Congresswoman Debbie Dingell leads 'Out of the Darkness Community Walk' for suicide prevention at EMU Friday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Approximately 200 EMU students and faculty participated in the 'Out of the Darkness Walk' for suicide prevention on the campus of Eastern Michigan University Friday afternoon, September 29 in Ypsilanti. Congresswoman Debbie addressed the crowd of participants before leading the march that wound its way through campus.

The march began at 4 p.m. near Bob's Lakehouse situated adjacent to the EMU Student Center. 72 backpacks, each backpack representing 15 college students who die by suicide every year, were displayed in rows on the pavilion next to the Boathouse.

Students, faculty, and Debbie Dingell were intent on sending a strong message about the importance of suicide prevention. The march was the result of a partnership between Eastern Michigan University's suicide prevention grant and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can donate at the Foundation website.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Ypsilanti Township resident concerned about family in Puerto Rico.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Dolly Tittle of Ypsilanti Twp is deeply concerned about the well-being of her family in Puerto Rico which has been devastated by Hurricane Maria. Dolly, who was born and raised in Puerto Rico, is a Lecturer the University of Michigan Ann Arbor.

Since Hurricane Maria Hit Puerto Rico ten days ago Dolly has been unable communicate with her family due to the fact that the vast majority of the island has no power. Within the last day someone did inform Dolly that her family and relatives are ok, but that information contains painfully little news and leaves room for much speculation. According to Dolly, "Ok means they are alive, but I am not sure if they have food, water, and medicine."

On Wednesday, September 27, Dolly sent a letter to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell requesting a waiver on the Jones Act. This is an excerpt from Dolly's letter to Debbie Dingell.

"This last week has been very difficult to watch the news and see what is happening after hurricane María.  I heard from someone that my relatives are ok.  OK means they are alive, but I am not sure if they have food, water, and medicine.  I know for sure that they don't have anyway to communicate because cell towers are down.  And I know that they haven't had any power since Hurricane Irma.

I am writing to ask you to help in any way you can so that Puerto Rico can receive the help they need.  As you may know, Senator McCain is trying to get a waiver for Puerto Rico from the Jones Act.  The Jones Act is a 1920 law that only allows ships made in the USA to deliver goods to the island.  As a result, products that come from nearby countries, need to stop first in the USA, unload and load into a USA ship and then come back to the island.  Even some of the products produced in PR are re-purchased by PR from the USA.  If PR doesn't have the manufacturing needed to package the goods, the island ships the goods to the USA to be packaged and end up paying more for their own products."

My stepfather who passed away in 1992 was a Chief in the Navy and Helicopter pilot during Vietnam.  My father in law who lives there is retired from the Navy and also from working as a Communication Specialist at Roosevelt Roads Naval Base. My brother is serving in the Army National Guard and is in training camp in Virginia preparing for his second deployment to the Middle East on 2018.  My uncles were Korean vets and my cousins have served multiple times in Afghanistan.  I write this because our people have served this country and some of them have died for it.  

I ask you again to please do something to help Puerto Rico, in addition to help from FEMA, getting a waiver from the Jones Act would help decrease the cost of goods and speed up the recovering time."

Firefighter of the year award 2017 for Ypsilanti Fire Department Lt.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown

According to the City of Ypsilanti, Lt. Ken Hobbs of the Ypsilanti Fire Department has been selected as the Firefighter of year. This great honor was awarded to Lt. Hobbs by the Board of Membership of the Washtenaw 100 Honors. The award is given for dedication, bravery and service to the citizens of Washtenaw County.

'Out of the Darkness Community Walk' for Suicide prevention Eastern Michigan University campus Friday, Sept.29.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell will be leading the 'Out of the Darkness Community Walk' advocating for suicide awareness on the campus of Eastern Michigan University Friday, September 29 at 4 p.m. Students, faculty and members of the community will have the opportunity to walk with Congressman Dingell and send a strong message about the importance of suicide awareness. The walk will begin near Bob's Lakehouse located adjacent to the EMU Student Center on the EMU campus.

 According to EMU, the suicide prevention walk is a result of a partnership between Eastern Michigan University's suicide prevention grant and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Congresswoman Dingell will be offering remarks prior to the walk.

The public is encourage to participate in Friday's march.

Parola Perspective: GOP has lied themselves into a corner.

By Brooks Parola. Purple Walrus Press.

Whether it's health care, taxes, foreign policy, or DACA, in their attempts to pander to their racist, extremist base, the GOP has lied themselves into a corner! Made big promises regarding repeals, and "reforms" that they cannot possibly implement without doing serious damage!

Since there are only a handful of moderate conservatives in office, when will the moderate conservatives, and proud "independent" voters of this country get off their asses, and start woking toward making the GOP a more moderate party that will do as John McCain suggested: "work with Democrats to get things done"?

UM student takes a knee and draws many supporters/participants on UM Diag in Ann Arbor Monday.

Dana Greene Jr. on left, being checked over by a what appeared to be a doctor Monday on UM Diag. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

University of Michigan student Dana Greene Jr. was tired of his own inaction in light of issues of  inequality in the United States and decided to do something about it. In a letter to University of Michigan President Schlissel, Greene stated his views regarding inequality in the United States and his allegiance to black men who have chosen to take a knee during the playing of America's national anthem. Copies of the letter were handed out by students during the silent protest Monday.

Beginning at 7:30 AM Monday, September 25, 2017, Dana Greene decided to illustrate his feeling about inequality in America by kneeling in the center of the Diag on the University of Michigan campus in front of Graduate Lbrary until he has "Nothing left" in him. Greene is bolstered by many students supporting his actions.

"According to Greene in his letter to President Schlissel, "I have attended the University of Michigan for five years. I have crossed the fountain in Ingalls Mall as an incoming freshman and as a graduate. I've walked the halls of our dorms as a Resident Assistant and I've mopped the floors of our dining halls. I've marched in the Diag when our campus and country face the tension of racial strife. I am a black man and this weekend I watched many black men take a knee during our country's national anthem to bring attention to the inequality in this country. I also watched the President of the United States disrespect those men referring to them as "Sons of bitches" and demanding that they should be fired from their jobs. I will kneel in the Diag facing the flag in silent protest until there is nothing left in me."

Roughly 200 students are participating in the silent protest Monday evening on the UM Diag to demonstate their support for Dana Greene and his actions. As of this writing Monday evening, the protest is ongoing in the center of the UM Diag. Greene is MPH Candidate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

At approximately 6:00 PM Monday a man, presumably a doctor, could be seen checking on Dana Greene as temperatures soared into the 90's Monday in Ann Arbor.

Stay tuned for updates.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Shane Davis on his military service: I fought to make world better, not smaller. Don't stop kneeling.

Contributed to PWP by Shane Davis.

For 10 years I fought and served in the United States military. I earned these boots.
I fought to make the world better, not smaller.
I served to protect every American freedom, not just the ones I agreed with or benefited from.
Every time I vote, serve the public, or help a neighbor I do so knowing I won't agree with everything they say. I will stand up for everyone's right to protected speech, assembly, and protest.
That is just one of freedom's many faces.
No one should stop kneeling until every military, political, and police force works for the good of every 
American...not just the rich or white ones.

Ypsilanti Fall River Day 2017 Brings fun in the sun...and heat Sunday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Temperatures were in the 90's but that didn't keep people from enjoying Ypsilanti Fall River Day 2017 on Sunday, September 24. The event, hosted by Ypsilanti Parks and Recreation, was held at Riverside Park.

The family friendly event included Kayak trips hosted by City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation. Kayak trips were launched from Frog Island Park. There was also a "Walk to Frog Island Park" with Elizabeth Riggs of the Huron River Watershed Council. During the walk Riggs shared information about improvements made to the canoe launch located at Frog Island. Elizabeth also discussed efforts by the community to restore the river in Ypsilanti through River Up! Local Historian James Mann was on hand to talk about "History on the Huron."

Another interesting participant was Ann Arbor's Leslie Science Center and it's "River Raptors" birds of prey set up. Also scheduled for the event was a "Nature Walk Along the B2B" with Parks Naturalist Shawn Severance. Shawn is with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

Other organizations on hand with booths and activities included, Ypsilanti Township Parks and Recreation, Ypsilanti Senior Center, Ann Arbor YMCA (awesome hoola hoop exhibition by YMCA representative Chris Abolio, by the way), Fly Children's Art Center, Huron Clinton Metro parks Mobile Learning Center, Huron Valley Watershed Council/National Water Trail, Friends of the Border to Border Trail, and Ypsi Real (Ypsilanti Convention and Visitors Bureau)

Fall River

Day was sponsored by Huron Valley Watershed Council, Northern United Brewing Company, Phoenix Contractors, Governmental Consultant Services INC and Washtenaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Ann Arbor YMCA representative Chris Abolio.

Eastern Michigan loses to Ohio in gridiron scorcher Saturday at "The Factory" in Ypsilanti.

EMU QB Brogan Roback. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Amid temperatures in the 90's Eastern Michigan University lost to Ohio University in a double overtime scorcher Saturday at Rynearson Stadium. EMU was favored to win by 2 points but the Eagles faltered in second overtime losing by a score of 27-20.

On September 9, the 2-1 Eagles knocked off Rutgers in a huge win against a Big 10 team and brought plenty of momentum into Rynearson Saturday. Unfortunately, the Eagles fell short in a closely fought game.

EMU's defense played strong holding Ohio's offense to 373 total yards. Ohio brought a powerful high-octane offense into Ypsilanti and once again, EMU's defense proved to be solid.

On offense, EMU quarterback Brogan Roback threw for 271 yards, including a clutch touchdown pass in the end zone during the first over time.

September 30, Eastern will take on Kentucky in Lexington. Kick off is set for 4 PM. Watch the game on SEC Network and Watch ESPN.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Eastern Michigan to take on Ohio University on gridiron Saturday at Rynearson Stadium "The Factory" in Ypsi.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Our Eagles of Eastern Michigan University will take on 2-1 Ohio University at Rynearson Stadium "The Factory" Saturday, September 23 at 2:00, in the MAC home opener.

With a record of 2-0, Eastern is off to a fantastic after beating Rutgers from the Big 10 conference September 9 by a score of 16-13. EMU was picked to lose to Rutgers by 5 points, but surprised many in the college football world by knocking off the Scarlet Knights with stellar defensive play and consistent offense led by quarterback Brogan Roback.

Against Rutgers EMU quarterback Brogan Roback completed 19 of 36 passes for a respectable 260 yards, and one touchdown. EMU running back Shaq Vann carried the ball 16 times for 67 yards against the Scarlett Knights.

Starting at quarterback for Ohio will be Nathan Rourke. Rourke has connected on 33 of 49 passes this season and will test Eastern's defensive backfield. At running back Ohio features A.J. Ouellette who rushed for 100 yards last week against Kansas.

Eastern's defense has been extremely solid this year as the unit has allowed only 20 points two games into the 2017 season.

Notable is that Saturday will be Band / Hall of Fame Day at "The Factory in Ypsilanti. EMU will be honoring eight former student athletes at the stadium.

You can catch the game on ESPN 3 at 2 pm or, better yet, head on over to "The Factory" and cheer on the Eagles of Eastern Michigan University!

Two car accident corner of Hewitt and Washtenaw in Ypsilanti Friday morning.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

There was a two car accident Friday morning September 22, at approximately 9:35 AM, near the corner of Washtenaw Ave and Hewitt in Ypsilanti. According to Ypsilanti Police, there were no injuries. The accident occurred in front Walgreens which is situated at the intersection. Traffic on West bound Washtenaw was briefly backed up, but by approximately 10:00 am traffic was moving at a normal speed.

One white colored vehicle sustained severe front-end damage while the second burgundy colored car appeared to have heavy back-end damage.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Parola Perspective: Thoughts On Vietnam War.

By Brooks Parola Purple Walrus Press.

So, all of these years, I've been obsessed by Vietnam. For many years, I taught it, and throughout all that time, I've never been able to come up with a single term to describe or define it.

I reject "failure" or "loss", or any term that puts the war in terms of victory or defeat, since we should never have been there in the first place!

I reject "tragedy", because tragedy is almost quaint when one might argue that it was leaning closer and closer to a genocide the longer we stayed, and the more bombs we dropped. And genocide is exactly what it helped create in neighboring Cambodia...and yet "genocide" is not accurate either.

"Mistake"? Ha! Can we make it sound more trivial?

How about: Abomination? or Atrocity?

I'm up for suggestions of a more succinct definition.

Partnership between Eastern Michigan University and Washtenaw County Convention & Visitors Bureau announced

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Eastern Michigan University is partnering with The Washtenaw County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The partnership welcomes people to Ypsilanti, according to the EMU press release. In a new video created in Ypsilanti, these two organizations have brought attention to a national campaign called #YouAreWelcomeHere. The video highlights diversity in Washtenaw County. See the video here.

According to President and CEO of WCCVD, Mary Kerr, "International students and faculty, and their families, are an important part of our communities here in Washtenaw County. We want Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the rest of the county to be known for the inclusive way in which we celebrate them, and other visitors from all over the globe. By showing all our visitors, international and otherwise, an authentic and heartfelt welcome, we have the opportunity to create ambassadors for our great community throughout the country and the world. We’re delighted to partner with EMU for the production and promotion of this video."

According to EMU President, James Smith, ""Eastern Michigan University is proud to participate in this effort that highlights the rich diversity and the warm, welcoming community of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County and Eastern Michigan University."  "This video effectively captures the spirit of our entire community. Our hope is that it will continue to elevate the perception and awareness that together Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County and Eastern Michigan University create a wonderful locality and a great place to live, work, study and to visit."

Photographs of over 100 EMU international students representing 40 nations have appeared on banners on Eastern Michigan's campus and throughout the city of Ypsilanti. According to EMU, the university approximately 1000 international sudents representing over 80 nations.

Ypsilanti City Council holds special meeting for purpose of International Village & affordability discussion Monday evening September 18.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

 Ypsilanti City Council held a special meeting Monday evening September 18 to discuss The International Village Development and affordable housing in Ypsilanti. The meeting was held at the Ypsilanti Freight house in Ypsilanti's Depot Town.

Ypsilanti City Council members listened to different perspectives relating to The International Village development on Water Street property. However, it was the HRC (Human Relations Commission) that drew the most attention at the beginning of Monday night's meeting, as several HRC members spoke out strongly against the new International Village development that would be built on the Water Street property. The HRC feels that The International Village will contribute to lack of affordability and gentrification in the city of Ypsilanti.

HRC member Amber Fellows came to the podium stating that she was not interested in catering to "international elites" who, in her opinion, would inhabit The International Village.

During the audience participation segment of the meeting several community members stated that The International Village would be extremely positive for the city sighting that there are opportunities for affordable in Ypsilanti currently. One resident who spoke made the point that International Village is not creating gentrification because there is nobody currently living on the vacant Water Street property, therefore, no one is being pushed out.

Approximately 150 to 200 people attended the City Council meeting at the Ypsi Freight house Monday night and it was obvious that residents on both sides of the fence are passionate about the issue of what is best for the city of Ypsilanti.

There will be another City Council meeting Tuesday night at the Ypsilanti Freight house. The agenda for Tuesday's 7 pm regular meeting will include a  review of the status of the 120 day Due Diligence Feasibility study, according to City Council member Beth Bashert. Further, the developer of the International Village will be in attendance.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.

Members of audience hold signs that read, Whose City? Our City!

Ken Burns, Lynn Novick documentary The Vietnam War Premiers Sunday evening Sept 17 on PBS . Please watch.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The 10- part 18 hour Ken Burns and Lynn Novick documentary television series titled The Vietnam War premiers on PBS Sunday night and everyone needs to see it. As stated by Burns, he and Novick "tell the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film."

8o people, including American Vietnam War veterans, North Vietnamese, American anti war protesters and civilians on both sides, share their views, feelings and opinions about the war that planted divisions in American society that still exist today.

The documentary that was ten years in the making features rarely seen footage and interviews, including recordings made within the administrations of Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon.

I for one have been looking forward to the Ken Burns, Lynn Novick documentary The Vietnam War for months. Just like many others in my age group, the Vietnam War shadowed my childhood (the war officially ended when I was in 7th grade) and had a great impact on my own political views. 

This series will prove to be a  powerful and important viewing experience. Everyone should watch this documentary.

Ypsilanti Police Department Open House fun & interactive annual event Saturday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Sunny skies and temperatures in the low eighties provided the perfect backdrop for Saturday's annual Ypsilanti Police Department Open House at police headquarters in downtown Ypsi. The well attended family friendly event was both fun and interactive, particularly for the kids. Police cars, an enormous SWAT vehicle, and SWAT Team equipment, were on full display Saturday for an up close and personal experience. Plenty of police swag was available for the kids to take home. Nice.

Attendees were encouraged to hop in one of the several police cars on hand, but folks were also allowed to climb in the back of the giant SWAT vehicle and check out the interior. You certainly don't want to see that vehicle pull up in front of your home!

Those participating in the open house were also encouraged to go inside the Michigan Avenue police station and have a little look see. This was interesting as one could view officers fielding calls into the station.

Last but not least, hot dogs and beverages were provided. It must be noted the Ypsilanti Police Chief Tony DeGiusti grills one hell of a hot dog!

The Ypsilanti Police Open House was a fantastic event and a great way to spend the afternoon in Ypsilanti.

Thank you to the Ypsilanti Police Department for holding such a fun and interesting event.

Photos Purple Walrus Press.