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Lights and poetry for a dark year See page 15

̒The light infuses our words and opens our hearts. Now, we too, are light.̓ City Pulse Ads.qxp_Layout 1 11/16/20 3:20 PM Page 8 -Ruelaine Stokes 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 ‘Giving can do good, and be good for your taxes’

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

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

a 501c(3) nonprofit approved by the • No itemizing required! • Internal Revenue Service. City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3 Love your brother and yourself. Regardless of fear

Love your brother and yourself Regardless of politics

Love your brother and yourself Regardless of media

Love your brother and yourself. Regardless of data, facts, science

Love your brother and yourself. Regardless of all we see or hear

Let Love Guide Us Always

Anonymous Please share. PAID FOR ANONYMOUSLY 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 VOL. 20 ISSUE 19

(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 7 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 MANAGING EDITOR • Kyle Kaminski We wish you a Star Wars Christmas and a happy New Year [email protected] • (517) 999-6710 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 PAGE EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 21 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler [email protected] Local musicians come together with a new holiday song (517) 999-5066 STAFF WRITER • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 SALES EXECUTIVE PAGE Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 SALES ASSISTANT 29 Earlisha Scott • [email protected] Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Sean Flash in the Pan: Kamut Pasta Bradley, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dawn Parker, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Cover Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Art Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Delivery drivers: Dave Fisher, Gavin Smith, Jack Sova Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected] Photo by Rob Sumbler

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION COVID consequences As if the death, despair and financial orative efforts to make neighborhoods ruin wrought by COVID-19 isn’t enough to safer. All of these factors have suffered make 2020 the worst year in modern his- over the course of the pandemic. The tory, a sharp increase in homicides in the good news is that sooner rather than city of Lansing is adding to the commu- later, Lansing police officers will receive nity’s misery, especially for the families the COVID-19 vaccine, which should enable of those who lost their lives to criminal them to ramp up their interactions with acts of violence. Our hearts break for the public without fear of being infected the victims, especially when they are with the coronavirus. A more visible and innocent children caught in a deadly engaged police presence on city streets dispute between adults. Sadly, homicide should also help diffuse the notion that in Lansing is at its highest level in three there are no consequences for criminal decades. Similar trends are happening in behavior and reassure Lansing residents cities across the nation. We have to ask: that the police are doing their jobs. Who and what is to blame and how can Lansing’s murder spike may well correct this tide of deadly violence be stemmed? itself as our community inches toward Certainly COVID-induced isolation the economic rebound and loosening of and financial stress is taking a heavy government restrictions that should stem toll, especially on those who live at the from widespread vaccination against margins of poverty. But we wonder, COVID-19. In the meantime, we are too, if police disengagement from the encouraged by the city’s consideration of community is also an important factor. We under- initiatives like Ingham County’s Advance Peace pro- stand the need to protect police officers from The CP Edit gram, which aims to end urban gun violence and the coronavirus in order to maintain adequate strengthen the resolve of engaged citizens to take force levels on city streets. Minimizing interactions Opinion back their city from the criminal element. At about with the public is one way to do it. Early on in the $1.5 million over the next three years, the program pandemic, Mayor Andy Schor and Police Chief is quite costly — a tall order at a time when the Daryl Green announced that the Lansing Police to which a community tolerates illicit behavior city budget is already strained to the breaking Department would no longer respond to property that degrades the quality of life in neighborhoods point due to the pandemic. City leaders will have to crimes and other minor incidents. In the wake of correlates to higher levels of crime. The theory consider the merits of this investment compared George Floyd’s despicable murder at the hands of gained national notoriety 20 years ago when it was to enhanced support for existing programs like the Minneapolis police and national protests calling for implemented in New York City by then-Mayor Rudy city’s Financial Empowerment Center, which also police reform, Schor and Green also announced Guiliani and controversial Police Commissioner helps to ameliorate some of the underlying caus- that LPD would no longer conduct traffic stops for Bernard Kerik, who operationalized the idea with es of violent crime. Although the city’s pandemic minor offenses in order to minimize systemic dis- heavy-handed “stop and frisk” tactics that primarily crime wave has taken much of the steam out of the crimination against people of color. targeted young Black men. Subsequent reductions “defund police” movement in Lansing, we continue Although well intended, these measures may in the city’s crime rate were hailed as proof of the to believe that its core objectives — increasing have inadvertently signaled to the criminally theory’s validity, but credible academic research funding for social and mental health services - inclined that they could do whatever they want has since demonstrated that the more likely cause should also continue to be a priority for city lead- without consequence. Add to the mix the ready was an improving economy. ers. availability of illegal firearms, a rising tide of anger, This research and similar studies reaffirm for us Reducing violent crime is everyone’s business, and the hopelessness that goes hand-in-hand with that the basic tenets of crime control remain the not just our elected officials. If we all do our part, the lack of economic opportunity, and you have a same: solving the challenges of poverty, improving neighbor by neighbor and block by block, we can surefire recipe for increasing violence. access to mental health treatment, getting illegal turn the tables on this unfortunate situation and What’s the solution? Some observers invoke the guns off the street, and community-based polic- work together to make Lansing a safer and stron- well-known but widely disparaged “broken window” ing that builds strong, trust-based relationships ger community. theory of policing, which posits that when one between citizens and police, which drives collab- broken window goes unrepaired, it leads to more broken windows, more petty offenses and ultimate- Send letters to the editor to [email protected]. ly more serious crimes like aggravated assault and murder. According to the theory, the extent Please limit them to 250 words 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020

CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING GOP shoulders responsibility

Z-5-2020, Northeast corner of E. Miller Road & Orchard Court Rezoning from “F” Commercial to “DM-3” Residential to prove elections aren’t fake The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., via

ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider Z-5-2020, a request by Raymundo With no other POLITICS policy is bull is the underpinning of Garcia to rezone the vacant .541 acre property located at northeast corner of E. Miller Road and Orchard Court from “F” Commercial district to “DM-3” Residential district. The purpose of the live sports to watch a democratic republic. Having 77% rezoning is to permit the use of the property for multiple family residential use. Saturday morning, I think the election isn’t valid erodes tuned into the replay the underpinnings of the democratic Due to COVID -19, the public hearing may be held electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act, as amended in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Members of the 2016 Ohio republic. of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the State-Michigan foot- If we don’t have faith in how we elect meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number 312- 626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. . ball game. our own leaders, what do we have? That’s the J.T. What’s the solution? Trump using the For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend Barrett/bad spot military to take over the government? the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the game. The one where Hey, it happens in other countries. City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email the Michigan defense appeared to stop We got yahoos running around con- [email protected]. the Ohio State quarterback short of cocting unsettling fantasies of tying Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC the 15-yard line on 4th down in double up Governor Whitmer and setting www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk overtime, a play which would have giv- her adrift out in Lake Michigan. We www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-308 en No. 3 Michigan a 27-24 win. had Rep. Gary Eisen publicly ques- The refs saw it differently. The tion whether a protest of the Electoral Buckeyes were given the first down. College vote could be done peacefully. Curtis Samuel scored the game-win- House Speaker Lee Chatfield and CITY OF LANSING ning touchdown on the next play. Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Michigan fans felt screwed. The are coming around to addressing this Z-6-2020, 2420, 2432, 2442, 2506 N. Grand River Avenue Wolverines outplayed Ohio State (and issue. On the issue of using the state Rezoning from “F” Commercial, “J” Parking, “A” Residential, “D-1” Professional Office that’s my analysis as a Michigan State House to switch around Michigan’s and “G-2” Wholesale to “H” Light Industrial fan). Absent a couple interceptions, electors Chatfield said he would not The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., via Ohio State would have lost by double do it out of fear “we’d lose our country ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider Z-6-2020, a request by Grand River digits. forever. This truly would bring mutual- Development, LLC to rezone the properties at 2420, 2432, 2442, 2506 N. Grand River Avenue from “F” Commercial, “J” Parking, “A” Residential, “D-1” Professional Office and “G-2” Wholesale However, Michigan lost, and that’s ly assured destruction for every future districts to “H” Light Industrial district. The purpose of the rezoning is to eliminate an inconsistent the point of this week’s column. election.” zoning pattern along the north side of the 2400 and 2500 blocks of N. Grand River Avenue. The University of Michigan didn’t Shirkey said while “numerous claims” Due to COVID -19, the public hearing may be held electronically in accordance with the Open allege widespread fraud. They didn’t of fraud have been unearthed, those Meetings Act, as amended in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Members break away from the Big Ten. They claims have been found to be “incorrect of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number 312- didn’t create their own college football or incapable of being proven.” 626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. . conference. Other Republican leaders needs to For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend They grumbled and moaned and join them. the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. made excuses (as Michigan fans are Most voters don’t have the time, and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the good at) until they let it go and … then energy and ability to flyspeck Rudy City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. kept losing to Ohio State year after Giuliani’s white binder of alleged fraud year. and crosscheck that with information Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC But let’s not talk about that. provided by Detroit elections adviser www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-309 Let’s talk about the Republican Chris Thomas and other elections offi- Party. They are led by a president who, cials. as recently as this week, questioned All they know is that they love the error rate of Michigan’s voting Trump. Their universe of family and CITY OF LANSING machines. Six weeks after Election Day friends love Trump, too. Trump is NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING results showed him losing to Biden, he saying there’s fraud. Republican poll SLU-4-2020, 900 Southland Avenue, Suite 910 continues to push a belief he didn’t lose watchers at the TCF Center in Detroit Special Land Use Permit – Church “legitimately.” saw some fishy stuff. They’re willing to The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., Basically, we have “fake” elections. attest to it in an affidavit. How could via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider SLU-3-2020, a request by Sound familiar? President Donald Trump lose when everyone they know Soulwinners Ministries International for a special land permit to utilize 900 Southland Avenue, Trump doesn’t like press coverage? It’s voted Trump? Fraud it must be. Suite 910 for a church. “fake news.” He doesn’t like the result Losing elections is part of democ- Due to COVID -19, the public hearing may be held electronically in accordance with the Open the election? Same thing. racy. Sometimes your person wins. Meetings Act, as amended in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Members of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the I’m not going to blow up Trump over Sometimes they do not. meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number 312- this. Republicans need to do address Laying waste to the entire election 626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. . this. process isn’t a political argument. It’s For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend According to last week’s Quinnipiac destructive. It’s also being a sore loser. the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. survey, 77% of Republicans believe Nobody likes those. Like Michigan’s and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the there was widespread fraud in the elec- football team in 2016, it’s time to move City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. tion and 70% believe Joe Biden’s win on. was not legitimate. (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk That’s not good. Having 77% of service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail. www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-310 Republicans think Joe Biden’s energy com.) City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 REWIND CC NEWS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE LAST 7 DAYS OF THETHE WEEKWEEK By KYLE KAMINSKI Another pot shop opens in Lansing The Botanical Co. became Lansing’s newest medical and recreational provi- sioning center when it opened Tuesday near the Capital Region International Air- port at 3535 Capitol City Blvd. Door prizes and giveaways will be available this month to celebrate its grand opening.

Report: Granholm to run Energy Department Alford, 47, was released on bond earlier this year after more Former Michigan Jennifer Granholm may than 1,700 days behind bars after a rental car receipt served 1913 Touraine Ave., East Lansing be headed to Washington. The two-term as an alibi that his attorneys said exonerated him in the 2011 Right now in a galaxy not so far away ... an annual intergalactic ren- governor is President-elect Joseph R. murder of Michael Abrams, reports the Lansing State Jour- dezvous is once again unfolding in Jon Biden’s choice to run the Energy Depart- nal. Until last week, he had been set to face a jury trial. Wilson’s front yard in East Lansing. ment, USA Today reported Tuesday. Mean- Stormtroopers are circling around while, Michigan cast all of 16 of its electoral Slotkin raises concern about Biden’s Pentagon pick the Christmas tree. Chewbacca and votes for Biden and Vice President-elect U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin reportedly his family are gathered nearby. Darth Kamala Harris Monday in the Senate cham- raised concerns last week about Pres- Granholm Vader is overlooking it all. ber of the Michigan State Capitol building ident-elect Joe Biden’s pick to head the Wilson’s yard has developed into as a small contingent of Trump supporters Pentagon, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin. something of a neighborhood oddi- protested outside. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Slotkin, a former acting assistant de- ty over the last five years as dozens a lawsuit filed last week by Texas that sought to invalidate the fense secretary, said she had concerns of inflatable Star Wars figures (and results of the election in Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania and about selecting a recently retired gen- other oddities) crop up outside his Wisconsin, further eroding any viable path forward for Presi- eral rather than someone with a longer home every holiday season. This year, dent Donald Trump to contest the election. Now it’s up to Con- history as a civilian, reports the Detroit Slotkin Wilson installed his 35th yard decora- gress to ratify the Electoral College decision. Free Press. Traditionally, that top Penta- tion. gon role has gone to a civilian under the “It started when I found Darth Vader Blowback continues over retiree health benefits belief that a military insider could lack the necessary inde- on clearance for $10,” he said. “It just exploded from there.” Dozens of former city of Lansing employees lashed out pendence to oversee military personnel. Slotkin said she has a “deep respect” for Austin — who would be the first Black New to Wilson’s display this year against Lansing Mayor Andy Schor at a City Council meeting are Captain Phasma, Grogu from defense secretary — but that his appointment “just feels off.” this week as they prepare for upcoming benefits changes ex- The Mandalorian series and a 12-foot pected to take effect Jan. 1. About 1,300 employees are slated Chewbacca — the latest member of to have their benefits changed to mirror that of current em- Lansing to clear ‘Back 40’ homeless camp a fictional wookiee clan that now lives ployees, equating to additional out-of-pocket expenses and City officials eventually plan to clear a homeless encamp- in his yard. higher copays for office visits and prescription drugs. While ment off North Larch Street following concerns about health, “I saw the first movie as a 12-year- the move is also expected to cut down the city’s ballooning including trash, unsupervised fires and human waste, reports old kid in the theaters,” Wilson said. unfunded liabilities by about $8 million annually, many have the Lansing State Journal. The city hasn’t set a deadline for “It’s actually pretty amazing. So many criticized Schor for welching on his campaign promise to nev- clearing the camp but has reportedly advised those staying people seem to be walking by now just er solve budget problems on the backs of retirees. there to relocate “as soon as possible” to shelters or other to look at the display. Kids love it.” housing. Clearing the camp during the pandemic goes against Wilson said his masterpiece spikes Spadafore to remain Council president guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- his monthly electric bill by about $50, Lansing City Council President Peter tion that caution against breaking up camps without offering but it’s worth the price for the com- munity amusement. Last week, a Spadafore expressed interest last week alternatives. neighbor even pitched in to help cover in another year as president, largely to the costs. maintain some semblance of “consisten- Lugnuts to partner with Oakland Athletics More difficult to pull off: About 30 cy” after a turbulent year, he said. And it As part of the reorganization of Minor League Baseball hours of assembly over about three doesn’t appear that anyone else on the entering the 2021 season, the Lan- days, Wilson explained. Council is actively interested in the job any- sing Lugnuts was invited last week “This year, my wife even pitched in way. Vice President Adam Hussain said it Spadafore to become the new High-A Midwest to help put it all together,” Wilson said. would be “wise” to support another year League affiliate of the Oakland Ath- “She’s not really a Star Wars fan, so under Spadafore. The Council is expected letics. The Lugnuts previously served she wasn’t always into the whole thing. to elect its next president and vice president on Jan. 4. as the Low-A affiliate for the Toronto This year, she came right out to help.” Blue Jays from 2005 to 2019. Lugnuts — KYLE KAMINSKI Charges dropped in 2011 murder case owner Tom Dickson considers it a “promotion,” MLive reports. The A’s, meanwhile, have named “Eye Candy of the Week” is our look at some of A Detroit man won’t face a second trial for a nearly de- the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates with Eyesore cade-old murder after his charges were reportedly dismissed Scott Steinmann, who has managed in the minors going back of the Week and Eye for Design. If you have a sug- gestion, please e-mail eye@lansing by the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office last week. Herbert to 2005, to manage the Lugnuts. citypulse.com or call Berl Schwartz at 999-5061. 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 Health officials struggle with enforcement of epidemic orders Royal Scot flouts health orders despite liquor license suspension The holiday spirit was in full swing over the weekend at Royal Scot Golf & Bowl. The bowling alley lanes were run- ning. There was laughter and mirth. Attendees chomped on food served up in plastic trays while slurping from white styrofoam cups. Other than seeing the occasional face mask, one could be forgiven for for- getting about the pandemic inside the alley. Mid-Michigan District Health Department Officer Marcus Cheatham has not forgotten about it. He’s just limited on what he can do about Royal Scot, 4722 W Grand River Ave., just inside Clinton County. He said he is trying to strike a bal- ance between cracking down on busi- nesses that are “actively spreading dis- ease” during a pandemic and weighing the financial concerns that drive those businesses to ignore state health orders. “People think I can just go in and Todd Heywood/City Pulse chain their doors shut,” he said. “I can’t.” Crowds were spotted gathering at Royal Scot on Friday and Saturday, in direct violation of local and state health orders Cheatham said he has been strug- that are designed to curb the spread of COVID-19. gling in recent weeks to garner compli- ance from Royal Scot, among others. Attorney David Kallman, which rep- resented by Kallman, agreed to settle harassment and, potentially, violence Since last month, it has been warned, resents Royal Scot, also didn’t return a complaint brought against it by the should those efforts meet continued issued cease-and-desist orders from calls this week. Liquor Control Commission on Dec. pushback. state and county officials and had its Cheatham recognizes that Royal Scot 4. The agreement extends a 45-day “To go forward with a local order, liquor licenses suspended. has continued to flout public health suspension of its liquor license and we need the support of a judge, of law Still, the building has been alive orders, ultimately contributing to the includes $1,500 in fines related to vio- enforcement and we all need to be will- with activity. City Pulse recorded vid- “tragic” spread of COVID-19 in Clinton lations of state orders. ing to risk having our lives disrupted eo on Friday and Saturday that shows County. He also tried to reframe the That suspension could begin this and families threatened,” Cheatham ongoing violations of the epidemic debate with some additional empathy week, but the business still stands defi- added. orders that Royal Scot has already been for businesses struggling to survive ant of cease-and-desist orders from the Renee Canady, CEO of Michigan accused of violating. The only order it amid the pandemic. Michigan Department of Agriculture Public Health Institute, contends that appeared to follow this weekend was its “We’ve faced such intense hostility and Rural Development, which closed public health officials — like Cheatham liquor license suspension. from a portion of the population that it its indoor dining on Dec. 1 and then — still have an ethical and legal obli- The footage was just days after has been difficult to do anything mean- ordered the business to cease all food gation to take action against a busi- Michigan reached the grim milestone ingful to stop COVID from spreading,” operations on Dec. 7. ness that is “actively spreading disease,” of 10,000 COVID-19 deaths and the Cheaham explained last week in an Failure to comply with either order is regardless of any fear of retribution for nation moved closer to 300,000 deaths email to City Pulse. “The places we are a misdemeanor punishable by 90 days enforcing those rules. — a mark it hit by Monday afternoon. talking about are not just businesses in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Royal Clinton County Sheriff Lawrence Staff eventually asked two City Pulse struggling to survive, who we want to Scot requested a hearing related to Jerue said on Monday that his office, in reporters to leave the building on help. These places are actively spread- those orders. It hasn’t been scheduled. consultation with the Clinton County Saturday afternoon while crowds with ing disease to other people.” The Michigan Public Health Act Prosecutor’s Office, was waiting to take Stand Up Michigan’s “Refuse to Obey” State records show that Mr. empowers Cheatham to shutter busi- action against Royal Scot while the state tour circled in on the bowling alley. K Enterprises received a Payroll nesses and other locations that are agencies — including MLCC, MDARD A spokeswoman for the Michigan Protection Plan loan of between deemed a threat to public health. The and MDHHS — follow-through with Liquor Control Commission identified $350,000 and $1 million on April 15, pandemic, however, has blurred the their “civil remedies.” Todd and Adam Kwiecien as owners of allowing the business to retain 93 jobs. boundaries. “It’s very fluid and seems to change Mr. K Enterprises LLC, which is doing Those records also show that the busi- With political pushback against gov- from order to order,” Jerue said of the business as Royal Scot. A man who ness had between $1.68 million and ernmental actions to slow the spread state mandates. “We’d certainly pro- identified himself as “Mr. Kwiecien” $4.8 million in payroll expenses last of the disease, Cheatham finds himself ceed with criminal violations if that is declined to comment on the scene on year. walking a tightrope between enforcing tested through the court.” Saturday. On Tuesday, Todd Kwiecien, rep- the laws and protecting his staff from — TODD HEYWOOD City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU!

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Contact the office at 517-322-2671 for Outdoor Beautification Services 1434 E. Jolly Rd., Lansing, • Garden Center 517.882.3115 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 As homicides rise, public interest in defunding recedes Police lean on tried for law enforcement. The coronavirus pandemic has reduced contact between tactics as City Council Lansing residents offer mixed reactions citizens and police. And officers have eyes proactive reforms on police response struggled to regain community trust City Pulse asked: Are increased police patrols a good short-term solu- after an inmate was killed by officers in Marlene Moore’s grown son was tion to curbing the gun violence tracked this year? How should the the city’s lock-up and several local cops walking his family’s dog near the Old spike in homicides be addressed in Lansing? beat up a man on Baker Street. Oakland neighborhood, on Lansing’s “I think we’re doing all that we can,” near west side, last Wednesday when he You answered: Mayor Andy Schor told City Pulse. saw a 27-year-old woman get shot just a “More police is good. The more presence the better. Encourage people “This is a national issue that’s hap- to get their concealed pistol license and learn basic self defense. Security few blocks from his home. pening everywhere. People everywhere cameras. Businesses with consistent issues should hire security to “It really shook him up,” Moore said. are getting more gun violence in their deter.” — James Wilson “I don’t feel safe here.” neighborhoods, and it’s extremely con- “It’s doubtful that police ‘presence’ is going to curb the homicide crime Moore has lived in Lansing since cerning. We’re preempted by the state rate. I think that COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on people’s minds and an on gun laws, so we’re working with the 1950s. And gun violence — though increase in mental illness is happening. People cooped up in their homes increased patrols and building a positive familiar to Moore and her family — has with nowhere to go and financial pressures are ountign along with an relationship within communities and never crept this close to her front door. increase in substance abuse.” — Terry Chapman “Too close for comfort,” she explained. neighborhoods. That’s crucial so neigh- Officers found the woman with a “More cameras everywhere.” — Pamela Nelson bors are comfortable reporting issues.” gunshot wound that was not life-threat- “A stronger police presence would not make me feel safer. A commu- Reports show that homicides have ening. But all too often this year, those nity center where my young siblings could go after school would make increased by as much as 36% this year rising reports of gun violence have had me feel safer. A non-police crisis team — social workers, mental health in at least 21 major cities. National fatal consequences in Lansing. experts, de-escalation experts — on call 24/7 would make me feel safer. experts have since posited a few theories “Maybe more patrolling the neighbor- A stronger police presence is a scare tactic and a misuse of funds.” to explain the increase: hood?” Moore suggested. “It’s hard. It’s a — Sam Stiles Like Green suggested, the COVID-19 tough situation.” “Start programs to help get people good honest work. When you have pandemic has thrown the city of About three hours before that shoot- something to lose, you think a second longer about making a bad deci- Lansing into a tailspin. Thousands of ing last week, Police Chief Daryl Green sion.” — Bryan Behovitz residents have either been put out of was preparing his remarks for a virtu- “I would like to see police on bikes in the parks and cemeteries.” a job or have worked from home for al “call to action” meeting to address — Jayne Van Kirk months — the “perfect storm,” Green a growing homicide rate in Lansing. said, for unchecked mental health issues “Bring back community policing. Build a bond with your neighbors. Twenty killings have been tracked so to become dangerous. Increased sensitivity and increased de-escalation training would help.” far in 2020, the highest annual total in Isolation also breeds depression, anx- — Josie Vargas three decades. iety and idle hands that could lead to Six cases remain unsolved. About half “An increased police presence would probably only serve to intimidate more criminal behavior. The economic were reported on the southern side of innocent people” — Katy Joe Dee toll from the pandemic could also be the city. “We don’t need more cops. Tensions are at an all-time high, and the creating a sense of desperation. And But as homicide reports continue to coppers happen to be one of the catalysts at the center of that tension. with record firearm sales nationwide rise locally, efforts to chip away funding You won’t diffuse this building tension between law enforcement and this year, more guns could be creating from the Lansing Police Department are communities by putting more police on the streets.” — Searcy James more violence. “This year has not been a normal year losing steam. Elected officials are still “If your goal is to punish those that commit gun crimes faster, then the for anyone in the field of social services focused on public safety reforms, but answer is to add police. If your goal is to prevent these crimes from hap- — mental health, teachers and especially many residents are now calling for more pening, then the answer is providing better access to community educa- law enforcement,” Green theorized. “It’s cops to help tackle more crime. And it’s tion, mental health care and drug rehabilitation programs. creating a conundrum without a simple — Randy Holmes an unpredictable environment.” solution, City Council President Peter George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis Spadafore said. “Increasing patrols is a generic solution to the lumping these homicides and subsequent Black Lives Matter “It’s a paradoxical situation,” he said. together. I don’t think increasing patrols is going to solve anything. It protests have also added to a growing “There’s this notion that more police doesn’t make me feel safer.” — Larry Stegman sense of distrust of police officers. That won’t prevent a shooting, only inves- “More police. I don’t want to ‘feel’ safe. I want to ‘be’ safe.” social tension could also equate to an tigate it. There’s also this call for more — Natalie Mooney increased reliance on street justice to social services. And at the same time, the “More police patrols along with ongoing reform in policing methods.” resolve interpersonal disputes, Vox short-term reaction is to immediately — Ann Schu reported this year. Schor thinks most of the homicides increase police presence. Maybe it can — KYLE KAMINSKI be both.” locally have been in retaliation for other Green pointed to an increase in stolen criminal behavior. Rumors have circu- firearms to help explain the rising homi- cides as 2019. New York City’s homicide their firearms,” Green explained, noting lated over an increase in gang activity, cide rate, but Lansing is far from alone in rate is up at least 38%. Minneapolis also that at least 140 illegal guns have been but police officials have said there’s no its battle against violent crime. Detroit, reports at least 78 homicides this year — seized this year through the city’s Violent evidence to corroborate that theory. Saginaw, New York City, Minneapolis, up more than 60% from the 48 reported Crime Initiative. “This is a clear indica- “It’s important to remember that we’re Chicago and Houston are all tracking last year. It’s not at all a local anomaly. tion that offenders are carrying more living in unprecedented times,” added more homicides this year. “Many violent offenders are using sto- guns as the homicide rate increases.” Councilman Brian Jackson. “This year’s With a few weeks left in 2020, Lansing len firearms, and LPD cannot advocate Green was also quick to mention that is reporting about twice as many homi- enough for people to properly secure 2020 has been far from a “normal” year See Police, Page 11 City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

Dozens of local residents — includ- Reimagined public safety is needed now tory gun violence in urban neighbor- Police ing Schor — told City Pulse they don’t more than ever, but it’s still a multifac- hoods by providing resources directly to see a viable path toward safety through eted approach, and I don’t think cutting those most affected by local crime, often from page 10 budget cuts at the Police Department. the police department budget is the young Black men who could otherwise There’s value in more community way,” Spitzley said this week. “We need become involved in that criminal activi- engagement and social services, Schor to think of this as a holistic approach to ty themselves. homicide rates shouldn’t necessarily be said, but it doesn’t always provide a making reforms.” Richmond, California, experienced considered part of the usual pattern for sense of security. Enter Advance Peace — a “promising” an 82% reduction in deadly shootings Lansing.” And training for officers or hiring step forward in that holistic approach, after the program was launched there In response to the rising number of more social workers to the force requires Spitzley said. in 2019, Boggan said. When it launched shootings and homicides, local cops cash, Schor said. The California-based nonprofit is in Sacramento, California, the city expe- have stayed focused on familiar tech- “We have to have enough policing geared toward stopping urban crime rienced a 24-month period without a niques. That means ramping up patrols presence to have safety and security, before it begins. And for about $1.9 single youth homicide, according to in “hotspots” on the city’s south side, but they also have to be doing it right. million over three years, Advance Peace Advance Peace. Green said. More badges. More guns. People want police. They just want them could bring its programming to Lansing. “This program works,” Spitzley add- More police visibility in the city. to act appropriately. There are extremes Founder and Eastern High School ed. “We’re looking at crushing crime and Uniformed officers have also been on both sides of these conversations. graduate DeVone Boggan outlined the gun violence.” knocking doors, trying to convince res- They all have rights to their opinions.” concept to several positive reviews from Several Ingham County officials, idents and business owners to snitch The rising homicide rate in the City Council this week. The Council’s including Prosecutor Carol Siemon, about recent crimes and to register their Lansing almost ensures that its Police committee on intergovernmental rela- also touted the program’s efficacy this surveillance cameras with the Police Department won’t see a budget reduc- tions is set to explore ways to secure week and urged City Council members Department. Anonymous tips are wel- tion next year, Schor told City Pulse this funding and perhaps launch a program to quickly find funding for the program. comed. Building community relation- week. Budget cuts would likely equate early next year. Reports show Advance Peace needs at ships can be critical. to service reductions or fewer patrols, he The concept: Advance Peace would least $500,000 to launch in the first “The police and community must col- said. And that’s not a risk he’s willing to pair about 25 residents who are most year and requires a three-year commit- laborate to send a clear message that let Lansing take. likely to get involved with gun violence ment — enough for at least two cohorts violence in our communities will not “For me, this is a matter of keeping with local mentors who, in turn, can of 25 people in Greater Lansing. Early be tolerated,” Green said during last people safe and secure in their homes connect them with social services and cost projections also suggest those costs Wednesday’s community meeting. and in their neighborhoods. I firm- job opportunities over an 18-month could be reduced for Lansing through The city’s Violent Crime Initiative, a ly believe that people should expect a period. Those recruited into the “fellow- grants and additional funding that regional partnership of LPD, Michigan response when they dial 911,” Schor said. ship” also earn monthly stipends of up could be provided through Ingham State Police, the Ingham County “Operational cuts, right now, I think to $1,000 for their involvement in the County Board of Commissioners. Sheriff’s Department and other agen- would only cause problems in terms of program, if they keep their noses clean. Under that model, Lansing’s project- cies, is also focused on keeping illegal resident safety.” Boggan described would-be partic- ed costs would be about $890,000 over firearms off city streets while investiga- Betz still believes that “radical inter- ipants as among the “most lethal indi- three years. tions continue. vention” is the best way to curb gun viduals in the city.” “It can be both. When people see “It’s the historical approach to policing violence in Lansing, though he’s quick- “Every day for an 18-month-plus peri- crime, they expect a response in order hotspots,” said Council Vice President ly realizing the political infeasibility of od, they’ll be engaged and given atten- to feel safe,” Schor said. “Our police offi- Adam Hussain. “Historically, has that slashing the Police Department budget. tion unlike they’ve ever had in the past,” cers do a good job of responding, but shown to work in the short term? Yes. With Schor still controlling the city’s Boggan explained. “We want to make you also need appropriate community But it can’t only be about active patrols. purse strings and the inability for Betz sure that these individuals know what policing to help build relationships in It also has to be about building mean- to garner enough votes to set the bud- is out there for them. It’s hard to dream these neighborhoods where we’re seeing ingful relationships in these neighbor- get on a different trajectory next year, about something you don’t even know issues.” hoods.” he’s turning his attention toward other exists.” — KYLE KAMINSKI Councilman Brandon Betz and the reforms. Instead of how much cops can Boggan said Advance Peace program- SEAN BRADLEY contributed to this local chapter of Black Lives Matter, spend, he’s focusing on how that cash is ming works to end cyclical and retalia- report. among others, have repeatedly called for to be spent. reducing the Police Department budget Mirroring recent reforms in East CITY OF LANSING and increasing spending on social ser- Lansing, Betz voiced interest this week NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING vices and programs designed to mitigate in amending portions of city ordinanc- Z-4-2020, 220 N. Pennsylvania Avenue crime before it can begin. es — like its disorderly conduct laws — Rezoning from “C” Residential to “DM-4” Residential Resolutions calling for a 50% police to alter police enforcement in Lansing. The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, January 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., via budget cut over five years have twice Perhaps some crimes can be wiped from ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, to consider Z-4-2020, a request by Edward W. failed to pass through the City Council. the books and reduce police interac- Sparrow Hospital Association to rezone the property located at 220 N. Pennsylvania Avenue from “C” Residential district to “DM-4” Residential district. The purpose of the rezoning is to permit the Green has voiced strong opposition to tions, he said. use of the property for expansion of the Sparrow hospital facilities. police divestment. And Schor doesn’t “It’s really depressing that the only Due to COVID -19, the public hearing may be held electronically in accordance with the Open plan to cut the budget in his next pro- way people can feel safe in society is by Meetings Act, as amended in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Members posal. sending more armed cops to the streets,” of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the Even officials in Minneapolis, the Betz said. “Too many people are stuck meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number 312- 626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. . hotbed of recent social unrest, fell short in that way of thinking and it’s going of their initial plans to dismantle their to take some more work to push those For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. department, instead cutting only $8 reforms forward. It’ll require constant and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the million from the $179 million police attention.” City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email budget this month. Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley also [email protected]. So, how do increased patrols align said that police divestment has lost Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC with conceptual police divestment? momentum in Lansing. www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk Perhaps they don’t. “There’s still a role for police. www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-312 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 First COVID-19 vaccines depart Capital Regional International Airport At least 34 deaths tracked across Commission within the Department CORONAVIRUS IN MICHIGAN Greater Lansing over the last week of Health and Human Services, a mass WEEK 40 Frontline healthcare workers at two vaccination campaign to raise aware- BY THE NUMBERS… Michigan hospitals were the first in ness of the safety and efficacy of the MICHIGAN the state to receive their COVID-19 recently approved COVID-19 vaccine WEEKLY vaccines this week after they were fed- across the state of Michigan. 12/01/20 12/08/20 CHANGE erally approved and sent out for distri- 410,295 442,715 ^8% bution. In related news … CASES The nation’s first batch of coronavi- The East Lansing City Council has rus vaccines reportedly arrived at the approved an expedited approval pro- DEATHS 10,138 10,935 ^8% Capital Regional International Airport cess and temporary elimination of on Sunday morning, shortly after leav- fees for the creation or expansion of ing Pfizer’s manufacturing facility in GREATER LANSING EATON CO. outdoor seating or local restaurants. WEEKLY WEEKLY Portage. Those initial doses were set to Restaurants adjoining any plaza, par- 12/01/20 12/08/20 CHANGE 12/01/20 12/08/20 CHANGE be distributed across Michigan and all king lot or other public space can apply CASES 16,629 18,078 ^9% CASES 3,526 3,850 ^9% 50 states, with the top priority given to for a temporary permit that allows frontline health care workers and resi- them to temporarily create or expand DEATHS 219 253 ^16% DEATHS 59 69 ^17% dents of long-term care facilities. outdoor seating through March 2021. After that, the Michigan Department As the pandemic rages on in Greater INGHAM CO. CLINTON CO. of Health and Human Services plans to WEEKLY WEEKLY Lansing, Ingham County Health 12/01/20 12/08/20 CHANGE 12/01/20 12/08/20 CHANGE expand vaccinations to essential work- Officer Linda Vail is urging residents CASES 10,105 10,984 ^9% CASES 2,998 3,244 ^8% ers and those who are at high-risk of to also be cautious of the flu season contracting COVID-19. with vaccinations, hand washing and DEATHS 131 153 ^17% DEATHS 29 31 ^7% Sparrow Health System in Lansing other steps. was preparing to administer its share “We need to do everything we can to of the vaccine to dozens of its work - lessen the spread of the flu and prevent COVID-19 virus can apply for grants option of free college tuition toward ers this week, but the number of doses flu-related hospitalizations so as not of up to $15,000 through the Pure an associate degree or industry-recog- expected to arrive was far from enough to overwhelm the region’s healthcare Michigan Small Business Relief nized certificate at community college. to cover all high-priority employees, system,” Vail said this week. Initiative. About $600,000 is set for Whitmer joined a bipartisan coaliti- according to reports in the Lansing Michigan State University received businesses across Eaton, Clinton and on of governors from Illinois, Indiana, State Journal. $2.1 million in grant funding last week Ingham counties. Those grants will be Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and The Michigan National Guard will to test for coronavirus in wastewater, awarded on a “first-in” basis to busi - Wisconsin on Tuesday urging residents also staff about 50 COVID-19 “vac - which has the potential to be an early nesses at michiganbusiness.org/relief. to wear masks and practice social dis- cination and testing teams” that will warning system for COVID-19. More Essential workers interested in tancing as the holiday season approa- report to four hospitals as early as this than 100 wastewater sites will be applying for Michigan’s “Future for ches. “Until the vaccine is available to week to help out with ongoing distri- monitored for the virus to assist with Frontliners” program that offers tuiti- everyone and until we eradicate this bution efforts. preventative measures. on-free college must apply in the next virus once and for all, we must conti- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also cre- Small businesses that have been two weeks to be considered eligible for nue working to project one another,” ated the bipartisan Protect Michigan disproportionately impacted by the assistance. The program is designed she said. to offer certain frontline workers the — KYLE KAMINSKI CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Zoning Ordinance Amendment FRESH MEAT MARKET Expansion of the W. Saginaw Overlay District

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Lansing will hold a public hearing at 7:00 p.m. during the City Council Meeting, via ZOOM Conferencing, Meeting ID 824 7315 3790, on Monday, January 11, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. to consider a request by RE Fund Lansing 1, LCC to amend Chapter 1279, Appendix D of the City of Lansing Zoning Ordinance to expand the W. Saginaw Street Overlay District by including the area bounded by W. Oakland Avenue to the north, W. Saginaw Street to the south, Westmoreland Avenue to the west and N. M.L. King Jr. Blvd. to the east, with the exception of the property at 743 N. M.L. King Jr. Blvd and an 80' x 377' strip of land along the west line of the site. The purpose of the rezoning is to allow the property to be $ redeveloped for commercial and multiple family residential use. 5 OFF $ Due to COVID -19, the public hearing may be held electronically in accordance with the Open DELIVERY a 30 purchase Meetings Act, as amended in an effort to protect the health and safety of the public. Members expires 12/28/2020 of the public wishing to participate in the meeting may do so by logging into or calling into the AVAILABLE! meetings using the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82473153790 or by phone number 312- $ 626-6799 using meeting ID: 824 7315 3790. . 10 OFF SUPPORT $ For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend SMALL a 50 purchase the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. BUSINESSES! expires 12/28/2020 and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. SUNSET FOOD MARKET Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk 618 E. KALAMAZOO ST • (517) 485-2028 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-311 9 AM-7 PM City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 PLUMBING ISSUES? Hedlund Plumbing is here to help!

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We are a 3rd generation family owned business serving Greater Lansing since 1939 CALL 1-800-HEDLUND OR 517-321-5955 hedlundplumbing.com 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 Accident Fund faces state probe over workplace safety but I’d still say that 75% of the peo- MIOSHA issues COVID-19 ple coming into the building everyday guidance after should not be required to come in.” A company spokesman said that employee complaints about 60% of Accident Fund’s work- The parking garage attached to the force in Lansing has been allowed to Accident Fund Insurance Co. of Amer- work from home during the pandem- ica headquarters is an oddity. ic. The other 40% — estimated to be at While many businesses in downtown least 178 employees — are still required Lansing are closed and much of the city to commute to the office in order to remains stuck in a pandemic-induced maintain their employment. lockdown, the Accident Fund’s employ- Company officials declined to provide ee ramp is still keeping busy. Dozens of a precise employee total to City Pulse cars lined the lower level every day last this week, but records from the Lansing week. Hundreds are still coming in to Economic Area Partnership showed it work. employed 447 people last year. And now state officials are looking When Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s ex- into whether the company — one of the ecutive orders differentiated between largest employers in Lansing — may be “critical infrastructure workers,” the in- running afoul of state orders designed surance salespeople at Accident Fund to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and were deemed as essential. Still, the com- Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse whether it’s truly necessary for nearly pany sent home 60% of its staff and en- Cars line the Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America’s employee parking ramp 200 of its employees to report to work acted a series of safety protocols for the on Grand Avenue on Tuesday. every day. others. should be done from home unless it is “We’re averaging a new COVID-19 Temperature screenings, masks and agency reserves the right to conduct an “strictly necessary” for an employee to case there every single day,” one Acci- social distancing are now common in- inspection in the future,” according to be in the office. dent Fund employee told City Pulse side the building. one of the emails sent from MIOSHA to That strict requirement for in-person under the condition he could remain The latest epidemic orders from the company officials at the Accident Fund work is a carve-out for food service or anonymous. “Sometimes there are two Michigan Department of Health and on Nov. 30. auto assembly workers, or other jobs or three cases reported in a day. They’ve Human Services, however, don’t make A state spokesperson confirmed this involving protected data that cannot be moved us around and spaced us apart, the same distinction for essential ser- week that another complaint had been vices. Those simply state that all work accessed remotely. It shouldn’t be con- received against the Accident Fund strued as permitting in-person work headquarters in Lansing but declined to only because remote options are incon- provide any additional information, ex- venient or costly. cept to note that officials are still “pro- And therein lies the problem for sev- cessing those complaints as quickly as eral Accident Fund employees: The possible.” company has refused to explain why Prior to the pandemic, MIOSHA re- some of its employees must come to ceived an average of 200 monthly com- work while others can work from home. plaints and tracked a response time of And at least one employee suspects the about five days. Since March, the agency inconsistent practices may be out of line has fielded 11,000 complaints — in- with current state law. cluding 2,800 in November. The back- “A number of colleagues both in my log is leading to some processing delays, department and across the company are officials said. fed up,” he said. Ingham County Health Officer Linda Emails obtained by City Pulse show Vail said the recent complaints against that the Michigan Occupational Safe- the company fall outside of her author- ty and Health Administration received ity. Companies can have several reasons an employee complaint last month of for determining which employees must “alleged hazards” at its Grand Avenue report to work. And the Health Depart- headquarters — namely unnecessari- ment isn’t prepared to evaluate them, ly requiring its employees to report to she said. work. “That’s MIOSHA,” Vail said. “Not my State officials, at the time, deemed the call to second guess their workflow and Accident Fund to be “medium or lower processes.” exposure risk” and opted against a phys- In the meantime, company officials ical inspection, according to the email. there have declined to comment on the Still, they provided a list of suggestions allegations, except to note that the Ac- and “steps you need to take if the allega- cident Fund has instituted “safeguards” tions are true, so you can prevent your that meet or exceed recommended employees from contracting coronavi- guidelines from local, state and federal rus and are in compliance with our reg- health authorities. The company will ulations.” also “maintain and adjust” those prac- “If the exposure situation changes tices as necessary to “ensure the contin- or the agency receives additional com- ued health and safety” of its staff. plaints that employees are at risk, the — KYLE KAMINSKI City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 City Pulse · 10.25”W 2”H

Pathways to careers You belong here in skilled trades. lcc.edu/youbelong

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION/EMPLOYER.

Skyler Ashley/City Pulse The 58-foot state Christmas tree glows on the Capitol grounds. This year’s tree was grown right here in Delta Township in the backyard of a local family’s home. Keeping the lights on Local poets lend us their breath in a dark year

By LAWRENCE COSENTINO Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference. finds “old words” in the dust: “suitcase, hug, right lights are everywhere. Snow or no “I am learning how to know someone only by hello.” Memories rescue her from a silence so snow, it’s mid-December and that’s the their eyes,” poet Rosalie Petrouske observes. long and boring even the ghosts have left. She Bprotocol. Chances are, you won’t know how much you recalls the sound of her own voice, ordering des- How do we keep the lights on inside our heads thirsted for the juice in these poems until you sert, “the way people used to turn their knees in in the darkest of years? start reading them. We may not be able to gath - a theater to let me find my seat.” This week, we asked a bouquet of Lansing area er and hug and talk, let alone listen to music Cruz Villarreal takes comfort in his garden, poets to reflect on the past year. Their insight, or attend theater, but poetry can thrill us with where “social distance doesn’t matter,” but artistry, honesty and wit are on vivid display in sudden human contact. It can sweep us to the envies a bee that spends his day coupling with the following pages. heights and ground us in the basics. the stigma and pistils of blossoms “soon to be Never mind making sense of 2020. There’s lit- “Breathe deeply,” poet Ruelaine Stokes fruit.” tle hope for that. We just wanted to be touched. reminds us. “That is a blessing. Breathe out. “I know the craziness will pass,” Villarreal To help keep the lights on in the shortest days That too is a blessing. Keep breathing and lis - writes. “Yet I pine.” He wears a mask and shops of the year, we fanned out and took photos of ten to the sound of your breath greeting the air.” early in the morning, biding his time, waiting holiday lights from all sides of greater Lansing Unencumbered by distancing, masks, or fear, for the day when he can pat his neighbor on the that gave us particular delight. we wander freely into strangers’ living rooms back. Lansing’s gifted poetry community gave us and gardens, heads and hearts, and find they There’s a lot more to discover in the following shadows along with the light, a chiaroscuro of are not strangers at all. pages. We hope you relish the warm touch of mourning and hope for a year like no other. Cindy Hunter Morgan vacuums her floor and these generous, gifted souls as much as we did. 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 Uncovered

I am kind, I think. I smile and say hello to strangers, give my sprayed-down-with-Clorox shopping cart to an older woman, who looks distressed. It is the only clean one left. Every time I enter a store, there are mines in the aisles waiting to go off if I step on the wrong checkered floor square, my heart filled with shrapnel.

The man behind me pulls cans of corn from the top shelf, coughs and does not cover his mouth. He doesn’t wear a mask.

Sometimes with the face coverings, I don’t even recognize a neighbor. We mumble in surprise — I am learning how to know someone only by their eyes.

I feel normal though when I walk outside, my cheeks brushed with wind. The catalpa is blooming and sweetly scents night air. I sit in the playground behind my silent church, its stained glass aglow with sunset. I straddle a stone dolphin, a memorial to a child who died in an accident long ago, and I just breathe and breathe, and breathe, Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse uncovered. A wreath dresses up a storefront doorway on Washington Avenue in REO Town. — Rosalie Sanara Petrouske

I Pine I know the craziness will pass, and that it’s all just a moment in time and all I need do is bide my time inside.

Yet, I pine for the feel of soil under my feet, between my fingers and under my nails, and I wash my hands, not because I fear the microbial menace I cannot see until it is too late, because I do.

I long for the isolation of my little garden but not the separation from my friends.

In my garden, social distance doesn’t matter unless it is to give a wide birth to a friendly bee who I envy the way it spends its time caressing the stigma and pistils of blossoms soon to be fruit.

I pine for a warm embrace as I video chat with my children and am one sad story away from a river of tears Skyler Ashley/City Pulse as I worry if we will be the next tale of grief. Two pine trees adorned with shining string lights pierce the black sky on Moores River Drive. My son, in a mask, does a doorway visit to drop off masks he has crafted for our use

He says, “Use them so others feel safe when you and mom need to shop”. [Untitled fragment] We are the Tuesday morning shoppers between seven and eight, Morning skids through your dream on corrugated tires, morning the time allotted for the elderly to shop, rain at first you don’t recognize as rain because it sounds like padded a sign of the times. feet if rain had feet would they wear slippers or Mary Janes or the mask Wishing it would all go away, your face makes watching your face warily on the Zoom screen and once again I can pat my neighbor on the back or the mask you wear over the mask or sit across from friends and chat. of your face stumbling — Cruz Villarreal — Lauren Russell City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

Smell Memory

Originally Published in Mycelium Volume 1 (2020)

Laying with you, remembering being a child inhaling pool water, trying to place a smell memory. You are afraid of bugs and rain and maybe me sometimes. I hear crows (which is another lie.) I dance, I scream, I go online for hours but where will I go, love, if you do die this time? You are a tin-foil-lined microwave, I know. But I don’t want to be a crow perched on barely-exposed bones again, crying about how the sun feels so real on my black feathers. I want to raise chickens with you and love them. I want to breath underwater searching for memories of our mothers together. That aching lovely scent of water burning lungs. — Jay Artemis Hull

Prayer Love, how inelegantly we leave. How insistent we are to return in one form or another —Michael Prior

Each day, a whirr of white wings. I look up. Sleek neck, sleek body—perfect against the pale sky. A swan, heading some- where, heading sky- where, pond-where, homeward, the whirr of her wings the only sound in the silent grey. Each day, I look up: the best—the only—thing I can do. —Laura Apol

Skyler Ashley/City Pulse Stacks of Christmas presents form a jubilant light display in the front yard of an East Lansing home.

In Memoriam: Christmas Greetings

Suspended in the space outside a snow-framed window, grief floats above the sandy snowscape to comfort me. On my couch trapped in the gravity of loss, I flip calendar pages that once again counted down another year without you.

Again, we will not share the lights of our Christmas tree nor sample cookies I bake for Christmas Day. I won’t catch you stealing deviled eggs from the trays I plan to take to parties. And I know, even if that is all I’d want for Christmas, I cannot bring you back

So as you funnel down to that emptiness above the snow and evaporate into the stars, look my way as you go. Feel the pull of my love suspended in that inaccessible blankness where once we touched, where I still embrace what bridged us, and in the brightness of that light wish me “Merry Christmas” once again. From Reading Lessons, Finishing Line Press, 2019 — Mary Fox

Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse The Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America, formerly the Ottawa Street Power Station, on Grand Avenue, sends beams of holiday cheer into the downtown gloom. 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020

Abby Sumbler/City Pulse This Family A Lansing home’s elaborate Christmas decorations tell passersby to believe in hope.

I used to watch the families on tv Praying to god they could be me Why does their life looks so easy And every problem ends so cheesy RETREAT Then I start to wonder like Stevie What would I get the fam Even the old ghosts have left me, wary If the money ain’t a thang of the virus or bored of long silence. The holidays would bang At night I can’t hear anything outside So I’ll keep making jams my own body. I’ve started sleeping till I can make it change with my hand on my heart, though I pretend it isn’t mine. Twice in August I woke to the quiet of snow, We don’t let the special moments go and jus slip through the clock but it was only bees in the anemone. Cause we know the presents For a while I forgot to vacuum. Ain’t the things hiding in the box A month passed and still I couldn’t grasp I used to be sad the origin and accumulation of dust. Cause we didn’t get a lot I didn’t think it was time to clean, Until I learned was accustomed to a different schedule: That you gotta love what you got a chore in proximity to a visitor. Now I vacuum the usual fragments – lost skin cells, pastry crumbs, flour – We don’t have your picture perfect but sometimes something else catches Cookie Cutter in the long tube of the vacuum No it’s not your usual and I pull out old words: suitcase, But this families beautiful hug, hello, which I dust off We don’t have your picture perfect and display on the fireplace mantle. Cookie Cutter What I remember saves me: a morning No it’s not your usual my son rubbed my mother’s shoulders, But this families beautiful the way people used to turn their knees in a theater to let me find my seat, how to say I’d like to see the dessert menu We would exchange gifts in English, the sound of my own voice If our funds say would could saying it. But the best gift — Cindy Hunter Morgan Was seeing everyone healthy and free good I would honestly take all these gifts back If I could have a few people back My baby niece starting to walk and she teething That helps. Me take solace in the season

We don’t let the special moments go and jus slip through the clock Cause we know the presents Ain’t the things hiding in the box I used to be sad Cause we didn’t get a lot Until I learned That you gotta love what you got

We don’t have your picture perfect Cookie Cutter No it’s not your usual But this families beautiful We don’t have your picture perfect Cookie Cutter No it’s not your usual Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse But this families beautiful Candy canes and snowmen help this Lansing house twinkle bright red like Rudolph the — James Gardin Reindeer’s famous nose. City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

Christmas Cactus

Last year a cousin gave me A cutting from my grandmother’s plant, A small green spindle in a plastic pot of dirt, handed to me at the yearly reunion.

I have returned to the Midwest, to be with family that Covid 19 is keeping me from seeing, as though I am still thousands of miles away, a voice on the phone. Next year, I say, next year.

My small green cutting is only now growing roots catching the sun of late afternoon. It came from that massive plant, so long ago, full of red blooms at the Christmas party, joining into the festivity of a hundred adults and children squeezed on to benches and long wooden tables filling my grandparent’s garage. I sat shoulder to shoulder, cousin to cousin to aunt to uncle, sharing pots of baked beans and sauerkraut, strong coffee and apple cider, as the magenta and blue winter sky spilled into the land. — Maureen Hart

A Blessing

We stand under a cathedral of sky, fashioning a blessing for one another, a blessing of clouds pierced by shafts of light. The light infuses our words and opens our hearts.

Now, we too, are light.

The shafts of light hold up the sky. The sky will not fall on our heads. The sky will remain the sky, will send us gifts of rain and snow, will feed the fields, will become flowers.

Skyler Ashley/City Pulse Breathe deeply. That is a blessing. Trees wrapped Each morning so far Breathe out. That too is a blessing. with shimmering Keep breathing and listen to the sound lights illuminate the Each morning I get in the car and find of your breath greeting the air. midnight air in East The center convex-prism rear-view mirror Lansing’s White Hills Turned up to day position for my spouse: We are the children of the Earth, and the Earth neighborhood. That is, set to night vision for my height. gives power to those of us who understand I see a flattened world in tones of grey, and respect her nature. Respect her nature. But clear enough, I think. It’s good enough. Use her gifts wisely. — Ruelaine Stokes And yet each day I pull the mirror down. Sunlight pours in, forever a surprise. Each day, I think, the world hands me the choice Of Plato’s cave. Give thanks! each day, so far, I’ve turned away from shadows to the light. — Cheryl Caesar 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC Lansing restaurants work around indoor ban

By SKYLER ASHLEY Nelson said the little greenhouses do be creative and generate revenue,” Faced with capacity limits and and their heaters were a worthy invest- Nelson said. bans on indoor-dining altogether, ment in combatting the lost revenue “We have employees that will strug- Michigan’s restaurants have taken quite from coronavirus restrictions. Peanut gle to provide Christmas for their fami- the toll during the pandemic. Forced to Barrel owners Joe and Jennifer Bell lies, because business simply isn’t there. innovate, many have rearranged their have also purchased an array of heaters. Even with the heaters, it can be hard business model to focus on takeout and “We run a row of propane-fueled for people to eat outside,” Kirkpatrick delivery. heaters down to the center of the patio said. “But we understand that COVID To skirt limits on indoor dining, so they will keep our customers warm,” is a real thing and we don’t want people many restaurateurs are investing in Joe Bell said. “The response has been coming in and catching it.” heat lamps, igloos and other devices to really good, maybe not so much when “Like everybody else in the restau- keep their guests warm enough to dine there’s snow, but we’ve had a lot of busi- rant business, we look forward to when outdoors in Michigan’s cold climate. ness on the weekends. People like it.” it ends,” Joe Bell said. In a testament to the advancements of The Bells debuted the heat lamps in The current ban on indoor dining heating technology or Michigander’s September, but they have since taken is set to expire on Sunday (Dec. 20). ability to brave the cold, it seems to be an additional step by passing out blan- Fortunately, for the many restaurants working. kets, which are regularly sanitized, so that have been hit especially hard by The English Inn in Eaton Rapids customers can keep their legs comfy Courtesy the coronavirus restrictions, there is adopted the concept early on. as well. Though the Bells believe it’s One of English Inn's heated booths. some relief on the way. Customers are able to dine in what’s not possible to provide total comfort, Applications for grants worth up essentially a miniature greenhouse. the heaters and blankets do more than “Everybody has been coming out and to $15,000 each are now available, The English Inn began trying the con- enough to “take the edge off.” really enjoying it since we’ve opened it thanks to $10 million in funding the cept out a couple months ago, but now “Because they can’t do indoor dining, up,” Kirkpatrick said. “We’ve quite a Michigan Economic Development temperatures are much more fear - people are willing to take the extra mile few full Saturday and Sundays where Corp. has available due to the state’s some. With winter in full effect, owner to have a cocktail or a burger outdoors,” we had to turn people away and have Small Business Relief Initiative and the Erik Nelson said customers maintain Jennifer Bell said. “We just wish we had them wait.” federal CARES Act. To receive a grant, that the greenhouse huts, which have more seats. Everyone in the business is While the Michigan Restaurant and potential recipients must meet several received some upgrades, are still up to trying to stay alive and afloat.” Lodging Association has released state- criteria, such as having fewer than 50 snuff. The People’s Kitchen, which is tem- ments railing against the indoor dining employees. Applications are submit- “As soon as temperatures dipped porarily closed due to an employee ban, Nelson, Kirkpatrick and the Bells ted online at MichiganBusiness.org/ below 40 degrees, I realized I needed testing positive for COVID-19, has out- said it’s just an unfortunate but neces- About-MEDC/COVID19/Relief. to something more. I purchased addi- fitted its outdoor patio for the winter sary part of combatting the pandemic. “I hope guests realize that indepen- tional 1,500 watt heaters for each unit,” with large heaters and plastic shielding. “I reluctantly support the shutdown. dent restaurants really need their sup- Nelson said. “I had to get creative with General manager Jessica Kirkpatrick We as restaurateurs need to be able to port right now,” Nelson said. extension cords, but they’re toasty now.” also suggests bringing a lap blanket. lean into it and do everything we can Michigan brewpub chain opens East Lansing location By SKYLER ASHLEY Jolly Pumpkin students and East Lansing townies locations. “We were ecstatic,” Worden After suffering delays from con - Café and Brewery have been welcoming after their long said. struction and the pandemic, Jolly Open for takeout and delivery wait. Right now, due to current coronavi- Pumpkin Café & Brewery has finally 218 Albert St., East Lansing “We wanted to open a Jolly rus safety restrictions, Jolly Pumpkin Monday-Friday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. found some footing in East Lansing. Saturday-Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Pumpkin in East Lansing for quite is limited to delivery and carry - It’s another part of the Center City (517) 858-2100 some time. Grant always had his out. Despite the limitations, Jolly jollypumpkin.com District project to come to fruition, sights set on East Lansing, he’s obvi- Pumpkin still offers its entire menu along with Target and Barrio Tacos. in East Lansing, after all, he played ously a big MSU fan. We just needed of beer and spirits. Specials include Jolly Pumpkin, which specializes football for the Spartans. the right location,” Worden said. “We a date night package, which features in sour craft beers and gourmet pub Originally scheduled to open its actually opened without our license. two pizzas and a six-pack of Sparta food, is one of many brewing enti - doors in the fall of 2019, it was Luckily, that only lasted a week. That beer from North Peak Brewing Co. ties underneath the Michigan-based pushed back due to the construction was an interesting start.” When Jolly Pumpkin reopens for brewing conglomerate Northern of the Center City District develop - Despite it being a “crazy time” to indoordining, Worden said custom- United Brewing Co. It has locations ment and then halted once again to open a restaurant, Worden said Jolly ers should expect a fun, sports bar all around Michigan, but Northern mid-October due to the coronavirus Pumpkin East Lansing had one of atmosphere geared toward the MSU United Brewing’s CEO, Tony Grant, pandemic. Jolly Pumpkin marketing the most successful launches out of game day crowd. “We will always fea- has reason to be especially invested manager Megan Worden said MSU any of the brewpub’s many Michigan ture the games,” Worden said. City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 Lansing musicians join for much-needed holiday positivity

By COLE TUNNINGLEY When Tom Heideman strummed the chords to “Singing Peace (A Christmas Song)” for the first time, he didn’t know what he planned to do with it. Recording a new song during a pan- Listen to “Singing Peace demic seemed like an impossibility. But (A Christmas Song)” by Tom when he looked out upon a world filled with negativity and pain, Heideman Heideman & Friends on Apple decided that he couldn’t keep the song Music, Spotify, Pandora, to himself. It needed to be shared with YouTube and Amazon. the world. “It was just an idea I had kicking around on the guitar,” Heideman said. “I was wondering if I could even attempt knew.” to record the thing. We’re going through Tom Heideman & Friends — the a lot of unprecedented stuff here.” name of this hastily assembled group — Heideman pointed out that we hav- includes members from local bands Tell en’t experienced a pandemic like this Yo Mama, Smooth Daddy and Mighty since the 1918 flu pandemic. Medicine. Recording with such a large While he typically only performs with crew turned out to be difficult in the his wife, Heideman felt that “Singing era of COVID-19. They had to practice Peace” would benefit from having a social distancing in the studio and forgo “big, bright sound.” To make his vision full band rehearsals. for the song come to fruition, he enlist- “The album was recorded at ed over a dozen other musicians from Troubadour Recording Studios [in the Lansing area. Lansing]. Only a few people were “The mere fact that more musicians allowed in the studio at a time,” Courtesy are involved means that the song will Heideman said. “But we made it work.” Tom Heideman, writer of "Singing Peace (A Christmas Song)," performing live. sound bigger,” Heideman said. “Plus, The band had to keep in touch — and tice the tune as a full band. He said eos of the musicians singing and play- I thought, ‘The more musicians I get, exchange recordings — over email. This that he’s more used to doing things the ing their instruments at home in front the more people will hear it.’ So, I start- was the first time Heideman recorded a old-fashioned way. of Christmas decorations. ed calling around to some musicians I song without the opportunity to prac- “I used to just go into their living Heideman & Friends won’t make a rooms and play the song on the gui- profit off of “Singing Peace.” Instead, tar for them. Or record it on a tape to all proceeds from purchases of the song give to them. I know that’s old-school,” are going to the Greater Lansing Food laughed Heideman. “But so much of Bank. this was done digitally. I sent everyone “I just wanted to get something pos- a demo that I recorded on my home lap- itive out there because 2020 has been top.” such a terrible year for everyone. I The music video for “Singing Peace” wanted to do whatever I could do — in — available on Heideman’s YouTube my own small way — to make the hol- channel — gives you an inside look at idays more fun,” explained Heideman. their recording process. It mixes footage “And if the food bank gets a little money from studio sessions with self-shot vid- out of it, even better.”

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22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 True cannabis reform requires Favorite Things more than federal MORE Act Marshall Kelly and the Legislation would create Lansterdam in uneven playing field for Review: cannabis convicts House Resolution Rider-Waite tarot deck 3884 (2019) Marshall Kelly, who uses they/ By KYLE KAMINSKI them pronouns, is a Lansing-based Recent federal legislation to decrim- musician and artist. With their inalize marijuana and expunge nonvi- “A lot of national groups seem to be identical twin Ezra, they form a olent, weed-related convictions is being taking victory laps over this legislation music group known as Nonbinary. hailed as a nationwide victory for the either without addressing this issue or Kelly is also well known for serv- cannabis normalization movement. without recognizing the problem,” said ing unique cocktails at The Avenue And while it may represent some big Ryan Basore, founder of Redemption Café. Kelly’s favorite thing is their strides toward reform, it still leaves Cannabis Co. and former director of personal deck of tarot cards. more to be desired. business development for the Michigan I bought this deck at Triple The Marijuana Opportunity Cannabis Industry Association. “It may Goddess Bookstore on Michigan Reinvestment and Expungement Act, be an oversight, but that just needs to Avenue. I first got into Avenue which passed the House this month by be removed.” by watching my friends do it. I a vote of 228-164, aims to permanently Basore spent time in federal prison was never skeptical of it. I was erase marijuana from the list of federal- on a marijuana conviction. The lan- always believed it, and so I went ly controlled substances, formally and guage in the bill could theoretically pre- and bought my own deck. I actu- finally decriminalizing the plant across vent him from staying involved in the ally purchased this with my twin, the entire country. federally licensed cannabis market. Ezra; it’s technically both of ours. Entrepreneurs have labeled the leg- Steven Hawkins, executive director at The deck is the traditional Rid- ess, which is a card that tells you islation as a lucrative opportunity to the Marijuana Policy Project, called it er-Waite tarot deck — it’s the one to trust your psychic intuition. expand interstate marijuana opera- “unacceptable.” you typically see in movies. I called my mom, and I was like, tions. “Not only does this requirement vio- When people are picking out a “Listen, I know this is crazy, but I The bill carries provisions that would late both the spirit and intent of this deck, they usually pick one that pulled this tarot card and I think allow for the automatic expungement historic legislation, it is strongly at odds they think I’m going to of certain pot-related criminal convic- with many of the provisions contained is pretty. My get to move to tions. It would also authorize a 5% sales in MORE Act itself, including the deck is the California to- tax on marijuana that would, in turn, expungement of records and efforts to most basic day.” My pro- help fund grant programs for low-in- remove barriers from past convictions,” tarot deck you bation officer come communities of color — those he explained. can find, and I called me two most disproportionately affected by The Marijuana Policy Project still like the idea of hours later decades of criminalization within an supports the legislation but is asking for it being tradi- and told me overtly harmless (and lucrative) illicit immediate changes. tional. It’s ob- I was free to market. “At this point, it just seems like a huge vious what it move. It was The bill, for now, appears doomed oversight,” Basore added. “We’re being is. It’s the same wild. in the Republican-controlled Senate. told that it will be taken out — that is if reason why I Tarot decks Majority Leader (and decaying crypt it stands a chance in the Senate. There’s like traditional are basically keeper) Mitch McConnell has reported- a lot of uncertainty.” tattoos. fortune-tell- ly derided the legislation as a superficial If it passes, the MORES Act would What makes ing cards. You distraction from COVID-19 relief. But also hand states the power and incen- this deck spe- shuffle the even if the MORE Act somehow finds tives to enact their own specific reforms cial to me, deck and each its way into law, it still leaves room for on the newly legalized industry. Fifteen though, is that card has a dif- major reforms. states have already voted to legalize rec- I believe it nev- ferent mean- A clause in the legislation, as passed reational marijuana. At least 36 states er lies to me. ing. For me, by the House, makes it illegal for those have authorized some form of medical It tells me the truth, even when I it tells me how it is. Once I pull a convicted of a cannabis-related felony marijuana. don’t want it to. One time, I was card, I know I can’t turn back. I to join the newly legalized industry. The A recent Gallup poll also shows that on probation and I was waiting know what the answer is for what- justification: Those former criminals 68% of Americans support federal mar- on the judge to tell me if I could ever it is I am concerned about, would be “not likely” to comply within ijuana legalization. move to California. I was pulling whether it’s money, mental health a fully regulated market, according to Kyle Kaminski is a City Pulse staff one card every day, so I could get a or relationship issues. I use it as an the bill. writer and cannabis enthusiast who straightforward answer as to what anxiety reliever. I know what my It’s entirely mind boggling how leg- has been smoking marijuana just would eventually happen with the luck will be; I know what my for- islation designed to right the wrongs of about every day for the last decade. court — if I was going to find out if tune will be. decades of unfair cannabis criminaliza- Most weeks, Kaminski samples some I could go or not. Interview edited and condensed tion could actually punish those who of the best cannabis products available I woke up one day, after having by Skyler Ashley. If you have a helped to build the industry. Even more in Greater Lansing, gets real high and this dream where I received a call suggestion for Favorite Things, surprising? Most marijuana reform writes about them. On occasion, he also from the court telling me I could please email Skyler@Lansingcity- groups appear to have overlooked this shares his opinion on various issues go. Then I pulled the High Priest- pulse.com issue. that are facing the cannabis industry. City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 Happy Holidays from Absolute! We carry Michigan’s Own We have a great selection of gifts and art for everyone on your list 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 Local creatives unite for ‘The Social Gap Experiment’

By BILL CASTANIER authors. asked the writers and artists to explain A common misconception is that It soon morphed why they were inspired to submit their writers work in seclusion, toiling away into a project to cre- writing. Artist Donald Tredinnick in an unheated garret, quietly turning ate a literary and arts said, “I became interested in the proj- out 5,000 words a day. That isn’t really anthology by call- ect when I heard that proceeds would true. In fact, writers can be gregarious ing for submissions be going to charity.” Tredinnick, who social beings and the pandemic shut the online. Kaelin served owns Frozen Hiker Photography in door on most of their face-to-face social as the editor and pub- Savage, Minnesota, had his photograph interactions. lisher. “Wigwam Hotel” published in the Local writer Melissa F. Kaelin con- “Amazingly, we anthology. cluded a different response was need- received 42 submis- “Especially during this pandemic, ed, and she decided to experiment with sions, and my goal was donations across the board are down as social media to connect with other writ- to accept everyone’s many people are struggling due to lost ers and creatives while social distanc- work,” she said. “The jobs, reduced wages, and general uncer- ing. goal was simple: How tainty. This is a great way for the arts The result was the Social Gap can we get poets and community to give back,” he said. Experiment, which started with a series fiction writers pub- The Social Gap Experiment antholo- of live interviews on Facebook with lished?” gy features many talented authors and The result is a 121- artists who create poetry, fiction, non- page anthology aptly fiction, art and photography. All pro- named “The Social ceeds from book sales will be donated Gap Experiment,” to support those who have lost wages or which features the faced other hardships in the global pan- work of published and demic according to Kaelin. Additional unpublished writers donations may be made online at: www. accompanied by origi- GoFundMe.com/social-gap-experi- nal art and photogra- ment Meridian Mall · Okemos phy. Local artist Sarah Author Sarah Murphy Smith, a Andrews’ cover art is Lansing playwright who contributed quite spectacular. the poem “Mama” to the anthology, The anthology is said, “I believe we as the human fami- dedicated to Lansing ly need each other and must find new MAKE YOUR writer Dwayne Sorter, isolation.” ways to stay connected in this fragile who died unexpectedly this past year. A “I was so impressed with the work. world.” Murphy Smith’s poem speaks HOME FOR THE piece of his flash fiction, “Primal Man,” We did ourselves a service not having to the tragic death of George Floyd. HOLIDAYS is included in the anthology. a theme,” she said. “The fiction is poi- “I am excited to participate in this Kaelin said when she arrived in project because creativity and literacy We have everything you need in store gnant, and captures the human experi- Lansing two years ago to work in media ence of love and regret.” are antidotes to hate, suffering, exclu- communications at Michigan State It’s here that Kailin paused to make sion and social injustice,” said Melissa University, she was inspired by Sorter’s Grunow, who writes fiction and nonfic- the point that “the book is a great gift Books readings at local events. for adults.” Local writers like Rosalie tion in East Peoria, Illinois. “I decided Although the request for submissions Sanara Petrouske, Bill Blanchard, to submit a short story, ‘Mona,’ to this Games | Puzzles didn’t require a theme, what emerged, Robert Nelson and Mary Fox contrib- collection because it has an underlying according to Kaelin, were stories and uted the vast majority of the work. theme of hope and confronts unexpect- Toys | Gifts | Decor poetry that focused on “loneliness and One question in the submission form ed hardships and change.” Grumow’s short story is a touching More! look at how a young woman and her friend Rachel approach the news of a Open daily. Shop in store, order Curious Book Shop Archives Book Shop surprise pregnancy. ahead for curbside pick-up (call 307 E. Grand River Ave., E. Lansing 519 W. Grand River Ave., E. Lansing 517.349.8840) or ship to home with an (517) 332-0112 • Mon.-Sat. 10-7, Sun. 12-5 (517) 332-8444 • Mon.-Sat. 11-6, Sun. 12-5 Since moving to Michigan in 2018, We validate parking Free parking Kaelin has become active in many writ- online order at SchulerBooks.com. curiousbooks.com [email protected] See us on Facebook and Etsy ing groups and performance events Store Hours: including the Poetry Room, Fiction 10am-7pm Mon–Sat, 440, the Artist’s Umbrella, the Lansing 11am-6pm Sundays 20% Off Poetry Club and the REO Town Gift Certificates Reading Series. “There are many talented creators and who perform their work on stage and at REGISTER FOR VIRTUAL EVENTS ON Childrens Books! the mic. I have a great appreciation for OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE: the talent in Michigan’s capital city and Facebook.com/SchulerBooks in mid-Michigan,” she said. “This was SchulerBooks.com/Event The stockings were hung by the chimney with care a great pandemic project, and for me it knowing a book would fit perfect in there! was a challenge in personal growth.” City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25 Gilberts

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Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny December 16-22, 2020 Temporary gods "foremost living artist": "One night I dreamed "Shell Game"-- ARIES (March 21-April 19): are deities who come alive and become available that I painted a large American flag, and the next maybe that's why for particular functions, and are not otherwise morning I got up and I went out and bought the it's green. necessary or called upon. For instance, in ancient materials to begin it." Painting flags ultimately Greece, the god Myiagros showed up when became one of Johns' specialties. by Matt Jones humans made sacrifices to the goddess Athena. His task was to shoo away flies. I encourage you Across LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I composed a prayer to invent or invoke such a spirit for the work you that's in alignment with your current astrological 1 "Breaking Bad" sidekick have ahead of you. And what's that work? 1. To omens. If it feels right, say it daily for the next ten translate your recent discoveries into practical 6 Written test format plans. 2. To channel your new-found freedom into days. Here it is: "Dear Higher Self, Guardian Angel, strategies that will ensure freedom will last. 3. To and Future Me: Please show me how to find or 11 Some mainframe create the key to the part of my own heart that's computers infuse the details of daily life with the big visions you've harvested recently. What will you name your locked up. Reveal the secret to dissolving any 15 Follow, as an impulse temporary god? inhibitions that interfere with my ability to feel all I 16 Pleas need to feel. Make it possible for me to get brilliant TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Author Virginia insights into truths that will enable me to lift my 18 QUESTION, PART 1 Woolf said that we don't wholly experience intimate alliances to the next level." 20 Cry bitterly the unique feelings that arise in any particular moment. They take a while to completely settle in, SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author Herman 21 Blows away unfold, and expand. From her perspective, then, Hesse observed, “Whoever wants music instead 22 ___ St. Soul (U.K. we rarely "have complete emotions about the of noise, joy instead of pleasure, soul instead of R&B/soul group) present, only about the past.” With that as your gold, creative work instead of business, passion starting point, Taurus, I invite you to take a journey instead of foolery, finds no home in this trivial 23 Controversial ride- through the last 11 months and thoroughly evolve world.” I hope you will prove him wrong in 2021, sharing app all the emotions that weren't entirely ripe when Scorpio. According to my reading of astrological 25 Fall back, as a tide they originally appeared. Now is an excellent time omens, the rhythms of life will be in alignment with to deepen your experience of what has already 26 ASPCA part happened; to fully bloom the seeds that have been yours if you do indeed make bold attempts to favor planted. music over noise, joy over pleasure, soul over gold, 29 QUESTION, PART 2 creative work over business, passion over foolery. 34 "Forrest Gump" actor GEMINI (May 21-June 20): "Wonder is a bulky Moreover, I think this will be your perfect formula Gary emotion," writes author Diane Ackerman. "When for success—a strategy that will guarantee you'll feel at home in the world more than ever before. 35 "The Man Who you let it fill your heart and mind, there isn't room for anxiety, distress, or anything else." I'd love for Mistook His Wife for 61 Closest to the ground, 13 "I really don't care" 39 Did some karaoke you to use her observation as a prescription in SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According ___" (1985 best-seller) stature-wise 14 157.5 degrees from N 41 Repercussions 2021, Gemini. According to my understanding of the to researcher Nick Watts and his documentary coming year's astrological portents, you will have 36 "Laugh-In" comedian 62 Otherworldly film *The Human Footprint*, the average person Johnson 17 It's a likely story 42 "Ghost Town" actress more natural access to wonder and amazement speaks more than 13 million words in a lifetime, or 63 Mgr.'s helper 19 "You ___ one" Tea and awe than you've had in a long time. And it about 4,300 per day. But I suspect and hope that 37 Like many indie films would make me happy to see you rouse those your output will increase in 2021. I think you'll have 64 Creator of Yertle the 23 Sleep aid brand 44 Irritate primal emotions with vigor—so much so that you 38 "Buon giorno," in Turtle more to say than usual—more truths to articulate, Brisbane 24 Like a shopping mall on 45 Fastening bars shaped drive away at least some of the flabby emotions more observations to express, more experiences 65 Laundry cycle Black Friday, ordinarily like letters like anxiety, which are often more neurotic than to describe. So please raise your daily quota of 39 Go over the limit real. Down 25 Online selling site 49 Louisiana, to Louis self-expression to account for your expanded 40 Green Day, e.g. capacity to share your intelligence with the world. 1 Movie score with a 26 Wall, for one 50 In ___ of (replacing) CANCER (June 21-July 22): I'll use the words of 41 "Sorry if ___ you down" famous two-note motif Cancerian painter Frida Kahlo to tell you the kind of 27 Playful aquatic animals 51 Monica Geller's brother intimate ally you deserve. If for some inexplicable CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "Our thinking should 42 NBA team formerly 2 Bounce back have a vigorous fragrance, like a wheat field on from Minneapolis 28 Dated term for college 52 Jack-o'-lantern look reason you have not enjoyed a relationship like this 3 Aimless attempt before now, I urge you to make 2021 the year that a summer's night," wrote philosopher Friedrich 43 QUESTION, PART 3 students 53 College team from Salt you finally do. And if you HAVE indeed been lucky Nietzsche. I encourage you to adopt that joyful 4 Imbiber Lake City 46 Charlemagne's realm, 29 Site for reflection? in this regard, I bet you'll be even luckier in 2021. mandate as your own. It's a perfect time to throw Here's Frida: "You deserve a lover who wants you out stale opinions and moldy ideas as you make for short 5 Grind to a halt 30 Prompt 54 "Auld Lang ___" disheveled . . . who makes you feel safe . . . who room for an aromatic array of fresh, spicy notions. 47 Device program 6 Milne's mopey donkey 31 Corvair investigator 55 "Don't text and drive" wants to dance with you . . . who never gets tired To add to your bliss, get rid of musty old feelings ad, for short 48 Cranberry sources 7 Flaky precipitation Ralph of studying your expressions . . . who listens when and decaying dreams and stinky judgments. That you sing, who supports you when you feel shame 8 Comedians Gilliam and 32 "They went ___-way" 56 Acuity measures that brave cleansing will make room for the arrival of 49 Greek letter after zeta don't really matter and respects your freedom . . . who takes away the crisp insights that smell really good. Goldsmith, for two 33 Actress Lauren of lies and brings you hope." 50 "Battlefield Earth" 57 Questionable, in "Among 9 Rainbow shape 2020's "The Wrong Missy" AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Have you heard author Hubbard Us," slangily LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2019, singer Ariana 10 "While that might be 34 Louis Armstrong's the term "catastrophize"? It refers to when people 52 Director Van Sant 58 Hustle, quaintly Grande got Japanese characters tattooed on true ..." nickname her palm. She believed them to be a translation experience a small setback or minor problem 55 ANSWER TO THE 59 High-jump hurdle of the English phrase "7 Rings," which was the title but interpret it as being a major misfortune. QUESTION 11 "___ be here soon" 38 Unidentifiable cafeteria It's very important that you not engage in food 60 Peyton's sibling of a song she had released. But knowledgeable 12 Took the bait observers later informed her that the tattoo's real catastrophizing during the coming weeks. I urge meaning was "small charcoal grill." She arranged you to prevent your imagination from jumping to ©2020 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) A nswers Page 28 to have alterations made, but the new version was awful conclusions that aren't warranted. Use deep worse: "Japanese barbecue grill finger." I offer you breathing and logical thinking to coax yourself this story for two reasons, Leo. First, I applaud into responding calmly. Bonus tip: In my view, the SUDOKU Beginner the creativity and innovative spirit that have been small "setback" you experience could lead to an flowing through you. Second, I want to make unexpected opportunity—especially if you resist sure that you keep them on the right track—that the temptation to catastrophize. TO PLAY they continue to express what you want them to express. With proper planning and discernment, PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Buddhist friend they will. Marcia says the ultimate goal of her meditation Fill in the grid so that practice is to know that the material world is an VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): While sleeping, illusion and that there is no such thing "I" or "you," no every row, column, and most of us have over a thousand dreams every past or future. There is only the quality-less ground year. Many are hard to remember and not outlined 3-by-3 box worth remembering. But a beloved few can be of being. My Sufi friend Roanne, on the other hand, life-changers. They have the potential to trigger is a devotee of the poet Rumi. The ultimate goal of contains the numbers 1 epiphanies that transform our destinies for the her meditation practice is to be in intimate contact, better. In my astrological opinion, you are now in in tender loving communion, with the Divine Friend, through 9 exactly once. a phase when such dreams are more likely than the personal face of the Cosmic Intelligence. Given usual. That's why I invite you to keep a recorder your astrological omens, Pisces, I'd say you're in a No guessing is required. or a pen and notebook by your bed so as to prime position to experience the raw truth of both capture them. For inspiration, read this testimony Marcia's and Roanne's ideals. The coming days The solution is unique. from Jasper Johns, whom some call America's could bring you amazing spiritual breakthroughs!

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT Answers on page 28 MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 sre o ansings Msical ndscae sre o ansings TURN IT D WN!By RICH TUMsicalPICA ndscae TURNLoud dispatches from Lansing’sIT musicD sceneWNBy RICH TUPICA Michigan-made Christmas Mix Vol. 2

“An All Star Salute to Christmas” (2009). Etienne Charles’ “Creole Christmas” LP (2015). “A Christmas Eve Get-Together With Goober & The Peas” EP (1992). Lansing-based musicians and music buffs suggest more top-notch, locally-sourced holiday tracks

Ariel Rogers (Journalist, musician) Jason grew up in the area, playing in a was recorded in 2015 by Michigan State on this holiday classic. SONG: Iggy Pop “White Christmas” number of bands including Six With Violet University Jazz Studies faculty member Next, is the twisted “My Love for Her,” a Nothing gets me more in the mood for before he helped found one of the semi- Etienne Charles on his jazzy holiday dark song of lost holiday love that reveals the holiday season than Iggy Pop’s cover nal space rock bands, Calliope. In the record “Creole Christmas.” A few years a morbid and unhealthy fixation on what of “White Christmas” on 2009’s “An All 2000s, Jason also ran a basement studio back, I had the opportunity to perform once was but will likely never happen Star Salute to Christmas” compilation. in his house, located directly behind the it in East Lansing with him as a mem- again. The EP closes with “Tell the Lord His gravelly crooning paired with the slow, Speedway on the corner of Michigan and ber of MSU Jazz Orchestra II. While What Santa Has Done,” a metaphysical dissonant piano and industrial sounding Clemens. It was torn down a decade or this isn’t technically a “Michigan song,” song confronting the sacred and secular percussion gives the Irving Berlin classic so ago — its name: trash180. Oodles of the arrangement and professor Charles’ aspects of the meaning of Christmas. It a more somber tone, which I enjoy as a local bands took advantage of this great record really helped me find the joy and lampoons, yet also seems strangely ear- Scrooge. My favorite part is Pop’s half- space and its talented producer/engineer beauty in both performing and recording nest about, the “War on Christmas” and hearted “Ho Ho Ho” at the beginning. during its heyday. holiday music. our ever-changing cultural values. Pop released a groovy, psychedelic In 2004, the hit TV show “Veronica version of the song in 2013 on Cleopatra Mars,” starring Michigan native Kristen Steve Butts (Local music buff) Steve Butts Records’ “Psych-Out Christmas” compila- Bell, put out a call for music for a SONG: “A Christmas Eve Get- SONG: Detroit Junior “Christmas tion. He also recorded a rendition of “The Christmas-themed episode. Under the Together With Goober & The Peas” EP Day” Little Drummer Boy” with Michael Legrand trash180 moniker, Jason submitted his Goober & The Peas are now likely most We often reach a relatively stress-free back in 2011. amazing take on the haunting holiday remembered for being a band that fea- moment in time, which offers an over- Pop, aka “The Godfather of Punk,” classic “Carol of The Bells.” Lantrip said tured Jack “Doc Gillis” White as a mem- whelming climactic joy as a result. That’s is best known for his wild self-destruc- he wanted to make the song a bit “spooki- ber before he was a world-famous rock what I thought about when I heard Detroit tive onstage antics—like cutting himself er,” and his adventurous version achieves star. That’s a shame, because Goober’s Junior’s “Christmas Day.” with glass and smearing himself and the just that. However, in a bittersweet (but raucous cowpunk and humorous take on Junior has finally reached a point crowd with peanut butter, which makes cool) outcome, the great Ann Arbor band the most morbid and gothic overtones of where all of the hustle and bustle of the his affinity for Christmas covers even Starling Electric, friends of Jason’s, had country music were always very enter- holiday season is over. Junior, a Detroit- more amusing. I can’t help but wonder if their song chosen for the hit show. taining. The Detroit band’s 1992 three- to-Chicago bluesman, best known for he wears festive holiday sweaters. song Christmas EP (now a rarity) pres- playing behind top blues stars, offers a Jordyn Davis (Bassist, composer, ents brilliant holiday tunes, with tongue loose take here on the urbane soul of Ray Joel Kuiper (Drummer, Scary singer-songwriter) planted firmly in cheek. Charles, but with a bit more Mississippi Women, The Stick Arounds) SONG: Etienne Charles “This First, there is a cover of The Royal grit. While holiday music is often wistful SONG: trash180 “Carol of the Bells” Christmas” (ft. Mykal Kilgore) Guardsmen’s 1967 “Snoopy’s Christmas,” and full of nostalgic longing, Junior’s 1961 Lansing has such a rich musical his- (LINK https://etiennecharles.band- a blatant cash-in of an earlier Guardsmen track playfully suggests we surrender to tory. To the casual observer, the formerly camp.com/album/creole-christmas ) “Snoopy” hit. That’s the thing about good the moment — as tomorrow is never guar- named Biddle City may appear to be just One of my favorite songs to revisit Christmas music — most of it is a blatant anteed. another sleepy midwestern rustbelt relic, during the holiday season is the timeless and transparent cash grab, appealing to but when one peels back the layers, there classic “This Christmas,” originally writ- our most treacly seasonal sentiments. are many tales to tell. Over the past two ten and performed by Donny Hathaway. Goober hit the money shot by convincing decades, many of those stories have The particular arrangement of this song Tigers radio announcer Ernie Harwell to involved trash180, aka Jason Lantrip. that has a special place in my heart contribute the voice of “The Red Baron” 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020

Virtual Preschool Family Storytime - 11 Transfer-in Advising Seminars - Lansing a.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library. Go to Community College. lcc.edu Tuesday, December 22 gladl.org Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 Cereal Science - 9 a.m. Impression 5 Science p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. Saturday, December 19 impression5.org. Amazing Paleontology - 1 p.m. Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517- 485-8116. impression5.org. SUDOKU SOLUTION Twilight ON THE Drive-Through Mobile Food Distribution From Pg. 26 - of free, fresh and non-perishable food items Counseling to Lansing residents. 9-11 a.m. Lansing Catholic Central, 501 Marshall St. lansingmi.gov. Licensed & Local Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 10:30- Talk-Therapy TOWN 11:30 facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Events must be entered through the calendar Yule with Weavers of the Web - 2-4 p.m at Anxiety, Depression, Stress at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. WonchPark, 4555 Okemos Rd., Okemos. go to Anger, Sexuality, Isolation Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. weaversoftheweb.org for details. Charges may apply for paid events to appear and more. in print. If you need assistance, please call Monday, December 21 Suzi at (517) 999-6704. 517-648-3456 Burcham Hills Festival of Lights - Drive- No Insurance Needed thru features 13,500 lights, live music, free hot chocolate and a Santa experience! Reserve your [email protected] spot at 517-827-1072. 2700 Burcham Hills Dr., East Wednesday, December 16 Lansing enter on Park Lake Rd. burchamhills. com 3-D Workshop: Winter Clay Luminaries Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 - Light up the darkest time of the year by p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing designing a hand-built luminary. 7-10 p.m. via FREE INSPECTIONS zoom. Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. Sunsational Science - 9 a.m. Impression 5 Michigan Home Comfort Register at broadmuseum.msu.edu. Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517- 485-8116. impression5.org. Special Collections Look Club: Our theme Air Duct Cleaning this week is Exploration!. 2-2:45 p.m. MSU AIR DUCT CLEANING HELPS Libraries, East Lansing. bookings.lib.msu.edu. • REMOVE MOLD & ALLERGENS Wheel of the Year: Yule - What is the CROSSWORD SOLUTION • REDUCE DUST AND meaning and symbolism of Yule? Virtual. 6:30- From Pg. 26 OTHER POLLUTANTS 7:30 p.m. Weavers of the Web, ATC, 517-657- • HELPS FURNACE EFFICIENCY 5800. weaversoftheweb.org. Thursday, December 17 Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 6-7 p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing $ Studio (in)Process at Home - 9 p.m. 565 50 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. 517-884- 4800. broadmuseum.msu.edu. Friday, December 18 OFF Flash Sale Fridays - Michigan Audubon is Open 8am - 8pm featuring discounted items in our online store. AIR DUCT 10 a.m.-4 p.m. michiganaudubon.org. CLEANING 618 E. Kalamazoo St. National Diabetes Prevention Program - EXPIRES 12/28/2020 preventing type 2 diabetes. canr.msu.edu Lansing, MI, 48912 Refuge Recovery Lansing (Virtual) - 7:30- 833-642-3828 • 517-975-5030 8:30 p.m. facebook.com/refugerecoverylansing Ingham County Animal Shelter To adopt one of these pets, visit the ICAS at 600 Buhl St., Mason, call Sponsor a pet on the next Adoption Page for only $35, $6 goes to the shelter. To sponsor, call 999-5061 now!! Adopt a pet on this page and Soldan’s will thank (517) 676-8370 to make an appt. or go to ac.ingham.org. you with a $10 gift certificate. Contact (517) 999-5061 after you adopt.

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DeWitt absolutely loves to play outside 12286 Old U.S. 27 She is a shy little girl but is trying She loves attention and with sturdy kids that can keep up Charlotte with him and has the cutest little hard to be brave and would do best would enjoy a quieter home 515 Lansing St. in a quiet home with older kids. where she can get all the love underbite ever! and TLC she needs. Sponsored by In memory of City Pulse Rodica’s cats City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING does get old. FLASH Flash in the Pan is food writer Ari Kamut Pasta in the pan LeVaux’s weekly recipe column. It runs in about 100 newspapers nationwide, By ARI LeVAUX nourishing food sections large and small A group of newly acquainted food with complete protein for the belly brain. writers wandered up the cobbled roads This story is paid for by read - of a Roman hill, presumably toward a ers like you through contributions to Michelin-starred restaurant, in April of driven to the restaurant in their car. We the CityPulse Fund for Community 2016. Our loose parade extended half a regrouped at a bar and eventually found Journalism. Cash donations made block, whatever that means in Rome. our way home. But when in Rome, alas, this year to a 501(c)3 can be deducted Atop the hill was an architecture firm, I never did get to sample that Roman when you file your taxes next spring! in the penthouse of which awaited an Kamut. This expires after Dec. 31, so please act 8-course dinner. Our fearless leader, Upon my return to Montana, I began now. To donate, please go to lansingcity absorbed in conversation, kept a good testing what I’d learned, and what I pulse.com. clip, and the folks at the back were get- piece with a gulp of Chianti, I reiterated thought I knew, about pasta. I became ting steadily left behind. I paused for a that Kamut pasta is an actual thing, fin- an avid reader of labels. And sure moment in the middle, by a chalkboard ishing my story about the signboard out- enough, some brands advertised the in front of a little bistro. It read, “Kamut side the little bistro. “But we wouldn’t be meritoriously slow rate at which their Pasta.” eating in any of those places,” Fant said. pasta dries. Over a period of months I We made it to the metal and glass In one of the lulls between courses, I conducted trials, and the slowly dried building, to my mild surprise, and took got my phone back and pulled up a sto- noodles I tried were consistently superi- an elevator to the top. I sat at the end ry about Montana farmer Bob Quinn, or to the ones that made no such claim. of a long table with Maureen Fant, an whose father was given a pint jar of Air-dried pasta is not merely re-hydrat- American food writer, and her Roman large-grained wheat by an airman friend ed and heated when cooked, but resur- Featured husband. named “Sparky” Sparks, stationed at Ft. rected into living, supple pasta flesh. on: I mentioned having seen a sign for Benton, who had acquired the grain at a Meanwhile, I’d found a box of Eden Kamut pasta. Fant winced, as if I’d said bazaar in Egypt. brand Kamut fusilli, and eagerly “cockroach” pasta. “There’s no such It was khorosan wheat, a primitive brought it home. Alas, it was a carica- Try our thing,” she stated. “I don’t doubt that form of grano duro. The elder and ture of Fant’s doomsday prediction. The you can make noodles out of that grain, younger Quinns first grew it for fun, but grainy noodles were impossible to cook Fish, Burgers & Steak but it won’t be pasta.” quickly realized it was special. Khorosan al dente. They went from complete- “Well, I’m from Montana,” I tried to wheat has high protein content, is deli- ly crunchy to starchy and soggy in an drawl. “We grow a lot of Kamut there. cious, and didn’t seem to bother people instant. Not pasta, in other words. Fresh off the Grill! Most of it gets sold to Italy.” with wheat-related food sensitivities. I consulted the label. Not only were “Montana?” perked up her husband, They named it Kamut, after the ancient they dried in cold air, but were made who wore jeans. Egyptian word for wheat, and began with whole grain Kamut, not white sem- BUY ANY Fant, who had recently co-authored growing it commercially. They also olina. Even I know you don’t do that. the award winning, “Sauces & Shapes: licensed the name: free to anyone what Happily, pasta made from Kamut DINNER Cooking Pasta the Italian Way,” was less grows true khorosan wheat and adheres semolina does exist. Monograno impressed. to organic farming practices. Felicetti, which I found at igourmet.com, ND “If it’s pasta, it’s made with grano Kamut and durum wheat may be bills its pasta as “slow-dried in the fresh GET 2 duro,” she finished. Grano duro is Italian the same species, but khorosan is an air of the high Dolomite Mountains.” for durum wheat. older subspecies, and perhaps a direct Moreover, it contains “… unmistakable DINNER Fant segued into a general discus- ancestor of grano duro. Khorosan wheat hints of pine and macadamia nuts with sion on what distinguishes great pasta, grains are much larger, which is fun. subtle nuances of edible flowers.” including the important point that it be And being grano duro, it makes great The Kamut pasta held its own against % dried slowly, rather than kiln dried. If pasta. Before long, Quinn was selling the best slow-dried noodles that I’d it’s good pasta it will say so on the pack- most of his Kamut to Italy. brought home from Rome, or found 50 OFF age, she asserted. By the time I was up to speed, we during my research since then. It’s very The meal continued, every course were drinking dessert wine and using forgiving pasta, and perfectly chewy One per customer arriving with its own glass of wine, each long forks to spin cookies around a vat when cooked al dente. I’m not sure I Expires 1/31/21 of which brought a new crescendo of of cotton candy fondue, at which point tasted any macadamia nuts, but the conversation, as we ogled the menu and debates on topics like wheat genet- flavor was so rich and satisfying that it told the food writer equivalent of fish ics or the true meaning of pasta were needed little more than some minced 2417 E. Kalamazoo stories. I was showing elk photos on my off the table. My secret plan to stop at garlic, tossed into the pasta with olive Lansing, MI 48912 phone to Fant’s husband, who ogled the the little bistro with the Kamut pasta oil while the noodles were piping hot. mountains beneath their feet as much for some quick take-out en-route back With cheese and red sauce, and some (517) 993-5988 as the animals themselves, while I ate to the hotel was foiled when our fear- ground elk, perhaps, it’s worth a galaxy www.eastsidefishfry.com more than my share of spare rib gnoc- less leader took a wrong turn. Fant and of Michelin stars. That kind of simple The only American owned & chi. recipe made with quality pasta, paired Roman husband, alas, were long gone operated fish fry in Lansing As I washed down the last succulent — not staying at the hotel, they had with a chalice of aged vindication, never 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020 TOP FIVE Fresh food Family fun! 3 LOCATIONS DINING GUIDE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN GREATER LANSING AS DECIDED BY CITY PULSE READERS PICK UP AVAILABLE! BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT BUY ONE Call 1. Cugino's 3 Taco Lunch or Dinner* 11AM-8PM (Beef or chicken Includes Rice & Beans) carryout 306 S. Bridge St. Grand Ledge • www.cuginosmenu.com to place your AND GET ONE order! 517-627-4048 Call for carryout 2. DeLuca's *Corn East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 tortillas 2006 W. Willow St. Lansing • www.delucaspizza.com ½Expires OFF 12/15/2020 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am 4832 W. Saginaw Hwy. • Lansing Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 517-487-6087 Call for carryout 7 days a week 11am-9pm Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am 3. Tannin 400 E César E. Chávez Ave • Th-Sun 11am-8pm Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 (517) 574-3020 Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am 1620 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing • www.tannineatery.com 517-575-6840 Call for carryout 4. Spagnuolo's Restaurant 662 W. Grand River Ave. Okemos • www.spagsinfo.com 517-349-9605 Call for carryout 5. Piazzano's Appetizers 1825 N. Grand River Ave. Lansing WANT YOUR RESTAURANT LISTED? CALL 517-999-5064 www.cuginosmenu.com • 517-484-9922 Call for carryout

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Eastside Fish Fry GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on Food Net- 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., work’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our fried home-style clas- Lansing sics and fresh seafood are some of the best in Lansing. We’ve got (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, exotic fare, eastsidefishfry.com like frog legs and alligator tails and fresh seafood. Desserts, too!

El Oasis TRY THE CROWN JEWEL OF LANSING’S 2501 E. Michigan Ave. FOOD TRUCKS. Serving the Lansing community for Lansing 13 years, we extend an invitation to all those to give us (517) 882-1777 a try to find out why we were voted the best food truck Give local spirits and gifts eloasistruck.com in Lansing’s 2019 Top of The Town Contest. from our distillery!

OUR NEW LOCATION IS OPEN FOR Counter sales only for now Taqueria El Chaparrito TAKEOUT! We offer delicious and authentic Mexican 4832 W. Saginaw Hwy. food. We do catering and events. Birria tacos are our GIFT BOX SETS Lansing specialty. Be transported to a warm Mexican beach with (517) 574-3020 our rich, fresh flavors! BOTTLE SALES COCKTAILS-TO-GO Art’s Pub YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS BAR IS BACK 809 E. Kalamazoo St., AND BETTER THAN EVER We brought back Lansing our famous pizza for you to order whenever you 2000 Merritt Road, East Lansing (517) 977-1033 want it-morning, noon or night. We’re also pour- artspublansing.com ing seasonal, trending and new beers daily. 3 - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday

SPONSORED CONTENT cocktails, curbside 517-908-9950 City Pulse • December 16, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31

Happy Hour 7 days a week Save 10% if you order online before 6pm! THE PULSIFIEDS BACKPAGE CLASSIFIEDS

BLAINE TRASH REMOVAL Residential l Commercial lYardwork Classified Rates Call Jay (517) 980-0468 Rates start at $24 for 4 lines. Each additional line is $6. EXTRAS:

FREE 1905 Boldface Type: $7 per line HEADLINE: $11 per line Border: $11 LOGO: Space needed As Seen On the Cover of CityPulse Contract rates available, all rates net. Illustrations • Murals • Graphic Design Classified ads also appear online at no extra charge. Deadline for classifieds Signs • Banners • T-Shirts •Logos is 5 p.m. Monday for the upcoming [email protected] Wednesday’s issue. You can also submit your classified ad to Suzi Smith at 517-999- 517-703-4655 6704 or at [email protected]. 3415 E Saginaw St • Lansing • (517) 580-3720 ArtByNevin Art_By_Nevin Order online for pickup, curbside & delivery: caskandcompany.com

2020 PICK UP

& DELIVERY ABANDONED VEHICLE SALE CITY OF LANSING, MICHIGAN

THURSDAY- Sealed bids marked S/21/047, ABANDONED VEHICLES will be accepted at the City of Lansing 4045 YEARS - Purchasing Office, 124 W Michigan Ave 8th floor, Lansing Mi. 48933 until but no later than, 1:00 PM, local time in effect WED. JAN. 20, 2021. AGGRESSIVE Questions regarding this sale may be directed to Stephanie Robinson Buyer, at (517) 483-4128 or SATURDAY 11-7 LITIGATION email: [email protected]. 30 DAY NOTICE EFFECTIVE Vehicles may be inspected WED. JAN. 20, 2021, as follows: MEDIATION SHROYER’S, 2740 EATON RAPIDS RD, LANSING, MI 48911 8:30 AM SWIFT TOWING, 2347 N CEDAR, HOLT, MI 9:30 AM PJ’S, 1425 RENSEN, LANSING, MI 10:00 AM NORTHSIDE TOWING, 226 RUSSELL, LANSING, MI 48906 10:45 AM H&H MOBILE TOWING, 1500 HASLETT ROAD EAST LANSING, MI 48823 11:30 AM

ABANDONED VEHICLE SALE JAN. 20, 2021 NORTHSIDE SHROYERS PJS TOWING 580-4400 I MEATBBQ.COM YEAR MAKE YEAR MAKE YEAR MAKE 2011 BUICK 2005 CHRYS 2005 SATURN 1224 TURNER ST. OLD TOWN, LANSING 2007 DODGE 2001 MITSU 2019 MOPED 2020 MOPED 2004 LEXUS 1996 OTHER 2010 CHEV 2009 CHEV 1997 GMC 2006 HONDA 2009 CHEV 2004 CHRYS 2007 FORD 1998 FORD 2003 JEEP Now available in all 1998 FORD 1998 HONDA 2008 DODGE 2012 CHEV 2012 DODGE 2008 DODGE Speedway stores in 1997 FORD Don’t see it? 2013 CHEV Greater Lansing! 2012 CHEV Please ask a manager. 2002 HONDA CP#20-313 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • December 16, 2020