Trick or Treaters were out in full-Force in Ypsilanti Neighborhoods on Halloween: Followed by, um, mass excitability!!

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Trick or Treaters were out in full-force on Halloween Wednesday evening in Ypsilanti  neighborhoods. Based on the looks of excitement and joy on the faces of droves of children and the smiles on the faces of area parents, it was plain to see that everyone out on Halloween had a spooktacular time. Okay, that last descriptor was a little corny, but you know what I mean! Anyway, the point is that there were tons of kids out trick or treating and folks were having fun a time!

Now, PWP thus far has not been alerted of any tricks being played or rocks being handed out on this Halloween night, but word on the street is that Sweetarts, Nerds, Twizzlers, and Sour Patch Kids candy have contributed to a glut of over-excited and rambunctious children refusing to go to bed in town Wednesday evening. These reports are currently unconfirmed, though here at Purple Walrus Press headquarters in Ypsi, uncontrolled children are at this very moment threatening to take over the newsroom due to over excitability because of excess candy consumption.

Stay tuned for updates and Happy Halloween from Purple Walrus Press Ypsilanti!

Eastern Michigan University President Smith statement regarding attack in Pittsburgh.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

From Eastern Michigan University President James M. Smith. EMU press release.

Once again, as seen this weekend, our nation experienced an outburst of unimaginable hate and violence. I join with other university leaders, first responders, government leaders and all citizens who denounce acts of anti-Semitism and the hateful, violent act that claimed the lives of 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. This kind of evil has no place in America. We must support one another as a campus community and a society focused on tolerance and acceptance. I join with all who are deeply saddened by these events with sympathy for those who were killed and wounded and their families, and I stand firmly with you as we work together against the forces of hate that seek to divide us.

Eastern Michigan has many resources available for students who are upset and concerned about this tragic and deadly attack. They include the Center for Jewish Studies - Director and Professor Martin Shichtman can be reached at mshichtma1@emich.edu or 734.487.0978. For any students seeking general support, please contact Calvin Phillips, associate vice president, student affairs at cphill34@emich.edu or at 734.487.0035. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is prepared to offer counseling to students. On weekdays, students can make an appointment during business hours to talk to a counselor by calling 734.487.1118. Students can access CAPS after-hours phone support in the evenings and on weekends by calling 734.487.1118.

For those interested in learning more about Michigan and national support efforts related to fighting hate and anti-Semitism, please contact the Anti-Defamation League. 

To limit effects of lead exposure Flint families can get nutritious food at mobile food pantry in November.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, families in my hometown of Flint can get nutritious food that can limit the effects of lead exposure during mobile food pantry hours set for November at locations throughout Flint.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are announcing the upcoming schedule for mobile food pantry stops to distribute foods rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron. Produce expected to be available to families in November includes potatoes, cabbage and onions, according to MDHHS.

More than $300 million has been provided to help the residents of Flint, including this initiative, states MDHHS. Food distribution sites remain open while supplies last. Future dates by location are:

• Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
  • Thursday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday Nov. 21, at 7:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m.
• Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Hwy.
  • Monday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m.
• Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davidson Road.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 27, at 10 a.m.
• Salem Lutheran Church, 2610 Martin Luther King Ave.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 7, at noon
• The Bridge, 1114 University Ave.
  • Friday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m.
• Luke NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale.
  • Friday, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m.
• Hispanic Tech Center, 2101 Lewis St.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m.
• Hasselbring Senior Center, 1002 W. Home Ave.
  • Saturday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m.

Flint residents can also pick up free nutritional food at the three Flint Help Center locations. They are Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 N. Ballenger Highway, open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Mondays; Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road, open Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Highway, open Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m, according to MDHHS.

This schedule is subject to change, and information about additional food distribution dates will be announced as they are scheduled. For more information or to find out about any changes in the schedule, visit the Food Bank website at www.FBEM.org and find the updated schedule on the Mobile Pantry Distribution page, or call 810-239-4441.

Community-Wide Vigil For Tree of Life Congregation Sunday University of Michigan Diag Ann Arbor.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown

This evening, Sunday, October 28, there will be a vigil on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor to honor the memories of those killed during Shabbat prayer at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh Saturday morning. 11 people were killed in what is the worst attack on the Jewish Community in United States history.

The vigil will be held from 5 pm until 6 pm. The vigil is organized by University of Michigan Hillel. 

As a former member of Temple Beth El in Flint I can't emphasis enough the importance of vigils that are taking place around the country in the aftermath of the horrific act of terror that occurred in Pittsburgh Saturday.

Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra Halloween Concert Superb, Dynamic and Fun Friday night.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Tonight, October 26, 2018, the Eastern Michigan University Symphony Orchestra performed its annual Halloween Concert at Pease Auditorium on the campus of EMU in Ypsilanti and by all accounts the concert was superb! Not only was the concert superb, it was dynamic, energetic and fun! As for the audience who attended the nearly full auditorium, not a soul left without a smile.

Orchestral Conductor Dr. Robert Boardman led the symphony through an eclectic romp of symphonic pieces ranging from Beethoven's 5th Sportscast, Jurassic Park and Smash Mouth's All-Starr to Maurice Ravel's beautiful and haunting Pavane For A Dead Princess. This piece was  exquisitely interpreted in dance by violinist Krista Shaft. Truly spectacular.

The highlight of the evening for the many kids on hand Friday evening was the costume parade which, of course, all of the children on hand eagerly participated in.

The EMU Symphony Orchestra Halloween was a perfect way to end the week and usher in the Halloween season!