other and to be heard by management. A: That alone should be enough for If you gave guitar lessons to Jimi Hen- Billy Davis himself. I called him on the A: Why did Hendrix achieve such fame Choosing his words carefully with drix when Hendrix was 15 years old, phone at 1 a.m., as he’s typically awake you to get a book deal. I’m aware that It’s always a good thing to move into an and prestige? you will be honored with a concert a “you know what I mean” look on would it justify your existence on planet playing bar gigs. Previous phone calls apartment after a long stretch of hous- performance at The Rock and Roll Hall his face, “Howard” underscored his Earth more than simply being a decent before noon proved fruitless. BD: He was the first one to do what we ing worries. But any number of things of Fame this year. When is that date? perspective that management is more human being? Recently I have become did outside of the United States – Hen- can go wrong with affordable housing A: A lot of people seem to honor you acquainted with Billy Davis, who is drix went to England. that is run by landlords who are trying likely to take the residents seriously, because of your association with Jimi BD: It’s up to me. entering his 80th year, born in 1938 in to reduce costs and make profits. It can to be more concerned with abiding by Hendrix. Why is that? A: Do you mean plucking the strings? Bentonia, Miss. and currently residing A: I’m aware of your strong relation- be worsened if they do not understand the law, and to realize it needs to pay in Southfield, Mich. BD: I don’t know. BD: Yeah, playing behind the back, ship with Mighty Mike, the 9-year- their tenants and respect them. Callous attention and try to understand the residents better. Once tenants start or- doing the flips. old harmonica wizard. Why are you attitudes and cutting corners can hurt The more I am in his presence, the A: Can you offer a chronology of the ganizing, it is only a matter of months intrigued by him knowing there are 70 renters’ quality of life. more I am aware of his saintly qualities. relationship? A: I touched your back prior to a gig at years between you two? before their conversations turn into In 1960, Davis was a driving force of the The Stonehouse Bar in Detroit – you’re No one deserves to live in a slum or carefully made decisions, followed by largely popular Doo-Wop group Hank BD: I was touring with Hank Ballard very muscular. Do you work out? BD: It’s unusual to see a kid play blues filth. No one deserves to be harassed well-planned actions. The result is that Ballard & the Midnighters. Davis co- & the Midnighters and we were play- like an old guy; haven’t seen it before. by unprofessional property manag- the renters create a path to power that wrote “The Twist,” which became one ing The Eagle Auditorium in Seattle, BD: My first profession was a boxer. ers or be threatened with eviction for ends their fears, resists intimidating of Chubby Checker’s greatest hits. Later Wash. (Jimi’s birthplace). All of the big While on tour I’m always looking for a A: You were friends with Elvis, Sam the slightest excuses. This is especially Pam Miller (right, President of the Chidester Resident Council) and Marti Bombyk tactics and demands respect. in the ’60s he teamed up with Jackie shows in Seattle at the time were at the gym to work out in and jog. Cooke, Jimi Hendrix and have photo- true for people considered vulner- (second on left, Groundcover Contributor) stand with some residents of Chidester Wilson to write “Higher & Higher.” Eagle. Pat Patterson, a trumpet player, graphs to prove it. Why do you think Place Apartments, which has had a functioning resident council since 2001. A: You were friends with Elvis. able – such as persons with disabilities, Reflecting on the recent journey shared came backstage during the intermission stardom was their fate and longevity by her renter community, “Rachel” felt If you were alive in the 20th century, was yours? persons engaged with or exiting the of punishment for minor infractions. rights and dignity. In some residential saying, “There’s a kid out there who BD: In 1960 Elvis Presley got out of that it is not always easy to patiently chances are you heard those songs. court system, seniors, youth who are The fear of getting evicted is legitimate communities, tenant associations have wants to meet you.” Three times the kid the army. They had a big party for him BD: I’ve asked myself that question a and respectfully listen to each other’s Now I am a concert promoter, relying transitioning from foster care, fami- because of the damage it can do on reached out to Legal Services of South pestered Pat, so I finally met him. He at Graceland. Tennessee State Troopers thousand times. opinions, especially with contrary per- on hyperbole to get people through lies receiving services and persons in future credit reports and background Central Michigan to retain an attorney had his guitar with him, so I showed came to escort us to the party, so we sonalities. She also cautioned that the the door to see live musical acts, so I’m him some guitar techniques. recovery. checks, not to mention the huge dis- to represent them with management resistance put up by their organization, ruption and costs entailed from mov- and in court, if needed. Less affluent tenants in Washtenaw even if supported by attorneys and ing again. County are imperiled by rent increases At a recent tenant meeting, several other community allies, is not neces- BOOK REVIEW or losses in income that make their But there are solutions to these kinds opinions were offered on the advan- sarily going to result in a 100-percent units unaffordable. Beside the struggle power imbalances. Renters in several tages to having a tenants’ association. win. What Have We Done: The Moral Injury of Our Longest Wars to remain housed while trying to apartment communities in this county A gregarious gentleman we’ll call But she felt it was worth the effort, by David Wood the government, mental health profes- understanding of what U.S. service escape poverty, there is also the risk are finding ways to raise their voices to “Charles” stated that he has noticed because the neighbors who were once Little, Brown and Company (2016) sionals, clerics? What can civilians do personnel experience in the theaters that housing is substandard due to let property management and land- that tenants getting organized and disconnected and afraid were able to to help troubled service persons and of insurgency currently in contest, problems with plumbing, wiring, ap- lords know that serious changes are talking to each other made a huge dif- make new friends, to become a cohe- Reviewed by David KE Dodge veterans? and how those experiences impact pliances, walls and flooring, elevators needed. They tell me they are finding ference in everyone’s peace of mind. sive, caring community, and to give Groundcover Contributor them psychologically. or nasty conditions like sewer back-ups their strength in the power of num- They were able to confirm impressions each other hope. In the long run, the In an elegantly thought-out presenta- and mold. The landlord might be un- bers – by banding together with fellow that assured them they were on the greatest accomplishment can be experi- “What Have We Done: The Moral Inju- tion, David Wood suggests answers to The picture Wood paints of the cur- responsive in making repairs, ensuring tenants, they are developing organiza- same page in interpreting the antics of encing the beauty of people looking ry of Our Longest Wars” examines the these and many other questions, and rent state of treatment for moral in- upkeep and providing safety with light- tions that empower them to push back management toward residents. Their out for each other, believing in their effects of modern warfare on the minds describes the current state of the art in jury is one of uncertainty – the men- ing and locks. against unfair housing practices. meetings created a supportive space common cause and committing to it of the soldiers who do the fighting. It treating moral injuries among service tal health profession appears to be that allowed them to express opinions, personnel and veterans who have seen trying to reinvent the wheel in order Moreover, the leases offered by land- They are doing now what no one dared together. goes beyond diagnosed conditions and disagree if necessary, and interact combat. to address a conspicuous therapeu- lords may unfairly disadvantage resi- do alone, by having resident lead- probes the effects of following orders positively to dispel rumors and anxiety. tic gap. The author interviewed Bill dents. The leases could make tenants ers communicate with management that violate one’s personal code. “Alice” enthusiastically affirmed that Wood was raised in a pacifist Quaker Nash, a psychiatrist with extensive vulnerable to unreasonable fees, fines to discuss their concerns that affect home and was an anti-war activist history both as a military officer and and rent increases while constraining their health and safety. Tenants feel It raises many questions. Is PTSD a while the Vietnam War raged. His as an Assistant Clinical Professor of daily living with harsh rules and threats their organizations can protect their neurological or psychological disorder? What is “moral injury”? Is it the same religious background qualified him for Psychiatry at UC-San Diego. Woods a deferment from the draft. asked Nash why “there appeared to ANN ARBOR YMCA thing as PTSD? What causes it? How 400 West Washington Street do the modern approaches to insurgen- be no connection between thera- Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 But as a journalist embedded in fight- cies challenge combatants in ways that pists and veterans to address moral www.annarborymca.org ing units for over 30 years, he has conventional warfare doesn’t? What injury.” Nash intimate familiarity with what it’s like recognition did the ancients give moral responded, “We to fear possibly imminent death, watch JOIN HERE injury, and how did they deal with it in have no good beloved comrades die and respond to warriors returning home from battle? treatments. We gut-wrenching moral (and legal) dilem- IT’S GOOD FOR What recognition of, and treatments simply don’t.” mas demanding immediate action. for, moral injury are institutionally Though never trained as a combatant, THE HEART provided by the Department of Defense “What Have We Wood has, in tight situations, directly At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. and the Department of Veterans Af- Done” is avail- participated in combat. Together with people like you, we nurture the fairs? Why are some service personnel able at the Ann potential of kids, help people improve their health, and veterans “misfits” when returned Arbor District and provide opportunities to support our neighbors. His background ideally prepares him to to civilian life? Who should be treating Library. So join our cause. And create meaningful change not compassionately develop and convey an just for your family, but also for your community. men and women with moral injury –

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 6 AGENCY SPOTLIGHT FeatureFOOD 7 Ypsi Bike Co-op volunteers teach while repairing bikes for free Asian cashew stir fry by Rasna Neelam One of the co-op’s biggest priorities for by Elizabeth Bauman of cooking oil over soy sauces. Stir the cornstarch mixture Groundcover Contributor growth is to involve more volunteers Groundcover Contributor moderately high again and then add it to the pan and heat. Add the scal- bring to a boil. Cook, stirring, until the in their work. Volunteers do not need lion bulbs and gar- sauce coats the vegetables, about 1 min- After a successful first season in 2017, to have prior experience, only enthusi- Ingredients lic; cook, stirring, ute. Serve topped with the mushroom the Ypsi Bike Co-op is back! The Ypsi asm and time to spare! In addition to 3 tablespoons canned low-sodium about 30 seconds. mixture. Bike Co-op, started by members affili- chicken broth or vegetable broth volunteers, the co-op is also looking for Add the broccoli ated with their precursor, Bike Ypsi, will 1 scant teaspoon cornstarch donations in the form of time, money, and cook, stirring, A lot of steps to this meal, but just so join the Ypsilanti Farmers Market–De- old bikes and parts – including tires, 3 to 4 tablespoons cooking oil for 1 minute. Add delicious! pot Town on Saturdays starting May 5, PHOTO chains and brake pads. 1 cup cashews the cabbage; 2018. PLACEHOLDER Dried red-pepper flakes cook, stir- PLACEHOLDER The co-op worked with Jewish Fam- ring, until The co-op, which sells, recycles and ily Services last year, teaching children 1 pound mushrooms, sliced thin (I use Cremini) the cabbage repairs bikes, is focused primarily on how to repair bikes, and the co-op is wilts, about 2 education and building community. 1/2 teaspoon salt looking to collaborate with more volun- to 4 minutes. teer groups in the future. 4 scallions, white bulbs sliced thin, “When people come to us, they know green tops chopped and reserved Stir in the separately cashews. Stir the scallion greens and remaining 2 tablespoons broth they’re going to learn something,” said If you are a community member who sesame oil or peanut oil into the mush- and 1/4 teaspoon salt (omit this Ryan Jordan and Ryan McGavock, two needs help with transportation or bike 3/4 teaspoon Asian sesame oil or peanut oil room mixture. salt if you are not using low-salt of the co-op’s volunteers. “Anyone can repair or is interested in volunteering, 3 cloves garlic, minced soy sauce), 1/4 teaspoon red- come with their bike and not only will you can visit the Ypsi Bike Co-op at the Heat the remaining 1 to 2 tablespoons pepper flakes, and the oyster and we fix the bike, but we prefer if they Ypsilanti Farmers Market–Depot Town 1 pound broccoli, thick stems Ryan McGavock (right), an Ypsi Bike Co-op volunteer, mentors a young man on fixing removed, tops cut into small florets stay so that we can teach them how to his bike at the 2017 Ypsi Farmers Market. starting in May. You can also find more manage and repair their own bikes in 1 1/2 pounds shredded cabbage/ information about the co-op on their carrot mix (I get mine at Trader the future.” During the 2017 Farmers Market who was commuting miles to work in Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ Joe’s) or Chinese cabbage ypsibikecoop. For more on the farmers The origins of the co-op were simple: a season, the co-op members helped the Ann Arbor each day on an old moun- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce market, visit: love of biking and a mutual passion for community work on 325 bikes, retain bike that was too small. Volunteers 2 tablespoons low-salt soy sauce ceived 40 donated bikes, and found new helped adjust and repair his bike and growinghope.net/farmers-markets/ giving back to the community. Many of 2 cups brown or white rice ypsilanti. the volunteers met through bike rides, homes for 31 bikes. Over 740 volunteer built a basket in the back so that he advocacy work or through Bike Ypsi, a hours were logged. Market visitors could store his bags during the com- Directions similar organization that is no longer brought their bikes to the co-op repair mute. Another In a small bowl, combine 1 table- in operation. Only a few of the volun- booth and volunteers walked them weekend, co-op spoon of the broth with the corn- teers are professional bike mechanics. through fixing a range of issues, from volunteers donated starch. In a wok or a large nonstick The rest of the volunteers – including flat tires and minor tune-ups to major bikes to students frying pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of professors, business analysts, teachers, overhauls like new brakes and straight- who were walking the cooking oil over moderately chemists, writers and more – are bike ening wheels. miles to work and high heat. Add the cashews; cook, stirring, until starting to char, 1 to enthusiasts who learn on the job and school. Moments Jordan and McGavock recalled some 2 minutes. Transfer the nuts to a are happy to donate their time evenings like this have been of the most rewarding moments of the medium bowl and add a pinch of and weekends to keep the co-op run- extremely fulfilling first season. On one Saturday, Ypsi Bike red-pepper flakes. ning. for the volunteers Co-op assisted a community member and drive them to Using the same pan, heat 1 table- continue to expand spoon of the cooking oil over into the future. moderately high heat. Add the mushrooms and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasion- ally, until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Add to the bowl with the

www.GroundcoverNews.orgwww.groundcovernews.com www.GroundcoverNews.orgwww.groundcovernews.com 8 ON MY CORNER PUZZLES 9 Wow! Exciting things happening with my life and Boober Tours Are Not! 1234 5678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 by Kevin Spangler being realized. I believe this is a direct Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming Groundcover Vendor #307 result of chanting and sending out posi- 17 18 19 tive vibrations to the universe. ACROSS 20 21 22 23

I believe we have a special power to 1 Check follower 24 25 26 27 create our realities. So, if you are see- I have been developing many beautiful 5 Watching James Corden, say ing any type of negativity, it is a direct relationships with the businesses and 11 Spigot 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 result of the thoughts and decisions that community of Ann Arbor. The latest is 14 Impressed teen's comment in 35 36 37 you make on a daily basis. I was going Engage, which is a local business that the 2000s 15 Riveted 38 39 40 41 through struggles with the energies helps to connect like-minded businesses. I have been trying to connect 16 Word after modern or common 42 43 44 around me and when I noticed this, 17 Bee team's B-team? I looked upon myself and thought of with SPARK Ann Arbor. It turns out 19 Broadcast 45 46 47 48 they have heard of Boober Tours and what it was I was doing wrong. 20 Petition 49 50 51 want to connect with me to see where 21 North Yorkshire river A lot of times it’s hard to pinpoint they can help me. I want to help them 22 D-sharp equivalent 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 where the source of our negativity with transportation and advertising for 24 Bizet priestess 59 60 61 62 63 is coming from. So, I looked to my the upcoming Tech Trek 2018 because 26 Compete in a bonspiel 28 Techno-frats, collectively? 64 65 66 gohonzon (a Buddhist scroll, which is a I believe in the cause and in this great 31 Edwards and Vance: Abbr. 67 68 69 mirror to my inner Buddha nature) and city of Ann Arbor. We have partnered 35 Goodie candidate? I made commitments to chant over an Boober pedicabs will serve Ann Arbor Farmers Market shoppers while streets around with PedalCell, testing their bike- 36 Bunny's move © Tracy Bennett and Victor Fleming (published via Adobe Acrobat DC) hour a day for my family, my friends, the market are repaved and parking is diverted to the Ann Street parking structure. powered phone charger. They won the 37 Medieval protective wear 38 Minnesota's state bird my business partner and the whole Large orders can be managed by the Boober trailer. Michigan Business Challenge Impact DOWN world to be happy, healthy and wealthy. Track, beating out 100 other student 39 Like chowder to a Mainer... or ery day and I am seeing my life and the my new reality is to realize how much like the six longest answers in 1 Southwestern land formation 30 Unit of heat energy entrepreneurs. this puzzle Since I know I can’t control people – I lives of others around me change. of an impact we all have on each other 2 Mimics 32 Delusion of grandeur? 41 Austen heroine described as 3 Laughable theory? can only control my thoughts, words and how important the decisions we Boober is also in communication with 33 Airhead We are mapping out the future for the "handsome, clever, and rich" 4 ___-friendly (green) 34 Leeway and actions – I decided to introduce make are to the rest of the world. Michigan International Speedway for 42 Deputy ___ 5 To an excessive degree planet. I have taken on a massive goal 39 Word with rat or human this Buddhist practice to as many human-powered transportation ser- 43 ___ Lingus (European carrier) 6 Be mistaken for 40 Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, people as possible to help them. I have that I knew I was going to be doing at Boober got a new addition to the crew vices at the races. 44 Pivotal year 7 Lo-cal astrologically introductions to Buddhism on the an early age. and we have been working tirelessly 45 ___ Domini (year of our Lord) 8 Mahershala of "Moonlight" 44 NBA analyst Shaquille to create the biggest and best internet Starting in May and ending sometime 46 Chef without a range? 9 Average age of a fifth grader 47 Biff the Wolverine, once bookshelf at my warehouse. I will also I have found that I cannot make any 49 Some, near the Somme presence for a GoFundMe campaign in fall of 2018, look for Boober Tours’ 10 Handy tool for a manicure 48 Capital that's home to the take time out of my day at any time to 51 Fed on Rideau Canal Skateway poor decisions because doing so will to assist with our incredible goals to 11 Common duck breed introduce this to anyone who might distinctive pedicabs to provide shuttle 52 "Samesies!" 50 Denying words take away from my vision for the fu- impact the world in a positive way. The service assistance to and from the Ann 12 Madame Butterfly's "Un Bel be interested in learning. I have gotten ture. At this point in my life, I cannot 55 Wire-haired celeb of the 1930s Di," for one 52 Dig it or dish it GoFundMe campaign will focus on my Arbor Farmers Market. Due to con- 56 Didn't raise 53 Notion three people to get their gohonzon ev- afford to do that because a big part of 13 Go separate ways plan to create a mobile social struction at Fifth and Detroit Street 59 Matrimonial deal-sealer 18 Interference 54 Vault media and transportation app, between Catherine and Kingsley, park- 60 In groupers? 23 Energetic Andalusian music and 55 Verdi's Ethiopian princess and a wellness center to teach ing around the market will be severely 64 Dynamic sleep phase, dance style 57 "It is," to Soledad informally 58 "So ___ say" people how to overcome life curtailed so the City is providing free 25 Barely making, as a living 65 Grassland 26 Corporate top dogs: Abbr. 61 Neither 'neath nor 'twixt obstacles by focusing on posi- parking at the Ashley Street structure 66 Pay to play 27 Cries foul, in a way 62 72 at Pebble Beach Golf Links tive encouragement and raising during Market hours. The distance 67 Key left of Q 28 Israel's first ambassador Meir 63 Craze your vibration in the world. could prove problematic for some 68 Print corrections 29 Web-based mortgage provider patrons loaded with purchases. Boober 69 Phase 1 of Operation Neptune I have been chanting so hard Tours loves to assist the community and long for the right people with solving transportation issues and GROUNDCOVER VENDOR CODE to come into my life, and as this is definitely an issue that we can a result, an amazing human While Groundcover News is a nonprofit orga- vendors, especially vendors who have been help with. Find a coupon for 1 free ride nization and newspaper vendors are considered suspended or terminated. being walked into my life. from the Farmers Market on the back contracted self-employers, we still have expecta- Jeff Goodrich is my Business • I agree to treat all customers, staff and other page of this newspaper. tions of how vendors should conduct themselves vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” Consultant and he is extricat- while selling and representing the paper. threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, ing my plan from my head If you are interested in donating to the The following list is our Vendor Code of Con- or other vendors verbally or physically. and displaying it so the digital soon-to-be most impactful business duct, which every vendor reads and signs before • I will not sell Groundcover News under the receiving a badge and papers. We request that influence of drugs or alcohol. world can see. We have crafted in the universe, please search Boober if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of a detailed business and mar- Tours on the GoFundMe website. the Code, please contact us and provide as many • I understand that I am not a legal employee of keting plan, we are completing details as possible. Our paper and our vendors Groundcover News but a contracted worker should be positively impacting our County. responsible for my own well-being and in- Boober’s taxes, organizing spe- A continued thank you to Nancy and come. the many donors to our great cause cial events and finally creating All vendors must agree to the following code of • I understand that my badge is property of the GoFundMe campaign that who keep the momentum going. It’s the conduct: Groundcover News and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the everyone has been telling me community of Ann Arbor who built • Groundcover News will be distributed for a papers. to do. Boober Tours is now on Boober Tours to the level it is at today voluntary donation of $2, or the face value a clear path and the vision is and we have immeasurable gratitude of the paper. I agree not to ask for more than • I agree to stay off private property when sell- for that. face value or solicit donations by any other ing Groundcover News. means. • I understand to refrain from selling on public • I will only sell current issues of Groundcover buses, federal property or stores unless there is News. permission from the owner. • I agree not to sell additional goods or prod- • I agree to stay at least one block away from an- ucts when selling the paper or to panhandle, other vendor. I will also abide by the Vendor including panhandling with only one paper. corner policy. • I will wear and display my badge when sell- If you see any Groundcover News vendors not ing papers. abiding by the code of conduct, please report the • I will only purchase the paper from Ground- activity to: cover News Staff and will not sell to or [email protected] buy papers from other Groundcover News (734) 707-9210

www.groundcovernews.org www.groundcovernews.org 10 LOOKING WITHIN YOU HEARD IT HERE 11 Pause among the trees In gratitude – an Ann Arbor prep cook’s perspective tion, waited for us to get settled. there with the trees. When we took into And in another place that same Lorax by Lori Lawrence troubled, single mother of three now- of insensitivity crushing a soul. I was that take prisoners from every race, our very selves the outpouring of oxy- proclaims, “I speak for the trees.” Groundcover Contributor grown children – two of whom suffer 18 and skipping through San Fran- religious background and social status. by Rev Dr. Ancient Celtic Christians taught us gen from the trees standing with us, we mental challenges – with their alone- cisco, carefree as can be. I never forgot It is time to sincerely view disabled Martha Brunell long ago that we can interact with the were challenged to consider, down to It is essential now more than ever that Adversity comes instantly or simmers ness bringing much anguish. Nothing’s how my cruel comment caused such people’s pain, recognize battlefields and look beyond blind ignorance. The time Groundcover sacred not only through words of holy our bones, the metaphor of the tree of we care a whole awful lot and that we like soup, reaching to boil when the been more frustrating than this mother an eruption of anger in the man that Contributor feeling alone and helpless, walking I could have crawled into a hole and is now for families and community to texts but also through the wisdom, stir- life. The forest was mentor for the con- speak up for the trees. However, that heat turns up. Despite tragedies that through life and working for a living in died. open and extend their hearts to those ring and stillness of the natural world nection and oneness survival requires. speaking is strengthened when we are have left devastating impacts, this cook despair for what my loved ones endure. who face unforeseen misfortunes and where we move and have our being. guided by the witness of the trees, the finds gratitude and grace from within a I put myself in the shoes of the humili- dark place. My small voice comes from are brought to their knees praying for Each spring, sometime in April, I lead a Contemporary poet William Stafford In his classic book, “The Lorax,” Dr. teaching, healing, poetic and prophetic Writing for Groundcover came by ated, knowing he didn’t ask for a life the large kitchen at Grizzly Peak Brew- help to come. retreat with members and friends of the points out: “The earth we are riding Seuss wrote about us and the trees. The witness of the trees. In each and every chance. There’s purpose to involvement, of stress and strife. I’m forever sorry ing Company. I have personal heart- volunteering my words to this paper. I for what I did and forever humbled I’ve looked beyond my own pain to congregation I now serve. This year was keeps trying to tell us something with Lorax warns as the truffula trees are season, warm or cold, the trees en- strings attached to Ann Arbor and this no exception. At our planning meeting its continuous scripture of leaves.” disappearing at an alarming rate that courage us to pause among them, with spoke about this at Christmastime to by my blessings to work and live in realize that our best virtue lies in being restaurant and so they are the backdrop thankful for what we do have. Adver- back in the January depths of winter, “unless someone like you cares a whole one another, for the sake of the widest longtime paper vendor Tony, wishing dignity. From where I stand, between to my story. for a while to share food for thought wealth and poverty, I’m hypnotized by a sity can strike at any time, for anyone, Ann, who always attends the annual On quite a cold day, in the early reach awful lot, nothing is going to be better. whole possible. about the disadvantaged. Walking to prosperous downtown Ann Arbor. We so one can never be too sure of lasting retreat, said she wanted this year’s event of spring 2018, that scripture of leaves It’s not.” These last few years, I’ve been writing into the night, early mornings and or from work, I chat with folks on the see what we want to and close our eyes good fortune. For a better tomorrow, to have a strong outdoor component. was all around us while I work with pen and paper tucked street and buy their copies. It makes me to much. This is so apparent to me, as embracing grace in personal growth With that in mind, I created a design and beneath our away in my chef pants pocket. It hasn’t feel good, and them too. Sometimes, I many can’t comprehend my children’s shall surely pull us through our trou- feet on the way to called Pause Among the Trees. been easy to keep up as I’ve baked my share my smokes in the alley with them despair, which has truly inspired me to bles. the outhouse. We cakes and stirred my pots of soups, at breaktime. write of lives in turmoil. We reserved the lodge at a nearby for- listened at a gentle Lori Lawrence is currently working on chilis and chowders. the publication of her book, “Between est preserve. I imagined and laid out an pace, and the still- I have a haunting memory of a crude My longing is for all to show compas- remark I made to a man eating out of sionate regard towards those afflicted the Garbage and the Flowers.” interactive and experiential day among bare trees were richly My therapeutic writing is a blessing, as the garbage. It’s always my reminder with mental disorders like depression the trees of MacQueen Forest Preserve, present. it explains my silent desperation as a just north of Kingston, perched above the winding Kishwaukee River. We With them we ex- Poverty-perpetuating systems were going to be outside as much as plored rootedness, continued from page 2 Addiction is a condition that makes to a specialty court. Restorative justice Home of New Vision – have housing possible, using all our senses to soak up mutuality and inter- everything harder. Tempted by alcohol practices, centered on restitution rather units reserved for people in recovery. what the trees had to offer. We would connection, balance, will likely hit these people hard. and drug-using friends and neighbors, than retribution, also help small-time When available, people in their pro- engage in the spirit of what the Japanese generosity and decay. maintaining sobriety is a constant criminals rehabilitate rather than being grams can rent these substance-free Many unemployed people who look call “forest bathing.” Since the 1980s We placed on our al- struggle for many individuals. Relapses consigned to a lifetime of alienation apartments and houses for up to a able-bodied are plagued by depres- they have immersed themselves in the tar for the day writ- and the bad behaviors that accompany and poverty. couple of years. Eventually they have sion, anxiety, PTSD and other mental atmosphere of the forest as a means to ten memories of spe- substance abuse often trigger economic to find independent housing and mix health disorders that lead to failure in promote health and wellbeing. cific trees that had collapse and criminal transgressions. The newly elected Philadelphia Dis- with the general public. The social traditional work environments. Some touched us – hem- trict Attorney is demanding his office pressure to drink or use again can be could be successful in certain careers The unusually cold weather of April lock, blue spruce, The Veterans, Sobriety and Mental pursue the most lenient, rehabilitative intense and a slip can mean a plunge but they never get past the interview 2018 had a strong influence on what sugar maple, poplar, Health Courts have helped reduce consequences possible for most non-vi- back into the system. The Ann Arbor stage. Appropriate treatment could recidivism and promote healing among olent early offenders. His justifications actually happened at this year’s retreat. crab apple, hackber- Housing Commission would offer a make the difference for some. those adjudicated there. Mental health are both financial – with each year of Mid-week before our retreat day I ry, weeping willow substance-free building if it had the disorders are present in 64 percent of imprisonment costing $46,000 – and scrapped what I hoped the day would and others. The op- A police record severely limits work funds to build or acquire one. This people in jail, according to the Bureau moral. The city’s incarceration rate has include and came up with an inside- portunity was there potential – many employers do not issue calls to me. of Justice (as compared to nine percent already dropped by nine percent since based day away. When we arrived at for us to enter slow, even interview otherwise-qualified of the general public), and 75 percent of the policy change. There are too many problems un- applicants that have a conviction MacQueen that chilly morning, we stretched-out tree them have co-existing substance abuse derlying poverty for any one of us history. The inability to meet one’s learned that persistent low tempera- time, leading back all disorders. Treating those conditions Housing continues to be a major to solve but if many of us work on needs through legitimate means often tures had prevented them from turning the way to our pri- and addressing the circumstances that hurdle for those in recovery. A few solving the aspect that calls to us, the leads to substance abuse and further on the water. We would have to pack mate ancestry in the perpetuate dysfunc- providers – notably Dawn Farm and knot will untangle into manageable prosecutions. While other states have up all our dirty dishes and tableware to forest. A recorded tion are critical to strands. prohibited the criminal history check bring back to church at day’s end, and forest soundtrack of avoiding reoccur- box on employment applications, the the inside toilets were not operational. birdsong, rain and ring imprisonment PUZZLE Michigan legislature has not. In fact, There were some very nice outhouses wind in the branches and endless poverty. they barred local units of government SOLUTIONS not far from the lodge down an acces- reminded us of dif- Nationwide, only five from instituting a ban within their sible pathway. ferent forest voices. percent of those who jurisdictions. There was a taste test qualify are referred And then there was the matter of featuring tree edibles warmth. The huge fireplace had an from root, up the insert with a blower, and we had come trunk and into the equipped to build a fire. It did take us a branches. few hours to figure out the sweet spot in the immense space of the lodge where As a blessing mid- the combination of fireplace, blower day, each of us used and ceiling fans deposited the greatest a simple writing concentration of heat. We dragged and structure to hold circled several long and large tables into our thoughts, our that pool of warmth. The trees, just out- yearnings and our side the lodge windows in every direc- fresh understandings

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Asian cashew stir fry recipe on page 7.