CLOSE
Culture

0 2605

Questions by Derek Lindamood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 12.34.12 PM

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

0 3104

Questions by David Wesley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screen Shot 2014-12-16 at 12.34.12 PM

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

0 1906

By Jason Shubnell | Photos © 2014 Ed Abeska

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

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

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

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

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

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

A history lesson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 2586

by: Malissa Martin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 2101

The Ringwald Theater, located just south of Nine Mile on the East side of Woodward next to Dino’s, is a live entertainment theater that opened its doors in 2007. The theater naturally aims not only to entertain audiences, but to challenge. The Ringwald goes further by proclaiming to “blur the lines between race, income, religion, and sexuality,” while providing a creative environment for local artists and aspiring actors—and recently, also providing a venue for artists all around the U.S.

The Ringwald recently anchored The Detroit Improv Festival from August 3-10, providing a place for performance artists from both near and far to showcase their skills. Individuals and improv groups from a number of cities around the U.S. performed, as groups arrived from Chicago, St. Louis, Toronto, L.A., Vancouver, NY and a host of other areas. I attended a show at the Ringwald during this festival and, while all the troops had their unique styles, I was most impressed by Ferndale’s own Dubalicious. This act was particularly impressive because instead of the usual six performers—there were only two. The female duo kept the ball in the air throughout their entire 35-minute skit without a break, showcasing their combined experience by personifying dozens of hilarious and awkward characters in everyday situations, while brilliantly playing off each other and expanding the boundaries of improv comedy.

At the end of September, I stopped by The Ringwald to take in “Angels in America Part II.” It proved to be more of an experience than a play, compounded by the fact that I had not attended Part I. Leaving no cultural taboo or sociopolitical stone unturned, the characters dramatically exemplified, personified, and blasted away at every dogma, conventional viewpoint and ideology under the sun. The play was full of complex characters, all ceaselessly struggling to find meaning and purpose, while reflecting on their own situation and it’s relation to a society they cannot concretely explain.

The play began with an intense and provoking speech from “the oldest living Bolshevik” in 1985, during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, who asked questions such as “What is progress?” and, further, “Is it worth it?” Mentioning market incentives and the McDonalds hamburgers begotten by these markets, the age-old Marxist question remains: Isn’t there something more? And can we, as a people, reach it? The Bolshevik concludes, “If the snake sheds his skin before a new skin is ready, naked he will be in the world, prey to the forces of chaos. Have you, my little serpents, a new skin?

The play centers around characters with HIV/AIDS during the highpoint of the crisis during the mid-1980’s, and closet homosexuality. The characters’

relationships with one another are complexly and dialectically intertwined, while one AIDS victim is dying, another is being visited by a multi-phallic, hermaphrodite-equipped angel, and another- a Conservative Homosexual Mormon Lawyer- is leaving his wife for a man, which is sending his wife into an emotional spiral leading to breakdown.

Regarding the idea(s) that provided the backbone of the play, theater Director Joe Bailey said, “An idea was born here that never really took hold and/or flushed itself out. America is like a melting pot that never melted.” Throughout the play, characters took as many cracks at every aspect and fringe of our culture and country as was humanly possible during the three-and-a-half-hour drama – libertarians, social democrats, communists, conservatives, Mormons and other religions, blacks, whites, homosexuals, Reagan — all were challenged as each individual character struggled with his and her own issues in relation to the narrative of the American Idea. Memorable one-liners were sown throughout the entirety of the play, as the African American character memorably proclaimed, “The cracker that wrote the national anthem wrote the note to ‘Free’ so high that nobody could ever reach it – that was deliberate.” Other noteworthy lines aimed at our present societal currents hit home: “Lawyers are the high priests of America. Hire a lawyer, sue someone – it’s good for your soul.” “Angels in America” is full of insight into the past and present-day, and showcases a cognitive dissonance within each character that may be inherent and ingrained into our adolescent and still-developing culture. The same character, confined to a hospital bed and dying, proclaimed “America has no use for the sick. America is no place for the infirm,” while also making affirming statements, such as “What you love will take you places you never dreamed you’d go,” while carrying a noble love of justice, saying “I save my hate for what counts,” conjuring hope and harnessing the modern-traditional American Spirit of “making it.”

The Ringwald put on a show that was intelligently chaotic, full of fire (and some nudity), in-your-face and one of a kind. Love it or reject it – the experience will be unforgettable. The actresses and actors hit every line flawlessly, the stage set was professionally-crafted and easily transformed to new backdrops after each scene. If you’d like to see some live entertainment that will provide intellectual stimulation akin to drinking water from a fire hose, head to The Ringwald.

For more information, please visit: www.theringwald.com/current

If slightly happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile 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 soul trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction 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 medication passes into breast milk.

0 1911

Ferndale Friends: With Improv Comedy and The Ringwald, both at the center of the recent Detroit Improv Festival, it seems live comedy and entertainment is gaining in popularity—and fast. What is it about the current generation that’s driving the success and resurgence of live entertainment, and how does live entertainment tie into the popular culture we see around us: DIY, bicycling to work, the re-development of urban areas, making creative and better use of smaller spaces, etc. Is there a connection?

Joe Bailey: I think people are always looking for different types of things to do. We are fortunate to be in a city of folks that really embrace this philosophy. With the numerous street fairs and alternative stores and restaurants in the area, I think it’s a good and natural fit for us to be where we are. When Go Comedy opened about a year after we did, it was nice to have another performance space in Ferndale and we quickly became great friends and colleagues with those folks and treasure our relationship with them.

Jamie Warrow: I cannot speak to just comedy performance, (and especially I cannot address improv as a medium – because it is a whole other animal), but as for live theater like what we do at the Ringwald, I believe that live performance is an immediate challenge to the audience spiritually, intellectually and emotionally. It forces them to participate on multiple human levels, to be present in the moment and pay attention. Thus, I think the immediacy of live performance is becoming more attractive/popular because the current generation wants to be involved, is more “hand on” and wants to see the nuts and bolts of art.

FF: On your website, it states the goal of your venue is to challenge and entertain, and that the Ringwald “blurs the lines between race, income, religion, and sexuality.” Just what is it about audience members that you want to challenge specifically, and could you give an example and/or provide more explanation of what you mean by “blurring the lines…”

Bailey: For me personally, I like to offer different takes on things. Whether it’s the type of show we do, or if we have a guy in a dress, or do a show reverse-gender, I like for people to potentially see something that they’ve never seen before or think in a way they’ve not done.

Warrow: I believe that presenting diverse views broadens human understanding and empathy. It’s important to view the human experience from a perspective that is not necessarily an instinctive one.

FF: In comparison to other live entertainment venues: Mark Ridley (Royal Oak), Go Comedy (Ferndale), Planet Ant (Hamtramck), what is the defining characteristic that distinguishes The Ringwald from the other theaters and makes it a unique place to take in live entertainment?

Bailey: Every theater has it’s niche and what they’re known for. I suppose over the years, we’ve primarily come to be known as “the gay theater.” It’s an easy identifier, but not wholly accurate. I like that we take risks and challenge ourselves to do shows that don’t necessarily make sense for us to do – whether due to size of the show or subject matter – and then we work really hard to make sure it’s the best product that we can make it.

Warrow: We are not the gay theater. We are Unpredictable theater. Eclectic, smart and funny, fearless, and dangerous.

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 impotency and other states coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

0 1647

by David Wesley 

Kim Kozlowski and her husband Jeff Bennett, along with close friend and collaborator Cindy Dyson-McGlenn, planted the seeds of literacy from metropolitan Ferndale that now branch all the way to downtown Detroit. Their homespun project, ‘Detroit Little Libraries,’ first sprouted in Ferndale in the form of a small wooden lawn-side box and are growing into a crop of 313 (memorializing the iconoclastic Detroit area code) mini libraries for everyone hungry for a book.

What is a “Little Library?” Participating homes put a small wooden box in their yard, and leave books for people to share. You are encouraged to take the books home and leave some of yours for others.

Kim and Jeff’s efforts, along with invaluable supporters like Cindy Dyson-McGlenn, have gifted Detroit neighborhoods with a splash of literary color. These little boxes, burgeoning with books, refresh the idea of community gathering and the allure of literature.

Now seeking more donations and grants to build more little libraries around the Detroit Metro area, their humble project has grown into a multi-city philanthropic project for everyone.

Kim gave Ferndale Friends an update on the project and the domino effect following the libraries’ routes.

Q. How has the Detroit Little Libraries grown since its inception?

A. The idea was born shortly after my husband and I put up a Little Free Library in front of our house in Ferndale, on Jewell Street. It caused a sensation in the neighborhood. The Little Free Library became a little town square, and we thought it would be cool to replicate this kind of community gathering spot in Detroit. With so much energy being infused in Detroit’s comeback, we thought it was a perfect time to flip the city’s many negative monikers – including the murder capital – and crown it The Little Free Library Capital.

The founder of the Little Free Library, Todd Bol, heard about the campaign and gave the city 20 little libraries to kick off the project. We raised $4,220 during our crowd funding campaign and got a $1,000 donation just yesterday from a former Detroiter now living in Alaska. That’s enough to build at least 12 more little libraries that we expect to plant before the end of the year.

Q. Given how the project has grown, what do you think its future will look like?

A. We hope to see Little Free Libraries installed all over the city. We are applying for grants from foundations and plan to approach businesses for support in the near future. It is our hope that the Detroit Little Libraries will become catalysts for reading and community building.

Q. What are your ultimate goals with the project?

A. Reading is so fundamental to our journey in life. It improves our physical health and mental wellbeing, expands our imagination and critical thinking and transports us to so many places. Even more important, it
expands our vocabulary and our ability to communicate and connect with others. Ultimately, words in our arsenal help determine our trajectory in life.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you have to look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as heart 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 medication passes into breast milk.

0 1693

By: Becky Hammond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 2411

by Jeff Milo

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

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

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

MAKE YOUR MARK & The FRIENDS OF THE FERNDALE LIBRARY

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

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

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

DISTRICT LIBRARY PLAN

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

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

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

0 2961

By: Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, Ferndale Public Schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prev1...383940...42Next Page 39 of 42
© 2024 - Ferndale Friends | webmaster Loudbaby