Culture

Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Bernie LaFramboise

Every December, Royal Oak is flooded with Santas, Mrs. Claus, elves, and many more holiday-costumed individuals. While this may not seem out of place on December 25, you’ll witness this weeks before Christmas. The reason for the early holiday spirit? SantaCon, a holiday- themed pub crawl sponsored by Ultimate Fun Productions and The Social Connection.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 5.54.12 PMIf you’ve attended an event or bar crawl in metro Detroit, chances are high that it was produced or sponsored by either The Social Connection or Ultimate Fun Productions. These Ferndale-based groups host everything from tailgate parties, galas, monthly dinners and bar crawls.

Ultimate Fun Productions, run by Matt Flynn, holds most of its events in Royal Oak, Ferndale and Detroit. The Social Connection, founded and run by Regina Stocco, also produces social events and festivals within the same area. Ticket sales and event proceeds from both groups benefit a variety of charities, including AIDS Walk Detroit, Help Cerebral Palsy Kids Corp, Royal Oak Historical Society and Healthy Detroit. Most events through Social Connection and Ultimate Fun Productions have tickets available from $10 to $65 and offer discounted tickets for purchasing early.

On December 12, these groups offer two opportunities to show holiday spirit. Starting with the Santa Hat Hustle at 8:30 A.M. Racers have the choice of a 10K, 5K run/walk or a one-mile Santa Stroll. Prices range from $10 to $55. Participants are encouraged to bring at least one unwrapped toy for a drive benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb counties.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 5.54.16 PMFollowing the race at 1:00 P.M., runners can join the festivities of Santa Con. Tickets cost $15 and include specials on holiday spirits and drinks at eleven of Royal Oak’s best bars, including BlackFinn, Gusoline Alley, Hamlin Corner and Ale Mary’s. A portion of ticket sales will also go toward the Boys and Girls Clubs. Costumes are not required (but are encouraged) and attendees can enter to win Uber gift cards, as well as tickets to the Resolution Ball and Motor City Gala, two New Year’s Eve events also sponsored by Ultimate Fun Productions and Social Connection.

The Motor City Gala takes place in the 11,000 square foot main ballroom at the Atheneum Hotel. This formal event hosts a VIP dinner with live jazz, performances by two comedians, followed by some of Detroit’s most popular DJs to bring in the New Year. The other event, Motor City New Year’s Eve THE DROP is a free event that draws 20,000+ at Campus Martius and Cadillac Square in the heart of Downtown Detroit.

Meanwhile, The Social Connection will be hosting the 12th Annual Resolution Ball at the Fillmore Detroit for New Years Eve. This ticket is one of the hottest in town, as the event sells out every year before Christmas. Offering discounted hotel rooms and free shuttles to and from the event, you can do downtown Detroit in style on New Year’s Eve courtesy of The Social Connection.

Both Social Connection and Ultimate Fun Productions host an event at least once per month, with varying themes and locations, making it easy to find something to please everyone. To find info and photos from past events or a calendar of upcoming events, visit the groups’ Facebook pages or join their mailing lists.

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Social Connection on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesocialconnection Social Connection websitte: www.thesocialconnection.com
Phone: 248-543-1000
Ultimate Fun Productions on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UltimateFunProductions Ultimate Fun Productions website: www.ultimatefunproductions.com

If slightly happened with our heartiness, 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 dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 heartiness 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 disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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.

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.

Story by Jeff Lily | Illustration by Gary Bedard

Imagine that your occupation involves being in dangerous situations, with strangers in strange homes, late at night, and for the purpose of providing sexual gratification. Sound like a really gritty crime drama?

Welcome to the “glamorous” world of escort work. This was reality for one Ferndale resident, who came forward to tell her story. Her name, and many details, have been changed to protect her identity; the pertinent facts, however, are all true.

This is Alice’s story.

She tells it to me while sitting on the sofa in the small, neat front room of her friend’s house. She’s younger than you’d think, and looks it despite all she’s experienced. She’s petite, willowy, almost fragile-looking. That last is an illusion, though, which disappears when you look into her eyes. They’re dark, sharp, and intelligent; they measure and weigh you, objectively calculating, cautious. There’s strength there, too, the kind that comes from facing down tough situations and coming out alive.

“I got out of jail. Two felonies and a misdemeanor, all drug- related.” She says. Not ashamed, and not flippant, either. Just the facts. “I had about $2500 in debt that needed to be paid. I was working three jobs, and still not making it.” They were waitressing jobs, she explains when I ask, because after jail there’s not many places that will hire you. One night, a friend of hers who worked as a stripper suggested stripping “as a joke.” Alice declined, but when she heard about escorting, it sounded appealing.

“All you do is go on dates, and they pay you,” is how she says it was described. It turned out to be more complicated than that.

Looking at Alice now, it’s difficult to believe that someone like her — smart, good-looking, charming — would need to go to these extremes. But anyone can have a bad start in life.

“I have the perfect background for it.” Alice explains. She was adopted, bounced around in a series of foster homes, and suffered abuse. “No one becomes a stripper because you were loved too much as a child. No one escorts because their daddy told them they were the best. Everyone in the business is broken, one way or another.”

So it was that she found herself in a hotel room one night, photographed in lingerie, and advertised. The money was more than she’d ever made before. But after a couple of months she’d had enough, and quit.
But she still needed money, so she went into stripping. The hours were long, the work exhausting. She still has side effects from wearing her costume shoes, which made her feet swell and bones
curve. There were other dangers as well.

“We (the dancers) all drank pretty heavily.” Alice admits. She didn’t get into drugs, but some of the women she worked with did MDMA, cocaine, Xanax, and others. At the very least, “You’d go home drunk and wake up the next day hung over. Every day.”

The work also affected her personal life. “My boyfriend couldn’t tell his friends what I did for a living.” Alice recalls. “He couldn’t tell his parents. That put (a lot of) strain on our relationship.”

Finally, she reached her limit. “I watched this documentary about girls in the porn industry. I never did porn, but they were saying the same things, the exact same things, that I said to justify stripping. Things like, ‘It makes me feel beautiful. I get paid to party. I’m having the time of my life.’ Hearing them say that scared the life out of me. I couldn’t do it any more.”

Despite everything, she won’t condemn the whole adult entertainment industry, or try to tell anyone how to run their life.

“It’s not the industry that’s bad. What they do to the girls is,” she says. Because so much of the business is illegal, it operates undercover and can’t be regulated. “I’ve talked to a couple of girls since I got out, and they asked if I could help them get started.” So she told them the truths that the pimps and the club owners won’t. Bottom line: You’ll lose too much of yourself for a paycheck. It just isn’t worth it. The girls she talked to decided not to take the leap.

Alice is putting her life together. She has steady work now, still too close to the industry for comfort, but no longer in it. She finished her high school education, all AP classes, with honors, and is looking forward to starting college.

She’s also determined to take the hard lessons she’s learned and educate other young women who are considering working as strippers, escorts, or in adult films. Her eyes light up as she talks about her project, joining with a large group of former adult entertainment workers to collectively develop a blog.

“All you do is go on dates, and they pay you,”

“It’s called ‘Married to the Money’ because so many girls have trouble leaving, because of the money.” Alice explains. The blog will tell the stories of adult industry workers, with the goal of educating others about the realities of working in the business. What anyone does with the information, and if they choose to believe it, will be their choice.

Creating the blog is painful work. It dredges up a lot of memories, and of course the stories hit close to home. But that the point. “I want something honest. Almost too honest. If I can make even one person stop and say, ‘Wait a second. Maybe this isn’t as good, as healthy, as I think it is…” She pauses. One of her jobs while stripping was to recruit other women into the business. “I wasn’t very good at it. It hurt me to tell them, ‘Oh, you’ll just be waitressing.’ Because I guarantee, if we recruit you, within a month you’ll be on the pole…”

I see then that the blog will have a lot of uses. I understand that it’s not just helpful information, or a public service. It’s also therapy.

As of press time, the blog isn’t quite ready. Ferndale Friends will publish the address when it goes online.
Meanwhile, Alice is busy with her studies, dreaming and planning.

“The best feeling in the world is leaving that stage for the last time, knowing you’re never going back.”

At that, she finally cracks a smile. The stage is behind her now. Her life is just ahead.

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 emasculation 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 health 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 dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

Story by Jason Shubnell | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

The LGBT community, with its growing acceptance in U.S. society, has made big strides over recent years. Both celebrities and the federal government have played a part in this progressive wave. However, remedies for the unique challenges the trans community faces in the healthcare system have lagged behind. Sex reassignment procedures and hormone therapy are just a few of the services the trans community needs; unfortunately not every doctor and physician can (or will) provide these. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 banned sex discrimination in most healthcare facilities and programs, so it’s not always a matter of lingering bigotry but also a lack of familiarity and training.

“Finding safe and affordable healthcare providers who are respectful and knowledgeable regarding transgender healthcare can be a huge challenge pretty much everywhere,” said Daniel Herrle, who runs FtM Detroit, a transmasculine activism and support collective. “Ferndale has a lot of resources available that fit this description. However, transgender folks aren’t always aware of what is available to them.”

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 3.28.42 PMEnter RAD Remedy, a virtually-operated nonprofit collective with team members and data entry volunteers located across the country.

RAD, which stands for Referral Aggregator Database, was launched in 2014 to help bring a solution to one central problem: connecting transgender people with healthcare providers that can meet their needs.
“I kept consulting referral lists from community organizations only to find them inaccurate or out of date,” said RAD Remedy Executive Director Riley Johnson. He was looking to connect with others in the trans healthcare space. “In one memorable example, the provider in question was a friend of mine who had passed away two or three years prior.”

Johnson eventually found the Trans*H4ck, a transgender hackathon, speaker series and code school based out of Chicago.

“We began as a team of strangers: two social workers, two developers, and me,” Johnson continued. “Twenty- seven hours of work later, we won top honors at the event. We felt it was important to seek as many perspectives as possible, so we later decided to attend trans conferences and do a needs assessment so we could develop the tool to be most accessible.”

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 3.28.31 PMAlong the way, Herrle joined the team. He is a Ferndale resident and the organization’s design director.
“I had been looking for ways to start up something similar, and through my searching, I found that RAD was just getting started,” said Herrle. “They had a booth set up at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference in 2014. I attended the conference, found them there and immediately got involved.”

Herrle, who along with Johnson and many other RAD team members is transgender, hopes more providers in the area will connect with the organization: “This can become an even more valuable resource if local residents review these providers and suggest more. Participation of residents sharpens and refines what is available through RAD.”

The RAD Remedy database has over 3,000 providers nationwide, with new providers added each day. Johnson said the organization would ideally have reviews available for all providers so people “can know what they’re walking into before they access care. However, we don’t measure success by vast amounts of providers in the system…We prefer to empower users, work to improve capacity for organizations, and work with providers to improve their services, forms, and systems.”

On the medical and insurance side of things, Johnson says, “It can be challenging when necessary surgeries and treatments are deemed ‘cosmetic’ or ‘experimental.’ Such procedures have been practiced for decades and are necessary and responsible treatment for diagnosed conditions, but all too often blanket exclusions prohibit insurance coverage, making access to such treatment impossible for most folks. Trans health is something untaught in most U.S. medical schools, so it should be no surprise that many doctors have no clue as to how to proceed. We at RAD Remedy want to take the guesswork out of things by providing clear and low-stakes consulting so providers can improve forms, systems, and practices with the clients they serve.”
RAD has a volunteer team and board comprised of people across the country in areas such as Chicago, Detroit, Seattle, New York City, Portland, Minneapolis, and Columbus, Ohio. According to its website, there were 37 providers within the Detroit area at time of writing.

RAD has been working with Affirmations, and seeks to expand the partnership.

“Affirmations currently hosts a network of LGBTQ- affirming healthcare providers that are located throughout southeastern Michigan and are accessible on our Health and Wellness Network.” Explains Kelsey Hug, Affirmations’ Community Resource Manager. RAD Remedy hosts a similar network at a national level. We haven’t completely sorted out the details of what that partnership will look like, but we’re excited to find ways to best serve transgender community members across Southeast Michigan in the best way possible in partnership with other LGBTQ+ serving organizations.”

RAD has not been without its struggles. “For many on our team, paying work must be prioritized, so if we are able to secure organizational funding, we may be able to have team members work more actively on RAD and thus get more aspects completed,” Johnson said. A crowdfunding campaign can be accessed at www.rockethub.com/projects/61520

“We also face an obstacle in that the communities we serve often have trauma around getting care, so it can take time to earn their trust, both for us and for the providers who work with us to improve their services,” Johnson continued. “We strive to be both a community project (where many people contribute) and a community resource (where many people benefit), so we feel it is important to build our networks and prove our worth over time.”

The organization is always looking for more help. RAD is hoping to boost its tech team, along with adding a development person, although Johnson said they can always find ways to make use of all sorts of people and all sorts of skills they may have.

Speaking on the makeup of the RAD organization, Herrle stated: “While our team is mixed, it was important for us to maintain a level of, ‘by the community, for the community.’”

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Check out RAD Remedy online at www.radremedy.org

If some 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 impotency and other states connected 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction 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 medication passes into breast milk.

Story by Jeff Lilly | Photos courtesy of Designhaus Architecture

The old Save-a-Lot store, at 430 West 9 Mile Road, sits silent and vacant, an eyesore. The parking lot yawns, a dull desert of asphalt. Wasted space on a busy street.

But soon, work will begin to demolish the old store and convert it and its parking lot into something much more useful and beautiful.

Uh-oh. The subject of redevelopment on 9 Mile can be a tricky one, especially when development plans grow too large or complex. The recent failure of the 3-60 Project is a case in point. Too large for the space, too much disruption of business during construction, and an end product that just wouldn’t have fit the character (and needs) of Ferndale. So, when Ferndale Friends got word of plans for this new development, we looked into it.

Screen Shot 2015-12-11 at 3.14.37 PMAt the Rochester office of Designhaus Architacture, Peter Stuhlreyer, AIA, Chief Architect and CEO, lays out the plans. The illustrations reveal a striking, L-shaped, four- story structure with a varied facade. It will run the length of the current lot, hiding the building’s parking behind and underneath; parking sufficient for the residents and businesses in the building, plus a tiny bit extra.

“We’re trying to build a high quality housing project… for anyone.” Peter says, over a constant background whir of power tools. Designhaus, too, is in the process of being upgraded. “Ninety units, about half single- bedroom, about half two-bedroom, with a few larger units on the corner. Businesses on the ground floor. Elevators, stairs, workout facilities, a common room, gathering spaces. There’ll be a small public patio on the roof.”

How do you fit a new building into an existing street?

“You don’t want to pander to history, to create some kind of phony pastiche of old buildings.” Peter explains. “On the other hand, you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, either. There’s a strong tie to context. You don’t want to introduce something foreign, but you also don’t want to try and appease everyone, to make them comfortable just to get approved.” The world, he says, is full of buildings designed with the latter philosophy in mind, and it shows in the general sameness and dullness that abounds in shopping centers and housing developments. He smiles, and adds an important caveat. “You also don’t want to shock them.”

On the nuts-and-bolts side, there is a lot of modeling, 3D rendering, and street viewing. The new structure is designed to do more for 9 Mile than just provide more living and business space, though.

“9 Mile starts to fizzle out as far as its pedestrian energy at that point. This (building) says, we’re still part of that energy.” Peter says that research showsthe effects of “holes” in the urban landscape, namely features like surface parking lots.

Studies show that once pedestrians hit an area with an open lot, they tend to cross the street and walk back the other way. 430 West 9 Mile will fill in that hole.

“We have open storefronts and businesses. There’ll be public art (to be placed by the DDA.) On the east side of the building, there’ll be a small musical performance area, facing into the vest-pocket park that will go there. It will really energize the area.” Peter talks about other ideas, such as shuttle buses that will run to the planned rail line on Woodward to reduce traffic.

Designhaus has been around for close to 20 years, focusing on mixed-use projects and things that Peter calls “difficult sites.”

“People are moving back to the cities,” He says. “The properties (that are there) are troubled… problems with space, zoning, environmental issues… it’s much harder than developers going out, buying five acres, and putting up a building.” They’ve worked on projects as diverse as student housing, microbreweries, and converting old offices and schools into living space. “We have a reputation for getting things done in (challenging) situations,” Peter smiles again, “and coming out the other side without the public coming to our office with torches.”

Peter says there wasn’t any difficulty with the process in Ferndale, though. Designhaus worked very closely with the City of Ferndale and gave them exactly what they asked for; something suited to the scale and feeling of the neighborhood, yet moving it upward and outward, too.

Construction is slated to start in April of 2016.
www.designhaus.com

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 disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness 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 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 and photos by Kevin Alan Lamb

Have your children grown up and moved away? Or perhaps you’ve lost the one you loved and have grown too familiar with the way an empty house feels. No matter how the pages turned in your story, the next chapter in your life may be a protagonist who infuses youth, culture, and a daily reminder that life is beautiful.

Just ask Charlene Marklein Nutton, who has welcomed Educatius International student Worapong Kitti-a-nong Oh into her home, from Thailand.

“I am a widow so there is only Oh and myself. Oh has bought many photos on his computer, and before seeing them I knew very little about Thailand. It is a beautiful country and much more modern in parts than I thought. Ninety-seven percent of the people of Thailand are Buddhist. Oh has taught me a number of things about his religion. While he is here we are going to visit a temple. Oh is very gracious and likes to cook a number of his country’s dishes. We have been to downtown Detroit to see how close Canada is, the new DEB building, Belle Isle, a wedding and Arts, Beats & Eats. On Sunday we are going to a Tiger’s Game. His English has improved a lot since he arrived 11 days ago,” Nutton says.

Educatius International is a global leader in the field of international education seeking families in Berkley, Clawson, Royal Oak, Ferndale, and Bloomfield to host international students attending Clawson, Ferndale, and Bloomfield Township high schools for the upcoming school year.

“Hosting an international student is an enriching experience for the family, the student, the schools, and the community. There is a sharing of cuisines, language, culture, relationships, and life in a different part of the world where one may have only read about or seen on television. An international student is here to experience American culture and improve their English language skills. They can add interest in learning in the classroom as they learn from us and we learn from them,” Debi Wilkelis of Educatius International says.

Oakland County Schools have endorsed the program for the 2015-16 year, placing students in high schools throughout Oakland County. A local coordinator is provided by Educatius International to supervise and work with the host families and schools to ensure a positive experience.

Host Mother Shari Berard says, “I raised two wonderful boys through the Ferndale school system and now I am alone. Meeting Debi and (listening to) her persuasive ways, I soon was hosting a girl from Spain in my home. The first night, with students arriving, I had five people in my living room speaking four different languages. Seeing these students who are willing to leave their homes and live with those who speak another language and then studying in that language takes courage. It has been a joy to meet and be with others in this program.”

While welcoming someone from a foreign a land into your home may be intimidating, with a built- in language barrier, it just might also be one of the best experiences of your life. After all, it’s not every day you are given a chance to welcome a brave, cultured, and grateful child into your family. Children like Worapong Kitti-a-nong Oh, who shares a few of his exciting experiences so far.

“At school in Thailand, I have nine periods each day and end the class at 4:00 P.M. every day but here, I have only seven periods each day and end class at 3:05 P.M.. It’s a new experience for me that school ends earlier. Also, I am able to speak English with my friends in the class every time because in Thailand, I speak English only in the English class. Next, I am able to see something that we don’t have in Thailand such as weddings in the other country. I can feel weather that is very very very cold for me because in Thailand, that’s always 80 degrees. Last, I am able learn about living with the other people that isn’t my family; my host.”

Educatius reimburses monthly with a set stipend of $300 to offset the cost of hosting. A referral bonus of $100 is offered for approved host families who host. It is a common misconception that families think they must entertain or treat their students as guests.

“We encourage them to treat them as extended family members who participate in family functions and help with chores around the home no different than their own children,” Wilkelis says.

Students can share a room with another student within the same age range and sex, so long as they have their own bed and closet/dresser. Host families are expected to provide student’s three meals a day, understanding that lunch may be purchased at school. Additionally, host families are asked to drive students to activities at least three times a week.

Candela Ruano is a 14-year-old high school student from Spain, attending Ferndale High School. She shares some her most interesting experiences thus far.

“High school definitely, it’s so exciting to meet new people. At first it was scary (for everybody is) but then is amazing. Everyone treats so well and you feel really comfortable. I’m in Ferndale High School and I should be in 10th grade but, because I’m an exchange student, I’m a senior so that I can graduate and ‘feel’ more the experience. Ferndale is a really quiet place but with a lot of things to do. I have the advantage to live near 9 Mile where there are a lot of stores,” says Ruano.

Hosting is a rewarding and enriching experience that may be just what you need, but didn’t know to look for. Educatius is still in need of host families for students from Spain, Thailand, and other countries. If you are interested in learning more about hosting, please contact Debi Wilkelis at 586-381-5174 or debiw.educatius@gmail.com.

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Story by Allison Martin | Photo by Bernie LaFramboise | Runway photos by Brad Fick

Hot on the heels of her New York Fashion Week debut, local Detroit fashion designer Stein Van Bael debuted her latest collection – The Davenport Collection – at the legendary Tangent Gallery earlier last month.

As a self-taught fashion designer, Van Bael is no stranger to creating wearable art out of unique materials. She has manufactured myriad masterpiece collections out of unconventional materials and themes, and her latest work follows in form. For The Davenport Collection, Van Bael created her fabulously unique launch out of vintage upholstered furniture.

Not that Van Bael is only inspired by your grandmother’s sofa. Previously, she sent collections down the runway that included
designs made out of visqueen, a durable polyethylene sheeting used to waterproof houses. She has also showcased a collection created solely from merkins, or pubic hairpieces worn by prostitutes and actors in the early 1900s. Also notable is Van Bael’s stuffed animal collection that was featured in an editorial for the Metropolitan.

Traditional, her show is not.

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I was able to experience this firsthand at her latest show at the Tangent Gallery, in Detroit. With my girlfriends and cocktail in hand, we mingled about the gallery. There was a full bar to enjoy, a bonfire outside for people to gather around, a woman suspended, and a man being whipped.

When the lights dimmed and the show started, Van Bael sent her models down the runway to a live band. One by one, the models marched out in an array of styles all made out of vintage davenport fabric. The collection included vests, shorts, dresses, and a men’s suit. Not only was it impressive, it was fabulous.

What one notices when attending a Stein Van Bael show is the elaborate production of it all. Aside from the uniqueness of the fashion, there is a great quality to the production. Van Bael says that, to her, the show’s production, “embodies an atmosphere of perfect lighting, music, and precise execution of the runway show itself. It means having dedicated and capable models who are ready to put their game faces on and fall into character needed for the show.

“As a designer, I can say that a fashion show absolutely has to have a fluid and cohesive collection that stands out, just enough to make an impression without flying off the handle.”

So how did she make it all the way to New York Fashion Week? She has been working closely with a manager who helped organize the trip. As a first timer at NYFW, the young designer says she was ready for the experience. “Being raised in the do-it-yourself atmosphere that is Detroit made me ready for most anything. I was clear, collected, and I nailed it. I would not have been so prepared if I weren’t used to doing everything myself. If I show up, I’m ready.”

Beyond her imaginative show production and creative use of materials, there exists something that makes Van Bael’s designs more than just spectacle. Erica Pietrzyk, Van Bael’s treasured muse and frequent runway model, sheds light on the mystery. “It’s her positive attitude, her ambition to reach the stars, the fact she is always building those around her up, and that her designs are very fashion- forward, original, and unique.”

When I asked Van Bael what she doesn’t like about fashion, she comments on not understanding some of the trends that are present. “Why did boots, [and] leggings, and lattes ever become a thing? I don’t like the watered-down and disposable aspect of [those items]”.

When asked why fashion interests her, Van Bael replies, “Because there is a fine line between innovative and ridiculous. I like to push the envelope and invite new perspectives into the game.”

For more information on Stein Van Bael, please visit: steinvanbael.com and follow her on social media. Twitter: @steinvanbael.

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 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 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 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 | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.46.17 AMIf you’ve been down Hilton Road in the past couple of months, you may have noticed DPW crews hard at work in the corner of Wilson Park at University. New fencing, walkways, and…a fire hydrant fountain, painted like a Dalmation?

“There’s a bone-shaped drain, too.” Loyd Cureton, Director of the Ferndale Department of Public Works, smiles as he tells me the story of the new dog park. “We designed the park and its features, from scratch, from the ground up.” Besides the fanciful, practical features like waste disposal bags, trash receptacles, park benches, and sturdy fencing are abundant. There are separate areas for small and large dogs, with plenty of room to run around. As a survey of the park’s many features will attest, a lot of thought and creative input went into it. But creativity didn’t come at the expense of fiscal responsibility.

“The hydrant was scrap, and we repurposed it.” Cureton explains. The hydrant’s art was done in-house, too. The sign was made from recycled material from old hockey rink boards from another park, designed, shaped, and printed at the DPW’s sign shop. Ed Schmid Ford donated time and material from their paint shop to clear-coat the sign, to protect it from the elements. The landscaping materials were salvaged from other jobs, too. Unwanted trees and bushes were purchased at huge discounts from suppliers. The only major job that was contracted out was the fencing.”

The result is a fun, inviting space that also sparkles with whimsy. Still, not everyone is happy about the $40 annual fee, suggested to City Council by the Parks and Recreation Commission. So what’s the fee for? Besides maintenance, it goes to another important program. Recreation Director Jill Manchik fills us in on the details:

“The Dog Safety class is a one-time requirement for residents interested in obtaining a membership to the dog park. The class is presented by Canine to Five and will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Kulick Center. Topics include dog park etiquette, dog behavior: recognizing aggressive vs. non-aggressive, play styles, what to do if there is a fight, tips on setting your dog up for success at the dog park, and more. Pre-registration for the class is required, see www.ferndalemi.gov or you may visit or call the Ferndale Recreation Department to register at 248-544-6767.”

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To become a member, in addition to the class, residents must also complete a membership application and include a copy of recent vaccines and current license info. Upon completion of the above, beginning November 1, residents will be issued a key fob that will allow them access to the park daily from dawn to dusk. Memberships will be valid for one year from the date of purchase.”

Here’s hoping the howls of protest at the fee will give way to happy barks at the features and fun to be had.

The dog park is located in Wilson Park, near the corner of Hilton and University. There’s easy sidewalk access and abundant nearby on-street parking as well..

The Kulick Community Center, where the training sessions take place, is located at 1201 Livernois in Ferndale.

If slightly happened with our heartiness, 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 dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential 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 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 dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Bernie Laframboise & Jeff Lilly

If you have yet to discover the hidden gem that is the StoreFront Gallery, there is bound to be something there that piques your interest. Located at 477 West Marshall, this charming blue- framed brick building has hosted some of Ferndale’s most creative ventures.

Opened by Derek John in late 2012, the StoreFront Gallery started as a venue for metro Detroit artists to rent and display their work. It has grown into so much more – hosting improv shows, boutiques, photo shoots and more. The interior aesthetic only adds to the exper- ience of the events at StoreFront, with its hardwood floors, high tin ceilings and expansive windows fitting of its namesake. One of the more recent ventures has
turned StoreFront into a flea market.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.53.50 AMScheduled for the first Sunday of every month throughout the summer, Ferndale Flea set up shop at StoreFront to sell vintage and antique items. A group of friends and locals, including jewelry designer Jennifer Vermeersh and artist/collector Tim Caldwell, started the pop-up as a way to share and sell some of the unique and vintage items that were cluttering up their homes.

Their first event, held on May 3 this year, took over the StoreFront Gallery and its sidewalk with classic comic books, retro furniture, vintage clothing and records. Supplemented by a Facebook page of over 645 members, Ferndale Flea posted available items and gained new sellers for their second event on June 7th.

While seemingly successful through the first few months of summer, there’s no word from administrators if it will return next year.

As for the StoreFront Gallery, it continues to grow and thrive. Many might not be aware that Pop Up Dinners, one of metro Detroit’s most popular and successful endeavors, originated within its walls.

In collaboration with chef Matthew Baldridge and artist/photographer Janna Coumoundouros, John began hosting custom-made dinners at The StoreFront Gallery. Through Pop-Up Dinners, drab Monday nights have become opportunities to try new foods with 20 or so strangers in a creative atmosphere.

“Dining is not only about sustenance, it’s about the entire experience. It should be the food, drink, and the people you share this with. Then incorporate art, music, and great conversation and that is the experience we are striving to achieve with this dinner club,” says Baldrige on the Dinner Club site, www.dinnerclubpopup.com.

Baldrige uses his 15 years of experience as a chef in Detroit to create the meals. Coumoundouros owns studio Lilacpop and curates art for the dinners, while John (who is also a member of band Body Math) uses his musical talents to provide a soundtrack and a scene for the evenings.

Pop-up dinners have grown so much in popularity in the last few years that they’ve expanded to restaurants and locales throughout metro Detroit. Ticket prices start around $35 and location and meal details are available at dinnerclubpopup.com.

As the Dinner Club continues to branch out, John hasn’t failed to keep The StoreFront Gallery interesting. On October 17, they will host an Intro to Hand Lettering class presented by Letter Sparrow.

To keep up with the events, classes and projects of Derek John at The StoreFront Gallery, check their website at www.thestorefrontgalleryferndale.com and be sure to take a trip down West Marshall Street to keep an eye on what The StoreFront Gallery hosts next.

www.facebook.com/thestorefrontgalleryferndalemi www.dinnerclubpopup.com/ www.facebook.com/FerndaleFlea

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 emasculation and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status 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.