Families in my hometown of Flint can get nutritious food at mobile food pantry in October.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Families in my hometown of Flint, Mi can get nutritious food that can limit the effects of lead exposure during mobile food pantry hours set for October at locations throughout Flint, according to the Michigan Dept of Health and human services.

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 October includes squash, cabbage, sweet corn, onions, carrots, green beans, potatoes, bell peppers and eggplant, according to a statement released Sept 28 by the MDHHS.

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

• Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Hwy.
  • Monday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.
• Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m.
• Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, 910 Chippewa St.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 2, at noon
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9, at noon
  • Tuesday, Oct. 16, at noon
  • Tuesday, Oct. 23, at noon
  • Tuesday, Oct. 30, at noon
• Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
  • Thursday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 11, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m.

• Hispanic Tech Center, 2101 Lewis St.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 17, 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.

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.

Ypsilanti's Neighborhood Theatre Group to Perform Black Cat Cabaret in October.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Ypsilanti's Neighborhood Theatre Group's fabulous Halloween show is back and its chalk full of new songs, screams, scariness and plain old spooky fun. Black Cat Cabaret will be performed October 19 and 20 at Ypsi's Bona Sera Underground and you don't want to miss it.

Black Cat Cabaret is a spooky, scary and sexy, yes sexy evening of theatre. It will most certainly put you in that Halloween state of mind!

Neighborhood Theatre Group is dedicated to cultivating a welcoming collaborative environment in Ypsilanti, Michigan for theatre artists and features original works, sketch shows, cabarets and self produced videos.

Bona Sera Underground is located at 200 W. Michigan Ave in downtown Ypsi. The show begins at 8 pm with doors opening at 7 pm. Tickets are $12 online and $15 at the door. For students with valid ID the price is $7. Tickets are available at wwwntgypsi.org. The show is not appropriate for children. That's okay...You deserve a night out without the kids!

Kavanaugh Senate Hearing Thursday: Hard to imagine anyone not believing Dr. Blasey Ford's testimony.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

As of 11:25 am Thursday there is a break at the Brett Kavanaugh Senate Hearing. Presently, Supreme Court Justice candidate Brett Kavanaugh and his accuser Dr. Christine Blasey Ford are testifying in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearing is in front of 21 members of Committee and began at approximately 10:05 am.

 In the opinion of yours truly, I cannot imagine anyone not believing the testimony of Dr. Blasey Ford. Her testimony has been crystal clear, forthright, honest and human. The incredible amount of precise detail and clearly human emotion leaves no room for any doubt in her testimony and allegation that she was sexually assaulted by Brett Kavanaugh. Many women present in the hearing are in tears.

As of 11:40 am the hearing is now back in session.  Stay tuned for updates.

Conflicting reports regarding resignation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein Monday morning.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

At approximately 10:45 AM Monday it was reported that Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein had submitted his letter of resignation to President Trump's Chief of Staff John Kelly. As of 11:10 AM these reports are unconfirmed. According to the New York Times Rosenstein was expected to step down from his position as Deputy Attorney General today.

Stay tuned. This is a rapidly developing story.

Flint Water Crisis Activist Melissa Mays On The "Flint" Movie Being Nominated For Emmy.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Melissa Mays of Flint.

The past week has been insane! The "Flint" movie was nominated for an Emmy and we got to go. One of the best parts was being able to do interviews about the current state of Flint's water from Flint resident voices. And getting to spend time with the Lifetime/Sony/A&E team who worked so hard since 2016 to get Flint's story out to TV viewers so they could see the importance of every day people standing up and fighting for justice for their communities. The next day after we got back, Nayyirah Shariff and I were asked to introduce Michael Moore for his US Premiere of Fahrenheit 11/9 in Flint. We made sure to have the Water Warriors in the crowd stand up so we could all show our appreciation as we watched the film that SCREAMED how important it is for "Extraordinary Ordinary" people to stand up and take back our Government "For the People, By the People." It was haunting to see another side of the #FlintWaterCrisis but good to know the world will see us. I had amazing successes with Flint residents in crisis at Job 1 and got to work with National Partners with Flint Rising. Over the weekend I got to see my friends at my Birthday show AND the awesome #FlintFit fashion show here!! We had a meeting for the Fundred Project to keep the momentum growing and there are awesome things in the work for Flint residents and beyond! I need a nap but it's all good!!

Parola Perspective In Brief: As of now only Dr Blasey Ford is interested in independent FBI investigation.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

Both Kavanaugh and Dr. Blasey Ford should be clamoring to clear their names right now, via an FBI investigation, followed by the committee hearing.

But as of now only Dr. Ford is interested in an independent FBI investigation, because clearly she's the only one who is not concerned about getting caught lying to the FBI.

If the GOP is not concerned about Kavanaugh, or his high school friend Judge, lying to the FBI, they would be encouraging Trump to recommend that the FBI investigate, which is only the norm. So, the GOP either has no interest in clearing Kavanaugh's name, or like Trump's lawyers, they're damned worried he'll get nailed for lying.

So, I think hell will freeze over before Trump and the GOP have the FBI investigate. But, Dr. Blasey Ford should still testify before the committee, to show she's willing to tell her story under oath, no matter how unfairly they're treating her.

Parola Perspective In Brief: On Brett Kavanaugh Accuser Dr. Ford.

By PWP contributor, old buddy and fellow Flintoid Brooks Parola.

Anyone who witnessed what they did to Anita Hill, ought to be surprised that Dr. Ford came forward at all. Frankly, I don't think I would have. I don't trust that the "Me Too Movement" has brought about that much change to America as a whole, much less to today's Republican Party. And the disdain she's getting for not coming forward sooner, or for Dems not reporting it sooner, (maybe Ford asked them to hold back) is classic victim blaming.

Statement from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell regarding former Congressman John Dingell.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell issued the following statement:

“It appears John Dingell had a heart attack early this morning. He’s alert and in good spirits, cracking jokes like always. He’s in the process of being admitted to Henry Ford Hospital. Our sincere thanks to all the medical professionals and nurses at our sides. We’ll know more later.”

Washtenaw County Health Department: Advisory For Harmful Algal Bloom In Ford Lake.

 Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a September 14 statement, Washtenaw County Health Department, in consultation with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is issuing a public health advisory for a confirmed harmful algal bloom in Ford Lake in Ypsilanti, Michigan. People and pets should avoid direct body contact with scums in the lake, water that is blue-green, or water that looks like it has a green sheen or spilled paint on its surface. People and pets should also avoid swallowing the lake water.

According to the statement, recently, a resident reported a suspicious bloom to MDHHS via the MI-TOXINS and Health Hotline.  Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) collected water samples. The water was analyzed and microcystin toxins were detected at elevated levels. The toxin was present near the Ford Lake boat launch when the sample was collected on September 12, 2018.  A second sample was positive for the toxin at a lower concentration elsewhere in the lake. At both of these sites, visible scum was present. MDEQ will retest waters the week of September 17, 2018.

People can water ski, boat, and tube but it is advised that caution be taken in doing so in areas with visible algal scums. Breathing in water droplets with algae from the boat spray may cause nose and throat irritation. Swallowing large amounts of water containing cyanotoxins while swimming, wading, or playing in the water may cause flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal illness, or neurotoxic symptoms. These may include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Swallowing large amounts of cyanotoxins can harm the liver or kidneys, according to the press release.

Read the following information below released by the WCHD  and MDHHS.


At this time, for your safety:

  *   You can swim in the water but stay away from water that has scums or mats, looks like spilled paint, or has colored streaks.

  *   Keep children and pets away from algae in the water or on the shore.

  *   Do not let pets or livestock drink the water or eat scum on the shore.

  *   All fish should be caught and released and not consumed. Ford Lake is under a Do Not Eat Fish Advisory<http://www.washtenaw.org/pfas>.

  *   Do not drink water from lakes, ponds, or rivers.

  *   Rinse people and pets off after swimming.

  *   When in doubt, keep people and pets out of the water.

  *   Call you doctor or veterinarian if you or your pet get sick after going in the water.

Algae Blooms

Although most blooms are green algae and not harmful, there are some that are a type of cyanobacteria that have the ability to produce toxins – and can result in a harmful algal blooms (HAB). These toxins may affect the liver, nervous system and/or skin.

Washtenaw County Health Department wants residents to be aware that the potential for HABs exists on the lake. Residents should remain cautious about contacting algae or potential HABs until at least two additional samples of the lake test clear of algal toxins.



What causes HABs to form?

Factors that can contribute to HABs include: sunlight; low-water or low-flow conditions; calm water; warmer temperatures; and excess nutrients (phosphorus or nitrogen). The primary sources of nutrient pollution are runoff of fertilizers, animal manure, sewage treatment plant discharges, storm water runoff, car and power plant emissions, and failing septic tanks.



What should I do if I see a HAB?

  *   Do not let your children or pets play in HAB debris on the shore.

  *   After swimming or wading in lake water, even where no HABs are visible, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.

  *   Never swallow any lake or river water, whether you see HABs or not.

  *   Do not let pets lick HAB material from their fur or eat HAB material.

  *   Do not drink or cook with lake water.

  *   See a doctor if you or your children might be ill from HAB toxins. If your pet appears ill, contact your veterinarian.

More Information

The State DEQ Environmental Assistance Center number is 800-662-9278. Information on reporting suspected algal blooms can be found on the DEQ website. For detailed information visit:

  *   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) – Associated Illness site https://www.cdc.gov/habs/index.html

  *   The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s website https://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3313_3681_3686_3728-383630--,00.html

  *   The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s website http://epa.ohio.gov/habalgae.aspx.

Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs. Visit us at washtenaw.org/health<https://www.washtenaw.org/health> or call 734-544-6700.

British Rockers Mongrel Dogs Out Of East London UK Rock Like a Hurricane With New Releases.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

In 2017 I struck up a correspondence with British rockers Mongrel Dogs after they sent me what was then their latest single/video 'High'. I reviewed their excellent rocker 'High' in May of 2017 and have been in touch with the guys ever since. This band is based in East London in the UK, although they sound like they could have easily come straight outta Detroit Rock City. Major influences on Mongrel Dogs include Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Jimi Hendrix, though their sound possess the punch and firepower of Guns And Roses and legendary Detroit band The MC 5.

Last week Mongrel Dogs forwarded me their recent single/video 'Come On' and a brand new single titled 'We'll Paint This Town Red'. Once again I'm very enthusiastic about this band. Listen, all of you fellow Motor City fans of straight ahead meaty Rock and Roll, these guys are good!

Both new singles, 'Come On', and We'll Paint This Town Red' serve up  irresistible hooks and swirling lead guitar fills to create a frothy brew of good ole rocksteady, high octane, high energy Detroit Rock City type Rock & Roll. Check em out right here.

Parola Perspective: On originalist vs progressive view and the constitution.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

The conservative, strict constructionist, or originalist view of the constitution is outraged by the progressive view that the constitution is a living document; one that must evolve over time.

The originalists say the progressives are putting words in the mouths of the writers of the constitution that they never intended; all the while of course, insisting that THEY KNOW what was really in their heads.

This is fundamentally why we cannot get a more practical view of things like the Second Amendment, and the constitution in general. If it was up to the Originalists, we'd have NO rights under the constitution as it relates to our rapidly changing and evolving world.

Ann Arbor Huron Valley Ambulance has deployed crews to Hurricane Florence.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a statement from HVA,  Huron Valley Ambulance, along with several other Michigan EMS agencies, has been deployed by FEMA to provide aid and response in the area impacted by Hurricane Florence.

HVA is part of a national Emergency Response team contracted through American Medical Response (AMR), a national EMS agency that operates in many states, including Michigan. When areas in the country declare a state of emergency requiring FEMA involvement, AMR coordinates extra resources such as EMS support to aid local public safety teams.

According to Huron Valley Ambulance, "When HVA received the Hurricane Florence deployment notice, our National Response Team was activated. For this mission, the team consists of a six-person crew of paramedics and EMTs, two ambulances, and a mobility transportation vehicle."

Chief Operating Officer, Dirk Borton shares, “We have a National Response team we keep prepared and ready to go for events like this. The team trains for deployments and when we receive a notification of possible response, team members volunteer to be part of that mission.” The team responding to Hurricane Florence has committed to a minimum of two weeks and is equipped with extra medical supplies, tactical rescue gear, and personal items like cots, extra uniforms and a supply of groceries. “The team is well supplied until they reach the FEMA staging area,” states Borton.

According to HVA, this is the third activation for the HVA Response Team. Past deployments have included responses to Category 5 Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in the late summer of 2005.

When the response team arrives at their destination, they could join other EMS agencies in an Emergency 

Response Team staging area where they will be sent on missions that include transferring patients out of the storm area as well as backing up local EMS on emergency 9-1-1 calls as the storm intensifies. “Hospitals in the projected path are at risk of flooding,” shared Borton, “if needed, the team will help transport patients to a safer area as a precaution. Once the storm hits, the missions tend to focus on emergency 9-1-1 calls.”

HVA stated that Borton expresses that HVA EMTs and Paramedics are more than willing to join deployments and he commends their sacrifice. “Responding to a national emergency is an undertaking that involves a lot of commitment, our crews are missing time with their families and are putting their own needs aside to provide aid to those impacted by the storm. We applaud their dedication.”

Parola Perspective: On Heather Ann Thompson's, "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and it's Legacy.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola Formerly of Flint.

Folks, I HIGHLY recommend, Heather Ann Thompson's Pulitzer Prize winning, "Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and it's Legacy".

Leading up to that uprising, people KNEW about bad prison conditions, and were ready for reform. But after the uprising, due to gov't. lies and misinformation, (used to justify the police going in and shooting/killing not just prisoners, but hostages as well) prisoners to this day have not gotten the reforms needed to prevent these types of uprisings, and people's attitudes about prisoners have completely changed. Today, we view prisoners as animals, and that attitudes comes from the lies the gov't. said about the Attica prisoners.

"Nonetheless, the false statements about what happened at Attica profoundly shaped how Americans saw that uprising in particular and prison activism in general. “On the eve of Attica, right as the prisoner protest was starting, Americans were quite sympathetic to these prisoners; they understood that prisons were hellholes that needed reform,” Thompson says. “And after Attica they are quickly deciding that, no, these guys are animals.”

Parola Perspective: On Michigan Football.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola formerly of Flint.

Congrats Notre Dame fans. Wolverine fans, we’re frustrated. But, so are Michigan State fans, Penn State fans, and lots of other teams. It’s the first game of the season, and ours wasn’t the only team with problems.

I’m shocked that once again, the offensive line is still problematic. But frankly, it’s the only thing I’m concerned about. As that improves (hopefully it will) the QB play and offense will improve as well.

The defense had far too many dumb mistakes in the first half. But true to form, Don Brown made the right adjustments at halftime, and they played a much better second half.

The bottom line: If the O-line improves, the offense will too, and we should have a pretty good team...don’t give up hope.

Now, carry on, and GO BLUE!

Michigan has extended Do Not Eat Fish Advisory for Huron River to Lake Erie.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

  Friday August 31, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued an expanded ‘Do Not Eat’ fish advisory for all fish in the Huron River in Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Monroe Counties. The original advisory was issued on August 4, 2018, according to a statement MDHHS.

The ‘Do Not Eat’ advisory for the Huron River starts where N. Wixom Road crosses in Oakland County and extends downstream to the mouth of the Huron River as it enters Lake Erie in Wayne County. This includes:

• Norton Creek (Oakland County)
• Hubbell Pond, also known as Mill Pond (Oakland County)
• Kent Lake (Oakland County)
• Ore Lake (Livingston County)
• Strawberry & Zukey Lake (Livingston County)
• Gallagher Lake (Livingston County)
• Loon Lake (Livingston County)
• Whitewood Lakes (Livingston County)
• Base Line & Portage Lakes (Livingston/Washtenaw County line)
• Barton Pond (Washtenaw County)
• Geddes Pond (Washtenaw County)
• Argo Pond (Washtenaw County)
• Ford Lake (Washtenaw County)
• Bellville Lake (Wayne County)

According to the statement,The extension is a result of new perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) fish data from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Base Line Lake and Argo Pond fish fillet data, downsteam from Kent Lake, were found to have high PFOS levels. Additionally, high PFOS surface water levels were found upstream of Kent Lake.

Touching the fish or water and swimming in these water bodies is not considered a health concern as PFAS do not move easily through the skin. An occasional swallow of river or lake water is also not considered a health concern.

For current guidelines relating to PFAS fish contamination, visit Michigan.gov/pfasresponse. For more information about the Eat Safe Fish guidelines, visit Michigan.gov/eatsafefish.