Monday, September 30, 2019

Flint Families Can Receive nutritious Food That May Limit Effects Of Lead Poisoning.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

MDHHS continues monthly Flint food giveaway, distributes vitamin-rich food that limits effects of lead exposure


According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Flint families may 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 MDHHS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has provided the Flint mobile food pantries since February 2016 in partnership with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan in Flint.

All mobile food pantry sites distribute foods rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron. Food available in October will include hard squash, sweet corn, onions, carrots, potatoes and bell peppers. Food distribution sites remain open while supplies last.
October dates by location are:
  • Asbury United Methodist Church, 1653 Davison Road.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m.
    • Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m.
  • Greater Holy Temple, 6702 N. Dort Hwy.
    • Thursday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m.
    • Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m.
    • Thursday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m.
    • Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m.
    • Thursday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m.
  • Calvary United Methodist Church, 2111 Flushing Road.
    • Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m.
  • Bethel United Methodist Church, 1309 Ballenger Hwy.
    • Monday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m.
    • Monday, Oct. 14, at 10 a.m.
    • Monday, Oct. 21, at 10 a.m.
    • Monday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m.
  • Salem Lutheran Church, 2610 Martin Luther King Ave.
    • Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.
  • Flint Muslim Food Pantry, 4400 S. Saginaw St.
    • Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m.
  • Flint First Wesleyan Church, 3825 Davison Road, Flint
    • Saturday, Oct. 12, at 10 a.m.
  • Hispanic Tech Center, 2101 Lewis St.
    • Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 10 a.m.
  • Luke’s NEW Life Center, 3115 Lawndale Ave.
    • Friday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m.
  • Second Chance Church, 5306 North St.
    • Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m.
  • Urban Renaissance Center, 2505 N. Chevrolet Ave.
    • Tuesday, Oct.19, at 11 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 according to MDHHS.

This schedule is subject to change, and information about additional food distribution dates will be announced as they are scheduled. This according to MDHHS. 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.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

To Combat Mosquito Born Disease Aerial Spraying Will Be Conducted In 14 Michigan Counties.





Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

According to the Michigan Dept of Health and Human Services, due to the large geographic distribution and number of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in humans and animals, coupled with warm weather projections, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and 12 local health departments have decided to conduct aerial spraying in high risk areas to combat further spread of the deadly disease EEE.

According to MDHHS, spraying is scheduled take place starting Sunday, Sept. 29 starting at 8 p.m. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. Residents are encouraged to visit Michigan.gov/EEE for up-to-date information.
Spraying will occur in the following 14 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. All of these counties have cases of EEE in people, animals or both. Visit Michigan.gov/EEE for more detailed information.

Aerial spraying is conducted by low-flying aircraft, beginning in the early evening and continuing up until 4:30 a.m. the next morning, in areas of concern. Mosquito control professionals will apply approved pesticides as an ultra-low volume (ULV) spray. ULV sprayers dispense very fine aerosol droplets that stay suspended in the air and kill adult mosquitoes on contact. This is a tactic other states, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island, have recently employed to combat EEE. This according to MDHHS.

“We are taking this step to help protect the health and safety of Michiganders in areas of the state that are being affected by this dangerous mosquito-borne disease,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “The continuing number of cases in both people and animals indicate an ongoing risk for EEE exposure. We continue to urge residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites until a hard frost.” According to MDHHS.

The pesticide being used is Merus 3.0 which is an organic pesticide containing 5 percent pyrethrin. Pyrethrins are chemicals found naturally in some chrysanthemum flowers. They are a mixture of six chemicals that are toxic to insects. Pyrethrins are commonly used to control mosquitoes, fleas, flies, moths, ants and many other pests. Pyrethrins have been registered for use in pesticides since the 1950s.

As stated in a September 27 press release from MDHHS, in general, health risks are not expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended; however, residents and individuals who have known sensitivities to pyrethrins can reduce potential for exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water.                                                                      

Aerial spraying will be conducted in the nighttime hours as this is when mosquitos are more active. It is also when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are most likely to be in their hives. However, owners should cover small ornamental fishponds during the night of spraying. While it is not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, concerned pet owners can bring animals inside during spraying.

Additional information about aerial spraying and other health-related information is available in a Frequently Asked Questions document at Michigan.gov/EEE.

As of Sept. 27, EEE has been confirmed in nine people, with three fatalities, in Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. In addition, cases have occurred in 27 animals from 13 counties: Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph and Van Buren. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people. Additional animal cases are under investigation, according to staement by MDHHS.

MDHHS is continuing to encourage local officials in the affected counties to consider postponing, rescheduling or cancelling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children. This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games or outdoor music practices. The MDHHS recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health and applies until the first hard frost of the year.

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. Persons younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection, according to MDHHS.

Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by:
  • Avoid being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active.
  • Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.
  • Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.
  • Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.
Signs of EEE infection include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Anyone who thinks they may be experiencing these symptoms should contact a medical provider. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases.
More information, including a Frequently Asked Questions document, are available at Michigan.gov/EEE.  This according to MDHHS.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Releases Statement In Support of Impeachment Inquiry Into The President.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.


Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement:

“I remain deeply concerned about the division in this country that I fear could harm the roots of our democracy. We are a divided country, but we can never be divided on the rule of law.

“We learned the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community had determined this was a credible, urgent whistleblower report that was a real threat to our national security. Congress has a responsibility to understand the perceived threat and to address the issues. The law requires that potential threats such as this be provided to the Intelligence Committees of Congress and that has yet to happen.

“It is our responsibility as Members of Congress to protect the United States of America. We take an oath to protect our Constitution and to protect our national security.

“When someone is using appropriated funds designated for national security to threaten a world leader for their own personal and political gain – it cannot be ignored. It requires action. We need the facts.

“We must use all Congressional authorities to follow the facts, launch an investigation, and uncover the truth. That is our moral responsibility. It is critical for the future of our democracy. That is why I support an impeachment inquiry into the President.

“This is our job. We still have the responsibility to lower drug prices for Americans, to get a trade deal that's going to help the hardworking men and women – and we have a moral responsibility to protect our Constitution.”

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Shooting In Ypsilanti Corner of Cross Street and Ballard Leaves One Dead One injured.



Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

A shooting that occurred Tuesday night at the corner of Cross Street and Ballard in Ypsilanti has left a 31 year old man dead and the other male victim, age 30, in critical condition. The shooting occurred near the campus of Eastern Michigan University at approximately 9:20 PM Tuesday night. Both victims are from Ann Arbor. There is an on-going investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Ypsilanti Police Lt. Brent Yauchasz. 734-482-9847 or Crime Stoppers, 800-SPEAK-UP.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Issues Statement On UAW Men and Women On Strike.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.
Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

 Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) issued the following statement on UAW men and women on strike:

“There is no place I would rather be than standing in solidarity with UAW workers in their fight for fair wages, healthcare, pensions and strong benefits. Through thick and thin, UAW workers have devoted themselves to building quality product. Now GM must demonstrate their commitment to the hard-working men and women who have given everything to build for GM’s success. Supporting American manufacturing starts with supporting American workers. We are stronger united. It’s time for both sides to sit down and work out an agreement.”

Dingell will join picket lines in Michigan later Monday. 

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Eastern Michigan Defeats Illinois Saturday 34-31 In Nail-biter: Huge win for Program.

Photo Jeff Brown Purple Walrus Press.

Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Eagles of Eastern Michigan University soared to victory as they defeated Illinois by a score of 34-31 in Champaign Saturday. This marks the third time in three years that Eastern has defeated a team from the Big Ten, and that's a big deal. However, today's game was a heart-stopping nail-biter as EMU kicker Chad Ryland kicked a 24 yard game winning field goal with a mere couple seconds left on the clock.

Eastern quarterback Mike Glass picked the Illinois defense apart completing 23 of 36 passes for 316 yards. EMU's Jarius Grissom befuddled the Illinois defense rushing for 52 yards on 3 carries, while Eastern running back Willie Parker rushed for 24 yards with 11 carries and a touchdown.

With two bowl game appearances over the past three years and three straight victories over Big Ten teams, EMU has definitely turned a corner and is recognized as a force in the Mid American Conference.

Great win for Eastern Michigan, the Mid American Conference and the entire EMU community.

Next, Eastern Michigan will take on Central Connecticut State University at Rynearson Stadium (The Factory) Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 pm.

See you there!

Thursday, September 5, 2019

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell Releases Statement on Auto Industry Commitment to Reduce Hot Car Deaths.



Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) released the following statement on automaker-led voluntary commitment to add rear seat reminder systems to new vehicles. These innovations will help parents and caregivers remember to check the back seat to reduce hot car deaths:

“This summer has witnessed far too many children dying in the back seats of hot cars. No family should ever have to suffer a similar, preventable tragedy again. Today’s voluntary announcement by the Auto Alliance and Global Automakers is a step in the right direction. It is encouraging to see that deploying life-saving rear seat detection technology is a priority for the industry and that they are voluntarily moving to implement this industry-wide. We must ensure that the deadlines and goals outlined in this agreement are fulfilled, which will require robust oversight of industry and NHTSA by Congress. No child should die in a hot car ever again.”

Monday, September 2, 2019

Parola Perspective In Brief: On Younger Generation Of Democratic Candidates.

By Purple Walrus Press contributor Brooks Parola.
If the younger generation of Democratic candidates want any credibility re. their argument that it’s time for a “new generation” then they need to figure out how to inspire the electorate the way the old folks have: see Biden, Bernie, and Warren.
Say what you want about these three leaders; the bottom line is none of the youngsters have been able to break their hold on the lead, because none of them have been able to significantly inspire the base. Beto was supposed to be that person, but he’s barely making the debate stage. No matter how progressive they’ve moved the party, their inability to inspire the base, much less non-Democrats is a real issue for all of them.

Sunday, September 1, 2019

Eastern Michigan Knocks Off Coastal Carolina In Season Opener 30-23.



Editor & Publisher Jeff Brown.

The Eagles of Eastern Michigan knocked off Coastal Carolina in the football season opener Saturday by a score of 30-23 at Brooks Stadium in Conway, South Carolina. The televised game (ESPN+) showcased Eastern's strengths, including a consistent running attack, strong passing game, grit and determination. In other words, this team has the tools and the character to win a lot of football games.

By the end of the the 1st quarter EMU found themselves down by 10 points. However, the Eagles were down, but not out, as they stormed back in the second. To begin the second quarter EMU senior quarterback Mike Glass hit Wide receiver Dylan Drummond with a nifty 11 yard touchdown pass. From then on Eastern's offense was on roll and the Eagles stingy defense kept the Chanticleers at bay for the rest of the game.

EMU quarterback Mike Glass finished the game completing 20 passes for 188 yards and Eagle running back Shaq Vann rushed 22 times for 108 yards. EMU junior wide receiver Matthew Sexton caught 4 passes for 48.

Next, Eastern Michigan will take on the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday, September 7 at Kroger Field. Kick off at 7:30 PM. The game will be televised on ESPN U and SEC Network. You can also catch the game on WEMU 89.1.