Finalz 4 Me

EAST SIDE POETRY OPEN MIC

Tonight is the final ESP Open Mic I'm organizing at Magdalena's Tea House.

DeShaun Snead, smashin' jazz artist who just featured in The Love Show (Scene, 15 Dec), is hosting the evening! 7:30pm sign-up, 8pm reading, $5 cover.

Proprietor Miko Fossum plans to carry on this three-year-old, once-a-month venue for poets and poetry admirers, so stay tuned to Mag's web site for an update! My deepest appreciation to Miko and the invited hosts since April

Erin McLaughlin, Amanda Dubey, and Chris Pereira (May); John Thompson (Jun); Franny Howes (Jul); Lisa Sayles (Aug), Gianni "Tupaco" Risper (Sep), and Susan Harris (Nov).

KEEPING WOMEN SAFE "CAMPAIGN"

Much thanks to every person who gave support as I urged Lansing local officials to prioritize preventing violence against women (mid-August to early December).

When I sent my first letter to Mayor Bernero (15 Aug), I had no idea what laid ahead (see Facts from the Campaign below). But the efforts were fruitful due to the commitment and risk-taking stamina of many golden-hearted individuals.

...AND I'm glad to say that strong women and allies are working to keep women safe in our community!

FACTS FROM THE VAW CAMPAIGN

• month-long silent treatment by the Mayor and my Council Member Harold Leeman (Ward 1),


• letter received from the Mayor one week after I filed a citizen's complaint about his violating Obligations of Leadership according to Lansing's City Charter,


• steadfast support from Rina Risper, President and Publisher of The New Citizen Press,


• meeting strong women at City Hall who prioritize this safety issue, including Jessica Narodowiec and Anne Hodges,


• consistent communication with and assistance offered by Council Member Carol Wood,


• collaborating with local and state anti-violence advocates and survivors of violence for the SPEAK OUT for Safety (Oct. 1),


• nonprofit director Joan Nelson confirming to me that she instructed her staff not to attend the SPEAK OUT for Safety on behalf of the Allen Neighborhood Center,


• holding historic meetings with Lansing City Council Committees, which yielded a 2008 sub-committee for follow-through on suggestions to prevent violence against women,


• nonprofit director Susan Shoultz pulling out EVE Inc. from the Committee of the Whole dialogue (one week and a half prior), followed by a phone apology (two weeks later) if I took this action "personally," and her continued refusal to meet in person with mediators.