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Mayor, county public health official and school superintendent update Flint residents during pandemic
By Tom Travis In a press conference today, it was announced that essential city services will remain in place, that water is being distributed at Help Centers in the city, that residents can have their water reconnected and that locations, times and distribution sites have been set up for learning packets and meals for school children. Speaking in the Dome auditorium behind City Hall, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley along with Dr. Lawrence Reynolds and Flint Community Schools Superintendent Derrick Lopez offered updates for the city as the...
read moreGenesee Valley Mall leasing exec knows of no plans to close so far: coronavirus response issued
Editor’s note: Following the publication of this article, a statement was issued from the ownership and management teams of Genesee Valley Center responding to the COVID-19 situation. Further details describing specific measures being taken at the property are available here. The statement is as follows: “For now, the property will remain open under the new measures until otherwise directed by local officials and the CDC, but the team is continuing to assess the situation as it progresses. Of course, all events or programming at...
read moreSomber vibes for St. Paddy’s Day celebrations during the coronavirus pandemic
By Tom Travis Slainte! The St. Paddy’s Day vibes are nuanced this year with the outbreak of the coronavirus–and that Irish toast, which means “health!” was perhaps never more appropriate. Flint, the nation and the world are reacting to a near complete shutdown of services. EVM went for a walk downtown Tuesday to check the temperature of Flintstones on these early days of the coronavirus, the present state of emergency and how it’s affecting local restaurants. Farmers’ Market still open, with modifications...
read moreFlint Community Schools food distribution times have changed, info listed here
New update as of March 24: The food distribution sites have been reduced from 24 to 7. The 7 remaining are Northwestern, Brownell/Holmes, Berston Field House, Potter, Durant-Tuuri-Mott, Freeman, Southwestern. See addresses below. See updated information on food distribution times — changed to 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for BOTH breakfast and lunch. Details updated below:
read moreCoronavirus updates: Ruth Mott Foundation offices closed to visitors; business continues
The following statement has been received from the Ruth Mott Foundation, clarifying that their offices–including Applewood–are closed to visitors but that the Foundation will continue business, most staff working remotely. Proposal deadline changes and community meeting postponements detailed below. Dear Partners and Community Members, “It seems that news related to COVID-19 is changing rapidly by the hour. As a family foundation committed to the vitality of our Flint community, the Ruth Mott Foundation is prioritizing the...
read moreCity of Flint launches webpage with coronavirus community resources
The City of Flint today announced it has set up a webpage to help residents find and connect with coronavirus services. City Hall itself will be closed temporarily starting Tuesday, March 17, but according to the press release, city services will continue and phones will continue to be answered. Here is the city’s press statement: “The City of Flint launched today a webpage detailing services available to Flint residents as the community responds to the spread of coronavirus. The list includes grab-and-go meal services,...
read moreCoronavirus update: Two McCree programs—Stylistics, Youth Arts Explosion—postponed
The following two postponements were announced today from the New McCree Theatre: “Due to Governor Whitmer’s advisory requsting Michigan citizens to avoid gatherings of 100 people or more as a means of preventing the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus, McCree Theatre is postponing its Stylistics’ concert, originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020, until further notice. “The Youth Arts Explosion scheduled at the New McCree Theatre, G-2138 W. Carpenter Rd., for March 28, 2020, has been postponed until further...
read moreCensured Councilperson Mays, attorney make case against city council
By Tom Travis At a Saturday press conference inside the Hasselbring Senior Center in Flint’s north end, the attorney for censured 1st Ward Councilperson Eric Mays, Steve Haney said, “What I’m here for today is not an Eric Mays issue– it’s an issue for 8,000 folks who elected Eric Mays to be their voice. They are being deprived constitutionally of that voice.” On March 4, City Council had Mays removed from a council meeting for disorderly conduct. Once he was removed, the remaining council unanimously passed a motion to censure Mays and...
read moreFlint City Hall closing to the public Tuesday because of COVID-19: Neeley recommends limits on gathering size
The City of Flint tonight issued a statement saying Flint City Hall will temporarily close to the public Tuesday, March 17, due to “the continuing spread of COVID-19.” The statement also said Mayor Sheldon Neeley recommends all local businesses, places of worship and other gathering spaces “voluntarily limit the size of their gatherings,” indicating the city will cancel all “nonessential” meetings and keep all other gatherings to 30 people or fewer. And Neeley reiterated his announcement from Thursday that...
read moreReview: For coronavirus “Cuckoo’s Nest,” the uneasily relevant show went on — and then got cancelled
By Patsy Isenberg It’s ironic how in sync “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Flint Repertory Theatre’s (The Rep’s) Elgood blackbox stage last Friday (the 13th, as it happened) echoed how it seems so many of us were feeling that day. It was the opening night for the show. I kept checking the theatre’s website all week to make sure they hadn’t cancelled or postponed the opening. They didn’t. But it was supposed to take place the following weekend as well. That’s what they finally had to cancel. So, hand-sanitizer in my bag and tissues...
read moreFlint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music coronavirus closures announced
The Flint Institute of Arts (FIA)and the FIA Art School will be closed through April 5, according to a statement issued Saturday. The Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA) part of the Flint Institute of Music (FIM) will be closed for three weeks. More details from both the FIA and the FIM–and regarding the Flint Repertory Theatre — can be found below. Contact: Ann Marie Van Duyne Chief Mktg & Development Officer amvanduyne@thefim.org 810-938-8597 [FLINT, MI] – Based on the recent mandate by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer,...
read moreICGF International Women’s Day observance cancelled because of coronavirus
The Monday, March 16 observance of International Women’s Day has been cancelled, according to Phyllis Sykes, media contact for the International Center of Greater Flint. It was to have featured U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and had been moved to the Flint Farmers’ Market. Genesee County Women Celebrate International Women’s Day VENUE CHANGE FLINT – On Monday, March 16, 2020, the International Center of Greater Flint in collaboration with the Links Incorporated, Flint Area Chapter, will host a community event celebrating...
read moreMore cancellations: Woodside Church, Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence
In person worship cancelled at Woodside–statement received today: Based on recommendations from the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services and our UCC [United Church of Christ] Michigan Conference, Woodside Church is suspending all activities including Sunday worship gatherings for the rest of March. Pastor Deb will be streaming an abbreviated worship on Sunday mornings, and the office will remain open. For more information, watch Facebook, check our website (woodsidechurch.net) or subscribe to text alerts (text...
read moreFlint Community Schools to provide meals, laptops, “learning packets” in coronavirus response
Two meals a day, Google Chromebooks, and ‘learning packets” will be provided to Flint public school students throughout the coronavirus school closure, Flint Community Schools Superintendent Derrick Lopez announced today. Flint schools were at first closed Friday and will be closed from Monday, March 16 through April 5, along with all other K-12 schools in the state following a decree Thursday from Michigan Gov.Gretchen Whitmer as the state tries to grapple with the effects of the virus. In a document provided by the...
read moreState execs tout census benefits, urgency to Flint in E-Town Hall
By Tom Travis Three of Michigan’s four executive elected officers, Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson came to Flint this week to highlight, with local officials on hand, the importance and convenience of completing the census and the benefits it brings to local communities. Originally planned to be open to the public, last minute changes were made to make the Census Town Hall closed to the public with online viewing only. The full Facebook video of the E-Town...
read moreCoronavirus updates: Sloan Museum closed through March 20
The following statement arrived today from the Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium: Closed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Due to the Coronavirus pandemic and the state of emergencies declared by both the State of Michigan and the City of Flint, Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium will close to the public at 5 p.m. today, Friday, March 13, and will remain closed through Friday, March 20. During this time period, all public shows, exhibits, events, and programs are canceled. Canceled Events Friday, March 13 – All Scouts Family Fun Night:...
read moreKeeping hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy.
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read moreKnow the facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and help stop the spread of rumors.
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read moreMayor declares “city-wide emergency,” announces water shutoffs to be reconnected
By Tom Travis In an evolving response during two press conferences Thursday, Mayor Sheldon Neeley declared Flint is under a “citywide emergency health alert” because of the coronavirus and announced residences that have had their water shut off will be reconnected. No cases in Flint yet Noting that no coronavirus cases have yet been documented in the city, Neeley said, “We are trying to prepare in the event that there is a full outbreak in our community. We are working hard to make sure services will not be interrupted but...
read moreMore coronavirus cancellations: ArtWalk/Buckham Gallery, College Cultural Neighborhood Association
In the latest coronavirus updates, cancellation announcements have arrived this evening from both Buckham Gallery, including cancellations of part of Friday’s Art Walk; and from the College Cultural Neighborhood Association (CCNA) which has cancelled its March 19 and April 16 meetings. Here are statements from each organization. CCNA: As a mindful response to the current COVID-19 virus situation, and the city of Flint’s current warning to avoid large gatherings of people in social situations, the College Cultural Neighborhood...
read moreCoronavirus update: Flint Institute of Music suspends events, performances of audiences more than 100
Late today, March 12, the Flint Institute of Music issued a statement saying it is suspending all events and performances of 100 people or more for the next 30 days. See President and CEO Rodney Lontine’s statement below: Dear Patron, We reached out to you just yesterday with our promise that we were closely monitoring the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. In accordance with the Governor’s recommendations, FIM is suspending all events and performances convening 100 people or more for the next 30 days (April 11). Flint...
read moreCoronavirus updates from Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium
Here is the COVID-19 response from the Sloan Museum at Courtland and Longway Planetarium: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response Plan Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium are currently open to the public, and will continue to closely monitor the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus outbreak via the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). We have developed a COVID-19 response plan that prioritizes the health and safety of both...
read moreCity of Flint issues emergency health alerts to residents for coronavirus
The City of Flint has issued the following alerts in light of the corona virus situation: “The City of Flint is issuing an emergency health alert to all residents to raise awareness of and slow the spread of coronavirus disease. “The City of Flint is working closely with its partners on the local, state and federal level,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “We continue to monitor the situation closely and will continue to respond proactively based on the best advice and guidance available.” The City of Flint is also asking local agencies to...
read moreCity Council Beat: City Council postpones vote on marijuana ordinances as citizens speak
By Coner Segren The Flint City Council voted 5-2 Monday to postpone voting on whether to adopt three ordinances regulating marijuana businesses in the city. The vote came after several residents raised concerns about potential marijuana dispensaries proximity to residential areas. “If there is anything that’s passed, this needs to be solely in a commercial area, not a residential area,” said Michele Igram, an 8th Ward resident. “and the zoning is going to affect every single residential area in the city of Flint if this is passed. So, we are...
read moreFair and Equal Michigan announce kick-off event to amend Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act
Fair and Equal Michigan announces a Genesee County Kick-off event to recruit people for circular training and to become knowledgeable about the Elliott Larsen Civil Rights Act. The event will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 13. at Asbury united Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Rd., Flint. The special speaker will be local attorney Alec Gibbs. He will speak on the legal impact of the Elliott Larsen Act being amended to protect LGBTQ people. Gibbs will discuss his own experience as an attorney who works on employment discrimination...
read moreLatinx community offers value not always recognized, Tendaji Talks presenter asserts
By Zach Neithercut In a city mostly comprised of white and African American residents, a minority some citizens may miss is the Latinx or Hispanic community, who make up about 3.9 percent of the population, according to the 2010 census. The March Tendaji Talk, presented by the organization Neighborhoods Without Borders at Longway Planetarium, attempted to bring attention to that sometimes overlooked community. It featured Asa Zuccaro, executive director of the Latinx Technology and Community Center at 2101 Lewis St. He is a Latinx person...
read moreGenesee Earth Week set to celebrate 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the Genesee Conservation District (GCD) has announced its first annual Genesee Earth Week. Events will take place the week of April 18 – 25, 2020, launched by a kick-off party set for 5:30 to 9 p.m. April 17, at Tenacity Brewing, 119 N. Grand Traverse St. Genesee Earth Week has a Facebook page and a website link for a calendar of events and activities throughout the week long event (geneseecd.org/geneseeearthweek). Volunteer opportunities also are available. According to a press release,...
read moreBiden, Flint schools, MCC and Cynthia Neeley win in Genesee County primary
By Paul Rozycki With a turnout of about 26 percent, Genesee County voters gave victories to former Vice President Joe Biden, Flint Community Schools, Mott Community College, and Cynthia Neeley, in the March 10th “Big Tuesday” primary election. The presidential primary: Michigan mattered Unlike 2016, when Bernie Sanders outpolled Hillary Clinton in Michigan’s Democratic primary, the voters in Michigan didn’t surprise the pollsters this year. While Sanders hoped for a repeat of his upset four years ago, this year Michigan voters kept former...
read moreKildee names blight, development as top priorities, calls for aging cities “Marshall Plan” at FNU appearance
By Coner Segren Even though Genesee County has received about $67.5 million through the federal Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) to eliminate blight—funds which have funded demolition of 5,000 vacant properties—much more is needed, U.S. Fifth District Congressman Dan Kildee told participants at the March meeting of Flint Neighborhoods United (FNU). Addressing residents’ concerns about how best to continue fighting blight in Flint, Kildee noted the Genesee County Land Bank—of which Kildee was the first director—still estimates an additional 8000...
read moreMays returns to city council after censure, more than 100 residents line up to voice opinions
By Tom Travis Censured Councilperson Eric Mays (1st Ward) returned to City Council Chambers Monday night despite being censured for 30 days by his council colleagues, and a stream of residents lined up at the speaker’s podium to voice their displeasure about his exclusion from meetings. Those opposed included many from the 1st Ward, along with a well-known activist with Flint roots, Sam Riddle, who joined in to lambaste the council for its actions. The blast of reactions came just after the Special Affairs Committee emerged from...
read moreBiden rallies supporters at Flint’s Berston Field House before Tuesday’s primary
By Paul Rozycki With less than 15 hours before the polls open for Michigan’s primary election, former Vice President Joe Biden brought his campaign to Michigan, and to Flint, to rally supporters for the Democratic presidential nomination. On Monday afternoon Biden made a stop at Berston Field House on Flint’s north end. Meeting for over two hours at an invitation-only gathering with local Democratic political leaders, Biden accepted the endorsements of Flint’s Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Cynthia Neeley who is a candidate for the state House in...
read moreMayor Sheldon Neeley, Cynthia Neeley jointly endorse Joe Biden
By Jan Worth-Nelson In a brief press release issued Sunday night, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and his wife, State House of Representative candidate Cynthia Neeley, issued what they called a “dual presidential endorsement” for former Vice President Joe Biden. “Former Vice President Joe Biden has long been a friend of working people, and working alongside President Barack Obama, he has proven he is a strong supporter of the City of Flint,” the statement read. The statement said the two had come to their decision...
read moreBernie Sanders sweeps into Flint and Mott Community College scrambles to accommodate crowd of 1,000
By Tom Travis Striding onto the stage of a crowded Ballenger Field House Saturday night, U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders shouted, “Thank you, Flint, Thank you. It’s always good to be back.” Someone yelled out, “We love you Bernie!” The crowd cheered and Sanders said, “Thank you.” The candidate’s sweep through Flint attracted a bigger than expected crowd–more than 1,000–and caused Mott Community College officials to scramble to find enough space on campus for the event, called a “Town Hall for Racial and...
read moreAuto insurance town hall airs community concerns over impending changes
By Jeffery L Carey Jr. A hearty dose of skepticism and dejection was the overall attitude at an auto insurance town hall Tuesday, March 3. Hosted at the Unitarian-Universalist Church off South Ballenger Highway, the town hall discussion dove right into the potential negative outcomes of the newly crafted Michigan Auto Insurance No-Fault reform law set to go into full effect July 1, 2020. [An EVM story of Jan. 28 presented a another view of the bill passed in May, 2019, noting the bipartisan nature of the move to reform auto insurance and the...
read moreVoters, don’t miss this: Absentee ballots deadline 8 p.m. Tuesday March 10; Clerk’s Office open Saturday
There’s still time to obtain and turn in your absentee ballot for Tuesday’s election, City Clerk Inez Brown is reminding voters. The Flint City Clerk’s Office will be open tomorrow, Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to issue absentee ballots over the counter to Flint registered voters. The final deadline for voters who have already received their absentee ballots to return their ballot to the Clerk’s office is 8 p.m. Tuesday night, March 10. Absentee ballots received after the deadline date cannot be counted. The Flint...
read moreCommentary: Make sense of the census — be sure you are counted!
By Paul Rozycki In a nation of 330 million people, one person doesn’t make much of a difference? Right? Don’t tell that to the 29,999 people in Burton. In the last census, they were one person short of the 30,000 level for federal programs, and it cost the city a significant amount of federal funds. By now, if you haven’t heard already, most local governments in Genesee County (and around the nation) are making a big pitch to make sure that everyone takes the time to get counted for the 2020 census. The cities of Flint and Burton, as well as...
read moreThis Month in the Village: March Features
You may download This Month in the Village here: EVM_March_Eventss_2020
read moreEast Village Magazine – March 2020
The latest issue of the East Village Magazine is available for download here: EVM_March_2020
read moreThe Board of Review’s revised rules set to be put in place at its next regular meeting
By Tom Travis After nearly an hour and a half of disruptions with Flint residents and a Council member being removed the city council got back to business with a public hearing. The public hearing was required to be held before a new set of revised rules could be implemented by The Board of Review. Previously in the evening’s special city council meeting Councilperson Eric Mays (1st Ward) was removed from the council chambers for disorderly behavior (see related story here) The agenda stated that the purpose of the special city council...
read moreMays removed and censured from attending City Council meetings until April 8
By Tom Travis Upheaval and mayhem described the special city council meeting on Wednesday night. Within 20 minutes of the special city council meeting. a motion was made to remove Councilperson Eric Mays (1st Ward). Almost simultaneously, a resident, Wilbert Jarrett, was removed after being called out of order. Mays was handcuffed and removed out of the council chambers by Flint Police Officer Bill Metcalfe. Jarrett was escorted out by Chief Of Police Phil Hart. The mayhem began immediately after the City Clerk, Inez Brown, called roll call....
read moreVillage Life: “Tree City” a sweet place to tap for syrup–here’s how
By Jeffery L Carey Jr. This year marks the fifth year my family has been making maple syrup out in our yard. It started with just a bit of curiosity and now it is something we look forward to every year. There is something incredible about getting outside and feeling the energy of the trees, the texture of the bark, and the maples awakening as they lumber out of hibernation. Being thrifty types, we looked for the most inexpensive way to start utilizing the maple trees we had. After watching just a few YouTube videos on maple syrup production...
read moreNeighborhood revitalization and blight removal are goals in Durant-Tuuri-Mott target area
By Tom Travis Dreaming, re-imagining and visioning for neighborhoods were at the center of a recent discussion of the University Avenue Corridor Coalition (UACC). Focused on neighborhood revitalization and blight removal, a project funded by a small federal grant is being directed toward envisioning possibilities for a historic neighborhood in the heart of Flint. UACC leaders and others say they hope the project, calling for several other community meetings, will carry over into other neighborhoods in Flint. Called the Durant-Tuuri-Mott...
read more“Zero layoffs” and “no more raiding the Water and Sewer fund” in Mayor Neeley’s 2021 city budget
By Tom Travis Mayor Sheldon Neeley presented a balanced 2021 budget to the Flint City Council Monday that calls for total revenues of $56.9 million and total expenditures of $71.3 million, using city savings from its previous general fund balance to make up the difference. Neeley vowed to stop budget practices used by previous administrations and emergency managers. He vowed it would not include layoffs of city employees, and would stop transfers from the water and sewer fund in order to balance the budget. Neeley also confirmed his...
read moreFreeman Elementary’s “Live Museum” celebrates Black History Month
By Harold C. Ford A group of about 42 sixth-grade students made Black History Month come alive with a “Live Museum” at Flint’s Freeman Elementary School on Feb. 25. Students dressed up as Barack Obama, Serena Williams, Bernie Mac, Nelson Mandela, Langston Hughes, Alicia Keys, Guion Bluford and many other well-known persons. For 90 minutes, they were visited in the school’s gymnasium by family members, representatives of the media, and Freeman classmates and staff who listened to short biographical sketches about the person(s) they had...
read moreAnalysis: Citizens speak up and votes are swayed, as City Council turns down tax abatement in Carriage Town
By Tom Travis On Monday, Feb. 24, Flint City Council voted 5 to 4 against a proposed tax abatement for a property development in the neighborhood that birthed General Motors. The decision may mean the end of the project, which has been vigorously protested by a group of its neighbors. The property, formerly a Hamady grocery store and owned by the Farah family with Troy Farah as a trustee, is at the corner of University Avenue and Grand Traverse Boulevard, just a few blocks northwest of downtown, in the Carriage Town Historic Neighborhood...
read more“Hair on fire!” FPL Director Kay Schwartz, staff synchronizing complex library moves, “working our hearts out”
By Zach Neithercut “Is my hair on fire?” That’s what Flint Public Library Director Kay Schwartz says she blurts out these days to anybody asking how things are going. Schwartz is at the helm of a complicated–and extremely rewarding–set of maneuvers as the 60-year-old library on Kearsley Street begins preparations for its massive makeover — a $27.6 million project to transform the aging facility from the inside out and create 16,000 of additional square feet. “It will be a ‘like new’...
read moreBucks’ success continues into off season
By Harold C. Ford The 2019 on-field success of the Flint City Bucks during their first season in The Vehicle City—including a national championship in the United Soccer League Two (USL2)—has continued into the off-season. Top honors for the club’s executives and the ascension of three former players into Major League Soccer (MLS) accentuated the Bucks’ impressive inaugural season in Flint. Executive awards The Bucks’ Dan Duggan and Costa Papista were named Co-ExecuUnives of the Year by USL2. “The award is presented to the top executive(s)...
read moreEducation Beat: Flint Community Schools move toward March 10 millage renewal, no closures in sight
By Harold C. Ford Editor’s note: This story was updated March 1 to include a statement from Supt. Derick Lopez (see below) regarding school closures. At the Feb. 19 meeting of the Flint Community Schools’ (FCS) Board of Education, Superintendent Derrick Lopez announced a public information campaign that seeks voter approval for a March 10 millage restructuring proposal. Lopez emphasized that the proposal is not a millage increase. Rather, it’s a restructuring of a 4.0 mill currently assessed property owners. For the moment, however,...
read moreNew report highlights progress and perils facing Flint kids: nutrition, literacy enhanced; poverty still high
By Coner Segren The story of Flint in the past decade has largely been a tale of two cities. While the unemployment rate has fallen by more than half since 2010, 69 percent of Flint children under the age of 5 are living in poverty. And that is just one of the many challenges facing families in Genesee County in the wake of the Flint water crisis per a report presented by the Greater Flint Health Coalition at the first “State of Flint Kids” event Feb. 14. “We’ve heard the State of the State, and we’ve heard the State of the Union,” said Dr....
read moreCharles Winfrey’s “Saints of St. John Street” runs at McCree through Feb. 29
By Patsy Isenberg “The now demolished St. John Street neighborhood is historic in the sense it was one of only two areas African Americans could reside in as they migrated to Flint from the south.” That’s the first sentence about the authentic and nostalgically effective play, “The Saints of St. John Street” from the program for the Charles Winfrey memoir that opened Feb. 20 at the New McCree Theatre, 2040 W. Carpenter Rd., Flint. Of the St. John neighborhood, the description continues, “Residents shopped there, worshipped there,...
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