February 12 - 18, 2020

www.lansingcitypulse.com Locally owned • A newspaper for the rest of us

Joan Jackson Johnson Saint or sinner? See page 16 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

Announcing How to contribute: Credit Card • Online at www.lansingcitypulse.com • Call (517) 999-6704 Mail checks to: City Pulse Fund 1905 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing 48912 Please make checks out to City Pulse Fund. We will mail you a receipt a 501c(3) nonprofit All gifts are tax approved by the Internal Revenue Service. deductible. City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3 Favorite ings Dan Currie and his comedy notebook Dan Currie is a local comedian who’s performed hundreds of stand- up gigs across the state over the last few years. As co-host of Mac’s Monday Comedy night, a long-running weekly event in Lansing, he’s not only honed his own skills as a comic, he has also helped dozens of up-and-coming com- ics cut their teeth on stage. Currie chatted with City Pulse about a prized possession: My favorite thing is a notebook I acquired back in 2014. Over a four- year span, I’ve had it at hundreds of shows. My friend and fellow come- Courtesy photo dian Carl Johnson booked me and Stand-up comedian Dan Currie. a group of other comics for a tour everywhere. So, I really needed this in Canada. He bought it for himself, little notebook. but was disappointed when he found Flipping through, I also see dif- it was basically graph paper on the ferent phases. The goal with comedy inside as opposed to it being lined. I’d is to actually have fun. I think when been looking for a small book to write you start, you’re doing it for fun, but set lists on and take on stage with me, when you get a few years in, you start so he gave it to me. to take it almost too seriously. You Owners, Principals and Managers I finally filled the book a year or two beat yourself up when a joke doesn’t of Lansing-area ago, and each page represents a show work, you beat yourself up about a Marijuana Businesses where I was trying new material or bad set. A good comic makes it look strengthening material. I started com- easy. When you’re trying too hard, edy in 2007, but I think between 2014 the audience feels that. They’re like, and 2018 was when I really started to “Man, whew, this guy cares way too figure out who I was as a comedian, You are Cordially much.” But once you step back and and this represents that. realize that, you start being able to The thing is, I wouldn’t actual- have fun up there again. The begin- ly write jokes in the notebook. I’ve ning of this book is when I was really Invited to a found I’m better at “writing” on stage. trying too hard. The end of the book Complimentary Lunch and I have an idea, and I put it on the is when I started to have fun again. list for that night. Then I go on stage Another thing I noticed in there is a Discussion of and work it out. I don’t sit and write rough idea for a joke. I jotted down, Advertising Guidelines because I become too attached to how “I’m always afraid I’m doing some- For Marijuana Businesses every word is supposed to be. I sound thing wrong.” This is on Nov. 10, robotic. It’s easier to write down one 2014. At that point, I was struggling Hosted by City Pulse quick thing and then just riff on it. I to talk about my anxieties and things Lansing’s Alternative Weekly sound more natural. I don’t write the like that, but that’s where I see my first way I talk, and the way I talk is how I attempt at it. I was like, “Oh, that’s THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020 should do comedy. when I first started talking about at noon till 1:30 pm Looking back at this particular note- anxiety — and it didn’t go well!” So, book, I can definitely see a growth and for the next few pages, it’s some jokes at River View Pub a change in the pages. The first page about Cap’n Crunch Oops! All Berries Lansing Center has five joke ideas, and none of them and other not-personal subjects. 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI had any legs. Some are jokes I wouldn’t Now, I have a whole section about 517.483.7400 even think of doing anymore. As I turn my anxiety in my act. In November through, it’s fun to run across a joke 2014, I wasn’t ready to handle it or RSVP BY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 I still do, then see a joke I only tried deliver it correctly. I feel much more to [email protected] once or jokes that lasted for a brief comfortable talking about it now. Last time, but then faded from existence. year, that chunk of my act got me 2nd or 517.999.6704 Before I was given this in 2014, I Place in the Funniest Person in Grand had a big notebook I’d write in — a Rapids Contest. Moleskin with the folder in the back. (This interview was edited and con- I had that and I would write things on densed by Rich Tupica. If you have scraps of paper and then shove ’em in a Favorite Things suggestion, email there. I had all of these papers spread [email protected].) 1905 East Michigan Ave. • Lansing 48912 517.999.5061 • [email protected]

1905 East [email protected] Ave., Lansing 48912 517.999.5061 • 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 VOL. 19 ISSUE 27

(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 or email [email protected] PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz 19 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley LatinX Film Festival: Five days of foreign fi lm gold [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler PAGE [email protected] (517) 999-5066 22 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 Kyle Kaminski • [email protected] Eric Johnson's adventurous photos (517) 999-6710 SALES EXECUTIVE Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 PAGE Mike Piasecki • [email protected] • (517) 999-6707

29 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. The Dish goes to Black Cat Bistro Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Cover Distribution manager: Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704 Art Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher, Dale Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith Art by Vince Joy Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected]

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION

FOR Schor’s time is now DESIGN Halfway through Mayor Andy Schor’s As much as we like Schor, it pains us to first term in office, it’s time to take stock The CP Edit also note his well-publicized challenges in of his administration’s efforts to move the navigating the sensitivities of race relations. city forward. There is much to like about Opinion Having dismissed Bernero appointees Bob our new mayor. His low-key, engaging Johnson and Mary Riley at the outset of leadership style is a sharp contrast with his his administration, then muddling through predecessor’s muscular persona. We have a public spat with former Fire Chief Randy no complaints about Schor’s more easygo- Talifarro, then catching heat for hiring an ing approach. With the understanding that all-white class of new firefighters, Schor running a city comes with a steep learning managed to create the impression — fair curve, we see both positive and negative or not — that he is uncomfortable working in the results that Schor and his team have with people of color. While the evidence Reveal: Art-o-Mat, delivered thus far. makes clear it was the right thing to do, his On the economic development front, recent suspension of Human Relations and Whole Foods, East Lansing the mayor has cut plenty of ribbons in his Community Services director Joan Jackson A few people recognized last first 24 months. Schor highlighted many Johnson reinforced that perception. To his month’s Eye for Design as the of them in his second State of the City credit, Schor has hired a diverse cabinet art vending machine inside the Address last week, including the Red Cedar and staff that largely reflects the community Green State Bar and Grill at Renaissance, Pat Gillespie’s 600 Block hotel it serves and retooled the process for hiring Whole Foods in East Lansing. and urban grocery store, new mixed-use entry-level firefighters to ensure a more However, the fi rst person to developments on Michigan Avenue and on diverse department. correctly identify it was Jeremy the old downtown YMCA site, Rotary Park Taking a cue from his ubiquitous mar- Herliczek. Please stop by the City on the downtown riverfront, the long-awaited keting slogan, we think the time is now for apparent progress has been made in repur- Pulse offi ce at 1905 E. Michigan revamp of Oliver Towers, and the renovation posing the now vacant facility, which is a key Schor to more boldly define and articulate Avenue during business hours to of the historic Abigail building on the former component in unlocking the riverfront’s full his unique vision for Lansing’s future, and campus of the Michigan School for the Blind. potential. The mayor seems inclined toward to map out a clear and compelling strategy pick up your Eye for Design cof- In fairness, most of these projects had their a for-profit commercial project — for exam- to accomplish his goals. We were pleased fee mug. genesis during the Bernero administration or ple, yet another brewpub. We encourage to see his State of the City speech make Known as an Art-o-Mat, the as community-driven initiatives that predate him to give equal weight to a city or privately important strides in this direction. The mayor machine that formerly dispensed Schor’s administration. But Schor certainly initiated project with broader appeal to area touted his administration’s success in pro- cigarettes now sells locally pro- deserves credit for keeping them on track moting arts and culture, fixing local roads, citizens to complement the stellar addition duced art at reasonable rates. and bringing them across the finish line, and coordinating efforts to aid distressed of Rotary Park. Remember: The public It is one of only three such ma- notwithstanding the recent and hopefully approved the construction of the building for neighborhoods. Hiring a chief strategy offi- chines in Michigan. (The others solvable financing glitch for the Red Cedar public use (as the ill-fated city market); it’s cer to tackle the city’s ongoing legacy cost project. time to make a success of it. challenges, his proposal to hire a sustain- are in Brighton and Allen Park.) One major initiative that Schor shepherd- Regarding the City Hall project, we ability director to develop and implement a ed entirely on his own was the launch of recognize that relocating the home of city city climate change plan, and his efforts to This month’s Eye for Design the short-lived Lansing Ignite professional government is a complicated puzzle, yet we investigate the potential for a new downtown can be found in downtown Lan- soccer team. It wasn’t Schor’s fault that the can’t help feeling the sting of lost opportu- performing arts center are also noteworthy. sing. If you know where, email- venture failed after a single season, but We appreciate and support Schor’s empha- nity. As the Bernero administration came to carriesampson@micourthistory. shrewder negotiation might have secured a sis on placemaking and building more resil- a close, a Chicago-based real estate devel- org. The fi rst one to correctly guarantee from Lugnuts owner Tom Dickson oper offered a compelling plan to transform ient neighborhoods. These initiatives should identify it wins an Eye for Design that the soccer team would stick around for the existing City Hall into a new downtown strengthen the city’s quality of life and deliv- a minimum of two or three years. Pulling the hotel and move city operations to the former er even greater economic opportunities for mug. plug on Ignite after one season may have headquarters of the Lansing State Journal. all Lansing residents. been financially prudent for Dickson, but it We’re not convinced that the obstacles cited Based on our overall assessment of his was a modest political embarrassment for by Schor, principally the lack of a solution for performance, we give Mayor Schor a solid B Schor. where to locate the city’s courts and jail facil- as a midterm grade, with high hopes that the Two important projects that have lan- ity, are as insurmountable as he represents. next two years bring him even closer to ful- guished on Schor’s watch are finding a new In any case, the seeming lack of any prog- filling his considerable potential as the city’s use for the Lansing City Market and moving ress on the project for two years running is chief executive. forward with a plan for a new City Hall. As to disappointing. the former, Schor held a listening session in July 2018 to gather public input on what to do with the barn-like structure on the down- Send letters to the editor on this editorial or any other topic to “Eye for Design” is our look at some of [email protected]. Please limit them to 250 words. the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each town riverfront. Eighteen months later, no with Eye candy of the Week and Eyesore of the Week. 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

prosecutors to justly prosecute a murder case when Ms. Siemon pulls the rug A murder victim’s mother speaks out out from under them with her policies of pleading to a lower crime and reviewing (The writer is the mother of Jeff Ballor have felt weighs she announced already convicted cases? Why take the and friend of Kristen Pangman, murder heavy beyond it to the public case at all? Why even bring murder- victims in a double homicide 2017 in belief in my heart. through a news- ers to trial if she intends to water their Meridian Township.) Not only were my paper interview punishment down to suit her personal By KAREN JACKSON son and his friend as if sending her beliefs? As the mother of a murder victim, I killed, but our intentions in a In her announcement, Ms. Siemon can assure you that family was broken, pretty envelope says, “… I personally believe there are losing a our personal and with a fancy logo some people who should be in prison OPINION child to work lives suffered would make her forever, like the Jeffrey Dahmer type of a brutal as the shock and plan somehow pal- people.” I fail to see how her personal Pangman Ballor murder is life-chang- grief cut deeply atable to murder beliefs even enter into this issue. Yet ing, life-shattering and into our hearts and victims’ families. they seem to be driving her initiative. not only to me but to souls. And the heartache and the conse- I don’t want an apology. I want a state- Does she intend to let the murderer of all the members of my quences continue to this day. The pain ment that she will drop her initiative. an individual done in some way she family and the victim’s Jackson of this process is severe beyond descrip- I am enraged over this. Ms. Siemon’s sees as more acceptable have prefer- friends. It is a life tion, far-reaching and never-ending and actions only add to the pain and suffer- ence over “The Jeffrey Dahmer” type? event that is impossible to fully under- yet Carol Siemon endeavors to pursue a ing of the innocent victims’ families by First-degree murder is first-degree stand if you haven’t personally experi- process to free murderers from prison. forcing them to relive the loss and horrif- murder. Dead is dead. The victims are enced it. First comes the worry that the Siemon has already enacted a policy ic, very graphic details of the murder of not coming back. Why then should their murderer may not be caught. Then there to always offer defendants (even those their loved ones. I thought it was the job murderers receive the luxury of living is arranging for an untimely funeral, and accused of the most heinous crimes) a of a prosecutor to prosecute offenders, free? Even if they are rehabilitated, they all of the other personal affairs that must chance to plead guilty to a lesser charge not to punish innocent families while belong in prison for life. be dealt with under the worst of condi- like second-degree murder. Now she is defending the guilty. In deference to the victims’ families, tions. And then there are the horrors of initiating a plan to review the cases of 90 In Michigan, first-degree murder is Ms. Siemon tells us that once reviewed the trial. There are no words to describe convicted murderers for the possibility of the only charge that carries a manda- those murderers she chooses will go the terror of reliving the ghastly details of rehabilitation leading to eventual release tory sentence of life in prison without before a Parole Board where the fam- what my son suffered as he was stabbed from prison under her “belief that every- the possibility of parole. We have the ily members will be given voices. We in the back and neck multiple times only one deserves a second chance.” Where Truth in Sentencing law that assures already gave voice as did a jury of peers to be followed by multiple stabbings in is the second chance for the victims? us that the MDOC cannot parole an when they decisively found a man guilty his eye after death. Left on the concrete They are gone forever. offender prior to the completion of the of 4 counts of first-degree murder as did basement floor in a bloodied room where With all the issues Ms. Siemon minimum sentence. How is it that Ms. the judge when she gave the mandatory my son fought for his life and the life of promised to spend her time on like sub- Siemon has the desire, time and ability sentence of life in prison without parole his murdered friend are just some of the stance abuse, mental health, poverty, to skirt around that law? If she has an in our case. Ms. Siemon says it is ven- nauseating, horrific details brought out sexual assault, domestic violence and issue with the law, she should be trying geance on the part of the victims’ fam- through graphic pictures and investigator victim-centered approaches to violent to change the law on her own time and ilies, trying to put our character on trial descriptions during the trial. The shock, crimes, how did she land on this idea? not using her office as a prosecutor to instead of upholding justice. I say justice the blood, the pain and horror he must And now she is apologizing for the way wiggle around it. Furthermore, how are should stand!

Siemon apologizes for insensitivity to murder victims

the concept of reviewing older cases of families of victims who leaned on “drive the decision.” She also previ- But county prosecutor life-without-parole,” Siemon said. “My those life sentences for closure, Siemon ously declined to address criticism of still believes some killers intent has always been that the victim’s is apologizing for her “premature” her prosecutorial policies, noting that families or their representatives would announcement. And she has since she didn’t want to rally “unwarranted may be rehabilitated get their first notice from trained pro- promised to make sure victims’ families opposition” to her upcoming plans to fessionals in our office after any review are in the loop on any upcoming plans seek commutations from Gov. Gretchen Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney and before offering support or opposi- to release convicted murderers back Whitmer. Carol Siemon is apologizing to the fam- tion to any application to commute a onto the streets of Ingham County. Siemon also hedged her subsequent ilies of murder victims after announc- sentence.” “I apologize that I discussed this proj- apology last week by doubling down on ing plans to possibly commute the sen- Siemon faced widespread community ect first with the news media, before her judicial philosophy on prison. tences of some prisoners serving life in backlash in recent weeks after she dis- we could develop a system to contact “I don’t believe ‘lock them up and prison without parole, as detailed in last cussed plans with City Pulse to review victims and their families and that my throw away the key’ is the right approach week’s cover story in City Pulse. about 90 prisoners serving life in prison action has caused suffering,” Siemon in most cases,” Siemon wrote in a state- But that doesn’t mean her plans have without parole and to seek a guberna- said. “We would never take a position ment. “I have worked to develop poli- been paused. She’ll just be more “con- torial commutation for those who dis- on an application to commute a sen- cies that move this guideline into action siderate” about the rollout, she said. played the most rehabilitative process. tence without first seeking input from to acknowledge that some persons truly “I regret that I did not fully take into Prison is about justice, not vengeance, the victim’s family.” become rehabilitated over time and can account the impact on victims and their she explained. Siemon told City Pulse that the be safely returned to the community.” families when I prematurely discussed But after stirring up concerns from views of victims’ families don’t always — KYLE KAMINSKI City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 Seeds on asphalt

ELFCO aborts plan “They started doing work on the building before pulling the permit,” for Michigan Ave. market Hayes said. “That’s always a big blames Lansing Township no-no. Because it’s commercial, you have to pull those permits with one The East Lansing Food Co-op’s of the trades, because we have to plan to start a new market to show- insure that work is safe. That’s what case locally produced food and oth- set them back. They already started er items is “on life support” because on the wrong foot.” Lansing Township put too many The co-op got a “conditional obstacles in the way through the approval” of its site plan in early summer and fall of 2019, according November, but Clabaeux said the to co-op board president Stephen co-op board was taken aback by the Gasteyer. conditions. Lansing Township Supervisor They included submitting signage Diontrae Hayes said the co-op itself permit applications to the township is responsible for the delays because for review, making the parking lot of its “inexperience” with the permit- handicap accessible and altering the ting process. setback to conform to code. Hayes said the site plan review “It would have been nice to know process has “clear steps and guide- these things four months ago,” lines” the co-op didn’t follow. Clabeaux said. “Through this whole Gasteyer said the board decided process, it’s almost been like the to pull the plug on the project in mouse and the cheese. They give you November. a little bit, lead you to the trap.” “We wasted months and money Hayes chalked up the summer of dealing with the permitters,” he said. delays and miscommunications to “We decided that would take a very “either inexperience or blatant disre- City Pulse archives long time to work through the per- gard for what the rules are, I don’t The East Lansing Food Co-op in better days at its home on Northwind Drive, mitting process if we stuck with it at know which.” which was closed in 2017. this site and we weren’t going to be The delays hurt the co-op more able to do that.” than they would have affected most promotional budget, to a farm mar- of farmer’s markets a week,” Gasteyer The co-op has been looking for a businesses. The members hoped to ket model similar to Local Roots said. new spot and a more sustainable open in late summer, just before the Café in Wooster, Ohio, and Ann Gasteyer said the co-op board is business model since it closed its old harvest reached its peak. Arbor’s Argus Farm Stop, where the looking at other locations. market on Northwind Drive in East “The clock was ticking on when we co-op takes a percentage of sales in “We are in conversation with oth- Lansing in 2017. were able to get the most produce exchange for housing and selling the er organizations about partnering,” Last spring, a member told the and show people what we were going goods. Gasteyer said. A source who asked co-op board about a building for to sell,” Gasteyer said. “Producers like it because they can not to be named said talks are under- lease at 3026 E. Michigan Ave., just With the weather worsening, the just drop their goods off,” Clabeaux way between the co-op and the Allen west of the huge Red Cedar develop- co-op asked the township for more said. “It keeps you flexible. We could Neighborhood Center and its weekly ment. time. The township notified the have done candles or other Michigan farmers market. Marshall Clabeaux, project manag- co-op that an extension through May made goods, especially in the winter Meanwhile, the co-op’s dry good er for the new store, called it “the per- would require a $15,000 perfor- time.” dispensers, shelving and other equip- fect spot, between Lansing and East mance bond. The co-op board hopes that its next ment are still warehoused in the Lansing, right between both worlds Clabeaux called it a “deposit” the iteration will serve a growing base of Lansing Bike Co-op, waiting to be and just off the highway. It has a co-op couldn’t afford, but Hayes said consumers who want to buy locally dusted off. garage door in the back so farmers that is inaccurate. grown produce but can’t make it to “It just sucks,” Clabeaux said. “A lot can come right off the freeway and “It’s like insurance,” Hayes said. “In farmers markets and appreciate the of effort went into that site. It would unload. You don’t get more perfect.” the event of a default, if the township convenience of paying for everything have served us well and it would have The co-op named Alex Thompson has to come in, we can draw against at one register. served the community well.” as general manager for the market that performance bond to do the On the supply side, mid-Michigan Hayes said the co-op is “an honor- and hired a firm to draw up a site work.” is rich in what Gasteyer calls “micro- able institution that provides a great plan. For co-op members, it was the last farms,” from small farms of 20 to service to the community.” Throughout the summer, volun- straw. 30 acres in the rural areas around “I patronized it personally when teers cleared brush in back of the “We took the weekend to simmer Lansing to the dozens of community it was in East Lansing,” she said. “I store, painted new stripes in the down and reflect,” Clabeaux said. gardens, a quarter acre or less in size, would love for them to be in Lansing parking lot and installed a fence “On Nov. 12, the board decided that that are proliferating within the city Township, but no matter how sup- around the Dumpster, at the town- they just don’t want us to play. We’ve limits. portive we are of their mission, we ship’s request. got to get out.” “Those folks don’t have enough have to be fair. Every business has They also did painting and repairs The co-op planned to shift from volume to sell through Meijer, but to comply with the same permit inside the store, but that was a bone what Clabeaux called a “big-box” they’re definitely producing more requirements.” of contention with the township. model, with weekly sales and a hefty than they get rid of through a couple — LAWRENCE COSENTINO 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

nomination and what that could response, “ Trump told Whitmer, to Why Whitmer hasn’t turned in mean for the Democrats’ general which she responded, “You’re a hard election prospects. The issues people act to follow.” are concerned about aren’t whether Does Trump like Whitmer? her absentee ballot prisoners should vote. Talking about Apparently, the president has She has her absentee ballot in hand, little time and has very little student loan forgiveness isn’t going said something along that line to but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer POLITICS organization? Will Elizabeth to ingratiate yourself to those who U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, isn’t turning it in, yet. Warren or Amy Klobuchar busted their hump to pay off their before. Remember, last year Trump With South Carolina, still be around? loans, he said. had Whitmer sit next to him last year Nevada and the Super Tuesday Can Mike Bloomberg Whitmer said she’s seen the at the White House dinner for the states having to weigh into muscle his way into the coverage of Carville’s remarks. Again, nation’s governors. the Democratic presidential field? He’s already spent she didn’t mention Sanders, by name. Asked about that, Whitmer nomination sweepstakes, the $8.5 million in Michigan on What she did say was this: “Every quipped, “He’s got other people in his state’s top elected Democrat TV ads, with more to come. time a conversation happens about sights right now.” isn’t unique in not having Former Lansing Virg Bernero an issue that is not front and center On other issues, the governor said: a favorite less than a month before is endorsing him, and more support is or on the kitchen table. I get a little — She isn’t opposed to the Michigan’s March10 primary. coming. concerned. I’m not going to lie to you. Legislature offering to voters to In an interview with City Pulse, When it comes to where Whitmer’s I want to win. I want to win. raise the sales tax a penny with the Whitmer didn’t name names. “The support is going to go, she is asking “I want to make sure that we have proceeds going to fund local road challenge for me and for my fellow herself two questions: “Who do I a leader in the White House who is repairs or finance her bonding plan Democratic governors is making sure think will be able to deliver for the not going to continue to blow up the as long as there’s a Proposal A-like that we’re bringing people together state of Michigan? And who can win?” national debt; not attack Medicare, fallback option if the proposal fails. after a primary,” she said “That’s a part of the calculation Medicaid and social security; who Hypothetically, a 25-cent gas tax “It’s crucial. There’s a wide array because at the end of the day, we need is thinking about and cares about increase that goes away if a penny of people who are in this Democratic someone who is worthy of my vote climate change and safety in our sales tax is approved by voters would primary and their supporters are and my kids’ future,” she said. schools someone who values public be a “responsible” discussion to have. absolutely solid. If they don’t win, On Monday, former Bill Clinton education,” she said. — She’s said she believes “term they need to find space in the victor’s strategist James Carville unloaded That person isn’t the current limits are bad public policy.” That platform.” during an MSNBC interview that occupant. She did happen to run into said, she noted the state Legislature Why the wait? Because a lot can Democrats could hand President him this weekend, however. isn’t a publicly popular body and any change. Donald Trump a second term if they Whitmer and her husband were effort to expand them may need to Will Bernie Sanders continue to don’t stop lurching left and getting attending the National Governors include some additional legislative roll? Will the southern states pick up “sucked into every rabbit hole that Association meeting and went reforms. a floundering Joe Biden? Will Mayor somebody puts in front of you.” through the receiving line to get their (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news Pete Buttigieg be able to snowball Carville was particularly concerned picture taken with the president. service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail. support in states where he’s spent very about Sanders’ winning the “That was a good State of the Union com.)

COUNTY OF INGHAM 2020 TENTATIVE RATIOS AND ESTIMATED MULTIPLIERS Prepared by the Ingham County Equalization/Tax Mapping Department

Real Property Personal Property Agricultural Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental Personal Property TOWNSHIPS: Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Tent. Ratio Multi. Ratio Mult. Ratio Mult. Ratio Mult. Ratio Multi. Ratio Multi.

ALAIEDON TOWNSHIP 40.68 1.22911 49.06 1.00000 50.25 0.99503 46.92 1.06565 NC 50.00 1.00000 AURELIUS TOWNSHIP 44.94 1.11260 44.43 1.12537 51.65 0.96806 48.56 1.02966 50.01 0.99978 50.00 1.00000 BUNKER HILL TOWNSHIP 47.10 1.06158 50.52 0.98971 48.25 1.03625 48.88 1.02292 NC 50.00 1.00000 DELHI CHARTER TOWNSHIP 42.75 1.16959 47.30 1.05709 46.02 1.08645 47.03 1.06316 NC 50.00 1.00000 INGHAM TOWNSHIP 45.53 1.09818 40.20 1.24379 NC 46.86 1.06701 NC 50.00 1.00000 LANSING CHARTER TOWNSHIP NC 45.78 1.09218 46.95 1.06497 46.40 1.07759 NC 50.00 1.00000 LEROY TOWNSHIP 42.71 1.17069 47.25 1.05821 46.87 1.06678 47.78 1.04647 41.99 1.19076 50.00 1.00000 LESLIE TOWNSHIP 47.05 1.06270 46.07 1.08531 58.76 0.85092 46.06 1.08554 NC 50.00 1.00000 LOCKE TOWNSHIP 40.60 1.23153 39.38 1.26968 54.84 0.91175 45.44 1.10036 NC 50.00 1.00000 MERIDIAN CHARTER TOWNSHIP NC 46.17 1.08296 53.98 0.92627 47.42 1.05441 NC 50.00 1.00000 ONONDAGA TOWNSHIP 46.10 1.08460 46.87 1.06678 44.04 1.13534 45.32 1.10327 NC 50.00 1.00000 STOCKBRIDGE TOWNSHIP 45.32 1.10327 45.72 1.09362 40.81 1.22531 44.34 1.12765 NC 50.00 1.00000 VEVAY TOWNSHIP 46.58 1.07343 48.55 1.02987 53.33 0.93756 47.29 1.05731 NC 50.00 1.00000 WHEATFIELD TOWNSHIP 42.44 1.17814 47.16 1.06022 42.44 1.17814 47.02 1.06338 NC 50.00 1.00000 WHITE OAK TOWNSHIP 49.96 1.00000 48.80 1.02459 48.12 1.03907 48.04 1.04080 NC 50.00 1.00000 WILLIAMSTOWN TOWNSHIP 42.97 1.16361 47.51 1.05241 44.65 1.11982 47.56 1.05131 48.95 1.02129 50.00 1.00000

CITIES: CITY OF EAST LANSING NC 47.08 1.06203 44.73 1.11782 47.72 1.04778 NC 50.00 1.00000 CITY OF LANSING NC 45.67 1.09481 47.41 1.05469 46.09 1.08484 NC 50.00 1.00000 CITY OF LESLIE NC 48.21 1.03713 52.80 0.94697 47.04 1.06293 NC 50.00 1.00000 CITY OF MASON NC 49.31 1.00000 53.10 0.94162 47.07 1.06225 NC 50.00 1.00000 CITY OF WILLIAMSTON NC 47.27 1.05776 50.38 0.99246 46.22 1.08179 44.82 1.1156 50.00 1.00000

These Tentative Equalization Ratios and Estimated Multipliers are published in compliance with PA 165 of 1971. These figures are temporary in character and are intended to be informative in nature as of the third Monday in February. Local assessing and board of review activites may significantly change the tentative figures. Permanent Ratios and Multipliers will result from the activity of the local units and through equalization procedures. The recommended Tentative Ratios and Multipliers shall not prejudice the equalization procedures of Ingham County or the State of Michigan. William E. Fowler, Director Ingham County Equalization/Tax Mapping Department CP#20-026 City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 Need pills for pain? Some doctors say lay off the weed Prescription policies for pot smokers vary across Greater Lansing By KYLE KAMINSKI Doug Barnes has battled with chron- ic pain for most of his adult life. And his doctor refuses to help him. Barnes, 62, of St. Johns, suffers from gastrointestinal bleeding. He has seen dozens of local doctors, undergone sev- eral operations and been prescribed a litany of powerful painkillers in recent years, he said. Gummies infused with THC have helped him cope with dis- comfort too. But they’ve also cut off his supply to any other drugs. His doctor’s ultimatum: Either stop taking the gummies or never receive another prescription pain pill again. “He told me he couldn’t prescribe me anything until I tested clean from marijuana,” Barnes said. “I couldn’t get anything for pain, stress, sleep or any- thing. I was flabbergasted because it’s really been helping me. Plus, it’s legal in Michigan. It’s really like the new wine here in Lansing, but my doctor appar- ently just doesn’t see it that way.” Restrictive policies at Clinton County Medical Center in St. Johns — where Barnes was denied access to painkillers — are common across the state. Like Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse many other patients, they’ve forced him Doug Barnes, 62, of St. Johns, cannot receive prescription painkillers from Clinton County Medical Center because of his to choose between opiates and marijua- doctor’s restrictive policies against cannabis consumption. na. And marijuana advocates contend it’s a decision that patients should nev- their tests wouldn’t detect marijuana. between getting prescription drugs and stances that are habit forming, the risk er have to make. No specific policies exist at Sparrow using any type of THC. of addiction skyrockets,” Messenger “Physicians often make you choose Health Care, but a spokesman said “We won’t do it. The combination explained. “We still believe in pain between their medications or canna- it’s “standard practice” to require has never been tested,” said Dr. Andrew medication. We’re in the pain business. bis,” explained Rick Thompson, own- patients to agree not to “mix substanc- Messenger, owner of Clinton County We want people to be comfortable. A er of the Michigan Cannabis Business es.” There, it’s all about doctor discre- Medical Center and a doctor at Sparrow lot of people say they smoke pot for Development Group. “It’s been a strug- tion. Physicians are “always at liberty Clinton Hospital in St. Johns. “When pain. Well, if you want to treat your gle. These doctors are in constant fear to make decisions about whether a a physician prescribes something, we own pain, you treat it your own way.” of losing their ability to prescribe these medication is appropriate for patients have to be able to document that it will Messenger will prescribe painkillers drugs, and it can put them at odds for to ensure their safety,” a spokesman not cause harm. That’s our mantra: Do for traumatic injuries — like “if a bone what works for the patient.” explained. no harm.” is sticking out of your leg,” he said — Doctors can ultimately use their dis- Other local pain management clin- “If I don’t know what a medication but otherwise he sends away pot-smok- cretion to decide what’s best for their ics — like one operated by Dr. David or the combination of medications is ing patients that suffer from chronic practice. Even after marijuana was Nebbeling off Lake Lansing Road —are going to do, how can I do that?” pain without any treatment at all. legalized for adult use in Michigan, more friendly to the therapeutic ben- Messenger agreed to meet a City Pulse “We’re not cruel, but at the same many physicians — including some efits of weed. His office doesn’t neces- reporter in an exam room at his office time, marijauna is still federally illegal,” in Greater Lansing — have outright sarily condone pot smoking, but he’s earlier this month. He first attempt- Messenger added. refused to allow their patients to smoke certainly not denying prescriptions to ed to obtain a urine sample from this The American Academy of Family weed while taking prescription opioids patients who choose to consume it, a reporter, explaining that if I tested pos- Physicians last year released research to manage their chronic pain. spokeswoman explained. itive for THC, it would tell him that I that indicates marijuana may have And prescription policies vary widely But many others across the state are could not be objective. However, after some therapeutic benefits, but also rec- from doctor to doctor. taking a more hardline stance against I declined, he still was was willing to ognized possible “negative health out- Physicians at McLaren Health Care marijuana. Barnes’ doctor in St. Johns, elaborate on his restrictive policies. comes” associated with cannabis use. in Lansing don’t care if their patients for example, contends weed can be ter- Marijuana is addictive and its inter- Its interaction with painkillers hasn’t smoke pot. A spokesman said they ribly addictive and dangerous when actions with painkillers are unknown, necessarily shown positive results. But would typically have no reason to combined with certain opiates. Patients he argued. screen patients at all. And if they did, at his office are usually forced to choose “Anytime you use two controlled sub- See Pot, Page 10 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

level. And marijuana is still listed as a Pot Schedule I controlled substance. “I’m not aware of those guidelines,” Messenger added. “If they are there, from page 9 they’re not right.” Thompson, an avid cannabis smok- it hasn’t been proven dangerous either. er, has also had his own struggles with The Centers for Disease Control obtaining prescription medication. He and Prevention always encourage doc- said he recently visited an emergen- tors to test their patients’ urine before cy room in Royal Oak over blinding prescribing any controlled substances migraines, but because he also smoked at all — but only for illicit substances marijuana, his doctor refused to offer that have proven implications for treat- him a prescription — instead only ment. And the medical community is offering simple oxygen therapy. still largely undecided on how to han- And those restrictive policies have dle marijuana. made it difficult for cannabis smokers “There is just so little scientific clin- to get the treatment they deserve. ical research to show the benefits or “These doctors are all concerned the health risks on both sides of it,” they’ll be penalized by the federal gov- said Dana Lawrence, communications ernment,” Thompson added. “The solu- director for the Michigan Academy tion is de-scheduling cannabis on a fed- of Family Physicians. “Physicians, eral level. Some doctors might be more lenient, but that’s the only sign that will understandably, are hesitant to coun- Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse be a universal message to physicians in sel patients on whether they should be After marijuana was legalized statewide for both medical and recreational use in all 50 states. Anything else would only doing this. We just need some more Michigan, Barnes has found luck treating his chronic pain with THC-infused gum- be a half step.” research — especially on the interac- mies from a dispensary. tions — before we can really be com- A spokesman for the Michigan fortable giving out advice.” Department of Licensing and “Instead, doctors should consider the be more willing to release the pharma- Guidance issued by the CDC in 2016, Regulatory Affairs noted there are no evidence for marijuana as a potential ceutical stranglehold that opiate man- however, appears to point doctors in a general provisions in state law that therapeutic partner in treating pain.” ufacturers continue to have over the more pot-friendly direction. would prevent a doctor from denying Lines said one of her close family medical community. “Clinicians should not test for sub- painkillers to pot-smoking patients. members had also been taking prescrip- Larry Ashley, a faculty member and stances for which results would not Complaints can always be filed, but in tion opioids for 15 years and wished she addiction specialist at Central Michigan affect pain management or for which the absence of regulation, they’re not could use mariuana for her pain, large- University, said medical schools across implications for patient management likely to generate results. ly because she knows from experience the U.S. — including CMU — still don’t are unclear,” according to a statement “We have no oversight of individu- that it works. But her pain clinic tests train students about medical marijua- from the CDC. “For example, experts al physicians or medical offices where for THC twice a year, and will cut her na at all. And unless the federal gov- noted there might be uncertainty about physicians practice,” he explained. off from addictive medications if she ernment takes a stand, patients like the clinical implications of a positive Dr. Lisa Lines, an instructor in quan- ever tests positive for pot. Barnes will likely be left to shop around urine test for THC.” titative health sciences at the University “This is just one battle in the ongo- between conflicting physicians. In short: The CDC doesn’t want pos- of Massachusetts Medical School, said ing civil war in the medical community “The pendulum swings,” Ashley add- itive urine tests for marijuana to stand it’s past time for doctors to stop testing over pain,” Lines wrote. “Time will tell ed. “It’s a problem, and until we do in the way of pain management. for marijuana. She published an article whether the ongoing global marijuana more legitimate long-term research But still, doctors like Messenger in 2017 calling for change. legalization experiment will ultimately and the federal laws get on board, we’ll contend they know better. The uncer- “Testing for THC — and dumping be a boon, a bane or both.” probably continue to have this type of tainty of marijuana’s interaction with patients that test positive — presents But “encouraging signs” exist, Lines thing. We’re in a drug conflict with state other substances (like oxycodone and plenty of risks for patients: barriers to said. States that have medical mari- and federal laws, and if it ever comes to hydrocodone) warrant their hesitation, access to care, lack of adequate pain juana dispensaries have seen a rela- a battle, federal laws will always super- he said. After all, narcotics licenses management, and disruption in care tive decrease in opioid addictions and sede the state.” for physicians are issued at the federal continuity, for starters,” Lines wrote. deaths. Doctors, it seems, just need to — KYLE KAMINSKI

ited nation a sense of empowerment they liked it.” and enemies to blame for its ills. The That passage has always stuck with A whoop and holler Nazis’ propaganda machine also habit- me. Authoritarianism doesn’t succeed uated Germany’s citizens to a constant when it’s foisted on people. It succeeds A decade after World War made them more susceptible state of anxiety that required trust in when it convinces people that they

II, the journalist Milton INFORMED DISSENT to a dictator’s seduction; given the state, the party, and their leader. need it—indeed, that they want it— Mayer — an American of the right set of circumstances, “Now I see a little better how and fosters a sense of aggrievement, Jewish and German lineage it could happen anywhere. Nazism overcame Germany — not by a sense that Others are to blame for — set out to determine how Mayer spent a year explor- attack from without or by subversion their problems. an educated, Western peo- ing Germany’s Nazi era from within, but with a whoop and I thought about Mayer’s book last ple gave themselves over to through interviews with 10 holler,” Mayer wrote in “They Thought Thursday morning when Donald fascism. The German peo- JEFFREY C. BILLMAN ordinary members of the par- They Were Free,” first published in Trump’s press secretary went on Fox ple, Mayer reckoned, hadn’t ty—some who were dedicated 1955. “It was what most Germans News and suggested “people should woken up one day and decided to be to the cause, others who were in it for wanted — or, under pressure of com- pay” for impeaching the president, and evil, nor was there anything qualita- a job or because of social pressure. He bined illusion and reality, came to tively different about their culture that found that Hitler had given a dispir- want. They wanted it; they got it; and See Billman, Page 11 City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

dent’s supporters, under pressure of combined illusion and reality, want it, Billman got it, and liked it. CITY OF EAST LANSING NOTICE OF ELECTION It’s not just Fox News and Breitbart TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 from page 10 feeding them propaganda. It’s also the Trump campaign itself creating a To the qualified electors of the City of East Lansing, please take notice that a Presidential Primary Election will be held in the City of East Lansing, Ingham and Clinton Counties, sort of alternate reality, one in which again that afternoon when I watched Michigan, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. working-class, gun-owning conser- an acquitted Trump air a long list of vative Christians are being overrun For the purposes of nominating candidates for the following office: grievances in the East Room of the by liberals and socialists and undoc- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES White House — calling Democrats umented immigrants, and Trump is and FBI officials “scum” and “very sick Also, to vote on the following proposals: their defender. and evil people” — while a throng of The March issue of The Atlantic INGHAM COUNTY POTTER PARK ZOO AND POTTER PARK OPERATIONAL MILLAGE his die-hard supporters whooped and has an eye-opening piece of the ramp- QUESTION – Precincts 1-16 hollered. up of a billion-dollar disinformation I thought about it once more on INGHAM COUNTYWIDE SYSTEM OF TRAILS AND PARKS MILLAGE RENEWAL machine, something Trump operatives QUESTION – Precincts 1-16 Friday, when Trump sacked Lt. Col. aren’t even bothering to hide at this Alexander Vindman (and his twin INGHAM COUNTY HEALTH SERVICES MILLAGE QUESTION – Precincts 1-16 point. It’s an expansion of the same brother) and Ambassador to the kind of dirty pool that aided Trump’s CLINTON COUNTY MILLAGE PROPOSITION COUNTY-WIDE E-911 EMERGENCY European Union Gordon Sondland, DISPATCH QUESTION – Precinct 17 election four years ago, not to men- who had testified in the House tion Brexit and the victory of Rodrigo CITY OF EAST LANSING BALLOT QUESTION – Precincts 1-17 impeachment inquiry about Trump’s Duterte in the Philippines. quid pro quo with Ukraine. And I INGHAM INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION MILLAGE In essence, it rips a page from the PROPOSAL (RESTORATION OF THE HEADLEE REDUCTION) QUESTION – Precincts thought about it on Sunday, when authoritarian playbook and adds a 1-16 Sen. Lindsey Graham said that Rudy modern twist: It’s not necessary to Guiliani’s anti-Biden “research” had CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (CATA) MILLAGE RENEWAL shut down dissenting voices when you PROPOSITION QUESTION – Precincts 1-17 a direct pipeline to Attorney General can use social media to drown them William Barr. Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at the East Lansing City Clerk’s Office, 410 out—and, in the process, destroy the Abbot Road, Room 100, East Lansing, MI 48823. Sample ballots can also be found at www. I thought about it not because independent journalistic institutions mi.gov/vote. Trump is like Hitler or Republicans that try to hold you accountable. are like Nazis. Those are facile com- Polls at said election will be open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 8:00 p.m. “It’s a lesson drawn from dema- parisons. The U.S. isn’t a fascist state, gogues around the world,” McKay Photo Identification OR Affidavit Required to Vote: and the president hasn’t shown geno- Under Michigan law upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court, ALL voters will be asked to show Coppins writes. “When the press as cidal or dictatorial tendencies (though photo identification to vote at the polls. Voters without identification will be required to fill out an institution is weakened, fact-based and sign an affidavit in order to receive a ballot. he has a peculiar affection for strong- journalism becomes just one more men). LIST OF POLLING LOCATIONS: drop in the daily deluge of content— Pct. 1 - Brody Hall, MSU I thought about it because the tran- no more or less credible than partisan Pct. 2 - Martin Luther Chapel, 444 Abbot Road sition from freedom to illiberalism Pct. 3 - East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road propaganda. Relativism is the real goal isn’t a binary point but rather a con- Pct. 4 - Capital City Vineyard Church, 1635 Coolidge Road of Trump’s assault on the press.” Pct. 5 - Shaarey Zedek Congregation, 1924 Coolidge Road tinuum, and the slow creep often goes Pct. 6 - Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Road Above all else, authoritarianism — unnoticed. I thought about it because Pct. 7 - St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3383 Lake Lansing Road and its handmaiden, right-wing pop- Pct. 8 - University Reformed Church, 841 Timberlane Street none of Trump’s actions would have ulism — is rooted in a need for order Pct. 9 - Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Road been tolerated even a few years ago, Pct. 10 - Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Road and security, things we all crave on yet none of them provoked meaningful Pct. 11 - Burcham Hills Retirement Community, 2700 Burcham Drive some level, and crave more when we Pct. 12 - Union Bldg., MSU pushback from the president’s party. perceive chaos. Demagogues exacer- Pct. 13 - IM Sports East, MSU Neither have Trump’s previous abus- Pct. 14 - IM Sports East, MSU bate the perception of chaos and nurse Pct. 15 - IM Sports West, MSU es of power, for that matter: trying to our sense of aggrievement — and then Pct. 16 - Wesley Foundation, 1118 S. Harrison Road spike an AT&T–Time-Warner merger Pct. 17 - Shaarey Zedek Congregation, 1924 Coolidge Road tell their followers that only they can because he hates CNN; launching an fix it. All polling places are accessible and voting instructions are available in alternative formats antitrust investigation into car com- Post-impeachment, Trump has of audio and Braille. panies that didn’t do as he demanded; taken a brazen step in this direction: The East Lansing City Clerk’s office will be open on February 25 and 27 from 5 pm-8 pm; ordering the Pentagon to lock Amazon settling scores, purging the disloyal, March 3 and 5 from 5 pm-8 pm; and March 7 and 8 from 8 am-4 pm to register voters, issue out of a lucrative contract because of and accept absentee ballots for qualified electors. threatening rivals, labeling opponents coverage by The Washington Post — as “evil,” and preparing to eviscerate To see if you are registered or to find your polling location, check the Secretary of both owned by Jeff Bezos — among the media and saturate voters’ feeds State Voter Information website at www.michigan.gov/vote them. It’s noise baked into our politi- with bullshit. He’ll see a victory in cal system. When everything is an out- ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS: November as the ultimate vindication Any registered voter may request an Absent Voter Ballot. No reason required. rage, nothing is. — as the American people whooping Acquitting the president despite The East Lansing City Clerk’s Office must have a signed application to issue an Absent and hollering just like Republican Voter Ballot. Applications are available at the East Lansing City Clerk’s Office or online at overwhelming evidence that he tried leaders were in the East Room last cityofeastlansing.com. to extort foreign interference in an week, as a sign that he should do as he election was a flashing neon sign that March 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm is the deadline to request an absentee ballot except for those who pleases, norms be damned. register to vote on Election Day. Ballots issued on March 9, 2020 must be requested and voted the guardrails are gone, and not only in person at the East Lansing City Clerk’s Office. Republicans won’t stop him. Neither will Republicans not stop the pres- will our institutions. Only voters can. Those registering to vote on Election Day, March 10, 2020, are eligible to receive an absent ident, but they’ll cheer him on. The (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of voter ballot at the East Lansing City Clerk’s Office. base will tolerate nothing less than Jennifer Shuster INDY Week, in Durham, North total fealty. East Lansing City Clerk Carolina.) CP#20-035 To borrow from Mayer, the presi- 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 Shop Local this Valentine’s Day! Unique Cards Statement Necklaces Beautiful Earrings

Felted Wool Winter We carry Michigan’s Own Accessories

Keep your Valentine warm and cozy!

307 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave Lansing (517) 482-8845 www.absolutegallery.net City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 PLUMBING PROBLEMS? Full service plumbing repairs Water heater repair/replacement offering quick turnaround same day service Full service drain cleaning and water jetting: Residential or Commercial Water conditioning/softening Back-up sump pump options to keep basements dry We are a 3rd generation family owned business serving Greater Lansing since 1939 $30 OFF ANY SERVICE CALL OVER $100 COUPON EXPIRES 6/30/2020 CODE: CP2020

10% OFF ANY DRAIN CLEANING OR CAMERA INSPECTION MAXIMUM DISCOUNT $50

CODE: CP2020 COUPON EXPIRES 6/30/2020 CALL 1-800-HEDLUND OR 517-321-5955 SPECIALIZING IN SAME DAY SERVICE 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 MSU Latinx Film Festival February 12-16 • msulatinxfilmfestival.com

Department of Romance and Classical Studies

Office of Inclusion & Intercultural Initiatives, College of Arts & Letters, College of Communication Arts & Sciences, College of Music, Film Studies Program, Global Studies in the Arts & Humanities Program, MSU Libraries, Chicano/Latino Studies Program, Council of Graduate Students, College of Social Science, James Madison College, Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Julian Samora Research Institute, Residential College in the Arts & Humanities City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15

Job and Internship Fair 2 – 5 p.m. · Feb. 20 · LCC West Campus · 100+ employers attending! Register at lcc.edu/jobfair.

Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

GIFTSGIFTSALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CustomWhat framing is Neurofeedback? in Old Town PolishEveryone Pottery is welcome to come in and play, see what they like, what they don’t, and we can work from there. This is the direc- tion I take with my customers when they want their picture Neurofeedback is biofeedback for the brain. Biofeedback can Dinnerframed. plates, spoons, platters, and, more recently, ball ornaments and measure heart rate, skin temperature and also the electrical tiny ChristmasOften, theytrees! come Yes, all to these my gallery ceramics for are framing part of ourand holiday the first ques- collection,tionrhythms I expandingget is, of “How the our brain. much little Whencorner does brainitof costPolish waves to pottery frame are atoutthis the of picture?” gallery.balance, Atwe Startingthis canseven stage have years I ask a ago,range for when more of symptoms:we information were selling too themabout many because thefast picture frequencies a customer and thecan specificallyfinalproduce look requested that trouble they them, sleepingwant we nowto achieve.and have anxious an Theentire importancefeelings. space for If these the of thebrain piece intricate,in theirwaves detailed life are and and too the handcrafted slow, meaning it can pieces itaffect holds of focus art.are Allthings and the mood PolishI consider issues. pottery before we havegoing inIn the aon session, galleryto the is nextsensors hand stage crafted are of placed framewith pride on suggestions. a at client’s many small scalp to manufacturingChoosingmonitor companies b fromrain waves.over in Boleslawiec, 8,000 The process frames Poland. is is non-invasive, a AllHerculean of the pieces task,and are can but be I individuallycanused certainly hand to gather painted, help informationcustomers using sponge make into stamps athe brain right and map. brushes decision. Clients to paint After can the thena bit Kathy Holcomb stickof and backlearn floral and how motifs forth, to onslow I each can down workpiece. or closelyThesespeed patterns up with their them arebrainwaves first and hand help withcut identify Gretchen Morse, DMA, by thetheir artistsreal needs timein the based feedback sponge, on aftertheir during which answers. the they follow-up use the sessions. sponges and Optimizing brushes ABSOLUTEBCNS to applyWhere andthe uniquebalancing are youpattern goingbrainwaves to eachto hang piece. can the impact frame? a variety What isof thesymptoms. color of the wall? Is there a presence of other colors in the room? Is the GALLERYMID-MICHIGAN In Boleslawiec, when artists are deemed qualified enough they earn the frameA recent for the client room had or triedthe piece? multiple Other interventions than the regularfor traumatic broad right to create a pattern from start to finish and also sign it. These NEUROFEEDBACK stylesstress, of traditional but had not or seen contemporary the relief they frames, desired. at this Neurofeedb stage of theack pieces can be identified by their UNIKAT stamp on the bottom, but they (517) 482-8845 processhelped I like to settle to bring down out their the wildbrain cards, and nervous based on system’s my expertise. also stand out for their complex and intricate patterns. Come see if you 517-290-4965 Thisresponse is when to triggers,I pull out providing something relief, unexpected and allowing which them the to cus- 307 E César E. Chávez Ave can spot all the UNIKAT pieces in our pottery corner at the gallery! We tomerutilize did tools not thinkfrom otherof, and therapies all of a moresudden effectively, it becomes as thiswell. very Lansing, MI 48906 encourage folks to consider a handcrafted piece of art from Poland for 2109 Hamilton Rd. Suite 100-C coolNeurofeedback frame which they can helpreally ease love. a Iwide encourage range of people cognitive, to stop by absolutegallery.net their gifting needs. Okemos, MI 48864 the emotional,gallery for andall their physiological framing needssymptoms. and more.

HYDROTHERAPY & WELLNESS BANKING REAL ESTATEBOOKSSpring is Almost Here, Time for a MEDICALLITERACYThe Advantages of Using a Please let us help you with special orders KnowingHot EVERYbody What Tub CheckupReads to Dohas lots and of books. Not Lots. Do Space, to money and HolisticTheCommunity importance Weight of BankLoss literacy Program – for one, for for all PrepareIEveryone suppose Your isreality anxious Home preclude for spring usfor from— afterSale carrying all, it’s ALLa great of the books. the WhileNewOne of many the Year nice of us things take literacyabout a communityfor granted, bank it is anis allimportant of your Thattime tosaid use though, your tub. our Hotwater reach is Worksinsane. on Certifiably, Michigan Avenueour ability offers to partdecisions of society. are Literacy made locally. has positive You are effects not just on an our account community, number Prior to meetingprocurecomprehensive with newbooks clients, ishot almost tub I hear, checkups. as “We impressive should We’ll be bring asready my you for feline youa new companion filter, Like clockwork,andor not business just a new socially, statistic year comes but no economically withone knows.another The roundas well. people of weight who lossmake in a month or two.” Which I immediately follow up with, “What are resolutions; Reading most and of which writing will skills inevitably open see doors their to end higher in the education first for knowingchange or to check sing your to me water every and morning refill your at tub,3:34 if a.m.needed. Impressive Jessica Graham & decisions know who you are. We live, work, and play in the you doing to get ready for me to see your home?” Michelle Humes threemany weeks people of January. and This better time, employment focus on breaking opportunities. this cycle and There is no indeed. same community as you.To keep up with the technology of WeLast have year, fresh author neck pillows, Andrea new Bartz covers, offered floating a tweet lights, explaining spa makingdoubt a change the world for a healthier is advancing lifestyle. technologically Adding more physical and it exerciseis impera- Recently I met with a couple who were first-time home sellers. They bigger banks, many community banks are pushing to keep up. whyscents it’s and important all the necessary to special chemicals order from needed independent to usher in the book- HOTWATER to yourtive routine to expand and losingknowledge weight and are greatlearn goals skills for to the keep new up year, with but global felt in order to sell their home in the upper $200,000 price range they Many have up-to-date technology and digital banking services — shops.new season. Here are the highlights: WORKS the changeschanges. rarely This last. starts Lifestyle with changes basic literacy. that are more enjoyable or that would need new stainless appliances in the kitchen, new granite counters EVERYBODY READS it is a lot different than 1990.Dart Bank has an app on both CAPITAL AREA and hardwoodHaving floors1. To hotinsteadclarify, tub ofproblems? independent barely worn We carpet. canbookstore diagnose In reality, means any looking issues locally and owned, make aBOOKS & STUFF can be hobbiesLiteracy should is good be considered.for you, too! Doing People a detox who or have supplement adequate cleanse skills Joe Vitale iPhone and Android, and a brand new website. Online bankingLITERACY COALITION through the listcommunityplan of to recent repair salesbooksellers. them. of similarly We’ve (NOT seenpriced Barnesall homes kinds &in of Noble.their issues Definitelyand can not (517) 364-8827 can bemaintain a great way better to start health the new because year and they stimulate are able weight to loss. understand But Amazon.) choosinghealthallows the information. right you supplement to pay person-to-person.They with can the communicate help of aWe physician have better a canbrand withmake new thecare- IQ subdivision, andrepair assessing and maintain how their your home tub compared,. We are always we found: fair Most and ofhonest. SCOTT HARRIS mortgage application allowing people to apply online, with a DI CLARK the sales didn’t 2.have Your granite, interest half inof thea title homes will had indicate stainless to booksellers thatCOLDWELL it’s 2116 E Michigan Ave difference.givers and make appropriate choices for care options. Parents Brennan Andrews, Most tubs are going to last between 10-18 years but our current Dart Bank mortgage specialist who can assist during the Dr. Sarah Denham, D.O. appliances, halfworth of the checking homes had out! carpet Maybe and they’ll the other read half it. wood Maybe floors. they’ll loveBANKER it Lansing, MI 48912 Fat cellswho in are our literate body are are responsible able to communicatefor inflammation, more increased effectively risk of with Marketing Director tubs, Jacuzzi and Nordic, have extended warranties to consider process. We have business solutions and consumer solutions for Instead of spendingand give nearly it table $12,000 space to upupdate, front we and looked hand-sell at the itcomparable to everyone who cancerteachers and hormone and help imbalances. with homework. Complications Literacy from is obesity at the havecenter now of all before making any repairs. Nordic is even made in Michigan!HUBBELL everyone. If you have a rare case, we can work with you in (517) 485-4949 sales and listedwalks in the in median the door. range of sales. This proved to be beenof linked our interactions.to a wide range of physical and mental health issues like (517)DART 853-3704 BANK successful: TheSome 3.home Thethink sold New having within York 45a hot days. Times tub will considers require a purchases lot of maintenance, at private-BRIARWOOD(517) 346-9900 joint pains,Literacyorder overall to infind fatigue Michigan the bandest depression. issolution currently for Discussing you.Whenranked lowest your you weight needin the lossto coun- reach us1028 E. Saginaw St. ly-ownedbut it’s only bookshops about10 minutes when putting a week. together We want the people Bestseller to use List, 2019 E. Michigan Ave. and exercisetry. byYou phone, plan can withhelp! a real your The person physician Reading will will answer.People help youwould The monitor person love your youryou talkdonation to is Lansing,1003 East MI(517)244-4406 Mount48906 Hope We did, however,so your adjust preorder the lighting might to enhancehelp your the favorite space, decluttered author secure a spot Lansing, MI 48912 of books,a resident supplies, of the and Lansing monetary area supportand a member or volunteer of our yourcommunity. time Lansing, MI 48910 space, did touch-uptheir tubs painting in the and healthiest moved aroundway. We furniture can teach to showcase you to balance the (517) 712-4500 progress. Overall improvement of health should remain the focus on it. as aYou tutor might or intern! even get the president of the bank. thereadingpeople.org368 S. Park Street rooms. This totaledwater chemistry $1,200. The and clients check were the able filter to saveonce over a month $10,000 to in make everybodyreadsbooks.com throughout this process with an emphasis on diet changes, exercise plans, sure4. it’sEven good if the to go.bookstore Relax Hotwater doesn’t decideWorks! to stock the book you830 W Lake Lansing Rd Suite 210 sleep improvements,Non-native English improving speakers nutrition can through benefit quality from our supplements, one-on-one Mason, MI 48854 out-of-pocketrequested, costs. This they is something will order I regularly it special do just with for clients you! and East Lansing, MI 48823 tutoring and classroom instruction. Our volunteers go through a would be happy to offer the same services for you if you are even and better stress management. Contact Dr. Sarah Denham at CIMA to set up 5. If you really just want to order books online, you can alsoJoeSellsMi.com an appointmentprofessional for training your holistic program wellness to help consultation. people succeed in literacy. considering selling.order a book through Indiebound.com. They split their [email protected] We have programs for children and adults alike, with a variety of with independent bookshops in their community network. materials for our volunteers to use. ART SUPPLIES Slainte in style! Nirvana, Transcendent Insight, and MEDICAL PLASTIC InsuranceSURGERY HEALTH INSURANCE All Your Meds Organized and ChoosingJoseFew can people actually Plasticare so enlightened make Surgery your to knowlife so of themuch insurance better guru ForgetWhat about is a the doula? over-priced green beer, noisy bars or waiting who sits atop the world’s highest mountain of paperwork- in line to get a drink during the annual St. Paddy’s Day pub Dosomewhere you know beyond Jose Yanez? the Forest Isn’t of he Regret cool? and He’s the really Sea of smart, Dyspepsia. Delivered to Your Doorstep too. And nice. He is really good at being a personal financial crawl“If -a stay doula in wereand servea drug, up ityour would favorite be unethical brew or cocktailnot to use in it.” The guru speaks of simplicity, “an insurance policy is nothing Keeping track of all your medication on a daily basis can be challenging, Makingplanner. a decision Jose, to as consider it turns cosmetic out, works surgery with is a me. highly Same personal office one and style.-Dr. John H. Kennell more than a contract. It is a contract that says, ‘if you give involving a lot of time and effort to get them right. Luckily, your and everything!navigating through Jose was the kindprocedure enough can to appear sit down overwhelming with me duringthe oth- the Imagine running a marathon. Just waking up one day, Delphi Glass money to an insurance company and something listed in the pharmacist canJustheading have in time all out your for of medication youryour St.house, Patrick’s filled, and organizedrunningDay revelry, 26.2and youdelivered miles. can No train- initialer stages. day to A answergood place some to start of the is by most asking important yourself why questions you want that customize a mug, pilsner glass or piece of stemware at our contract comes to pass, you will be given money.’" Of course to you on time!ing. With No the coach. Dispill No medication support. Seems packaging ill advised, program, don’t you canyou think? surgery.our One clients of the had best about reasons life for insurance getting cosmetic and retirement surgery is you planning. want Sandblasted Glassware Art a la Carte class. It’s the perfect DELPHI GLASS the guru speaks of deductibles and conditions; but the guru have the convenienceBirth ofis an innovativeintense process multi-dose and withoutpackaging education system, filled and sup- to doMe: something Should positive everyone for retire? yourself. Once you have made the decision to time to get together with friends, make some mugs and Jose:actually Mentally, preaches No. theBut importance physically, ourof having bodies an will insurance one day say,agent by your trustedport, pharmacist! it can be an arduous experience. The role of a doula is to schedule a consultation you should seek out a surgeon who is board memories. Bring a beverage of your choice and begin your (517) 394-4685 “E noughtranslate is enough,” the words or intoyou English.have other passions that you would Scott Harris, LUTCF They’re clearlyhelp labeled a person by date achieve and time the of healthiest day, giving andyou themost comfort satisfying birth certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This will ensure pre-St. Patrick’s Day drinking warm-up. You’ll leave at the SUMBLER BIRTH like to pursue. When that time comes, will you have put yourself of knowing youexperience took the right possible medication by providing at the right continuous time. Each care. Dispill 3380 E Jolly Rd that youOften are seeing the aguru physician is asked, who “why has advanced is insurance training so expensive?” in the procedure In end of the night with fun glassware to raise a glass on any SERVICES in a positive financial position to maintain the lifestyle you have MID-MICHIGAN blister pack containsAs a 28 doula, individual I meet blisters with that families contain your during prescribed pregnancy to Lansing, MI 48910 you are interestedthe most disarmingin. voice the guru responds, “is insurance occasion. becomeexpensive accustomed when to?you’ve been t-boned while driving westbound Rick SmithINSURANCE MD medication foranswer a specific questions. time (morning, We can noon, talk evening, through bedtime) options and about yourMike Salquistwww.delphiglass.com PatientsMe: who Do come you inhurt with or very help specific people? requests for procedures should date. Additionally,Call (517) this 394-5364system also or helps visit improve DelphiGlass.com/Cheers compliance, lower to register ABBY SUMBLER understandon Jollythat plasticRoad, totalingsurgery is your meant Prius to enhance and lacerating or improve you yourr kidney, GROUP, INC. birth experience and goals you may have. During labor and Jose: Initially, it might hurt to have the gut-wrenching conver- SCOTT HARRIS healthcare costsordelivery, to and schedule completely I give your physical eliminates private and party. emotionalthe stress Join usof support organizingand be preparedto the birthing for aCENTRAL existingsation features.and about your Itpersonal insurance is important finances, company to have but mustrealistic overall, pay expectations Imore feel I than help about you’veand bring ever (517) 908-3040 medications.fun personThis night system and in is -their youra safe partner.buddy way for is you gonnaIf todesired, adhere get everyone Ito can your stay tossed through out ofthe the the resultsvaluepaid to that people’sin can your be premiums?” lives.achieved. After Smiling, a detailed the consultationguru says- without with Dr. 517-664-9600 PHARMACY 1504 E Grand River Ave # 100 medication schedules,barfirst for hour being especially or tootwo rowdy, post-delivery for patients anyway. with to multihelp dosewith first latch if you Smith,Me: heuttering will Does suggest everybodya word, the best“of need courseprocedure life not.” insurance? for The your guru desired is wise, outcome. and requirements. Patients can take it on-the-go, since this system Ultimately,knows you insuranceneed to feel can comfortable be your dear and confidentfriend while about a loyal your and East Lansing,4112 S. MI Cedar 48823 St. choose to breastfeed. A week or two after your birth, most Jose: No, unless others rely on your income to live after you (517) 664-9600 completely eliminated the need for pill bottles/boxes or single dose (517) 316-0711 decisionhumble to have surgery.(and cat Our loving) team insurance is always ready agent to cananswer be questionsyour dearest www.rickjsmithmd.comLansing, MI 48910 clients find it beneficial to meet and discuss their labor expe- (517) 944-9729 are gone. That being said, we all need some level of insurance bingo-cards. Please contact Central Pharmacy for more information about and helpfriend. in any way that we can. Take the first step and contact our 4112 S. Cedar St., rience. We’ll talk about your entire birth and how you feel1001 E Mt Hope Ave whether it’s life, disability, or long-term care. Everyone’s situation Lansing, MI 48910 the packaging program and for all other pharmaceutical needs. facebook.com/ officeis todifferent. schedule a consultation. during the post-partum period. If there is additional infor-Lansing,sumblerbirthservices MI 48910 www.centralpharmacymi.com Me: Work for the man? itsonllyinsurance.com mation needed for the family relating to the baby’s or moth- Jose: NO, I work for my clients. er ’s wellness, I can provide. Me: Are you a witch? Jose: More like a wizard...haha Any questions that I forgot? Please call Jose at: 517-316-5333 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 Jackson Johnson retires from Lansing as federal investigation looms

Former Mayor Virg Bernero still defends retired human relations director

By KYLE KAMINSKI t won’t be an easy feat to replace Joan Jackson Johnson. I Amid accusations of years of finan- cial mismanagement, Jackson Johnson sent notice on Friday of her immediate retirement as the city’s long-time direc- tor of Human Relations and Community Services. That letter — although only two sentences long — noted it had been her “honor to serve the people of the city of Lansing.” But ask many who have gotten to know Jackson Johnson since she was hired by former Mayor Virg Bernero in 2008 and they’d tell you that honor was all theirs. Some of those closest to Jackson Johnson said they’ll always remember the impact she made on the capital city as one of Lansing’s most stalwart advocates for the poor. “Hard work, compassion and elbow grease were the order of the day with Triple J,” Bernero said Monday. “Dr. Johnson worked tirelessly on behalf of the needi- est of Lansing residents. I saw her put the needs of others over her own time and time again. I have no reason to doubt her integ- rity and commitment to her mission.” Even as a federal investigation looms over Jackson Johnson’s alleged missteps in

office, Bernero, among others in Lansing, Photo by Roxanne Frith are just starting to realize that someone as Jackson Johnson altruistic as “Triple J,”like so many affec- tionately called her, could be capable of Jackson Johnson — hired by Bernero in established specifically to educate African doing something wrong. Her name may 2008 — had largely dedicated her life to American students. have been tainted, but they still expect it community service even before the phrase Childhood roadblocks of disadvantage to be cleared. became part of her job title. She has been and discrimination helped to fuel her per- “She didn’t care if you were black, white. heavily involved in dozens of charitable sonal passion for advocating, empowering It didn’t make any difference. Male, female, organizations for decades and has since and educating poor children and families it didn’t bother her. She got her hands dirty. developed a reputation as the patron saint about homelessness and food deprivation, She rolled up her sleeves and she worked to of some of the poorest residents in Lansing. according to a interview she gave to the help make Lansing great. We stand on her “She’s a beacon of hope in this city,” Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle Magazine shoulders,” the Rev. Clyde Carnegie said. Joshua Gillespie said. “She’s the reason for a cover story published in 2018. “Joan, we love you. We’re not going to leave why so many people are fed in this city, By the 1970s, Jackson Johnson moved to you.” why many people have clothes in this city Michigan and earned her master’s degree And Jackson Johnson won’t exactly and why kids can eat when they get out of — and later her doctorate degree — in psy- be leaving either. Although now retired, school. Dr. Joan Jackson Johnson is more chology from Michigan State University, Jackson Johnson’s attorney, Jamie White, than a hero. She’s God sent, purposed to do according to a resume filed with the city of told the media last week that she was excit- the work of taking care of people.” Lansing. It was there she met her husband ed and enthusiastic about this “new phase” Gillespie’s comment came soon after Vernon and later had five children, includ- in her life and that she’ll now be able to the news broke last month that Jackson ing three who had been adopted. focus more on her family and her “lifelong Johnson has been placed on paid suspen- She later went on to work as a proba- passion” of “helping others.” sion based in a forensic audit and the city tion officer for Ingham County and then It’s still unclear what that charitable had referred its findings to the state attor- as counselor for the Michigan Bureau of work might look like outside of City Hall, ney general. With Gillespie and most other Rehabilitation while also starting up her especially as the city continues to pursue of her friends and supporters staying quiet own psychology practice, the East Lansing a court-ordered takeover of a nonprofit — as the investigation escalated to the federal Center for Family. She still owns the build- One Church One Family — that Jackson level — as well as Jackson Johnson herself ing, but the staff told City Pulse last week Johnson purportedly resigned from last — City Pulse has had to piece together a bio that she rarely ever comes to the office. year. Its future operation in Lansing of Jackson Johnson from media reporting Bernero reportedly recruited Jackson remains largely uncertain. that City Pulse hasn’t been able to verify Johnson to his cabinet while the duo served White and Jackson Johnson haven’t independently. on the board of directors for Community returned calls. Others in the community Those stories and her resume say Mental Health. Mayor Andy Schor retained that were once quick to defend Jackson Jackson Johnson grew up in poverty in her in the same position when he was elect- Johnson have also been less vocal in recent Tampa, Florida, and attended a racially ed in 2017. weeks after she was ousted from the job segregated public school system with her And over the years, Jackson Johnson has in January. And it has left the residents of eight siblings. She went on to earn a bach- been said to have dedicated just about every Lansing with two sharply contrasting lega- elor’s degree from Edward Waters College ounce of her free time back to the local cies that Jackson Johnson will leave behind. in Jacksonville, a faith-based private school See Jackson Johnson, Page 17 City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

One Family had received the bulk of ted by the city attorney, so I had no Jackson Johnson that cash — nearly $500,000 — while reason to question the legality or pro- Jackson Johnson served simultane- priety.” ously as a department director for the But under Schor’s administration, the from page 16 city and as the nonprofit’s president, dueling roles — where Jackson Johnson secretary and treasurer. Officials have had essentially cashed checks that car- community. With help from Bernero, since cast the dueling roles as an insur- ried her own signature — created a sort she helped to start a nonprofit organi- mountable conflict of interests. of legal grey area that warranted some zation — One Church One Family — to City officials this month also dis- more immediate consequences. purchase homes in Lansing and rent covered that five of the six members “I can only address the decision that them to homeless families at a drasti- of Lansing’s Human Relations and I needed to make when the information cally reduced rate. Community Services Board — an was in front of me,” Schor said. “When She was also involved with the entirely advisory and volunteer body we saw a forensic audit suggesting that Capital Area Health Alliance, which helped Jackson Johnson distrib- an employee may have violated state, Capital Area Community Servicesm ute grant funding — had been fraudu- federal or local law, it rose to the lev- Inc., Loaves and Fishes Ministries, lently listed in state records as directors el where we strongly recommended Advent House Ministries, the African of One Church One Family. putting her on leave and provided the American Health Institute, Catholic Subsequent interviews with board report to proper authorities.” Social Services, the Ingham County members showed that none were actu- Because the cash also involved federal Child Death Review Board, Capital Bernero ally willingly involved in the nonprofit grants, Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Area Food Security Coalition and many at all, indicating Jackson Johnson — at office — which was charged with other groups. bottom of our socioeconomic scale, our least in recent years — had directed the reviewing the situation after Jackson Jackson Johnson — when not inside entire community is impacted,” added entire operation. Schor had labeled the Johnson was placed on paid leave last her office applying for grants and coor- retired Lansing teacher Cheryl Dudley. development as “surprising” as officials month — has since referred the file to dinating services — was also known to What had been done to Jackson continued to explore how the nonprofit federal investigators. A spokeswoman scout around to local homeless shelters Johnson, she said, was “horrible.” And had operated. for the U.S. District Attorney’s office and search beneath bridges for those “a price is always paid when we touch In the meantime, without any state who needed her help. On the weekends, God’s people doing God’s work.” registered agent or a formal board See Jackson Johnson, Page 18 she also volunteered to serve meals to But according to auditors, that work of directors, the city is demanding a the homeless and had been known to apparently also includes mismanaged court-ordered audit of the nonprofit’s pitch in any way she can. finances and conflicting interests. financials to ensure thousands of dol- That generosity led to her induc- After the U.S. Department of Housing lars in grant funding were spent appro- tion into the Michigan Women’s Hall and Urban Development notified city priately. Lansing has also since peti- of Fame among other awards such as officials about “issues with contracts” tioned a judge to appoint a receiver to the Advent House Volunteer of the stemming from Jackson Johnson’s take over the nonprofit. Year, the ATHENA Award, State of department last year, auditors were But early records from One Church Michigan Volunteer Family of the Year, hired to investigate. And their find- One Family show that Lansing is only the NAACP Citizen of the Year for ings have cast a shadow over Jackson attempting to dismantle a product of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. the Sojourner Johnson’s otherwise impeccable record its own creation. Bylaws show Bernero Truth Award and many others. with the city. had actually appointed Jackson 40 Carnegie, Gillespie and several others Their report found at least $1.38 Johnson (and former planning director crowded Lansing City Hall last month million in city funds — under Jackson Bob Johnson) to serve on the nonprof- after the news broke that Jackson Johnson’s direct oversight — had it’s board of directors. And it wasn’t a Johnson had been accused of finan- been funneled into various nonprofit problem at the time, Bernero said. cial impropriety and had been placed groups in which she was either direct- “A city official serving on the board on paid leave. Like so many others in ly involved or had ties to members of of a community nonprofit isn’t an issue Lansing, they found it shocking that her immediate family. That included as long as there is transparency and Jackson Johnson could have done any- at least $86,000 that directly benefit- accountability with regard to any per- thing but positive work for the city. ed those charitable agencies, auditors ceived or actual conflicts of interest,” “If we’re not supporting the people said. Bernero told City Pulse Monday. “Any that are disenfranchised and at the Records also showed One Church contract I signed would have been vet- Lorem ipsum redcedar spiritsirits R Distillery & Cocktail Bar

JAZZ

James Zito Quartet Thursday, Feb 20; 7pm

Local Jazz Artists Thursday, February 20, 2020 • 7:30 PM Mondays, 8:30 to 11:30 pm Piano Potpourri with Deborah Moriarty and Friends Deborah Moriarty, Piano Tamar Mikeladze, Piano Zhihua Tang, Piano The Absolute Music Chember Series o ers its eleventh season at the acoustically-superior Urban Beat Event Center in Lansing’s old Town. In this highly welcoming space, everyone sits only a few feet away from the musicians to experience chamber music up close and personal. Concert guides introduce the artists and their programs and facilitate an after-concert discussion among the audience and the musicians. This talk-back provides a chance for the audience to connect with the musicians and understand the passionate process that creates Great spirits, cocktails, a performance. appetizers and setting every day! In the Old World soirée tradition, light refreshments are served following every concert. 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing Buy tickets online: absolutemusiclansing.org or at the door 4 - 10 p.m. Tues, Wed; 4 - 11 p.m Thurs & Fri; 2 - 11 p.m. Sat & Sun; Urban Beat Event Center, 1213 Turner Street Lansing, Michigan 48906 in Old Town Monday Jazz 8:30 to11:30 pm 517-908-9950 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

cial impropriety from Joan’s office,” Jackson Johnson Bernero added. “This case only high- CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING lights the need to strengthen the city’s LEGAL NOTICE internal reviews and controls to make from page 17 sure all conflicts are brought to light Notice is hereby given of a meeting of the Charter Township of Lansing Board of Appeals to be held Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Offices located at 3209 in a timely way and are appropriately West Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, for the purpose of hearing the following appeal: declined to elaborate on the referral. addressed to avoid even the appearance Court records also contend One of impropriety.” BA-20-03 – Request for variance from allowed number of signs on a building in the Eastwood Church One Family has failed to pro- But as the case continues, Lansing is Towne Center Planned Development. Zoning for this development allows for a total of 4 wall vide any records of how it spent near- left to decide between two versions of signs for a building with less than 100,000 square feet. Applicant is requesting a total of 10 wall signs. ly $250,000 in grant funding and, Jackson Johnson. The first: an impas- after Jackson Johnson’s resignation, is sioned community servant that has Address: 2515 Lake Lansing Road, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse essentially a ship without a rudder. City done nothing but help others. The lat- Tentative text and other information may be examined at the office of the Clerk, 3209 West officials contend a local judge will have ter: a top city executive who had too Michigan Avenue. to appoint someone else to take control much control over finances, too little Susan L. Aten, Clerk Charter Township of Lansing over the nonprofit. oversight and a disregard for proper CP#20-034 That person, if appointed, would also bookkeeping and ethical rules. be tasked with ensuring homelessness “Were we perfect? Of course not. prevention services continue for doz- Is there room for improvement? ens of local families, including those Absolutely,” Bernero explained this ABANDONED VEHICLE SALE housed at nine homes owned and oper- week. “But I never had reason to doubt CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN ated by One Church One Family. The the integrity or commitment of my cab- inet members.” Sealed bids marked S/20/069, ABANDONED VEHICLES will be accepted at the City of case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Lansing Purchasing Office, 1232 Haco Dr, Lansing Mi. 48912 until but no later than, 1:00 PM, Clinton Canady. A hearing will help to Visit lansingcitypulse.com for previ- local time in effect WED. FEB 19, 2020. sort out the finer details on Feb. 26. ous and continued coverage on Jackson Questions regarding this sale may be directed to Stephanie Robinson, Buyer, at (517) 702- 6197 or email: [email protected] - “I never caught one whiff of finan- Johnson’s departure.

Vehicles may be inspected WED. FEB. 19, 2020, as follows: SHROYER’S, 2740 EATON RAPIDS RD, LANSING MI. 48911 8:30 AM PJ’S , 1425 RENSEN, LANSING MI 10:00 AM NORTHSIDE TOWING, 226 RUSSELL, LANSING, MI 48906 10:45 AM SWIFT TOWING, 3939 HOLT RD, HOLT MI 9:15 AM

Abandoned Vehicle Sale List FEB. 19, 2020

SHROYERS PJ NORTHSIDE CONTINUED 2001 MERC 2009 FORD 2018 MOPED 1999 CHEV 2006 CHEV 2004 VOLVO 2008 CHEV 2010 BUICK 2006 CHRYS 2013 CHRY 2006 DODGE 1995 CHEV 2006 CHEV 2008 JEEP 2013 FORD 2009 GMC 2000 JEEP 2013 CAD 2008 VW 2005 DODGE TRUE WEST by SAM SHEPARD 2009 CHEV NORTHSIDE 2005 CHEV 2004 HONDA 2013 MOPED 2006 CAD directed by John Lennox 2011 GMC 1999 PONTIAC 2009 PONTI 2009 DODGE 2017 TRAILER 2010 FORD 2010 NISSAN 2002 TRAILER 2001 FORD 2000 BMW 2016 JEEP SWIFT 2004 CHRYS 1986 MERC 2006 BUICK 2009 CHRYS 008 PONT 1997 GMC 2005 CHEV

CP#20-039

N O T I C E The Board of Review of the City of Lansing will meet in regular sessions in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall for five days on March 09, 10, 11, 12, & 13 2020 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 NOON and 1:30PM to 4:30PM. EXCEPT for Wednesday, March 11 from 1:30PM to 4:30PM and 6:00PM to 9:00PM to review the assessment roll and hear appeals from taxpayers. Taxpayers are permitted to file his or her protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. Protest at the Board of Review is necessary to protect your right to further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal if your property is residential or agricultural. An appointment is suggested and must be scheduled before 3:00PM, March 12, 2020. If you do not make an appointment, you will have to wait for the next available opening in the schedule. Letter appeals must be received in the Assessor’s Office by 4:30PM, March 12, 2020. City of Lansing will also hold its Organizational meeting on Tuesday March 3, 2020 at 2pm; no appeals may be heard at this meeting. Please call the City of Lansing Assessor’s Office at (517) 483-7624 for information about your assessment and/or to make an appointment. RATIO AND TENTATIVE EQUALIZATION FACTORS FOR 2020

Eaton County Property Class Tentative Ratio Multiplier Agricultural N/C BLACK BOX THEATRE Commercial 43.81 1.1413 Industrial 50.28 0.99444 8 P.M. FEB. 21 22 AND 28 29 Residential 44.65 1.11983 Timber-Cutover N/C LCC.EDU/SHOWINFO Developmental N/C Personal 50.00 1.0000 Lansing Community College is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer. Ingham County Property Class Tentative Ratio Multiplier Agricultural N/C Commercial 45.67 1.09481 CITY OF EAST LANSING Industrial 47.41 1.0547 NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST Residential 46.09 1.08484 FOR THE TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 ELECTION Timber-Cutover N/C Developmental N/C NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Accuracy Test for the March 10, 2020 Presidential Personal 50.00 1.0000 Primary Election for registered voters in the City of East Lansing, Ingham and Clinton Counties, has been scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., City Clerk’s Office located Clinton County at 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Property Class Tentative Ratio Multiplier Agricultural 43.46 1.1505 The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the program being used to tabulate Commercial 43.71 1.1439 the results of the election, counts the votes in the manner that meets the requirements of the Industrial 46.98 1.0643 law. Residential N/C Timber-Cutover N/C All interested persons are welcome to attend. Developmental N/C Jennifer Shuster Personal 50.00 1.0000 East Lansing City Clerk CP#20-009 CP#20-036 City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC Immersive and subversive: Latinx Film Festival goes big By SKYLER ASHLEY A still from ing resources that are very underused. The second edition of Michigan State "Singing Our Way I approached the library and they were University’s Latinx Film Festival is to Freedom," super enthusiastic and made ‘Use of taking its concept of bringing interna- which tells the Force’ happen.” tionally and locally produced Spanish, story of Ra- Music is another major cultural ele- English and Portuguese language films mon "Chunky" ment present. On top of the films and to Mid-Michigan and making it larger Sanchez, an documentaries where the crux of the than ever before. Boasting five days, a plot is music-centric, “Ruben Blades activist who be- dozen venues, is Not My Name” on Saturday at the came known as MSU Latinx even more films Robin Theatre and “Singing Our Way Caesar Chavez's Film Festival — many of to Freedom” on Sunday at Celebration Wednesday, Feb. 12 - them by wom- favorite musi- Cinema,” LXFF is putting together sev- Sunday, Feb. 16 cian. For a full schedule of en directors — eral live concerts. The MSU College of screenings and venues visit virtual reality Courtesy photo Music String Quartet is performing msulatinxfilmfestival.com film technology, Wednesday’s opening reception at the director Q&As primary focus was on highlighting mov- VR headset that, rather than attempt- Broad, playing five pieces by Colombian and live music, LXFF is making the ies that had a powerful socio-political ing to place you within a video game, composer Jesus A. Rey Mariño, in addi- push to become a film festival that’s a statement. is putting you crushingly close on a tion to works by Argentinian compos- calling card for all of Michigan and not “We have an eye to select films with human level to the death of Anastasio ers Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel just MSU students and Greater Lansing social or political relevance,” Boehm Hernández Rojas, who was fatally beat- and Mexican composer Manuel Ponce. residents. said. en in 2010 by several United States Another College of Music band, Salsa Festival director Scott Boehm, an “Marielle and Monica,” showing Border Patrol agents. The recreation of Verde, is performing Saturday at the assistant professor of Spanish & glob- Wednesday at the MSU Broad Museum, the event with 3D graphics is designed Lansing Brewing Co. al studies at MSU, said the success of addresses the murder of Afro-Brazilian to simulate the effect of being a bystand- But perhaps the most interesting the first edition in 2018 and the special LGBTQ activist Marielle Franco. The er to the incident. musical guest is Ozzie Rivera, a long- events under the LXFF name in 2019 film follows the life of her widow, Thursday the library also features time Detroit activist, educator, histori- allowed it to grow exponentially. Monica Benicio, who continues to ded- a 360-video installation, “Puro 956: an, musician and everything in between. “The turnout in 2018 exceeded all icate her life to social justice. Jumping Discovering Narratives From the His band, RicanStructure, is perform- of our expectations, and when we did to WKAR Studios, Wednesday also fea- Rio Grande Valley,” by MSU student ing Friday at MSU’s Snyder-Phillips our special events the same thing hap- tures “The Pushouts,” a documentary Leobardo Vallejo. The Rio Grande Valley Hall after a run of short films from pened,” Boehm said. “We’ve been rid- about high school dropout and gang is nestled in the southernmost region of Puerto Rican filmmakers that explore ing the wave of that and trying to offer member Victor Rios’ 20-year journey Texas bordering Mexico. Vallejo’s home- the devastation of Hurricane Maria. more. There’s a demand for it on and to becoming a professor that helps trou- town of Weslaco, Texas, is located within Rivera is also participating in Saturday’s off-campus.” bled youth. the valley and his film aimed to capture meet and greet at Casa de Rosado, along While the selection of films runs a Thursday’s screenings at the MSU a realistic look at border communities with directors Paul Espinosa, José Luis gamut of genres such as comedy, doc- Library includes Nonny De La Peña’s free from hysterics and hyperbole. Benavides, John Valdez and Alexandra umentary, suspense and drama — this brief but powerful documentary “The “That region gets so much negative Hidalgo. year even features a mainstream block- Use of Force”— an immersive activ- attention. Vallejo shows people who’ve “The whole idea behind the festival is buster with “Dora and the Lost City of ist-journalism project that uses virtual never been there what it’s actually like,” to create spaces for conversations about Gold” — it was vital to make sure the reality film technology. Just picture a Boehm said. “The university has amaz- issues that matter locally,” Boehm said. Gillespie Co.’s Provident Place moving in tenants by March By SKYLER ASHLEY For more information on founder and owner Scott Gillespie two-bedroom options, with the larg- One of Lansing’s development Provident Place visit said were beyond repair, were razed est apartment reaching 1,025 square hype-trains is finally arriving at the thegillespiecompany.com and much of the dirt beneath had to feet. Each unit sports a cool, mod- station. With interior construction be removed. ern look and features a washer/dryer nearing completion and approved vacant buildings and “Years ago, both of the proper- and dishwasher. Dogs and cats are tenants slated to move in by March 1, a soil cleanup project ties were service stations. So there allowed. And, for a $50 monthly fee, Gillespie Co.’s $7 million Provident that was funded in were multiple tanks in the ground,” residents have access to an under- Place apartment building on E. part by a 2015 grant program from Gillespie said. “We removed the ground parking garage with an ele- Michigan Avenue is practically a go. the EPA that sponsors environmen- buildings, we removed the contam- vator. Rent for a studio apartment Construction of Provident Place, tal cleanup projects. Provident Place ination and removed a ton of soil.” starts at $795, while one-bedrooms which features 33 apartments and also received a brownfield tax incen- Provident Place offers a and two-bedrooms start at $900 and 9,500 square feet of retail space, tive — $1.7 million over 19 years. 505-square-foot studio option, and required the demolition of two The buildings, which Gillespie Co. two different one-bedroom and See New in town, Page 20 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 Utopian punk: PET ME unveils debut EP at Mac’s Bar By RICH TUPICA tion-wise.” When you take a seat in PET ME While Hunt has a long history of gig- vocalist Vikki Vera’s house, alongside ging across Michigan, the rest of the some guitars and amplifiers, you’ll find band members are new to band life. a series of striking aquariums lining her “Quinn and I are partners,” Hunt said, wall. “So, when we were forming the band, I “Those are reef bowls,” Vera says. said, ‘Hey, we need a bassist, you should “That’s live coral and I grow it. It’s an play bass.’ Quinn could already play gui- ultra-low tar pretty well, so it worked out.” PET ME EP release mainte- “This is my first band,” Endicott add- With If Walls Could Talk, Kiddo, Midnight Air nance coral ed. “I started playing bass right when All ages, $12, $10 adv., 7 p.m. reef aquar- the band started. I kind of prefer bass Saturday, Feb. 15 @ Mac’s Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing ium. I used now. I like coming up with one-note petme.bandcamp.com. to have lines, rather than playing full-on guitar bigger reef chords on a six-string.” aquariums, but I got sick of the amount Starting a new undertaking has of time and money it took to keep them allowed them all to be open and col- up. I wanted to do other things, like laborate freely. While Hunt provides play in a band.” PET ME is (left to right): Myxi (drums), Vikki Vera (vocals), Allie Hunt (guitar) and the chords and Vera belts out her lyrics, And that’s indeed what she did. In Quinn Endicott (drums). The band releases its debut EP Saturday at Mac’s Bar. from there, the rhythm section pulls it spring of 2018, Vera, an already accom- You can find the band online at @petmeband on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. together. plished Lansing-based visual artist, “I’d like to think we all have musical decided to pursue the sonic arts and take way too long to make stuff. I was “I’m a very quiet and introverted per- input on the songs,” Myxi said. “As we co-formed PET ME. By New Year’s Eve finding I couldn’t charge what I felt the son in my regular life,” said the dynam- play, Allie will come up with a riff, then 2018, the band performed live for the art was worth.” ic vocalist. “I adopt a more extroverted we all start playing and it grows from first time and introduced its self-de- So why a band? Why dial back her persona when I’m in the band, and hav- there. We bounce ideas around.” scribed “fierce femme queercore power creation of fine art — for the art of band ing a stage name helps me inhabit that One of those jointly created songs, pop” to the Lansing music scene. Aside merch? side of me. I chose ‘Vikki’ because it has “Fully Automated,” was inspired by from Vera, the group also compris- “I wanted to reach more people,” she a bit of a spiky and prickly sound that the art of “leftist shitposting” on social es guitarist Allie Hunt, bassist Quinn said. “I knew there were people who appeals to me. ‘Vera’ is derived from a media, Vera admits. Endicott and drummer — known only liked my artwork, but I couldn’t get it Latin word meaning ‘truth’ and a lot of “Are you familiar with Fully by her first name — Myxi. to them because it was too expensive to the lyrics I write are about living your Automated Luxury Gay Space “‘Myxi’ was an early D&D character of make. That’s what I love about being in truth … ‘Hungry’ is a brand-new song Communism? It’s a meme,” the lyri- mine — my Bard,” explained the percus- a band. People can come see us for $10 about getting the fuck out of the closet cist explained. “It’s a utopian idea; a sionist. “So, now that I’m a bard, I fig- and if they want a souvenir, they can and living your truth.” utopian daydream. The idea that with ured it’s a great time to use that name.” buy a button for $1 or have a sticker for Hunt, the band’s guitarist, is a famil- the resources and machine learning we The four-piece band just released its free.” iar face in Lansing. Before she was already have, if we could muster the debut, a self-titled EP produced by local Like Myxi, Vera said she also rein- writing hooky riffs for PET ME, the political will to do it, we already have engineer Nick LaForge. It’s on stream- vented herself with a stage name, pre- spent time performing with the capability to give people a life of lei- ing services and, Saturday, the all-ages ferring to leave her real persona out of Charlatan. As for the new EP, Hunt said sure without hanging them out to dry. release party happens at Mac’s Bar. On PET ME. Her vocal delivery and stage having LaForge behind the recording “Right now, automation is just being the disc, within three songs, PET ME presence was perhaps inspired by por- board helped with capturing the tracks used to make a tiny bit of people richer,” veers seamlessly from anthemic indie- tions of her massive music collection — — a fun-and-catchy batch of tunes that she added. “But it could be used to give rock melodies into fiery riot grrl punk. one that spans from newer UK bands avoid being too self-serious, while still people the life of leisure that people — Vera said it’s a welcome change of pace. like The Big Moon to throwback ‘90s tackling social commentary. 50 or 100 years ago —hoped we’d have “I’ve continued to make art, but I was Britpop icons like Elastica and Suede. “We definitely got feedback from by this time. Instead, people are work- just getting really disenchanted with it,” With that is a heavy dose of obnoxious Nick in the studio,” Hunt said. “We ing longer hours for less money. So, she said. “I got sick of trying to make old-school punk like X-Ray Spex, Sex even changed a couple things around, don’t get me wrong: I’m not optimistic it work economically because I tend to Pistols, Avengers and Dead Kennedys. because it made more sense produc- about the future. It’s a utopian fantasy.

“We took it another step and got critics of Provident Place. New in town a lot of feedback — to figure out “I take pride in being part of the what people are liking and what growth of Lansing and the rebirth from page 19 people want to see,” Gillespie said. of the east side,” Gillespie said. “I’ve “We started with a clean sheet of spoken with a ton of people on the $1175. paper and distilled all the comments east side, and I am always open to The façade of the building imme- that we received. We took all of that doing that.” diately drew attention on social information and designed it directly Provident Place already has a media, as it features a unique design from the feedback. That part was a tenant for the first floor’s retail that emulates the visage of sever- lot of fun.” space, a gym called Flex City Fitness. al buildings squashed together on While some online weren’t kind to Whether there will be a discount for a city block, à la New York City or the design, Gillespie said he is open tenants hasn’t been confirmed. Chicago. to conversations with dissatisfied Skyler Ashley/City Pulse Provident Place on Michigan Avenue. City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21

Paranoia manifests itself in ‘900 Miles to International Falls’ By DAVID WINKELSTERN The world premiere of Annie Martin’s Williamston Theatre’s “900 Miles to play is full of parallelisms, surprises, International Falls” begins with projec- shocks and novel storylines. Getting to tions on a wall that stretch the length of International Falls isn’t its real focus. the stage and from floor to ceiling. The “900 Miles” has flashes of aggression, rapidly changing social media posts and emotional outbursts and genuine scares. world news clips show how Martin’s script also includes humorous Review our planet evolves from and touching moments. about 2039 to 2054. What helps make her very adult play Photo courtesy Chris Purchis It’s a time of war, government pro- succeed and come alive are the grand (Left to right) Karen Sheridan, Casaundra Freeman and jøn kent in "900 Miles to paganda and lies — and when moth- elements of the Williamston produc- International Falls." ers are asked to give up sons to fight tion. The wall used as a continual never-ending screen, designed by Bartley H. Bauer, is approaching manhood. plays an assortment of mostly author- “900 Miles to battles. 2054 is quite complex. It is capable of revealing The engaging Heather Mahoney is a itarian roles with finesse and class. One International when citizens are surprise doors, pullouts and openings. pregnant woman from Australia who moment she is affable and the next she Falls” fighting aliens A simple table manages to fold out into has come to work at the gun factory is a tormenter. Through March 1 trying to occupy a workbench. near Detroit with Tanya. Mahoney’s Tony Caselli’s direction keeps the Tickets start at $28 Williamston Theatre our lands. The clever projections designed by accent and mannerisms are spot-on. action rolling flawlessly from one quick 122 S. Putnam St., Sound famil- Alison Dobbins are as varied as a brick Known simply as “J,” Mahoney inspires scene to another. Varied and detailed Williamston williamstontheatre.org, iar? facade, a silhouetted government fig- compassion. costumes by Karen Kangas-Preston (517) 655-7469 Except in urehead, or a photographic backdrop Besides her other fleeting roles, the help separate the character and scene this new era, of machinery in a field. They are all chameleon-like Darah Donaher skill- changes. Jason Painter Price artful- the “aliens” aren’t Mexicans, South remarkable. fully plays another pregnant worker ly conveys frequent and crucial sound Americans, or other foreigners fleeing The stellar cast of five kept me com- who eagerly supports the mandate for effects. He makes realistic noises some- horrific and unlivable conditions. The pletely transfixed during the under- fertilization. times move. Michelle Raymond’s prop future invasion is actual alien beings two-hour-with-intermission play. The In the future, having babies by any guns seem eerily authentic. from a distant, uninhabitable planet. commanding Casaundra Freeman plays means possible is encouraged to replen- If the Orwellian and horrific future Who look just like us. And care for their the rebellious Tanya Freeman with an ish male soldiers, and births are cele- “900 Miles” portrays isn’t scary enough, babies, just like us. And who really want ever-steady force. As her son, Clark, jøn brated with a cake. the thought that a similar scenario could to be our friends. kent is a perfect pick for an adolescent The always-potent Karen Sheridan be less than 30 years away is terrifying. ‘Unnecessary Farce’ provides a much needed break from reality By TOM HELMA but it has the feel of an ensemble cast, Bravo to both. Daugherty’s characteri- a baffled befuddlement, as he drifts An existential question: When does wherein quirky individual characteriza- zation of Billie is a constant delight to in and out of the action on the stage. a so-called unnecessary tions outshine the absurdity of the plot, watch, as she downs doughnuts with Watching his character come through Review farce become necessary? which unfolds in two adjacent hotel widening eyes while watching a video a door, spin around; step out, then in Answer: When the past rooms. of what is happening in an adjacent again in a swirl is delightfully amusing week’s real-life political drama has In and out we go, doors opening, room. all by itself. become unbearable. knocking actors to the ground — comic Eric Sheridan is the second cop, Steve, Perhaps the funniest of many laugh- Nothing could be timelier than the timing and overlapping lines creating and along with Leigh Christopher able scenes is where we discover that comic relief abundant laughs. as Karen Brown, an accountant is Mayor Meekly’s wife Mary, portrayed Unnecessary Farce of Riverwalk Chief among equals is Jesse Frawley involved in multiple scenes of fervent by Gini Larson, is possibly more than Tickets start at $10 Theatre’s pro- in the role of Todd, the Highland passionate kisses and rapid disrobing what she seem. Could she secretly Feb. 13-16 Hitman from the Scottish Mafia. — a parody of the sweaty scenes we see be Big Mack, the godmother of the Thursday, 7 p.m., duction of Friday, 8 p.m. “Unnecessary Frawley’s Scotch brogue alone is a often in movies. Director Magnuson Scottish Mafia? Hmm. Saturday, 8 p.m., Farce,” a Paul scene-stealing garble of nonsensical called in Amanda Tollstam as an “inti- Cops and Mafioso circle each other Sunday, 2 p.m. Riverwalk Theatre Slade Smith syllables that confuse the other actors macy director.” Tollstam writes of her- with guns drawn and the bed that sepa- 228 Museum Dr., Lansing play that is and the audience as well — at one point self as a choreographer in the program rates them becomes, well, you must see (517) 482-5700 riverwalktheatre.com directed with evoking a rousing round of applause. notes, which read, “she is better known it to get the sight gag. precision and Rachel Daugherty, in the role of Officer for more upright choreography.” As to the title “Unnecessary Farce,” perfection by Jeff Magnuson. Billie Dwyer, evokes a second round Doak Bloss is Mayor Meekly and what prompts the use of the word Arguably, there are traditional lead of applause when Billie interprets his lives up to the name of his character, unnecessary? The explanation ends and supporting characters in this play, soliloquy in rapid fire clear English. displaying an “Oh my!” confusion, the play with a wide grin and an “Oh, I 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

Wildlife photographer Slow kills and quiet times Eric Johnson Eric Johnson’s calm eye wanting more. had a few Nine of the pictures on the Absolute stories to tell captures wild encounters Gallery wall were chosen from at Absolute By LAWRENCE COSENTINO thousands of entries as a National Gallery Friday. On the est wall of Old Town’s Absolute Geographic Picture of the Day. Gallery is a photo of three cheetahs One of them is a portrait of a huge, licking each other’s faces. Fowler-based angry lion with two cubs jumping over photographer Eric Johnson calls it him, taken at Ngorongoro Crater in “Triple Joy.” It looks like a love fest, but Tanzania. Johnson was about 50 yards the backstory makes the hair on your away. neck stand up. To photograph a group of silverback Holding court at Friday’s opening of gorillas in Rwanda, he hiked to an alti- his lush, vivid wildlife images, Johnson tude of 10,000 feet. had a lot of backstories to share. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever Just before done, physically,” he said. “I didn’t Eric Johnson: the photo was think I was going to make it.” This Visions of Wildlife taken, a moth- time, he didn’t need a telephoto lens. Absolute Gallery er cheetah took The curious gorillas peered at 307 E. César E. Chavez Johnson, walked up to him and his Ave., Lansing down a young (517) 482-8845 gazelle, but wife, Val, and poked at their cameras. didn’t kill it One young gorilla grabbed Val’s leg and right away, to give the cubs in the photo went for her cellphone. some hunting practice. “You’re supposed to stay 10 meters Even for a man whose day job away, but they don’t know about that Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse involves photographing crime scenes, rule,” Johnson said. The most remarkable image is an it was tough to watch. Save the Rhino, the Sheldrick Wildlife alpha male gorilla, lounging pensively “The mother gazelle was off to the Trust and the Sepilok Orangutan in the foliage, leaning on his left arm. side, bleeding,” Johnson said. “We Rehabilitation Center. Johnson jokingly calls it the “Burt watched the cheetahs chase it, knock it “My goal is to show these animals Reynolds” shot. (It’s the same pose the down, let it back up until they finally to people who otherwise wouldn’t actor struck in his nude Cosmopolitan killed it and ate just about every last bit see them, so they think about these centerfold.) of it.” animals and how many of them are Johnson, a native of Battle Creek, Johnson’s telephoto lens captured endangered,” he said. retired in 1979 after 31 years with the the cubs affectionately (or just hungri- The work requires almost superhu- state police. He is now the only certi- ly) licking the gazelle grease off each man reserves of patience. fied forensic photographer in Michigan other’s faces. It’s true what they say It took Johnson 14 hours to get a por- and works with more than 60 law firms — the family that preys together stays trait of a barred owl that will appear on Eric Johnson/Visions of Wildlife and 100 attorneys. Between that and together. the cover of the next issue of The Jack his nature photography, he is seldom but his eye is quick to capture sudden In old movies, there’s always a blow- Pine Warbler, the magazine of the without a camera in his hand. action as well. On one of his African hard at the party who never stops Michigan Audubon Society. He learned “It’s a great retirement,” he said. adventures, he watched a cattle egret — talking about his African safari. of the owl’s nest in Kensington Metro He’s been photographing wildlife a slender midsized white bird — jump “The lion was only 50 feet away,” he Park near Milford and just staked out most of his adult life, but never sold or from the neck of a huge Cape buffalo to brags, just before a pie hits him in the the tree until the owl showed up and exhibited any of his work until recently. the ground. The buffalo bowed its mas- face. the light was right. All of his proceeds from print sales are sive head, allowing the egret to pick Johnson is the opposite. Quiet and Even Johnson’s infinite patience methodical by nature, he leaves you donated to three conservation groups: a few tasty parasites out of its nose. doesn’t always pay off. On one photo Johnson caught the fleeting study in shoot, he got permission to set up shop contrast between the delicate egret and near an eagle’s nest and started pho- the hulking buffalo. tographing a baby eagle at two weeks The scariest photo on the wall is a fear- old. When it looked like the eagle was some, open-mouthed 10,000-pound about to fledge, Johnson camped out hippo surfacing from the Mara River in from sunup to sundown for 13 straight Kenya, looking like someone just told days. On the morning of the 14th, he him some very bad news. had an appointment he couldn’t post- “Hippos are responsible for more pone. When he came back, the eagle human deaths than any other animal was gone. in Africa,” Johnson helpfully noted. There’s a happy ending, though — he After witnessing primal scenes like came back after a week and caught the these, many people would reach for eaglet when it soared on its first ther- a stiff drink as soon as they reached mal current, before it had even learned camp. to fly. Johnson has only one thought. Many of Johnson’s images show ani- “I can’t wait to get my photos load- mals in quiet, even pensive, moments, Eric Johnson/Visions of Wildlife ed,” he said. City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 ‘The Good Killer’ continues Harry Dolan’s saga of thriller books By BILL CASTANIER Killer” became which was founded by the legendary If you’ve attended a Harry Dolan his shortest Otto Penzler in 1975, and named after book reading, you know he is one novel at 93,000 his Mysterious Bookshop in New York of the most unlikely thriller writers words. City. when compared to contemporaries When he was The Press publishes contemporary such as Lee Childs, Robert Crais and writing the writers and also republishes clas- Jeffrey Deaver. book Dolan sic mystery and thriller writers like In his latest book “The Good Killer,” wondered if the Agatha Christie, Ellis Peters and he’s crossed over from a sublime, ghost of Cody Ellery Queen. Interestingly enough, often-ethereal mystery writer to a would work. “It the Press is publisher of “Eye of well-honed thriller writer. On a per- turned out to the Beholder: The Almost Perfect sonal level, he’s still the no muss-no be a terrific way Murder,” written by former Detroiter fuss, no drama author of four mystery to reveal Sean’s Lowell Cauffiel. It follows the 1991 books that primarily take place in innermost thoughts,” Dolan said. murder of the Battle Creek TV anchor Ann Arbor. Although the book is violent, with Diane Newton King, who was killed In a recent phone conversation even Molly getting into the action, by a sniper in 1991 in her hometown with the author from his Ann Arbor Dolan said he kept “a certain distance of Marshall. home, he reminded me of interviews from the violence.” I’ve done with the late, great Elmore One technique of Dolan’s that dif- Leonard. His new novel also skews fers from Elmore Leonard is his research about the locales in the book toward the lean writing of Leonard. Dolan “The Good Killer” follows Sean on the web, while Leonard used an Garrety, an Iraq War veteran, and par- assistant who embedded himself in a amour Molly Bowen. They’ve entered Dolan said his newest novel is “not location and fed the author tidbits to a self-imposed witness protection a mystery, but there are revelations give his books authenticity. program, following a botched robbery throughout the chase that provide The book’s thrilling denouement is of a Detroit antiquities dealer, which plenty of answers to unknowns.” worth waiting for and it’s where an also resulted in the death of Sean’s He said the idea for the book started unlikely hero emerges. best friend and fellow veteran Cody. with a man who “foils a mass shoot- “The Good Killer” is the first of Four years later, Sean and Molly are ing and the guy with the gun who kills Dolan’s books published by Mysterious living comfortably in Houston when him would have his own secret past.” Press, an imprint of Grove Atlantic, the thriller begins its complex and “It went from there to a revenge bloody adventure. Sean finds himself plot,” Dolan said. BOOK TALK & SIGNING ousted after a shopping trip for hiking Dolan’s writing is superb. He flesh- WITH C.M. GLEASON boots ends with him stopping a mass es out the personalities of the hired Art by Nevin February 20 · 6pm killer in his tracks. thugs who, despite being violent, have As seen on the cover of CityPulse C.M. Gleason returns with her third some qualities to be admired. Predictably, Sean’s bravery is caught installment in the Lincoln’s White House on cell phones and security cameras. “Even Jimmy Harper stands for Mysteries series, Murder at the Capitol. The notoriety means Sean and Molly something. He cannot be bought,” In July 1861, just months after the must go on the run while eluding the Dolan said. Battle of Fort Sumter plunges the young brother of Cody, who seeks revenge Dolan has also learned the impor- nation into civil war, President Lincoln’s for his brother’s death. The FBI, the tance of a well-edited book. top priority is to unite the country, while Adam Quinn finds himself on the Houston Police and thugs sent on the “My first draft was much longer Illustrations • Murals • Graphic Design Signs • Banners • T-shirts trail of a murderer . . . hunt from the antiquities dealer also with much more backstory,” he said. In addition to her book Colleen will be give chase. Following the editing and trim- [email protected] talking about “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Civil War Washington, D.C.” What also makes the book unusu- ming of 12,000 words, “The Good ArtByNeviN Art_By_NeviN al is Dolan’s use of numerous POV changes to move the book forward. SCHULER BOOK CLUB We hear from Sean and Molly, Cody’s Our Valentine to You! February 19 · 6pm brother Jimmy whom wants Sean Join us monthly for the Schuler Book dead, a selection of violent thugs, the Curious Book Shop Club—a great way to create community, Now through14% Valentine’s off Day! cops and even the ghost of Cody. 307 E. Grand River ❤ East Lansing and engage with new books. This month But first, Sean, with Cody’s ghost 332-0112 ❤ We validate parking we are reading The Bromance Book Club at his side, must reconnect with Mon-Sat43% 10-7, Sunoff 12-5 by Lyssa Kay Adams. Molly, who’s at a women’s retreat in www.curiousbooks.com Montana. Used Books KID’S STORY TIME Archives Book Shop UsedBooks, Books, Saturdays · 11am The crux of the plot is who will 519& W. Mag Grandazine River ❤s East Lansing Magazines,Magazines, get to Sean and Molly first? Will it Collectibles,Collectibles, 332-8444 ❤ Free parking Posters, Posters, Jump into the pages of our favorite be the cops, the vengeful brother or Mon-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5 Ephemera,Ephemera, books! We will sing songs, make a craft Lots More! the greedy antiquities dealer? While [email protected] Lots More! and go on a new adventure. the protagonists are on the run, they become modern folk heroes and are helped by cops who give them a pass and average folks who harbor them. 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

1611 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-999-3911. allenneighborhoodcenter.org.

Code Club! - No coding expertise necessary. 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014.

Lansing Codes : Cowork at The Grid. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The Grid, 226 E. Grand River Ave, Lansing.

Line Dancing - No partner or experience needed. 1-1:30 p.m. Hannah Community Center, ON THE 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Sweet Treats-Cupcake Decorating - 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. grandledge.lib.mi.us.

Sweetheart Ball - 7-8:30 p.m. East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East TOWN Lansing. cityofeastlansing.com. Events must be entered through the calendar Threads of Wisdom: Ordains. 6:30-7:30 p.m. at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. Charges may apply for paid events to appear ARTS in print. If you need assistance, please call Color & Creativity - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Suzi at (517) 999-6704. Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Bitter Sometimes at Mac’s Bar Intro to Drawing Class: 6-8 p.m. MSU Broad Wednesday, February 12 Art Lab, 565 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. If you don’t enjoy celebrating live music and prizes. Following a talent 517-884-4800. Valentine’s show at 8 p.m., sets will be performed CLASSES AND SEMINARS Bitter Sometimes Day, Mac’s by Christie Da Vinci, Rodeo Boys and DJ Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. Low-tech Screenprinting-4:30 - 6 p.m. $10 Advance, $15 at the door. Bar will HOT DJ. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Friday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. be host- Bitter Sometimes wants you to ignore Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing ing “Bitter “the stream of superficial couple self- Group Dance Class - Beginning Salsa. 8:15- Sorry, I’m Not Leaving Exhibition - 11 (517) 484-6795, macsbar.com Sometimes,” ies clogging your feed and rock up with 9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East a.m.-6 p.m. all week. Lansing Art Gallery, 119 N. a delightfully equally unimpressed cuties.” The event Lansing. 517-364-8888. Washington, Ste. 101, Lansing. 517-374-6400. anti-Valentine’s Day night of entertain- also aims to celebrate “individuality,” ment that features tarot readings, art, “LGBTQ love” and “melanin.” Line Dance Lessons - All ages welcome. 7-9 Teen Wheel - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Art p.m. Overdrive Lansing Mall, 5330 W Saginaw Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999- Hwy, Lansing. 3643. reachstudioart.org.

Make Your Business Legal - Course for Tween Wheel - 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art Zumba - Want to lose weight and have fun too? Studio (in)Process - The studio is (in)Process! prospective business owners 6-8 p.m. LCC, Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999- 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, 1030 W. 6-9 p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E. Grand River 309 N. Washington Square, Lansing. 517-483- 3643. reachstudioart.org. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. Ave., East Lansing. 517-884-4800. 1921. clients.sbdcmichigan.org. MUSIC LITERATURE AND POETRY Unnecessary Farce - 7-9:30 p.m. Riverwalk Technology with Michelle - 1-2 p.m. Hannah Tina Gorter, collaborative piano - Free. 6 Book Group - Read along and chat every month Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482-5700. Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East p.m. Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East in person or on Goodreads.com (ERADL Book riverwalktheatre.com. Lansing. 517-337-1113. Lansing. events.msu.edu. Group). 5:45-6:45 p.m. Eaton Rapids Area District Library, 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. MUSIC LITERATURE AND POETRY Thursday, February 13 Brittney Self, trumpet - Free. 6 p.m. Cook Adventure Club Storytimes - 4-5 p.m. Chipmunk Story Time - 10-11 a.m. Harris Nature Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos. 517-349-3866. Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. CLASSES AND SEMINARS meridian.mi.us. events.msu.edu. Jefferson, Grand Ledge. grandledge.lib.mi.us. American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion, Technology - Free and public talk. 7 p.m. 1145 Engineering Chenxi Zhou, violin - Free. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Bookworms at the Broad - Bring your eyes, Building, 428 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. EVENTS ears, and imaginations! 10 a.m. Eli and Edythe Bath Township Farmers Market - 3-7 p.m. Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. events.msu.edu. Broad Art Museum, 547 E Circle Dr, East Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- Bath Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Rd, Lansing. 517-884-4800. broadmuseum.msu.edu. 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Bath. bathtownship.us. Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Elden Kelly Live - 7:30-9:30 p.m. Henry’s Place, Family Storytime (Ages up to 6) - 11 a.m.- Candy Land-Life-Sized! (All ages) - 3-5 4926 Marsh Road, Okemos. 517-580-3075. 12 p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., English Country Dance - No experience p.m. CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Webberville. cadl.org needed. 7-9:30 p.m. Snyder-Phillips Hall, MSU, Williamston. cadl.org Friday, February 14 362 Bogue St, East Lansing. 517-321-3070. Festival of Listening - Join us for an evening Clinton County Open Food Distribution - T CLASSES AND SEMINARS of untranslated poetry. 7-9 p.m. (Scene) Strength & Balance (Adults) - Improve your 8-10 a.m. Bath Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Metrospace, 110 Charles St, East Lansing. Rd, Bath. bathtownship.us. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- posture, strength and balance. 2:30-3:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot poetry.rcah.msu.edu. CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. Downtown Traffic JAM! - 4:30-6 p.m. Knapp’s Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. EVENTS Vision Board Make and Take Workshop - Building, 300 S. Washington Sq., Lansing. Allen Farmers Market - 3-6:30 p.m. Print Your Own Valentine’s Day Underwear 6:30-8:30 p.m. East Lansing Public Library, 950 - 6-8 p.m. ALT Printing Co, 1139 S. Washington with Alex Mendenall performing at 5 p.m. Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-256-6340. The Future - Talk about the future. 10-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Ave., Lansing. 517-388-3558. altprintingco.com. Lansing. 517-337-1113. SATURDAY, FEB. 15 >> WINTER GARAGE SALE AND FLEA MARKET Teal Talk with Dr. Brian Johnson, College of Lansing Grassroots Philosophy - Discussion Social Science - 1-2 p.m. MSU Museum, 409 W Circle Dr, East Lansing. 517-355-2370. The annual Winter Garage Sale and Flea group. 6:30-8 p.m. Kelly’s Downtown, 220 S Washington Square, Lansing. Market at the Ingham County Fairgrounds EVENTS and Exposition Center returns for its 24th Making Democracy Work: presented by the Monthly Game Night - 7-10 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministry, 5705 S. Washington Ave., year. Antiques, vintage collectibles, jewelry, League of Women Voters Lansing Area. 6-8 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Lansing. 517-657-5800. furniture and more can be purchased. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Refuge Recovery Lansing - 7:30-8:30 p.m. Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. ARTS Ingham County Fairgrounds, 100 E. Ash St., Mason Community Art Projects - 3-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, ARTS Tigerprofleemarket.net, (517) 403-1135 Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Audio Theater - The Audio Air Force presents See Out on the town, Page 27 City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Feb. 12-18, 2020

"Decade in ARIES (March 21-April 19): Now that she's and how they expressed their love, and how you Review, Part in her late forties, Aries comedian and actress felt as you received their caring attention. Then 4"--fun stuff Tig Notaro is wiser about love. Her increased send out a beam of gratitude to each of them. from 2016 & capacity for romantic happiness has developed Honor them with sublime appreciation for having 2017. in part because she's been willing to change her treasured your unique beauty. Amazingly enough, attitudes. She says, "Instead of being someone Libra, doing this exercise will magnetize you to by Matt Jones who expects people to have all the strengths I think further outpourings of love in the coming weeks. I need them to have, I resolved to try to become Across someone who focuses on the strengths they do SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): [Warning: Poetry 1 Compensation in a have." In accordance with this Valentine's season's alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be lawsuit astrological omens, Aries, I invite you to meditate exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational on how you might cultivate more of that aptitude advice, stop reading now!] Happy Valentine Daze, 8 "Don't mind ___ yourself. do!" Scorpio! I invite you to copy the following passage and offer it to a person who is receptive to 11 Media device TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus artist Joan deepening their connection with you. "Your healing Miró loved to daub colored paint on canvases. manufactured for eyes bless the winter jasmine flowers that the the last time by He said he approached his work in the same way he made love: "a total embrace, without caution, breeze blew into the misty creek. Your welcoming Funai Electric in prayers celebrate the rhythmic light of the mud- 2016 prudence thrown to the winds, nothing held back." In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you loving cypress trees. Your fresh dreams replenish 14 Check out to invoke a similar attitude with all the important the eternal salt that nourishes our beloved song 15 Exclamation from things you do in the coming weeks. Summon the of songs. With your melodic breath, you pour all Poirot ardor and artistry of a creative lover for all- these not-yet-remembered joys into my body." purpose use. Happy Valentine Daze, Taurus! (This lyrical message is a blend of my words with 17 Margaret those of Scorpio poet Odysseus Elytis.) Atwood's 2016 GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 1910, Gemini retelling of businessman Irving Seery was 20 years old. One SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The poet Shakespeare's "The evening he traveled to the Metropolitan Opera Virgil, a renowned author in ancient Rome, wrote Tempest" in New York City to see an opera starring the three epic poems that are still in print today. His 18 It may be drafted gorgeous and electrifying soprano singer Maria second was a masterpiece called the *Georgics*. for impeachment Jeritza. He fell in love instantly. For the next thirty- It took him seven years to write, even though it eight years he remained a bachelor as he nursed was only 2,740 lines long. So on average he wrote 19 Brute in a his desire to marry her. His devotion finally paid a little over one line per day. I hope you'll use him storybook Frankenstein" 2 "Defending Liberty, 33 D.C. nine, for short Pursuing Justice" org. off. Jeritza married Seery in 1948. Dear Gemini, in as inspiration as you toil over your own labors of 20 They may be dire 47 Shakespearean 34 Affirm as true 2020, I think you will be capable of a heroic feat love in the coming weeks and months. There'll be laments 3 Flavor enhancer initials 37 Forming a chord, say of love that resembles Seery's. Which of your no need to rush. In fact, the final outcomes will be 21 ___ out (back down yearnings might evoke such intensely passionate from a daunting task) 48 Clean vigorously 4 "___ Fables" 38 "Honeysuckle Rose" better if you do them slowly. Be especially diligent dedication? Happy Valentine Daze! and deliberate in all matters involving intimacy and 24 '16 and '17, e.g. 50 Journalist Mary Louise 5 Actor Kinnear singer Anita Kelly's employer collaboration and togetherness. 26 Signature of Pooh's 6 The "E" in "EGBDF" 39 Hall of Famer Willie CANCER (June 21-July 22): I've been married tree-dwelling friend 52 Prefix for dermis 7 Passover feast 44 Antarctic mountain twice, both times to the same woman. Our first CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): [Warning: 55 MIT's middle, in brief ___ Massif time around, we were less than perfectly wise Poetry alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be 27 Being employed 8 "___ shocked as you in the arts of relationship. After our divorce and 56 Kick-ass are" 49 Coded message exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational 29 Sharp ___ tack during the few years we weren't together, we each advice, stop reading now!] Happy Valentine Daze, ripened into more graceful versions of ourselves; 31 "Major" or "Minor" 60 Chain to buy some 9 Indiana's second-largest 51 Apples and pears, e.g. Capricorn! I invite you to copy the following stacks city we developed greater intimacy skills. Our second constellation 53 Ancient Britons marriage has been far more successful. Is there a passage and offer it to a person who is ready to 62 Biblical king 10 Album opener comparable possibility in your life, Cancerian? A explore a more deeply lyrical connection with you. 35 Slide into your ___ 54 "___ myself today ..." "I yearn to earn the right to your whispered laugh, 63 Hit 2017 indie video 11 "I conquered," to (NIN/Johnny Cash lyric) chance to enhance your ability to build satisfying 36 2016 event featuring togetherness? An opening to learn practical your confident caress, your inscrutable dance. a shirtless Tongan, green game in the style of 1930s Caesar 56 "Be with you in just Amused and curious, I wander where moon meets animation lessons from past romantic mistakes? Now is a pool water, and Ryan 12 Ancient Briton ___!" favorable time to capitalize. Happy Valentine Daze! dawn, inhaling the sweet mist in quest of your Lochte shenanigans 67 Celebrated 13 Feels sorrow about 57 Place for growth? questions. I study the joy that my imagination of you has awakened. All the maps are useless, and 40 Hit the buffet 68 Sees if one can 16 Broadband forerunner 58 Yale students LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1911, the famous Russian poet Anna Akhmatova and the famous I like them that way. I'm guided by my nervous 41 Jones who ran from a 69 Network that aired a 21 Least narrow 59 Docs that use Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani were in love excitement to know you deeper. Onward toward big boulder "Candy Crush" game show 22 Cell dweller endoscopes with each other. Both were quite poor, though. the ever-fresh truth of your mysterious rhythms!" 42 +, on a battery in 2017 They didn't have much to spend on luxuries. In her 23 Good thing to pass 61 "The Andy Griffith 43 TV host who 70 Admin's domain, for Show" kid memoir, Akhmatova recalled the time they went on AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author short 25 Ronan of "Little a date in the rain at the Luxembourg Gardens in Derek Walcott had a perspective on love that misannounced the winner 64 Linguistics suffix 71 Sound setupsDown Women" Paris. Barely protected under a rickety umbrella, I suspect might come in handy for you during of Miss Universe in 2017 they amused each other by reciting the verse of 28 Lake that borders Ohio 65 "From ___ Zinc" this Valentine season. "Break a vase," he wrote, 45 Sault ___ Marie, (multivitamin slogan) Paul Verlaine, a poet they both loved. Isn't that "and the love that reassembles the fragments is Canada 30 Montenegrin, e.g. romantic? In the coming weeks, I recommend stronger than that love which took its symmetry Down 66 Two, to Juan 46 Garr of "Young 32 Gets after you experiment with comparable approaches to for granted when it was whole." I urge you to 1 Homer's exclamation cultivating love. Get back to raw basics. Happy meditate on how you could apply his counsel to Valentine Daze! your own love story, Aquarius. How might you ©2019 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) An swers Page 27 remake your closest alliances into even better and VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): [Warning: Poetry brighter versions of themselves? alert! If you prefer your horoscopes to be SUDOKU Advanced exclusively composed of practical, hyper-rational PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean poet Saul advice, stop reading now!] Happy Valentine Daze, Williams wrote a meditation I hope you'll consider Virgo! I hope there's someone in your life to whom experimenting with this Valentine season. It involves you can give a note like the one I'll offer at the end TO PLAY of this oracle. If there's not, I trust you will locate transforming mere kisses into SUBLIME KISSES. If that person in the next six months. Feel free to you choose to be inspired by his thoughts, you'll alter the note as you see fit. Here it is. "When you explore new sensations and meanings available Fill in the grid so that and I are together, it's as if we have been reborn through the act of joining your mouth to another's. into luckier lives; as if we can breathe deeper Ready? Here's Saul: "Have you ever lost yourself in every row, column, and breaths that fill our bodies with richer sunlight; as a kiss? I mean pure psychedelic inebriation. Not just if we see all of the world's beauty that alone we lustful petting but transcendental metamorphosis, outlined 3-by-3 box were blind to; as if the secrets of our souls' codes when you became aware that the greatness of are no longer secret." this other being is breathing into you. Licking your contains the numbers 1 mouth, like sealing a thousand fleshy envelopes LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the course of your filled with the essence of your passionate being, through 9 exactly once. life, how many people and animals have truly loved and then opened by the same mouth and delivered you? Three? Seven? More? I invite you to try this back to you, over and over again—the first kiss of No guessing is required. Valentine experiment: Write down their names on the rest of your life." a piece of paper. Spend a few minutes visualizing The solution is unique. the specific qualities in you that they cherished,

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE Answers on page 27 HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

AA surveysurvey of Lansing’sLansing’s MusicalMusical LAndscapeLAndscape TURNTURN IT ITDD WNWN!By By RICH RICHTUTUPICPICAA Friday, Feb. 14 Hip-hop legend Rakim heads to Lansing

Rap legend Rakim headlines Friday at The Loft. (courtesy photo) Starting with 1987’s “Paid In Full” LP, Eric B. & Rakim changed hip-hop forever. (courtesy photo) Iconic member of Eric. B & Rakim headlines The Loft Friday, Feb. 14 @ The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages, $30, $25 adv., 7 p.m. A historic Lansing hip-hop show hap- The follow-up smash single, 1987’s “I Rakim, now 52, went on to produce three in celebration of the 30th anniversary of pens Friday, as the legendary Rakim per- Know You Got Soul,” helped make their more successful albums with producer/ “Paid In Full.” Since then, the two have forms at The Loft alongside a roster of debut LP “Paid in Full” a mainstream suc- DJ Eric B., including “Follow the Leader” played select reunion concerts across local openers, including: AOTA Creative cess—hitting No. 58 on the Billboard Top (1988), “Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em” (1990) the map. (Ozay Moore, Jahshua Smith, Y’Z, Sareem 200. The groundbreaking album, stacked and 1992’s “Don't Sweat the Technique”— Late last year, Rakim also published Poems and James Gardin), AON, Sincere with now-iconic lyrics and hooky, sample- all are now considered hip-hop standards. “Sweat the Technique: Revelations on Sinatra, DJ Ruckus, Edicius, Izydope CEO filled beats comprised the singles “I Ain’t Since then, in 2006, MTV named Eric B. Creativity from the Lyrical Genius,” the & Dirtsound Affiliates (Jae Vet, Beneficial No Joke” and, the landmark title track, & Rakim’s “Paid in Full” as the Greatest 236-page book is part memoir and part and Karm4). “Paid in Full.” Before his come up on the Hip-Hop Album of All Time, while Rakim writing guide. The emcee offers insight Known as an influential architect of scene, hip-hop lyrics were often simple himself was ranked No. 4 on MTV’s list of into how he thinks about words, music, rap lyricism, Rakim, a Long Island native, from a structural standpoint. So—while the Greatest MCs of All Time. In 2012, The writing and rhyming. It’s a perfect “how first started making waves back in 1986 standing in the shadows of Grand Master Source ranked him No. 1 on their list of the to” for rookie rappers. Beyond rhyming, with his duo: Eric B. & Rakim. The New Flash & the Furious Five and Run-DMC— Top 50 Lyricists of All Time. In 2011, Eric B. he divulges stories from his youth on Long York pair’s first 12-inch single, “Eric B. Rakim provided a new, poetic template for & Rakim were even nominated for induc- Island and his come-up as a renowned is President,” was recorded at Marley emcees to follow: a complex and cerebral tion into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. emcee. Of course, he also shares plenty Marl’s studio and soon after landed on style of rhyming that changed rap music While Eric B. and Rakim spent a bulk of amazing anecdotes about his various wax via Zakia Records, an indie imprint. forever. Along the way, his artistic use of of the ’90s and 2000s working on solo cohorts, like L. L. Cool J. and Dr. Dre, However, after the track made waves metaphors and stoic delivery heavily influ- albums and touring the world indepen- among others. across the city, the pair inked a deal with enced soon-to-be industry trendsetters dent of each other, the duo reunited 4th & B’way, a subsidiary label of Island like Jay-Z, 2Pac, Nas and Eminem. in 2017 for the first time in decades at Records. Born William Michael Griffin Jr., aka Harlem’s Apollo Theatre. The show was

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Trivia Night: Zombies 10PM All Request Party Free 9PM Winter Halloween Karaoke 9PM Tease A Gogo 9PM Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River, East Lansing North of Five 8PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Old School - DJ Jalese 8:30PM Smooth Daddy 9PM Smooth Daddy 9PM Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Karaoke Miranda & the M80s 8:30PM Miranda & the M80s 8:30PM LIVE Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E. Shiawassee Live Music with Off the Ledge 8PM Winter Warrior 1PM/Latin X/Verde 10PM The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Astronomy On Tap 7:30PM Rakim 8:30PM Homegrown Throwndown 7PM AND Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Bitter Sometimes 8PM Pet Me 7PM Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Audio Theatre Valentine's Special 7PM Spiral, 1247 Center St. Thot or Not 9PM Kiki Saturday 9PM LOCAL Urban Beat, 1213 Turner St. Fareed Haque 8PM Goran Ivanovic Trio 7PM Unicorn, 327 Cesar E. Chavez, Lansing Open Mic 9:30PM Live Music with Time 2 Play 9PM L ive Music with The Corzo Effect 9PM Upcoming show? Contact Wildlife Pub, 6380 Drumeller Rd., Bath Open Mic 7:30PM [email protected] Zoobies, 1200 N. Larch Alex Teller 8:30PM Matthew Shannon 8:30PM City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 From Page 24 Valentine’s Day Yoga - 4-7 p.m. Michigrain Tun-Dra Dog Mushing (All ages) - Meet some “Casablanca". 7-8:30 p.m. The Robin Theatre, Distillery, 523 E Shiawassee, Lansing. live sled dogs. 10-11 a.m. CADL South Lansing, Sunday, February 16 1105 S Washington, Lansing. 517-881-9746. 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. audioairforce.com. LITERATURE AND POETRY CLASSES AND SEMINARS Staged Reading of rUSt: A Showcase of Tun-Dra Dog Mushing (All ages) - Meet some Juggling - Learn how to juggle! 2-4 p.m. Friday Clay Lab - 4:30-6:30 p.m. Reach Studio Scripts from Ixion’s Wheel. 12-3 p.m. CADL live sled dogs. 1-2 p.m. CADL Williamston, 3845 Orchard Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Downtown, 401 S. Capitol, Lansing. Vanneter Rd. #1, Williamston. East Lansing. 999-3643. www.reachstudioart.org. Winter Reading Bingo - Sign up for 2020! 10 Winter Farmers’ Market - JCPenney wing at LITERATURE AND POETRY Into the Woods - 8-10:30 p.m. Fairchild a.m.-3 p.m. Eaton Rapids Area District Library, the Meridian Mall, Grand River Ave., Okemos. Black History Month Event - National Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. 517- 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. eradl.org. African American Read-in (Age 10 & up). 3-4 355-1855. ARTS p.m. CADL South Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., Writing the Land: A Poetry Workshop. 1-3 Inspirational Animal Posters! Print and take MSU Libraries’ Special Collections Pop- Lansing. p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Workshop. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ALT Printing Co, 1139 S. Ups - 12-2 p.m. MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Drive, East Lansing. Washington Ave., Lansing. altprintingco.com. EVENTS The Great Teen Bake-off (Grades 7–12) - Robin Hood - 7 p.m. All-of-Us Express EVENTS Into the Woods - 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Fairchild Enter in our contest! 3 categories: cookies/bars Children’s Theatre, 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing. 2020 Winter Warrior Patio Party - Join us Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. 517- (bring at least 24), cupcakes (bring at least in the Stadium District! 5 p.m. Lansing Brewing 355-1855. events.msu.edu. Company, 518 E Shiawassee St, Lansing. 24) and cake (bring one). 2-3:30 p.m. CADL Teen Studio: Portfolio. 3-6 p.m. Reach Studio Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Print Your Own Valentine’s Day 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Artisan Fine Chocolate & Artisanal Tea Tasting Experience - 2-3 p.m. Deb’s Sereni-Tea Underwear - 4-6 p.m. ALT Printing Co, 1139 Harry Potter House Party - 5-7 p.m. Lounge, 115 E. Walker, St. Johns. S. Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-388-3558. Ellison Brewery + Spirits, 4903 Dawn Ave, East Unnecessary Farce - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk altprintingco.com. Lansing. Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482-5700. riverwalktheatre.com. Contra and Square Dance - 7-10 p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave, Robin Hood - 3 p.m. All-of-Us Express Scandinavian Society of Greater Lansing Children’s Theatre, 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing. MUSIC Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. Meeting and Potluck - 2-5 p.m. Bretton Woods Covenant Church, 925 Bretton Rd., Gallery Suite Jazz Series - 8-10 p.m. La Fille Guided Evening Snowshoe Walk - 7-8 p.m. Unnecessary Farce - 8-10:30 p.m. Riverwalk Gallery, 336 E Michigan Ave., Lansing. Lansing. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Rd, Okemos. Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482-5700. 517-349-3866. meridian.mi.us. Jingyi Han, piano- 6 p.m. Cook Recital Hall, riverwalktheatre.com. We-Love-Giant-Monsters Movie Day (Ages 13–18) - Join us for movies with giant 333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. events.msu.edu. Scavenger Hunt Saturdays at the Michigan MUSIC monsters! Titles will be rated PG–13. 12:30-5 History Museum - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Michigan Children’s Concert Series - 11 a.m. East Sweet Water Warblers - 7:30-10 p.m. MSU History Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. p.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., Community Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn, Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Holt. East Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. Sensory Friendly Saturday - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Road, East Lansing. cityofeastlansing.com. MSU Museum, East Lansing. events.msu.edu. Winter Snowshoe Hike - 2-4 p.m. Fenner Saturday, February 15 Night At The Movies - Experience music Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing. STEAM Club - (Grades K-3). Explore science, from the greatest movie soundtracks of all mynaturecenter.org. CLASSES AND SEMINARS technology, engineering, art and mathematical time. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center for Performing Building an Inclusive Church Workshop - concepts. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eaton Rapids Area Arts, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Lansing. 517-353-1982. ARTS Free training. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. University United District Library, 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. lansingsymphony.org. Into the Woods - 2-4:30 p.m. Fairchild Methodist Church, 1120 S Harrison, East Lansing. Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. 517- Third Saturday Contra Dance - 7-10 p.m. Old-time String Band Fiddle Tunes 355-1855. DIY Gardening - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Hunter Park Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Repertoire with Mike and Mary Ross GardenHouse, 1400 E Kalamazoo St, Lansing. Ave, Lansing. lgmaa.org. - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Elderly Instruments, 1100 N Robin Hood - 3 p.m. All-of-Us Express Washington, Lansing. 517-372-7880. elderly.com. Children’s Theatre, 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing. SATURDAY, FEB. 15 >> SWEET HEARTS SCAVENGER HUNT See Out on the town, Page 28

The World is Our Playground and several other Lansing area organizations are putting on a community scavenger hunt. The hunt consists of “challenges, finding things, meeting people, visiting businesses and “helping your community.” Visit The World is Our Playground’s Facebook page for more information. Saturday, 1 p.m. Various locations in Lansing. facebook.com/TheWorldIsOurPlayground517 (517) 482-8845

SUDOKU SOLUTION CROSSWORD SOLUTION From Pg. 25 From Pg. 25

SUNDAY, FEB. 16 >> LOVE LANSING FUNDRAISER FOR ELEMENTARY ART

Over the past five years, Love Lansing has raised over $31,000 to provide art materials, summer art camps and scholarships to elementary students in Lansing. Its annual party features live music, art and other entertainment.

$10 suggested donation, Sunday, 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Green Door Bar & Grill 2005 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing facebook.com/lovelansingart 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 From Page 27 517-203-9287. Unnecessary Farce - 2-4:30 p.m. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-482- Refuge Recovery Lansing - 6-7 p.m. The 5700. riverwalktheatre.com. Fledge, 1300 Eureka St.,Lansing. MUSIC ARTS Bath Community Drum Circle - Come jam Quilting Club - Learn everything you need with us! 2-4 p.m. Bath Community Center, 5959 to know about quilting. 2-6 p.m. Eaton Rapids Park Lake Road, Bath. bathtownship.us. District Library, 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids.

The Men of Orpheus Choir - 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, February 18 Mayflower Congregational Church, 2901 W. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-484-3139. CLASSES AND SEMINARS Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30-     Monday, February 17 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS Build Your Own Business Website - 10 a.m.- Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 2 p.m. LCC, 309 N. Washington Square, Lansing. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 517-483-1921. clients.sbdcmichigan.org.   Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113.   Group Dance Class - Beginning West Coast Between the Ottoman Empire and Swing. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Modern Greece: Dr. Devin E. 8-9:30 p.m. Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, 219 S Harrison Rd, East Lansing. 517-432-3493. Humorous Illustration - Learn the basics  of humorous illustration/cartooning. 1-3 p.m. Business Model Workshop - 9-10 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Gaynor Entrepreneurship Lab, 651 N. Shaw Ln, Lansing. 517-337-1113. East Lansing. Zumba - Join us for Zumba fitness classes. Button Making Party (Age 8 & up) - Make  6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, 1030 W.  custom buttons using our button maker. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. 2-4 p.m. CADL Williamston, 115 N. Main St., Williamston. LITERATURE AND POETRY Paws for Reading at GLADL - Come and read Drop-in Homework Help (Grades 1-8) to a therapy dog! 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area - Free tutoring in general subjects. 5-7 p.m. District Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Grand Ledge. CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. 517-627-7014. Group Dance Class - Beginning Hustle. 7:15- Preschool Storytime - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Grand 8:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Lansing. 517-364-8888. Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Group Dance Class - Beginning Nightclub ARTS 2step. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Adult Clay Winter B - 6:15-9:15 p.m. Reach Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Homeschool Study Group - 1-4 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Gymnasium: Archiving the City in Comics Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, 547 E. Circle., East Lansing. OrganizingTogether Workshop - 6-7 p.m. The Fledge, 1300 Eureka St, Lansing. Into the Woods - 7:30-10 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. LITERATURE AND POETRY 517-355-1855. Jump Into Reading - Early Literacy Event (Ages 0-5). 11-11:30 a.m. Eaton Rapids District Mixed Media: Adult - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Library, 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, EVENTS Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Black History Month Event - Films by Black Mixed Media: Teen - 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Artists (Adults). Popcorn provided. 5:30-7 Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- p.m. CADL South Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Lansing.

CanHope support - 6:30 p.m.-7:45 a.m. Al!ve, 800 W Lawrence Ave., Charlotte.

Game Night at the Fledge - board and card games. 7 p.m. The Fledge, 1300 Eureka, Lansing.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15 >> STORYTELLING: REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND LGBTQ REALITIES Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and The Thought Club have partnered to host Storytelling: Reproductive Rights and LGBTQ Realities at the MichiGrain Distillery. The night will consist of LGBTQ-focused storytelling with a focus on reproductive experiences. Saturday, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. MichiGrain Distillery 517.999.999 [email protected] 1800 N Grand River Ave Lansing, MI 523 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing 517.999.9999 (517) 220-0560, Michigrain.net City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING the season. My bowl was filled with suc- Getting fancy at Black Cat Bistro culent Portobello, Enokie, Crimini and Trumpet mushrooms. By DAVID WINKELSTERN a mild-yet-elegant lettuce. Having “Wild” in the dish’s name There are two “Cat” eater- The angular bowl and the made me apprehensive. I don’t like ies near the MSU campus in THE spaghetti mixture were served mushrooms with a strong, gamey flavor East Lansing just doors apart. DISH steaming hot. Both stayed won- that taste like a forest bed. Happily, the HopCat is a beer and burger derfully warm all through an tastes were subtler, nuttier and satisfy- place that’s an ideal hangout for unrushed dinner. ing. college students. Then there’s Black Cat The thick spaghetti was infused with My gourmet vegetable spaghetti was Bistro — a perfect place for a fancy din- saffron. It was not enough to dramati- $20. Chicken, salmon, or steak could ner with Mom and Dad. cally color the pasta but enough to add be added for $7, $8 and $9 respectably. The inside of Black Cat Bistro is cozy flavor. It was cooked just right. With those prices, hopefully Mom or David Winkelster/City Pulse and quiet. There are long, pulled-back Mixed throughout the ragout sauce Dad will pick up the check. Black Cat Bistro's Wild Mushroom and Black Cat Bistro curtains on the were random leaves of warm spinach. Spinach Spaghetti. Sunday-Thursday, windows and They tasted very fresh and not over- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. mini-chandeliers cooked. Though, I would have enjoyed Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the ceiling. Its more of them. 115 Albert Ave. E. Lansing food is as classy The stew-like ragout had chunks of (517) 580-3821, blackcatbistroel.com as the room. tomatoes and onions, and hints of gar- I chose the lic. Everything was covered with thick, Wild Mushroom and Spinach Spaghetti. hand-shredded Parmesan. It was served in a unique dish — the The stars of the meal are the wild kind I’d expect to find inside Picasso’s mushrooms. They come from a Traverse cupboards — and garnished with a pur- City supplier that uses fresh-picked ple, edible orchid. The flower tasted like Michigan fungi that vary according to

LATE WHERE NIGHT frankspressboxwest.com

3 COURSE MENU OPTION RUNNING FROM FEBRUARY 13TH - 15TH SHARED FIRST COURSE, SOLO ENTREE, SHARED THIRD COURSE MEET IRD S EARLY B WINE & BEER PAIRING OPTIONS SUNDAY - BRUNCH $65+ per person & BURGERS • FOOD • BREWS • Call 517.580.3720 for reservations MONDAY - 75¢ WINGS • SPORTS • www.caskandcompany.com www.front43.com TUESDAY - BUY ONE PIZZA, SEASONAL & CRAFT BEERS Home of the GET ONE HALF OFF Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-7 World Famous Sizzler WEDNESDAY - TACOS $1 OFF 27 Oz. Domestic Drafts THURSDAY - CRAFT & $3 OFF Orders of 8 Wings MAC & CHEESE 7216 W Saginaw Hwy. 809 E Kalamazoo St. Lansing • (517) 886-1330 OFF www.artspublansing.com 1/2 LUNCH OR DINNER Buy one lunch or dinner and receive a 2nd of equal or lesser value for 1/2 off 2019 Valid Sunday-Thursday Only. Dine-In Only. Valid with coupon Only. Void if reproduced. 5000 N. Grand River Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Expires 2/25/20. (517) 321-3852 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

WANT YOUR RESTAURANT Fresh food LISTED? Family fun! CALL 517-999-5064 3 LOCATIONS Appetiz s Fidler’s On the Grand DINER FOOD DONE RIGHT. Come to Fidler’s on 4805 N. Grand Rive Ave., The Grand for a meal cooked right with the tender loving Lansing care it deserves. Our food will take your brunch to the (517) 580-7202 next level with our breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy facebook.com/ and broasted chicken. Just don’t forget to wash it down with a cup of our Biggby’s Best fresh roasted coffee. Fidlersonthegrand

DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! Buddies Holt 2040 Aurelius Rd, Ste 12 Traditional classics and great drinks. Burgers, Holt, MI 48842 Mexican entrees, pizza and appetizers. Five (517) 699-3670 versions of loaded tots and Buddies Bowls you www.buddiesbars.com can’t get anywhere else. Locally owned and East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 operated for over 20 years. Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am COME JOIN THE FAMILY! COMFORT Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 Delhi Cafe Family Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am FOOD FROM GENERATIONS! A great DELHI CAFE Restaurant meeting place for family and friends. Relax with Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 4625 Willoughby Rd. a glass of wine and try our daily lunch/dinner Holt, MI 48842 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am specials, soups, salads, Greek plates and more. AUTHENTIC GREEK (517) 694-8655 Breakfast Saturday & Sundays. Friendly staff. FAMILY • CASUAL • DINING Visit us and continue the tradition!

DELHI CAFE YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS BAR IS FAMILY • CASUAL • DINING Art’s Pub BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER Art’s 809 E. Kalamazoo St., returns with the same great fl avors you love in Lansing, MI 48912 a revamped, modern setting. We brought back (517) 977-1033 our famous pizza for you to order whenever artspublansing.com you want it-morning, noon or night. We’re also Join us pouring seasonal, trending and new beers daily.

GREAT FOOD AND THE PERFECT Featured Frank’s Press Box Valentine’s Day on: GAME DAY SPOT! Fifteen microbrews on 7216 W. Saginaw Hwy. tap and more in bottles, too! Happy Hour from Lansing, MI 48917 Monday - Friday from 3-7PM features 75¢ Valentine’s Day (517) 886-1330 wings. Sports all year round, Chicago-style Try our frankspressboxwest.com deep dish pizza and more on our expansive Specials menu! Pool tables, too, for your entertainment! Complimentary Fish, Burgers & Steak Amanecer Mexicano TRY THE CROWN JEWEL OF LANSING’S dessert with all specials 2418 E. Michigan Ave. FOOD TRUCKS. Serving the Lansing community Lansing for 13 years, we extend an invitation to all those For reservations 694-8655 Fresh off the Grill! (517) 574-4461 to give us a try to fi nd out why we were voted the QUIET ATMOSPHERE & FRIENDLY STAFF facebook.com/ best food truck in Lansing’s 2019 Top of The Town 4625 Willoughby Rd • Holt AmanecerMexicano1 Contest. www.delhicaferestaurant.com 517-694-8655 BUY ANY A LOCAL SPOT FOR LUNCH, DINNER Cask & Co. T-F 11AM-8PM AND DRINKS. A dining experience that is like Sat & Sun 9AM-3PM DINNER 3415 E. Saginaw Hwy. no other. Featuring a fresh lunch buffet for a Lansing, MI 48912 quick bite, an extensive dinner menu and happy (517) 580-3750 hour specials, too! Screens to watch your favorite ND www.caskandcompany.com sporting events with your favorite people. GET 2 Michigan craft brews abound here as well. Meat Southern BBQ WE BELIEVE EVERYONE DESERVES DINNER 1224 Turner Rd. GREAT BBQ. Award winning BBQ. Ribs, Lansing, MI 48906 French fry bar, chili, sides including BBQ pit (517) 580-4400 baked beans, mac n’ cheese. 18 rotating taps CARNIVORES % meatbbq.com of craft, Michigan made beers. Craft cocktails. LOVE MEAT! 50 OFF We cater, too! AWARD WINNING BBQ + 18 TAPS Airport Tavern FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, Airport Tavern One per customer 5000 N. Grand River Ave. & Steakhouse has been a staple of Lansing’s OF PURE GOLDEN JOY = A GREAT TIME! Lansing, MI 48906 community. Full bar, prime rib weekends, daily 18 ROTATING CRAFT, MICHIGAN MADE AND Expires 2/25/20 (517) 321-3852 FB: lunch and dinner specials. Ribs, steak, burgers @AirportTavernandSteakhouse and salads are all crowd pleasers at this neigh- 3 DOMESTIC BEERS ON TAP borhood establishment. 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM 2417 E. Kalamazoo 1224 TURNER ST. OLD TOWN, LANSING GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on Lansing, MI 48912 Eastside Fish Fry Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., fried home-style classics and fresh seafood are (517) 993-5988 Lansing, MI 48912 some of the best to be found in Lansing. We’ve got (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, www.eastsidefishfry.com eastsidefi shfry.com exotic fare, like frog legs and alligator tails and The only American owned & fresh seafood. Desserts, too! operated fish fry in Lansing DIRECTORY LISTINGS | PAID ADVERTISEMENTS City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31

Classified Rates THE PULSIFIEDS WANT TO LEARN Rates start at $24 for 4 lines. BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS SIGN LANGUAGE? Each additional line is $6. Visit asldelivered.com EXTRAS. Boldface Type: $7 per for more information on classes, line HEADLINE: $11 per line Hiring All Positions (one on one or group) Apply in person only and upcoming events. Border: $11 Deja Vu, 1000 W. Jolly Road, Lansing Call 517.449.1455 LOGO: Space needed CARPENTER Contract rates available, all rates net. Classified CMHA-CEI is seeing a full-time Carpenter. ads also appear online at no extra charge. STELLAR COMPUTER REPAIR JOB DUTIES: Deadline for classifieds is 5 p.m. Monday for the 609 E Jolly Rd. Lansing, MI -Constructs, repairs, and maintains wooden and upcoming Wednesday’s issue. You can also submit Call for service and product information. steel structures your classified ad to Suzi Smith at 517-999-6704 or 517-295-3361 StellarRepair.com -Performs rough and fi ne carpentry tasks at [email protected]. -Minor plumbing and electrical repairs -Calculates quantity of materials needed and requisitions for lumber, hardware, cabinets, and plumbing parts -Selects stock, tools, and supplies such as nails, screws, glue, etc., in the repair of residential and commercial structures -Reads blueprints and specifi cations to determine procedure for constructing BENEFITS: Fully paid: -Optical Insurance -Dental insurance -Short-term disability -Long-term disability 2019 -Life insurance policy -Comprehensive healthcare insurance with minimum premium co-pay -Pension: defi ned contribution plan -12 paid holidays -5 week’s PTO days w/in the 1st year Need a Valentine’s Day Gift? -2 personal days per calendar year -Employee assistance program That’s a PIECE OF CAKE! Send resume to [email protected] or call 517-346-9606 www.ceicmh.org

Cakes, Cupcakes, Commercial & Residential Dreamcakes, Cookies, Pies and Fully Insured Cheesecakes! Call Joan at: 3003 Kalamazoo St. • Lansing • bakencakes.com • 517-337-2253 (517) 881-2204 Monday - Friday 6:30AM - 8PM • Saturday 8AM-6PM

ALL-SCHOOL RECITAL: February 15 3:00 P.M. • CMS PERFORMANCE HALL • FAMILY-FRIENDLY • FREE & OPEN TO ALL

Community Music School College of Music www.cms.msu.edu • (517) 355-7661 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020

Valentine’s Day is All YouFriday, Feb.Need 14, 2020 is Love Infinity Knot Bracelet ™ Rose Gold over Silver Forever Together $49 in Silver & Diamonds reg. $75 ...a celebration of the unbreakable bond you share ™ Your Choice $199 Embraceable You reg. $300 in Gold & Diamonds embraceable, irreplaceable you Your Choice $129 Silver & reg. $195 Diamonds Engraved: You’ve Captured My Heart $179 reg. $270

Silver with Yellow & Rose Gold Overlay Simulated Diamonds Necklace $119 reg. $180 Earrings $129 reg. $195 Gold & Diamonds Necklace $269 Lariat reg. $375 Necklace Earrings $249 in Silver reg. $345 Your Choice $79 Sweet Temptation Stems & Gems reg. $120 Sterling Silver & Earrings Freshwater Pearl in Gold & Diamonds Your Choice $89 Your Choice $199 reg. $135 reg. $300 106 S. Cochran Ave Charlotte, Michigan 48813 (517) 543-6531 Carl V. Reck carlreck.com Jeweler Mon-Fri 9AM - 7PM • Sat 9AM - 5PM