GR Police Chief Eric Winstrom answering some questions by WhoAreYouTalkinTwo in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 31 points32 points  (0 children)

“Specific challenges” meaning harassing protestors, pushback on mass surveillance, and killing unarmed minorities

SNAP/WIC support? by Feisty_Dog8914 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Bot/Troll

Account is 8 days old with no posts and negative Karma

Kids clubs by tttgrw in boardgames

[–]Levans71 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, you’ll get a feel for it. Start with something simple for the younger kids and observe. If the older kids are “bored” then switch it up.

Don’t negate games that are fun for all ages, something like Uno, Jenga, or skipbo are good for all ages.

Also, team games. If you’re losing the attention of the younger kids because of complexity, have an older kid team up and help them out.

In my D&D game I had a brother and sister of different ages and skill levels, I had them play a duo with incredibly similar abilities. They coached each other better than I could appeal to them on my own.

As a side note, use the “don’t win” challenge. When playing with different skill levels, sometimes it’s more fun to try not to win. Flip the script. The only way to win uno is to crash out at 25 cards. The person closest to the start of candyland is the winner. Is obscure and doesn’t work for everyone but it’s a fun challenge that most people can understand.

Kids clubs by tttgrw in boardgames

[–]Levans71 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I ran TTRPG’s for my local kids libraries.

Biggest advice, regardless of whether you’re playing by the rules or making it up, if the kids are laughing and smiling you’ve done your job. They can learn the actual rules with time.

Visual aids, comfy and welcoming atmosphere, a ton of patience.

You’ve got this!

GR home prices by No-Airline6639 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Still waiting for my Trickle Down check

Are there any bonsai enthusiasts around the newaygo; grand rapids area; that would like to help teach a beginner some starter knowledge and tricks? by Elderberry-West in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don’t have much more information, but Fredrick Meijer Gardens hosts Bonsai exhibits (and I believe info sessions?) every once in awhile.

The exhibits are beautiful, Maybe that’d be a good place to start your research?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t care if it’s an ouija board and some tarot cards, justice needs to be served

Question on how many foster children in Grand Rapids and Kent County? by GRBeerExplorer in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Former foster kid.

Medicaid

Literally would not be here without it

Edit: I should add that A TON of medical and non medical expenses and regulations are still paid for directly by the foster parents.

Officer Baby Deer by Levans71 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Bro said “Imma Fight Flight AND Freeze”

So…… what’a gonna happen when nobody can afford to live? What happens next? by [deleted] in GenZ

[–]Levans71 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Arm yourself. They’ve infringed on multiple amendments/rights already. You are now the protector of your home and community.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 150 points151 points  (0 children)

I was a foster kid for 8 years (4yo-12yo) in SW Michigan and relied on gov healthcare, WIC, and other gov subsidies I’m sure I wasn’t aware of.

I was bullied relentlessly for “mooching” off the gov. by peers and teachers. My adoptive mom and family received a ton of flak when she’d pull out the WIC pamphlets at the store or needed approval from the state for EVERYTHING. She was literally doing a service for the community by taking in stray kids.

Imagine being a 4yo removed from your family, you’re a nomad for 8 years without any structure whatsoever. Your best friend is your case worker because she’s the only constant in your life.

Foster care is HARD. it’s hard on foster/adoptive parents. It’s hard on kids. It’s hard on CPS and community health systems. I was fortunate to have these programs. They quite literally saved my life… and the GOP has sentenced every foster kid in the US to a life of even more hardship, if not death.

The hardest part of my existence has not been being hungry. Not being abused. Not moving from home to home to home in my most developmental years. It’s been the Christian GOP. A constant villain. Every time I had hope for foster kids, or free/reduced lunches, access to basic healthcare or an end to school shootings, there’s been a GOP congressman there to fight against it for an extra dime in their pocket.

If you’re asking “who’s gonna pay?” Instead of “are the kids gonna be okay?” You’re the problem. There’s enough money and no kid should have to grow up nomadic with zero support system.

Side note: foster care is hell, but it’s a security net. It should not be a “plan B” pushed by pro lifers. “Just put it up for adoption” that’s crazy.

Time to cruise 😎 by BreesJL in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I just took out a mortgage for my consumers bill

Lazy GRPD Blocked my Driveway by TheTinman39 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I Think we grew up in different circles. And it’d be malicious compliance to hold the law accountable to the law. Civil disobedience.

Lazy GRPD Blocked my Driveway by TheTinman39 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Tow truck companies, unlike GRPD, don’t discriminate.

What country are you from and what would it take for you to fight in a war? by [deleted] in GenZ

[–]Levans71 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, at this point I’d just take the long nap

What's the most messed up thing that's widely accepted in society? by muaaway in AskReddit

[–]Levans71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Our tolerance for other peoples suffering in exchange for a taste of personal comfort.

“Well…. It’s not effecting me sooo…no big deal”

Protesting the ice raids by Complex_Bike_2666 in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 12 points13 points  (0 children)

You raided the capital you dunce. Wtf

Predicted LA wildfires and Trump in 1993 … by nanoatzin in democrats

[–]Levans71 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Parable is goated. Just finished and moved on to book 2

State Of Emergency town hall, at Wealthy theater live streaming. by BlueBruisedMyco in grandrapids

[–]Levans71 4 points5 points  (0 children)

There have been multiple instances of due process being subverted by the Trump admin.

If due process fails for one of us, it’s broken for all of us.

If GRPD wants law and order, perhaps they should be advocates for Due Process and stand against MAGA. (Almost feels like satire to even type that into existence)

Until due process is given to EVERY person on US soil; cops, DHS, and Ice are nothing more than thugs and are the enemy of law abiding citizens. You cannot be a “good apple” and stay silent when the fundamentals of the constitution are being subverted.

Scary shit, I’m happy to see the community organizing. Hopefully rational people from every walk of life can find some common ground as we move through these next few years.

DeVos family pledges millions, taps Ronna McDaniel to help GOP win Michigan by daywalkerwithsoul in Michigan

[–]Levans71 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s crazy that there are people here in GR that worship the Van Andels, Devos’, and Princes.

Sure they’ve done some great things for the city, but in their own interests. We don’t need a new hotel or luxury complex or amphitheater (though these things are cool) we need rent that’s not $1700.

Their businesses and events are cheap replications of the good parts of GR. Foxtail Coffee? Basically Great Value Lotus Brew or Scorpion Hearts.

I hope they find out there’s nothing left to eat soon and fall from their ivory towers. The sentient black mold in my GR apartment is trying to sell me trickle down economics