February 19 - 25, 2020

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Finding the perfect tattoo in Lansing

See page 12 2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 12, 2020 Announcing

a 501c(3) nonproft How to contribute: approved by the Internal Credit Card Revenue Service. • Online at www.lansingcitypulse.com • Call (517) 999-6704 Mail checks to: All gifts City Pulse Fund are tax 1905 E. Michigan Avenue Lansing 48912 deductible. Please make checks out to City Pulse Fund We will mail you a receipt City Pulse • February 12, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3 Favorite Tings for money, jewelry or whatever when a family member passes, but since he Jahshua Smith and his Star of David pendant was very clear in stating that he’d pass Lansing-based emcee Jahshua Smith he found My grandfather’s name was Evans it down to me, I was comfortable with has been a force in the Michigan hip- time to chat Waller King, son of Maurice King, receiving it. hop scene for years, having released a with City who was director of artist develop- There are so many things I could series of successful albums. In 2006, he Pulse about ment at Motown Records for 10 years. choose, but this gives me a lot of debuted with “The Megaman Mixtape” a prized If I had to describe my grandfather, I’d strength to be better for myself and my under his former “JYoung the General” possession say he had a lot of presence the minute family, so it’s possibly my most-prized moniker. Soon, he dropped the stage he proud- he walked into the room. Very vibrant. possession right now. I wear it almost name and unleashed a series of ly sports. He loved to tell stories to the point every day. I try not to wear it when I well-crafted albums, including “The Here’s what you’d probably find his personality to know I’m somewhere that could result Final Season” (2013), “The Fourth Smith, 34, be a bit bombastic, but you could also in me losing it. I’m not sure if I’ve per- Wall” (2016) and, his latest LP, 2019’s had to say: see he cared for people — even if you formed with it on. “They Don’t Love You Like That.” My favor- had to fight through his personality to My reasoning for wearing it is that I From his hometown of Detroit to his ite thing get there. Smith think given its recognition as a symbol current digs in Lansing, his conscious is my late His passing back in September of Jewish identity in modern culture, and sociopolitical lyrics have been grandfa- affected me a lot, because I realized it’s the best way to show my grand- heard everywhere from small clubs like ther’s Star I was losing the one man who had father I saw him for who he was. My Mac’s Bar, to large stages opening for of David pendant. It’s solid gold on an been in my life from birth without faith is rooted in Christianity, and I the likes of Wiz Khalifa. Over the years, accompanying 20-inch necklace. My any interruptions. But I also had a think I’m fair and clear about the fact he’s also been a part of the Blat! Pack, grandfather was finding ground with great deal of comfort, as our last con- that I wear it to honor him, but I’ve a local hip-hop collective, and (during his conversion to Judaism, as he prac- versations let me know we had left no had some great discussions about reli- his time at Michigan State University) ticed later in his life. He would wear stones unturned. We knew how much gion when people inquire about it. he was host of “The Cultural Vibe” it sporadically. I received it upon my we loved each other and that made it (This interview was edited and con- rap show on Impact 88.9-FM. grandfather’s passing. It was some- much easier. Soon after his passing, densed by Rich Tupica. If you have a When he’s not working on his music, thing he promised me when I was a my grandmother found the pendant suggestion for Favorite Things, email the busy lyricist also works at the teenager, so it could be considered an and asked me if I wanted it. I’ll nev- [email protected].) Michigan College Access Network. But heirloom at this point. er be the type of person who looks 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020

VOL. 19 ISSUE 28

(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 16 [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley An eclectic collection of art at MSU Broad [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 PRODUCTION • Abby Sumbler PAGE [email protected] (517) 999-5066 18 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino [email protected] • (517) 999-5065 Kyle Kaminski • [email protected] Headlining fi lm for Capital City Film Fest announced (517) 999-6710 SALES EXECUTIVE Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 PAGE Mike Piasecki • [email protected] • (517) 999-6707

21 Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C. Top Comic book industry minds host conference at MSU Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Cover Distribution manager: Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704 Art Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher, Dale Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith Art by Harley Zeke Interns: Matthew Stine • [email protected]

NOW AT 10:00 A.M. SUNDAYS on OF THE WEEK

City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION Joan Jackson Johnson and beyond Few people in the Capital region ly intoned that Johnson had committed OF THE WEEK are unfamiliar with Joan Jackson serious “misconduct” and “misappro- Johnson, the former director of priation” of public funds. Yet the audit Lansing’s Human Relations and report and related addendums obtained Community Services Department and by City Pulse are inconclusive on this a highly regarded advocate for the point. Nowhere in the documents is any poor, homeless and downtrodden. claim that Johnson absconded with city Last month, she was suspended by funds. The reports note that it is a pos- Mayor Andy Schor amid allegations of sibility, but that further investigation is impropriety concerning her adminis- needed to make a final determination. tration of city grant funds. She retired Our intent is certainly not to vindicate from her position shortly thereafter. Johnson; her fate will be determined by 1522 W. Holmes Road Through the years, Johnson has the ongoing investigation, which pre- This little white house on received countless accolades for her sumably will examine the flow of funds Lansing’s southside has been up for selfless efforts to improve the lives of between the city, her nonprofits, and sale for quite some time, accord- the least among us. By all appearanc- potentially Johnson herself. Until that ing to officials in the city’s Building es, she is a woman of unimpeachable investigation is complete, and unless Safety Department. But it’s a real integrity who commands the respect a charge of criminal wrongdoing is mess, so the city wants to tear the and admiration of nearly everyone who ultimately brought against her, we remind place down. knows her. That’s why it was shocking, The CP Edit the public and media that she is entitled to The Lansing City Council will even unbelievable, when local media the presumption of innocence until proven hold a public hearing next month to began reporting a story that suggested Opinion guilty. give homeowner Larry Owens one Johnson is something less than the hero- Perhaps equally important, this unfor- last chance to explain why his house ic figure she appears to be. It is important to note that a conflict of tunate episode suggests that the city’s shouldn’t be bulldozed. The city’s The insinuation that she had engaged interest is not, in and of itself, a crime, internal procedures for ferreting out con- Demolition Board ruled it unsafe in serious misconduct, perhaps even a provided it is addressed transparently and flicts of interest are flawed, if not broken. last September and the place was crime, cast an immediate pall over her resolved in a way that protects the public The current system is largely based on red-tagged in February. Next month reputation and legacy. While a federal interest. At-Large Council members Kathy the voluntary disclosure of conflicts, an is Owens’ last chance to speak up. investigation of her alleged misdeeds is Dunbar and Carol Wood, for example, “honor system” if you will, that requires With about $119,000 in esti- underway, we think it is a good time to both lead local nonprofits that receive city employees and elected officials to be mated repairs and a value of about step back and take a closer look at what funding from the city. When the budgets transparent about business dealings that $52,000, the building is likely to is known about the case and what could for those expenditures come before the may influence their official roles. The City deteriorate further into a real safety and should have been done to prevent it Council, both routinely disclose their roles Attorney’s Office is principally responsible hazard for the local neighborhood from happening in the first place. in the nonprofit and recuse themselves for vetting city contracts and the recipi- without improvements. Building Based on a forensic audit released by from voting. Yet city money still flows to ents of public funds to flush out obvious safety officials and City Pulse hav- the city, Johnson clearly had multiple, the organizations they lead, and they are conflicts before they become a problem. en’t had any luck contacting Owens, longstanding conflicts of interest between free to manage those funds as part of While this review appears to have hap- so they’re taking matters into their her position as a city official and her role their day-to-day business operations. pened early on in Johnson’s tenure, her own hands. as an officer of several non-profit organi- The key difference between these conflicts were permitted to continue for The mold-covered exterior with zations that provide services to families, examples and Johnson’s case is that she many years without additional scrutiny and boarded up windows and doors children and homeless individuals. As a failed to recuse herself from the decision corrective action. This constitutes a clear city official she approved the expendi- to disburse funds to her own nonprofit failure by two consecutive city adminis- isn’t pretty. The inside is worse. ture of public funds, then managed the organizations, then failed to disclose her trations that could easily have been rem- The electrical and plumbing are use of those funds by the nonprofits she role in the organizations. These lapses edied and perhaps could have prevented shot. Buckets are affixed to faucets. controlled. This is a recipe for trouble in judgment are certainly regrettable, and Johnson from getting into hot water in the Trash is strewn about. The walls are because it opens the door to potential may even rise to the level of a misde- first place. cracked. The ceiling is collapsing. misuse of funds or even embezzlement. meanor. However, no conclusive evidence While the investigation continues, we And Owens owes more than $7,500 Whether Johnson personally benefited has been presented to suggest that suggest Mayor Schor and his administra- in back taxes and fees on the prop- from this arrangement, or if the funds Johnson actually misused the funds or tion conduct a critical review of the poli- erty. If Owens doesn’t show up for were spent as intended on helping the that she personally benefited from them. cies and procedures that are intended to a public hearing March 16, the City less fortunate in our community, will be Based on local media coverage, one discover and resolve conflicts of interest Council can order it demolished. determined by the findings of the inves- could easily jump to the conclusion that and to implement the changes needed to — KYLE KAMINSKI tigation. In either case, it’s clear that she did. More than one news outlet grave- ensure it never happens again. Johnson’s administration of the funds lacked appropriate internal controls and “Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some Send letters to the editor on this editorial or any other topic to of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates with oversight that would have brought her Eye Candy of the Week and Eye for Design. Have [email protected]. Please limit them to 250 words. a suggestion? Email [email protected] or conflicts to light much sooner. call it in at 517-999-6715. 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 Schor’s self-assessment: Much done, more to come (Andy Schor is the mayor of Lansing) for the City of Lansing. These new Summits and Citizens Academy to exciting permanent tenant. By ANDY SCHOR housing, retail, hotel, recreation, name a few. All of these resources The City of Lansing celebrates and It’s been two arts, grocery store and other projects help to build community wealth and supports an inclusive community. I years since I will provide economic growth to economic mobility for our residents. am extremely proud that my cabinet took office as the Lansing economy as soon as We must always remember to focus and staff continue to reflect the diver- the Mayor of this summer. The pride that people on our people. Our neighborhoods sity of our great city. I have retained, Lansing and we have for this city is remarkable. The are the heart of our city and we are hired and promoted people of all have done so popular new logo and brand has proud to invest in our residents. backgrounds - African American, much. The pace created an avenue for residents to These are things that I committed Latino and Caucasian; male and is extraordinary, express their excitement for Lansing, to prioritize when I ran for office. female; LGBTQ and straight – to yet rewarding for its future and for all of the great My team has delivered on many of grow our city and reflect its rich and and exciting. I things happening throughout the city. these promises and will continue to diverse culture. thank the City Pulse for the grade of We have been able to make progress work every day to grow all aspects It’s disappointing to me that the B in their recent editorial (Feb. 12), on roads, despite the lack of signifi- of Lansing.The City Pulse did raise City Pulse would state or repeat any and we have much more coming for cant new infrastructure investment both City Hall and the City Market in claims that I am not comfortable Lansing! from the state of Michigan, where the its editorial, and I’m glad to provide working with people of color, as it is I’m proud of the economic vast majority of our funding comes this update. We do need a new City false. All these public officials, along development projects that we have from. We have resurfaced several Hall, but we need to be able to pay for with our city staff, should be praised initiated and accomplished. We are main roads throughout the city and it without tying up taxpayer dollars for their work. continuously working with business, have repaired thousands of potholes that are necessary for other services. We have accomplished a lot in our labor and our residents to increase on neighborhood roads. Roads and And we need to repurpose the City first two years, and we will work just vibrancy and create jobs in Lansing. infrastructure will continue to be a Market, but it needs to pay for itself as hard over the next two years to Not only has my team helped bring priority throughout my administra- without a subsidy from taxpayers. continue to move Lansing forward. I economic development projects that tion. Now that we have won the lawsuit welcome anyone, no matter what you were in motion before I was mayor I am thrilled that we have created (which took 12 months), we are look like or what you believe, to join across the finish line, we have also many new programs and resources actively seeking and working on ideas me on this journey. Thank you to all worked with public and private for our neighborhoods and Lansing and proposals, and I am confident who have supported me and the City partners to initiate several important students - BOLD Lansing, SERVE that we will soon be able to repurpose of Lansing. Lansing’s time is now, projects matching my priorities Lansing, Neighborhood Resource the property into a sustainable and and for years into the future!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EAST LANSING CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing City Council on February 25, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 LETTERS Linden Street, East Lansing: A public hearing will be held to consider Ordinance 1482, an ordinance to alter the definition of "to harass" in the code of the City of East Lansing. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters for to the editor the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at this meeting, upon notice to the City of East Lansing, prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations or services should write or call the City Manager’s Have something to say about a Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-3777. The religion ‘excuse’ local issue or an item that appeared Jennifer Shuster Every time I hear the religious in our pages? Now you have two City Clerk CP#20-041 argument for discrimination ways to sound off: against LGBTQ people (“True 1.) Write a letter to the editor. love’s kiss,” editorial, Jan. 15), I • E-mail: letters@ lansingcitypulse. CITY OF LANSING want to ask the discriminator, “Do com NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING you deny non-Christian straight • Snail mail: City Pulse, SLU-3-2019, 1315 Massachusetts Avenue couples permission to use your 1905 E. Michigan Ave., Special Land Use Permit – Parking Lot in the “B” Residential District services?”. Shouldn’t that be more Lansing, MI 48912 The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in bothersome than a Christian cou- • Fax: (517) 371-5800 ple from the LGBTQ community? Council Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, • At lansingcitypulse.com to consider SLU-3-2019. This is a request by Capital Area Community Services, Inc. for a The truth is they simply are intol- 2.) Write a guest column: special land use permit to construct a parking lot on the south 28 feet of the vacant property erant against these community located at 1315 Massachusetts Avenue. Parking lots are permitted in the "B" Residential members, and are using religion Contact Berl Schwartz for more district, which is the zoning designation of the subject property, if a Special Land Use permit as a means to openly discrimi- information: is approved by the Lansing City Council. [email protected] nate. For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please or (517) 999-5061 attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted Patrick Cooper (Please include your name, address between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of Lansing and telephone number so we can the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. reach you. Keep letters to 250 words or fewer. City Pulse reserves Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk the right to edit letters and columns. www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-040 City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7 Billboards lead to unlicensed pot shop in Lansing

recreational pot smokers. He declined Police investigating to comment further. “If it’s at a residential address, they Jay Deez’s Herbs are definitely operating illegally,” said for illegal sales City Clerk Chris Swope. “We don’t have any retail sales allowed in residential- At least two billboards for Jay Deez’s ly zoned areas. It’s not possible to get Herbs popped up in Lansing within licensed at a location like that.” the last few weeks. One in the Stadium Under state law, recreational mari- District shows a picture of its owner, juana sales are only permitted at fully John Dinaso, along with a tagline for licensed dispensaries. An exception is “medical and recreational marijuana” carved out for “gifting” marijuana, but and custom glass pipes. money cannot legally be exchanged One problem: No recreational shops for unlicensed products. This report- have been fully licensed yet to operate er — among others, based on Internet in Lansing. reports —paid cash in exchange for This reporter tracked the business to weed. a small home at 415 N. Fairfield Ave., Dinaso, who goes by a “business wedged within a northside residential name” of Jay Deez, later told City Pulse neighborhood on Monday. The door that he was licensed by the state to sell was locked, but Dinaso and another recreational marijuana. A quick review man welcomed me inside and said his of state licensing records showed that home was the first “business” legally to be false. Dinaso hasn’t applied for able to sell recreational marijuana with- a license with the city either, say city in the capital city. records posted online. Dinaso’s partner — also pictured on “We’re the first in the entire state to the local billboards — sold this reporter be legal,” Dinaso insisted. “I have a let- a $30 eighter of StarDawg, a surpris- ter from the state that said they don’t ingly potent sativa strain at a relatively regulate us at all. This is all planned Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse affordable price. More than three grams out. I didn’t go to the city either. I went Although this billboards might suggest otherwise, Jay Deez's Herbs isn't licensed of weed easily nets at least $40 on the to the state and bypassed the city. You to sell recreational marijuana in the city of Lansing. recreational market elsewhere. He also have to have a good legal mind to be said edible products would be available able to do all of this. These laws don’t secret,” Dinaso added. “We’ve been My belief is that the businesses should later in the week. regulate my business at all.” called the best herb shop in Lansing.” be regulated like bars and other busi- That is, of course, unless the Lansing Dinaso declined to expound on his Relatively slim enforcement from nesses, i.e., by municipal attorneys and Police Department decides to actually legal theory, noting that others would both the Lansing Police Department regulatory bodies.” enforce laws on black market sales. be likely to “steal his trade secrets.” But and the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Meanwhile, city officials this week An LPD spokesman said local author- he said that his shop has been opera- Office in the wake of recreational legal- announced a list of conditionally ities are actively investigating the busi- tional for at least 10 years and nobody ization could help explain how Dinaso’s approved recreational dispensaries as ness following reports of unlicensed has ever tried to shut it down. business has been able to thrive. they prepare for a newly legalized mar- marijuana sales to both medical and “This is basically Lansing’s best kept In 2017, the Lansing Police ket to take root in Lansing. And Jay Department made a total of 18 arrests Deez’s Herbs certainly isn’t on the list. related to illegal marijuana sales and A total of 11 recreational retail licens- cultivation. In 2018, those arrests es for marijuana have been condition- increased to 24. But in 2019, after ally approved by Swope’s office. Those weed was legalized statewide for adult shops still require state approval and use, only two people have been arrested a certificate of occupancy before they for illegal marijuana sales. Statistics for can operate in Lansing, but it’s one 2020 were not immediately available. step closer to recreational availability in Since Dec. 1, 2018, the Ingham Lansing. County Prosecutor’s Office has issued By city law, 28 dispensaries can par- five charges involving illegal marijuana ticipate in the recreational marijua- sales. Four of them involved companion na market. Several of those recently charges, such as possession of cocaine approved retailers are already licensed or assault on a police officer. The other for medical sales, which could help involved a whopping 32 lbs. of marijua- streamline the process. Swope said rec- na that prosecutors suspected was set reational availability at those locations for illegal sales. depend largely on how quickly the state “Some Michigan prosecutors are can license them. getting involved with how recreational Visit lansingcitypulse.com for addi- marijuana is handled on the local lev- tional coverage as the Lansing Police Kyle Kaminski/City Pulse el,” Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Department continues its investigation. A City Pulse reporter tracked Jay Deez's Herbs to a small home at 415 N. Siemon explained by email. “I’m not. — KYLE KAMINSKI Fairfield Ave. where he bought a $30 bag of weed on Monday. 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 Lansing wrestles with legacy costs as reserve funds fall Financial Health Team sees forced those reserves to dip to about remaining fund balance. figure climbed to about 22% or about $10 million over the last year. A recent “We’ve had several one-time expens- $49.5 million of the city’s $226.4 mil- difficult days ahead, seeks budget amendment further trims those es to deal with,” Schor explained. “With lion in annual revenue. Bakken said this ‘immediate corrective action’ rainy-day funds to $6.82 million — or accounting, you can either push them year, it’s closer to 30%. only about 4.9% of annual expenditures down the field or tackle them head on. “Reducing unfunded liabilities will be As unfunded costs for pensions and — this year. This year, we’re not kicking the can neither quick nor easy, and will require retirement benefits continue to rise, And as unfunded pension liabili- down the road. We sort of dumped changes to health care and labor con- Lansing’s Financial Health Team is ties surpass $736 million, officials are everything into this amendment to tracts,” according to the recent letter warning city officials to stockpile cash voicing cautious optimism as the next make sure our budget is structurally from the Financial Health Team. “This into its reserve funds and prepare for budget cycle approaches in March. FHT sound for the long-term.” is a long-term effort which must begin difficult financial days ahead. Chairman Ben Bakken said many posi- Schor’s next budget proposal will aim now. And in the short-term, it is essen- “Lansing continues to grapple with tive structural changes have been made to ramp up the fund balance to bring tial that the city take immediate steps to a variety of challenges that will require under Schor’s administration, but he it closer to the 12% mark, he said. But ensure the finance department is ade- both one-time and structural chang- still called for “immediate corrective he knows that bolstering those reserves quately staffed and to rebuild general es — ‘business as usual’ simply is not action” to keep up the pace. will come at a price. Residents shouldn’t fund reserves.” an option,” according to a letter sent “There have been some signifi- expect any shiny new programs or costly Bakken also noted the hiring of Chief on Monday from the Financial Health cant changes under this administra- initiatives in the near future as the city Strategy Officer Shelbi Frayer — which Team to Mayor Andy Schor, other top tion,” Bakken explained to City Pulse. tightens its purse strings, Schor added. was initially suggested by the FHT last city officials and every member of the “Problems have been identified and “We want to be stable while ensuring year — has already paid its dividends Lansing City Council. dealt with. But sometimes things have we have a structurally sound budget,” to the city. The letter notes that she “Reducing unfunded liabilities will be to get worse before they can improve. Schor said. “People can expect that we has focused on a series of short-term neither quick nor easy, and will require However, we have a tremendously high won’t be announcing any big new pro- reforms designed to realize immediate changes to health care and labor con- level of confidence in this administra- grams or other costly ventures. We’ll savings but also recognized that “much tracts. This is a long-term effort which tion to keep things on track.” continue to serve the public while rec- remains to be done.” must begin now. And in the short-term, The latest budget amendment still ognizing our financial constraints. We’ll “I appreciate the Financial Health it is essential the city take immediate needs to be approved by the Lansing be leaning on using a lot of our existing Team for staying involved and com- steps to ensure the finance department City Council, but was triggered, in part, resources to get that done.” mitted to their mission of ensuring is adequately staffed and to rebuild gen- by the city receiving about $2.4 million The FHT noted the city’s finances the financial health of the city,” add- eral fund reserves.” less in income taxes than initially antic- remain “under considerable stress” but ed Council President Peter Spadafore. The FHT — an 18-member body ini- ipated as the budget passed last year. emphasized that Schor and the City “Problems must be identified before tially appointed by former Mayor Virg Ultimately, the amendment calls for a Council have showcased a growing they can be fixed, and I think that’s Bernero in 2012 — set a threshold to $2 million revenue shortfall as expenses understanding of the enormity of the exactly what we’re doing. This has cer- keep the city’s general fund balance also continue to rise. issues faced and the need for funda- tainly been a major priority at City Hall.” above 12% of annual expenditures. That Schor plans to shift an addition- mental structural changes. Bakken said The Financial Health Team has safety net ensures the city of Lansing al $560,000 to the city’s police and those changes will likely continue to requested to give a brief presentation can maintain a balanced budget and fire departments to account for rising impact retiree health benefits. to the City Council, possibly at a meet- essentially serves as a rainy-day fund for retirement contribution costs, among In 2006, the cost of unfunded pen- ing of the Committee of the Whole next unexpected expenses. other additional appropriations in the sion and other post-employment ben- week. Visit lansingcitypulse.com for In 2018, that fund balance rested at amendment. If it’s approved by the City efits represented about 13.5% or $25 continued coverage from Lansing City about $17.3 million, records showed. Council, the maneuver would chip away million of the city’s $184 million reve- Hall. Unexpected costs and revenue shortfalls another $3.15 million out of the city’s nue. In the city’s last budget cycle, that — KYLE KAMINSKI

2,000 residents in 2018, with more than 1,500 residents considered eli- What’s on the March primary ballot? gible to receive funds through the millage. It also paid out nearly $1 mil- Voters to decide on Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on If approved, the millage would be lion in claims for appointments and 7 local millage proposals March 10. No-reason absentee ballots renewed through 2023 and its rate more than $150,000 to fill more than have already been made available. would climb 0.63 mills to raise about 17,000 prescriptions during that time Editor’s Note: This story focuses on Ingham County Health Services mill- $4.8 million in the first year after its period. only two of seven ballot proposals in age increase passage. And officials said the fund- The expanded millage request Ingham County. The others were fea- This Ingham County millage pro- ing will help fill gaps in local health would also help cover mental health tured in the Feb. 5 print edition. Visit posal looks to re-authorize funding for coverage. services for low-income residents, lansingcitypulse.com to view the com- basic health care and mental health “There are still thousands of peo- offering around-the-clock crisis ser- plete listing. services to low-income residents with- ple in our community without access vices, treatment planning, intensive Seven local funding proposals will out medical insurance and those who to affordable, quality health care,” support, psychiatric care, skills train- be on the ballot at next month’s pres- are not eligible for Medicaid under explained County Commissioner ing and more. idential primary election. Everything the federal Affordable Care Act. The Thomas Morgan. “This millage helps “Investing in early intervention can (as always) could use some extra cash funding would help residents pay for to fill that gap and ensure that people ultimately save taxpayer resources in in Ingham County, officials said. But access to doctor visits, generic med- can get the medical care they need. the long run, not to mention help- how do voters decide what deserves ications, mental health services and This millage quite literally saves lives.” ing to prevent irreversible tragedies,” it? This primary election guide is essential care like treatment for can- County records show the Ingham designed to help in that decision. cer, diabetes, heart disease and more. County Health Plan served more than See Primary, Page 10 City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING, COUNTY OF INGHAM, STATE OF MICHIGAN, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT THE PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING COUNTY OF INGHAM, MICHIGAN TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 PLACE OR PLACES FOR HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID TOWNSHIP AS INDICATED other serious illnesses, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which BELOW, VIZ: may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan be PRECINCT 1 - First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road increased by up to 63/100 (0.6300) of one (1) mill, $0.63 per thousand dollars of state taxable PRECINCT 2 - Asbury United Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Lansing Road valuation, for a period of four (4) years (2020-2023) inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this PRECINCTS 3, 4 and 6 - Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 W. Michigan Ave. Millage will raise an estimated $4,840,219 in the first calendar year of the levy, based on state (in the gymnasium) taxable valuation.

ALL POLLING PLACES ARE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE YES or NO

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE this election is for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Proposal Section – Intermediate School District office of President of the United States from the Democratic and Republican parties, viz: Ingham Intermediate School District (Please note, you must select ONE ballot type below) Special Education Millage Proposal (Restoration of Headlee Reduction) Republican Party Presidential Democratic Party Presidential Primary Primary This proposal requests additional millage to permit the continued levy by the intermediate school (Vote for not more than 1) (Vote for not more than 1) district of the maximum mills for special education previously approved by the electors. Joe Walsh Cory Booker Bill Weld Pete Buttigieg Shall the current charter limitation on the annual property tax rate for the education of students Mark Sanford Julian Castro with a disability in Ingham Intermediate School District, Michigan, be increased by 0.2438 mill Donald J. Trump John Delaney ($0.2438 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 20 years, 2020 to 2039, inclusive Uncommitted Tulsi Gabbard (this increase will allow the intermediate school district to levy the maximum rate of 4.75 Amy Klobuchar mills previously approved by the electors that has been reduced as required by the Michigan Bernie Sanders Constitution of 1963); the estimate of the revenue the intermediate school district will collect if Joe Sestak the millage is approved and levied in 2020 is approximately $2,300,000 from local property taxes Tom Steyer authorized herein? Elizabeth Warren Marianne Williamson YES or NO Andrew Yang Michael Bennet Proposal Section – Transportation Authority Joe Biden Capital Area Transportation Authority Michael R. Bloomberg (CATA) Uncommitted Millage Renewal Proposition City of Lansing, City of East Lansing Proposal Section – County Meridian Township, Lansing Township, and Delhi Township Ingham County Potter Park Zoo and Potter Park Shall the previously voter approved millage of 3.007 mills (that being $3.007 per thousand dollars Operational Millage Question of taxable value) be renewed and authorized to be levied by the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA), for continued service, as provided for by Public Act 55 of 1963, as amended, For the purpose of reauthorizing funding for the operation of the Potter Park Zoo and Potter on real and personal property located within the City of Lansing, City of East Lansing, Meridian Park, including funding for operations, maintenance, and improvements, shall the Constitutional Township, Lansing Township, and Delhi Township for the years 2021 through 2025 inclusive, limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property which is a period of five years? (The current levy of 3.007 mills was approved by the voters within the County of Ingham, Michigan be increased by up to 50/100 (0.5000) of one (1) mill, in 2014 and is authorized through 2020.) Based on currently available taxable value data, if $0.50 per thousand dollars of state taxable valuation, for a period of six (6) years (2021-2026) approved and levied, this millage would generate approximately $18,986,240 in 2021. inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this Millage will raise an estimated $3,841,444 in the first calendar year of the levy, based on state taxable valuation. YES or NO ______YES or NO The polls of said election will be open at 7 o’clock a.m. and will remain open until 8 o’clock p.m. Countywide System of Trails and Parks of said day of election Millage Renewal Question Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at the Charter Township of Lansing office For the purpose of renewing funding at the same millage level previously approved by the voters located at 3209 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48917. Sample ballots can also be found at in 2014 for the creation and maintenance of a countywide system of recreational trails and www.mi.gov/vote. adjacent parks, which may incorporate trails or parks created by local units of government, including Lansing’s River Trail, and may acquire rights of way to connect and extend existing Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may contact the local clerk to trails, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed obtain an application for an absent voter ballot. in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan, previously increased by up to 0.5000 mills, $0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value, be continued and renewed for a period To comply with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), voting instructions will be available in audio of six (6) years (2020-2025) inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise an format and in Braille. Arrangements for obtaining the instructions in these alternative formats estimated $3,841,444.00 for the system of recreational trails and adjacent parks in the first can be made by contacting the township clerk in advance of the election. All polling locations calendar year of the levy based on taxable valuation. are accessible for voters with disabilities.

YES or NO Susan L. Aten, Clerk Charter Township of Lansing CP#20-042

Ingham County Health Services Millage

For the purpose of reauthorizing funding for providing basic health care and mental health services to low-income Ingham County residents who are not eligible for Medicaid under the Federal Affordable Care Act, and who do not have medical insurance, including use of these funds to help pay for access to doctor visits, generic medications, mental health services and essential care such as preventive testing and treatment for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020

to look strong on protecting a person’s You can see the conundrum right to bear arms. Republicans find themselves in. Guns v. sexism They need political leverage. Anna Clearly, the governor is Mitterling, who they arguably see as unsympathetic. She is knee-capping ‘20 campaign kicks off with appointment rejection being a DNR rubber stamp due to her the Republicans in a political sore spot support of the deer baiting ban, among — Sen. Pete Lucido and the on-going The Michigan Senate’s Heartwell. As Mayor, Heartwell other things, is that leverage point. sexual harassment investigation. rejection of Anna POLITICS attempted to ban guns from city They ask the governor to rescind She’s tying Lucido’s troubles with the Mitterling to the commission meetings, which ignited Heartwell’s appointment or they’ll rejection of a woman who — on paper Natural Resources the ire of Second Amendment dump Mitterling. She says no. — is a qualified individual to the NRC. Commission is the defenders. Republicans have no choice. They have Whitmer is calling on Senate Majority shot heard around In 2020, the issue that is moving to follow through on their threat and Leader Mike Shirkey to end his “sexist Lansing as the start conservatives is guns. With the rising reject Mitterling on the last day they’re partisan games.” of the 2020 political tide of gun violence and Democrats allowed to do so. Otherwise, they look Granholm’s communications season in town. picking up some public momentum weak. director, Zack Pohl, continued this Before last on policies to put some restrictions on So why not reject Heartwell? Well, attack line on social media and state Thursday’s vote, the Republican-led those viewed as a threat to themselves Heartwell has some political power. representatives, including like Laurie Senate and Democratic Gov. Gretchen or others, pro-gun advocates are He was a fairly popular nonpartisan Pohutsky and Julie Brixie, picked up Whitmer at least went through mobilizing. mayor in Grand Rapids who supports on it. the motions of attempting to work Look at what’s going on in the rural Democrats 75% to 80% of the Now, Shirkey’s calling the governor together with bipartisanship spirit. counties. Thirteen county commissions time, based on his prior campaign as “bat shit crazy” last November can’t There were conflicts. have recently passed what they are contributions. He cut a check to be seen as a one off. Even though he’s The Senate rejected the governor’s calling “sanctuary county ordinances.” Whitmer, for example. treating the Lucido matter seriously reorganization of the Department of They are telling their sheriffs and But one Republican he likes is Jon with an independent investigation, the Environment, Great Lakes & Energy. prosecutors not to enforce laws that Bumstead, a state senator he supported Democrats have their thread to pull. The budget standoff lasted forever. The they feel inhibit a person’s ability in an extremely competitive primary in They’re challenging the Republicans: governor had to sign off on changes to to own or possess a firearm. More 2018 and competitive general election. Go ahead and play your guns card. State Administrative Board. counties are on the way, from Lapeer The Senate R’s don’t want to stick We’ll play the sexist card. The political But this was part of a high-stakes to Delta County. Bumstead with this Morton’s fork: game has begun. chess game. One side was trying to The Republicans’ attraction to the Vote against his friend and political The governor and Shirkey’s relations outfox the other in the arena of public NRA and gun owners isn’t new. But supporter or vote against Second will not be the same. They’ll agree to policy and public perception. in 2020 this is their best issue at this Amendment supporters. get a budget done. Some supplemental Rejecting the appointment of a time. This has their base riled up. Also, the Kent County treasurer’s items and possibly some lower-profile political neophyte without any previous That includes the nearly 100,000 position is expected to open up this policy matters will be settled this year. smoke signals of trouble during the people who have joined the Michigan year. One name being circulated as a But discussion on fixing the damn advice and consent process is different. for Second Amendment Sanctuary potential replacement is that of Senate roads with any type of revenue increase This is the biggest Republican Counties Facebook web page since Majority Floor Leader Pete MacGregor, is likely iced until after the election at political asset, the NRA, having a Christmas. who is term limited after 2022. Would the earliest. problem with Whitmer’s appointment So, if gun owners have a problem MacGregor want to burn that bridge (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news to the Natural Resources Commission, with George Heartwell’s political with Heartwell by voting to reject him service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail. former Grand Rapids Mayor George history on this issue, Republican's need from a state post? com.)

over the next six years by increasing this asset for generations to come.” help to replace vehicles, support the Primary its 0.41 millage to 0.5 mills through Local voters have a history of sup- installation of new walkways, pay for 2026. Zoo officials said the extra cash porting the zoo millage. It passed by some tree removal and help with the is essential to ensuring animals are 64% in 2006 and again by 69% in construction of a new, on-site animal from page 8 safe, the zoo maintains its national 2010. Officials said the latest millage hospital. accreditation and its facilities are kept approval in 2016 — which passed by “If we don’t meet accreditation Morgan added. “We can’t wait for up to date. 77% — set a new record for voter sup- standards, a lot of programs — espe- Republicans in the legislature to act. “We’re hoping that voters recog- port. And with a nationally famous cially the rhinos which are one of our We must take care of one another here nize how the zoo as a really important infant rhino now inside, zoo officials more high-profile exhibits — would at home.” community asset and contributes to a want to keep up the pace at the polls. likely need to move to another facil- Potter Park Zoo Operational Millage higher quality of life for people that In addition to maintaining the ity,” Wagner explained to City Pulse. increase live in Greater Lansing and Michigan national accreditation that makes “Without the funding needed for The Potter Park Zoo is also look- as a whole,” said Amy Morris-Hall, activities like the rhino exhibit possi- accreditation, we’d essentially just ing to boost maintenance efforts and director of the Potter Park Zoological ble, Potter Park Zoo Director Cynthia become another small-town zoo.” tackle various park improvements Society. “We really want to improve Wagner said the millage increase will — KYLE KAMINSKI

B/20/071 LOCAL STREET CRUSH AND SHAPE as per the specifications provided by the RFP/20/077 PAYROLL SERVICES as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. City of Lansing. The City of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the CITY OF LANSING, C/O The City of Lansing will accept sealed proposals at the CITY OF LANSING, C/O LBWL, LBWL, PURCHASING OFFICE, at 1110 S. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., LANSING, MICHIGAN PURCHASING OFFICE, at 1110 S. PENNSYLVANIA AVE., LANSING, MICHIGAN 48912 48912 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on MARCH 10, 2020 at which time bids will be until 2:00 PM local time in effect on March 5, 2020 at which time they opened. Complete publicly opened and read. Complete specifications and forms required to submit bids specifications and forms required to submit proposals are available by contacting are available by contacting Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197, or stephanie. Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197, or [email protected] or go to www. [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages bids from mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages proposals from all vendors including MBE/WBE all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses. vendors and Lansing-based businesses. CP#20-044 CP#20-046 City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

filed numerous lawsuits against the told him what to do, that he planned administration anti-immigration to change the sentence recommen- Darkest before the Don policies. More to the point, perhaps, dation before Trump tweeted, that the state’s attorney general is also Trump needed to stop tweeting about investigating the Trump organization DOJ matters because it was making A vindictive president, a pusillanimous party, and actively pursuing Trump’s bank his job “impossible,” that he was “not a stooge at Justice, and a country at risk records. going to be bullied or influenced by The Post summed it up in a anybody.”

It’s all out in the DISSENT INFORMED in 2017. The DOJ’s inspector general bone-chilling lede last week: The national media bought the open now. had referred McCabe to prosecutors, “President Trump is testing the rule charade, saying Barr was “pushing That’s not to say alleging that he’d lied to investigators of law one week after his acquittal in back” and asserting his independence. it was well hidden about a media leak. But Liu never his Senate impeachment trial, seek- But Trump’s reaction was the tell: before. It wasn’t; if brought charges, and on Friday, The ing to bend the executive branch into “The President wasn’t bothered by the you wanted to look, Washington Post reported that feder- an instrument for his personal and comments at all and [Barr] has the it was blindingly JEFFREY C. BILLMAN al prosecutors decided to close their political vendetta against perceived right, just like any American citizen, obvious. But if you’d inquiry. (Not coincidentally, Trump enemies. And Trump — simmering to publicly offer his opinions,” his rather not see what was right in also rescinded her appointment to a with rage, fixated on exacting revenge press secretary responded. front of you, there was at least a thin top post in the Treasury Department.) against those he feels betrayed This was, in other words, the only veneer of deniability. They’re not even On Twitter — and reportedly in pri- him, and insulated by a compliant time the president had been public- bothering with that anymore. vate, too — Trump has raged against Republican Party — is increasingly ly “rebuked” by a subordinate — by Post-impeachment, and with a cra- McCabe and demanded his incarcera- comfortable doing so to the point of anyone, really — and not flown off ven party behind him, an emboldened tion. And he’s not the only one. feeling untouchable, according to the the handle. He was, instead, mag- and unchecked Donald Trump has According to the Post, when federal president’s advisers and allies.” nanimous. The next day, he simply made clear that he’ll weaponize the prosecutors decided not to charge This is banana republic territory asserted that he’d tweet whenever powers of his administration — espe- former FBI director James Comey — a wannabe despot eager to use the and whatever the hell he wanted, and cially the obsequious Department of over his handling of memos of his might of government to crush anyone Bill Barr, who’d just said those tweets Justice— to punish enemies, reward conversation with Trump, the presi- who gets in his way. make his job “impossible,” didn’t quit. allies, and gin up scandals and pseu- dent “complained so loudly and swore Facing a backlash to his interven- Weird how that worked out. do-scandals to aid his re-election. He so frequently in the Oval Office that tion in the Stone case, Barr tried to (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of won’t try to hide it. He doesn’t care some of his aides discussed it for mount a defense. In an interview INDY Week, in Durham, North if you know. He’ll push the limits of days.” with ABC News, he insisted he wasn’t Carolina.) presidential authority, and he knows In January, he similarly lost it when Trump’s stooge, that Trump hadn’t Congress won’t stop him. he learned that U.S. Attorney John Consider the last week: First, Huber in Utah had shut down his following a Trump tweet, Attorney fruitless years-long investigation — General Bill Barr’s office announced initiated by then-Attorney General that it had overruled career prose- Jeff Sessions at Trump’s behest — into cutors’ sentencing recommendation Fox-News-conspiracy allegations for Trump henchman Roger Stone — against Hillary Clinton and the who’d been convicted of obstructing Clinton Foundation and Uranium Congress and witness tampering, and One. So now he’s insisting that John REBEL who refused to tell Robert Mueller Durham, another U.S. attorney that Irregular Pearls: Musical Treasures of the 17th and 18th Centuries what he knew about the Trump cam- Barr appointed to investigate wheth- Tue. Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild TheaTre, mSu aud. paign’s links to WikiLeaks — prompt- er FBI or CIA agents broke the law One of North america’s top-tier period instrument ensembles focuses ing them to quit in protest. Trump during the Russia investigation, put on the irregular or misshapen aspects of music of the baroque era in a publicly congratulated Barr for “tak- some heads on pikes soon, in time for program featuring well-known and more obscure composers. ing charge” of the case and went on a the campaign. In remembrance of Dr. Taylor Johnston, the College of Music would like to recognize his vision, Twitter rant attacking the judge and That’s on top of his suggestion that passion and support for underwriting the Early Music Series. the departing prosecutors. the army punish Lieutenant Colonel We then learned that not only had Alexander Vindman — whom Trump Barr had similarly intervened on removed from the National Security behalf of disgraced former national Council — for the “crime” of testify- security adviser Michael Flynn, who’d ing against him and his threat that pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI Representative Adam Schiff, a “cor- during the Mueller probe, but that rupt politician” and “very sick man,” he’d also assigned another prosecutor will pay a “price” for impeaching him. to review Flynn’s case, yet another And it’s also on top of his demand extraordinary example of political that New York “stop all of its unnec- interference. essary lawsuits & harrassment In addition, he also removed Jessica [sic]” in order for the Department Liu, the U.S. attorney for Washington, of Homeland Security to allow the D.C., who was overseeing the Stone state’s residents to use the Trusted case and — more important to Trump Travelers program. (The DHS forbid — an investigation into former FBI New Yorkers from using it in retali- TICkeTs & MORe InfO acting director Andrew McCabe, ation for a law that allowed undocu- muSic.mSu.edu/eary-muSic who’d authorized agents to investi- mented immigrants to obtain driver’s 517-353-5340 gate Trump for obstruction of justice licenses.) New York, of course, has 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 Blended ink: Lansing's interconnected, evolving tattoo scene

BY SKYLER ASHLEY n 2020, just about anything in the realm of tattooing has Ifound a home in Lansing. Are you looking for simple flash art that will have you in and out in just a few hours? Photorealistic portraits? Traditional style art of something righteously wicked, like a cracked skull or a medieval dagger? Or maybe you just want something nice and sweet — a quote from your favorite Disney movie in whirly, wine-mom Target art cursive. Lansing runs the full gamut from sleaze to class and back again. Even if you’re already tatted and suffering from buyer’s remorse, there are places to have your regret lasered into oblivion. But who’s behind some of Lansing’s most popular and inter- esting shops, and how can we explain the mainstream break- Skyler Ashley/City Pulse Sean Peters, owner of Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery, tattoos a client. You can check out his work on his Instagram account, @ through of tattoos? Veteran tat- sean_peters. tooists, apprentices and an MSU professor helped paint the big pic- Epidermis canvas ship that morphed into a 30-year career. Baker eventually became burnt out with running the shop. ture, poke by poke. Sean Peters, 45, tattoo artist and owner of Eclectic Art Peters became co-owner with Kris Lachance and helped over- Tattoo Gallery, has been in the game since age 15, opting see a period that saw Splash flourish into one of Lansing’s to drop out of Eastern High School to pursue tattooing full most popular tattoo shops. Like many ambitious tattooists time. Putting all of his chips into tattoos was a gambit that who walked through the halls of Splash, Peters splintered off, has, so far, paid off handsomely. opening Eclectic in 2010 with Mike Riina — though Riina “It was a new reality,” Peters said. Suddenly, he had to tack- would go on to open his own shop, Lionfish Tattoo. le several wildly varied subjects in one day, from Tweety Bird Peters’ apprentice Harley Zeke, 28, is a self-taught artist, to a photorealistic wolf. “I was used to making art on the side unless you count his attendance at the artsy Vivian Riddle for bands,” he said. “I quickly learned my vocabulary wasn’t Magnet School. While the apprenticeship at Eclectic allows as vast as I thought. There’s a whole set of rules that don’t him to pursue several creative interests, Zeke is focused on apply to any other medium.” widening his scope in preparation to provide clients with any A group of Peters’ fellow Lansing beer drinkers and hell popular tattoo style they can throw at him. But translating raisers introduced him to Dennis Baker, the original owner one’s skills with pencil and charcoal to the intimidating tat- of Splash of Color. Baker told Peters he was interested in too machine isn’t easy. The machine was the hardest art tool hiring a younger apprentice. Peters came by the shop with Zeke ever worked with. some work created while he was still in high school. Baker “None of it applies remotely to any surface the way nee- was immediately impressed. Peters took on an apprentice- See Tattoo, Page 13 City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 MOONDUCK

SAT 2.22

Elden Kelly Rafael Leafar Jesse Kramer 8PM

Photos by Lynne Brown Lynne by Photos Performs music of jazz composer Gregg Hill

in guest artists,” Fox said. “Fish Ladder Tattoo used to be a Lansing thing. Now it seems to be more of a Michigan thing.” from page 12 Body style dles apply to skin,” Zeke said. “There Lauren Robison was inspired to tat- is so much to consider, between the too in her teenage years after growing machine’s speed and hand movement up watching popular shows like “Miami speed. It’s so important, and it’s not Ink” on television. Though Robison, prevalent in any of the art forms that I 28, has only been tattooing in Lansing do normally.” for two years, the scene has been over- Greg Drake, 49, a tattooist for 25 whelmingly welcoming. She moved to years, is a fellow graduate of the Baker/ Lansing from Ft. Wayne to tattoo full Splash of Color apprenticeship — an time after meeting Mike Riina, now experience he lovingly likened to being owner of Lionfish Tattoo, at one of a member of the Addams Family. Like Robison’s guest spots with an Indiana Peters and Riina, he runs his own shop, tattoo shop. Starting at Eclectic when Local Tattoo & Laser Co., which he Riina was still co-owner there, Robison opened in 2010 with his wife, Monica joined him when he left to open Drake, 44. He recalls coming up at a Lionfish. time when tattoos would primarily be “There used to be old school tradi- seen within fringe subcultures — the tions, where if you shared informa- bikers, the rockers and the fellow tattoo tion, that would be considered wrong,” artists. The so-called scene of shops was Robison said. “Things are changing “non-existent.” as the years are progressing. Everyone “The industry wasn’t as popular, is friendly and wants to help everyone there weren’t appointments,” Drake out.” said. “You sat there and waited for peo- Robison said women tattoo clients ple to come in. You were pretty lucky if often feel more comfortable working you had tattoos to do.” Chris Fox/Fish Ladder Tattoo with a woman artist. Drake said the mid-90s saw different, Multiple angles of a sleeve tattoo by Chris Fox, owner of Fish Ladder Tattoo Co. “I’ve been really lucky. My past has more “acceptable” types of celebrities You can see more of his work on his Instagram account @FoxTattoos. helped me get to the point where I don’t prominently showing off tattoos, allow- worry about too many stigmas of being ing the industry to begin chipping away tooed a lot by him when he was still was grateful to accept. “Chris and Eric a female tattoo artist,” Robison said. at its taboo reputation. working in Grand Rapids. He hooked built this place from the ground up. I “Being a woman helps bring in female “There were more artists, skateboard- me up with the guy that apprenticed have a lot of travel experience, and I ers and snowboarders instead of bikers me.” was able to use my connections to bring See Tattoo, Page 14 and factory workers,” Drake said. “It Fish Ladder, founded by Eric Jenks became more art-influenced, rather and Chris Boilore, perennially receives N O T I C E than just existing as an underground high marks. It has won City Pulse’s Top The Board of Review of the City of Lansing will meet in regular sessions in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall for five days on March 09, 10, 11, 12, & 13 2020 at 9:00 AM art form.” Artists began sharing more of the Town contest several times. Fox to 12:00 NOON and 1:30PM to 4:30PM. EXCEPT for Wednesday, March 11 from 1:30PM information and tattoo conventions got began tattooing there in 2009 after his to 4:30PM and 6:00PM to 9:00PM to review the assessment roll and hear appeals from deathcore band See You Next Tuesday taxpayers. Taxpayers are permitted to file his or her protest by letter and his or her personal big. “That was like college for a young appearance shall not be required. Protest at the Board of Review is necessary to protect tattoo artist,” Drake said. went on indefinite hiatus. “I was your right to further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal if your property is residential or Drake has done a lot of work on Chris extremely lucky when I was asked to agricultural. An appointment is suggested and must be scheduled before 3:00PM, March 12, 2020. If you do not make an appointment, you will have to wait for the next available Fox, 36, owner of Fish Ladder Tattoo join. At the time, Chris’ work was highly opening in the schedule. Letter appeals must be received in the Assessor’s Office by 4:30PM, Co. influential to me.” March 12, 2020. City of Lansing will also hold its Organizational meeting on Tuesday March “He’s kind of the guy that got me into Fox eventually found himself in a 3, 2020 at 2pm; no appeals may be heard at this meeting. Please call the City of Lansing Assessor’s Office at (517) 483-7624 for information about your assessment and/or to make tattooing,” Fox said. “I was getting tat- position to take over as owner, a gig he an appointment. RATIO AND TENTATIVE EQUALIZATION FACTORS FOR 2020

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like Monica Drake, who’s had success Tattoo removing even the most obscene and poorly done tattoos. from page 13 No going back clientele — they feel comfortable and Some artists in Lansing use the tat- get a more feminine touch to their tat- too industry as a gateway to other too.” causes. Corey Warren, 30, co-owner Therèsa M. Winge, an associate pro- of Ink Therapy, has a dual purpose for fessor of fashion design and theory, is his tattoo and piercing shop. Warren an expert in the vast and dense culture opened Ink Therapy with his mother, of tattoos. Her book “Body Style,” trac- Jacque Liebner, in 2016, and he runs es the social and cultural currents that a connected nonprofit organization, underlie the art of tattoos, beyond the WAI-IAM, which works with several mere fact that they look cool. drug courts and post treatment centers, “Facial tattoos used to belong to early such as the RISE Recovery Community Japanese culture and early indigenous sober living house. North America,” Winge said. “They “I don’t know exactly why, but for would tattoo marks that were identi- Skyler Ashley/City Pulse so long there’s been a stigma where fiable to their family. Now, our facial A smattering of ink bottles rests on a shelf at Eclectic Art Tattoo Gallery. somehow drugs and tattoos are meshed tattoos don’t necessarily represent her- together. That’s not the case,” Warren. itage, but they still construct identity.” of the working world. “I am not confi- ple to take a dip in the world of facial “Ink Therapy was born out of the idea The widespread idea that tattoos have dent everyone is accepting yet, but there tattooing. for a clean and sober shop where clients gone mainstream might be bouncing was a tattoo renaissance in the ’70s and Winge isn’t sure if that’s a “good knew they were in good hands.” around in an echo chamber, as Winge ’80s,” Winge allowed. thing.” Warren has spent his entire life isn’t quite on board. That’s when tattoos broke out of their “There might be some poor decisions intrigued by tattoos, getting his first “I haven’t found that tattoos or body stereotypical association with soldiers, that people are making,” Winge said. at age 17, a shark cruising across his modifications are actually acceptable to sailors and prison inmates. As younger But no matter how popular the back. Taking the symbolic route that the degree that people under 30 think people got inked, that hardened image extreme tattoos get, few shops will many people do when getting a tattoo, they are,” Winge. “But that kind of gives began to dilute and become less intimi- provide a face, neck or hand tattoo to Warren’s shark represents an instinc- me hope. I find people use tattoos and dating to suburbanites. somebody who isn’t already serious- tual desire and motivation for constant body modifications to communicate Winge likened the trendiness of tat- ly inked. Even then, if you’re a failing forward movement, as the curvature of and construct identity, and even get toos to fashion trends. Today’s youth SoundCloud rapper with a face tat- a shark’s pectoral fins limits its ability to through difficult things in their life.” culture is highly susceptible to “influ- too, you can always visit a laser artist move backward. It often happens that a young person encers” on Instagram and YouTube, or “People can take their journeys and gets a prominent tattoo only to have copy the tattoo tastes of their favorite stories, whatever they’ve gone through their beautiful feeling of self-expression rappers. Post Malone, with face tattoos in life, and display it on their body and squashed by the conformist uniformity galore, might inspire many young peo- be proud of it,” Warren said. “And I have tattoos on my body that remind me of things I don’t want to go back to. There’s CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING so much significance to them — tattoos have always inspired me.” Z-9-2019, 3440 N. East Street But no matter what your endgame is, Rezoning from “F” Commercial District to “G-2” Wholesale District there’s likely a corner of the Lansing tat- The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on March 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in Council too scene for you. Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan to consider Z-9-2019. This is a request by Jeffrey & Sheryl Landgraf to rezone the property at “We definitely have higher prices in 3440 N. East Street from “F” Commercial District to “G-2” Wholesale District, with a condition Lansing, but compared to other major restricting the allowable uses. The purpose of the rezoning is to permit a medical marijuana safety compliance facility on the subject property. cities where we’re doing the same cal- iber of work, we’re pretty affordable,” 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 Fox said. “Lansing is a little city that has between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of a lot to offer.” the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk CITY OF LANSING www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST CP#20-037 FOR THE TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 ELECTION Notice is hereby given that the public test of the program, which will be used for tabulating the results of the Election to be held Tuesday, March 10, 2020 in the City of Lansing, will be NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS conducted at the Lansing City Clerk’s Election Unit located at the South Washington Office EAST LANSING HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Complex at 2500 South Washington Avenue on Tuesday, February 26, 2020 at 4:30 p.m.

Notice is hereby given of the following public hearings to be held by the East Lansing The public accuracy test is conducted to determine that the program used to tabulate the Historic District Commission on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District results of the election counts the votes in the manner prescribed by law. Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing. ABSENT VOTER BALLOTS 1. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Nicholas Any registered voter may request an Absent Voter Ballot. No reason required. Tesseris, for the property located at 515 Division Street, to enclose the side entry of the house. We must have a signed application to issue an Absent Voter Ballot. Applications are available at www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk or by calling 517-483-4131. 2. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Taylor Teachout, for the property located at 519 Park Lane, to replace existing windows with The Lansing City Clerk’s Office, 124 W. Michigan Ave., 9th Floor, will be open weekdays from new replacement windows. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to issue absentee ballots to qualified electors.

3. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Alexandre The Lansing City Clerk’s Election Unit, 2500 S. Washington Ave (rear entrance), will be open: Bayleran, for the property located at 445 Abbot Road, to replace the casement • Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; windows on the east side of the house with new replacement windows. • Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 4. A public hearing will be held for the purpose of considering a request from Emilio • Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Esposito, for the property located at 32 University Drive, to replace a fence in the front • Sunday, March 8, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. yard with cedar replica. to register voters and to issue absentee ballots to qualified electors.

Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing Monday, March 9, 2020 at 4:00 pm is the deadline to request an absentee ballot except for City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will those who register to vote on Election Day. Ballots issued on Monday, March 9, 2020 must be be given an opportunity to be heard. requested and voted in person at the Lansing City Clerk’s Office or the Lansing City Clerk’s Election Unit. The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered Those registering to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10, 2020 are eligible to receive an at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) absent voter ballot at the Lansing City Clerk’s Office or the Lansing City Clerk’s Election Unit. calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Planning Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Chris Swope, MMC/MiPMC Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. Lansing City Clerk Phone: 517-483-4131 Jennifer Shuster Email: [email protected] City Clerk Website: www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk CP#20-043 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#20-045 City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 where to go for ink Eclectic Art Tattoo Fish Ladder Tattoo Co. Ink & Needle Liquid Tattoo Master Tattoo and Splash of Color Gallery 302 E. Grand River Ave., One location in East 16583 Old US 127, Lansing Piercing 515 E. Grand River Ave., 615 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing Lansing, two in Lansing Search Facebook “Liquid 600 E. Cavanaugh Road, East Lansing Lansing facebook.com/ Inkandneedleswe.com Tattoo Lansing” Lansing splashtattoos.com eclecticarttattoo.com FishLadderTattoo (517) 346-7702 Search Facebook for (517) 333-0990 (517) 485-7872 (517) 507-0353 Ink Therapy “Master Tattoo and 2819 E. Saginaw St., Local Tattoo & Laser Co. Vivid Ink 2020 E. Michigan Ave, Piercing,” Expressions Body The Gallery Fine Art Lansing (517) 377-5946 2375 N. Cedar St. #C, Art Studio & Tattoo Studio facebook.com/ Lansing Holt 4617 N. Grand River Ave. 2515 E. Jolly Road #2, InkTherapyLansing localtattoo517.com Ministry Ink Tattoo vividinksingers.com, Lansing Lansing (517) 614-6711 (517) 708-7338 610 N. Creyts Road, (517) 694-0833 facebook. Search Facebook for Lionfish Tattoo Lucky’s Tattoos Lansing com/E.B.A.S.TATTOOS, “Gallery Fine Art & 3233 W. Saginaw St. 1219 E. Cesar Chavez ministryinktattoo.com, (517) 993-5198 Tattoo Studio” Suite C, Lansing Ave. (517) 253-8746 (517) 853-8278 Lionfishtattoo.com (517) 894-4710 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020

ARTS & CULTURE ART • BOOKS • FILM • MUSIC Everything out of its place

Broad Museum exhibit is a closet full of chaos By LAWRENCE COSENTINO What is that bird doing here? The odd sight of a burrowing parakeet from Michigan State University’s ornitholo- gy research collection, stuffed and encased in glass among dozens of pieces of contemporary art, provokes one of a thousand uncomfort- able questions at the Broad Museum’s big new exhibit. “Never Spoken Again: Rogue Stories of Science and Collections” fills the Broad’s sec- ond floor with false leads, displacements, mind games and brazen stories of outright plunder. On trial is the very act of taking something out of its context and “Never Spoken putting it on exhibit. Again: Rogue A case full of color- Stories of Science ful, ancient-looking shards and fragments and Collections” catches the eye. Has the Now through August. 23 Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse MSU Broad Broad started collecting Iraqi-American artist Michael Rakowitz used newspapers and sardine cans to re-create a 2,000-year- 547 E Circle Dr. Egyptian ruins? East Lansing old artifact plundered from the National Museum of Baghdad in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion. (517) 884-4800 You must be kidding. Tuesday–Sunday, 12–7pm On closer look, the viewer plaster in the artifacts is bound with hair, still FREE ADMISSION The heart of the exhibit is a wall of sobering broadmuseum.msu.edu learns that the “Egyptian visible, that was shaved from horses DeMille photographs taken in the 1980s at a museum artifacts” were dug up rented from the nearby Presidio army base in built by Catholic missionaries. from the Nipomo Dunes in Guadalupe, and San Francisco. We also learn that the Guadalupe Brazilian artist Maria Thereza Alves captured were made for movie director Cecil B. DeMille’s boy who wandered into the dunes and found insensitive and depressing exhibits of native 1923 version of “The Ten Commandments.” The the plaster owl was flogged by his father with a artifacts, including a plaster native trapped like owl in the middle of one case sat in a Napa Auto Hot Wheels track for missing work. a parakeet in a glass booth. Parts store for many years. There’s a bizarre sequel to the story, involv- “What am I doing here?” he seems to be ask- Clues to the true age of the objects are provid- ing spiritualists who thought the existence ing. ed by zigzag design elements more suited to Art of Egyptian artifacts in the California dunes Between the photos, a series of panels recre- Deco than Pharaoh Rameses II, and by a trio of meant aliens had visited the area. ate the eloquent testimony of Alvaro Fernando cough syrup bottles, probably guzzled by bored The glass cases are set in a phony Egyptian Sanpaio of the Turkana people, detailing the extras in lieu of real booze during Prohibition. room graced by large, kitschy murals discarded decline suffered by the native inhabitants of the This is one exhibit where you don’t want to by the Luxor Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Rio Negro after the arrival of Salesian Catholic skip reading the labels. They really live up to There is a method to all of this madness. missionaries in 1915. the promise of “rogue stories.” We learn that the The Broad exhibit is the first stop in a trav- Sanpaio describes in detail how evange- eling project put together lism and programs for education and national by a young wave of muse- integration broke up native communities and um curators, Independent stripped the natives of their myths and prac- Curators International. tices. “Never Spoken Again” Among the sad results were poverty, addic- candidly exposes the com- tion and prostitution. plicity of museums in “This would shock the nuns, as they are very exploiting and distorting sensitive when one speaks truths,” Sanpaio dry- non-Western cultures, but ly notes. for these young curators, A shadowy video looping at the west end of that is just a starting point. the exhibit hints that native gods and spirits The exhibit is more than a all over the world may someday wreak their hall of shame — its playful revenge. side, and its delight in a Iranian artist Mohreshin Allayaru’s black and labyrinth of side paths and white video evokes Huma, a mid-level spir- open doors, hints at a new it from traditional Arabic and Muslim stories wave of freedom in museum who thrives on flaming chaos that is completely practice. antithetical to the sterile order of a museum. “Chac Pool,” by Mexican- “She is a monster and should be,” goes the American artist Claudia narration. Peña Salinas, interprets an The video gives you the feeling that if Huma ancient native artifact in a ever got in the mood, she could burn the whole wild mixed media fantasia place to the ground. Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse of brass, dyed cotton, obsid- Until then, the parakeet from MSU will stay Colombian artist Reyes Santiago Rojas riffs on the destructive cycle of ian, ostrich feathers, arago- in its case, peering at the visitor with its pierc- sugar cane plantations that ruined the landscape in large swaths of Latin nite, coconut and postcards ing, false eyes, as if to ask, “what am I doing America and came back in the form of soda and other junk food. (of the original artifact). here?” City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17

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MARKETS & VITAMIN STORES MARKETS & VITAMIN STORES ARKETS & VITAM to suggest that these now decon- end. Everyone is at the top of their Right HerM e structed tales draw a parallel to that game, not a weak performance by time of great economic woe. any. No matter – the actors can sing; Barker’s scenic design includes the singers can act. The result is a backdrop with the big guy of Prices valid through February 29, 2020. spectacular. In this mix-match of Beanstalk fame, in which the whole lead characters, several individuals stage shudders as we see a giant foot East Lansing (Frandor) Lansing 305 N Clippert Ave 6235 West Saginaw Hwy stand out. Cinderella, portrayed by tumble over, on screen, behind the Across from Frandor Mall 517-323-9186 Jacqueline Lee, has a lyrical sopra- actors. Director Deric McNish has 517-332-6892 Mon-Thurs: 9am-9pm Fri-Sat: 9am-8pm no voice that pierces tender hearts, pulled it all together in this produc- Mon-Sat: 8am-9pm Sun: 11am-7pm Sun: 12am-5pm while Naomi Blansit as the witch tion, and it almost makes sense — combines a strong singing voice with especially if we can just suspend our www.BetterHealthStore.com vocal drama and dramatic pizzazz. hyper-adult critical voices and just Connect with us: At the heart of this story is the sit back and enjoy the charm of it. 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 Flint documentary to headline Capital City Film Festival Organizers announce 10th annual film festival in downtown Lansing

By KYLE KAMINSKI The Capital City Film Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it returns to Lansing from April 9-18. The annual festival celebrates art- ists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the local community and show- casing an eclectic mix of independent films, live music, interactive exhibits and more. And a sneak peek at the lineup for 2020 certainly promises to entertain. “Flint: Who Do You Trust” by Scottish director Anthony Baxter will be the headlining film for this year’s film festival, which organizers have affectionately dubbed CCFF 10. The Courtesy photo film, which makes its global premiere A still from “Flint: Who Do You Trust,” the headlining film of this year's Capital City Film Festival. March 1, is billed as the definitive documentary about one of American’s “Once Upon a River” — directed by ry: CCFF will kick off its 2020 Brew Organizers also announced a new most infamous pollution disasters. Haroula Rose — will kick off the festi- & View Series at The Avenue Cafe to poetry project for the festival. The Acclaimed actor Alec Baldwin nar- val with a story based on the bestsell- get people warmed up for the festival. program is designed to engage 20 rates the movie, which was filmed ing novel of the same name, written by The first film — “Coming to America” local poets to respond to the festival’s over five years and unfolds through Michigan native Bonnie Jo Campbell. — will be shown Feb. 28, followed films and events. A call for poets is the perspectives of Flint’s residents. That movie takes place in rural by “Romy and Michele’s High School open through March 5. Emmy award-winning producer Michigan and some characters are Reunion” March 27. Live music will While some events are free of charge, Sabrina Gordon, journalist Richard from tribal communities. Organizers also be included at both events. The tickets for most film events are $5 at Phinney and scientist-turned-film- said the narrative will lead viewers on Fortnight Film Contest, CCFF’s com- the door. The opening night feature maker Justin Weinstein also assisted a theatrical journey that is lovely, but petition for teams of amateur, student is $10. Concerts run from $5-15. And Baxter in its highly anticipated pro- at times simultaneously heartbreak- and professional filmmakers, is now all-access passes and patron pass- duction. ing. Though the film has already made accepting registrations. The contest es are available for $50 and $100, And while the full lineup for this its way around the country, CCFF will will begin March 19 with films due respectively. year’s festival hasn’t yet been revealed, serve as its Michigan premiere. April 2. Entries are judged by a pan- Visit capitalcityfilmfest.com for organizers said the opening film will Other announcements were also el of filmmakers and film lovers. Top details — and a full line up — as the also include a Michigan connection. made for the festival’s 10th anniversa- films will be shown at the festival. festival approaches.

ments to the traditional lucha libre style. Offering a more, “old school pro- Lucha libre action swoops into The Fledge fessional wrestling style. It doesn’t have as much of the glitz and glamour of the By ELLEN DOWLING tradition of the Aztecs. We are taking Professional Wrestling Showcase,’” high budget sports entertainment, but Mexican lucha libre wrestling, a concepts from lucha libre that we enjoy Macomber said. many wrestling fans prefer the days of bombastic high-flying spectacle of and are bringing it to our events.” CPW releases an episode each classic wrestling,” Macomber said. physical prowess featuring flamboyant Macomber works alongside Joe Diaz Thursday on its YouTube channel, Such performances of grand standing masked wrestlers, is returning to The and Joe Ranta at American Lucha Head Drop Productions. aren’t for all, but Macomber encourag- Fledge Saturday by way of Capital Pro Libre, the sanctioning body for CPW. Saturday’s tournament match will es everyone to see what wrestling is all Wrestling. Macomber has been working in the feature a mashup of some of the top about. Capital Pro Wrestling “ L u c h a wrestling business for 17 years, getting underground wrestlers in the Great “I always say to people that you’re $12 libre is the his start filming wrestling showcases. Lakes region, such as C.J. Ottgen, who either a pro wrestling fan, or you just 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22 The Fledge name of pro “Saturday will be the first round will face off against the cartoonish The don’t know it yet. Everyone can find 1300 Eureka St., Lansing wrestling in of the Great Lakes Television Title Fro-Gun D-Ray 300. a wrestler that they can look up to, or facebook.com/CPWLansing Mexico,” Zack Tournament. Eight wrestlers will com- And what would a lucha libre show one that they can boo,” Macomber said. Ma c o m b e r, pete for the opportunity to be the first be without a luchador? The Mysterious “There’s nothing better than getting CPW executive producer, said. Great Lakes Television Champion,” Movado, a fan favorite, will also be in into a match and watching your favor- “Historically, it’s more a display of good Macomber said. “The wrestling event at the house. “He exemplifies lucha libre ite guy kicking butt. It’s one of those versus evil — a morality play. The super- the Fledge will be a taping of our epi- wrestling,” said Macomber. things you have to experience to under- heroes often wear colorful masks in the sodic wrestling show, ‘The Great Lakes The wrestlers add their own ele- stand.” City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19

ing one poem at a time. “It will be fast-paced,” she said. Poetry back on the rise in Greater Lansing The five other poets joining Petrouske: Mary Fox, who has pub- By BILL CASTANIER literature and the lished two volumes of poetry and was It’s a rare weekend when there isn’t arts is essential to formerly a teacher at Fowler High some type of poetry event in Greater one’s growth and School and LCC; Cheryl Caesar, who Lansing. When I talked with Laura awareness to help teaches writing at MSU and is an offi- Apol, MSU writing professor and create a healthy cer in the Lansing Poetry Club; Melinda Lansing poet laureate, she was about society,” he said. Pope, who fuses poetry with her pho- to leave for a poetry workshop she was One of the tography and mixed media art togeth- conducting in Grand Ledge. At the characteristics of er; Margo Krusinga, who will present same time, poet Ruelaine Stokes was the poetry cul- poetry inspired by the 60 acres of land a featured writer at the Eaton Rapids ture in Lansing surrounding her home, and Mary Anna Poetry Club. — according to Kruch, a career educator whose poetry Poetry has blossomed in the area and Rosalie Petrouske, is inspired by her Italian family and the Apol attributes a L a n s i n g family farm in Northern Michigan. Six Voices in Winter it to several C o m m u n i t y In a twist of poetic license, Petrouske 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. College writing Wednesday, Feb. 26 factors. “We said, “What could be better than six Okemos Library are living in professor and wonderful women on a warm winter 4321 Okemos Road, a time when poet — is a lot of Okemos night?” cadl.org/about/our-locations/ people need younger people okemos to have voices of diverse back- and give voice grounds are get- to others. Poetry is happening every- Couresy photo ting involved. where,” she said. Lansing poet laureate Laura Apol. She also cites Apol said another reason for poetry’s the number of ascent is the Center for Poetry at MSU, lives of others and is often documen- poetry groups and which brings in major poets and con- tary in nature. venues have increased for both “the ducts workshops. Her poetry collection “Requiem, stage and page” poets. She said the proposed state budget, Rwanda,” published by MSU Press In addition to Writing at the Ledges, which includes a slot for a state poet in 2018, is based on her work to help a writing group she helped found, laureate, would further bolster poetry healing among the survivors of the there’s the Lansing Poetry Club, the SCHULER BOOK CLUB as an important piece of culture. The 1994 Rwanda genocide. She is cur- Poetry Place, the Blue Owl Reading February 19 · 6pm Library of Michigan would administer rently at work on a scholarly book on Series and events by MSU Poetry the post, which still has to be approved “poetic inquiry,” which melds poetry Center. Join us monthly for the Schuler Book by the legislature. and research. “Poets in Lansing are finally getting Club—a great way to create community, “The position would empower local Apol, who has held numerous work- recognized as significant,” she said. and engage with new books. This month we are reading The Bromance Book Club laureates,” she said. “It’s also about shops and readings in the communi- One other characteristic of the poet- by Lyssa Kay Adams. what a poet laureate would say about ty, said, “I wish there were four of us,” ry scene is there is a group of dedicat- Michigan: That we are raising our chil- referring to the position of poet laure- ed poets who organize events. That dren to appreciate the arts,” Apol said. ate. long list includes Petrouske, who has LOCAL AUTHOR Robert Trezise, president and M.L. Liebler, an award-winning poet put together the program Six Voices DAWN NEWTON CEO of the Lansing Economic Area and Wayne State University professor, in Winter, a series of readings next February 19 · 7pm Partnership, which sponsors the is also the poet laureate for St. Clair Wednesday at the Okemos Library. Dawn Newton joins us to share her brave Lansing area poet laureate position Shores, a post he’s held since 2005. Petrouske said each of the women offer and intimate memoir, Winded, in which with the MSU Poetry Center and the “Being a poet laureate is more than a unique vision in their poetry. The she describes life with terminal disease. Lansing Poetry Club, agrees with just a title. A poet laureate’s job is to women have picked five themes and Apol. Trezise said he sees poetry as an help citizens of all ages understand that will rotate between themselves, read- Chapbook Press Presents important part of place making which BEATING THE ODDS he preaches as an economic tool for WITH IRA CHILDRESS attracting new businesses. February 23 · 1pm At a recent literary event at REO Town’s Robin Theatre, Tresize observed 307 E. Grand River, E. Lansing The athletic director for Okemos High a packed house of young people listen- 3320112 ⬧ We validate parking School until 2018 joins us to share his ing to the spoken word. He said many inspirational memoir, Beating the Odds. Mon. Sat. 107 pm, Sun. 125 pm of those in the audience were young www.curiousbooks.com REO Town business owners. KID’S STORY TIME We have books you always “We are making different kinds of Saturdays · 11am connections,” he said. wanted but never knew existed! And that’s one reason Trezise and the Jump into the pages of our favorite

LEAP Board established a poet lau- books! We will sing songs, make a craft reate position in 2017. The first poet Quality Used Books at Great Prices! and go on a new adventure. laureate was Dennis Hinrichsen who 519 W. Grand River, E. Lansing served two years. Apol, only the second 3328444 ⬧ Free Parking to hold the position, is noted for her Mon. Sat. 116 pm, Sun. 125 pm poetry that engages directly with the [email protected] 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020

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819 Abbot Rd,, East Lansing. 517-337-1113.

Diabetes Support Group - 6:30 p.m. Delta Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Dr., Lansing.

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

The Last Butterflies: A Scientist’s Quest to Save a Rare and Vanishing Creature. 7-9 p.m. TOWN Michigan Nature Assoc., 2310 Science Parkway, Events must be entered through the calendar Okemos. 866-223-2231. ildoneslansing.org. at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Line Dancing - No partner/experience needed. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. 1-1:30 p.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Charges may apply for paid events to appear Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. in print. If you need assistance, please call Live Animals in the Library (All ages) - Meet Suzi at (517) 999-6704. some live zoo animals! 1-2 p.m. CADL Holt-Delhi, 2078 N. Aurelius Rd., Holt. MSU Comics Forum Threads of Wisdom: Replenishing the Excelsior! The MSU Comics Forum, a young girl in ’60s-era Chicago. Wednesday, February 19 Self. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministries, 5705 S. Washington, Lansing. free two-day bonanza of artist allies and Sousanis is also an Eisner-winning CLASSES AND SEMINARS keynote speeches and academic panels author and an assistant professor of Acrylic Painting Workshop - 6-7:30 p.m. Winter Workdays at CCBS - 9 a.m.-12 p.m. from leaders and up-and-comers from Humanities & Liberal Studies at San Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Capital City Bird Sanctuary, 6001 Delta River Dr., the com- Francisco State University, where Jefferson St. To register: 627-7014. Lansing. michiganaudubon.org. Comics Forum ics indus- he is starting a Comics Studies pro- Free try, returns gram. Sousanis wrote his dissertation Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. ARTS Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. to East “Unflattening” at Teachers College, Color & Creativity - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30 a.m. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 MSU Library Lansing. Columbia University. “Unflattening” Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- The key- argues for the importance of visual 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. 366 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing facebook.com/MSUComicsForum note speak- thinking and was published by Harvard Group Dance Class - Beginning Salsa. 8:15- 9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East Into the Woods - MSU Department of Theatre. ers this year University. Lansing. 517-364-8888. 7:30 p.m. MSU Auditorium, East Lansing. are Emil Ferris and Nick Sousanis. Ferris The artist alley features a score of calendar.cal.msu.edu. is a writer, cartoonist and designer who local and traveling artists, who pro- Line Dance Lessons - All ages welcome. 7-9 made her publishing debut with the duce comics, prints and countless other p.m. Overdrive Lansing Mall, 5330 W Saginaw Intro to Drawing Class: Tools and Tactics. 2017 graphic novel “My Favorite Thing is forms of fascinating, comic-centric art. Hwy, Lansing. 6-8 p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E. Grand River Monsters,” a coming-of-age story of a Ave., East Lansing. 517-884-4800. LITERATURE AND POETRY Adventure Club Storytimes - 4-5 p.m. Low-tech Screenprinting- 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot N. Foster Ave., Lansing. Jefferson St. grandledge.lib.mi.us. Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Dawn Newton presents her memoir, Teen Wheel - 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Art ARTS Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999- Strength & Balance (Adults) - Improve your 900 Miles to International Falls - 8-10 p.m. Winded - 7 p.m. Schuler Books, 1982 Grand posture, strength and balance. 2:30-3:30 p.m. River, Okemos. 3643. reachstudioart.org. Williamston Theatre, 122 S Putnam St. 517-655- CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. 7469. williamstontheatre.org. Family Storytime (Ages up to 6) - 11 a.m.- Tween Wheel - 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999- Zumba - Want to lose weight and have fun too? Community Art Projects - 3-6 p.m. Reach 12 p.m. CADL Webberville, 115 N. Main St., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, 1030 W. Webberville. cadl.org 3643. reachstudioart.org Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Miz Rosie Black History Month MUSIC Storytelling - 6:30-8 p.m. Grand Ledge Area MSU Professors of Jazz - 7:30 p.m. Cook LITERATURE AND POETRY Into the Woods - MSU Department of Theatre. District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Recital Hall, MSU, East Lansing. music.msu.edu. PJ Storytime (Sensory Friendly) - 6:30-7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. MSU Auditorium, Lansing. Ledge. grandledge.lib.mi.us. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E Jefferson calendar.cal.msu.edu. Sorry, I’m Not Leaving Exhibition - all St, Grand Ledge. EVENTS week. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Lansing Art Gallery, 119 N. Studio (in)Process - The studio is (in)Process! Washington, Ste. 101, Lansing. 517-374-6400. EVENTS 6-9 p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E. Grand River Code Club! - No coding expertise necessary. Ave., East Lansing. 517-884-4800. 6-7 p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 12th Annual Pizza Taste–off (Age 6 & up) E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. - 4:30-5:30 p.m. CADL Mason, 145 W. Ash St., Mason. cadl.org Taste of Jewelry: Cold Forming - 6:30-9:30 Thursday, February 20 p.m. Lansing Makers Network, 2400 W. St. Joe, Current Events - Keep up with local, national Lansing. and world-wide news. 1-2:30 p.m. Prime Time Craft Night -Crafts and civil discourse. 7-9 Seniors Program/Hannah Community Center, CLASSES AND SEMINARS p.m. Inner Ascended Masters Ministry, 5705 S. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- Washington Ave., Lansing. 517-657-5800. MUSIC Absolute Music Chamber Series - 7:30- Crafting with a Cause - A gathering to support 10:30 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St. Old Town, FRIDAY, FEB. 21 >> THE GREAT SPARTAN BAKE OFF and serve our community. 4-5:30 p.m. Grand Lansing. urbanbeatevents.com. Ledge Area District Library, 131 E Jefferson St, Are you a fan of “Great British Bake Off?” Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Concert Orchestra - MSU Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center, 750 E Shaw Ln, East Then check out the Great Spartan Bake The Future - Humans have always liked to talk Lansing. 517-353-1982. music.msu.edu. Off. Attendees will experience a night of about the future. 10-11:30 a.m. Hannah Community British-themed foods, while learning how to Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. Keaton Garrett, Saxophone - 8 p.m. Cook decorate from MSU bakers design staff. Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. Lansing Grassroots Philosophy - 6:30-8 p.m. events.msu.edu. Kelly’s Downtown, 220 S Washington Square, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Lansing. Tina Gorter, Collaborative Piano - 6 p.m. Case Hall, 842 Chestnut Road, East Lansing Cook Recital Hall, 333 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing. facebook.com/eatatstate Minecraft Game Night (Ages 8–15) - events.msu.edu. Registration required; call 517-485-5185 or go to (517) 884-0660 cadl.org/events 5-6:30 p.m. CADL Foster, 200 See Out on the town, Page 24 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny Feb. 19-Feb. 25, 2020

"Decade in ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do you feel ready Virgos. In fact, I expect you folks will experience Review, Part 5"-- to change your mind about an idea or belief or extra amounts of domestic bliss in the coming fun stuff from theory that has been losing its usefulness? Would months. You may feel more at home in the world 2018 & 2019. you consider changing your relationship with a than ever before. once-powerful influence that is becoming less By Matt Jones crucial to your life-long goals? Is it possible you LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I don't require have outgrown one of your heroes or teachers? everyone I learn from to be an impeccable saint. Across Do you wonder if maybe it's time for you to put If I vowed to draw inspiration only from those 1 Lip enhancer less faith in a certain sacred cow or overvalued people who flawlessly embody every one of my idol? According to my analysis of your astrological 6 Go through flour ethical principles, there'd be no one to be inspired omens, you'll benefit from meditating on these by. Even one of my greatest heroes, Martin Luther 10 Pale questions during the coming weeks. King Jr., cheated on his wife and plagiarized parts 13 Blue ___ (butterfly of his doctoral dissertation. Where do you stand species) TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When she was on this issue, Libra? I bet you will soon be tested. alive more than 2,500 years ago, the Greek poet How much imperfection is acceptable to you? 15 ___ Shamrock Sappho was so famous for her lyrical creations McFlurry (McDonald's that people referred to her as "The Poetess" and SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio comedian debut of 2020) the "Tenth Muse." (In Greek mythology, there were John Cleese co-founded the troupe Monty Python 16 Ingested nine muses, all goddesses.) She was a prolific more than fifty years ago, and he has been 17 Company that writer who produced over 10,000 lines of verse, generating imaginative humor ever since. I suggest and even today she remains one of the world's we call on his counsel as you enter the most launched Falcon Heavy most celebrated poets. I propose that we make in 2018 creative phase of your astrological cycle. "This is her your inspirational role model for the coming the extraordinary thing about creativity," he says. 18 Game that months. In my view, you're poised to generate a "If you just keep your mind resting against the generated more digital wealth of enduring beauty in your own chosen subject in a friendly but persistent way, sooner or revenue in 2018 than sphere. Proposed experiment: Regard your daily later you will get a reward from your unconscious." any game in history, life as an art project. Here's another one of Cleese's insights that per the Hollywood will serve you well: "The most creative people Reporter GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Have you ever have learned to tolerate the slight discomfort of 20 "Nashville" director dropped out of the daily grind for a few hours indecision for much longer, and so, just because Robert or even a few days so as to compose a master they put in more pondering time, their solutions plan for your life? The coming weeks will be an are more creative." 22 Word before eye 54 Indefinite quantity 5 Knickknack perch 36 Ancient Greek market excellent time to give yourself that necessary or twin 55 "___ y Ahora" (Univision 6 Den furniture 37 Type of M&Ms renamed luxury. According to my analysis, you're entering SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian 23 "The ___ Squad" newsmagazine) 7 Monopoly token replaced "Milk Chocolate" a phase when you'll generate good fortune for philosopher Baruch Spinoza (1632–1677) yourself if you think deep thoughts about how to 26 Air traffic org. 56 Amy's "Parks and by a cat in 2013 38 Partner of Abe, developed a vigorous and expansive vision. That's Recreation" role Thomas, and George create your future. What would you like the story why he became a leading intellectual influence in 27 Like some soft coats 8 Two-___ (buy one, get of your life to be on March 1, 2025? How about 59 It held up a banana in one deal) 42 Buenos Aires loc. the era known as the Enlightenment. But because 29 Blue, in Barcelona March 1, 2030? And March 1, 2035? I encourage of his inventive, sometimes controversial ideas, he Maurizio Cattelan's 2019 9 "Paw Patrol" watcher 45 Highly volatile fuel, for you to consult your soul's code and formulate 31 "So the theory goes ..." artwork "Comedian" was shunned by his fellow Jews and had his books short an inspired, invigorating blueprint for the coming listed on the Catholic Church's Index of Forbidden 34 Host who retired from 10 Forfeit voluntarily years. Write it down! 62 ESPN personality who 46 Words repeated after Books. Understandably, he sometimes felt isolated. "Inside the Actors Studio" retired in 2019 after being 11 Lofty storage area To compensate, he spent lots of time alone taking in 2018 "Whatever" in a Doris Day CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian novelist with the network since its 12 Hockey Hall of Famer song wide-ranging journeys in his imagination. Even if 36 On the nose inception in 1979 Cam William Makepeace Thackeray (1819–1875) is you have all the friends and social stimulation you 47 Landed famous for *Vanity Fair*, a satirical panorama need, I hope you will follow his lead in the coming 39 What goes around? 66 Little ___ (protagonist 14 Jamaican stew of 19th-century British society. The phrase of Punch-Out!!) 49 "Top Chef" host Lakshmi weeks—by taking wide-ranging journeys in your 40 "That's mildly funny," ingredient "Vanity Fair" had been previously used, though 50 = with different meanings, in the Bible's book of imagination. It's time to roam and ramble in inner online 67 Omen 19 It may be pressing realms. 68 Make angry 51 Big name in bags Ecclesiastes, as well as in works by John Bunyan 41 Aquiline bird 21 Broadway hit based on and St. Augustine. Thackeray was lying in bed 43 "King Kong" and "Citizen 69 2001 Will Smith role a Roald Dahl book 53 Pride participants? near sleep one night when the idea flew into his CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): "Absolute Kane" studio (or a princely 2019 role 23 Senior's focus 56 Org. for Madelene head to use it for his own story. He was so thrilled, reason expired at eleven o’clock last night," one opposite Will Smith) character tells another in Henrik Ibsen's play 44 Song that topped the 24 Jason Bateman Netflix Sagstrˆm and Park Hee- he leaped up and ran around his room chanting Young "Vanity Fair! Vanity Fair!" I'm foreseeing at least *Peer Gynt*. I'm happy to report that a different Billboard Hot 100 for a 70 Oil of ___ drama development is on the verge of occurring for record 19 weeks in 2019 57 "___, meeny, miney, mo" one epiphany like this for you in the coming weeks, 71 "Well, you're not looking 25 Flying Disney character Cancerian. What area of your life needs a burst of you, Capricorn. In recent days, there may have 47 Detroit-born fashion ___ yourself ..." 27 ___ Schwarz (toy store 58 Spain's longest river delicious inspiration? been less than an ideal amount of reason and designer Down that reopened in 2018) 60 Chinese menu name logic circulating in your world. But that situation LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Who loves you best, Leo? will soon change. The imminent outbreak of good 48 Crossword puzzle, 1 Sports execs, for short 28 Bedding purchase 61 Be off sense, rigorous sanity, and practical wisdom will without the clues Which of your allies and loved ones come closest 2 Cut off, as branches 30 Luau wear 63 ___-di-dah to seeing you and appreciating you for who you be quite tonic. Take advantage of this upcoming 3 Pop singer and "The really are? Of all the people in your life, which have grace period. Initiate bold actions that are well- 32 Parking units 64 Anton ___ grounded in objective rather than subjective truth. 49 Part of some pirate Masked Singer" (U.K.) ("Ratatouille" restaurant done most to help you become the soulful star you costumes panelist Rita 33 Gateway Arch site want to be? Are there gem-like characters on the critic) AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Renowned 52 Fighting a bug, perhaps 35 Thing in a ring peripheries of your world that you would like to 4 Animal advocacy org. 65 Nevertheless draw nearer? Are there energy drains that you've Aquarian composer Franz Schubert (1797–1828) allowed to play too prominent a role? I hope you'll created more than 700 compositions, some of ©2019 Jonesin' Crosswords ([email protected]) Answers Page 24 meditate on questions like these in the coming which are still played by modern musicians. Many weeks. You're in a phase when you can access a of his works were written on and for the piano— wealth of useful insights and revelations about how and yet he was so poor that he never owned a SUDOKU Advanced to skillfully manage your relationships. It's also a piano. If there has been a similar situation in your good time to reward and nurture those allies who life, Aquarius—a lack of some crucial tool or have given you so much. support due to financial issues—I see the coming TO PLAY weeks as being an excellent time to set in motion VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Doom and gloom the plans that will enable you to overcome and dominate the forecasts made by many prophets. cure that problem. Fill in the grid so that They experience perverse glee in predicting, for example, that all the rain forests and rivers PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 1908, British every row, column, and will be owned by greedy corporations by 2050, playwright W. Somerset Maugham reached the or that extraterrestrial invaders who resemble height of success. Four of his plays were being outlined 3-by-3 box crocodiles will take control of the U.S. government performed concurrently in four different London "for the good of the American people," or that theaters. If you were ever in your life going to contains the numbers 1 climate change will eventually render chocolate achieve anything near this level of overflowing and bananas obsolete. That's not how I operate. popularity or attention, I suspect it would be this through 9 exactly once. I deplore the idea that it's only the nasty year. And if that's a development you would enjoy prognostications that are interesting. In that spirit, and thrive on, I think the coming weeks will be No guessing is required. I make the following forecasts: The number of an excellent time to set your intention and take homeless Virgos will decrease dramatically in the audacious measures. The solution is unique. near future, as will the number of dreamhome-less

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE Answers on page 24 HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23

AA surveysurvey of Lansing’sLansing’s MusicalMusical LAndscapeLAndscape TURNTURN IT ITDD WNWN!By By RICH RICHTUTUPICPICAA Friday, Feb. 21 Q&A: Krissy Booth brings Michigan-made pop majesty to Culture Clash

Krissy Booth performs Friday at Culture Clash at The Avenue Café. (photo by Emily Nagle) Krissy Booth released four singles last year, and has new releases in the works for 2020. (photo by Emily Nagle) Singer, songwriter chats with City Pulse Friday, Feb. 21 @ The Avenue, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. 21+. Free, 9 p.m. Krissy Booth, known for her sleek-pop Looking back, who’s inspired your booking your first show in Lansing? song, and tracked and retracked things prowess, returns Friday to The Avenue career path in music? I was really afraid of singing my actual in my parents’ basement. Each song on Café to perform at Culture Clash, a month- Grimes and Imogen Heap are both songs in front of people for a long time. “Vivid” is such a different huge emotion. I ly event highlighting diverse genres and art- female producers, musicians and perform- I didn’t know if there was a place for my wanted it to feel like that. “Fire” is about a forms. Sharing the bill are 616 and EssBe & ers. I wanted to be able to be that kind of music, with all of the guitar rock here — relationship falling apart and being upset Y’z Council. Booth grew up in Williamston, capable writer-performer. but there is. I just had to take the chance you can’t feel that anymore. “Go” is a song spent time living in Lansing and is now Growing up, what pushed you and make that space. Since then, I’ve tried that feels so shattered and delicate. “Gold” based in Detroit where she’s prepping two toward music? to push myself to be unafraid of performing is one where I wanted to have warm synths “big projects” for 2020. I always wanted to be a singer, or a and keep writing how I feel and doing what I really reinforce this gold, always-love feel- How has your sound evolved over mermaid … When I was really young, my want. Now, I want my friends and audience ing. “Somewhere” is about feeling joy again the last few years? family was getting a divorce. I’d put on my members to feel loved and empowered. I and the rush of having a crush after being Krissy Booth: What I’m writing and headphones and listen to music — Britney try to make each show more over the top heart broken. releasing right now is mostly dreamy pop. Spears and Madonna — to escape, so it’s than the last. Tell me about “Selfish.” What My older music is avant-garde pop that always been a dreamy place for me where Release-wise, what can people inspired that single? you’ll love if you like St. Vincent and Kesha. everything is OK. I loved Mariah Carey and listen to from Krissy Booth? It’s about a love affair that was actually What inspires me are people and my expe- took classical/operatic lessons so I’d be “Vivid” is an album I released in very sweet, but we both knew it wasn’t a riences with them … and weird sounds. able to do some of the things she could September 2017. Since then I’ve released forever thing. Every time we were together, One of my favorite songs samples a bike do, and I was in choir through school. I a few singles: “Lose Sleep With You,” he’d say, “Sorry, this is so selfish and we’re spoke. It’s called “FntsyGrl.” I’ll release also loved how Prince was able to play all “Intuition,” “All The Way” and “Selfish,” all wasting our time.” My song is about owning that soon. All of my songs are love songs instruments. in the past year. that feeling unabashedly. If you’re enjoying in some way. Everything I do is inspired From there, you taught yourself You self-produced the “Vivid” LP, your life, what’s wrong with that? by love. piano and guitar and crafted your how was that venture? For updates on her upcoming releases, own unique sound. What led you to It was long. I wrote and rewrote every follow facebook.com/krissyboothmusic.

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Trivia Night: Animal Kingdom 10PM Open Mic 8PM Free DJ Show 9PM Dark Arts Ball 8PM Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River, East Lansing North of Five 8PM Karaoke 9PM Karaoke 9PM The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. Old School - DJ Jalese 8:30PM Showdown 9PM Showdown 9PM Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Karaoke Avon Bomb 8:30PM Mix Pack 8:30PM LIVE Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E. Shiawassee Live Music with Be Kind Rewind 8PM Live Music with Shelby & Jake 8PM The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. Electric Open Mic 7:30PM Bass Night 10PM Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. Violet Sol 9PM Cloud District 7PM Often Home 7PM The Weak Days 7PM AND Reno's East, 1310 Abbot, East Lansing The New Rule 7PM The New Rule 7PM Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Weather Diaries: Broad Underground Film 7PM Moonduck 8PM Spiral, 1247 Center St. The Collaboration w/Evah Destruction 9PM Turn Up Friday 9PM Mardi Gras 9PM LOCAL Urban Beat, 1213 Turner St. Happy Hour with Sam Warren 5PM Absolute Music Chamber Series 7:30PM Group 2 Chamber Concert 7PM Powerlight Band 7PM Unicorn, 327 Cesar E. Chavez, Lansing Open Mic 9:30PM Live Music with Gina Garner Band 9PM Live Music with Be Kind Rewind Duo 9PM Upcoming show? Contact Wildlife Pub, 6380 Drumeller Rd., Bath Open Mic 7:30PM [email protected] Zoobies, 1200 N. Larch Conor Larkin 8:30PM Karle Delo 8:30PM 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 From Page 21 Mud & Mug - 7-10 p.m. Reach Studio Art workshop! 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Michigan Audubon, 2310 Friday, February 21 Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517-999- Science Parkway, Suite 200, Okemos. Reyna Garcia- Voices de Esperanza - 12-5 3643. reachstudioart.org. p.m. Casa de Rosado, 204 E Mt. Hope Ave., CLASSES AND SEMINARS Planning Your Garden Year - 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Lansing. 517-402-0282. Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- Natural Art - 10 a.m. Impression 5 Science Hunter Park GardenHouse, 1400 E Kalamazoo St, 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. Lansing. True West - 8-10 p.m. LCC Theatre, Music & Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. impression5.org. Dance, Lansing Community College, Lansing. LITERATURE AND POETRY Half Day LEGO EV3 Mindstorms Robotics Teen Studio: Portfolio. 3-6 p.m. Reach Studio Battle of the Books: Book Chat - Dive deeper MUSIC with 4-H STEM Workshop! 1-4 p.m. Grand Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- into the themes, plots, and characters. 1-2 Jazz Weekend 2020 - 7-8 p.m. The Presbyterian Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. p.m. Grand Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Rd., Okemos. Grand Ledge. Register at 517-627-7014. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. okemospres.org. True West - 8-10 p.m. LCC Theatre, Music & EVENTS Dance, Lansing Community College, Lansing. Black History Month Event -Storyteller Miz Meet the Maker: Greg Deering, Founder GEM Social Club - For ASD Teens and Young Rosie (All ages) 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. CADL South of Deering Banjo Company. 2-5 p.m. Elderly Adults - Join us for an evening of friendship, MUSIC Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Instruments, 1100 N Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- socializing, food & fun! 6-8 p.m. The Peoples Cheryl Wheeler - 7:30-10 p.m. MSU Community 372-7880. elderly.com. Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. Music School, 4930 S. Hagadorn, East Lansing. Winter Reading Bingo - Stop in and sign up! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Eaton Rapids Area District Library, Motivation Workshop for Musicians - 9 Lansing Personal Injury Attorneys Meetup Group 2 Chamber Concert - 7-9 p.m. 220 S. Main, Eaton Rapids. eradl.org. a.m.-noon. MSU Community Music School, 4930 - 10-11 a.m. Cadillac Room, 1115 S Washington, UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St. Old Town, Lansing. S. Hagadorn, East Lansing. cms.msu.edu. Lansing. 517-798-6175. attorneykennugent.com. EVENTS Black History Month Event- Zion Missionary Refuge Recovery Lansing - 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, February 22 Baptists Puppet Warriors (All ages). 2-3 p.m. Sunday, February 23 Just B Yoga, 106 Island Ave., Lansing. CADL Downtown Lansing, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. cadl.org CLASSES AND SEMINARS CLASSES AND SEMINARS TGIF Dance Party - 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Hawk Hollow, Code Club - Bring your own laptop (Ages 7-17). Blood Drive - hosted by the Lansing Alumae Collagraph Printmaking Workshop - 12-4 15101 Chandler Rd., Bath. 734-604-5095. tgifdance. 2-3:30 p.m. CADL Haslett, 1590 Franklin St., p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, com. Haslett. Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. PIlgrim Rest Baptist Church, 5200 East Lansing. Pleasant Grove Rd., Lansing. Weather Diaries: Broad Underground Film Collagraph Printmaking Workshop - 12-4 Juggling - Learn how to juggle! 2-4 p.m. Orchard Series. 7-9 p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S p.m. MSU Broad Art Lab, 565 E Grand River Ave, Street Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St., East Washington Ave, Lansing. East Lansing. Dinner Dance - Dinner 5:30-7 p.m., $10/$4 for children 11/under). 5:30-10:30 p.m. Lansing Lansing. Liederkranz, 5828 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing. ARTS Dinos and Robots and Sharks, Oh My! - EVENTS 900 Miles to International Falls - 8 p.m. Print and take workshop. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. ALT Find A Bae Speed Dating Valentine’s Edition Greater Lansing Orchid Society Annual Williamston Theatre, 122 S Putnam St. 517-655- Printing Co, 1139 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. Show and Sale - 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 1066 Bogue, East 7469. williamstontheatre.org. altprintingco.com. - 8-11 p.m. Henry’s Place, 4926 Marsh Road, Okemos. 248-574-9093. Lansing. 517-614-9120. greaterlansingorchidsociety. com. Friday Clay Lab - 4:30-6:30 p.m. Reach Studio Etching and Stamping - 10 a.m. Impression 5 Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485- Greater Lansing Orchid Society Annual 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. 8116. impression5.org. Show and Sale - 12-5 p.m. MSU Horticulture ARTS Conservatory, 1066 Bogue, East Lansing. 517-614- 900 Miles to International Falls - 2-4 p.m. Into the Woods - 8 p.m. MSU Auditorium, East Make It! Think Tank Workshops - Design, 9120. greaterlansingorchidsociety.com. Williamston Theatre, 122 S Putnam St. 517-655- Lansing. calendar.cal.msu.edu. build, and take home your own creation for 7469. williamstontheatre.org. makers ages 9-14! Impression 5 Science Center, Haven House Pancake Palooza - 8-10 a.m. MSU Libraries’ Special Collections Pop-Ups 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. Applebee’s, 2450 Coolidge Rd., East Lansing. Into the Woods - MSU Department of Theatre. - 12-2 p.m. MSU Library, 366 West Circle Drive, haven-house.networkforgood.com. 2 p.m. MSU Auditorium, East Lansing. East Lansing. Nest Box Workshop with Gene Wasserman - calendar.cal.msu.edu. Learn about cavity-dwelling birds in this hands-on Into the Woods - 2-4:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. 517-355-1855. Reyna Garcia - “Voices of Hope/Voices de Esperanza” exhibit. 12-5 p.m. Casa de Rosado, Minecraft Free Play (Age 8 & up) - Limited to 204 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing. 517-402-0282. the first 15-get a ticket at the info desk. 2-4 p.m. SATURDAY, FEB. 22 >> MTG PIONEER WEEKEND AT EVOLUTION GAMES CADL Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. True West - 8-10 p.m. LCC Theatre, Lansing Community College, Lansing. Hear ye, card game wizards — Evolution Scavenger Hunt Saturdays at the Michigan History Museum - 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 702 W. MUSIC Games is hosting a Magic the Gathering Kalamazoo St., Lansing. 517-420-1342. Bath Community Drum Circle - 2-4 p.m. Bath (Pioneer Format) tournament. First place Community Center, 5959 Park Lake Road, Bath. gets to go home with a MTG box and four Second Annual Love 365 Soirée - 6-9 p.m. bathtownship.us. East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 promo packs, additional prizes for other Abbot Rd., East Lansing. Jazz Weekend 2020 - 10-11 a.m. The placings can be won as well. Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Walk For Warmth - CACS. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Rd., Okemos. okemospres.org. $10, 2 p.m. Neighborhood Empowerment Center, 600 W. Maple St., Lansing, MI 48906, Lansing. 517-393- Molsky’s Mountain Drifters - 7:30-10:30 Evolution Games, 932 Elmwood Road, Lansing 7077. cacs-inc.org. p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S Washington Ave, facebook.com/evogames Lansing. tenpoundfiddle.org. (517) 323-8600 ARTS 900 Miles to International Falls - 8-10 p.m. Williamston Theatre, 122 S Putnam St. 517-655- See Out on the town, Page 25 CROSSWORD SOLUTION 7469. williamstontheatre.org. From Pg. 22 SUDOKU SOLUTION Natural Art - 11 a.m. Impression 5 Science Center, 200 Museum Dr, Lansing. 517-485-8116. From Pg. 22 impression5.org. City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

From Page 24 ARTS True West - 8-10 p.m. LCC Theatre, Music & Monday, February 24 Dance, Lansing Community College, Lansing. EVENTS 50th Annual Interfaith Day - This year’s CLASSES AND SEMINARS theme is “50 Years of Interfaith.” 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1701 E. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2020 Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- Tuesday, February 25 Saginaw, Lansing. J.W. Sexton High School 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot 102 McPherson Ave Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. CLASSES AND SEMINARS Biology on Tap - Applied Microbiology. 7:30-9 Aqua Fitness - Fun for all fitness levels. 10:30- p.m. The Loft, 414 E Michigan Ave, Lansing. 6:00 - 8:00 PM Drop-in Homework Help (Grades 1-8) - 11:30 a.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Free tutoring in general subjects. 5-7 p.m. CADL Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Breslin Recycling Sweep - Come volunteer Okemos, 4321 Okemos Rd., Okemos. with MSU Recycling after the basketball game! Ekphrastic Kentridge: A Writing Workshop. 9-10:30 p.m. Breslin Student Events Center, 534 Group Dance Class - Beginning Hustle. 7:15-8:05 3-4:30 p.m. LookOut Gallery in Snyder-Phillips Birch Rd, East Lansing. 517-432-1989. p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East Lansing. Hall, 362 Bogue, East Lansing. 517-884-1932. 517-364-8888. Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Group Dance Class - Beginning West Coast Support Groups - 7-8:30 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Group Dance Class - Beginning Nightclub 2step. Swing - 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Hannah Blvd, East Lansing. 8:15-9:05 p.m. The MAC, 2900 Hannah Blvd, East Blvd, East Lansing. 517-364-8888. Lansing. 517-364-8888. Garden Club Tuesday Meeting - 1-3 p.m. Humorous Illustration - This class will Grand Ledge Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Homeschool Study Group - 1-4 p.m. Grand teach you the basics of humorous illustration/ Ledge. grandledge.lib.mi.us. Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., cartooning. 1-3 p.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Rd., East Lansing. 517-337-1113. Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care - 5-6 p.m. The University Club Organizing Together Workshop - 6-7 p.m. The Winter Seed Sowing Workshop - 6-8 p.m. Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing. of MSU, 3435 Forest Rd., Lansing. Fledge, 1300 Eureka St, Lansing. greaterlansing100womenwhocare.com. Zumba - Want to lose weight and have fun too? EVENTS 6:30-7:30 p.m. Federated Polish Home, 1030 W. ARTS Black History Month Event - Films by Black Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing. 517-882-2838. Adult Clay Winter B - 6:15-9:15 p.m. Reach Artists (Adults). Popcorn provided. 5:30-7 p.m. CADL South Lansing, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Studio Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, LITERATURE AND POETRY Lansing. 517-999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Book Discussion Group (Adults) - This Game Night at the Fledge - Board and card month: “The River” by Peter Heller 7-8 p.m. CADL games. 7 p.m. The Fledge, 1300 Eureka, Lansing. Mixed Media: Adult. 6:30-8 p.m. Reach Studio Webberville, 115 N. Main St., Webberville. CITY BUDGET FOCUS 517-203-9287. Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. Mayor Schor and the City Finance Team Preschool Storytime - 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Grand Refuge Recovery Lansing - 6-7 p.m. The Ledge Area District Library, 131 E. Jefferson St., will be available to discuss City budget Fledge, 1300 Eureka, Lansing. Grand Ledge. 517-627-7014. Mixed Media: Teen. 4:30-6 p.m. Reach Studio priorities for the coming fscal year. Art Center, 1804 S Washington Ave, Lansing. 517- 999-3643. reachstudioart.org. SATURDAY, FEB. 22 >> MARDI GRAS AT SPIRAL DANCE BAR FREE PIZZA Papercrafting (Adults) - 1-3 p.m. CADL Williamston, 3845 Vanneter Rd. #1, Williamston. cadl.org Get into the Mardi Gras spirit at Spiral GIVEAWAYS Dance Bar. There’ll be over 700 sets True West - 8-10 p.m. LCC Theatre, Music & of beads, music from DJ Elemnt, shot Dance, Lansing Community College, Lansing. MEET WITH CITY OF queens, gogos, drink specials and drag MUSIC LANSING DEPARTMENTS performances from Caj Monet, Nevaeh Rebel - Taylor Johnston Early Music Series. Rachét and Asio Aviance. 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing. 517-355-1855. music.msu.edu. COMMUNITY RESOURCES 9 p.m. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after for 21+, $10 for 18-20 all night Spiral Dance Bar, 1247 Center St., Lansing spiraldancebar.com (517) 371-3221 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • February 19, 2020 FOOD & DRINK DINING OUT IN GREATER LANSING HE ATE SHE ATE Airport Tavern A comfy classic that ages oh so well Salads fit for royalty By MARK NIXON and texture were pitch-perfect. By GABRIELLE LAWRENCE ed. In lieu of salt, give me some kind While I can’t say with absolute cer- I give a slight “meh” to another entree Dyed-in-the-wool Lansingites like to of flavor. Pepper, maybe. Seasoned salt. tainty, my hunch is that the Airport Tav- I tried, the full rack of ribs ($20). The pass along “secret” restaurant informa- Hell, sprinkle some dried parsley on, if ern is the granddaddy of Lansing-area portion was generous, but these are not tion like it’s the location of the Holy Grail. only to prevent the immediate elemen- restaurants. barbecued ribs — unless you can manage Tortilla chips and salsa from Handy’s. tary school flashbacks that come with In a town where restaurants come to barbecue ribs without the necessary Hippie hash from the Fleetwood Diner. aggressively unseasoned crinkle cut and go with numbing regularity, there fire and smoke. No, these appeared to And, unironically, the steak special at fries. has been a restaurant on the tavern’s site be slow-cooked in an oven, then topped the Airport Tavern. The sizzler has devo- On our next visit we fared better. Mr. since the ’20s. It’s been called the Airport with store-bought Sweet Baby Ray’s bar- tees, lots of them, and while the interior She Ate and Mother-in-Law She Ate Tavern for a half-century. becue sauce. The taste and tenderness of the building is befitting of the word agreed to humor me and let me only The official name of the place is the were fine, but they fall short of authentic “dank,” some of the items coming out of order items that were denoted as house Airport Tavern and Steakhouse. Its barbecue ribs found throughout Lan- the kitchen are anything but. specialties. We ended up with a full rack menu is heavily meat-centric — bliss for sing. On our first visit, we started with an of ribs, a Palmer Special burger and the carnivores and blistering purgatory for I ordered hash browns with the ribs, order of loaded steak fries. The thick-cut above-mentioned Sizzler Choice Top vegetarians. Sure, there are several non- and they turned out to be the biggest wedges were topped with crispy crum- Sirloin steak. The favorite item of the meat appetizers (this place calls them disappointment of any- bled bacon and melted night was the burger, which was big (two “airportizers”) on the menu, but nearly thing we tried. These sharp cheddar cheese. of us shared it), cooked properly to the everything else except the beer has meat ovoid patties were clear- Airport Tavern The sour cream dipper requested medium rare and piled with in it. ly delivered through a Monday-Wednesday was an odd touch, and thinly-sliced grilled ham, American and Fortunately for meat eaters like me, secret process known as 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. although I claim to not provolone cheeses, mayonnaise, lettuce Thursday & Friday the tavern’s grill is well equipped to turn freezer-to-fryer-to-ta- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. understand the obses- and tomato. I gave a silent shout out to out some tasty steaks and burgers. In the ble. All you really need Saturday noon to 11 p.m. sion with the stuff, whoever thought to add provolone and course of multiple visits, the best tast- for good hash browns is Sunday noon to 9 p.m. ranch dressing would mayonnaise, the two sleeper star top- ing dish I had was the 16-ounce T-bone a cast iron skillet, some 5000 N Grand River Ave, have been more appro- pings to this new favorite burger. Lansing steak. This $20 entree was grilled to or- freshly grated potatoes (517) 321-3852 priate and easier to My runner up was the rack of ribs, der — rare. And it was slathered in juices and some diced onions. facebook.com/ actually dip something and while the sauce was slathered on that were ladled or brushed onto a nicely It’s not that hard. They AirportTavernandSteakhouse into. way too thick for our liking, the meat seared exterior. should try it. I moved on to the was incredibly tender and the portion Just for comparison, I looked at sim- The Airport Tavern’s steak salad. Yes, I’m one size generous enough for Mr. She Ate to ilar-sized and cut steaks in various oth- longevity is a bit of a puzzle. It’s not in a of those people who sometimes orders provide a later lunch for himself as well. er restaurants in our area. The prices bustling part of town but resides in the a salad from a fast food restaurant or a If you’re in the market for a straightfor- ranged from nearly $30 to more than quiet outskirts of northwest Lansing, tavern, and I don’t mean that as a hum- ward, approachable order of ribs that $50. The Airport Tavern’s T-bone is an near the entrance to the Capital Region ble brag. I love salads and am constantly your dad won’t think is overpriced or obvious bargain by local standards. International Airport. on the search for big, beautiful platters weirdly flavored, this perfectly fits the On another occasion I went for their Some have compared the tavern’s ar- of fresh, crunchy vegetables topped with bill. version of an olive burger ($8.50). Once chitecture to a castle. To me, the arched a quality protein and some fun addi- My least favorite entrée of the evening again, they delivered. The burger was facade is reminiscent of the Alamo. But tions. was, disappointingly, the sizzler. The grilled medium the way I like it, and there is no doubting the tavern’s name- The chopped lettuce was crisp and steak was not flavorful, and while it was topped with a tangy olive sauce. It’s one sake. A sign outside includes a painting crunchy, the red onion made me happy properly cooked to my instructions, the of the best olive burgers I’ve tasted in of an old biplane, those relics of the early that I had concluded my client meetings meat was tough and hard to chew. Our Lansing, a town known for olive burgers. age of aviation. for the day, and the blue cheese crum- side items ran the gamut from more crin- Rounding out my personal Top Three For that matter, the tavern’s interior is bles and grilled steak brought the flavor kle cut fries, because I didn’t learn my is the beef barley soup ($3). I know, I bedecked with paintings of those early and the fat that I love in my salads. I lesson, to green beans, to Texas toast, to know … how can you possibly screw up airplanes. And that makes perfect sense. would eat this for lunch any day of the baked potatoes, to a side salad. The side such a basic soup? The answer, from ex- Airplanes began landing at the Lansing week. salad contained iceberg lettuce, which perience, is plenty. Soups like this often airport in the ’20s, roughly two decades Mr. She Ate ordered a bacon cheese- isn’t my preferred lettuce, but was more simmer in a pot for so long that the re- after Wilbur and Orville Wright began burger, because he is decidedly not a sal- remarkable to me for what it didn’t con- sult is a hot bowl of something that used their mastery of powered flight. So, it’s ad fan unless I’m “forcing him” to eat his tain — namely, tough cucumber skins to be soup but is now more like wallpa- fair to say that the biplanes featured at vegetables (I just want him to live forev- and a bunch of pre-shredded, mass pro- per paste. the Airport Tavern are symbolic foot- er, I remind him.) The burger, sadly, was duced, crappy cheese. To whomever is in The Airport Tavern has made sure the notes of aviation history, and perhaps a unremarkable, but the previously frozen the kitchen carefully peeling cucumbers consistency is spot-on — thick but with small role this restaurant played in that crinkle cut fries were even worse. Fries of their waxy, inedible skins, I see you plenty of thin broth remaining. The taste history. demand salt, unless otherwise request- and I tip my hat to you. City Pulse • February 19, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27

WANT YOUR RESTAURANT Fresh food LISTED? Family fun! CALL 517-999-5064 3 LOCATIONS Appetize s 3700 S. Waverly Rd. Fidler’s On the Grand DINER FOOD DONE RIGHT. Come to Fidler’s on 4805 N. Grand Rive Ave., The Grand for a meal cooked right with the tender loving Lansing, MI 48911 Lansing care it deserves. Our food will take your brunch to the (517) 580-7202 next level with our breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy facebook.com/ and broasted chicken. Just don’t forget to wash it down with a cup of our Biggby’s Best fresh roasted coffee. Fidlersonthegrand

DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVORITE SPOT! Buddies Holt 2040 Aurelius Rd, Ste 12 Traditional classics and great drinks. Burgers, Holt, MI 48842 Mexican entrees, pizza and appetizers. Five (517) 699-3670 versions of loaded tots and Buddies Bowls you www.buddiesbars.com can’t get anywhere else. Locally owned and East Lansing - 3048 E Lake Lansing Rd • (517) 333-9212 operated for over 20 years. Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 12pm to 1am Holt • 2040 Aurelius Rd #13 • (517) 699-3670 Claddagh Irish Pub MONDAYS - BUY ONE GET ONE Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am Eastwood Towne Center FREE FISH & CHIPS with the purchase 2900 Town Centre Blvd. of 2 drinks. ALL DAY Mondays. Happy Okemos • 1937 W Grand River Ave • (517)-347-0443 Hour - Monday-Friday 3-6PM with “Half Monday - Saturday: 11am to 2am • Sunday: 9am to 1am Lansing, MI 48912 Off” Pub Bites and deals on house wines, (517) 484-2523 pints and cocktails. Themed Trivia Thurs- www.claddaghirishpubs.com days at 7:30PM

Batter Up Bistro WE START WITH HANDMADE, ARTI- SAN BREAD along with only healthy, organic 621 E. Michigan Ave. ingredients in all of our unique recipes. We then Lansing, MI 48912 bring out the best of each element and layer them (517) 575-6717 together to create something amazing for you. www.batterupbistro.com Open for breakfast and lunch Mondays through Fridays, and for breakfast on Saturdays. CARNIVORES GREAT FOOD AND THE PERFECT Frank’s Press Box GAME DAY SPOT! Fifteen microbrews on LOVE MEAT! 7216 W. Saginaw Hwy. tap and more in bottles, too! Happy Hour from AWARD WINNING BBQ + 18 TAPS Lansing, MI 48917 Monday - Friday from 3-7PM features 75¢ (517) 886-1330 wings. Sports all year round, Chicago-style OF PURE GOLDEN JOY = A GREAT TIME! frankspressboxwest.com deep dish pizza and more on our expansive 18 ROTATING CRAFT, MICHIGAN MADE AND menu! Pool tables, too, for your entertainment!

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Crazy Crab COME TRY A DELICIOUS one-of-a-kind cajun 3700 S. Waverly Rd. Ste. G seafood boil. Nothing like it! You are guaranteed Lansing to leave satisfi ed. Lunch specials of seafood plates (517) 887-3888 including corn and potatoes and fried baskets, too. facebook.com/ Dinner combinations of fresh seafood made to order Crazycrablansing/ with seasonings you'll love!

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Airport Tavern FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, Airport Tavern 5000 N. Grand River Ave. & Steakhouse has been a staple of Lansing’s Lansing, MI 48906 community. Full bar, prime rib weekends, daily (517) 321-3852 FB: lunch and dinner specials. Ribs, steak, burgers @AirportTavernandSteakhouse and salads are all crowd pleasers at this neigh- borhood establishment.

GUY FIERI APPROVED! We were featured on Eastside Fish Fry Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Our 2417 E. Kalamazoo St., fried home-style classics and fresh seafood are Lansing, MI 48912 some of the best to be found in Lansing. We’ve got (517) 993-5988 the classics: fried chicken buckets, chicken wings, eastsidefi shfry.com exotic fare, like frog legs and alligator tails and fresh seafood. Desserts, too!

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

IT’S NOT TOO EARLY TO PLAN FOR SUMMER Home of the RESERVE A SPOT NOW FOR ONE OF CMS’ SIX SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS Community Music School www.cms.msu.edu • (517) 355-7661 College of Music World Famous Sizzler 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 1/2 OFF LUNCH OR DINNER Buy one lunch or dinner and receive a 2nd of equal or lesser value for 1/2 off 2019 Valid Sunday-Thursday Only. Dine-In Only. Valid with coupon Only. Void if reproduced. 5000 N. Grand River Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Expires 3/3/20. (517) 321-3852