REGIONAL TRANSIT FORUM IN YPSILANTI PROVES INFORMATIVE.

A Regional Transit Forum was held Wednesday night at the Freighthouse in Ypsilanti. The event was hosted by The League of Women Voters of the Ann Arbor Area. The goal of the event was to inform the public in regard to RTA plans to develop, broaden, and connect public transportation in Southeast Michigan. This plan also includes regional rail that would connect Ann Arbor and Detroit with rail service on a daily level.

The regional transit plan would connect Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties with regional transit, as well as the development of rail service connecting Ann Arbor to Detroit, thus, greatly improving regional transit.

Michael Ford, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, addressed the roughly 35 people attending the event this evening. He showed a video and and presented information describing the new transit development plans. Ford emphasized the need people have of getting to their jobs. Ford also spoke of issues facing Regional Transit such as service lines that are too low, infrequent service, service that does not run across the region, difficult transfers, and varying quality.

The implementation of these changes and enhancements will require the passage of a millage at a rate of 1.2 mills which is a $1.20 property tax for every $1,000 of taxable value, which comes to an average of $8.00 a month. This according to a Regional Transit System Map hand out.

This certainly sounds like a good and necessary plan to me. These days the more connection we can build the better.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

Regional Transit Authority Chief Executive Officer Michael Ford speaking at the Ypsi Freighthouse.

BEAT POETRY FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY MADHOUSE SESSIONS IN YPSILANTI.

Madhouse Sessions in Ypsilanti is participating in a fantastic Beat poetry, art, and music festival. Folks are encouraged to come and perform or recite their own brand of Beat poetry, art, or music. You can also read or perform your favorite Beat poetry or music from a writer or performer you love. Of course you can also just hang out and dig the vibes and energy. This promises to be a wonderful happening. Come check it out!

The event is will be held September 30 - October 1.
Sept 30, 8 pm to Oct 1,  2 am.

1436 E. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI.

Jeff Brown
Purple Walrus Press.

Photo emaze.com

EMU PRESIDENT PRAISES ALL CONCERNED AFTER FRIDAY NIGHT STUDENT PROTEST AT END OF FOOTBALL GAME.

In a Saturday press release Eastern Michigan University President James Smith praised students, fans, public safety staff employees, the marching band and athletes for their approach to peaceful BLM peaceful student protesters Friday night at the end of the EMU football game. Just as importantly, Smith supported the student protesters as well.

At the end of Friday night's EMU home football game against Wyoming student protesters moved onto the football field to demonstrate against racism. The EMU student BLM  demonstrators were peaceful and passionate.

In the press release President Smith expressed respect and support for student protesters. As an EMU alum I'm glad to hear of his respect for student protesters.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press

Photo Purple Walrus Press.

EMU BLM STUDENT DEMONSTRATORS WALK ONTO FIELD IN SOLIDARITY AT END OF FOOTBALL GAME FRI NIGHT.

At the end of Friday nights Eastern Michigan University football game against Wyoming, roughly 100 to 150 EMU Black Lives Matter student protesters linked arms and peacefully walked onto the football field. Demonstrators made their way to the sideline at the 50 yard line facing the home team fans. The protesters chanted, "We're going to be alright", and, "Black Lives Matter." The students were peaceful and passionate.

As student protesters were preparing to march onto the field I spoke to student demonstrator Caryn Banks who is a 5th year senior from Detroit. Caryn said she came to EMU because she was impressed with the diversity of students at the school. Caryn said she was shocked by the racist graffiti painted on EMU school buildings in recent days. She expressed dismay that in 2016 this kind of racism is surfacing.

Caryn Banks informed me in the 4th quarter that, "They would be letting student protesters onto the field to demonstrate at the end of the game." When I asked her who gave the students permission to go onto the field she wasn't sure,

Unfortunately, one or two vocal people sitting in the stands heckled protesters in an ugly manner, and that is a shame.

EMU student BLM demonstrators handled themselves with grace, style, and a positive spirit.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

EMU student protesters walk onto the field after EMU football game. Photo Purple Walrus Press.

CANCELLED FRED EAGLESMITH SHOW AT ARK = BUMMER FOR YPSILANTI / ANN ARBOR FANS

I was really looking forward to reviewing the Fred Eaglesmith concert at the Ark in Ann Arbor Thursday night, I really was. Honestly, I hadn't heard of the the Canadian country roots sing/songwriter until my old buddy and PWP print edition layout genius and contributor Chai Montgomery turned me onto him two weeks ago.

There has been quite a buzz around the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area lately about Eaglesmith. The bummer is the show was cancelled, zapped, kaputski. Shortly before the scheduled 8pm concert a couple of signs went up in the Ark window about the cancellation. A woman in the ticket office politely, and apologetically explained that Eaglesmith's bus was having problems on the road. My buddy Chai offered to go get Eaglesmith himself, but to no avail. His bus broke down. Rats!

Fans were very disappointed. One fan had driven all the way down from my hometown of Flint to see the concert. I know that the wonderful staff at the Ark felt badly about the cancellation, also. By the way, The Ark is one of the best and most important music venues in the United States. Big bummer for all concerned to be sure. I bet Fred Eaglesmith will make it to the Ark at sometime or another and it will be fantastic.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press.

That's me, Jeff, in Black tee shirt talking to fellow Flintstone and Eaglesmith fan in blue shirt.. Purple Walrus Press.

Unhappy fan from Flint on left, and PWP staffer Chai Montgomery. Chai is also not happy. . Photo Purple Walrus Press.