The Prisoner's Apothecary - See page 15 Visiting MSU artist plants seeds to a revolution - Creative Circle Media Solutions
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Oct. 30 - Nov. 6, 2019
www.lansingcitypulse.com Locally owned • A newspaper for the rest of us
The Prisoner’s
Apothecary
Visiting MSU artist plants
seeds to a revolution
See page 15
2 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
Thanksgiving Fresh
45
includes materials, snacks & refreshments
Cut Flower $ Call the Floral Shop
Centerpiece Class 517-372-5610 to reserve your spot
City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3
Favorite Things
Kewpee’s owner Autumn
Weston and her Kewpie doll
BWL Seeks Public Input on Future
Energy Plan for Region
The BWL will host open houses to seek public
input as we update our plan to continue
delivering cleaner, affordable and reliable
power to the region.
Join us at one of the dates below to learn
about the BWL’s new Integrated Resource Plan
People really don’t know how to that’s been part of us since we started
(IRP), which will serve as the foundation for our
take the baby. People don’t even know in 1923. I’m a fourth-generation own-
what to call our mascot. Some know er and we always got Kewpie dolls for new strategic plan.
what a Kewpie doll is, but most just our birthdays. I always thought “Can’t
call it the “creepy baby.” Even I’m I get a Cabbage Patch doll or Barbie Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4:30-7pm
guilty of that. I’ve got two tattoos of or something? This baby doesn’t even BWL REO Depot, 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
them so I don’t think they are that have clothes to play with.”
creepy. I think they are kinda cute. Now people send us these from all Thursday, Nov. 7, 4:30-7pm
The doll is my favorite thing because over even if it is something that just E. Lansing Public Library (large meeting room)
there are always so many people who has a Kewpie doll on it. A lot of our
come in wondering what this is. It is postcards we have hanging through- 950 Abbot Road, E. Lansing
definitely a conversation piece. out the restaurant have Kewpies on
The doll is spelled like “Kewpie” them. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 4:30-7pm
and Kewpee the burger place piggy- We once had a really cool lady that Delta Twp. District Library (Elmwood Room)
backed on it as a mascot. We are one brought us a bride and groom Kewpie 5130 Davenport Drive, Lansing
of the three last remaining Kewpee’s couple that is three feet tall. They
franchises. I really wish I knew why picked them up at a flea market in Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:30-7pm
the founders did that. Japan and brought them back for us.
Alfreda Schmidt Center (Community Room)
The doll, which was created by It was super cool.
Rose O’Neill, was so popular in the My mom has a collection of over 5825 Wise Road, Lansing
early 1900s, they must’ve went after 150 of these dolls at home. We want
it. I never got a full reasoning why to put them on display and have a Tuesday, Nov. 19, 9am-noon
they did it, but I think it is unique locking glass case so people come to BWL REO Depot, 1201 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
for a restaurant to have a mascot of a see them.
naked baby on it. We like to think we’ll continue to More information about the BWL’s energy plans
Growing up with it, it was one of make it ours.
can be found at
those things people acknowledge. A (This interview was edited and
lot of people see this and talk about condensed by Dennis Burck. If you www.LansingEnergyTomorrow.com.
good memories of Kewpie dolls back have a recommendation for “Favorite
in the day. Things,” please email dennis@lan-
It’s been on our original wrapper singcitypulse.com.)
4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
VOL. 19
ISSUE 12
(517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com
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6 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz
publisher@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5061
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Audrey Matusz
A sculpture fit for a roundabout? 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
12 MARKETING DIRECTOR • Sarah Dropsey
sarah@lansingcitypulse.com, (517) 999-6707
Angelitos and ofrendas this weekend STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino
lawrence@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5065
Dennis Burck • dennis@lansingcitypulse.com
(517) 999-6705
PAGE Chris Gray • chris@lansingcitypulse.com
(517) 999-6710
20 SALES EXECUTIVE
Lee Purdy • lee@lansingcitypulse.com • (517) 999-5064
Dylan returns to the Wharton Center 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 Molly Eddington Gartner, Jack Sova, Gavin Smith
Interns: Matthew Stine • stinem47@gmail.com
NOW AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAYS on
City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5
PULSE NEWS & OPINION
FOR
For East Lansing: Meadows, Altmann and Gregg DESIGN
E
ast Lansing still has its from his mistakes from his years spective on Council and help the
host of dysfunctions, but in public office, and now seems city avoid losing any more beloved
the beloved college town to contain the vision to take East businesses like Mackerel Sky. She’s
is in much better shape than it Lansing into the roaring ’20s. also an artist who will look to keep
was four years ago, when Mark Working closely with Meadows the arts community a vibrant part
Meadows returned has been Councilman Erik of East Lansing’s future. Draheim
EDITORIAL to City Hall, joined Altmann, who also should get a provided a necessary check on
by Erik Altmann second term. We haven’t always Altmann and Meadows, and we’re
and Shanna agreed with hopeful Gregg will provide the
Draheim. On the second try, East Altmann on same, with a platform that encour-
Lansing voters passed an income some policies, ages more transparency.
tax to stabilize the city’s finances such as his Lisa Babcock has been a wel-
while cutting the high property tax opposition to come voice in the debate over
millage that burdened homeown- a local ordi- East Lansing’s future, and for This week’s Eye for Design can
ers, especially seniors on a fixed nance ban- voters who wish to really shake be found by trick-or-treaters in
budget. The new tax structure ning harm- up city leadership, they probably East Lansing, although we can-
has already paid dividends — the ful L GBTQ wouldn’t go wrong with her. She not guarantee that the inhabitants
Hannah Community Center was conversion has worked to draw attention to are participating in this hallowed
saved, new police and firefighters therapy for Altmann the questionable sale on Ebay of tradition. They are, however, the
were hired and more money was t h e t o w n’s land that once belonged to pub- descendants of “ghouls” who began
freed up for parks and badly dete- youth, but lic works as well as the seedy use to appear in the area nearly 100
riorating streets. his heart is in the right place and of federal Housing and Urban years ago.
New developments have been a we respect his ability to maintain Development money for landscap- If you know where to find this
pain for many residents and local an independent perspective. It ing at the City Attorney’s Office week’s eye for design, send an
businesses, and change is hard. would be better to police this pol- — a misuse of funds the city was email to me at carriesampson@
But if new development is going icy from the state level, but with a forced to pay back. micourthistory.org with your guess
to happen, it’s more sustainable Republican Legislature failing to Voters also wouldn’t go wrong by Wednesday (Nov. 6). The first
to build up than sprawl out- protect queer youth, the city was with John Revitte, a retired labor one to correctly identify the loca-
ward. The new high-rises will put right to act. Altmann has exciting relations professor, who spent his tion of this detail wins an Eye for
more people into downtown East ideas to make East Lansing earn career trying to get adversaries to Design mug, which may or may not
Lansing, hopefully allowing for a its Spartan green colors, includ- find common ground. He’s a lit- contain witch’s brew (that’s up to
more diverse range of businesses ing new mandates for electric car tle obsessed with the city’s urban you).
than T-shirt shops and lowbrow charging stations and a protected white-tailed deer devouring his — CARRIE SAMPSON
restaurants not that we want East bicycle lane on Burcham Drive. flower garden, but his more seri- (City Pulse welcomes Carrie Sampson,
Lansing’s college dives to go any- For the last spot, we like Jessy ous position that East Lansing executive director of the Michigan
where. Gregg to replace Councilwoman should be less provincial and look Supreme Court Historical Society, as edi-
tor of Eye Candy and Eye for Design. If
It’s hard to imagine any of this Draheim. Gregg learned the at the success of other communi- you have suggestions, please email her
happening without the leadership ins and outs of city government ties for workable solutions to com- at carriesampson@micourthistory.org.
of Mark Meadows, who has earned while writing mon problems is well taken. And we thank her predecessor, architect
another term. Meadows hasn’t important The MSU student in the race, Daniel Bollman, for his contributions.)
always been right in his big plans public ser- Warren Stanfield III, has been
for East Lansing — the botched vice journal- a fun addition to the field and a “Eye for Design” is our look at some of
the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each
Avondale ism at East reminder of the need to tie in the with Eye candy of the Week and Eyesore of the
Square hous- Lansing Info half of the community lying south Week.
ing project and served on of Grand River Avenue. We hope
comes to the Ingham his grassroots run for public office Correction
mind, dating County Parks will be a good learning experience Because of a reporting error, a story in City
from his first board. A for him on his way to a bright Pulse last week on Michael Doty, a candidate
term as may- small busi- future. for mayor of Grand Ledge incorrectly reported
events detailed in a police report on a domestic
or almost 20 ness owner Gregg But for 2019, we encourage vot- call. The story should have said: “On April 9,
years ago. in downtown ers to select Meadows, Altmann 2017, at 4:15 a.m., Doty called police to his
mobile home in Grand Oaks Village on North
But the man East Lansing, and Gregg to guide the communi- Clinton Street in Grand Ledge to report chaotic
has learned Meadows she’ll provide an important per- ty over the next four years. behavior by his second ex-wife, with whom he
was married from 2007 to 2012. Doty said she
came at him with a knife.” The story incorrectly
said that Doty came at her with a knife.
6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
Betz calls foul at fliers from Washington in Council race
First Ward challenger Brandon Betz er really as it ties Facebook comments from
is calling foul at some campaign fli- sat down Betz with postings to controversial
ers being distributed by Lansing City and talked activist Martin Mashon, with whom
Councilwoman Jody Washington as about it. I Washington has sought a restraining
Tuesday’s General Election approaches. need to be order.
Washington is touting a disputed better about “It’s really disappointing she
endorsement from state Rep. Sarah being very can’t stand on her merit as a City
Anthony on one mailer. And on anoth- clear.” Councilwoman,” he said. “People are
er flier handed to a constituent, she She was really sick of Jody’s negativity.”
handwrote, “I am endorsed by UAW amused to After last week’s filing deadline,
and ALL other unions!” be the cen- Washington has reported almost twice
However, Betz has been endorsed by ter of the as much campaign finance money as
the Ironworkers Union Local 25. fight of a Washington Betz Anthony Betz. She added $9,100 to her cam-
“We also contacted Sarah Anthony Lansing paign chest for a total of $23,300 this
ment. I did not quote her. I listed her
and she stated that she never approved City Council race, something she election. Betz added $3,200 for a total
as an endorsement. I listed many who
of Jody using her as an endorsement,” chalked up to her progressive record of $11,200.
endorsed my campaign. People, labor
said Betz’s campaign manager, Ross and last-ditch efforts of a tight cam- Washington has big financial support
and businesses, etc. Not sure what you
Fisher, who sent copies of campaign paign. “It’s so close. I think everyone’s from developers, the Realtors and sev-
are trying to get at here.”
literature he said was bogus. “I hope getting a bit kooky.” eral unions, including $7,500 from the
Washington didn’t understand the
the public can be made aware of these “I have been talking to Brandon fair- Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 333 and
mix-up. When she asked Anthony
blatant false statements being made by ly regularly. He’s been doing a really $1,500 from the UAW Michigan PAC
for her support, she said, “Sure,”
Jody.” good job. People on the east side have and $1,500 from the Michigan Council
Washington said, adding she hadn’t
Both candidates are fighting for sup- been raving about him,” Anthony said. of Carpenters PAC. Joel Ferguson,
doubted Anthony’s continued endorse-
port from Anthony as well as labor She said while there was still much to CEO of Ferguson Development, which
ment just as she hasn’t gone back to
unions — although Washington has support with Washington, they have is undertaking the massive Red Cedar
double-check endorsements from the
been more successful, particularly on stiff disagreement over Washington’s redevelopment with public help, gave
United Auto Workers or the Lansing
the latter. “He tried to get all of them, opposition to a social equity program her $1,100. Developer Pat Gillespie also
Labor Council.
and he didn’t get them,” she said. for marijuana entrepreneurs. “That’s a gave $500.
“If this is the best the Pulse has, God
The situation with Anthony is more huge sticking point between Jody and She also received a $100 donation
bless you. Trashing individuals is all
complicated. The state representa- I. Her position has been troubling to from Mayor Andy Schor — but he said
your paper does anymore. I would hope
tive did initially support Washington’s me.” not to consider that an endorsement.
journalism could be better than that,”
candidacy early this year, but as Betz Anthony said she believed there had “I haven’t endorsed anyone for City
she said. “People are really starting to
became a contender, she appeared to been some miscommunication between Council.”
look at the Pulse as a tabloid, and it’s
have wavered back to a neutral position. her and Washington. She has support- Betz’s biggest contribution came
really too bad.”
She said she did not give Washington ed Washington in the past, and did from James Krohn, garden program
(City Pulse endorsed Betz two weeks
permission to use her name on fliers. offer tentative support before the filing manager of the Ingham County Land
ago.)
“I did not authorize any of those mail- deadline on April 23 and allowed her to Bank, who gave him $1,050.
Anthony said she tried to talk with
ings,” Anthony said. indicate her support on Facebook. In the at-large race, veteran
Washington later this spring about
The “endorsement” started as casual “She did endorse me. I spoke with Councilwoman Carol Wood leads
not considering her ongoing support
support on Facebook, which Anthony her prior to the primary,” Washington all candidates with $26,300. She
an endorsement, after it became clear
said they never formalized. “We nev- said. “She did not pull her endorse- also received $1,000 from Ferguson
there were other candidates in the ring
and $1,500 from the UAW fund.
VOTE
who are also qualified. Anthony said
Additionally, she received $500 from
they had not spoken about the cam-
Neogen CEO Jim Herbert, who lob-
paign since.
East Lansing
bied the city to overturn its short-lived
Still, Anthony said she was ready to
sanctuary city status in 2017 and is a
work with either Washington or Betz
City Council
leading opponent of marijuana dispen-
after next week’s election. She said she
saries.
had worked well as a county commis-
Challenger Julee Rodocker report-
sioner with Washington, and Anthony
ed $15,600, but donated most of
and Betz are aligned on issues of social
EVITTE
that money herself. Both incum-
justice.
bent Councilwoman Patricia Spitzley
Betz also accused Washington of
and challenger Yanice Jackson-Long
“mudslinging” and referred to anoth-
reported totals of about $13,100.
er campaign flier as “disparaging,”
— CHRIS GRAY
"His service with the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Jazz, Folk Public Notice
and Arts Festivals, and in his neighborhood has prepared him well for
the responsibilities of leading the City of East Lansing" - Kevin Beard The Ingham County Land Bank is accepting qualifications for Snow Removal. The
Request for Proposal packet is available October 30, 2019 at the Ingham County Land
"We have long admired his devotion to creating and sustaining Bank, 3024 Turner St, Lansing, MI, 48906, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday or at www.
quality-of-life activities and resources that make East Lansing a inghamlandbank.org. Responses are due at the Land Bank offices by 11:00am on November
13, 2019 and will be opened at 11:00am November 13, 2019. The Ingham County Land Bank
valued, safe, distinctive, and inclusive place" - C. Kurt Dewhurst & is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses
Marsha MacDowell are encouraged to apply. RFQ#: SNOW 10-2019
CP#19-318
Paid for by John Revitte for East Lansing City Council, PO Box 794, East Lansing, MI, Howard Heideman, Treasurer
City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7
Roundabout art
turned into a roundabout, a set of was a late bloomer.
four large red ornaments — often “Usually, every time I walk into
called “Virg’s red balls,” in honor of that scrapyard, I have two or three
former Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero ideas,” he said. “This time, I was kind
City considers temporary — were erected there. In December of spinning my wheels.”
sculpture to replace of last year, a hit-and-run driver But it was sunny day. He looked
crashed into one of the balls, crack- down at the scrap he gathered that
broken red balls ing the easternmost ball open like a day and back up at the sun.
In time for the winter solstice, a giant egg. “I thought, ‘I know exactly what
golden sun might rise soon on the Meanwhile, a drive to put a per- I’m going to do. I’m going to build
traffic roundabout a block east of the manent, major piece of public sculp- the sun.’ Everybody likes sunshine. It
state Capitol. ture in the roundabout, spearheaded makes people feel happy.”
A 12-foot-tall figure by Lansing by a $100,000 contribution from It took him about 32 hours to put
metal sculptor Bob Welton in his the Capitol Region Community it together.
studio, called Iron on the Move, that Foundation, foundered in 2018 when In early September, Welton took
was created for Scrapfest is being four proposed designs drew wide- his creation to the roundabout and
considered for temporary installa- spread criticism. That project is on set it up for Schor and others to see
tion at the highly visible traffic hub. hold until more money can be raised how it looked.
“Sundance” is a stainless steel fig- to draw a higher-quality art. “If you look down Michigan
ure with a sun for a head. The sun, “What I’d like is something perma- Avenue, with the Capitol in the
made of yellow brass brazed onto a nent in that space, but we’re not there background, it was mind-blowing,”
steel ring, rotates freely within the yet,” Schor said. He said the Mayor’s Courtesy photo
Welton said. “It really accented the
ring as the wind blows. All of the Arts and Culture Commission is Bob Welton’s “Sundance,” an entry in view. I hope they go through with it.
metal is repurposed. looking into the best way to pick I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
July’s Scrapfest, is being considered as
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and his a permanent installation, and he Schor said the piece costs about
a temporary sculpture for the round-
family saw it at Old Town’s Scrapfest wants a public art committee to be $6,000.
11 in July, where it was entered in the
about at the intersection of Michigan
involved. “I have to figure out where the
Large Sculpture category. “We’re just trying to figure out what Avenue and Washington Square. money is going to come from, wheth-
“We thought it was really cool, and to put there in the meantime rather er I’m going to buy it myself or what,”
we’re trying to figure out what to do than have a blank space,” Schor said. Welton doesn’t lack for ideas. he said. “Nothing is really finalized.”
in that space, as the holiday season Welton is delighted at the prospect He has entered his work in all 11 — LAWRENCE COSENTINO
comes,” Schor said. of “Sundance” doing a star turn so Scrapfests. But this year’s sculpture
In recent years, the roundabout has close to the Capitol, even temporar-
turned into a Bermuda Triangle for ily.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
public art, swallowing up four pro- “You’re always happy when some- OFFICE OF THE INGHAM COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER
posed pieces and one physical one. thing is sold and placed, but when it
Each holiday season since 2009, goes in a public place, it just really In the Matter of: Costigan Drain
not long after the intersection was makes you happy,” he said. NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to you as a person liable for an assessment that
the Board of Determination, composed of John Leonard, Helen LeBlanc, Cheryl Risner
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING and Jennie Nerkowski (Alternate), will meet on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED MINUTES at the Meridian Township Hall, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, Michigan 48864 to hear
all interested persons and evidence and to determine whether the actions prayed for in a
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP
Petition dated September 20, 2019 for the cleaning out, relocating, widening, deepening,
OF LANSING WAS HELD AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICES LOCATED AT 3209 WEST
straightening, tiling, extending, improving, relocating along a highway, providing structures
MICHIGAN AVENUE, LANSING, MICHIGAN ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019, AT 7:00
or mechanical devices that will properly purify or improve the flow of a drain, or pumping
P.M.
equipment to assist or relieve the flow of a drain, adding lands to or deleting lands from
MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Hayes, Clerk Aten, Treasurer Rodgers the existing drainage district, and adding branches, extensions, enlargements, and/or relief
Trustees: Broughton, Harris, McKenzie, Bankson drains are necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare of Meridian
Township, in accordance with Sections 72 and 191 of Act No. 40, PA 1956, as amended,
MEMBERS ABSENT: None and further, to determine whether it is necessary to add lands to and/or delete lands from
the Costigan Drain Drainage District pursuant to Section 197 of Act No. 40, PA 1956, as
ALSO PRESENT: Phil Clark, Attorney amended.
ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD: Proceedings conducted at this public hearing will be subject to the provisions of
Meeting called to order by Supervisor Hayes. the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and you are further notified that information regarding
Minutes of the meeting held on September 17, 2019, approved. this meeting may be obtained from the Ingham County Drain Commissioner. Persons with
Agenda approved. disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact
Public hearing held for 2019 street lighting special assessment roll. the Ingham County Drain Commissioner at the number noted below (voice) or through the
Adopted Resolution 19-16: Resolution Confirming 2019 Street Lighting Special Assessment Michigan Relay Center at 711 (TTY) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request
Roll. mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Minutes of the meeting will be on file in the
Adopted Resolution 19-17: To Amend the 2019 Lansing Charter Township Street Light Special following office: Ingham County Drain Commissioner’s Office, 707 Buhl Avenue, Mason,
Assessments and Certify the Millage for the 2018 Tax Rolls. Michigan 48854.
Adopted Resolution 19-18: Resolution to Certify At Large Drain Millage for the 2019 Tax
Rolls. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that persons aggrieved by the decisions of
Adopted Resolution 19-19: Authorize Credit Card Payment for Fees. the Board of Determination may seek judicial review in the Circuit Court for the County of
Authorized acceptance of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award. Ingham within ten (10) days of the determination. If the actions prayed for in the Petition are
Approved engagement letter and accounting fees. determined to be necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare,
Approved LAP + Creative agreement for Gould Park improvements. a special assessment may be levied against properties that benefit from the project. A
Approved budget amendment. landowner of or party of interest to property to be assessed, or their agent, may appear in
Approved used car lot license renewals. person to comment on the necessity of the project.
Claims approved.
Dated: October 21, 2019 Patrick E. Lindemann
Meeting adjourned. Ingham County Drain Commissioner
Phone: (517) 676-8395
Diontrae Hayes, Supervisor
Susan L. Aten, Clerk CP#19-314 CP#19-317
8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
County clerk, son give voice to residents with hearing loss
State survey indicates disability hardly sets him back at all.
“We’ve tried to normalize it as much
jump in hard-of-hearing as possible,” Byrum said.
The Michigan Department of Civil
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum Rights recently commissioned a survey
said it took a while before doctors could of state residents with hearing impair-
tell her what was amiss with her young- ment called “Not Without Us.” Chief
er son, Bryce. among its findings: The number of
He’s articulate with no noticeable individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind
signs of a disability. But careful child- and hard-of-hearing is much higher
hood screenings kept turning up red than previously surveyed.
flags. “He had failed many hearing tests The increase is driven most sharp-
in preschool,” she said. ly by the number of people like Bryce
Eventually, a physician at Sparrow who reported they were hard of hearing
Hospital ordered an MRI and discov- — estimated at 6.4% of the state, com-
ered a missing bone in his left ear, which pared to 3.7% of residents in a 1989
keeps him from hearing high pitches or Market Opinion Research study.
understanding certain words with that Much of that increase is driven by
ear. He has a full range of hearing in his the state’s aging population, but better Chris Gray/City Pulse
right ear, which he uses to compensate screenings also help net children. All Barb Byrum and her son Bryce, who wears a hearing aid, practice sign language.
for the hearing loss in the left. three groups combine to contain 7.4%
Bryce was fitted with a hearing aid of the state’s residents — much high-
at the Michigan Ear Institute. Their er than the 3.9% recorded in a 2017 Upper Peninsula, where 12% of respon- tunities we face in our community.”
health insurance doesn’t cover hearing American Community Survey conduct- dents reported a hearing impairment. The number of people reporting anx-
aids, setting the family back $1,500 ed by the U.S. Census. Rates were lower in the Detroit area, iety or depression was about twice the
each time he needs one, and the bat- Incident rates were much higher in at 5% to 7%. Lansing, as part of Mid- state average. The percentage of deaf
tery needs changing every six days. places with an older populations such Michigan, was also higher than the and deaf-blind people reporting asthma
Otherwise, the technology means the as northern Michigan, particularly the state average at 9%. was also almost 50 percent higher than
“This is the first time we’ve been the state average. Given hearing loss’s
able to get this accurate data of their relation to age, people who are hard of
community needs,” said Annie Urasky, hearing reported high rates of arthritis
director of the Deaf, Deafblind and and heart disease.
Hard of Hearing Division of Civil Byrum and Bryce participated in the
Rights, through an interpreter. Urasky community needs assessment that went
is deaf. “It’ll help identify gaps at where along with the survey, with the encour-
the need is.” agement of Civil Rights Department
The deaf population was also up spokesman Todd Heywood.
from the 1989 survey, from 0.1% of “We didn’t know what resources we
Michiganians to 0.46%. About 0.1% of had,” she said.
respondents identified as deaf-blind in As they’ve navigated the system,
the new study. This group had not been Byrum said they found the schools at
continuing to receive new charted previously. Mason, where Bryce is in the 4th Grade,
People who are hard-of-hearing are very accommodating. The teachers
merchandise and all you expect to distinct from deaf and deaf-blind indi- already use a microphone so all the stu-
celebrate the holidays. viduals in key ways. They are less likely dents can hear, and his educational plan
to identify as part of a coherent com- only states that he cannot be ordered
munity and less likely to understand to remove his hearing aid. His brother
sign language — requiring a different required speech therapy, but Bryce nev-
approach for government and business- er needed that.
es to accommodate them, such as cap- He loves art and music, particularly
tions on video and large print. Phil Collins and Lizzo. He’s also active
A needs assessment accompanied the in sports — even swimming, which in
survey. The assessment was less scien- a split second of absent-mindedness
tific than the survey — it skewed white jumping into the pool cost him a hear-
and female, and deaf individuals were ing aid.
proportionately higher to participate, “You were freaking out,” Bryce told
but it was a chance for people with a his mom.
hearing disability to actively inform the Bryce said he’d never been bullied
state of key metrics. for wearing a hearing aid, although
“We knew we had to get feedback some kids ask curious questions. For
directly from the community,” Urasky Halloween, he plans to go as a rock star,
said. “This is a larger and deeper look at with ripped clothing.
the barriers we’re facing and the oppor- — CHRIS GRAY
City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9
Schlichting: More to her
wasn’t when he started, but he learned Schlichting was a no-show at
to become one. Particularly at this the trustees’ Sept. 6 and Oct. 25
point in time, the MSU board requires meetings, leading one to question
a political tactician to build consensus her level of participation in the non-
departure than she says and advance an agenda.
Fourth, this is a time commitment
with no pay. MSU board members
public board activities.
Schlichting might fit in well at
Duke or her other alma mater Cornell
Nancy who? attorney-client privilege for an can put in at least 20 hours a week. where her expertise is universally
Political folks independent review on Larry Nassar, In busy times — like picking a sought.
POLITICS
scratched their the serial rapist who posed as the president — it can be almost a second In this case, she was plugged into
collective heads days school’s gymnastics physician. full-time job. It’s doubtful this type the wrong place at the wrong time.
before Christmas The board’s hesitation is of commitment — particularly in her (Kyle Melinn of the Capitol news
last year when understandable. With an attorney backbencher role — fit into her busy service MIRS is at melinnky@gmail.
Republican Gov. general investigation and numerous schedule. com.)
Rick Snyder tapped “phase two” Nassar survivors still
Nancy Schlichting to looking to be compensated for City of Lansing
replace George Perles damages, this would be the equivalent Notice of Public Hearing
on the Michigan State with playing euchre with your cards The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on November 18, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the
University Board of Trustees. face up. City Council Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, Lansing, MI, for the purpose stated
below:
As Lansing waited to see Snyder Everybody involved in any type
pick a Spartan from his inner circle of litigation is entitled to private To afford an opportunity for all residents, taxpayers of the City of Lansing, other interested
— Lt. Gov. Brian Calley or his chief of conversations with their attorneys, persons and ad valorem taxing units to appear and be heard on the approval of Amended
Brownfield Plan #75 – Capital City Market Brownfield Redevelopment Project pursuant to and
staff, Dick Posthumus — to help steer and MSU is no different, despite in accordance with the provisions of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, Public Act
MSU through the turbulent post- how wretched the subject matter of a 381 of 1996, as amended, for property commonly referred to as 636 E. Michigan Avenue
Larry Nassar times, the “One Tough presumed coverup of a serial molester located in the City of Lansing, but more particularly described as:
Nerd” channeled his inner nerdiness. may be. Parcel 636 E. Michigan Avenue: A parcel of land in Block 242, Original Plat, City of Lansing,
He picked the former CEO of the District Judge Richard Ball of Ingham County, Michigan, and recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 36, Ingham County Records,
Connard’s Subdivision on Lot 1, Block 242, Original Plat, City of Lansing, Ingham County,
Henry Ford Health System, someone East Lansing spent six months going Michigan, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 31, Ingham County Records, and in Barnard’s
with a wide swath of respect in the over 6,450 documents and 47 text Subdivision on Lots 2, 3, and 4, Block 242, Original Plat, City of Lansing, Ingham County,
health care and business world. In messages. In March, he ordered MSU Michigan, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 32, Ingham county Records, the surveyed
boundary of said parcel described as: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Connard’s
the corporate world, Schlichting is a to hand over 177 of them, and the Subdivision 425.18 feet (recorded as 425.04 feet) to the Northeast corner of said Connard’s
highly sought commodity — a razor- school did. The rest, he said, were Subdivision; thence S00o06’32”W along the East line of said Connard’s Subdivision, the
East line of said Block 242, and the East line of said Barnard’s Subdivision 521.16 feet to
sharp, cutting-edge female executive being properly withheld. the Southeast corner of Block 1, said Barnard’s Subdivision; thence N89o29’27”W along
in a highly male-dominated corporate In deference to the Nassar survivors, the South line of said Block 1 a distance of 429.20 feet (recorded as 429.00 feet) to the
world. Schlichting and a few other board Southwest corner of said Block 1; thence N00o33’03”E along the West line of said Barnard’s
Subdivision 121.50 feet to the Northwest corner of Block 1 of said Barnard’s Subdivision;
At the time of her appointment, she members wanted all 6,450 documents thence S89o28’38”E along the North line of said Block 1 of Barnard’s Subdivision 135.00 feet
sat on the boards of seven different released. She lost that argument. Now to the East line of the West 135 feet of said Lot 2, Block 242; thence N00o33’03”E along said
East line 78.23 feet to the south line of the North 8 feet of said Lot 2, Block 242; S89o18’57”E
entities, including Duke University, she’s taking her ball and going home along said South line 30.00 feet to the Southerly extension of the East line of Lot 23, said
her alma mater. She has honorary to Bloomfield Township. Connard’s Subdivision; thence N00o33’03”E along said Southerly extension of the East line
doctoral degrees from three different For someone as accomplished and of said Lot 23 and the East line of Lots 23, 22, 21, and 20, said Connard’s Subdivision 155.45
feet; thence N54o22’13”W 13.08 feet; thence N89o27’25”W 4.35 feet; thence N00o29’31”E
schools. Just as Snyder saw himself respected as she is in her universe, 3.08 feet; thence N89o27’25”W 149.95 feet to the West line of said Connard’s Subdivision;
as the private-sector outsider who Schlichting quit over this? thence N00o33’03”E along said West line 155.83 feet to the point of beginning; said parcel
reinvented state government, with We may never know the full containing 4.24 acres, more or less, said aprcel [sic] subject to all easements and restrictions,
if any; and
11 days left in 2018, he likely saw story since Schlichting grants few
Schlichting as a private-sector interviews and even fewer when Parcel 119 S. Larch Street: Lots 20, 21 & 22, except the North 16.5 feet of Lot 20, Connard’s
Subdivision on Lot 1, Block 242, Original Plat, City of Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan,
outsider who could help navigate she doesn’t have control over the as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 31, Ingham County Records, also except a parcel of
Michigan State out of its problems. environment. land being part of Lot 20, Connard’s Subdivision on Lot 1, Block 242, Original Plat, City of
With Schlichting’s sudden But a review of her reputation as an Lansing, Ingham County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 31, Ingham County
Records, the boundary of said parcel described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner
resignation this week — 310 days as a unconventional leader and change- of said Connard’s Subdivision; thence S00o33’03”W along the West line of said Connard’s
trustee — it didn’t work out. agent points to an almost unhappy Subdivision 142.49 feet to a point 16.5 feet South of the Northwest corner of said Lot 20 and
the point of beginning of this description; thence S89o26’46”E parallel with the North line of
Snyder didn’t give Republicans a arrangement from the start. said Lot 20 a distance of 165.00 feet to the East line of said Lot 20; thence S00o33’03”W
third vote on the eight-person board, First of all, Schlichting isn’t a along said East line 23.91 feet; thence N54o22’13”W 13.08 feet; thence N89o27’25”W 4.35
someone who would have survived Spartan. She rarely, if ever, visited feet; thence N00o29’31”E 3.08 feet; thence N89o27’25”W 149.95 feet to the West of said
Connard’s Subdivision; thence N00o33’03”E along said West line 13.34 feet to the point of
a GOP convention — like 2012 and MSU before being appointed. Clearly, beginning; said parcel containing 0.44 acre, more or less; said parcel subject to all easements
2014 nominee Jeff Sakwa or 2018 a Spartan diploma isn’t a prerequisite and restrictions, if any.
nominee Dave Dutch. He picked a to serve, but the street cred helps. Approval of this Brownfield Plan will enable the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Democrat who wasn’t going to run to Second, she was not in charge. to capture incremental tax increases which result from the redevelopment of the property to
keep her seat in 2022. Schlichting is used to either being pay for costs associated therewith. Further information regarding this issue, including maps,
plats, and a description of the brownfield plan will be available for public inspection and may
He’s now given Gov. Gretchen in charge or her opinion carrying a be obtained from Karl Dorshimer – Director of Business Development, Lansing Economic
Whitmer the chance to pick a substantial amount of weight. On Area Partnership, 1000 South Washington, Suite 201, Lansing, MI 48912, (517) 702-3387.
Democrat who — in all likelihood — the eight-member board, she was the If you are interested in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative.
will run for election in 2022, giving rookie who wasn’t gifted any unique Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if
the D’s an upper hand in retaining the authority. Working the system and received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor,
City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov.
seat. playing the long game, is not where
Regardless, why did the Schlichting Schlicting is in life. She likely figured Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
appointment not work out? Her she could make an impact and leave www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope
public reason was that Michigan stage left in a few years. CP#19-320
State’s trustees wouldn’t drop its Third, she’s not a politician. Snyder
10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
What does the final straw
their own guy. On himself during a Senate trial.
INFORMED DISSENT
Wednesday, with Still, process is good enough for now.
the White House’s Last week, all but three Republican
look like?
encouragement, a senators — Mitt Romney, Susan
group of Republican Collins, and Lisa Murkowski —
congressmen made cosponsored Lindsey Graham’s
Last week, as I read the unequivo- Taylor, the top American diplomat in a clownish specta- JEFFERY C. BILLMAN resolution condemning the House’s
cally damning 15-page opening state- Ukraine, detailed how Donald Trump cle of storming a impeachment inquiry. But five other
ment William B. Taylor gave to House had made hundreds of millions of secure room in the Capitol to disrupt Republicans declined to do so right
investigators, I wondered what the dollars in military aid contingent on a a deposition, some breaching national away, and Senate Majority Leader
final straw would look like, and more public statement from Ukraine’s pres- security protocols by bringing their Mitch McConnell reportedly had to
specifically, whether one would ever ident that his government was investi- cell phones. And on Thursday, the water down the resolution’s initial
exist. In other words, what would it gating Joe Biden and a debunked con- Department of Justice leaked that its commitment to vote against removing
take for Republicans to decide that spiracy theory about Ukrainian inter- investigation into the origins of its own Trump to get the caucus on board,
enough is enough — that there is a line ference into the 2016 U.S. election, Trump-Russia probe had suddenly focusing instead on the alleged lack of
and Trump has crossed it? things Trump could then use to muddy become a criminal investigation, as if “due process.”
We know what hasn’t done the trick. the waters of his own corruption next a blind man couldn’t see through that At least some Republicans, it seems,
It hasn’t been the deluge of lies and year. This was the clearest evidence charade. were worried about tying themselves so
unremitting narcissism, the multiple yet of a quid pro quo, and it came not If there’s any coherence to Trump’s closely to Trump at such a precarious
instances of obstruction of justice from a faceless whistleblower but from strategy, it’s no longer convincing the moment. But right now, they’re still
documented in the Mueller report, the a Republican with whom Trump’s sec- public at large that he did nothing in his corner — and looking for any
allegations of sexual misconduct and retary of state had pleaded to take the wrong. It’s keeping enough Senate excuse to stay there.
assault, or the sustained attacks on the Ukraine gig. Republicans in line and giving them When Democrats went to the wall
free press. It hasn’t been siding with To get a sense of how bad this was, any thread to cling to. Right now, that for Bill Clinton 20 years ago, Clinton
white supremacists or ripping migrant consider the administration’s reaction: thread is process — the notion that was a popular second-term president
children from their parents or aban- On Tuesday, the day Taylor testified, House Democrats are being unfair to accused of lying about an affair. Trump
doning the Kurds in northern Syria to Trump tweeted that the impeach- Trump. is accused of something far more con-
the slaughter at the behest of autocrats ment proceedings were a “lynching”; Process arguments tend to be weak sequential, and at about 40 percent
in Turkey and Russia. his press shop halfheartedly called — the place you go when you can’t approval, he’s anything but popular —
And now, with increasing clarity, we it a “coordinated smear campaign argue the merits — and this one’s no about 20 points below where Clinton
know that he used American foreign from far-left lawmakers and radical different. Democrats are abiding by was in the run-up to his impeachment.
policy to push foreign governments to unelected bureaucrats,” ignoring the rules Republicans set when they held Clinton was presiding over a surging
dig up dirt on his political enemies. fact that this particular bureaucrat was the House following the Tea Party economy; Trump inherited a recovery
wave of 2010, and Republicans elim- that is slowing down and showing
Public Notice inated a requirement for a full House signs of wear. Longer-term, Trump’s
vote before committees can authorize coalition — old, white, evangelical —
The Ingham County Land Bank is accepting qualifications for Snow Removal on For Sale
Properties. The Request for Proposal packet is available October 30, 2019 at the Ingham their staffs to conduct depositions. represents America’s demographic
County Land Bank, 3024 Turner St, Lansing, MI, 48906, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday-Friday So yes, depositions are taken behind past, not its future.
or at www.inghamlandbank.org. Responses are due at the Land Bank offices by 11:00am on closed doors — as they were during the The Republican Party is following a
November 13, 2019 and will be opened at 11:00am November 13, 2019. The Ingham County
Land Bank is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women- and Minority-Owned endless Benghazi investigations — but pied piper over a cliff, and its leaders
Businesses are encouraged to apply. RFQ#: SNOW FOR SALE 10-2019 that makes sense, since you wouldn’t are either too ignorant to see it or too
CP#19-319
want witnesses being intimidated cowardly to stop it. Of course, if this
or coordinating their stories. And hollowed-out shell of moral deprav-
City of Lansing Republicans on the three committees ity is what the Party of Lincoln has
Notice of Public Hearing involved in the inquiry can participate become, its collapse can’t come soon
The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on November 18, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in in the depositions. Most important, enough.
the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, Lansing, MI, for the purpose stated all of this will be replayed in public (Jeffrey Billman is the editor of
below: hearings before the House votes to INDY Week, in Durham, North
To afford an opportunity for all residents, taxpayers of the City of Lansing, other interested impeach, and Trump will get to defend Carolina.)
persons and ad valorem taxing units to appear and be heard on the approval of Brownfield
Plan #78 – Temple Redevelopment Project pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions
of the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act, Public Act 381 of 1996, as amended, for
property commonly referred to as 502 E. Cesar E. Chavez Avenue located in the City of CITY OF LANSING
Lansing, but more particularly described as: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LOTS 5, 6, & W ½ of LOT 4 BLOCK 15 ORIG PLAT Z-7-2019, 1310 Knollwood Avenue
Tax Parcel No. 33-01-01-09-427-002 Rezoning from “F” Commercial District to “B” Residential District
Approval of this Brownfield Plan will enable the Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 18, 2019 at 7:00
to capture incremental tax increases which result from the redevelopment of the property to p.m. in Council Chambers, 10th Floor, Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing,
pay for costs associated therewith. Further information regarding this issue, including maps, Michigan to consider Z-7-2019. This is a request to rezone the property at 1310 Knollwood
plats, and a description of the brownfield plan will be available for public inspection and may Avenue from “F” Commercial District to “B” Residential District. The purpose of the rezoning
be obtained from Kris Klein – Economic Development Specialist, Lansing Economic Area is to bring the residential use of the property into compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.
Partnership, 1000 South Washington, Suite 201, Lansing, MI 48912, (517) 702-3387.
For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please
If you are interested in this matter, please attend the public hearing or send a representative. attend the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted
Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of
received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, the Public Hearing at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave.,
City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov. Lansing, MI 48933 or email city.clerk@lansingmi.gov
Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC
www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk
www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope
CP#19-322 CP#19-321City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11
November 1 • 5 to 8 p.m.
Featuring Enchanted Bead
Studio & Sam Barnett
Old Town
307 E. Cesar E.
Chavez Ave,
Lansing
517-482-8845
www.absolutegallery.com12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • October 30, 2019
ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC
• • •
Three days of angelitos and ofrendas at Casa de Rosada
By AUDREY MATUSZ Rosado, who has recognized the tradi- a table tiered with marigolds and an
Children will leave a trail of marigolds tion for more than 20 years. array of framed, grayscale portraits.
this Friday up the steps of Casa de Rosado The Michigan Indígena/Chicanx The creation belongs to the Thought
gallery. Día de Los Angelitos is the first Community Alliance and Voces de La Club, an intersectional LGBT culture
ceremony of El Día de Los Muertos cel- Comunidad organized the three-day club in Lansing. The founder, Isabella
ebration. The Mexican tradition hon- observation at Casa de Rosado. Copeland, has created “ofrendas” — or
ors ancestors An opening ceremony at 1 p.m. offerings — with her family for years,
Una Noche Con Coco from the per- Saturday at Casa de Rosado welcomes but this was her first community offer-
Friday, Nov. 1, 5:30-9 p.m. spective of a the departed back for the weekend. Also ing.
Free
Lansing Public Media Center child. known as All Souls Day, it’s customary “Including our LGBT community
2500 S. Washington Ave., Starting on this day to bring warmth into the into something that is so important to
Lansing
(517) 402-0282 with a film home by inviting guests and passing our heritage. This provides an oppor-
Facebook.com/casaderosado screening at small dishes. Hot chocolate, tamales tunity that may not have always been
El Día de Los Muertos the Lansing and pan de muerto, a special sweet available for some of our Latinx mem-
Saturday, Nov. 2 to Audrey Matusz
Public Media bread, will be served. bers,” said Copeland.
Sunday, Nov. 3
Inside the gallery, families and com- Isabella Copeland adjusting flowers on
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Center at A family tradition passed down
Casa de Rosado munity groups installed colorful altars the collaborative ofrenda she made through her mother, Copeland said the
204 E. Mt Hope Ave., Lansing
5:30 p.m., the
procession “of welcoming their deceased loved ones. with members of her LGBT+ network- altar construction process connects her
The altars are decorated with flowers, ing group, The Thought Club. to some of her happiest memories from
angels” will begin at the media center
candles, their loved one’s favorite food
and end at the gallery. The walk will be and pan de muerto. The exhibit of altars are filled with names, rather than sepia- childhood. The tradition has turned
led by children holding candle luminar- remains until 6 p.m. Sunday. toned portraits. The seven frames and into a mechanism to connect with the
ias. One of the most elaborate of displays skeletons on the altar represent chil- community for this new resident of
“The first is the day of children where was crafted by the Michigan Alliance dren who have died while in the custo- Lansing.
you welcome their spirits to the house- for Latino Education and Culture dy of federal immigration agencies, or “It’s the understanding that there
hold, the marigolds direct their spirit so (MALEC) — a wire prison cell door on a shortly after being released. is another world out there that we go
they can remember how to get home. large platform, with flowers, candles, a On the other side of the gallery wall to once we cross over, and there is an
In our case, we will have a screening baseball glove and picture frames lining sits a glittery spectacle of pride. Papel on-going relationship between the dead
of ‘Coco,’” said gallery owner Teresa its steps. Unlike most altars, the frames picado is strung across the wall above and the living,” Copeland said.
Meet Splash the border collie, Old Town’s ‘best costume’ winner
By ZIMO WANG However, the border collie trapped in-
When Halloween comes around, peo- side a claw vending machine got a ‘yes’
ple could dress up to celebrate, but a pet from all four judges.
store gave dogs an opportunity to par- Preuss was one of the four judges in
ticipate in their own costume contest. the contest. He said the homemade cos-
Saturday, as part of Old Town’s Hal- tume and creativity are the two main as-
loween, 80 dogs competed at Preuss pects used to decide the winner.
Pets’ annual event. Ann Williams, 54, a graphic designer,
“There was a commonality among ev- created the vending machine costume
eryone, and it was the dogs that were in for her 7-year-old border collie named
front of us and it was making everybody Splash.
happy, everybody having a good time. “I thought it was something different
And it kind of helped define a sense of that I haven’t seen before in a dog cos-
community,” Rick Preuss, owner and tume,” Williams said.
store manager of Preuss Pets. Splash likes swimming, music with a
During the contest, the audience took beat and any type of dog snacks.
pictures and cheered as the four-legged Williams said this is Splash’s “seventh
models strutted or wiggled past the ta- or eighth” time attending a dog costume
ble of judges. contest but her first win. For her un- Zimo Wang/City Pulse
Many canine contestants not only matched look, Splash won 90 pounds of Zimo Wang/City Pulse A close contender at the contest was
had costumes but rode in customized dog food, a long gift basket and a $100 Splash's first-place costume in a pomeranian dressed as Bo “Bandit”
mobiles or wagons to complete the look. Preuss shopping spree. Saturday’s dog costume contest. Darville.City Pulse • October 30, 2019 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13
‘My Heart’ shares personal memories from Vietnam
By DAVID WINKELSTERN half-Italian, half Chinese war-resister-
While also exposing triage units turned-nurse, Lee Ann.
during war, “A Piece of My Heart” is no Jessa Bye is perfect as Sissy — the
joke-laden episode of “M*A*S*H.” girl next door sent to a far away, unre-
The Shirley Lauro play at Riverwalk’s lenting, ghastly duty. Brie Roper real-
Black Box theater is about istically portrays Whitney, the lonely
Review women deployed to med- Red Cross nurse.
ical facilities in Vietnam. Mary Jo is the naïve member of an all-
It’s based on true stories of 26 female girl, country group on a United Service
vets who served in largely unrecog- Organizations tour that impacts her
nized, non-combat roles during the life forever. Classically trained vocalist
Vietnam War. Caila Conklin, assumes the vocal and
Six persuasive actresses bring those guitar interludes with authority — and
sometimes appalling, sometimes uses genuine acting chops to become Photo by Ariniko O'Meara
gut-wrenching and sometimes cathar- Mary Jo. The cast of “A Piece of My Heart” retell true stories from servicemen and women
tic experiences to life. The sextet also switch seamlessly from the Vietnam War. The show is at Riverwalk Theatre.
Ann Glenn Carlson commands the into other tormented characters.
role of Steel — the smart, black Army Tyler Frease masters the most char- such sights. What helps make the gro- The second act focuses on the dismay
specialist acter shifting. As “All American Men” tesqueness real, is descriptive dialogue, of returning home to a society unable
'A Piece of My Heart' who is often he glides from likeable grunt to abhor- emotion-filled acting and some impas- to grasp what they have been through.
Thursday, Oct. 31 – ignored. With rent officer with ease. Frease has no sioned directing by Diane Cooke. Gatherings at therapy sessions and the
Sunday, Nov. 3 gusto, Kelly problem playing a soldier who offers The first act of the two-hour-plus-in- Vietnam Wall Dedication Ceremony
Varying start times
Riverwalk Theatre
Jo Garland some of the rare laughs in the play or termission play provides backstory offers glimmers of hope.
228 Museum Drive plays Martha, depicting a dying amputee. about how the women got involved in “Piece of My Heart” shows how being
(517) 482-5700 the volunteer “A Piece of My Heart” conveys gore the Vietnam debacle. It also reveals in a war isn’t like any TV show or John
Riverwalktheatre.com nurse from a without actually showing any. The horror after unimaginable horror Wayne movie. Those who witness the
military fam- mostly dark, stark set designed by Tom while trying to cope with insurmount- play will surely come away with a bet-
ily. Anasti Her is convincing as the Ferris requires imagination to visualize able casualties. ter idea of what war is.
UB
™
Old Town’s newest intimate performance venue
TM
Jack Brandfield’s Four Spartans:
Tribute to Woody Herman
& special guest Diego Rivera
Thurs., Nov. 7
7 PM – 9 PM
South of the Border:
Planet D Nonet
from Detroit
Celebrating Sat., Nov 9
the MusiC of the 7 PM – 11 PM
other aMeriCas Margherita Fava
11/4 MoNdAY, 7:30 PM & Euro Trio (plus Jam)
FAIRCHILD THEATRE, MSU AUDITORIUM
Sun., Nov. 10
We celebrate the culture and music of the 7 PM – 10 PM
“other Americas” with a tribute to our southern
neighbors in a concert filled with variety. 10 th Anniversary urbanbeatevents.brownpapertickets.com
Generously sponsored by Mike and Midge Morrow, and Joanne & Bill Church
517.331.8440
“Dinner and a Concert” from the State Room Restaurant West CirCle series
inside Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Sponsored by:
info anD tiCKets urbanbeatevents.com
1213 Turner St., Lansing
music.msu.edu/westcircle
517-353-5340 &You can also read
