2019 Holiday Gift & Event Guide - Nov. 27 - Dec. 3, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com - City Pulse
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Nov. 27 - Dec. 3, 2019
www.lansingcitypulse.com Locally owned • A newspaper for the rest of us
2019 Holiday
Gift & Event
Guide
See page 12
2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
Make sure your last
holiday season with
Mackerel Sky includes
gifts with the fabulous
purple bow!
Enjoy the shopping
experience in Mackerel
Sky’s welcoming
atmosphere.
As you would expect,
we are chock full of
wonderful treats for all.
We always look forward
to seeing you.
City Pulse • November 27, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3
Feel the joy of the Holiday Season
with your favorite holiday tunes
and traditional carols with the
Lansing Symphony Orchestra
Holiday Pops Concert!
Enter to win 2 tickets to the
Holiday Pops Concert
on December 22nd at
lansingcitypulse.com
517.999.999
517.999.9999 sales@acd.net 1800 N Grand River Ave Lansing, MI
4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
VOL. 19
ISSUE 16
(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061
or email citypulse@lansingcitypulse.com
PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704
25 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Audrey Matusz
Williamston Theatre brings six plays to life audrey@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5068
EVENTS EDITOR/OFFICE MANAGER • Suzi Smith
suzi@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-6704
PRODUCTION MANAGER • Skyler Ashley
PAGE production@lansingcitypulse.com
(517) 999-5066
27 Composition • Abby Sumbler
STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino
Wellness abounds at new East Lansing shop lawrence@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5065
Dennis Burck • dennis@lansingcitypulse.com
(517) 999-6705
Kyle Kaminski • kyle@lansingcitypulse.com
PAGE (517) 999-6710
33 SALES EXECUTIVE
Lee Purdy • lee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5064
Queers Who Brunch will celebrate local ingredients Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Capital
News Service, Bill Castanier, Ryan Claytor, Mary C.
Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Johnson, Terry
Link, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Dennis Preston, Carrie
Cover Sampson, Nevin Speerbrecker, Rich Tupica, Ute Von Der
Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak
Art Distribution manager:
Garrett Clinard • (517) 999-6704
Delivery drivers: Garrett Clinard, Dave Fisher, Dale
By Skyler Ashley Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith
Interns: Matthew Stine • stinem47@gmail.com
NOW AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAYS on
OF THE WEEK
City Pulse • November 27, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & OPINION
Pondering public pool preservation
$1.24 million needed OF THE WEEK
to keep pool afloat
in Moores Park
The future of one of the longest con-
tinuously operating public pools in the
nation remains uncertain as city offi-
cials grapple with a $1.2 million repair
bill and the possibility of summertime
heartbreak across Lansing. 805 N. Seymour Ave., Lansing
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor Owner: Kevin Schoen
announced last week he would consid- The massive brick house that has
er “just about everything” to keep the commanded the northwest corner
97-year-old Moores Park Pool open for of Seymour Avenue and Madison
another season. But with thousands Street for 110 years is finally getting
of gallons leaking out every summer, a makeover, according to its owner,
pipes rusting and concrete cracking Kevin Schoen.
— and the possibility that the pool's Schoen, the CEO of internet pro-
chlorinated water is seeping into the vider ACD.net, bought the house at
Grand River — its continued operation 805 N. Seymour in 2014 at a bank
remains in jeopardy without some cash auction for $20,500. He plans to
to fix it, he said. Skyler Ashley/City Pulse convert the house into apartments.
“It’s time for us to address the prob- Dale Schrader (left) and Bill Castanier (right) are considering a joint fundraising Since Schoen bought the house
lems with this pool rather than putting effort to help fund the fixes. five years ago, frustrated neighbors
$100,000 every year into Band-Aids, have watched the 1909 edifice slide
which aren’t working because it’s still idents. expensive) to maintain. downhill fast. The stately porches,
leaking,” Schor said. “There’s a track record in Lansing of The city pays about $100,000 annu- held up by Ionic columns, appear
Schor said the whole job does not public and private partnerships, and I ally to keep the pool open, but a recent on the verge of collapse, with yel-
need to be done in one year, “but I need could certainly see this happening for Park Department report shows the cost low tape around the east porch. The
to fund some of the fixes.” the pool,” Castanier added. “This is of decades of neglected maintenance. main floor windows are boarded.
Schor and a few City Council mem- important and could be part of our leg- Rusted piping needs to be replaced. Several upstairs windows are gone
bers — with only so much cash to acy for the next generation. We don’t Discharge valves spill directly into the but not boarded up, leaving the
spread across more than 100 different often get the chance to look at some- Grand River and need to be rerouted. interior vulnerable to the elements.
parks — are hesitant to float the repair thing this significant and have an abil- The concrete interior is forming several Dale Schrader, who lives near
costs in their entirety. The city has since ity to do something about it.” cracks. the house, is angry that Schoen has
turned to the local philanthropic com- “This could find some broad support The cost for the “needed” repairs waited so long to restore it while it
munity to churn up suggestions. And in the city,” added Preservation Lansing rests at $1.24 million — with room to continues to deteriorate. Schrader
it doesn’t look like the pool will sink President Dale Schrader. “It’s unique, grow. is president of Preservation Lansing
without a fight. but it’s more than just a mere relic of Also, Schor said the pool — for and has rehabbed several houses in
“There’s always a big price tag with our past. The community still uses this unknown reasons — loses 8-10 inches the area.
anything of architectural and histor- space. It makes our city more livable. of water daily. And given its proximity His preservation instincts
ical significance, said Bill Castanier, It attracts tourists. It’s really something to the riverfront, the chlorinated pol- inflame every time he looks at the
president of the Historical Society of for Lansing to be proud of. We can’t lution may be finding its way into the house.
Greater Lansing. (Castanier is an edi- afford to lose it.” Grand River. That’ll need to be fix No. “I drive by it every day and I
torial contributor to City Pulse.) The egg-shaped public pool along 1, Schor said. can’t believe there are windows
“The question this city really needs to Moores River Drive was built. Designed “I don’t know how much it costs to open, with rain and birds flying in,”
answer is whether this is worth saving by former city engineer Wesley Bintz, continually refill, but between that and he said. “Five years and very little
and whether we’d all be willing to put the pool is believed to be one of only the damage that is done to the river and progress is way too long. He should
in some blood, sweat and tears in order five of its design that have survived environment through leakage, it’s a big at least seal those windows off and
to save the pool.” beyond the first half of the 20th centu- problem,” Schor added. “I didn’t know
Castanier said the Historical Society ry. Only a few still operate today. about the unknown drainage until the See Eyesore, Page 6
and Preservation Lansing are eyeing But while the iconic pools, with their season was underway. Either way, it’s
concrete archways and unique, above- in really bad shape and this needs to be “Eyesore of the Week” is our look at some
early plans to launch a joint fundrais- of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates with
ing campaign. Donations could flow ground design, serve a certain histori- addressed.” Eye Candy of the Week and Eye for Design. Have
a suggestion? Email eye@lansingcitypulse.com or
from local businesses, developers and cal significance to the community, they call it in at 517-999-6715.
the more passionate neighborhood res- can also be notoriously difficult (and See Pool, Page 6
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
Pool tenance and other pet projects (like
wireless Internet installation) usually
only leave room for a few additional
now would be to knock it down.”
The city of Tampa, Florida, offered
one of only a few — albeit expensive
to split the cost of repairing the pool
between the city, the county and oth-
er sources like state grants and private
improvements each year. — success stories after it reopened its donations. Plans are far from solidified,
from page 5
And the City Council has to be mind- Bintz pool in 2016 at a cost of more but he’d also like to tap into the coun-
Castanier recognizes the funding ful of the entire city — not just the nos- than $3.2 million. Leaks forced city ty’s parks and trails millage to supplant
challenge but plans to resist the possi- talgic end of Moores River Drive. officials to close the pool in 2009, and some of the repair costs.
bility of closure by any means necessary. “$1.2 million is a lot of money,” neighborhood residents rallied for five “This pool means a lot to the commu-
“I’ve informally polled my board, said City Council Vice President Peter years to raise cash before the city allo- nity and to Lansing’s history,” Morgan
and it sounds like we’re interested in Spadafore. “It’s over half of our parks cated its own resources to the effort. said. “At the same time, it’s not fair to
getting behind an effort to help save millage. Spending that on one project “I recognize the nostalgia,” added residents paying the city’s parks mill-
it, whether that means private or pub- means numerous projects across the Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley. “But age to have more than half going to any
lic fundraising or something else alto- rest of the city will be neglected. I’m all as an at-large member, I don’t know one single project. There are 100 parks
gether,” Castanier added. “This goes ears for ways to try and save the pool, if I’m comfortable saying we’re going across the city, and lots of projects wait-
well beyond the city’s resources, but 50 and I think the city should have some to spend $1 million-plus to repair this ing to get done.
years from now, if we allow it to disap- skin in the game, but I’m hoping the thing. I’m still supportive of keeping While the pool continues to deterio-
pear, we’ll regret that decision.” philanthropic and business communi- the space natural or trying to find some rate, records show its popularity among
The conversation surrounding the ties are willing to come to the table and other beneficial, recreational use like a Lansing residents has only grown. City
future of the Moores Park Pool — one keep this local asset afloat.” splashpad. I’m still open to ideas.” data shows the number of annual vis-
of three city pools — is a familiar one: Schor is weighing alternative uses for Councilman Brian Jackson, whose its more than doubled from 2,969 in
$1.2 million could spruce up a lot of the pool in the event of its closure, but ward encompasses the Moores Park 2014 to 6,078 this year. It leaves offi-
playgrounds in a lot of different parks. noted demolition is not an option. neighborhood, suggested the pool cials with a million-dollar question: Is
How much cash can the city justify Bintz pools have been closing across could be reopened next summer for it worth keeping the investment alive?
pouring into one facility that only oper- the country for decades. The city of less than $1.2 million as officials track “I look at this $1.2 million and our
ates 10 weeks out of the year? Weirton, West Virginia — faced with down a more sustainable way to pay for robust park system — 16 miles of
“We have other parks and equipment more than $1 million in repair costs the long-term renovations. He’d like trails and 114 parks — and we’re still
that need our attention and I just don’t of its own — was forced to shutter its the city to put up some stopgap cash as trying to make sure we can keep that
see how we can justify spending all of pool in 2007. Today, it’s nothing but the pool preservation efforts continue. whole system going,” said Third Ward
this money on one pool,” explained a makeshift storage facility awaiting “It’s not so much about the preserva- Councilman Adam Hussain. “We need
Councilwoman Jody Washington. “I demolition. Officials there blamed tion aspect for me, but it’s more about to look for different revenue sources to
just don’t think it’s feasible. It saddens unsurmountable costs for its demise. the service this pool provides to kids keep the pool open in perpetuity, but I
me. It really does, but I just don’t see “We’re thinking about maintaining during the summer when they have do believe that money is out there.”
what else can be done without some the front part or an archway to pre- nothing else to do,” Jackson added. City officials encourage those with
other revenue coming in.” serve some of the original structure,” “There are voices in that neighborhood suggestions on the future operation of
Lansing’s parks millage brings in said Weirton Parks and Recreation that want to see these younger kids Moores Park Pool to contact the city’s
about $2.1 million annually, but last Director Coty Shingle. “We’ve talked have something positive to do rather Park Board at parkboard@listserv.lan-
year about $600,000 was used to about opening up some type of skating than sit around with idle hands.” singmi.gov. Visit lansingcitypulse.com
subsidize the city’s cemeteries and rink. I think people realized this was a Ingham County Commissioner for previous and continued coverage.
Groesbeck Golf Course. Annual main- bit of a pipe dream. The easiest thing Thomas Morgan is also exploring plans —KYLE KAMINSKI
Eyesore upper-end housing is already saturat-
ed” in the area.
The house was originally a “four-
ished.
A funky, twisted set of steps to the
second floor will probably have to go,
from page 5 plex,” an unusual layout of four sepa- though.
rate units, so the conversion will not be “We’ll have to reconstruct the stair-
be a better steward of that house for the a stretch, design-wise. Schoen expects ways so they’re up to modern code,”
neighborhood.” the high ceilings to add to the units’ Schoen said.
Schoen said he has been gradually appeal. When rehab work is complete, the
laying the groundwork. Last year, he But it will take a lot of work and house will have two two-bedroom units
put a new roof on the house at a cost None of the fancy Victorian architec- material cost to make those four units and two three-bedroom units, Schoen
of $35,000. The interior plaster and tural styles seem to apply. There isn’t inhabitable. said.
truckloads of miscellaneous debris have much decoration, except for a deli- “The only way to get these things up The third floor attic, with its low,
been removed. cate latticework pattern on top of the to spec is to go full guts on them, bring angled ceiling and spectacular window
“Structurally, it’s in very good shape,” upstairs windows. If it’s a Queen Anne all the plumbing and electrical to code,” views, will make a cozy set of bedrooms.
Schoen said. “That’s why it’s best to house, she’s not wearing any makeup. Schoen said. Schoen said he has no set timetable
retain these older brick properties. It’s “Neoclassical” might be more apt, but Inside, the plaster walls are gone to finish the job.
difficult to rebuild them or build some- the columned porches are only one sto- and the house is stripped to its studs. “Realistically, if I do it correctly, it’s
thing similar these days.” ry high instead of two, perhaps out of The copper pipes were stolen from the going to be two years,” he said.
The house’s red brick shell is as Midwestern modesty. house long ago. Even in the pitch-black Schoen said he never seriously con-
impressive as ever. When viewed from Schoen estimates it will cost him gloom of the first floor, where the win- sidered pulling a permit for demolition.
the corner, its sheer size and striking “easily a half million or more” to bring dows are boarded up, two spacious liv- “That’s a bad thing to do,” Schoen
symmetry make it look like as if it’s the 4,000-square-foot house up to ing rooms with bay windows and a fire- said. “It would just be an empty lot.
multiplying into two or more houses. snuff. He intends to turn the house into place make for an inviting space. Urban infill isn’t really occurring these
Many homes of the period flaunt four market rate housing units. He said The stairway banister and upstairs days. It’s definitely best to keep these
their filigrees or announce their owner’s he’ll need to charge $1,300 to $1,400 railing, made of polished hardwood, is brick structures, even if it takes a while
wealth, but the Seymour house speaks monthly rent to make the project via- in excellent shape and will likely be a to rehab them.”
in low tones of solidity and function. ble, but he fears that “the market for star attraction when the project is fin- — LAWRENCE COSENTINO
City Pulse • November 27, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
LETTERS
Have something to say about a local issue CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING
or an item that appeared in our pages? SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED MINUTES
Now you have two ways to sound off:
to the editor 1.) Write a letter to the editor.
• E-mail: letters@ lansingcitypulse.com
• Snail mail: City Pulse,
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
OF LANSING WAS HELD AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICES LOCATED AT 3209 WEST
MICHIGAN AVENUE, LANSING, MICHIGAN ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019, AT
7:00 P.M.
1905 E. Michigan Ave.,
Try again, Andy Lansing, MI 48912 MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Hayes, Clerk Aten
The train wreck that was the • Fax: (517) 371-5800 Trustees: Broughton, Harris, McKenzie, Bankson
appointment of the latest BWL com- • At lansingcitypulse.com MEMBERS ABSENT: Treasurer Rodgers
missioner demonstrates a distinct 2.) Write a guest column: ALSO PRESENT: Michael Gresens, Attorney
lack of thought and consideration. Contact Berl Schwartz for more ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD:
The train started going off the rails information: Meeting called to order by Supervisor Hayes.
when the mayor failed to consider a publisher@lansingcitypulse.com Minutes of the meeting held on October 29, 2019 approved.
highly qualified candidate, choosing to or (517) 999-5061 Agenda approved.
(Please include your name, address and Authorized Supervisor to provide a letter in Support of Acquisition of Adjacent Property for
“beat the bushes to find an applicant” the UAW Local 602.
instead. Apologizing for the “over- telephone number so we can reach you.
Keep letters to 250 words or fewer. City Rental fund budget approved.
sight” is not enough. Why was Payne West Side Water budget approved.
ignored when she had already been Pulse reserves the right to edit letters and Designated Clerk as Chair Pro Tem in absence of Supervisor.
columns. Approved 2020 meeting dates.
contacted by the mayor’s office? Are
Claims approved.
these appointments taken so lightly Meeting adjourned.
that no one noticed that they had a ‘Forgotten’ BWL
qualified applicant? Or were there Diontrae Hayes, Supervisor
other considerations that led the may- candidate speaks out Susan L. Aten, Clerk CP#19-341
or’s office to look elsewhere? In the Regarding last week’s story that the
absence of an explanation, it is easy mayor told the city council he had to dig
to imagine palace intrigue accompa- deep to find a 3rd ward candidate for CITY OF EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN
nying this appointment. the BWL board because there were no
The reaction from city council was applicants, while my application was NOTICE OF ADOPTION
equally distressing. With the excep- there all along, my response is… real- ORDINANCE NO. 1468
tion of Brian Jackson, council down- ly? Either his staff is incompetent and AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING USE DISTRICT MAP OF
played the fact that the BWL Board “forgot” to tell him there was an appli- CHAPTER 50 -- ZONING -- OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF EAST LANSING
of Commissioners oversees a highly cant (though they had just emailed me
technical, $355 million a year com- asking I was still interested) or Mayor Please take notice that Ordinance No. 1468 was adopted by the City of East Lansing City
Schor didn’t want me on the board. Council at their meeting held on November 12, 2019 and will become effective upon the
pany that is responsible for a large expiration of seven (7) days after the publication of the following summary of ordinance.
percentage of greenhouse gas emis- I can only conclude that, since I
sions in the Lansing region. Instead have spoken out at BWL meetings and SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1468
they treat is as just another seat on met with their leadership urging them
one of Lansing’s many boards and to lower fossil-fuel use in the face of THE CITY OF EAST LANSING ORDAINS:
commissions. Effective governance climate change, the mayor and BWL Ordinance 1468 amends the Zoning Use District Map by rezoning the properties at 710,
at BWL requires commissioners who do not want a person with an environ- 722, and 722 ½ Grove Street from R-2, Medium Density Single-Family Residential District,
have the background and under- mental bent on their board. to RM-32, City Center Multiple-Family Residential District.
standing to evaluate information and Would having one person on the
data presented by management. It BWL’s board who recognizes the long- A true copy of Ordinance No. 1468 can be inspected or obtained at the Office of the City
Clerk at City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, Michigan during normal business hours.
is not enough for an individual to be term costs of continuing with fossil-fu-
“willing to learn and engage” and “get els mean that the lights would go out Jennifer Shuster
up to speed.” Other city boards have in Lansing? Hardly. So why am I so City Clerk
subject expertise: the Mechanical scary? CP#19-342
Board has seats for contractors, and The Lansing Area Environmental
four of the six seats on the Board of Action Team, of which I am a mem-
Plumbing are allocated to plumbers. ber, gave the BWL a 10-point plan CITY OF EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN
Given the scale of its operations for lowering fossil fuel use with some
practical and doable ideas, including NOTICE OF ADOPTION
and importance of its work, the BWL ORDINANCE NO. 1459
Board must have expert knowledge building smaller decentralized power
among its commissioners. It is right facilities, more reliance on solar and AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AND RENAME ARTICLE VI - DISTRIBUTED
that some seats be open to any resi- wind, using all-source bidding to open ANTENNA SYSTEMS AND SMALL CELL NETWORKS - AND AMEND SECTIONS
dent, but good governance requires a the power generating bidding to a wid- 42-271, 42-272 AND 42-273 AND ADD SECTIONS 42-274 THROUGH 42-288
TO CHAPTER 42 - TELECOMMUNICATIONS - OF THE CODE OF THE CITY
higher level of expertise on the BWL er range of options, and adding on-bill OF EAST LANSING TO REGULATE SMALL WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
board. financing to help consumers pay for FACILITIES DEPLOYMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE LAW
The mayor will have the opportunity efficiency and green energy projects.
to appoint two new commissioners I could go on. Some of these could Please take notice that Ordinance No. 1459 was adopted by the City of East Lansing City
actually save money and all would – of Council at their meeting held on November 19, 2019 and will become effective upon the
in 2020. The climate emergency expiration of seven (7) days after the publication of the following summary of ordinance.
demands commissioners who will course – lower pollution, and the con-
bring innovative thinking to BWL. The comitant health issues. Nothing on that SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 1459
Lansing Environmental Action Team list screamed “radical” or “dangerous.”
will continue to insist that we can wait This action by the mayor should be THE CITY OF EAST LANSING ORDAINS:
no longer for action, both at BWL and a wake-up call for those concerned Ordinance 1459 amends and renames Article VI – Distributed Antenna Systems and Small
the city. For more about LEAT, visit with climate change. By bypassing Cell Networks and amends Sections 42-271, 42-272, and 42-273, and adds Sections 42-274
our Facebook page or send email someone who speaks out to lower fos- through 42-288 of the Code of the City of East Lansing by amending the requirements for
to info@lansingenvironmentalaction- sil-fuel use, the mayor and BWL are small cell wireless communications facilities deployment to be consistent with Public Act
letting us know they are not interested 365 of 2018 and to require zoning review and approval in limited circumstances.
team.org.
Randy Dykhuis in moving out of their comfort zone to A true copy of Ordinance No. 1459 can be inspected or obtained at the Office of the City
Lansing address the climate change emergen- Clerk at City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, Michigan during normal business hours.
cy.
And that, my friends, is very scary. Jennifer Shuster
City Clerk
Rebecca Payne CP#19-343
Lansing
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
Alternate universe
the essential facts, and those facts paign but of sinister forces conspir-
show a president who solicited for- ing against him.
eign interference in American elec- Rep. Devin Nunes and other
tions and attempted to extort that Republicans on the Intelligence
Donald Trump isn’t on trial. The Republican Party is. foreign interference by withholding Committee used the hearings to put
military aid to an ally. this alternate universe on full display
The most inci- their president’s crimes; this time, If those aren’t impeachable offens- and then became indignant when
INFORMED DISSENT
sive moment of the they’ve closed ranks and chosen will- es, nothing is. witnesses said they had no idea what
impeachment inqui- ful ignorance and and conspiratorial And yet, when all is said and done, the hell they were talking about.
ry’s public hearings fantasies. every single Republican represen- As Frum puts it: “To those not
came at the very Schiff is correct: The impeachment tative and senator is likely to vote immersed in the fantasy franchise,
end, on Thursday of Donald Trump is no longer about against impeaching or removing people like Devin Nunes sound
JEFFERY C. BILLMAN
afternoon, courte- Donald Trump. This is instead a Donald Trump, in the process both like crazy people. Which in turn, of
sy of Intelligence trial of the Republican Party — and sanctioning his actions and delegit- course, only drives them crazier.”
Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, of the ability of our democratic insti- imizing the inquiry as — to borrow This would be amusing if the
the former federal prosecutor who tutions to serve as a check on a thor- Trump’s favorite phrase — a witch- consequences weren’t so dire, if
had spent two weeks methodical- oughly corrupt would-be strongman. hunt. this were just some Bircher fringe,
ly constructing a case that Donald And both are going to fail the test. To be sure, this impeachment not the driving force of the modern
Trump had wantonly abused his At the risk of beating a dead horse, is a partisan affair, but viewing GOP, from the president to Congress
office only to watch his Republican there’s no ambiguity about what it through a red-versus-blue lens to the propaganda machines from
colleagues bury their heads in the happened. As Gordon Sondland, obscures a more dangerous reality: which tens of millions of Americans
sand. Trump’s ambassador to the America’s dominant political party get their information. Being an
“What we’ve seen here is far more European Union — a hotel owner is fundamentally broken, an author- elected Republican in 2019 means
serious than a third-rate burglary of who literally purchased his post with itarian cult of personality locked in chugging the Kool-Aid — or at least
the Democratic headquarters,” Schiff a $1 million donation to Trump’s its own propaganda feedback loop. pretending you have.
said, referencing Watergate. This “is inaugural committee — had admit- As George W. Bush speechwrit- That’s why Republicans are going
beyond anything Nixon did. The dif- ted a day earlier, there was a quid er David Frum explains in The to give Trump the pass their prede-
ference between then and now is not pro quo that came directly from the Atlantic: “Rupert Murdoch, Roger cessors didn’t give Nixon.
the difference between Nixon and White House. Trump conditioned an Ailes, and the others have fenced The Republican Party is broken.
Trump. It’s the difference between Oval Office meeting with Ukraine’s off conservative Americans from the And the longer it stays in power, the
that Congress and this one.” new president — who, while fighting rest of American society. Within that more likely it is to break our entire
Richard Nixon, of course, resigned a war with Russia, needed to demon- safe space, insiders hear only what is democracy, too.
in 1974 strate his deep ties to Washington familiar and comforting.” (Jeffrey Billman is the editor
after top — on the announcement of sham Within this safe space — which of INDY Week, in Durham, North
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Decedent's Trust Republicans investigations into political rival Joe has its own language, a hallucino- Carolina.)
TO ALL CREDITORS, the
Settlor, Kenneth S. Parr, DOB:
told him that Biden and a debunked conspiracy genic hodgepodge of names and
12/09/1935 of 2700 Burcham
Drive, East Lansing MI 48823,
the evidence theory that Ukraine had conspired catch-phrases — the hearings didn’t
died 10/27/2019. There is no
personal representative of the
of his crimes with the Democrats to frame Russia produce a straightforward narra- STATE OF MICHIGAN
PROBATE COURT
COUNTY OF INGHAM
Settlor's estate to whom Letters of
Administration have been issued.
was too great for election interference in 2016. tive of corruption but evidence of a PUBLICATION OF
NOTICE OF HEARING
Creditors of the decedent are
notified that all claims against the to ignore. To up the ante, Trump then over- Deep State cover-up. There is a “fake FILE NO 19-1367-GM
Kenneth S. Parr and Carol M. Parr In the matter of Ke'Aylah Elese
Living Trust, dated 02/27/2009, Forty-five ruled his advisers and blocked near- whistleblower” and a “Russia hoax” Ariel Smith.
will be forever banned unless TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS
presented to co-trustees Philip years lat- ly $400 million in military aid to and a “Black Ledger” and collusion including: Ashanna Smith, whose
S. Parr and Robert S. Sloan, address(es) are unknown and
within 4 months after the date of er, con- assist Ukraine’s war against Russia. between a DNC operative and the whose interest in the matter
publication or attorney Bradley A. may be barred or affected by the
Vauter J.D. (P35762) of Bradley gressional Sondland and everyone else could Ukrainian embassy and — courtesy following:
Vauter & Associates, P.C., 1193 TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be
Andre Dr. Ste. D, Grand Ledge MI Republicans read between the lines, but there of Glenn Beck — a rehash of the held on 12-5-2019 at 2:30 p.m.
48837, (517) 853-8015. at 313 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing,
are again was no need to: In a July 25 phone (((George Soros)))-as-puppet-master before Judge Dunnings, for the
following purpose: for guardianship
Trustee Philip S. Parr
313 W. Barnes Ave. faced with call, Trump directly linked a request trope. of Ke'Aylah Elese Ariel Smith.
Lansing MI 48910
Trustee Robert S. Sloan
equally for military assistance to the “favor” In this alternate universe, the real Date: 11-21-19
Kimberlyn Trice
PO Box 173
Goldenrod, FL 32733.
unassailable of opening the investigations. story isn’t the president abusing his 1119 Leslie St.
Lansing, MI 48912
CP#19-346 evidence of Again, there’s no real dispute over office to further his reelection cam- CP#19-345
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS CITY OF LANSING
INGHAM CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To all residents of the Ingham Conservation District, notice is hereby given that NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, Monday,
on the 15th day of January 2020, between the hours of 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, at Piazzano’s, December 2, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall,
1825 N. Grand River Ave., in the City of Lansing, an annual meeting and director’s election will 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI for the purpose of considering:
be held. Charlie Martin is on the ballot for a 4-year term as an Ingham Conservation District
Board Director. An Ordinance of the City of Lansing, Michigan, to amend Chapter 404 of the Lansing
Codified Ordinances by adding Section 404.13 to provide for the issuance of annual and
The event will include dinner, silent auction, natural resource conservation updates temporary 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. street parking permits to City of Lansing residents; and to
and a presentation entitled “Ingham County Rural – A Township Tour through the Seasons” provide for permit applications, limitations and fees.
by local conservationist Jim Hewitt. Dinner tickets are $10.00 and are available at www.
inghamconservation.com. 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
On the 2nd day of December, 2019, being the business day nearest to 45 days prior between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of
to the date of the annual meeting, absentee ballots are available for voting in this election at the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave.,
the Conservation District office located at 1031 W. Dexter Trail, in the City of Mason, during Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
the regular business hours of the Conservation District which are 9:00 am and 3:00 pm
Monday – Thursday. Residents are individuals of legal age who can demonstrate residency Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
in the Conservation District (Ingham County) via one piece of identification. www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
CP#19-344 www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#19-340
City Pulse • November 27, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
Former tennis coach sues Lansing Catholic High
Lawsuit: School wasn’t fired. He retired.” and has undoubtedly worsened any
A copy of the high school’s 2017 possible prospects for future employ-
officials misled message to parents wasn’t includ- ment.
parents on retirement ed in court records, but a retraction Court records further state Landfair
demand sent by Lopez before the law- waited until this year to demand a
A former tennis coach at Lansing suit claimed it included the language retraction for the now 2-year-old mes-
Catholic High School is suing the “let go” rather than “retired” and had sage only because he was previously
Catholic Diocese of Lansing, claim- wrongly implied that Landfair was in unaware that it had been sent.
ing school officials misled parents some way involved with messages to Officials at the diocese didn’t return
into thinking he was fired from the students that were deemed “inappro- phone calls for this story, but court
job when he had actually been able to priate.” records show their attorneys dispute
retire. Landfair worked for the Diocese for the bulk of Landfair’s contentions.
Ron Landfair, longtime boys’ varsi- more than 20 years, most recently as Tom Meagher, attorney for the
ty tennis coach and ministry director, its director of multicultural ministries diocese and Lansing Catholic High
filed a lawsuit in April alleging that — an outreach position left unfilled School, said the suit lacks merit. “He
school officials — in an intention- since his departure in October 2017. said he was intentionally defamed. We
ally misleading message to parents damages for defamation and inten-
He also served several years as varsity don’t think that’s the case.”
— implied they had fired Landfair in tional infliction of emotional distress.
boys’ tennis coach at Lansing Catholic Meagher declined to elaborate on
2017 following “inappropriate” text The complaint also contends school
High School and repeatedly led the his defense as the case proceeds in
messages with a student, when instead officials painted Landfair in a “false
team to state championship games. 30th Circuit Court. Records show the
Landfair had been left to peacefully light.”
Landfair declined to comment for lawsuit has been referred to third-par-
retire. “Mr. Landfair retired with a supe-
this story, but his lawsuit also claims ty mediation in an attempt to reach a
The lawsuit specifically names rior record,” said Landfair’s attorney,
the subsequent damage to his rep- resolution ahead of a trial.
the Diocese of Lansing, Bishop Earl Karen Lopez. “He had an excellent
utation caused by the implication of Visit lansingcitypulse.com for con-
Boyea, Lansing Catholic High School record, yet they put out this defamato-
termination and misconduct has only tinued coverage as the litigation con-
and Principal Doug Moore and seeks ry message that somehow he had been
caused emotional distress, embarrass- tinues.
to recover more than $25,000 in ‘let go.’ That implies he was fired. He
ment, humiliation, anxiety, depression — KYLE KAMINSKI
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
‘Unconscious bias’ plagues Ingham Co. health insurance
Life-saving drugs of the cul- “We’re in a
excluded for HIV, tural stigmas fortunate sit-
attached to uation where
gender transition HIV. we might be
Ingham County could soon revamp “I fell victim able to make
its health insurance offerings after to discrimina- some of these
officials found that multiple employ- tory prescrip- determi-
ees have had difficulty accessing tion coverage nations for
name-brand HIV treatment and other and procedures o u r s e l v e s ,”
medications to facilitate gender tran- that direc tly Dolehanty
sitions. contradict the Sebolt Crenshaw Heywood Naeyaert added. “I
And some county commission- core values that don’ t know
ers contended an “unconscious bias” Ingham County “The policy as it exists literally why this is
against those with HIV and the has laid out for me,” he told commis- excludes every transgender employee. happening, but we’ll be sure to find
LGBTQ community could be blamed sioners. “I would have to switch to a That is unacceptable. That is discrim- out so we can address the problem.
for the access issues as they look to generic drug. Without that prescrip- ination,” said Todd Heywood, board The focus is all about getting employ-
level the playing field on prescription tion coverage, I’m forced to use tem- chairman at Ingham Community ees access to their medication as effi-
drugs. porary assistance programs. … I’m Health Center. “The only two chronic ciently as possible.”
“These medications can be a matter here today to ask for help.” diseases or issues that require medi- County employees, in theory, can
of life and death,” said Commissioner Ingham County this year funneled cation on the list of exclusions are still access excluded medications,
Ryan Sebolt. “These are medications its employee health insurance offer- for HIV and for gender identity. This but not without seeking an exception
that are literally keeping some people ings into a self-funded pool that whole system is deliberately designed and repeatedly revealing their per-
alive. If you can’t access them, it shows includes employees in the city of to exclude people based on their oth- sonal medical histories to the coun-
our coverage is lacking. Employees Lansing and the Community Mental erness within the community.” ty’s human resources department,
should not be jumping through hoops Health Authority amid efforts to save Commissioners are largely unclear an insurance benefits facilitator and
to access their medication. This really cash. Officials said the switchover is how those specific medications man- numerous other third-party assistance
is a top priority for the county.” saving about $2 million annually, but aged to find their way onto the list of programs to piece the prescriptions
An unnamed county employee liv- it also includes a new list of exclusions. exclusions for county employees, but together.
ing with HIV confronted the commis- Among those excluded medica- they’ve launched an investigation to And while that process might work
sion’s County Services Committee last tions are standard fare for the health eventually lift the restrictions. A forth- for some, some officials said it can pose
week with complaints over difficulty insurance industry: Botox; drugs to coming report from county Controller undue obstacles to proper coverage.
accessing a name-brand treatment induce abortions; anabolic steroids; Tim Dolehanty is designed to provide “It makes my skin crawl that some-
plan prescribed by his doctor. Those anti-wrinkle agents; sexual dysfunc- some answers next month. one would have to repeatedly dis-
medications, for reasons still under tion medication; hair removal prod- “It’s just not acceptable that our close their medical history like this,”
investigation, were found to be specif- ucts; hair growth products. But it employees have to go through this said Commissioner Robin Naeyaert.
ically excluded from coverage. also specifically prohibits name-brand type of stress or hassle in order to get “Patients shouldn’t have to disclose
City Pulse is withholding the iden- HIV drugs and treatment for gender life-saving drugs,” said Commission that to anyone but their physicians.
tity of the employee in consideration dysphoria. Chairman Bryan Crenshaw. “We need The idea that any employee would
to get this right and very quickly. The have to divulge such personal infor-
biggest issue is making sure employ- mation like this makes me physically
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS ees have access to the medication they ill.”
EAST LANSING CITY COUNCIL As an added consequence for
need and deserve.”
Notice is hereby given of the following public hearings to be held by the East Lansing City Generic rather than name-brand Ingham County’s prescription access
Council on December 17, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 HIV treatment medication, Heywood issue, the Ingham Community Health
Linden Street, East Lansing:
explained, is often behind the curve Center this year was demoted to a “top
1. A public hearing will be held to consider a modified site plan and special use of constantly evolving research on the performer” rather than a “leader” in
permit application from 341 Evergreen, LLC for the properties at 100 W. Grand virus. Drugs that aren’t on the cut- the Human Rights Campaign’s annual
River Avenue, 120-140 W. Grand River Avenue and 341-345 Evergreen Avenue for a
5-story residential building with one level of parking, including a mix of apartment ting edge of medical technology often Healthcare Equality Index. Officials
types ranging from studios to three-bed units. The subject property zoned include a host of negative side effects attributed the diminished status to the
Conditional B-3, City Center Commercial District.
and can lend to a substandard method newfound coverage gaps.
2. A public hearing will be held to consider a site plan and special use permit of treatment for county employees. “This creates a real question of
application from The Peabody Group for the property at 115 Albert Avenue to allow And because the FDA has yet to hypocrisy in terms of county values
the establishment of a restaurant, including alcohol sales. The subject property is
zoned B-3, City Center Commercial District. formally approve any method of hor- and county procedures,” Heywood
monal transition treatment for trans- added. “We have a non-discrimination
3. A public hearing will be held to consider Ordinance 1431: An ordinance to amend
the Zoning Use District Map of Chapter 50 – Zoning – of the Code of the City of gender patients, all medication for ordinance, but this system deliberate-
East Lansing to rezone the northeast corner of Haslett and Park Lake Roads from gender dysphoria is currently prohib- ly discriminates against some of our
RA, Residential Agricultural to B-2, Retail Sales Business. ited on the county’s insurance plan as own employees. There’s absolutely an
The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters for well. Ingham County, however, is not unconscious bias that plays into this.
the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at this meeting, alone. Transgender-inclusive health- It’s our job to see this thing gets fixed.”
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
care benefits are a nationwide scar- Visit lansingcitypulse.com for con-
Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-377. city. The Human Rights Campaign tinued coverage as county officials
tracked fewer than 20 percent of its continue to investigate the insurance
Jennifer Shuster
City Clerk rated municipalities as offering those shortfall.
CP#19-347 benefits. —KYLE KAMINSKICity Pulse • November 27, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
Schor lights fire under CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF MERIDIAN
NOTICE OF TOWNHALL MEETING
A SPECIAL MEETING of the Meridian Township Board has been called for Thursday,
menorah movement
It was touch and a Nativity scene in a county courthouse
December 12, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall Room, 5151 Marsh Okemos, Michigan
48864. This is the Annual Goal Setting Meeting of the Township Board at which they will
discuss:
1) The Township Board 2020 Goals
POLITICS
go last Friday after- was “indisputably religious” because 2) The Township Manager’s Compensation and Contract Review
noon, but Lansing the display came with the banner 3) Closed Session to discuss the Township Manager’s Annual Performance Review
Mayor Andy Schor “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” And in 1995, BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC
succeeded in lighting the Court ruled the KKK could stick TOWNSHIP CLERK
a 9-foot menorah next a cross in the Ohio statehouse plaza CP#19-348
to the state’s 61-foot during the holiday season. In that case,
state Christmas tree though, Ohio allowed other religious 2020 TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE RESOLUTION
in front of the state symbols in the plaza. They just didn’t At a regular meeting of the Township Board of the Charter Township of Meridian,
Capitol during the want the KKK’s cross. Ingham County, Michigan, held at the Meridian Municipal Building, in said Township on
Silver Bells in the City festivities. Back in 2006 when the Michigan the 19th day of November, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., local time.
Now the mayor is looking to feature House passed a resolution in support PRESENT: Supervisor Styka, Clerk Dreyfus, Treasurer Deschaine,
Trustees Jackson, Opsommer, Sundland, Wisinski
a larger candelabra — contributed of a state Christmas tree and meno- ABSENT:
by a private citizen — next to the rah display, then-Michigan Jewish The following resolution was offered by Clerk Dreyfus and supported by
Christmas tree during the eight days of Conference Director Susan Herman Trustee Opsommer.
Hanukkah, starting Dec. 22. Whether said such a setup would be an inappro- WHEREAS, the Township Board desires to announce the time, date, and place of
that’s going to fly will likely be dis- priate mix of church and state. all regular meetings of the Board, pursuant to MCL 42.7; and
cussed Dec. 18 at a meeting of the state Today, Rahbi Asher Lopatin, execu- WHEREAS, the Township Board deems the 2020 regular meeting schedule
Capitol Commission, which by law tive director of the Jewish Community sufficient to uphold the Board's Policies and Procedures, and advance its Global Ends.
oversees the Capitol grounds. Relations Council of Metropolitan NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Township Board of the Charter
The issues here are many. Detroit and the American Jewish Township of Meridian, Ingham County, Michigan that the Township Board adopts its
regular 2020 meeting schedule as follows:
The Capitol Commission has rules Committee, is convinced there is an
on Capitol lawn displays. They can’t equity argument. Tuesday, January 7, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
be taller than 4 feet. They must be “If there’s going to be a Christmas Tuesday, January 21, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 28, 2020 6:00 P.M. Joint Meeting (Township Boards and Commissions)
taken down at night. Basically, the tree — and it’s a wonderful, beautiful Tuesday, February 4, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
state doesn’t want a lot of large gaudy Christian symbol — we should be able Tuesday, February 18, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
clutter. It also doesn’t want to be held to put up a dignified Jewish symbol, as Tuesday, March 3, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 17, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
responsible if a vandal tags something well,” he said.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
while on state property. Schor, who is Jewish, agrees. That’s Tuesday, April 14, 2020 6:00 P.M. Joint Meeting (School Districts & Local Governments)
But if that’s the case, why the excep- why he is pushing the issue, even Tuesday, April 21, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
tion for the 61-foot conifer that clearly though Capitol Facilities initially told Tuesday, May 5, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
is a symbol for the Christian holiday of him no. Tuesday, June 2, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Christmas? Schor said state Facilities Manager Tuesday, June 16, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Next, is the property on which the Robert Blackwell told city workers Tuesday, July 7, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
massive evergreen sit on city right of last Friday, allegedly, with a couple of Tuesday, July 21, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Thursday,August 6,2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
way or state property? Because if it’s Capitol security personnel nearby, that Tuesday, August 18, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
state property, why are city workers if the menorah was kept near the tree, Tuesday, September 1, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting (Budget Hearing & Deliberations)
erecting the tree, trimming the tree the state would confiscate it. Tuesday, September 15, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
and decorating the tree, Schor asks. Once news of this got out, the Tuesday, October 8, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 22, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
If it’s on city property, Schor argues Capitol Commission chairman, Gary Thursday, November 5, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
he can put a menorah next to the tree Randall -- fearing a national story with Tuesday, November 17, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
if he wants. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer being in Israel Tuesday, December 1, 2020 6:00 P.M. Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 6:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
The state says it has paperwork of all places -- quickly told Blackwell to
showing this small piece of concrete on leave the menorah alone. 2. Each of the above meetings shall be held at the specified time in the Town Hall
the other side of the sideway is state The city’s 9-foot menorah didn’t stay Room of the Meridian Municipal Building, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, Michigan
(517) 853-4000, unless changed and noticed in accordance with MCL 15.265.
property. It’s all part of the Capitol near the tree for long. Once Silver Bells
grounds. was over, city workers moved it back 3. A summary of this resolution stating date, place, and time shall be posted in the
Both sides are digging through their to City Hall. That specific menorah Meridian Municipal Building within ten (10) days after the first regularly scheduled
meeting of the year in accordance with MCL 15.265.
records for proof of their arguments. isn’t designed for prolonged outdoor
ADOPTED: YEAS: Supervisor Styka, Clerk Dreyfus, Treasurer Deschaine,
In the meanwhile, there’s the whole exposure. Trustees Jackson, Opsommer, Sundland, Wisinski
freedom from religion argument. Is Since the lighting, Schor said he’s
NAYS:
it appropriate to put a Jewish symbol received overwhelming support from
for a religious holiday on government the community. Whether he’ll be Resolution declared adopted.
property? open to more congratulations later in STATE OF MICHIGAN)
Not surprisingly, the U.S. Supreme December is yet to be seen. ) ss.
COUNTY OF INGHAM)
Court has looked into this very issue, (Kyle Melinn, of the Capitol newslet-
but the results aren’t clear cut. In 1984, ter IRS, can be reached at melinnky@ I, the undersigned, the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the Township of Meridian,
Ingham County, Michigan, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and a
the court ruled a city-sponsored crèche gmail.com.) complete copy of a resolution adopted at a regular meeting of the Township Board on
in a public park did not violate the Correction the 19th day of November, 2019.
establishment clause because the dis- Because of a reporting error, the last BRETT DREYFUS, CMMC
play included other “secular” symbols. name of Lansing City Councilman Adam TOWNSHIP CLERK
Hussain was misspelled in a story in the CP#19-349
Five years later, the court found that Nov. 20 issue of City Pulse.12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • November 27, 2019
2019
Holiday Gift
Guide
Skyler Ashley/City Pulse
Humble gift suggestions from humble City Pulsers
Retro Mini Video Sega or Nintendo is “most awesome”
will carry on within our hearts forever.
Game Consoles Thankfully, just about every major
game company has jumped on the
By SKYLER ASHLEY mini console bandwagon. Was your
Honestly, I love the gift-giving poten- loved one a PlayStation kid? Boom.
tial of these things. As a gift, retro mini Get them a PlayStation One Classic.
video game consoles strike a perfect Are they a Nintendo fan boy? Sega
generational balance in their capacity fanatic? Purchase accordingly. But if
as an entertaining novelty. These bad you were purchasing for somebody too
boys have big stocking-stuffer energy. young to have this deeply ingrained
Give one to anybody between the ages sense of electronic tribalism, I’d ulti-
10 to 18, and you’ve given them an in- noticed that I’ve gone with the broad cess. Chances are, your family couldn’t mately recommend the Super Ninten-
teractive toolbox to peruse the classic suggestion of any retro mini console, afford a Sega Genesis AND a Super do Classic. As of now, it’s probably the
video games of yore. Give one to any- rather than a particular unit. There’s an Nintendo. You had one shot to make most difficult to obtain but it arguably
body above the age of 25, and you’ve important, childhood-memory-specific the right choice. Therefore, most of us has the best lineup of games among
supplied them with a fully loaded hy- reason for that. For most of us, asking have a soul bond to the line of consoles the competition. Most big stores such
podermic needle of nostalgia. our parents for a video game console we grew up with, and the daily middle
If you’re reading this, you’ve obviously was a meticulously researched pro- school lunchroom debate over whether See Gifts, Page 13You can also read
