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Story & photo by Kevin Alan Lamb

Let us turn back the clock and relive a time where a meal meant to break bread with the artisan who cooked it and the farmer who harvested the grain, a time when we gathered in a celebration of community and progress in the form of shared creation and indulgence, fine whiskey, seasons passed, music and simple food, not made simply.

“The place is called Otus Supply. Otus is the genius of the great horned black owl, and the Supply really works with the industrial flavor, but also it plays from a marketing perspective: we’re supplying good friends, good cheer, good music, good food, good life,” Thom Bloom said with the type of smile that insists you believe him.

Located on 345 E. 9 Mile, Otus Supply opens in December and reminds us of the immense love and magnificence in the minutia with its intentional design, decor, and chef-inspired menu.
“It’s going to be a pretty full menu that’s seasonal, and it’s really inspired by the Great Lakes. Folks you know who have migrated over the last couple hundred years to the Great Lakes you know, whether that’s the Lebanese, the Polish, the German, the Dutch, the French. We drew influence from Chicago over to Cleveland, northern Michigan and Detroit. We call it simple food not prepared simply.

Since first learning of Ferndale’s newest spruce goose in July, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know the men behind the mission of inspiring and connecting a community through good food, good music, and art.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the concert business, I have other restaurants I’ve done. I was in the advertising business. Throughout all of these different careers you have a position or takes on different things. I took little bits and pieces of things that I really thought were important, and this is what Scott and I jokingly call our spruce goose.”

Before stepping foot in the newly-renovated, almost 11,000 square foot building, it becomes apparent that you are about to experience something special; something that you may not be able to articulate, but certainly feel and look forward to sharing it with others.

“We went out of our way to find as many recycled and architectural salvaged pieces to not only build the space, but to augment and decorate the space and kind of give homage to the last hundred years in Detroit history and living, prewar and postwar industrial revolution. In our design elements we kind of went back almost 300 years to the founding of Detroit. The French played a role in creating the kind of softer, feminine side of the design aspect.”

“We even went over to Paris and shopped, found pieces and windows and doors. Matter of fact, one of the old doors to a downtown Pairs building entered into a courtyard, a 10-foot door, you’ll see in our foyer. We also brought in three or four main artists who have played a major role in designing the space. One is Alex Morales from Smartmouth Designs out of Chicago, another is Daniel Ross from Detroit who does a very similar sculptural kind of woodworking perspective.”

When the doors open it will satisfy a number of needs in the Ferndale community, bringing in national and international acts to showcase a live room with over 30 taps, high ceilings, state-of-the-art acoustics, a sound booth made from reclaimed remnants of the train station, and music intent on making you move. There isn’t a music venue like it.

“Any music that happens here is going to be from the heart and soul, kind of roots Americana, New Orleans influence. It’s kind of, good old music you know? It’s really about having the musical side tap into the same kind of passion that we put into the food. We don’t want to make a mistake about the order here either, you know? It’s food first, and music a close partner alongside.”

Otus will host the official Greensky Bluegrass New Year’s afterjam with Greg Burns & Friends,  featuring Anders Beck, Mike Shimmin, Mike Lynch, Dave Menzo and special guests, The Kitchen Dwellers and The Whistle Stop Review. A free shuttle will be provided from Royal Oak Music Theatre to the Otus each night.

The building has been expanded with a new foyer and garage door space, along with a patio covered by a steel roof, with steel girders, and three large garage doors that ascend 18 feet in the air to be out of sight.

“It’s a real wide open outdoor space in warm weather scenarios, it’s open if it’s sunny in the winter, as much as possible when it’s warm, it’s a four-seasons scenario, on the Inside as well.”

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By Jenn Goeddeke

Situated just North of 9 Mile on Woodward (22848 Woodward Ave), Howe’s Bayou is a popular bar/restaurant with an intimate, low-lit ‘artsy’ vibe which Michael Hennes runs with his partner, Patti Barker. Howe’s Bayou has been serving its patrons with authentic, Southern-style dishes since 1999. During that year, Hennes – who is now the proprietor – began working with Tom Brandel, a local restauranteur (of Tom’s Oysters, in Roy-al Oak). Hennes explained that Brandel was initially looking for management help but, after only a year, Hennes was able to purchase the establishment. Prior to purchasing Howe’s Bayou, Hennes had extensive experience in the food industry, having lived and worked for restaurants in Detroit for 25 years.

The Howe’s Bayou family-friendly menu offers something for everyone at an affordable price including steak, sandwiches, and seafood – along with traditional New Orleans favorites. My personal favorite is the Voodoo Chicken Po’ Boy: “strips of grilled chicken tossed in our savoury New Or-leans BBQ sauce – $7.95” (All Po’ Boys are served with southern slaw and home-baked potato chips).

For adult clientele, there is a wide offering of beverages: craft beers, as-sorted cocktails, and various wines. The wait-staff are always friendly, and able to offer good suggestions regarding food/beverage combinations. For those with a ‘sweet-tooth’ craving, I would strongly suggest trying the bread pudding with a bourbon sauce, or the peach cobbler with whipped cream (at $4.25 each). Tuesday dinner specials are available for just$10/plate, so new customers can find their favorite dish!

Hennes has a definite interest in ‘giving back’ to the community, and in serving others. At one point in his career, Hennes took a break to work with “Focus Hope,” where he managed the café and oversaw the confer-ence center full-time for 18 months. More recently, Howe’s Bayou donated food for over 150 guests at an ‘Awards for Youth’ event, through Peace Action of Michigan; Hennes has been contributing to this charity in a simi-lar way for five years.

I asked Hennes what stood out to him while working over the years at Howe’s Bayou. He responded, “The community here is the greatest experi-ence, my staff are awesome and we have a very loyal base of customers. It’s mostly just word-of-mouth advertising now. Everyone knows each oth-er from the surrounding businesses. We all take a vested interest in what’s going on. This neighborhood really takes pride in itself!” Hennes added that this community spirit has encouraged him to volunteer for different local causes/events including the DDA and FernCare.

Hennes and Barker certainly have a great way of making their customers feel welcome and wanting to come back for more of the Howe’s Bayou Southern-dining experience.

Howe’s Bayou can be reached at: (248) 691.7145, or by email: info@howesbayouferndale.net. Private and Business Catering is available. Street-side dining open in the Spring & Summer months. Visit the website for online ordering/menu information: www.howesbayouferndale.net

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Story by Andrea Grimaldi
Photography by Bernie Laframboise

What do you get when you combine a life-long obsession with yarn and an endearing sense of humor? The Happy Hooker Detroit shop. Owner and operator Christina Larson has arguably the coziest corner of the Rust Belt, as well as an eclectic online shop. She takes comfortable crocheted items and gives them her own spin. The website explains her work as “Inspired by your grandma and taken to the streets, Happy Hookers Detroit provides comfortable knitwear with an attitude.”

Each product in the Happy Hookers shop is created from patterns written by Christina. The clothing section of the shop is extensive. “Armies” are fingerless gloves and feature unique designs, like swirls and a snakeskin print. “Butt Sweaters” are beautiful skirts that are as warm as they are unique (because what are skirts, but butt sweaters?). “Cloaking Hoods” are neck scarves with a unique shape that can be worn several different ways. “Scarf Sleeves” can also be paired with the cloaking hoods, or purchased in contrasting colors for a one of a kind look. The scarf sleeves can also be worn in any number of ways and are a stand out on their own.

The Happy Hooker shop also has bowties, gorgeous hats, and scarves, all made with integrity and make layering up for winter weather less depressing. No two items at Happy Hooker Detroit are alike, making each piece a work of art.

In addition to clothing items, the Happy Hooker Detroit shop now features pillows with unique designs. Personalized wedding pillows feature stick figure portraits of the couple, the wedding date, and optional initials. The wedding pillows are a great gift for the couple who has it all.  Other pillows include whales or a robot fighting a dinosaur.

The pillows are made with a knitting machine that can take two-color images and put them in yarn. While the images are simplistic, they are very entertaining. The machine that creates the pillows is aptly-named “Mr. Fancy Pants,” because of the fancy image technology. Christina has another machine named
“Workhorse,” who makes a lot of the hats and sleeves for the shop. Christina’s third machine is a Brother 270 named “Greased Lightning” for its efficiency.

It is hard to say if Christina’s biggest talent lies with yarn or with naming inanimate objects.

While Christina learned to crochet as a child, she picked up knitting from a coworker during her time as a director at Channel 7. She worked in broadcast for 17 years, before the job changed into something she wasn’t enjoying. She realized she had a business ready to go in her craft room, and has been running Happy Hooker full time for the last two years. In addition to the year-old Rust Belt shop, Christina takes her hooking on the road with booths at various music festivals.

Christina’s newest project is a group effort called Fuzzy Tripod (another Christina name). Created alongside photographer Evans Tasiopoulos and artist Dave Messy, Fuzzy Tripod is a new group aiming to bring Detroit-area artists together. The group put on a Summer Art and Beer Garden earlier this summer, and plan on creating more venues to showcase local talent. Another event in the works will pair poets with painters for an extended period to see what they can inspire each other to make. Follow the Fuzzy Tripod page on Facebook to see what is coming next.

While Christina will tell you that her true love in life is yarn, creating things that make people happy is her true passion. The pride in seeing someone wearing her clothing or making the perfect gift for her customers is what keeps Christina hooking. Visit her at the Rust Belt to see her wears in person, or check out her website at www.hhdclothing.com to place an order.

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Story by Ingrid Sjostrand

Bus shelters aren’t the most visually appealing structures in a city and Ferndale was no exception – until recently, thanks to the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART).

In August, they completed the first installment of the “Put the Art in SMART” project by renovating the bus shelter on West 9 Mile, right off Woodward Ave. Not only does it have a fresh coat of vibrant red paint, it features a rotating collection of art in place of old advertisements and — most notably — a green, living roof.

The project began as collaboration from DDA design committee volunteer Dustin Hagfors and Chris Best, co-owner of Rustbelt Market, with the help of Cindy Willcock, operations manager of the DDA. “The idea to replace the ‘Get Tested STI’advertisements, which were no longer under contract, and make the screen into a revolving art gallery was what jump-started the plan,” Hagfors says. “Through collaboration with Cindy and Chris, we were able to develop an idea that brought some vibrancy to the community.”

Through connections at SMART, Hagfors, who has a master’s degree in urban planning, arranged a meeting where he and Willcock pitched the idea to Madonna Van Fossen, SMART’s Oakland County Ombudsperson.

“SMART gave their blessing to our idea for the first shelter and has been very open to all we’ve pitched,”  Willcock says. “[We] ran our idea by Van Fossen and she was very interested and enthused — she even came out and helped us clean and paint the shelter!”

When Best heard about the project, he knew exactly how he wanted to contribute. “I have been dreaming about putting a living roof on these bus stops for three years.  The way these structures are built, they are just begging for it!” he says.

And Best had the expertise too, having built a living roof on his own home seven years ago, which has the same slanted roof structure as the shelters.

These updates do more than just make Ferndale more aesthetically pleasing, Hagfors says.
“It draws positive attention to the great transportation options we have available,” he says. “Ferndale is one of the only communities in Metro Detroit that has multiple lines of bus service available seven days a week, and my hope was that an artistic shelter would not only bring attention to mass transit but also make mass transit cool.”

Willcock notes the importance of a clean, safe place for those waiting for the bus, and has research to back it up. “It’s been shown that these types of enhancements actually help mitigate vandalism to the shelters and surrounding area; in fact, a federal study concluded that more people used public transit systems that incorporated art.” Willcock says.

The project needed to be completed quickly; after approval from SMART on August 10th it already had a prime-time TV spot for the following week.

“The bus stop – or at least its location – kind of picked us! The ultimate deciding factor was that Detroit Public Television was going to be filming ‘Dream Cruise Road Show’ on Nine Mile, right in front of the bus shelter on August 18,” Willcock says. “We wanted to make sure Downtown Ferndale looked great, everything just lined up for us!”

A total of 12 volunteers helped complete the project, including Best, Hagfors and Ryan Williams — who created the “Art in SMART” posters. Ferndale businesses jumped at the chance to participate too, by providing plants and donating money.

“Modern Tree and Landscape LLC saw our post asking for plants, and donated nearly $400 worth!
Without that generous donation, I don’t know how long it would have taken to get all the plants needed,” Best says. “Renaissance Vineyard Church even chipped in with a donation -churches usually accept donations, not give –love that Pastor Jim!”

There are three other shelters in Ferndale, and the DDA hopes to start executing renovation of those in the spring of 2017. In the meantime they will work on developing funding, and Hagfors says he’s already creating some eye-catching ideas for the other shelters.

“As the DDA volunteer manager, there’s nothing more gratifying than having a volunteer take such interest and ownership in a project and being able to help them turn their idea into reality!”  Willcock says. “Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more about ‘Putting the Art in SMART’ can contact the Ferndale DDA at 248-546-1632 or info@downtownferndale.com.”

Best is excited for the potential of the project and notes that it couldn’t have happened without the DDA.
“The DDA does a lot for the downtown and this is just another example of that; they acted like the glue to bind everyone together to make it happen,” he says. “Projects such as this continue to set Ferndale apart as an example of what is possible in a downtown. Ambition plus creativity plus execution equals amazing every time.

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Ed Klobucher loves Hazel Park, his home town. Protective and proud of its past and excited about its future, he’s been the City Manager since 2002, longer than anyone else in the town’s 75-year history. He oversees the day-to-day operations, the budget, the personnel.

Hazel Park (which has a council/manager form of government) was incorporated in 1941, just after Pearl Harbor Day. The Municipal Building reflects Hazel Park’s sense of country and community, with its flags and faded news clippings that tell the stories of generations of veterans.

Hazel Park is Ferndale’s neighbor to the east. The towns share a lot, including part of the school district. But HAZEL PARK slHazel Park is Hazel Park. “We’re a little more blue-collar, maybe a little edgier” says Klobucher. He grew up in the shadow of the Hazel Park Raceway and smiles, recalling the day his mom had a big win. “She won the perfecta and we got new furniture.”

His parents are back in town after a retirement break. It’s good to have them  in an urban environment with access to culture, community and health care. Ed lives here with his wife Diane. Two kids and two adored grandkids fill out  the family.

He shares his office space with Assistant City Manager Jeff Campbell and Office Administrator Linda Yono. They bring a wealth of education and experience in so many different areas, from law enforce-ment and education to urban planning and film production, all of which help as they work for the diverse and collaborative community.

Klobucher speaks affectionately about former Police Chief and acting City Manager Albert Sadow, who was ff1663233_ed_worknot only a mentor but a tremendous role model. He recalls the honor of being Sadow’s road patrol partner. Fast forward to the present and he praises Amy Kruppe, the Hazel Park School Superintendent. “She’s a pleasure to work with.” So many projects and people to discuss, but Ed is particularly proud of “Promise Zone,” a terrific program that “guarantees all residents a tuition-free path to an associate’s degree,” a wonderful opportunity.

Like Detroit and Ferndale, Hazel Park is in the process of a renaissance of sorts. They are trying to create a culinary district, which started with the opening of the wonderful Mabel Gray restaurant. There are more new places opening – announcements to come soon – but don’t forget the long-time favorites: Pi’s Thai, Louie’s Pizza, Brayz Burgers and Country Boy. “We keep what’s great, but we’re open to change.”

The citizens of Hazel Park will make sacrifices for the big picture, but you get the sense that Klobucher wants the folks who’ve invested their lives in his town to feel good about it. “Community resiliency is important to me.”

Great restaurants, small businesses, the Raceway, the Ice Arena, an annual arts fair, great opportunities for students. Good real estate value, outstanding city services, community, a terrific location. It’s easy for Ed to ff1663233_page_2_image_0002sell Hazel Park to the newcomer. “We are that little sliver of Oakland County east of Woodward. Five minutes from everywhere.” The cool new town? The City Manager smiles. “We’ve always been cool, but folks are now finding out how cool we are.”

His plan? Above all, Ed Klobucher wants his hometown to “survive and thrive.” He is cautiously optimistic about the future. Things aren’t perfect, but “I love what it’s been and I’m excited about what it can be. We’re doing everything we can to keep Hazel Park going in the right direction.”

To learn more about Hazel Park, call 248-546-7000 or go to www.hazelpark.org

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Story by Jazmin Weaver
Photos by Bernie LaFramboise

There are a variety of reasons not to have a car of your own, whether it’s an environmental concern, the cost of insurance or a lack of parking space, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be just as itinerant. In a world where urban mobility is a type of freedom, things justgot a little easier for members of the Ferndale community this year. Zipcar, the quickly growing car-sharing program made its way to our city back in April.

For those unfamiliar with the program, Zipcar provides the service and convenience of having a car on demand. Their purpose is to be a hassle free-version of renting that is also more cost effective than car ownership. Zipcar offers flexible options of renting a vehicle by the hour or by the day, for a period of up to seven days. To become involved in this rental program, all you have to do is become a member, also known as a Zipster. There is a one-time $25 application fee that covers the cost of a driving record check. There are special membership deals for students and businesses who choose to become involved.

Membership offers access to the Ferndale fleet of vehicles as well as any of the other locations around the nation. The yearly fees are low and there is no monthly commitment. The rates vary by vehicle. Zipcar differs from other types of car rental in that the driving rate includes insurance, gas, and 180 miles of daily mileage. A gas card is tucked away inside the vehicle in case you need to fill it up before returning it.

Zipcar is one of the quickest ways to rent a car. Applying is simple and can be done online, over the phone or on the Zipcar app. Upon acceptance, all members are mailed a Zipcard. The Zipcard is a key, literally; by tapping it on the card reader located on windshield of the car, it unlocks. The actual key is tethered to the steering column and never needs to leave the car. The return is just a matter of parking the vehicle in its reserved spot so that it’s ready for the next customer.

Unlike other rental services, there are no hours of operation. That means that the cars are available for use 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The mobile app can be used for everything, from joining, to reserving a driving time slot, to locking and unlocking the doors of the vehicle. Reservations can be made months, or even minutes, in advance, allowing Zipcar to easily sync with your schedule.

The company was founded in 2000 and has been growing ever since. It became established in Detroit in 2013, where the size of the starting fleet has nearly doubled in size during the last three years. The car-sharing program was approved by the Ferndale City Council in February, after evidence of its success was noted from its growing popularity in Detroit.

Currently the Ferndale fleet is composed of a single car and there are plans to add a second car for the West Side. The car has a designated parking spot near Woodward and 9 Mile Road in order to be accessible.

Zipcar is just the beginning of increasing mobility options for our community and the metro-Detroit area if the program proves to be a local success. More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at www.zipcar.com/cityofferndale.

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Story By Rose Carver Photo by Bernie LaFramboise

It’s do or die time for the future of Ferndale’s community radio station.

Michelle Mirowski is the President/General Manager of Ferndale Community Radio, soon to be (hopefully) 100.7 FM, and she says that they have until February to raise the necessary funds but the equipment has to be up and functional before their permit expires in the summer. The equipment takes about six months to arrive, so right now is the time to sink-or-swim in terms of fundraising.

“If we don’t get enough money in the next two months the project is dead in the water,” Mirowski said.
The station needs a few thousand dollars before they can even begin to set up and go on the air at the ff16610_michelle-mirowskistation’s location in the Rust Belt Market. Underwriters from small businesses and large donors have become the focus of the stations fundraising efforts, after a disappointing flop at an attempt at crowdfunding via indiegogo.

“We feel positive about the project overall,” Mirowski said. “We had a large donation a few months ago from a resident of Ferndale who felt very strongly about the project. This gave us a huge boost of confidence and was yet another example that Ferndale was the perfect place for this station.”

In what started as a simple conversation between friends over six years ago, about how cool it would be to have a freeform radio station in Ferndale, the dream has been struggling for a chance to be a reality. The radio station will serve as a platform to bring the community together by opening up a more public dialogue for thoughts and feelings to be expressed via the airwaves.

“In these politically tense times a community radio station will be perfect for sharing ideas and music. It will be a voice for Ferndale residents run by locals,” Mirowski said.

Mirowski also said that due to some new rules in the FCC, if the station loses this permit for a local radio station, the frequency on the FM dial will most likely be closed forever. These are truly the final days of the project. The station could be up and running by the summer with the help of the community, but time is quickly running out.

“Saving our permit is the only way we can lock up 100.7 fm for Ferndale,” Mirowski said. “I can’t stress this enough. With enough funding we will also be streaming online, but this might be a second year initiative.”

To get in touch about donations or becoming an underwriter for Ferndale’s LPFM station, check out their Facebook page or e-mail them at Ferndaleradio@gmail.com.

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By Jeff Milo
Photos by Jeff Milo and David McNair

Ferndale could still have our own Community Radio Station by the end of the year, but not without help.

“We’re noticing that once people learn about the project, they’re geeked about it” said Dave Phillips, head of communications for Ferndale Community Radio. “But we’ve had difficulty spreading the word on a wide scale.” At the end of September, a two-month campaign to raise $15,000 from individual donors via indiegogo (online) came up short.

The team behind Ferndale Community Radio includes volunteers with a passion for bringing an independent low-power FM station to Ferndale. The primary members are Michelle Mirowski (president and general manager), Dave Phillips (head of communications), Jeremy Olstyn (head of programming and training), and Dave Kim (promotions), and they were able to raise just under $4,000.

They may be down, but they’re not out. There is still a chance, but it is a much smaller chance and the clock ff1561011_radiois ticking even faster, it seems. The team behind FCR has a lot to do, yet. However, with each bringing a substantial amount of experience in broadcasting, journalism and communications, they had known all along, when the idea first sprung among them six years ago, that it would take a lot of things falling in to place for their own “On-Air” sign to light-up.

If they can raise around $15,000 (or more) then they will start erecting a tower for transmitting atop the Rustbelt Market. Those funds will also allow them to start ordering all of the equipment they’ll need (which will likely take months to arrive), and start testing the frequency before broadcast.

Chris Best, co-owner/manager of the Rust Belt Market, expressed considerable enthusiasm last year for partnering with FCR. In fact, it was initially in the Rust Belt’s business plan to eventually help set up and host a community radio station. They just hadn’t anticipated the harder parts of jumping through the various hoops required to get that FCC approval.

Mirowski said that the future plan centers on approaching all of the local businesses and organizations who originally expressed enthusiasm and encouragement toward the campaign to hopefully become underwriters. Ferndale Community Radio is a Michigan nonprofit, so it’s certainly feasible for Ferndale’s business community to help raise them toward the cause of broadcasting.

There could be a number of culprits as to why they fell short of their crowdfunding goal. “I think people are a bit burned out with crowdfunding, unfortunately,” Best said. “It has been watered-down, in many ways. (The Rustbelt) feels fortunate that we were able to make it work for us four years ago, before much of that burn-out occurred. However, we do feel Ferndale Community Radio is the perfect type of project to pursue crowd-funding. So, they are a victim of circumstance.”
Best continued, saying that as soon as everyone becomes better acquainted with the good people behind FCR and realizes the benevolence behind FCR’s mission (locally-curated music programs and Ferndale-centric news reporting), then more donations will doubtless come in.

“(Ferndale Community Radio) would be such a welcomed addition to Ferndale,” Best said. “Think of how wildly popular ‘Ferndale Forum’ is on Facebook… Whether you like Facebook or not, that does show there’s a yearning for a ‘community’ and a way to stay connected with the business, political, and social aspects of this city and surrounding areas.”

There are still a lot of things that have to fall into place like testing the frequency, ordering extra parts, and a handful of other, possibly unforeseeable variables, but what would expedite all of it is the financial support from the public.

“We’ll likely need a structural engineer to look at the tower before it goes up. We need to get the $15,000 needed for equipment by this December, or the whole project is dead…”

The FCR team received a permit for the 100.7 FM spot on the dial from the Federal Communications ff1561011_supportfrCommission, and it shouldn’t be overlooked how rare of an opportunity that is in this day and age. “This might actually be the only chance for Ferndale to have a community FM station,” Mirowski said. “The 100.7 FM frequency might not be open anymore if we miss this. And if we don’t get the funding, it’s not like the FCC is going to say: ‘Oh, take your time, we’ll just hold onto this for you…’ We’d have to wait until this window of opportunity opens again…”

And that could be several years. This is it, Ferndale.

“We’re all over the moon about the support we’ve received from the Rust Belt,” Phillips said. “(Best) and his crew have been very involved, helping spread the word. Regardless of the outcome, we will be forever grateful. We’re also encouraged by the support of the city, our friends and families and other local businesses who have expressed interest in helping out. It’s such a cool thing to see people throw their weight behind a cause you’ve watched grow from nothing into something.”

The desire remains for this team to bring you a terrestrial radio station just for you; something you can tune in to while you’re driving down 9 Mile or chilling at home. No corporate sponsors, no moneyed interests. Just passionate people doing quality radio for the love of it and directing their efforts towards promoting local events, local businesses, local artists, local organizations…ALL FERNDALE.

As we went to print, the FCR team was meeting to hammer out their next moves. But local businesses should start “tuning in” to their mission via Facebook (or online at FerndaleRadio.com), because this non-profit is hoping to find some helpful underwriters. In November, you can anticipate a benefit concert, Mirowski said, hosted at one of Ferndale’s local venues.

Our fingers are crossed…

More information at : Ferndaleradio.com

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By: Sarah Teller

The City of Ferndale’s sewer system, maintained by the Department of Public Works, consists of approximately 80 miles of piping. The system is considered a “combined system” — this means it serves a dual purpose of carrying both storm water away from the streets and also handles the city’s sanitary flow. One hundred per cent of the sewage drainage is treated to remove pollutants before it is released into the environment. The sewer system has been routinely maintained, revised, and renovated as needed since its inception in 1920, but the basic structure has been in place for nearly 100 years. Since the 1980s, the City of Ferndale has also lined nearly half of the entire system, leaving the pipes in excellent, “better than new” condition, according to City of Ferndale’s Director of Public Works, Lloyd Cureton, who was elected to his current position in 2012 after serving several months as interim director and the retirement of previously-appointed Bryon Photiades.

“Over the years, numerous city employees and contractors have been involved in the maintenance and upgrading of the system including public works staff and engineering consultants,” Loyd explains. The current system uses a pipe restoration process referred to as Cured in Place, or C.I.P for short. Cured in Place piping is a joint-less piping system, one of several trenchless rehabilitation methods used to repair existing pipelines. This type of piping does not require excavation should a limited portion of the system need to be repaired. C.I.P. piping can reduce the risk of infiltration by tree roots and other underground objects, as well as prevent leaking. “This process lines the pipe with a hard plastic that is smoother, better able to withstand the sewer substances being transported, and is installed seamlessly,” he explains. “Seamless means no water infiltration from groundwater or openings which proved a place for tree roots to grow in to the system and clog it.”

In recent years, the City of Ferndale has initiated the installation of restrictor plates on a limited number of the system’s catch basins. These plates are specifically designed to slow the rate of storm water into the sewer system. There has been some concern, however, from local residents that the streets are now flooding after heavy storms due to the new design. It appears that the restrictor plates are inadvertently causing the pipes to back up and clog with miscellaneous debris, making it impossible for water to drain as it should. Sizable puddles are accumulating on the streets for extended periods of time.

However, the design is actually intentional and essential in order to prevent rain water from entering their homes during the heaviest storms.

“This is especially important during significant rain events,” says Cureton. “The system is not clogged. It is designed that way. The City would rather have the streets flood temporarily than have the storm system be overwhelmed and potentially back up into basements.” And, although the plates may cause the streets to hold water for a longer period of time, this back up is not significant enough to be considered a worrisome level of flooding. “Streets that flood temporarily, and drain within an hour without causing property damage are not considered flooded,” Loyd says assuredly. Residents can rest easy that the sewer system is functioning properly and water will drain in a reasonable period of time. Despite the water pooling, routes will remain accessible during the prolonged draining process.

For more information regarding Ferndale’s sewer system, please contact the Department of Public Works located at 521 East Cambourne Street. The department is open for business weekly, Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 248-546-2525.

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Story by Carol Jackson
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

What do Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow, the music industry, art and dog and cat grooming have in common, you ask? I’ll tell you: Lori O’Brien, dog/cat groomer extraordinaire.

Lori works out of West Woodward Animal Hospital on 9 Mile. She grooms both the clinic patients and non vet patients. I’ve known her since 2003, but was amazed to realize how much I didn’t know about my friend before this interview. I guess we all have a lot of layers to peel off before we get to the core!

I asked Lori about the past lives that led her home to her pet grooming business in our fair town.
“I graduated with an art degree from Wayne State University. My passion for art has no boundaries. I worked my way through all my schooling, got my degree and taught for a short time.

“I ventured out into the music industry for the next 15 years. I worked hard, lived in New York City, Minnesota, Los Angeles and Detroit. I traveled with the small and big bands: Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow, to shamelessly name a few! It was quite the 15 years, I wouldn’t give up one minute of it. I have friends all over the world. However, as industries change, so must some of the loyal staff. I could see the handwriting on the wall.

“Since Detroit is my hometown where my parents are (Father is a retired Detroit detective, mother a nurse and successful sister), it started to make sense to close down my career and find my calling in Detroit.

“During my last couple years in music, I became obsessed with animal rescue, and was introduced to Animal Cops Detroit. I made my friends tune in every time it was broadcast. Then a germ of an idea started. I love dogs, I love cats. I took the leap of faith, quit the big-paying job and in 2003 moved back to Detroit.

“I was determined to find my calling, so I started out smart, worked at small vet clinics, at MHS as an adoption counselor, doggy day care facilities, learning the ropes to the next step. Grooming. I went to school in 2008, found I have a natural talent and a complete love affair with every dog and cat (and occasional bunny) I met. I was truly home. The grooming has evolved into dog-sitting (your place or mine) and dog-walking. Anything your dog or cat needs outside of vet care, I’m up for it.”

I asked how she is different from other groomers.

“We have a lot of talented groomers in and around Ferndale. My experience allows me to be multi-faceted. A lot of groomers don’t groom cats. I love cats, but find the clinic is too stressful. So I cut nails, etc. at the client’s homes. And working at the Michigan Humane Society gives you an education no one else has. I’ve worked on big dogs, small dogs, severely-matted, embedded collars, abused pets. When a dog leaves with its family and the family is in tears because I was able to get the matts out, and now they won’t hurt the dog when they brush it — that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

And her dreams for the future?

“Well, I want to continually get better at my craft. I want people to know they can approach me on the street. I usually come back from the grocery store with a couple of dog sits or grooming jobs. I want to keep the trust people place in me. I know my life to this date doesn’t look like there is a thread that runs through where I was and where I am today. But it took the same passion, love and creativity to become a fine artist and promote music that it takes to groom animals. I get to give and receive love, and use my creative side to create designs in grooms. Sometimes I draw a picture of a beloved pet. My job is like working on a moving train, either you get kisses or pooped on!”

On a personal note, Lori is a gifted artist, one of the funniest story tellers ever and a loving, compassionate person. She has been watching my pets since 2008 and we all love her.

Contact Lori at 248-414-9700

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