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by Jeff Lily | photos © 2014 Bernie Laframboise

The best and brightest local individuals and businesses were honored at the Ferndale and Oak Park Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards and Recognition Gala on November 14. The Gala was held at the Twist Night Club, and presented by Gage Products Company of Ferndale and Paramount Precision Products of Oak Park.

The event lived up to its “gala” billing, with entertainers, strolling waitresses with appetizers, a silent auction featuring products and services donated by over 90 area businesses and individuals, and the opportunity to rub elbows with the smart, driven, and just plain friendly folks of the Ferndale and Oak Park business community. A bar overflowed with chips, salsa, and hummus donated by Garden Fresh Gourmet while a string quartet played softly in the glow of decorative lights.

“The Artist in You” was the theme of this year’s event. The CoC announced the Art Mural Project, in which the work of two sophomore, two junior, and two senior students from Ferndale High School will be chosen for outdoor display at various locations in Ferndale. Chosen students also have the opportunity to pick up scholarship money. Photos of young Ferndale High School artists were shown on TVs, and a selection of their work was available for viewing at the Gala.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was the awards ceremony. The winners of each category were:

  • Business Person of the Year: Dean Bach (Dino’s Lounge and M Brew).
  • New Business of the Year: Michigan Youth Arts (Marianne Dorais).
  • Special Service Award: Jack Aronson (Garden Fresh Gourmet).
  • Best of Ferndale: Tie between Rust Belt Market (Chris and Tiffany Best) and Ferndale Friends
  • Best of Oak Park: Tai Fai Restaurant (Bonnie Deng).
  • Volunteer of the Year: Rita Van Keymuelen (Creative Office Designs).

As a member of the Ferndale Friends team, I am, of course very excited about winning the “Best of Ferndale” award. It’s especially humbling when you consider the fine businesses and organizations we were up against.

 

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Congradulations to the Nominees

Business person:

  • Jack Aronson, Garden Fresh Gourmet
  • Eric Borman, Progressive Metals
  • Jeff Denha, Brass Aluminum Forging
  • Dr. Bridget Devlin, Claddagh Chiropractic
  • Carrie Fanelli, ServPro of Oak Park/Ferndale
  • David Greylen, Waterwork Plumbing
  • Don Hagle, J & D Auto
  • Mike Hennes, Howe’s Bayou
  • Jay McMillan, Royal Services
  • Heatherleigh Navarre, Boston Tea Room
  • Jerome Raska, Blumz…by JRDesigns

New Business:

  • McRub / JLM Medical Massage
  • Nick’s Pizza
  • Public House
  • Tai Fai Restaurant

Special Service:

  • Heather Coleman Voss, Oakland County Michigan Works! Ferndale
  • Mayor David Coulter, City of Ferndale
  • Jeannie Davis, Ferndale Seniors
  • Derek Delacourt, Ferndale CED Director
  • Ann Heler, FernCare Free Clinic
  • Christine Hughes and Cindy Wilcox, Ferndale DDA
  • Rev. Jim Pool, Renaissance Vineyard Church
  • Crystal Proxmire, OC115

Best of Ferndale:

  • FernCare Free Clinic
  • Ferndale DPW
  • Ferndale Public Schools
  • Gage Products Company
  • Garden Fresh Gourmet
  • Greenleaf Bodyworks
  • Michigan Youth Arts
  • Progressive Metal Manufacturing Company
  • Royal Services
  • Western Market

Best of Royal Oak:

  • 8250 Closet
  • J & D Auto
  • Oak Park DPW
  • Paramount Precision Products
  • Scheers Ace Hardware

Volunteer of the Year:

  • Lori Champagne, Champagne Engraving
  • Heather Coleman Voss, Oakland County Michigan Works! Ferndale
  • Crystal Foster, Clear Financial
  • Jim Shaffer, Jim Shaffer and Associates / Keller Williams Realty
  • Rita Van Keymeulen, Creative Office Designs

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states united to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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Questions by Derek Lindamood

Who or what prompted the idea for the 3-60 Project?

Our city’s downtown strategic revitalization vision and long-term planning prompted the 3-60 Project. As early as 1998, the City’s Master Land Use Plan already incorporated specific language about mixed-use residential and office space development on city-owned parking lots.

For the past six years, the real estate crash depressed property values, making new development financial unviable for most communities. Now that real estate is in recovery and Ferndale is a highly desirable community, multiple developers have interest building in Ferndale, including the 3-60 Project team.

What are the potential benefits for the residents and businesses of Ferndale that this project could bring?

I believe great downtowns make people a priority as a revitalization strategy instead of just car travel and parking spots. I often wonder how we can use the city’s under-utilized parking lots to strengthen our connectedness and social interactions — or create a stronger sense of place. With Ferndale’s intense focus making walking and biking more safe and enjoyable, our downtown provides people an engaging environment that leads to great experiences for those who live, work and visit our downtown. With that in mind, the development project can help solve current challenges and position us to further achieve downtown goals and aspirations.

First, a development project like 3-60 will create more parking for downtown businesses. We all know it can be a challenge to find parking at peak times in our downtown. Time and again, our DDA and businesses have made increasing parking supply a top priority.

A second major benefit from this project is more daytime foot traffic. Our downtown business owners and the DDA have been consistently vocal about the need to balance downtown Ferndale’s thriving night-time economy with the slower daytime economy. More people living and working in the downtown will result in more people walking, dining and shopping during the day.

Adding more choice of housing options is another benefit. Increasingly, some people desire lofts, one-two bedroom apartments or condos located in a walkable urban downtown where they can complete most of their daily trips by walking or taking transit.

New office space means businesses bringing new jobs. The 3-60 Project seeks to fill the proposed new office space with second-stage tech companies that will most likely provide high- paying jobs.

Increased neighborhood retail space for entrepreneurial small businesses is an overall benefit to our community. Remember, the City can negotiate with any developer what types of business uses are allowed in the new storefronts (i.e., retail versus a bar or restaurant).

What is this project – i.e., how many loft units, how many stores, what are they intending to be used for – and what is the ultimate goal for this undertaking: What is it that the 3-60 Project hopes to achieve for the City of Ferndale?

The ultimate goal of any project on City-owned parking lots is to fulfill the City’s strategic revitalization goals. Other developers proposals were considered, however the 3-60 Project provided more options worthy of further exploration.

Conceptually, the 3-60 Project team proposes one residential loft building with 75-100 living units and three office buildings approximately 60,000 square feet each. As part of the proposal, the city seeks to add a public parking deck to reduce the existing parking capacity issues in the downtown and support the residential and office space uses.

We are in control of what we want this development project to achieve for us as a community. City staff are working closely with the 3-60 Project team to ensure their proposal meets the city’s stated goals, and follows the city’s required development review process.

What is the current timeline of this project, start-to-finish? How will this undertaking affect downtown businesses, and for how long?

The 3-60 Project has three phases, and the project proposal is currently in Phase One. Activities in Phase One included several public outreach sessions, and a parking and financial feasibility study. Phase One is the most critical for the city—this period determines the cost and financing options to build the new public parking deck.

City Council accelerated the suggested 18-month timeline to complete the conceptual evaluation of the 3-60 Project after 12 months. At the end of the 12-month period, City Council will determine if there is enough potential to move forward to a formal planning review process (Phase Two). If City Council approves moving to Phase Two, then construction (Phase 3) could start in late 2015.

How will this project be funded, and what is the estimated cost for taxpayers?

This development project is designed as a public/private partnership, which means that the developer will fund the construction of the residential and office space, and the City funds the construction of the parking deck, leading to both parties gaining benefits.

The financial feasibility study is currently underway. As of this writing, City Council has yet to receive a detailed project proposal with all the cost and project financing information, which is the final step of Phase One. Council anticipates city staff and the 3-60 Project team to provide more details in early 2015.

What will City Council propose to do to mitigate some of the anticipated traffic congestion, etc. that could cause downtown businesses to see a decrease in activity at their stores?

With any project on city-owned parking lots, I expect the developer to conduct a traffic impact study based on the number of proposed parking spaces. This study, performed in Phase 2, will inform the city and DDA on any anticipated increase in traffic congestion and recommend avoidance solutions.

What are the potential issues e that the construction of the 3-60 Project could cause for the residents and businesses?

I know that any major downtown development project the City approves will have short-term impacts on businesses and residents during construction. Construction will result in street, sidewalk and alley closures, traffic detours and construction noise.

City Council made an earnest effort to include public feedback early in the development concept stage, and City staff are collaborating with the 3-60

Project team to incorporate suggestions into the development proposal. A major concern expressed by business owners during the 3-60 public input sessions is that construction or closure of both the Withington and Troy lots at the same time is untenable. City staff are working with 3-60 to determine how to construct one lot at a time, keeping essential parking available to downtown businesses.

I know City Council will ensure City staff, and the DDA, downtown businesses and other partner organizations develop a strong mitigation plan that reduces the impact of construction. Together we will need to identify alternative parking solutions, understand the individual needs and concerns of each business, and then determine business technical support services to assist them throughout the construction phase. I know Ferndale’s DIY attitude and creative energy will guide us through.

Who is responsible for ensuring the project is completed within the time frame specified by the builder?

The City is responsible for holding any developer accountable on their approved development plan. For example, the Vity held the Lofts at 9 development team accountable for their approved plan and construction timeline, which was a successful project for the community.

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If slightly happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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Questions by David Wesley

What does the 3-60 Project mean to you, and, given your experience, what do you think it will mean for Ferndale?

I was initially excited about the potential development of added parking and offices or apartments downtown when the City first broached the idea. But when they later announced that they weren’t seeking lots of ideas or bids from multiple companies, but instead were giving an exclusive agreement to one individual and his partners, I became much more guarded.

When we saw the plans and the scope and timing of the first proposal, my feelings sank. I live one block from downtown, and have watched our downtown blossom over the past 20 years, and was one of many players who had a hand in that success. But this 3-60 project, as presented, is just so massive, on a scale so far beyond what Ferndale is presently. It would be disruptive and character-changing, and that worries me a lot. Over the years, we have grown in thoughtful and measured steps, evolving into a cool but still livable and welcoming community.

While I would like to believe that any final decisions bring a better, smarter plan that fits with our size and character, the risk is also real that bad decisions are made that could affect all of us for many years to come.

What are your strongest reasons for opposing the 3-60 Project?

In spite of reactionary comments from some who back this current plan and methodology, none of us who are opposing the 3-60 project are against development. On the contrary, we support smart development and measured change.

Since the mid 1990s through 2010, under Mayors Goedert, Porter, and myself, most residents and business owners in Ferndale supported the kinds of smart, measured, sensible, and sustainable development we undertook. Narrowing 9 Mile Road, adding street parking, supporting the DDA, encouraging new businesses and stores, fixing the roads, water mains, and sewers, and creating the walkability and street life with festivals were all popular and part of a grand shared vision.

Fixing up the Courthouse was a great example of sensible and efficient redevelopment. But that almost was disastrous when some on City Council back around 2008 wanted to tear it down and move City Hall into the Credit Union One Building. I feel we are back again to those days of some in city government who have grandiose ideas of massive new buildings and wildly expensive projects, and who don’t seem to want to check with experts and experienced developers.

Ferndale is a four square mile town with 19,000 residents who have created a fun, interesting and inclusive community that is welcoming and affordable. We should not delude ourselves to think we should look like Birmingham or compete with Detroit. I strongly believe that there are not dozens of high tech companies demanding to move into a cramped building squeezed into the Withington Parking lot. There are hundreds of thousands of square feet of empty office space in Troy, Southfield, and Detroit.

Why would members of the city council be enticed by this project and what incentive would it have for them?

Since I assume that those in our current city government want what is best for the city, then I also assume that they are either mistaken or are being given bad advice. Maybe they are star struck by visions of a huge new edifice downtown, to be built by a 20-something whiz kid who struck it rich. They do not like criticism even though they say they want input and feedback. They asked for residents’ thoughts and ideas, but then seem to get uptight when folks share their concerns. One council member resorts to sarcasm and over–the-top slogans on Facebook, while another expresses frustration that people don’t like the current plans. We get mixed messages when we are told this is just an idea, but then see timelines that imply the shovels will go into the ground next summer.

I wonder sometimes if those running things now are too insular, and don’t seek advice from fellow city managers, mayors and council members in neighboring cities. Royal Oak just decided on a very beautiful new development in their downtown that includes new parking, apartments, and storefronts. It is reasonable, fits neatly into the space where the old car dealer was on Main Street, and is no more than five stories tall. This was done without drama or rancor. I’m not sure why we don’t seem to be able to follow that model.

What is your most important concern about the 3-60 Project that Ferndale residents need to know?

Everyone agrees that the planning and roll-out of the new “Luke” remote kiosk-style parking system installed in 2013 was very poorly executed and caused much distress and added expense. But most people are now resigned to it, and it is supposedly working well now. But this 3-60 project is one hundred times bigger and more serious than that decision. While many want to trust the current Mayor and City Council and staff, we can’t just cross our fingers and hope they get it right.

The good news is that the project as proposed will surely not happen without big changes. No real estate experts believe that any developer can sign on enough office tenants to fill the kind of building proposed, and it is doubtful they could find bank financing or backers on the scale they need. Also, 2015 is an election year, and the Mayor and two council members are up for election in November.

The bad news is that 80 per cent of residents don’t vote in local Ferndale elections, and many won’t even know or understand what the 3-60 is all about. If you care about your city and its future, then you must let your Council members and mayor know how you feel, and that you vote.

Tell them that to close the entire Withington parking lot for a year or two will be a death knell for our downtown shops and restaurants. Tell them you don’t want to look like Detroit or Birmingham or Troy, and that they should seek alternatives. Bob Wolfson, who built the Lofts on East Nine, offered to build apartments and a parking deck on half of the Withington Lot. Tell the City you want reasonable, doable, smart development that fits the character of the city we all love. Remind them that our roads, water mains, sewers, and other infrastructure need attention, too.

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If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you have to look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this therapy passes into breast milk.

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By Jason Shubnell | Photos © 2014 Ed Abeska

BACK FOR ITS eighth year, the Ferndale GoodFellows dressed up and drank down in honor of the end to Prohibition.

Various Ferndale establishments tried to recreate the feel of the 1930s, hosting their own drink specials, while bar staffs and patrons were encouraged to wear period costumes (think Al Capone and The Great Gatsby). The event raised funds for Ferndale GoodFellows, who offer assistance to needy families during the holiday season. The event took place Saturday, December 6, starting around dinner time and running until the bars closed.

Lifelong Ferndale resident Larry Mills and his wife Monica are the brains behind the event. “Watching the History Channel, learning about December 1933, my husband suggested a fundraiser for Ferndale Goodfellows,” Monica said. “Any opportunity for Monica and Larry to get dressed up is cause for celebration in itself,” said Michael Hennes of Howe’s Bayou, which has been a participating venue in the event every year.

Donations are raised through sponsorships and passing the “moonshine jug” at participating venues. Last year, eight venues and more than a dozen volunteers raised over $3,500 for needy families. $22,500 has been raised over the event’s eight-year run. Volunteers stopped to pass the jug around all participating bars. Patrons were encouraged to put donations in the jug whenever they wanted to make a contribution. The moonshine jug will be left at Just 4 Us until after Christmas, so there’s still a chance to contribute.

“Off-duty police officers work with the fire department and other service organizations as part of Good Fellows to ensure each child is warm, sheltered, fed and hopefully has a toy for the holiday.”

Tito’s Vodka was a sponsor for the first time in 2014. “Ferndale is a big supporter of Tito’s and I thought that would be the least I could do,” said Sam Randazzo, state manager for Tito’s Vodka. “Everyone deserves a Merry Christmas.”

A history lesson.

PROTESTANTS AND PROGRESSIVES from both political parties, as part of the Anti-Saloon League, were the force behind Prohibition. After years of legal and political wrangling, the United States officially

became a dry country on January 17, 1920, when the 18th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was passed.

Michigan had actually been trying to ban alcohol as early as 1852, believing that “such a ban would reduce crime and improve both family life and employee productivity,” according to documents from Wayne State’s Walter P. Reuther Library. Citizens of Michigan actually approved a prohibition amendment to the state constitution in 1916. However, “bootlegging operations and smuggling networks formed within hours.”

The Michigan-Windsor lake border was a match made in bootlegging heaven. One of Detroit’s most famous mobs, the Purple Gang, were notorious bootleggers.

When the Great Depression hit in the late 1920s and tax revenues waned, a new source of revenue was needed. The Cullen-Harrison Act legalized the sale of beer with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent. Upon signing the act, President Franklin D. Roosevelt reportedly said, “I think this would be a good time for a beer.”

The 18th Amendment was repealed on December 5, 1933, with ratification of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. As of 2012, the state of Michigan has at least 120 breweries.

“We’re not actually honoring the end of Prohibition,” said Hennes. “More like celebrating the end of the silly law that banned drink in the first place.”

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What humanity talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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by: Malissa Martin

The City of Ferndale’s Gerry Kulick Community Center provides activities and opportunities for residents of all ages. “Anywhere from three years of age all the way up to 80-something.” said recreation supervisor Sara Distelrath. The community center has a gym, computer room, senior group, youth leagues, adult leagues, youth programs, fitness studio, art studio, a lunch program and multipurpose rooms available for rent for special events. Kulick is also home to the Boys & Girls Club of Ferndale.

Membership is not required to enjoy the community center’s programs, but is offered for the Fitness Studio, Kids Corner, and Senior Group for a fee. “We don’t have a membership that a family has to pay. You only pay for what you want to do.” Distelrath said. Classes and programs offered at the community center include belly dance, Hawaiian dance, Zumba, Hatha Yoga, and Taoist Tai Chi. New classes are added on a daily basis. Youth leagues options are baseball, softball, and soccer. Classes and league schedules are available at www.ferndalemi.gov.

The community center was upgraded in 2014 . The mats in the Kids Corner room have been replaced with a new foam floor. The bright colors and puzzle-like pieces match with the décor and it makes the bounce house look even more inviting. The Kids Corner is for crawling infants up to age five. Parents can purchase passes during the Kulick’s business hours for their kids to play. Another upgrade to the community center is online registration. “We are currently switching over to a new registration software,” Distelrath said. “Starting December 8 they’ll be able to register for any programs, facility reservations…anything.” To enroll in classes, leagues, programs, and more at the community center visit apm.activecommunities.com/ferndalerecreation.

The Peewee program has expanded its class list in 2014. “We’ve been doing a lot of peewee classes for ages three and four. It’s been received very well amongst the community.” Distelrath explained. “It’s basically an introduction to sports for kids, getting them active at a young age.”

The Community Center has winter events planned for the remainder of 2014. A Winter Break Camp is scheduled for December 22, 23, 29, and 30. A week of activities have been planned for children on winter break from school, including field trips to the Hazel Park Ice Arena, Chuck E. Cheese, Henry Ford Museum, and Emagine Theater Star Lanes. The camp is from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. and the fee is $30 per day, per child. Registration closes on Wednesday, December 17. The Senior Group also has special events planned for the end of 2014. The Cookie Walk Bake Sale is on Wednesday, December 10 at 10 A.M. The proceeds will support the Senior Group. Join the group for the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Candlelight Dinner and Stroll on Friday, December 12 from 3:15 to 8 P.M. On the following day the group is hosting Cookies for a Cause at Dino’s Restaurant from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. during the Ferndale Ice Festival. Finally, the group’s Christmas Luncheon is on Wednesday, December 17 at 11:30 A.M. and is for Senior Group members only.

The Community Center is keeping the events rolling right into 2015 with its second Sweetheart Date Night: A Royal Ball on Friday, February 6, 2015 from 7 to 9 P.M. at the Oak Park Community Center (14300 Oak Park Blvd. in Oak Park). This event is for dads and daughters, grandfathers and granddaughters. Elsa and Ann from Disney’s “Frozen” will make a special appearance from 7 to 8 P.M. “They’re going to be there getting pictures with the girls and doing a sing-a-long with them and a dance with them.” Distelrath adds. Registration for this event is open at Ferndale’s Community Center as well as Oak Park’s Community Center. The Emory and Kulick Community Center have partnered to add a free meal offer. “If you register through Ferndale and you have your receipt, you can actually go to The Emory, and your daughter will get to eat for free. As long as you have your receipt on the day of the dance; that’s the only day that it’s valid.”

An Eggstravaganza has been planned for Saturday, March 28, 2015. The location is yet to be determined. The Senior Group has several trips planned for January 2015, including the Motown Museum on Thursday, January 15; the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, January 20; and Mitchell’s Fish Market on Thursday, January 29.

If you’re looking to rent one of Ferndale’s fourteen parks in 2015, Distelrath advises that City Parks usually rent on a first-come, first-serve basis and don’t usually require a permit. City Parks can be reserved May through October and are open from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. Whether you’re looking for a big park to host a family reunion or something small and intimate, there’s a park to suite the party’s needs.

For more information on Ferndale’s parks or the any of the programs above, visit www.ferndalemi.gov or stop by City Hall. Business hours are from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotency and other states united to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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y Andrea Grimaldi | Photos by Garnette Archer and Chris Allen

Jo’s Gallery has been a Detroit art scene staple for three decades. Founder Jo Griffin was an avid art collector who filled her home with art. After selling a few personal pieces, she decided to open a shop in Trappers Alley. The shop specialized in African American contemporary art and featured custom framing. After the casino took over the original location, Jo’s Gallery found its permanent home off Livernois Avenue.

Jo passed away three years ago, leaving the gallery to her daughter Garnette Archer. Garnette wanted to continue Jo’s legacy and kept the gallery open. Today, Jo’s features a lot of modern and abstract art along with art in different forms; unique handmade jewelry, home décor, and gifts are also featured in the gallery.

The gallery also offers customized framing by Chris Allen. Customized framing is an art in itself. In addition to paintings or prints, Chris has framed dresses, jerseys, guitar strings, and model trains for clients. His unique talent will give any art or memorabilia the star treatment on your wall.

Jo’s Gallery puts an emphasis on local artists. Jewelry maker Lanette Gibson has many pieces in the gallery. Contemporary urban artist Eric Pasha will be featured in the gallery in the coming weeks, displaying his one-of-a-kind fine art pieces. His unique works range from abstract to portraiture and his style captures the social feeling of a big city.

In addition to artist spotlights, Jo’s Gallery runs a number of exciting specials. Every Tuesday they have a Blow Out Sale where everything, including framing, gifts, and prints, are hugely marked down. They have business card raffles for artwork. With new gorgeous art on display and a variety of gifts, Jo’s Gallery is a great place to visit while holiday shopping.

Jo’s Gallery is located at 19376 Livernois in Detroit, about half a mile south of 8 Mile near the corner of Outer Drive. Phone (313) 864-1401 for more information, or find Jo’s Gallery on Facebook.

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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By: Becky Hammond

IMAGINE MEETING A MARTIAN. Imagine trying to explain our culture and habits to someone with no frame of reference. Try football. Trust me, pretend to explain that to a Martian and you’ll start to feel like one. It’s an odd activity to observe with even minor objectivity.

Now, how would you explain fall clean-up activities?

When we moved to Ferndale almost 30 years ago, I was enchanted with leaf trucks. I’d only lived in one other town (Evanston, Illinois) where residents raked leaves to the street and big vacuums sucked them up. Those lucky enough to own cars while attending grad school there (I wasn’t one of them) were nasty enough to plow through the piles late at night, cackling like maniacs, blowing off steam and stress. This made the job of the first leaf trucks I ever saw more difficult, of course (I was glad enough to ride along.)

In rural Ohio, where I grew up, we burned leaves after playing with them. We jumped in them and we used them to outline the rooms of “hotels” where we were the proprietors. We even fashioned teepees of sticks and covered them with leaves, making huts that lasted a surprisingly long time. The saddest thing about using leaf blowers instead of rakes is that you rarely see families playing in leaves now. Since people have one machine, the work is solo. And loud. An interesting (and only mildly heated) discussion arose on Ferndale Forum on Facebook between pro- and con-leafblowers, most of us who dislike them objecting to the noise, of course.

Explain our power sources to our Martian friends. If you live in Ferndale, explain that ten miles southwest of here, a huge building contains equipment designed to burn smallish black rocks procured from afar, most of ours coming from 1,000-plus miles away in the west, the rest being former mountains to our south.

By the time you described the blasting, the equipment, washing the coal with chemicals, transport by train, truck, freighter, the 24/7 burning of the rocks, the people sickened and killed every step of the way, you’d wonder what’s up with us and this system.

In the last couple of years, we’ve brought out some heavy equipment for removing leaves. No longer does a single vacuum truck come down the street; now a big truck, a little truck, a snowplow truck, and a front-end loader arrive. For leaves.

My very first column for Ferndale Friends was called Leave Your Leaves. I had hoped to persuade that nature has always known perfectly well how to dispose of leaves. The whole world is, in essence, a compost factory; it’s making compost all the time. Since most of us still have lawns (alas) it is provident to rake the leaves off of them and onto mulch paths and under shrubs and around trees, but that’s all you have to do. There has been a remarkable difference in soil over the ten years or so we’ve left leaves. The idea is growing. The Detroit News Homestyle supplement had in October an article called, “Gardening: Leave your leaves to Mulch Your Lawn,” by Nancy Szerlag (although I’d like to flatter myself that my play on words got pilfered, that’s actually rather doubtful). Szerlag made an expert case for the benefits of letting Mother Nature improve your soil, using her own materials. The increased number of worms alone may amaze you.

If you compared pros and cons to any being with no experience in the yearly tradition / headache of dealing with nature’s seemingly unwanted bounty, they might very well see the logic in leaving them. Those trucks? Very polluting. The oil needed to power them? Ditto. Burning leaves as we did, and some in the state still do? Nice smell, nostalgic tradition, part of fall for many of us, but just not necessary, even precluding that benefit to the soil.

My small and tree-filled yard is sand. The initial reason we started getting rid of turf over the years is grass hates our sand, and sand reciprocates the feeling. Eventually, forcing something to grow that doesn’t want to, that actually has to be coerced in any number of time-consuming and reasonably expensive ways, got too onerous. We planted stuff that actually is willing to grow with almost no water ever, and that ability to survive on little water is enhanced every year the leaves remain and continue turning our sand into actual topsoil, moist and rich and full of worms.

Since we’ve upped the stakes from the vacuum trucks that pleased me years ago to equipment looking like the city is doing major construction, do you wonder what we’ll come up with ten, 20 years from now? For leaves. Just leaves. Feel like a Martian yet?

The holidays are here. Remember, regifting is cool. And Ferndale has a few funky little shops that actually sell gently-used and very green gifts. Check out Tootsie’s Corner, on Marshall west of Woodward, and Blue Moon Vintage on Livernois. Vintage is in.

Becky Hammond finds newer and odder ways to live green all the time. She admits to about half of them. Message her Facebook page, Funky Town Urban Crafts, with comments.

If something happened with our heartiness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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by Jeff Milo

ARE YOU IN A READING RUT? Feel like you’re just cycling through the same authors, the same kinds of mysteries, the same ol’ same ol’? You know…a Book Club might be just what the doctor, er…the librarian… ordered! By embracing the spirit of group reading, you’ll experience books that you may never have encoun- tered on your own. This can break up any blasé browsing you maybe going through.

Logging your books on social networks like Goodreads with starred ratings isn’t as satisfying as actually sharing your experience of the book out loud, in per- son, with others who have also read that very same book. It can be enlightening and you can make new friends.

The Library facilitates four regular adult book clubs along with two clubs special- ized clubs for children (Grades 5-and- below & Grades 5-and-above). Some clubs are tailored to defined tastes, age groups, or genres, so come in and in- quire at the circulation desk to see which club might suit you best. Trust us, it’ll be way better than just reading whatever James Patterson puts out next…

MAKE YOUR MARK & The FRIENDS OF THE FERNDALE LIBRARY

The Holidays are approaching… If any- one is really feeling the philanthropic vibes during this generous season of giving, we might humbly suggest you think of your local library. (As you might have heard, it’s been a bit of a rough year here, with budget cuts earlier in the year resulting in a reduction of service hours and staff, all of which is an aftereffect of the recent recession).

The Library’s recent “Make Your Mark” campaign gives generous donors the chance to be recognized on our newly installed Donor Wall. The library also encourages members of the business community to adopt programs and prominent areas of the library and be recognized as supportive partners. Credit Union One has already proudly partnered with the library at a Platinum level, with a plaque placed at the entrance to the busy computer lab. “Several hundred people walk through our doors each day, and they definitely notice when a business steps up and supports the library,” says Library Director Jessica Keyser.

Or, perhaps you could show support by considering joining The Friends Of The Ferndale Library, a community of volunteers for anyone eager to share their enthusiasm for books, music, arts and culture. FPL’s Friends are motivated because they understand the crucial importance of a well-funded library, especially during tougher economic times such as these. The Friends help the library plan, organize and facilitate enriching and engaging programming.

DISTRICT LIBRARY PLAN

The Ferndale Library submitted a plan to the State Librarian to form a District Library with Ferndale Schools. Becoming a District Library would make a more stable future possible for us. Should the District Library be formed, the schools would not be contributing to library finances, and the library will not be involved in the operation of the schools’ media centers. However, the possibility of more funding for the library could lead to more out- reach efforts and services to Ferndale Public Schools, students, and staff. The District Library Agreement received unanimous approval from City Council, the School Board and the Library’s Board of Trustees.

As Ferndale Friends goes to print, the Plan is still pending approval, however, patrons regularly utilizing the library’s services, both in-house and online, will not see any change in the day-to-day operations, nor will its current policies, standard procedures, or board-approved bylaws be altered.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you have to look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this therapy passes into breast milk.

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By: Baron Brown

OVER A SPAN OF SEVERAL months, the Ferndale Police Department has had, and will have, over 140 years of experi- ence walk out the door. Five veteran officers have retired or will retire, and will finally have the luxury of spending every weekend and holiday with their families. These officers served the citizens of the city of Ferndale with distinction and pride. The FPD will miss them and the expertise that they each brought to their work.

Detective Kenneth Denmark retired first, after a 31-year career. Detective Denmark is a Ferndale High School graduate and Ferndale native. Ken served the FPD with distinction as a patrol officer, Youth Bureau detective, Field Training Officer, Detective, and as an undercover narcotics detective. Ken is an avid fisherman and plans to spend a great deal of time with a fishing pole in his hands when he’s not working his part-time job as a police officer at a local college.

Sergeant Steve Jennings and Officer Steve Carroll retired next. Sergeant Jennings, also a Ferndale High School graduate and Ferndale native, served the citizens of Ferndale for 25 years. Steve is a master plumber and worked in the plumbing trade before becoming a police officer.

Sergeant Jennings worked as a patrol officer but spent the majority of his career as a patrol sergeant. Steve was integral in maintaining our “technology” assets and will be hard to replace. Sergeant Jennings was nationally recognized for his actions while responding to a “customer trouble” call at fabric store in the early 1990s. As Sergeant Jennings entered the building, a gunman who had tied up and assaulted several employees and customers pointed a pistol at him from behind a closed door. Sergeant Jennings shot the gunman, who died from his wounds, preventing further harm to the already beaten and traumatized victims. While Steve has retired from the FPD, he has already secured full-time employment as a technician with Oakland County’s Department of Information Technology.

Steve Carroll, known to most as “Stretch” or “Joey,” is a Berkley native and Berkley High School graduate. Officer Carroll worked for Houston PD for several years prior to coming home and spending 25 years as a Ferndale police officer. Officer Carroll served in patrol, was a field training officer, was assigned to the Crime Suppression Task Force, and spent several years assigned to the FPD Directed Patrol Unit. Steve is an ardent golfer and we expect that he’ll have an extended tour of Michigan’s golf courses as he enjoys his semi-retirement. Steve has also already secured part-time employment as a police officer working for a local police department.

Patrick (Rick) Jones retired in mid-November after a 32-year career with the FPD. Rick probably had the hardest time “pulling the plug” as he postponed his official retirement date close to a half dozen times. Detective Sergeant Jones is another Ferndale High School graduate and Ferndale native and comes from a family with a long and proud tradition of serving the citizens of Ferndale. Rick served in the United States Navy before becoming a Ferndale police officer and we are proud of his lifelong service to both the U.S. and Ferndale. Sergeant Jones worked patrol, the Curtail Auto Theft task force, Youth Bureau, and the Detective Bureau in his long career. Rick is a NASCAR fanatic and will be on the road visiting different NASCAR tracks when he’s not enjoying time with his family at their cabin up north.

Lieutenant Gary Whiting, a Redford native, will work his last day at FPD on January 1, 2015. Gary also worked for Houston PD prior to becoming a Ferndale police officer. Lieutenant Whiting’s 27-year career at Ferndale PD included assignments in patrol, Curtail Auto Theft task force, as Detective Sergeant, and as a shift commander. Lieutenant Whiting is known as a savvy and determined investigator and has played significant roles in solving many of Ferndale’s most notorious crimes. Gary’s wife is also a police officer and his brother preceded him in retirement from a local police department. As Lieutenant Whiting is also a prolific golfer, we are sure he will spend some time on the links with Steve Carroll as they both enjoy retirement.

We would like to thank all of these officers for their service to the citizens of Ferndale and hope that they enjoy their well-deserved retirements. We would like to especially thank their families, who had to endure their absences on numerous holidays and vacations, the fear of sending them off on their daily missions, and the anxious feelings that only the spouse or child of a police officer understands until they walked in the door at the end of their shifts. Good job, men!

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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By: Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, Ferndale Public Schools

BEGINNING IN THE FALL OF 2015, Ferndale Schools is excited to offer several new pro- grams for our students. You will be hearing all about these wonderful new educational opportunities within our District in the coming weeks.

One of these new opportunities will be a pilot Montessori program for students ages six through nine (grades 1 to 3.) This new program, to be housed at Roosevelt Primary School, will enable students with Montessori experience to continue their education in a Montessori classroom while building relationships with their local community school district. Beginning with students with Montessori early childhood experience, our goal is to grow this lower Montessori classroom to include additional students without a Montessori background who are interested in exploring this unique way of learning.

The Montessori Method of education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, over 100 years ago in Italy. The value of a Montessori education is how the program is set up to allow children of all learning styles to excel: students are free to learn at their own pace, each advancing through their individualized curriculum as they are ready.

The goal of Ferndale Schools is to provide all students with an exceptional education that prepares them for college, careers and success in a diverse society. Opening a lower Montessori classroom is an exciting option for all Ferndale families, especially those students with Montessori experience.

For more information on the Ferndale Public Schools Montessori Program, and other new educational initiatives within Ferndale Schools, please visit www.ferndaleschools.org.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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