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!

CNN News Bureau Headquarters in NYC Evacuated Wednesday Morning Due to Bomb Threat.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

At approximately 10:15 Wednesday morning the CNN news bureau in New York City was evacuated due to a package that reportedly contains an explosive device. CNN news anchors Poppy Harlow and Jim Sciutto were anchoring the Wednesday morning news segment when the fire alarms in the studio went off and the entire CNN news crew, as well as Sciutto and Harlow, were evacuated from the Time Warner Building which is where CNN headquarters is located.

Just prior to evacuating, Harlow and Sciutto were in the midst of reporting on suspicious packages sent earlier Wednesday morning to the Clintons in Up State New York and to the Obamas.

Stay tuned for updates.

According to statement from Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, Pipes excavated at 15,592 Flint homes through Fast Start Initiative.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.
According to a press release from the office of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, "Since FAST Start began in March 2016, crews from five area companies have completed excavation at 15,592 homes. As of April 2018, 6,759 homes have been checked. According to reports from contractors, crews have identified copper service lines at a total of 5,629 homes, 1,130 homes have been identified as having lead and/or galvanized service lines."

According to the statements from the Flint Mayor's office, "Overall, to date, service lines to 7,358 homes have been identified as lead and/or galvanized and have been replaced, including 1,130 homes found this year. The efforts are a part of Mayor Karen Weaver’s plan to determine if water service lines are made of copper, and replace service lines made of lead and galvanized steel. Mayor Weaver is determined to restore safe, clean drinking water to Flint residents

According to the October 8 release, "To be eligible for service line replacements, residents must have an active water account. They also must sign a consent card giving permission for the work to be done (consent cards are being delivered to residents). In rental homes, both the owner and the tenant must sign consent cards. Residents are urged to sign the consent cards as soon as possible, so crews working in their neighborhood can replace their service line."

The goal is to have all of Flint’s lead-tainted service lines replaced by 2020, according to the statement.

More information about the FAST Start initiative can be found on the City of Flint website

Dingell and Pittsfieild Township announce partnership with Safehouse Center.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the office of Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, on Thursday, October 18^th at 2pm U.S. Congresswoman Dingell (MI-12) will join Pittsfield Township Supervisor Mandy Grewal and SafeHouse Executive Director Barbara Niess-May to announce a new funding commitment that will provide the shelter with a portion of the township’s annual budget. This community alliance will allow for SafeHouse to continue their operations, including expanded transitional housing and childcare services. Each year, over 5,000 domestic violence survivors in Washtenaw County receive assistance from SafeHouse, according to the Wednesday press release from the Dingell office.

Flint Activist Melissa Mays: Day #1633 in the Flint Water Crisis.

Contributed to Purple Walrus Press by Melissa Mays of Flint.

Day #1633 in the #FlintWaterCrisis: Absurdity

The Organizations handing awards to officials who have harmed Flint residents need to be looked into. Especially when they award those who are in court for failing to do their jobs to protect public health and innocent resident suffered and died... What is going on in this world??
Mayor Weaver nailed it when she said: "How is one honored for public health when they did not protect the health of the public?" Weaver said in a news release Thursday, Oct. 11. "While I understand that we are innocent until proven guilty in this country, this is just disrespectful."

Parola Perspective in Brief: Battle over Kavanaugh only preview of nastier political fights to come.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

Yeah, I fear that the battle over Kavanaugh was only a preview of nastier political fights to come. The Dems will probably win the House, and are obligated to initiate impeachment hearings. The Dems will probably not win the Senate, and that will set the stage for one nasty partisan fight after another. And if the conservative movement is inspired by the fight over Kavanaugh, imagine how inspired they'll be by a fight over the impeachment of their president. Buckle up folks, the partisan battles will only get worse.

Eastern Michigan holds off Toledo 28-26 in close shave at Rynearson Stadium Saturday after EMU QB injured.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Eastern Michigan University defeated University of Toledo on the gridiron by a score of 28-26 Saturday afternoon at Rynearson Stadium and what a close shave it was...Too close. Although the first half ended with EMU up by a score of 28-3, the entire second half was a total nailbiter.

Now, after reading other media coverage this morning (Sunday) I am surprised to see that a major factor in the game strangely does not appear to have been reported. To these eyes a key injury occurred to a key EMU player which altered the entire course of the second half of the game and nearly ended up in what easily could have become an EMU loss.

Eastern charged off to a very compelling 28-3 lead in the first half. I was happy, the team was happy, and the fans were happy. But near the end of the first half EMU Junior Quarterback Mike Glass ran with the ball around the right side and went down with what appeared to me to be a significant injury after being tackled. Glass had to be helped off the field and could not put weight on his leg or foot from my vantage point.

Quarterback Mike Glass was making his first start of his career for EMU and he was stellar. Glass ran for over 100 yards and was having success passing the ball. Then he went down with an injury late in the first half. In came QB Tyler Wiegers who took over as QB for the remainder of the game. Eastern didn't score again.

EMU running back Willie Parker had a good game and ran for a 50 yard touchdown while Eagle running back Shaq Vann ran for 51 yards with 11 carries. But in the end it was the stellar play of EMU's defense that saved the day for our 3-4 Eagles. Sure hope Quarterback Mike Glass is okay. His teammates and EMU fans need him.

Next week EMU travels to Muncie Indianan to take the Cardinals of Ball State. Kickoff is set to be at 3 pm.

Former Tiger Great Mickey Lolich and journalist Tom Gage discuss new book at Ann Arbor Public Library tonight Oct 9.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

This evening, Tuesday, October 9, former Detroit Tiger great Mickey Lolich and journalist Tom Gage will be appearing at the downtown Ann Arbor Public Library to discuss their new book Joy In Tigertown: A Determined Team, a Resilient City, and Our Magical Run to the 1968 World Series.

Speaking as someone who grew up in the late 1960's and 70's I'm very excited about the event as I'm sure many people are! Mickey Lolich played major league baseball from 1963 until 1979. He pitched for the Detroit Tigers from 1963 till 1975. From 1976 until 79 Lolich pitched for New York Mets and San Diego Padres.

Although I was only 5 years old in 1968 I know that the "68" World Series was one of the most exciting and important Series in MLB history. A helluva lot was going in the nation in 1968 (kinda like these days) and that year's World Series was a healing ointment for the city of Detroit.

Martin Bandyke of Ann Arbor 107.1 will host the presentation The event will include a book signing and books will be available on sale.

The event will be from 7 pm until 8:30 in the 4th Floor meeting room.

Check it out tonight. I can't wait!

Numerous arrests at "Cancell Kavanaugh" Protest Rally in Senate Office Building in Washington Thursday afternoon.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Protesters are marching to U.S. Capitol and filling the Senate Office building in Washington D.C. Thursday afternoon protesting the potential confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

As of 4:18 pm  protesters are filling the lobby of a Senate Office building. There is an unconfirmed report that actress Amy Schmer has been arrested at today's rally in Senate Office building.

This afternoon, Thursday, Oct 4, there will be a Stand with Survivors Rally in Ann Arbor. The rally will be on the Diag on the UM campus and will begin at 5:30.

Stand with Survivors Rally Ann Arbor October 4.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Like most everyone else in our country I've been closely following news coverage of the Brett Kavanaugh state of affairs and like many people I've been appalled by the dismissive attitude  directed toward Christine Blasey Ford on part of  many in the GOP. On other hand, I applaud the way in which  Republican Senator Jeff Flake reached across the aisle to Democratic Senator Chris Coons while struggling with his decision regarding Kavanaugh on Friday.

That being said there will be a Stand with Survivors Rally in Ann Arbor on Thursday October 4. The rally will be held on the Diag on the University of Michigan campus at 5:30 PM.. The rally is in solidarity with Dr. Blasey Ford and all sexual assault survivors. According to demonstration organizers the event is an inclusive, peaceful rally. Children are welcome.

Abdul El-Sayed makes statement on his arrest for peaceful civil disobedience during Detroit March Tuesday.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Former Democratic candidate for Governor Abdul El-Sayed was one of several individuals arrested Tuesday in Detroit during a "Fight for $15" civil disobedience rally Tuesday afternoon.

This is El-Sayed's statement about the arrest.

 “Nobody should have to work forty hours a week and still struggle to make ends meet. Nobody should have to work multiple jobs to afford to care for their children and live a dignified life. All of us have a responsibility to make sure our words and actions advocate for the working poor in this country who suffer daily because of the excess of corporations. 

In the face of injustice, dissent is dignity. I will always stand up for Michigan’s workers, and am proud to have stood with them in Detroit today.”

Truck crashes into protesters in my hometown of Flint Tuesday morning: Protest included Gretchen Whitmer.

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

I just received word that a truck crashed into a large group of protesters on Dort Highway in my hometown of Flint this morning. The incident occurred at approximately 7 AM Tuesday, according to the Flint Journal. Those participating in the protest included candidate for Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to early reports in the Flint Journal, eight people have been taken to the hospital.

Protesters, including Whitmer, were picketing in support of $15 minimum wage and calling for unionization for workers in the fast food industry. Whitmer was not injured in the incident, according to reports.

Apparently, a burgundy pickup truck struck a group of picketers situated near the end of the large group of individuals participating in the picket. According to reports, the vehicle then crashed into a Consumers Energy truck.

Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson told the Flint Journal that he did not think the injuries were serious though an official report on the injuries has not been made available yet.

Updated 11:00 am Tuesday

According to a statement to the Flint Journal at the scene of the incident, Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson said that he did not believe that the crash was intentional.

Parola Perspective In Brief. GOP Dictatorship.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola formerly of Flintown.

Folks, the Obama administration didn't launch a counter-investigation when the Repubs investigated Hillary re. Benghazi. President Bill Clinton and the Dems didn't launch a counter investigation as payback for White Water.

But today, Republicans in congress are helping Trump to undermine Mueller. Nunes and other House Repubs want the Justice Dept. and the FBI investigated, and now Lindsey Graham wants the Dems investigated over their handling of the Ford accusations.

The message is clear: You dare question anything we do, and we will do anything in our power to make sure you pay a heavy price for doing so. Can you say: GOP Dictatorship?