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Story by Jennifer Goeddeke | Photos by Bernie LaFramboise

LaVida Massage of Ferndale has been undergoing some important changes, under the new co-ownership of Shawn McFaul and Michelle Towers. I met both owners recently at 23153 on Woodward Ave, just North of 9 Mile, and I was impressed with their entrepreneurial enthusiasm. McFaul and Towers described themselves as completely “hands-on”- type owners of the franchise location – putting in all the extra hours needed to create a solid business since April of this year. They also have a team of fully licensed massage therapists and aestheticians working hard to assist in the rejuvenation process.

The LaVida focus is on total wellness, with services ranging from various types of massage to professional skin care. Numerous studies have shown that massage can promote health in many ways; benefits include relaxation, increased flexibility and pain-management. Over 13 varieties of massage can be performed at LaVida, including those relating to: Couples; Sports/Deep Tissue; Prenatal; Swedish; Reflexology and Aromatherapy. Skin services include waxing and hair removal (plus the option of a high-tech Ultrasonic Dermasound treatment). Only professional product lines are used at LaVida: Green Massage and Dermalogica.

Reviews of the Ferndale LaVida Massage location have been very favorable and are growing steadily. This is partly because McFaul and Towers are experienced in providing high-level customer service; McFaul came from a background in business brokerage and landscaping, and Towers was a manager in home healthcare.
Rates are reasonable, with plenty of special offers to choose from. Currently, a new client can receive a one-hour custom massage for just $49.95, or a signature facial session for only $59.95. For frequent visits, a LaVida Massage membership can be purchased to give you consistently discounted rates, and members-only privileges (visit their website for details, listed below). An appointment is generally recommended by McFaul and Towers, and they offer on-line booking or call the store direct. Walk-ins are also accepted.

With regards to their new, joint endeavor, McFaul and Towers both agreed, “…we are making a mark…and we love it!”

For further information, contact Michelle Towers or Shawn McFaul at: 248.556.2005, or via email: Ferndale.mi@lavidamassage.com. Store hours are: M-Sat, 8.30am-9.00pm; Sun: 11am-6.30pm.

Their website contains some great information regarding pricing/online booking, gift cards, and types of services: www.lavidamassageferndalemi.com.

If something happened with our soundness, 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 coupled to erectile disfunction. 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 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 dysfunction. 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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FROM A HUMBLE BEGINNING IN HIS BERKLEY HOME to a small office in Madison Heights in 2006, then to a new larger headquarters in 2009 at 2222 Hilton in Ferndale, Pete Sanders, president of Fuse Technology Group, has worked hard to grow his successful Technical Services and Custom Software/Programming business.

Due to that strong growth, Fuse Technology Group is now expanding from 3,400 square feet to 6,200 square feet with the addition of an adjacent building at 2202 Hilton, formerly occupied by CWL Investments, owner of over 50 Jimmy John’s Sub Shops. With 20 full time employees, the company was up 20 % in 2014 over 2013 and is predicting a 30% increase in 2015. Fuse will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2016.

While Fuse provides a number of technology services, the company is comprised of two main components: Tech Service and Custom Software Development. The Tech Services division provides technical support services to over 250 businesses in Metro Detroit from fixing any sort of computer or server problem to implementing new technologies and cloud computing. The Custom Software division develops custom apps and software tailored for specific needs a business may have.

Sanders credits Fuse’s success to staying keenly focused on the latest cutting edge technologies and al- ways giving the best customer service possible. Those two things, combined with a very loyal client base and
an amazing team, have allowed the company to enjoy continuous growth.

“We are not just a break/fix computer company,” says Sanders. “Our techs have the necessary education and technical skills to make us much more. My motto since starting the company has always been ‘grow, change, or die’, which is why we are constantly evolving our technical skills and knowledge. We always try to see
around the corners to the next technology evolution and learn how it will impact our clients. We have had the privilege of employing some of the brightest technical minds in the area, and our strong work ethic and passion for technology has earned us a fiercely loyal client base.”

“I’ve had some people ask why we didn’t move to a bigger building in the tech area of Metro Detroit like Farmington or Novi, but the truth of the matter is, we simply love Ferndale. The city has been extremely easy to work with and we felt that remaining here was the logical choice for both our staff and our clients. Our proximity to the major freeways allows for faster response times and the tech-friendly business landscape facilitates collaboration with valuable industry partners. The building’s layout and size, as well as ample parking for both our staff and clients, made it an easy choice for expanding our operations here.”

“I’ve been fascinated with computers since I was 13 and was lucky enough to get my first computer job at the age of 17. By the time I turned 19 I had started my own company. After graduating from Oakland University I decided to start Fuse Technology Group. Given that the country was on the brink of a major recession, I couldn’t have picked a more challenging time to start a company. But I knew that our small team was amazing at what we did and if we kept the focus on customer service and giving people what they needed, we would succeed.”

For more information on Fuse Technology Group,, call 248/545-0800 or visit www.fusetg.com.

If something happened with our soundness, 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 coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 soundness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state 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 medication passes into breast milk.

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Story by Jenn Goeddeke | Photos by Bernie LaFramboise

My first and lasting impression of Keith Weber is of a very intelligent person with contagious, outgoing energy! Having been a Ferndale resident for 29 years, and a real estate agent in Ferndale for almost as long, Weber certainly knows the area’s homes inside and out. His inspiration for success is deeply rooted in an appreciation of Ferndale as a city, and more importantly, as a vibrant community. Weber describes Ferndale as a place that has, “…attracted loyal, good people…it is both stable yet daring and interesting…it’s amazing what a community can come through, with all the ups and downs!”

Screen Shot 2015-12-13 at 12.07.51 PMWeber has sold over $250 million worth of residential real estate during the course of his career. Naturally, I had to ask him the secret to his success? With barely a pause, Weber responded that he believes his work
ethic is paramount. He has embraced the fast-paced nature of the market, and also has become a good photographer of homes to enhance his online listings. Whereas before, he would describe himself as a ‘faucet’ of information for his clients, now he says he has become a ‘filter.’ Technology, Weber added, has been very helpful overall, but there is a need to narrow down relevant information so that people can make informed decisions.

A key phrase Weber refers to in his line of work is: “It depends!” Everything is basically speculation, until the buyer and seller form an agreement. As he explained further, “…everybody is in a different place…they could be looking for their first home, or selling their fifth home…by being honest, and doing what people need, I can help them during this nerve-wracking time!” Weber pointed out that even though buying a home can be a ‘good’ kind of stress, it is still an event where people need real support and guidance.

I asked how he became involved in the real estate business, over 27 years ago. Weber stated simply, “I bought a house! I liked my agent, and I enjoyed looking at the homes. My first home was on Withington Street. Then, I got my real estate license. I always sensed the excitement, energy and growth in Ferndale!” As an example of the amazing change that can occur in the area, Weber brought up the Dream Cruise, which began in 1994 as a fundraising event. Loved by some, and hated by others, it has nonetheless become the world’s largest, single one-day auto event, and it all began in Ferndale!

Weber emphasized that there has been a lot of local interest in recovery from recession through various home/yard improvements. Creativity, he feels, plays a large part in this- the people of Ferndale pay real attention to their property! In order to draw more attention to many residents’ efforts, Weber has set up a new domain name: www.makehomehere.com . Soon, a website will be formed at that domain to show photos of different local home improvements. With the continued help of his long-time assistant, Chuck Hoover, Weber continues his great work in the community. In his words, “…I help people do important things, and that’s a blessing!”

Reach out to contact Keith Weber: 248.561.2708 (cell phone), or by email: KeithAlanWeber@gmail.com. Keith Weber is moving soon! The new office address is: 4000 Crooks Rd., Royal Oak, Mi. 48073. Check out Keith Weber’s website for further information& updates: www.keithweber.com

If some 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 connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential 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 heartiness problem such as heart 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 malfunction. 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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Story by Sherrad Glosson | Photos by Bernie LaFramboise

Going head to head with a fire is something most of us can’t imagine. The closest most of us have been to great heat is either from our range, bonfires with friends, or the blazing sun in the middle of July. That’s pretty hot, but can you imagine running into a burning building (instead of out, as fast as you can) with lives resting on your every decision? That’s a job only the brave can handle. This is why we admire firefighters.
But what about the rest of the day? When there isn’t a fire, do they just sit and wait until the phone rings? What’s it really like to have this job, day in and day out? Ferndale Friends decided to stop by the Ferndale fire department to speak to the head honcho, Chief Kevin Sullivan, to find out firsthand.

Screen Shot 2015-12-13 at 11.47.36 AMThe building was quiet when I walked in. The garage was filled with trucks, silent and gleaming. I was in luck, as the chief was there and had a few minutes to talk to me.

On the way to his office, we walked up two flights of stairs. To the left of me was a full kitchen. I thought about that as we walked through two glass doors and there he was, sitting at a desk with a ton of papers in front of him.

The first thing that came out of my mouth was, “So, we all know that the fire department is known for putting out fires, but what are you guys doing when there isn’t a fire happening?” Chief Sullivan laid it out for me.

In today’s world, the fire department is known for being an emergency response unit. Generally speaking, anything the police doesn’t handle, the fire department does. They have five different branches of technical rescue units: 1. Heavy rescue (for when people are caught in machines or bad car accidents where they would use the “jaws of life”), 2. High angle and low angle (which is rope work, lowering someone off a tall building), 3. Confined space (usually underground, where someone is trapped), 4. Collapse rescue (people digging trenches and foundations, or erecting buildings), 5. Swift water rescue (mostly when someone is injured in a pool and they help to get them out).

There is always someone at the station. The firefighters work 24 hours on and 24 hours off, sometimes doing 70 to 80 hours of duty weekly. They have someone who is designated to cook lunch and dinner (this explains the kitchen.) Chief Sullivan joked that the food must be edible or you pay the price. Every day of the in-between time there’s training, such as technical rescue education. There’s the unglamorous stuff, like inspecting fire hydrants, making sure they don’t freeze during the winter months. Every Monday, they do a motor check on the equipment to make sure everything is always ready to go.

Screen Shot 2015-12-13 at 11.50.48 AMThey cover three cities, including Ferndale, Royal Oak Township, and Pleasant Ridge, operating from two stations, one on either side of Woodward. Although the station on Livernois is the headquarters (the other is on 9 Mile east of Hilton,) both stations aid each other and are sure to have each other’s back when there is a big emergency. There are a total of six firefighters on duty in the whole city, four in the headquarters and two in the other station. “Back in the day it used to be about ten, but times are different now.” said the Chief.
I asked the Chief about how long he’s been a firefighter and how he got involved. “I’ve been a fire fighter going on 31 years. My dad was a cop, but there was no way I was going to do that, and firefighting was the next best thing.” Chief Sullivan has been in his position for six years, and worked his way up through the ranks.

I asked him about the causes of fires. “Human error is what causes most fires,” the Chief explained. “Leaving the dishwasher on when you leave for work, lighting a candle without a plate under it and leaving it unattended…some fires are started because people don’t clean out the lint trap on the dryer and it catches fire, and even parking on top of leaves on the curb.” A car’s catalytic converter gets hot, and with its location underneath the car, it can touch the leaves and easily set them ablaze. “We don’t think about these things… because we feel like it will never happen to us,” said the Chief. “Everything in our society is plastic, and it’s like solidified gasoline. When it melts, it burns ten times faster and a hundred times better than it did in the old days.” Oh, and watch out, because the Chief said that he can easily tell if there was any foul play involved in the fire’s ignition.

After our discussion, we went on a tour around the station. Quiet again. Where was everyone? Well, Chief Sullivan explained, they were out on site helping someone. Not only do they stop fires, but they are here to help aid anyone in any way they can. Even when there isn’t a fire, they aren’t sitting around watching television. They’re making sure that they’re up to date in their knowledge, training, and awareness so that they are always dependable and reliable when help is needed. Firefighters are always preparing themselves for the hour, the minute, and the second someone calls for help. We all hope that day never comes, but if it does, the firefighters of Ferndale are ready to roll.

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 impotency and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul 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 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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Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Piping hot coffee, an eclectic collection of cozy couches and soothing jazz in the background — this reads like your everyday cafe. But you’ll notice something different about Ferndale’s newest coffee house. Those couches are covered in fur and the jazz might be drowned out by the sound of meows at the appropriately named Catfe, where live- in felines are available to cuddle and adopt.

The Catfe is a project of the Ferndale Cat Shelter, which offers visitors the opportunity to spend time with the cats for a suggested donation of $10 per hour. While in the first stages of operations, coffee and food will be self-serve, with hopes of turning it into a true coffee house if the next few months prove successful.

“The idea is that people come in, they can use the wifi, they can help themselves to a snack,” Deanne Lovan, Director of the Catfe, tells me at their grand opening on November 4th. “Little Bandit will sit on your lap, she will roll over like a baby, make you rub her belly.” As if on cue, Bandit, a grey and white domestic shorthair kitten, jumps right onto Lovan’s lap and starts batting at her necklace.

The idea for cat cafes have gained popularity in Europe, and are now popping up all across the U.S.A. Catfe is the first feline-friendly cafe in Michigan, but there are others right on their tail in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 6.10.16 PMBen Long, president and founder of the Ferndale Cat Shelter, has been pleasantly surprised with how quickly the Catfe and shelter have developed. Founded on May 20th, 2014, the shelter did not have a physical location — just a website and foster homes — until now.

“Honestly, I thought this would be ‘year four’ or ‘year five,’ and we aren’t even a year- and-a- half old,” Long tells me. “Deanne really took the ball and ran with it.”

The Catfe is open seven days a week from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., and has around ten felines living inside. The Catfe isn’t just for those looking to adopt. Anyone wanting to spend time with the cats is welcome.
“Some people can’t have pets for many reasons, some people can’t have a cat because someone’s allergic or they can’t afford it,” Lovan says. “Socializing these cats is really important, and visitors can help with that.”
Volunteers are on site to greet people, care for the cats, and help with adoption paperwork if a home is found.

“The idea is that they really are here on a rotating basis, cats won’t stay for very long,” Lovan says. “The right person is going to walk in the door and connect with them.”

The Catfe has plans to be more than just a coffee house too. Visitors can participate in cat yoga, euchre tournaments and even host a private birthday party with certain donation amounts.

Silke Rosenbaum-Pouliot is a Royal Oak resident who attended the grand opening with her husband, a Ferndale Cat Shelter volunteer. She was impressed with the creativeness of the idea and the opportunities the Catfe offers.

“I think it’s a fantastic idea; it’s so unique and something a lot of people haven’t heard of.” she says. “I love that all the cats are adoption-ready and you can really form a connection and keep coming back.”

To raise funding and gauge interest in the Catfe, the Ferndale Cat Shelter started a campaign on fundraising site IndieGoGo. Their initial goal was $2,500 which they quickly surpassed, raising $7,650 by the time of the grand opening.

Many local businesses have already contributed funds, building materials and space for fundraising, including Rust Belt Market, SoHo, the Ferndale Library, Durst Lumber and Pinwheel Bakery to name a few. Lovan hopes to get some more long term sponsors, who would get a tax deductible name plaque on the “Wall of Gratitude” inside the Catfe, among other perks.

“I think there are a lot of cat lovers and I think it would be a good thing to be associated with, positive advertising for a company,” Lovan tells me. Donations to the Catfe are tax- deductible.

For those visiting, donations can be brought in all forms; cash, check, website payments and even cat food and litter are accepted. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged, too, with a simple application and the commitment of a minimum of one four hour shift each week.

“I really love doing this because it’s as much a job about helping cats as it is about helping people,” Lovan says. “I love staying in touch with the people that have adopted. They’re like an extended family.”

The Catfe is located at 821 Livernois Street in Ferndale.

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 malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential 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 heartiness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction switch 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 curing passes into breast milk.

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Story by Sherrad Glosson | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

When you ask Lori, a Ferndale resident, the reasons why she wants to help others deal with medical issues, one of them is because she’s been there… and is still fighting the fight.

Fibromyalgia came first. “It came out of nowhere,” says Lori. Not even accepted by the medical community until recently, it causes the brain to create pain signals by itself. It’s been compared to trying to move with broken bones. She tried different medications to subdue the pain in her hands, her hips, and her knees, but didn’t want to become addicted to any of them and they didn’t help, anyway.

Lori was prescribed many dangerous and addictive pain killers to subdue the pain in her hands, hips, and knees. “Medications aren’t really safe. They come with complications and side effects. Many of the medications I have been prescribed the side effect is: ‘Can cause death’.”

She began to research and seek other alternatives. One doctor had her try something different. He put her on Prozac, which treats the source of the pain signals. It helped. He also suggested she try medical marijuana.
Worse was to come. This past summer, Lori had a MRI and found out she had lesions on the brain and also was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis,) a disease that affects the entire nervous system. It affects everyone differently, and Lori stood up to show me some of the effects it’s had on her. As she began to stand, she looked pretty stable, but when she stood on both feet she began to wobble, and immediately sat back down.

She says that this disease affects her balance as well as her train of thought. She can be in a conversation and completely draw a blank. From this personal experience, she did much research into alternative methods of dealing with pain.

Lori met Bill in December 2014 through a neighbor. Bill was an organic Tilapia farmer from Florida who moved to Michigan to grow medical marijuana. His goal was to grow clean, high-quality
medical marijuana for those suffering from autoimmune diseases. As it happens, he’s been growing his own marijuana to self-medicate since 1979. Bill’s undergraduate studies combined aquaculture with hydroponics, and he has been an organic farmer for most of his life. He is also a licensed fish farmer, composting specialist, and certified educator.

Together, Lori and Bill set out on a mission. Trident Apothecary (a fictitious entity, not a business) has goals of serving those with autoimmune diseases, protecting the environment by not using toxic pesticides, and mitigating their own waste production through worm farming. “We’re caregivers.” Lori says. “We welcome anyone with a valid MMMP (Michigan Medical Marijuana Program) card. We want to help, as organically as possible.”

Trident Apothecary has established a passive solar greenhouse to raise worms and fish to break down their waste and create organic soil for their plants. This process has been put in place to grow and produce the highest-quality products. The primary focus for Trident Apothecary is on the mind, body and spirit aspect, all integral parts of the healing or coping process.

Their new working project is to create a candy that will reduce the need for autoimmune patients to inhale medical marijuana via smoking. You can imagine that smoking is definitely not an ideal method for a child to receive her medicine, even if it is the only one to help them deal with their symptoms. Even learning how to do it at a young age could be baffling. Then you have adults who don’t have the desire to inhale smoke at all.

Since using Bill’s method over the last year, Lori reports her symptoms have improved. They are looking for other autoimmune patients to work with, to make the disease easier to deal with.

If you suffer from autoimmune disease and would like more information on Trident Apothecary and how they may be able to help, Lori and Bill encourage you to contact them at their Facebook page.

Lori also talks about the need to stay active and keep doing what you love. “To keep my hands working, I make suncatchers, jewelry, and other crafts using beach glass, beads, and driftwood. Multiple sclerosis has weakened my strength and dexterity. This is part of how I fight back naturally.”

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You can contact Lori and Bill through
www.facebook.com/TridentApothecary.

Lori’s arts and crafts are at www.facebook.com/Willowhawk-Glass.

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 impotency and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 heartiness 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 disfunction. 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 David Stone

JILL SCHOENHALS AND HER HUSBAND, Bob Warren (Pastor of First United Methodist in Ferndale) have always been very conscientious consumers. Whether they are avoiding products sprayed with dangerous chemicals or goods manufactured by poorly paid workers, the couple takes their purchases seriously. That, and the fact that she has extensive experience in working with nonprofit organizations, made it seem natural to convert one of the church’s unused rooms into a fair trade store.

Fair Trade is a movement with the goal of helping the oft-exploited workers in foreign countries achieve better life conditions, as well as encouraging sustainable farming and processing practices. The people at the base of the supply chain (the farmers and producers) are paid better prices for their products, and the middlemen are held to higher social and environmental standards. The end result is ideally an affordable product for the consumer and a better living standard for the people who produce it.

Jill calls her creation “A fair trade pop-up shop.” But don’t think it’s going anywhere. She refers to it that way because her business is still in the planning and research stages. She wants to see if our community can support a permanent, full- time fair trade store before she commits herself to the project.

Jill gets very excited when talking about Ferndale. She calls our city “A model for how a community does social justice; volunteering, and also with policy and government leadership.” She loves how Ferndale “Takes the lead on social justice issues as a municipality.” She also likes the “community-mindedness” of our citizens, and how we are quick to volunteer for a good cause. Jill also refers to Ferndale as an “authentic” community, with a “good ethos” and a “heart for justice.”

She also feels that Ferndale is a good place to start a small business. She describes Ferndale’s consumers as “educated, intellectually curious” individuals who create a community that “allows for creativity.” She also feels that our Chamber of Commerce and the DDA are very helpful.

Now, you, dear friend, want to know what items Jill carries? Easy enough. In the words of her own fliers, she carries “jewelry, chocolate, textiles, Christmas.”

What? She sells Christmas? I always knew, you’ll say, that Christmas was becoming commercialized.
Never worry, gentle reader, that is not what she means. Jill likes to collect Nativity scenes and creches, and her store carries an extensive collection of them. She also carries tea, coffee, and spices. I can personally vouch for the deliciousness of her coffee and chocolate, as Jill served both during the interview.

Whether you are looking for an unusual gift, love good chocolate and good coffee, or are looking for that special piece of jewelry, go to the Ferndale First United Methodist Church.

There, while buying quality items that provide a living wage to craftspeople and farmers, you will help another unique, grown-in- Ferndale enterprise to stay in business.

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The Fair Trade Ferndale Pop-Up is located in the Ferndale First United Methodist Church at 22331 Woodward (enter from Leroy Street.) It’s open from October 30 to December 19. Hours are Fridays 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Saturdays Noon to 5:00 P.M., and Sundays before and after the 10:30 A.M. worship service. Call (248) 545-4467 or visit on the web at www.ferndalefirstumc.org or ferndalefirstumc@ ameritech.net

If something happened with our soundness, 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 malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men 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 soundness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch 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 curing passes into breast milk.

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Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Ed Abeska & Joyce Hill

Experiencing a runner’s high as you cross the finish line of a 5k, feeling the adrenaline rush when you score a goal, or the overwhelming joy and camaraderie from a team win are just a few of the many beneficial experiences of sports and fitness.

The gains are more than just physical; they are proven to increase mental health, making it incredibly important that these activities are available to everyone.

This is the mission of GUTSTM, located at 1008 Orchard St in Ferndale, started by brothers Todd and Paul Turner. GUTS stands for “Ground Up Training,” following the idea that the simplest forms of exercise are often the most effective and workouts should be tailored to the client.

“Regardless a person’s age, ability or activity level, or whether a person has special needs or not, our goal is to build you up physically and mentally and we start ‘from the ground up’ to make that happen,” Paul tells me. “We can all build on what we have.”

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 4.09.40 PMWhat makes GUTS stand out from all other gyms around is their focus on the special needs community, an initiative they call “Team GUTS.” Using research from Dr. Dale Ulrich, head of the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology, showing how early involvement in fitness can improve the health and functioning in pediatric disabilities, the Turner brothers have worked to create an environment and program tailored to special needs clients.

Fitness has always been important to the Turners. The lack of athletic options for special needs individuals hit close to home when Todd started looking for options for his youngest daughter Amarissa, who has a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome.

“After searching for programs, it was evident to Todd that individuals in the special needs community had little or no options when it came to physical fitness and athletics.” Paul says.

GUTS was established in August of 2015, has a 501(c)3 charity status and currently has about 20 clients. While they are working to build a clientele of special needs individuals they also offer personal training and classes to anyone. Their facility has a studio room for group classes, including yoga, Zumba and karate, there is a weight room, and the large turf area can handle baseball, soccer, football and other sports training.

“If you are interested, come try it, if your son or daughter, or your loved one that’s 25 or 26 has special needs we want them to check us out,” Paul says. Neither brother wants anything to be a deterrent to bringing a loved one to try Team GUTS, especially a financial situation.

“For families that can’t afford it, there’s an appli- cation for sponsor- ship. The goal is to not say no to any- body,”Paul encourages. Using money from charitable contributions and payment from other clients allows the Turners to offer these sponsorships.

“The neurotypical kids that come in here pay and so that’s how we are keeping everything afloat,” Paul says. “If this group can help this other group you have all kinds of clients that are crossing paths and it’s a healthy thing.”

Deciding to call Ferndale home has been beneficial to GUTS mission too. Having recently joined the Chamber of Commerce, Paul says everyone from the building inspectors to residents have been more than welcoming. “Ferndale is happening, the community has been very great, they’ve really embraced it,” he says.
Mindy Domke, a Ferndale resident of eight years, took her seven-year old son, who has autism spectrum disorder, to Team GUTS.

“It’s a great facility; Paul took my kids for a personal tour the first time we were there. He’s done a fantastic job creating a safe and encouraging space for kids to be active,” Mindy says. “My oldest son loves sports but can get frustrated with normal organized classes for kids his age. We went to TEAM GUTS karate class and my son loved it. It’s amazing to have a business in my city like this.”

GUTS currently has eight trainers and coaches, as well as Todd. They are all qualified and enthusiastic about helping others and teaching sports and fitness.

“These year round fitness classes are for this audience, and we would love for people to come and check it out for free,” Paul urges. “No obligations, meet us, meet the instructors, and see if your loved one engages. The goal is to get something for everyone.”

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Learn more at www.grounduptraining.com/teamguts/

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 coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness problem such as heart 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 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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Story by Jeff Lilly | Portrait of Kerri, Paul, and Miranda by Jeff Lilly | Other photos courtesy of BNektar

Drive along Wanda Street, on Ferndale’s East side, to Jarvis Street. There, among the aging industrial buildings, a beehive of activity has taken root. BNektar has been brewing exquisite alcoholic potables since 2006; mead (an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey,) wines, and recently, small batches of beer. A spacious and comfortable tap room is open five nights a week, serving the company’s products and offering bottles for sale.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 3.54.34 PMBNektar’s beginnings were humble enough: Ferndalian friends experimenting, brewing mead in their basement. Brad and Kerri Dahlhofer and Paul Zimmerman, however, had no idea what they were uncorking at first.

“I was home-brewing with Brad in his basement.” Paul (now director of product development) recalls. “But (selling it) was Kerri’s idea.”

“I don’t think they thought I was serious, at first.” Kerri laughs.

Out of a job at the time, Kerri decided to take the leap. After heavily researching liquor laws and licensing, the search was on for a place to call home.

“We were originally looking to open in Royal Oak,” Kerri says. But a newspaper article mistakenly stated that they were looking in Ferndale. “So the City contacted us and said…’Hey, we’ve heard of you.’”

The City of Ferndale helped them to find a space and assisted with the intricacies of the paperwork, and the facility opened its doors in August of 2008.

Originally housed in one 1100-square-foot building, BNektar now boasts 16,000 square feet of floor space at the main building, plus the beautiful and spacious tap room, plus a second facility under development down the street that, once it comes online, will triple BNektar’s capacity.

So how does a meadery that begins in a basement get their products noticed in what’s become an extremely
competetive microbrew environment?

“We’re in 23 states now, as well as several countries in Europe.” Says Miranda Johnson, BNektar’s marketing director (her business card titles her “Ambassador of Buzz”). “We look at markets that actually want us. We work with our distributors.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 3.56.09 PMPlus, we offer something that’s unique.” But the biggest weapon seems to be word-of-mouth, and the enthusiasm of the people running the many web sites dedicated to the appreciation and review of potent potables. “We get e-mails from everywhere. The cool thing is…people going to visit their aunt in the Carolinas, and they’re like, ‘They have Zombie Killer (BNektar’s flagship cider) and I live in Iowa. Where do I get this?’ and they call me. It allows us to engage with future customers.”

“There’s also a lot of trading.” Kerri chimes in. “People get unique brews from different areas, and then they trade with people in other areas who have stuff that we can’t get… word spreads.” BNektar had reviews of their products coming in from Belgium, for example, before any of their products were offered for sale there.

BNektar began with six different flavors of mead. Now, at any time, there are at least 20 flavors available in the tap room, and they’re always adding new ones. Paul gets a question about their flavor experiments.

“I don’t usually want to make a mead with just one thing… I want some more depth to it,” He explains. Part of the inspiration comes from a love of cooking in general and knowing what flavors go together.

Necromangocon, for example, is a mead brewed with mango and black pepper, which is “a classic combination.” The naming seems to be half the fun; you can also try “Kill all the Golfers” (a black tea and lemon-juice mead) or “The Dude’s Rug” (a hard cider with chai spices) among many other choices.

Sometimes the experiments backfire, or run into unforeseen straits. Paul recounts the story of a certain mead that ran into trouble when the supply of citrus used to flavor it first fluctuated wildly in quality, then dried up altogether. Though he loved the results, “I have no desire to make (that one) again!”

With BNektar’s expansion, will this whole industrial area east of the train tracks soon become a sort of Alcohol Alley? The three busy Bs laugh a bit, then smile in a way that tells me that the thought has already occurred to them…so let’s raise our glasses high, to the future!

BNektar’s Taproom is located at 1511 Jarvis Street in Ferndale. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own food. Tipping is not allowed; BNektar pays its workers a living wage. The Taproom is open Thursday through Monday.

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Check their web site for operating hours and for more information: www.bnektar.com

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 united to erectile malfunction. 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as heart 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 physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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Story by David Stone – Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.09.48 AMBorn in India and raised in Troy, Michigan, Arun Prasad first had great bubble tea, or boba, in California. When he returned home, he could not find a place “within 50 miles of Royal Oak” that made it as well as they did on the West Coast. So, he and his wife Alycia opened Detroit Bubble Tea, where they make boba according to their exacting standards.

At Detroit Bubble Tea, there are four questions you must answer in order to create the perfect drink:

1. Do I want a slushie, a smoothie, or do I want it poured over ice?
2. Do I want it with black tea, green tea, or (caffeine-free) alpine berry?
3. Which of the over 100 flavors do I want added to my drink?
4. Which pearls do I want?

Let me explain this last one. Traditionally, tapioca, in the form of chewable black pearls, is added. At Detroit Bubble Tea, you can also choose from over 50 flavors of popping pearls. “Imagine fruit gushers,” said Arun. You drink your tea through an extra-wide straw able to accommodate your “pearls.”

He then went on to point out other ways his product is unique. Since tapioca pearls are good for only three hours, he makes them fresh every hour. Also, all his teas and syrups are organic.

They also carry other goodies. Besides selling vegan cupcakes and macaroons every day, they serve crepes Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Soups and sandwiches will be coming soon.

I asked Arun to suggest some flavor combos that a boba newbie might enjoy. He suggested adding taro flavor and choosing popping pearls, perhaps one of the more popular fruit combos. For the traditionalist, he suggested simply green or black tea with tapioca.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.09.38 AMFall brings colder temperatures and school. Detroit Bubble Tea marks these with special drinks and special deals for students. They offer hot and cold cider. They will be open late during exams. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will take 10 per cent off your bill when you show a student I.D.

Arun believes it is important give back to others. That’s why a portion of their proceeds go to a different charity each month. In August they gave money to Camp Casey. September’s charity was the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Each month’s charity is listed on their website.

Why did the Prasads choose to open their business in Ferndale? Arun likes to use words like “culture,” “openness,” and “camraderie” when describing Ferndale. He sees our community as “forward-thinking,” and as a place where “everyone looks out for one another.”

So let’s give something new a try. Check out Detroit Bubble Tea for good boba and to support what Arun and Alycia call “chariTEA.”

The Detroit Bubble Tea Company is located at 22821 Woodward, just north of 9 Mile in Ferndale. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 P.M., and Friday thru Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Call them at (248)239-1131, or visit them on the web at detroitbubbletea.com

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 substantial 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 heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition 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 curing passes into breast milk.

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