News

Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Catfe is located at 821 Livernois Street in Ferndale.

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

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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Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.15.39 AMRaylon Leaks-May

I am a proud Ferndale resident of twenty five years, a married mother of five beautiful children, and I currently, serve on the Ferndale Schools Board of Education as a Trustee and as Treasurer. I believe that I am uniquely qualified to be your next Ferndale City Council leader because I have a history of building bridges with local community leaders and have a solid track record of bringing new voices into our community’s most difficult and important conversations. In addition to this, my experience with school board strategic planning and governmental policy will be vital as decisions regarding the development of our progressive community are made. The combination of my qualified experience and new perspective will make us Even Better Together!

I see Ferndale through fresh, perspective lens, a vision that includes:

A Multi-Generational Vision- Ferndale attracts young professionals and baby boomers, and many residents seek to stay here as they age. I will ensure that Council has a strong housing plan that accommodates multi-generational needs and I see ways to keep our residents healthy and active throughout their lives with improved parks, roadways, and recreation.

Smart Development- Ferndale’s growth brings both opportunities and challenges. We must approach development, growth, and mass transit in a way that benefits the whole community—balancing beauty, convenience and business sense. My experience will help us find the right mix.

Inclusive Collaboration- Effective decision- making requires ensuring that all voices are included in our community’s most important conversations. I want everyone to have a seat at the table, especially those who have felt unheard and unseen. Our city can work even more closely with our schools, library, and neighboring communities to include all stakeholders.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.15.49 AMDan Martin

Four years ago I had the privilege of being elected to my first term on City Council. It has truly been a wonderful experience working with residents and city employees alike, and I firmly believe that we are a better place today then we were four years ago. This Council has encouraged policies supporting responsible economic growth, residential improvements, modernization of technology at City Hall, as well as reduced water rates and taxes. There have been struggles along the way, but I feel that we have worked together to arrive at the outcome best for our community as a whole.

I am seeking a second term because I want to continue to this work. Protecting the great services we currently have is a priority, especially those provided by Police and Fire. My goals for the next four years include focusing on continuing to improve business processes and customer service across our departments. Residents make a significant investment to our City and each other, and I was to be a strong voice protecting that stewardship. I am supporting a comprehensive plan to address environmental opportunities and protections within the City and ensure the development that will continue to come to Ferndale is sustainable, and within the character of our unique community.

Please feel free to visit my web site at www.danmartinforferndale.com to learn more and get involved. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questionsorconcerns. Again,thankyoufor the opportunity to serve and I look forward to strengthening our partnerships in the future.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 10.15.58 AMWilliam S. White

William S. White is originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Ferndale 27 years ago to start a family. He is married to Kathy White (26 years) and they have three sons together; William, Brian, and Brandon. William has been in Ferndale for 27 years and all three of his sons attended school in the Ferndale School District. He wants to keep our Police, Fire and DPW strong.

If something happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotency and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most 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 soundness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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By: Sgt. Baron Brown, Ferndale Police

TODAY’S POLICE OFFICERS FACE an unprecedented amount of scrutiny. Criticism and second guessing is rampant on both sides of the political spectrum. Calls for reform of police use- of-force policies and training are com- ing from the legislature, the President, civil rights leaders, and social media users across the Internet. Some of the discourse is appropriate and meaning- ful. Some of it is calculated and agenda driven. Some of it is dangerous at best and deadly at worst.

What does all this mean for the citi- zens of Ferndale? How are we affected in this small corner of southeast Oak- land County that we call home? As a twenty-year veteran who has worked the street my entire career, I can tell you that injuries to officers and citizens as a result of physical altercations have never been more infrequent. I honestly can’t remember the last time a prisoner suf- fered an injury in an arrest situation.

There are a couple reasons for this. First and foremost, I believe that the offi- cers who work for the citizens of Fern- dale conduct themselves with profes- sionalism and temperance. Secondly, the marked decrease in officer and citi- zen injuries coincides with the introduc- tion of the Taser as a less lethal use of force option for Ferndale police officers. I remember having fights with mentally ill and intoxicated people in the pre-Taser days that we just don’t have anymore. Thirdly, crime rates are down in almost all areas. That means that there are fewer arrests and fewer interactions be- tween the police and bad guys.

I can also tell you this: Never before have I felt that I cannot ever let my guard down as it relates to my own personal safety while in uniform. From year to year police officer deaths are down, but according to the International Association of Chiefs of Police Ambush Fact Sheet, unprovoked ambush attacks on police officers are on the increase. The reality is that while there is a national accusation of an increase in “police violence,” there are really no numbers to support that accusation. Use of force numbers are hard to analyze because they are not kept in a standardized fashion at any level of government. The numbers used to both support and defend police use of force incidents are anecdotal and subject to interpretation.

So, regardless of whether the police – your police – deserve this criticism, we feel it on a daily basis. Recently I’ve had officers tell me they’ve been subjected to some pretty outrageous comments. A citizen, who wasn’t happy with the result of a complain she made about a child custody issue told the responding officer, “Now I understand why officers are getting killed.”

Another person, a business owner, asked that our officers not enter onto his property unless invited. While this police department is proud and appreciative of the support we receive from the vast majority of Ferndale citizens and visitors, some people are definitely more vocal and hateful when they are not happy with the service we provide.

So why do we all still come to work and give you one hundred percent? It’s i simple…and corny. It’s because we care. We care about this city, its citizens and visitors, and each other. We understand that in many cases we deal with people in the worst moment on the worst day of their lives. We are used to being called on for assistance and then being yelled at for showing up. We want to be there when you need us. We want to deal with the nastiness and ugliness of life so that you don’t have to.

Our collective spirit is not broken yet. We aren’t asking for your pity, or not to be scrutinized, nor do we get paid to suffer injury or death at the hands of anyone. We never wake up in the morning intending on hurting anyone, but we also make a solemn pledge to our loved ones that we will come home at the end of our day.

We are your guardians prepared to defend you when called upon and to help you ignite the pilot light on your furnace when you don’t know who else to call. We just want you to remember that we are like you in many ways. We have kids, spouses, parents, mortgages, good days, and bad days just like you I am a police officer for eighty-four hours every two weeks. The other two hundred fifty-two hours, I’m just Dad.

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 emasculation and other states coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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By: Ann Heler, President, Bd. of Directors

WE HAVE BEEN AT 459 E. Nine Mile since September 24, 2011… four years! Another anniversary celebration.

Our next scheduled fund raiser is on Sunday, November 1, 1:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. This is a Fall wine-tasting and noshings at Leon & Lulu, 96 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson 48017, just west of Main Street. $15.00 at the door. Ten per cent of all purchases will be donated to FernCare. This will be our fourth fundraiser with Leon & Lulu.

Prices of all medications, including generic medications we dispense, are going up monthly. I just look at those bills and cannot believe the price hikes; 20 per cent, 40 per cent, and more. We get a little discount because of the free clinic and non-profit status but only if the drug companies so wish.

The Little Free Library is still active, a great exchange of books! We have more people than ever now that there’s a bus stop directly in front of the clinic.

HEALTHY MICHIGAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE EXPANSION: Any Tuesday or Wednesday evening 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. THIS IS OPEN TO ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY. Call the appointment line and tell them you want a health insurance appointment. Even if all you have is questions, call 248-677-2273.

FOUR THINGS TO DO DAILY THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH!
• Eat two pieces of fruit or just a big bunch of wonderful Michigan cherries
• Get up, do a one-two punch and shout “This is going to be a great day!”
• Park at least 20 spaces away from the store….walk a little.
• Eat at least one ear of Michigan sweet, sweet corn.

CLINIC APPOINTMENTS AND INFORMATION: 248-677-2273. You will have an appointment definitely within the month. The only criteria we require is . that you have no health insurance and no primary care provider to become a patient. Call us if you do not have health care!

OTHER LOCAL FREE MEDICAL CLINICS: The Free Clinics of Michigan website is www.fcomi.org. It lists all the free clinics with phone numbers for information.

The closest clinics to Ferndale are:
• Burnstein Community Clinic in Pontiac . 248-758-1690.
• Mercy Primary Care Clinic in Detroit 313-692-8400 Open Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
• Every clinic offers different services and has different patient criteria. Make sure to call before you waste precious gas.

SLIDING FEE SCALE CLINIC: Covenant Care Clinic: 27776 Woodward, Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-556-4900. Located across the street from the Westborn Market. If you work at all this is the clinic for you. This is a sliding fee clinic based on income. It is a full-service clinic and a open 40 hours a week. They also take Healthy Michigan insured patients.

If some 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 emasculation and other states coupled 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 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 physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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Remember to VOTE on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015! The ballot this year is small, but the issues are as important as ever. Voting takes only a few minutes, and on an off-year election like this, turnout is usually dismal…all the more reason to get out and vote, because your choices will carry more weight!

We’ve gathered candidate statements and information on the city proposal and Ferndale schools millage proposal. This guide is non-partisan and for informational purposes only.

So, what’s on the ballot?

• Mayor: Dave Coulter is running for re-election unopposed, though voters may choose to write in another candidate.

• City Council: Three candidates are vying for two City Council seats. Incumbent Dan Martin, Raylon Leaks-May, and William S. White are in the race.

• City Proposal- Charter Amendment 15-01: Here’s where things get a bit cryptic. The text of the proposal reads as follows:

“This Charter amendment would modify the nominating petition deadline and process for counting nominating petitions where a voter signs more petitions than the number of candidates to be elected.
Shall the City of Ferndale, Charter, Chapter IV, Section 3, be amended to so provide?”

Council Member Greg Pawlica explains: “Voters are being asked to support a change to the charter regarding how a voter’s signature is counted when a candidate’s petition is submitted to the city. State law dictates that a registered voter can only sign the number of candidate petitions equal to the number of seats available. For example, if there are two council seats open and there are five candidates interested in running for those two seats, a registered voter can only sign two of the five candidate petitions. State of Michigan law dictates that if a registered voter (in this instance) signs three or more candidate petitions, then the first two signatures (based on date signed) are valid signatures and any signatures after the first two are invalid. However, according to Ferndale’s City Charter, using the same scenario, all three signatures of the registered voter are invalid. A YES vote in November will align the City’s charter with the State and allow that registered voter’s first two signatures to remain valid.” A NO vote will leave the City Charter’s language the way it is.

Ferndale Public Schools Millage Proposal: The text of the proposal reads as follows:

“This proposal would (a) reauthorize and restore the authority of the Ferndale Public Schools to levy mills previously authorized and levied for general operating purposes on non-homestead property (such as industrial and commercial property and rental properties) which have been reduced by application of the Headlee Amendment and expired with the 2015 levy and (b) increase the limitation to 20 mills, to allow the District to continue to receive revenues at the full foundation allowance permitted by the State in the event of future Headlee rollbacks of up to two mills. Under existing law, the District may levy no more than 18 mills on non- homestead property. Owner-occupied homes, certain personal property and qualified agricultural property are exempt from this levy.

Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable non-homestead property in the Ferndale Public Schools, Oakland County, Michigan be increased by 20.00 mills ($20.00 per $1,000 of taxable value) for twenty (20) years, the years 2016 to 2035, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses of the District? If approved, this millage would raise an estimated $4,073,000 for the District in 2016.”

An explanation from ferndalevotinginfo.org:

“If you are a homeowner, the passage of this millage will NOT impact your property taxes. This tax ONLY applies to Non-homestead property owners (such as industrial and commercial property and rental properties).This millage would continue to charge these owners at the rate which they are currently paying. This millage does allow the District to raise the amount we levy but only in the event of a Headlee rollback. The maximum rate Ferndale Schools would ever be able to levy is 18 Mills. This millage brings in approx. $4 million each year. If it is voted down, it will result in a 14 per cent reduction in the total budget for Ferndale Schools.”

• For information on registering to vote or receiving an absentee ballot, visit www.ferndalemi.gov/Services/Elections

• For information on polling locations, visit www.ferndalemi.gov/Services/Elections/Polling_Locations

• If you are interested in working as a precinct inspector on election day, visit:

www.ferndalemi.gov/Services/Elections/ Election_Workers

For general questions or information, contact the City Clerk’s office at: 300 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220

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

By: Ann Heler, President, Bd. of Directors

I LOVE STARTING THE COLUMN with a couple of great big thank-yous! The Garage Sale raised over $2,300! You bet we are all smiling. Hugs all around for the people who volunteered to work the sale. Kate Baker chaired and coordi- nated, Katie Hershberger, Linda Baker, Brian Wahl, Jaron Garza, Darren Bowls- by and Ryan, Esther Woodward, Linda McKenzie and her daughter, Rudy Serra and Amy Davisson. What a team!

And the very same thank you to everyone who worked the Pig & Whiskey Parking on Friday evening July 12 and all day July 13. We raised over $1,700. The people who volunteered Saturday in that 90 degree heat deserve an extra, really big shout out. Kate Baker again chaired and organized, Linda Baker, Rudy Serra and Aaron, Pam Bellaver, Bob Lenaway, Michael Kruger, Chris Popp, Geoff Blumenthal, Carla Phillips and her sister in law. Kate.

We celebrated our fifth anniversary as a working clinic on Friday, August 7. If anyone reading this was part of our first year at Kulick, we are thinking about you now.

Is there anything more I can say about all of our over 120 volunteers? If they did not want to be part of FernCare there would be no FernCare period. Every one of them squeezes FernCare into their already jammed and busy schedule and we and our patients are profoundly grateful.

Please come by the clinic and see the newly installed Little Free Library in our front lawn. It is cute as a button and just as useful. Pick up a book and leave a book or just pick up a book. Anyone can take a look and anyone can take a book.

HEALTHY MICHIGAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE EXPANSION

Any Tuesday or Wednesday evening 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. This is open to anyone in the community. Call the appointment line and tell them you want a health insurance appointment. Even if all you have is questions, call 248-677-2273.

FOUR THINGS TO DO DAILY THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH!
• Floss
• Scrub between your toes
• Ten push ups
• Eat two vegetables

Clinic Appointments and Information: 248-677-2273

You will have an appointment definitely within the month. The only criteria we require is that you have no health insurance and no primary care provider to become a patient. CALL US if you do not have health care!

OTHER LOCAL FREE MEDICAL CLINICS

The Free Clinics of Michigan website is www.fcomi.org. It lists all of the free clinics in Michigan with phone numbers for information. The closest clinics to Ferndale:

• Burnstein Community Clinic in Pontiac 248-758-1690
• Mercy Primary Care Clinic in Detroit
313-692-8400 Open Monday thru Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Every clinic offers different services and has different patient criteria. Make sure you call before you waste precious gas.

SLIDING FEE SCALE CLINIC

• Covenant Care Clinic: 27776 Woodward, Royal Oak, MI 48067 248-556-4900; Located across the street from the Westborn Market

If you work at all this is the clinic for you. This is a sliding fee clinic based on income. It is a full service clinic and open 40 hours a week. They also take Healthy Michigan insured patients.

If something happened with our soundness, 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 disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 heartiness problem such as soul 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 malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

Story by Derek Lindamood | Photo by Ed Abeska

GARDEN FRESH GOURMET, which makes the number one-selling salsa in the nation, as well as chips and hummus, is being acquired by Campbell Soup Co. for $231 million.

Jack and Annette Aronson founded Garden Fresh Gourmet in 1997 after they began making salsa at their restaurant and started to package it for a local grocer.

Production at Garden Fresh’s Nine Mile and Bonner facility is expected to continue, and could even be expanded, for the nearly 500 people that are working at the facility. And those people could even see their benefits expanded under Campbell. Campbell, headquartered in Camden, N.J., plans to also build a distribution center in Ferndale.

Campbell, as well as other large conglomerates, is in the market for healthier products to put on shelves. Campbell has made acquisitions in recent years to bolster its non-soup categories, including Bolthouse Farms, which puts out various healthy vegetable and fruit juice drinks.

Garden Fresh recorded sales of over $100 million last year, up from $4.6 million in 2002, and although they apparently were not for sale, Campbell made an offer that could not be refused. According to an article in The Detroit News by Daniel Howes, Dave Zilko, the Vice Chairman of Garden Fresh said, “Campbell’s reached out to us. They made an extremely strong offer. We were not for sale. Valuations on food companies are at historic highs right now.”

Garden Fresh produces an average of 75 tons of salsa every day in Ferndale. They produce 40 tons of hummus every day, using fresh chickpeas, not canned. As long as Campbell can maintain the quality of the product, following the distinct processes and formulas that Garden Fresh has established over the last 18 years, the Garden Fresh brand could keep its reputation as a solid local employer with a quality product worth purchasing.

If some 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 emasculation and other states connected to erectile disfunction. 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 health problem such as soul 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 treatment passes into breast milk.

Story by David Wesley

Same-sex weddings took place all across the country the weekend after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled all 50 states must now permit same-sex couples the “fundamental right to marry.” The ruling on June 26 put an end to the unconstitutional same-sex marriage bans that remained in 14 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, most of Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. The court’s decision could impact some 70,000 couples living in these states, out of an estimated one million same-sex couples nationwide.

The Michigan couple at the forefront of last month’s watershed U.S. Supreme Court ruling are finalizing invitations to their August 22 ceremony in Southfield. Hazel Park nurses Jayne Rowse and April DeBoer will be married by Judge Bernard Friedman, who overturned Michigan’s gay marriage ban in 2014, paving the way for the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling declaring marriage a right of all Americans.

Now that the Supreme Court has made marriage equality the law of the land, the effects are going to be felt everywhere, including the economy. According to a report from the Williams Institute issued last year, all the additional dollars spent on weddings and everything that goes along with them will produce a big economic bump. In New York, $228.6 million has been pumped back into the economy since they legalized same-sex marriage in 2011. California is on track to see even greater gains. Obviously less populated states will see less revenue, but there are still potential economic gains for everyone, according to the report. In fact, they predicted that nationwide marriage equality would net $2.6 billion in spending, including $184.7 million in tax revenue, and help create over 13,000 jobs in the first three years overall. Ferndale Friends spoke to local Judge Rudy Serra about the semantics behind the ruling, his role in its development, and its direct impact on the local and state level.

“Michigan’s overtly anti-gay state constitutional amendment was probably a contributing event. It forced the Federal Courts to realize that LGBT people in Michigan had no hope of a state remedy. Here we have an electorate that argues that, first ‘marriage is a sacrament’ but, secondly, we should regulate that sacrament by law! We do not regulate baptism or ordination in the Constitution, so why would any reasonable person of faith want to regulate marriage there? The recognition of a distinction between the religious sacrament of matrimony and the civil contract of marriage is an important concept.

“Our Republican state leaders have been frank and honest about how much they hate us and want to oppress, injure, ignore and eliminate us. The Republican Attorney General’s decision to tear insurance coverage away from the innocent children of LGBT state employees was probably also a factor. You could point to Loving v. Virginia (the case that struck down laws against inter-racial marriage) as an important precedent.”

I asked him his concerns with the legal aftermath of this ruling and what will pro-marriage equality voters need to do to ensure its standing?

“As a former judge, I am always concerned when extremists suggest things like ‘term limitations’ on federal judges and other ways to try to make the court vulnerable to bribery and improper influence. When the Republicans stole the 2000 presidential election with overtly partisan Supreme Court assistance, they didn’t complain about ‘judicial activism.’ But whenever the court expands civil rights the fat cats howl. There may be litigation in case-by- case situations where individual religious bigots who hold government office get told that religious people have to obey the same laws as others. Such ‘after shock’ litigation happened in desegregation cases. Inflammatory rhetoric is just part of the free expression we enjoy.”

He went further, relating how this has impacted the Ferndale community both personally and professionally.

“My next door neighbors, who have been together 32 years, plan to get married in September. DeBoer and Rowse plan to do the same. Most of the impact is yet to come. LGBTQ people will deal with divorces, property divisions, and support and parenting time disputes, just as straight couples have. Perhaps the most important real-world impact will be the ‘normalization’ of LGBTQ couples. There should be increased understanding and recognition than a woman can be the medical decision maker and next of kin for another woman and that a man can do the same for another man. As LGBTQ relationships become more ordinary, anti-LGBTQ violence and policy should become more and more extraordinary.

“Like many others, I had a very small part in this particular victory. I attended events to support the litigation, and expressed my personal support and encouragement to DeBoer and Rowse. In a more general way, I’ve been working for this change since 1980. I helped get ‘sexual orientation’ into Ferndale’s Public School policies back in the 1980s. I worked on Ferndale’s first civil rights ordinance. I was counsel for The Triangle Foundation for years and helped to litigate cases to stop the pogroms in Michigan against LGBTQ people. Each effort to raise visibility, protest oppression and fight back against injustice was a small step toward this event. Ironically, on the day there was a Marriage Equality demonstration outside the Federal Court, I was inside finalizing $150,000 settlement against Wayne County and Westland for their anti-gay harassment and arrest of a man in a park in a shameless and illegal ‘bag-a-fag’ bust. Michigan still has a law making unpaid oral sex a felony. Michigan still has an ‘Abominable and Detestable Crime Against Nature’ law. These laws MUST be repealed. There is a great deal more work to be done.”

Indeed there is, for it is still legal to fire someone for being gay in Michigan. Despite polls showing public support for statewide anti-discrimination protections, legislative action this session remains a long shot.

While the Supreme Court ruling was a big victory for members of the LGBT community, there is still a lot to be done in Michigan in order to make our state a truly accepting place, but lawmakers differ on what direction Michigan should go.

Former Ferndale Mayor Craig Covey lent his highly qualified commentary. His personal journey fighting for LGBTQ rights his entire life has finally culminated in an intimate victory that has vindicated his private and personal aspirations therein. His pragmatic view on its coming about differs slightly from Judge Serra’s.

“I started working on gay rights back in 1976 at the age of 19 and we were working on just being respected and not being called fags and getting beat up. Back then it was illegal to have gay sex and we couldn’t be protected in jobs, housing, the military, or anywhere else. But I knew we would make progress and it has been steady and continual. From the end of sodomy laws in the 90’s to civil rights state by state and then having stars on TV like Ellen Degeneres and others to the recent ending of the military ban. Gay marriage was always coming. But it didn’t come from elected politicians and established gay rights organizations. It came from grass roots activists and individuals fighting door to door and neighborhood to neighborhood, and by young people of the millennial generation saying that discrimination was over.”

While 39 cities throughout Michigan, including East Lansing, already have some form of nondiscrimination ordinance in place that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in either housing, employment, public accommodations/services or some combination of those, Michigan as a whole has not made these adaptations yet. Michigan is one of 28 states without a law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation, and one of 29 states without a law prohibiting employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, according to the Humans Rights Campaign. And while the fight for equality throughout Michigan and the country continue, it feels less of a struggle than an optimistic battle given the landmark decision. The future looks bright for human equality now and the rights and laws will follow suit in the wake of the good fight.

If some 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 connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as core 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 medication passes into breast milk.

Story and photo by Kevin Alan Lamb

Good citizens of Ferndale, the moment you’ve been waiting for is here! After a decade of overwhelm- ing demand your dog park will be delivered to Wilson Park, located at University and Hilton. No longer must you leave the friendly confines of Fabulous Ferndale to enjoy a silly and safe afternoon with your canine.

“It will open in mid-August, and feature a large and small dog play area,” says Lloyd Cureton with the Department of Public Works.

Screen Shot 2015-08-31 at 9.56.48 AMCome one, come all! So long as your dog is licensed, vaccinated, and plays nicely, of course.

“Parks and Recreation are still determin- ing the rules and guidelines, and will likely require Good Citizen Certification to rule out aggressive dogs and ensure they play nice.” Cureton explained.

Local vendors will offer the required Good Citizen Certification. There will be a waste cleanup area to ensure dog owners dispose of their furry friends’ business. While it is still under consideration, there may be a small fee to enter the park.

“There will be a pet-friendly drinking and washing area with an enhanced landscape surrounding the dog walking area.”

Access to the dog park will be through a wirelessly controlled gate which enforces the park’s hours of operation.

While there has been speculation of an intramural flag football league for dogs, the inability to find a “one-size-fits-all” football has ruled out the idea.

Current Wilson Park amenities include a baseball, basketball, and soccer fields, grills and picnic tables, an in-line rink, park benches, play structure and swing sets.

The dog park rules and regulations, when decided, will be available through the city’s website.

When asked if he had a dog who would be enjoying this wonderful addition to the Ferndale community, Cureton said, “Absolutely! My Frank can’t wait.”

Dog parks are an excellent source of both dog-dog social interaction, and dog-people interaction. They offer a shared community space to meet and engage other dog owners, set doggy play dates, and free your dog from the confines of leash exercise. With adequate physical and mental exercise, your canine will be less likely to participate in destructive or annoying behaviors.

In many instances dog owners must govern and worry over their pet’s antics; dog parks provide a healthy opportunity for owners to learn about their dog through observation and through more experienced owners.

The addition of a community dog park will reduce the likelihood of owners letting their dogs run free in on-leash parks, ensuring the Ferndale parks community is safer for children, dogs, and humans.

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For more information, dogs and their humans can contact the Department of Public Works at 248-546-2519. The DPW is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

If some 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 emasculation and other states coupled 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.