Congresswoman Debbie Dingell: "Time Has Come To Reopen Government."

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following comment on the continued government shutdown:

“As this unnecessary shutdown continues, the President needs to show leadership by reopening the government. Every single Democrat agrees keeping our nation secure is our number one priority. Let’s debate in Congress, on the floor and in committee, the best ways to keep our borders secure. Using hundreds of thousands of federal workers – including members of the Coast Guard working on the Great Lakes, TSA keeping airports safe – as pawns is no way to run government. It’s disrespectful to the service and time federal employees devote to our country. Time has come for us reopen the government and leave debate for border security to regular order.”

According to the press release received by Purple Walrus Press from the office of Congresswoman Dingell December 27, Dingell and her office remain open for residents of the Twelfth Congressional District who need assistance with federal agencies, including Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, and others. If you are in need of assistance please call her Dearborn Office at 313-278-2936, her Ypsilanti Office at 734-481-1100, or visit DebbieDingell.House.gov.

Flint families can receive nutritious food at mobile food pantry in January to limit effects of lead exposure.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to a press release sent to Purple Walrus Press on Thursday, December 27,  Flint families may get nutritious food that can limit the effects of lead exposure during mobile food pantry hours set for January at locations throughout Flint.

According to a statement, 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 January includes apples and potatoes.

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

• Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, 6702 N. Dort Highway
  • Thursday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 10, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m.
• Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Highway
  • Monday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m.
• Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davidson Road.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 2, 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 8, 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m.
• Salem Lutheran Church, 2610 Martin Luther King Ave.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m.
• Flint Muslim Food Pantry, 4400 S. Saginaw St.
  • Saturday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.
• Flint First Wesleyan Church, 3825 Davison Road
  • Saturday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m.
• Hispanic Tech Center, 2101 Lewis St.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m.
• St. Luke NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale.
  • Friday, Jan. 18, at 10 a.m.
• Second Chance Church, 5306 North St.
  • Saturday, Jan. 19, at noon.

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.

United Way of Washtenaw County has provided $5,000 in grant funding to Saline Area Social Service.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

United Way of Washtenaw County awarded Saline Area Social Service (SASS) a $5,000 grant to support the basic needs of the individuals and families they serve, according to a statement from the organization.

According to the December 20 press release, within Washtenaw County, a gap persists between those who are financially secure and those who are living ‘on the brink.’ “Although one of the most affluent counties in Michigan—nearly one third of households report an annual income greater than $100,000-- over one third of households (33%) do not have sufficient liquid assets to subsist at the poverty level for three months in the absence of income,” said Bridget Healy, Director of Community Impact.

According to United Way of Washtenaw County, the mission of SASS is to help people who are struggling within the Saline Area School District by providing them the extra aid, tools, and resources to help improve their lives. In doing so, the community is being connected to other resources and organizations to create a thriving community for everyone.

“Until everyone in our community is able to thrive and meet their needs, we will continue to provide grant funding for food, clothing, and shelter—the most basic needs,” stated Healy, according to UWWC.

Funding for United Way’s Basic Needs Fund is generated annually through an income tax check-off campaign led by the Michigan Association of United Ways. 

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

Since 1921, United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. We focus on Health, Education and Financial Stability, the building blocks to a good quality of life, to strengthen the community and create opportunities for individuals and families. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy online way for people to connect with nonprofits and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org.

Statement from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on Looming government shutdown.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Purple Walrus Press has just received the following statement from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell as the federal government comes closer to a shutdown.

"A government shutdown is unacceptable. It’s a lack of leadership from President Trump and Republican Congressional Leaders. The American people expect their government to work for them and listen. It’s the holiday season, we should be showing America our better selves not driving the nation into a pointless shutdown.”

Parola Perspective In Brief: Dear Joint Chiefs.

By Purple Walrus Press contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint Town.

Only a handful of Hitler’s generals had the balls to plot against him...we all paid a heavy price for how few there were, and the failure of the few that tried.

Dear Joint Chiefs, how bad must it get before you resign en masse? Just think of the message it would send, if you did so. It is way past time for all you tough, bad-ass military guys, to grow a pair, and stand up for this nation, by standing up to Trump! Follow your general’s lead, and hand in your resignation letters as well.

Parola Perspective: What Is Clear Is That There was Multi Pronged Attack By Russia To Influence Our Elections.

By Purple Walrus Press contributor Brooks Parola, formerly of Flint Town.

What is clear, is that there was a multi pronged attack by Russia to influence our elections: 1) They met with the Trump campaign, to at the very least, offer them assistance. 2) They hacked the Democrat’s emails. 3) They attacked and undermined Facebook, and other social media. 4) They infiltrated the NRA...what else did they do? Have I forgotten a prong? If I have, add it in the comments.

Now, none of this may not have any connection, other than Putin’s attempts to make sure Hillary wouldn’t win. But, if Trump was not an overt part of that collusion, why did he and so many of his handlers lie about their Russian contacts? Why does he continue to kiss Putin’s ass, at the expense of our allies? And why does he refuse to acknowledge what Russia did, and refuse to be more proactive, to make sure it doesn’t happen again? Lastly of course, is why does he keep trying to undermine Mueller’s investigation, instead of being completely cooperative? Why does he continue to obstruct justice?

The most suspicious aspect of all of this is the fact that Trump keeps acting so guilty.

Former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison.

Photo pbs.org

By Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

At approximately 12:00 PM Wednesday, December 12, former Trump Attorney Michael Cohen was sentenced to three years in Federal prison. The sentencing took place at the Manhattan Federal Courthouse with U.S. District Judge William Pauley presiding.

Cohen was convicted for illegally paying hush money to an adult film star, ex Playboy Playmate and for lying to Congress about discussions regarding the construction of a Trump Tower in Russia occurring during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Cohen was instructed to report to prison on March 6, 2019.

Camellia Bowl: Eastern Michigan vs Georgia Southern Saturday: This will be EMU's second bowl game in three years.

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

By Editor and Publisher Jeff Brown.

Our Eastern Michigan Eagles will be participating in the fifth annual Raycom Media Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama playing against Georgia Southern on Saturday December 15! EMU finished the regular season with a record of 7-5 out of the Mid American Conference, while Georgia Southern finished 9-3 out of the Sun Belt Conference. Oh, and guess what? Both teams are Eagles. Well, thats alright. Adds a little extra flavor to the game!

The Camellia Bowl will mark Eastern's second bowl in two years, while Georgia Southern will be appearing in the teams second bowl game in team history.

The game will be coming to you from beautiful Crampton Bowl way down south in Montgomery, Alabama. Have I ever been to historic Crampton Bowl? Nope, but the pictures sure look pretty
 and will provide a beautiful back drop to to an EMU bowl game victory.

The game will be aired on ESPN with kick off set for 4:30. Also, catch the game on WEMU (89.1 WEMU-FM) with broadcasters Matt Shepard and Rob Rubick. They do an awesome job!

Eastern Michigan's defense has been stellar all season and have one of the top defenses in the nation, allowing only 22.0 points per game. Did you know that Eastern's defense is ranked in the top four nationally for defense in the redzone? Yep! Further, EMU has held opponents to 160.0 yard passing per game, which is fifth fewest in the nation. Stingy defense!

Eastern Michigan quarterback Tyler Wiegers has had an excellent season completing 64.8 of his passes which is 26th in the country.

Go Eagles!

Parola Perspective In Brief: On the Press.

By PWP contributor Brooks Parola.

There is much outrage about Trump and Saudi Arabia, as there should be. There is much outrage about Trump and his border policies, as there should be. But there's not nearly enough outrage being expressed about Trump and his attacks on the press...and there needs to be.

Folks, the press don't want to be the story, so they're not talking about it. So...we need to talk about it.

United Way of Washtenaw County Announces Dr. Lori Pierce as 2019 Woman of the Year.

  

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the United Way of Washtenaw County, the University of Michigan Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs has been selected by the United Way of Washtenaw County (UWWC) Women United group as the 2019 Woman of the Year. Dr. Pierce will be honored at the UWWC’s Power of the Purse event on March 14, 2019, at The Kensington Hotel on State Street.

“Dr. Pierce exemplifies what the Power of the Purse initiative is about: women taking action to address community issues,” said Pam Smith, President of the United Way of Washtenaw County, and member of the Power of the Purse committee. “We are thrilled to honor her achievements and leadership at our event," according United Way.

Dr. Pierce was chosen by the Power of the Purse committee for her exemplary leadership role in the community and her accomplishments in Radiation Oncology and women’s health issues.

“I am so humbled to have been chosen to receive this honor. It has been a privilege for me to care for women with breast cancer and I have based many of my research goals on the needs and concerns expressed by my patients. It is an honor to work side by side with these women and their families to try to improve their lives and the lives of others diagnosed with cancer.”, shared Dr. Pierce." This according to the UWWC media release.

Currently, Dr. Pierce is a Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan School of Medicine.  She was previously a Senior Investigator at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health and in 1992, joined the faculty at the University of Michigan where she has focused her career primarily on the treatment of breast cancer. She has also served in multiple administrative positions including Residency Director and Clinical Director in the Department of Radiation Oncology.  In August 2005, Dr. Pierce was appointed by the University of Michigan Board of Regents to be Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs of the university, a position she still serves, according to the UWWC press release.

With over 160 manuscripts and book chapters published, Dr. Pierce has received numerous teaching awards. Locally, she has been an active volunteer/supporter of Food Gatherers, served as a United Way Campaign Co-Chair with her husband, Tony Denton, and is a member of the UWWC Tocqueville Society, according United Way of Washtenaw County.

The UWWC established the Woman of the Year honor in 2009.  Previous recipients include Cecilia Fileti, Cynthia Wilbanks, Verna McDaniel, Beth Fitzsimmons, Martha Darling, Pat Warner, Denise Rabidoux, and Lucy Ann Lance.  The 2019 Event Chair is Stacy Fuqua, according to a UWWC press release.

ABOUT WOMEN UNITED

Women United is a United Way national network of some 55,000 members in 137 U.S. communities and the most successful philanthropic effort of its kind. Previously known as Women’s Leadership Council, the committee has raised nearly $330,000 locally, in Washtenaw County, to support women’s financial stability programs.  

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

According to the UWWC release, "As part of our 96-year history, the United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. Our focus areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability provide the building blocks to strengthen the community and create opportunities for individuals and families. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy online way for people to connect with nonprofits in the community and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org."