Ferntales – “Our Neighborhood”
Julia Music’s Reflections on Pride
By David Wesley
WALKING ACROSS THE SUNNY RAILWAY TRACKS along Hilton and stepping down a busy side street, Julia Music and her son welcome me to
their home. In the middle of her bright speckled kitchen, she eagerly reels out her enthusiasm and hearty energy to tell me about Pride and the mechanics she puts in motion for the event. I ask about her overall role in Pride.
“In 2011, when Motor City Pride moved to Detroit, Craig Covey, myself, and Monica Mills founded this event. Last year, Craig decided it was time to let someone else run the event and was gracious enough to offer the job to me. It’s something I absolutely love. I moved to Ferndale 14 years ago because I wanted to live in a city with a Pride event. I’m looking to expand it in footprint or in length, which means looking into larger corporate sponsors without losing our local entities. We want our local businesses to have the same opportunities as the big national businesses. MCCH has sponsored us from the beginning and they’re a wonderful ally to have on board. We have Between the Lines magazine, Metro
Times, Rosie O’ Grady’s, One Eyed Betty’s, Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, and Suburban GMC, all top sponsors.”
Julia doesn’t miss a beat, unspooling her info as cable workers move in and out of the house and her dog gets more excited. Cordial and cheery, she chats about the helpers involved who deserve major credit for aligning Pride.
“Closets Are for Clothes, an a organization located here in Michigan, make amazing t-shirts and produce videos.
They’re producing a video for us to show our sponsors what the event is all about. They also offer outreach. They put up positive messages and talk to anyone who is depressed or is struggling to come out. They’ve been amazing to us.”
While I drink a glass of water, with her son still playing with toys beside us, she goes on with her reflections. “I’m working the whole time so I don’t tend to see the event as I’d like to, but for a moment last year I paused and saw people laughing and smiling and being themselves and that’s what I want again. No matter their gender or sexuality, I want people to enjoy Ferndale, enjoy being themselves and party on our streets. Affir-
mations really came on board a lot stronger this year and we were able to do an art opening, prom, and transgender day of empowerment with them. Those are three big events, and with Affirmations being right here in the footprint of the event, we can shine a spotlight on them. I’m hoping to grow with that partnership and they’re one of our receiving charities from the event.”
“Some people are surprised that I’m a full time school teacher. Pride is my second job. I’m also a single mom and run the Ferndale adoption network, plus I take on other volunteer projects.”
As for this year’s event, Music had this to say: “Despite the downpour, people turned up to the tune of over 10,000 visitors to Ferndale. Our bars and restaurants were packed all the way till two in the morning. Booths were busy and people were dancing in the streets.”
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 dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health 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 disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
Out Front In Ferndale
WHEN I WAS LITTLE OUR NEIGHBOR KATHERINE HAD A VEGETABLE GARDEN instead of a front lawn. the corn stalks were taller than she was. She pumped her own water and hitchhiked to the Eastern Market on weekends. When we picked her up, she’d bless our car. She’d fit right in here in Ferndale.
Ferndale front yards are varied and unique: Christmas lights, wind chimes, sculpture, political signs, all kinds of furniture. And flags – seasonal, rainbow, American. I love “lawn gardens” – officially called “natural landscaping.” A year and a half ago, work started to pass an ordinance to protect them. At the April 13, 2015 City Council meeting, the council approved “natural landscape ordinance changes.” Crystal A. Proxmire of Oakland County 115: “An ordinance passed changing regulations of lawns and encouraging ‘Planned Natural Landscaping’ – a planned, intentional and maintained landscaping of native plants, ornamental grasses and ground covers, rain gardens, shrubs and trees.”
Fellow Ferndalians spoke up. Resident Erin Molnar: “The regulations are necessary to ensure that “planned” remains the operative word, to protect those who are doing these types of yards from code enforcement and still enforce those who are just letting their lawns get out of control.”
It is definitely not a mandate to get rid of lawns. Laura Mikulski: “They are leaving it to the homeowner to decide.” Lucy (my dog) and I love watching neighbors Jessica and Jess develop their natural landscape lawn. It’s a lot of work! Digging up the lawn is, in itself, quite a chore. And there is the initial investment in whatever it is you want to grow.
I asked my husband, Tony (the family gardener) about possibilities. He mentioned “herb gardens, raised bed gardening, companion gardening, butterfly gardens” Don’t forget “Victory Gardens” which the government encouraged during World War II, so that citizens could have fresh fruits and vegetables during a time when it was very hard to get them from farms to neighborhoods. Over 20 million participated, and victorious vegetables grew in yards, vacant lots and even on rooftops.
Companion gardening: Certain plants help each other grow when they are partnered, and lessen or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides. There’s a website called “My Square Foot Garden” that shares a companion planting color chart to help you get your plants to co-exist. And there are flowers that repel, or lure insects away from vegetables – marigolds, geraniums and petunias. Raised bed gardens allow you to control soil texture and ingredients, they warm quickly and drain well. Vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits (particularly berries) do well in raised beds.
Butterfly gardens – important! No insecticide!! Butterflies are members of the insect species. Insecticides will kill them. Break out the nectar and host plants – and maybe even a butterfly house – to bring them back to us.
The consensus – “live and let live.” Those who enjoy their lawns want to keep them, but are fine with well-tended front gardens. The gardeners enjoy their unconventional yards. Colleen Parsons Novak said, “I am for anything that helps save water or creates or flowers.” “There are drought-resistant choices,” said Christine Szarek Knight. She waters on most occasions using her rain barrel.
Take a walk, enjoy the lawns and gardens, the birds and butterflies. From my perspective, the front yards of Ferndale are a wonderful place.
If slightly happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states united to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction 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 malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
Congratulating David Trains, Emily Bellaver and Makeda Barrett: Ferndale’s Michigan Youth Arts Festival Representatives
Story by Sidnie Jackson
THE MICHIGAN YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL is an event where the best high school musicians from around Michigan are celebrated. Around 250,000 students across the state participate in the selection
process.
However, only about a thousand get the honor to participate. Students at Michigan Youth Arts Festival participate in advanced master classes, workshops, live performances, and exhibits that are specific to their individual artistic discipline. Not only is it a fun way to enrich their own artistic craft, but students also get the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers. From the concert recitals, to learning new music themselves, The Michigan Youth Arts Festival is an event that students will fondly remember, and be impacted by, for the rest of their lives.
Three students from Ferndale High School got the opportunity to go to the festival for two years in a row. One of them is David Trains. He is going to be a senior in the 2015 / 2016 school year. David plays many instruments but his two “primary” instruments are the viola and French horn. In order to play both of these instruments at school, David goes to orchestra class on the odd days of the week and band class on the even days. At the festival, David played viola in the honors orchestra. In order to get into the orchestra or band, you need to perform a solo at a district event and get a one (a perfect score,) then go to the state level event and perform a proficiency exam. The scores range from 0-100, and they take the highest scores and put them into the band and orchestra.
David got a perfect score on his proficiency. When talking about the audition process David added, “It’s amazing to know that two other marvelous viola players got in and they deserved it!” David plans on being a music composer in college, and he needs to be well-rounded in all the professions such as music education and music performance. David said that music has hugely impacted his life. “Music has helped me find out who I am as a person. For example, when I compose I like to be very moody. So one day I’ll write something soft and beautiful, while the next day I’ll write something dark and heavy. Music can better someone personally, but what they do to spread it is just as rewarding.”
Another of the Ferndalians who participated for the second year in a row was Makeda Barrett. Makeda plays viola and was in the honors orchestra. When I asked her how much she practices on a daily basis, she said, “I practice as much as I feel is needed for me to learn a piece to the best of my capability. Also I take private lessons once a week.” Makeda is going to continue her musical adventure at Wayne State in the fall. She plans to study music technology with the hope that she will have the opportunity to play in their orchestra. She is very thankful that she found her talent and will always have the memories that she made while making music.
Our third talented musician, who also played viola in the honors orchestra, was Emily Bellaver. She started playing in fourth grade, and has been playing for eight years. Emily said that she doesn’t practice as much as she should, maybe once or twice a week for an hour or so. Despite this, she got into the honors orchestra. While at the festival, Emily rehearsed seven hours a day, and like the rest of the participants stayed in dorms and ate in Western Michigan University’s cafeteria. Emily said “The festival has made me more responsible and has taught me to live on my own, and music in general has turned me into a better, more well- rounded person,” as David said. She also said that music, out of all the things she learned in high school, has taught her more about logic and creativity than any other subject. Lastly she said that “I don’t plan on going into music as a career, but I do believe that I will carry things that I’ve learned from studying music with me for the rest of my life.”
Here’s wishing all three of our representatives the best! Thank you for making us all proud.
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 connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital 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 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 dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
The Story Goes On: Melissa Kolb of “Mended”
Story by Jill Lorie Hurst | Photos by Bernie Laframboise
(Due to unforeseen circumstances, Melissa Kolb and Carey Gustafson have abruptly lost the space they were leasing at 624 Livernois. For now, Kolb will primarily be working from home and selling her merchandise at the Rust Belt. The best way to reach them is through their email addresses : mendedmaterial@gmail.com / glass_action@yahoo.com)
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Walk into 624 Livernois, Suite 200 and you’ll want to shop. A light, airy and inviting room, it’s a combination retail space and workshop for Melissa Kolb of “Mended,” who shares it with Carey Gustafson of “Glass Action” and Jessica Downey, who makes ceramics. A local band also uses the space on occasion. Communal creativity! The workroom area reminds one somewhat of an New York City showroom. Finished pieces and works in progress…dresses hanging, piles of fabric…every item unique. “I don’t make the same thing twice” said Melissa with a smile. “It’s time consuming, but I love it.”
Melissa Kolb studied architecture at Lawrence Tech in Southfield and was poised to continue her studies
in New York City. She decided to stay in the Midwest when she realized that architecture was not her life’s passion. It takes guts to go with your gut, but you get the feeling that Melissa is happy with the choices she’s made. She, her husband, and two cats live in Ferndale. A 15-year gig waitressing at Uncle Harry’s in St. Clair Shores has given her a home base and steady income, which helped her to start her own business. Melissa acquired her grandmother’s sewing machine and started making clothes for herself. People liked what they saw, and she started making and remaking items for others.
She and Glass Action’s Carey Gustafson have known each other for years, but just started sharing the space at 624 last March.
She finds the upholstery fabric, coats and clothing she works on at second-hand stores or through donations from family and friends. The bags range from small ones you can snap on a belt loop to large shoulder bags with sturdy straps and well-placed pockets. When I admired the hanging shelves they were displayed on, Melissa quickly told me they were built by Tyler Hall, who builds furniture and sells at the Rust Belt (“Planning for Humanity”) displaying some of Melissa’s items there.
I picked out a strapless black and tan print dress, elastic waist, knee length (maybe a touch above) – classic, but a little quirky. Melissa told me it came in with a collar and sleeves and was boxy. She sculpted it into a very different dress, but takes care to keep things close to their original size. “I like having a variety of sizes. Something for everyone…” It’s a room full of characters – and stories? Again, her sparkly smile.
“Clothes have a story when I get them. I change the story a little bit.”
I look forward to visiting Mended again. There are a couple of bags I hope will still be there on payday. If not, I know I’ll find something else. And so will you, when you stop by.
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 impotence and other states coupled 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 health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction 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 treatment passes into breast milk.
From Highway to Avenue
Big plans are afoot to transform the I-696 / Woodward intersection… and, eventually, all of Woodward Avenue, from the riverfront to Pontiac… into something much more friendly to pedestrians and cyclist
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Ferndale is lucky. Large enough to have variety, yet compact enough to be easily traversed, with offices, restaurants, and entertainment in range of bike or feet.
But head north, toward the zoo and downtown Royal Oak, and you’ll run into the barrier that is the current I-696 / Ten Mile Road intersection. Unless you’re driving a car, it’s a formidable and dangerous prospect to get anywhere. Even as a driver, the experience is bleak, gray, and uninviting. It’s a monument to the ubiquity of the automobile in American life, and these days, with environmental consciousness on the rise and a growing interest in healthy, energy-saving means of travel, it’s frankly outdated.
But change is coming. The Woodward Avenue Action Association recently hired the internationally-recognized Gibbs Planning Group to develop a plan to give the intersection a pedestrian- and bike-friendly makeover. The study was funded by the cities of Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, and Huntington Woods. Study completed, presentation done, MDoT is currently putting together the funds for the project. If all goes well, we could start seeing the plan put into action as soon as late this summer.
I traveled to the neat, modestly-sized office of the Gibbs Planning Group in downtown Birmingham to
discuss the project with company president Robert Gibbs. A tall man with a soothing voice and a quiet, focused intensity, he’s been in business for 25 years as a landscape architect and professional planner. In that time, he’s built up an international reputation in urban planning circles as one of the most innovative and accomplished members in his field. He’s authored five books on urban planning and is one of the originators of “New Urbanism,” a design philosophy that encourages walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods. Each summer, Gibbs travels to the Harvard Graduate School of Design, as he has for the past 20 years, to teach a course on urban retail planning. He also has a connection to Ferndale. It was his presentation and recommendation to narrow 9 Mile west of Woodward to two lanes and offer on-street parking that was the impetus for transforming our main street into the thriving, walkable downtown district it is today.
“We’ve done work in 45 states.” Gibbs says. The firm typically has only two or three projects a year in Michigan, which is why he’s very excited to be involved in this one.
Studies show that five percent of Michigan residents live within two miles of Woodward Avenue. “It’s Michigan’s Main Street.” Gibbs smiles. It’s his goal to help it live up to that name, but there’s a lot of work to be done. The current design of the intersection presents a lot of challenges. Gibbs flips
through a thick sheaf of photos of the I-696 / Woodward intersection, taken from various vantage points. He points
out the problems that their studies have revealed as he goes. From a pedestrian standpoint, it isn’t safely walkable. The roads are too wide, and the traffic goes too fast. There’s also the business angle to consider.
“The underpass has ruined both sides of Woodward for commerce.” Gibbs explains. The underpass, only usable by cars, cuts the road off from the businesses up top. He asks if I’ve noticed the restaurant up there that keeps re-opening and going out of business. I have. By the time drivers see a business, it’s too late. There’s no place to turn right. Gibbs is quick to say that he intends no criticism of MDoT for the design. “When they built it 20 years ago, it was state of the art.” But, he says, they wouldn’t build it like that today. Ideas have changed as the science of urban planning continues to evolve.
Gibbs isn’t working on a solution alone. He’s brought in a pair of international traffic consultants, Peter Swift from Colorado (who spent time in Iraq, working to rebuild that country’s infrastructure) and Rick Chellman from New Hampshire. He’s also consulting with Mike Lydon, a bike transport expert and one of the originators of “tactical urbanism.”
The goal is to change Woodward from a highway back into an avenue. In the urban planning business, these are two very different things. Highways, Gibbs explains, are high-speed and intended only for cars. Avenues handle the same number of cars per day, but the speeds are lower, and are intended for mixed-use.
Thus, the vision is for Woodward Avenue to live up to its name and be usable not just for cars, but for bicycles, pedestrians, and public transport as well. How to get there? “Traffic calming” is the term that Gibbs throws out. Slowing traffic speeds will be accomplished by widening sidewalks, narrowing the car lanes slightly by installing dedicated bike lanes, and planting trees in the medians and along the sides of the road. Trees serve three purposes. One, it gives pedestrians a sense of safety to have trees between them and the road. Two, the trees make the road look narrower, thus getting drivers to slow down. Three, the trees provide shade, visual interest, and environmental relief by cutting down noise, heat, and smog. The center of Woodward, Gibbs adds, will be where they plan to run the public transport, at this point projected to be a BRT, or Bus Rapid Transit system, similar to the “bus trolleys” that currently run in Toronto and other major cities. In the final stages, the bike lane will be separated from the road by a low, protective curb. (See Figure 1)
How does an urban planner figure out what should go where? Gibbs gives me an example of a small part of the project. He shows a photo of the corner of southbound Woodward and 10 Mile. The right turn lane onto 10 Mile has been painted over in red. “We counted less than 200 cars a day using this lane.” Gibbs says. “So we’re recommending getting rid of it.” This will narrow the road from four lanes to three, making pedestrian crossings there shorter and safer. They’ll implement the changes in stages, studying the effects on traffic as they go. The first step here would be to conduct detailed research and engineering and block off the lane with portable barriers. If there are no problems, the lanes will be painted out. (See Figures 2 and 3) The final stage will be to extend the curb outward, physically eliminating the lane. They plan on beginning the first stage as early as September, when summer vacation ends and traffic patterns return to normal. Phase two could start as early as next spring.
I spoke by phone with Deborah Schutt, Executive Director of The Woodward Avenue Action Association, and leader of the vision of making Woodward into a true avenue once more. As she explained to me, though, that vision goes much further than a few intersections. There’s a plan in place to remake Woodward all the way from downtown Detroit to downtown Pontiac, connecting city to suburbs with continuous public transport, bike lanes, and a safer, better-designed roadway lined with new shops.
“We need a more holistic and complete street that serves everybody,” She says. MDoT’s master plan for “Complete Streets” has been approved, in concept, by all of the cities along the route. The big remaining hurdle is getting together the funding, but that’s a problem with any large project. The time frame for the whole project? Twenty years.
Back in the office of Robert Gibbs, he shows me the final jewel in the crown, the ultimate goal of his plan. The Woodward underpass will be eliminated, (See Figure 4) and the street will flow above, with buildings on both sides of the street, built above I-696. (See Figure 5) “The goal is for people to not even know there’s a freeway running below them.” He shows me a photo of a similar project recently completed in Columbus, Ohio.
Picture it in your mind’s eye — families walking up to the zoo, couples riding bikes into downtown Royal Oak, a senior group taking a trip on a trolley bus to the ballpark. From a highway to an avenue, connecting Detroit with its suburbs. A pleasant Main Street for all of Michigan, a road that’s usable, and enjoyable, by all.
If some 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 emasculation and other states united to erectile disfunction. 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 core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status 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.
The Muggs
For their recent album, Straight Up Boogaloo,The Muggs did everything they wanted to do. The local blues-rock trio didn’t worry about what listeners would think or what might be expected of them, and it wound up being not only a very fulfilling experience for the band, but their most dynamic, absorbing and fully realized album to date.
“It was very liberating,” said Danny Methric, lead guitarist/singer/songwriter. “The last few records I’d worry
whether it was enough for our fans, ya know? This time, I said, ‘I’m writing the record that I wanna hear.’ It took me ‘til I was 42 to finally say that. I hope people like it, but if they don’t, that’s cool; at least we gave it our best effort. I’m so very proud of this record.”
With Boogaloo, released in late March on local label Bellyache Records, the veteran rockers finally feel they’ve forged what Methric called the “Muggs’ identity.”
The group formed back in 2000, born out of a lifelong friendship between Methric and bassist Tony DeNardo. They hit the ground running amid the Detroit scene’s musical renaissance (predominantly garage-rock, as it was) spearheaded back then by The White Stripes. Through 15 years, The Muggs have distinguished themselves by their impeccable live shows, their sustained camaraderie and a palpable loyalty to classic blues and a uniquely Detroit- flavored rock n’ roll.
Early in their career, mid-2001, a hemorrhagic stroke nearly took DeNardo’s life. Methric and their original drummer Matt Rost refused to replace him. With endearing support from the local music scene, DeNardo was able to receive crucial treatment to aid his recovery, eventually training himself to accommodate bass parts with his left hand along the keys of a Fender Rhodes. The group has since recorded four albums, with Rost’s 2009 departure filled by drummer Todd Glass.
In May, The Muggs traveled across the pond for their third European tour. “Euro kids, particularly the Spanish crowd, really love rock n’ roll; they especially love Detroit rock n’ roll, like The Detroit Cobras, Paybacks and The White Stripes,” Methric assured. “Those bands were a revelation for Spanish kids because there’s
a lot of electronic music over there while rock bands are few and far between. We were a band they really latched on to.”
Methric said the group got together last year, with producer Adam Cox, to make a strong, straight ahead rock album, no frills, yet subtly epic. “Like Led Zeppelin IV crossed with The Beatles’ Revolver, just eight great songs, more streamlined. With the songwriting, I took more chances, kinda blending pop-rock with blues rock. It was weird.”
Methric admits having felt pressure during the songwriting process for previous albums, as if compelled to constrain himself to a certain form or delivery. With stormy swagger and glorious growls of the album’s opener “Applecart Blues,” Methric surges with a throat-curdling, guitar shredding catharsis that certainly “upsets the applecart” and disrupts typical preconceptions of blues rock. “That title, the idiom, has nothing to do with the lyrics, but it’s about the attitude.”
In late 2011, after releasing the exceptional Born Ugly LP, Methric wondered aloud whether it would be their final album, much to the dismay of DeNardo, who continued to encourage him. “I can be Danny Downer,” Methric said, self- deprecatingly, chuckling at their yin-yang repartee. “And Tony Blue Skies keeps reminding me things are getting better.”
If Ugly was their magnum opus, then Boogaloo would be “…the record we could throw the kitchen sink at,” says Methric. It helps having the esteemed Glass on drums, Methric added. “So lucky to have (Glass,) we build everything from the drums up. And no matter what crazy idea for a song I threw at (DeNardo) he’d say, ‘Cool, let’s run with it.’” (Glass & DeNardo) usually acknowledge that Methric’s done well enough so far with those crazy ideas, why stop now?
“We’ll keep making albums as long as we can,” Methric assures.
There’s no wane in their enthusiasm, neither for each other’s company nor for their abilities to bust out some brisk, enlivening blues rock. Straight up, no frills: boogaloo!
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The Muggs’ Straight Up Boogaloo is available online at: http://bellyacherecords.com/store/records/ http://www.themuggs.com/news/
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 impotence and other states coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong 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.
About Town: Let’s Play Ball!
The Winner Has The Right.
First on the field to challenge.
“Who is this smiling rookie?” thinks he.
“A Girl?”
Cock sure, he swaggers to the plate.
She’s sweet, polite, lets him bat first.
Ears hear that first ball crack.
Connecting. Boom! Sails over the fence.
HOME RUN!
Ahh, she must acknowledge him his strength.
Calmly, quietly she awaits her turn.
This match is set. He pummels on.
No doubt his place deserved. Thus far.
Eyes glazed, she steps up to the plate.
What’s this? Underneath that frilly dress
She’s dressed up like a Warrior.
Her stance resembles someone else.
A Man?
She’s thrown him off his game.
He’s on the mound, winds up, then balks,
Unsure what she can handle.
Ball underhand…his first mistake…
THAT BALL IS…A…GONER!
Ah Hah! The challenger stakes her claim.
The game proceeds accordingly
With ferocity and pleasure.
The sidelines watch bewildered, charged.
Just What is going on?
Gamblers grumble…all bets are off.
Bottom of the ninth. Score’s even.
Tension’s thick. Crowd’s on their feet!
All rallying for the underdog!!
Rain falls. Game called.
Score now? Oh, crap. It’s even.
**Stay tuned for the make-up date.
I promise you an exciting game.
Suzanne Thomas Rowe 2015
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 dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most vital aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness 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 medication passes into breast milk.
Memorial: Robert Taylor of Ferndale City Glass
Story by Lue Banks and Jeff Lilly, photos by Ed Abeska
FERNDALE FRIENDS IS SAD TO ANNOUNCE that Robert Taylor, long-time owner of Ferndale City Glass Company, passed away on April 16, 2015 at the age of 84.
He was born on July 2, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Elsie. He served his country during the Korean War, and soon after he returned home, he joined the staff of Ferndale City Glass, a company his uncle founded in 1934. He originally entered the business to assist his uncle at the request of his father, but what was planned to be a few months of helping out turned into a lifetime of work, and a Ferndale institution. Bob took over the business with a partner in the late 1960s and became sole owner in 1975.
One of his long time friends and customers says, “I’ve been a customer of Ferndale Glass for about 20 years and really enjoyed Bob’s stories and sense of humor. But Bob was more than that; you could tell that he cared about people and their stories. Businesses like Ferndale Glass, and people like Bob are what make communities great… a steady, committed presence that truly affects quality of life.”
Another customer relates: “My first experience with Ferndale City Glass was in the late ‘80s. I walked in the front door and there was no one in the store. A parrot said ‘May I help you?’ I looked around and couldn’t see anyone. Again – ‘May I help you?’ The third time, I figured what the heck. ‘I’m looking for butyl tape for a windshield mount and some molding clips…’ A guy came out of the back room laughing and holding his stomach. ‘I wondered how long before you would answer the bird.’ That was my very memorable introduction to Bob.”
While the business was his first passion, Bob also enjoyed weekends at his cottage in Hartland, Michigan. He enjoyed boating, jetskiing, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycles. He was also a member of the American Legion and enjoyed bowling on a team with members of his post.
Bob is survived by his wife Melva and his three children; Matthew, Michael, and Marla; four grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Another son, Mark, preceded him in death in 2002. He was laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan, with military honors.
Ferndale City Glass Company continues to operate under ownership of the next generation of the Taylor family. It’s located at 140 Vester Street, just east of Woodward. All of us at Ferndale Friends extend our condolences to Bob’s family.
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 impotence and other states coupled to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What humanity 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 disfunction 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 dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
Ferndale Seniors: Thank You!
By Jeannie Davis
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS and people which make Ferndale a great community. Our vibrant downtown with such an enthusiastic DDA group is so lucky to have Cindy Wilcock on board. Our wonderfully progressive city council led by Mayor David Coulter keeps us on track, and forward- thinking Melanie Piana helps us look to the future.
Our unique businesses are always getting involved in city activities. Dean Bach has given so much. Who could leave out Monica Mills organizing the Pub Crawl, and Blues Fest, among so many other things. Francine Hachem and our newly reformed Art Commission are bringing free music events back into the city.
Mark Burton, who works so hard to bring us art in city hall and an art fair geared to Ferndale artists, is a great asset. Our library is always a hub of activity, from kid’s activities, to Friday evening music events, to special book readings. Mi- chael Lary, who works so hard to make our events memora- ble and to run smoothly.
Julia Music, who is the very icon of Pride. Steve from West- ern market is always willing to contribute. We all know these people when we see them. They are visible, and indeed why not? They work hard and deserve to be recognized.
However, there are other groups and people who contrib- ute to making Ferndale what it is. One of these groups is the Ferndale Historical Society. Garry Taylor leads this group. He is thoroughly immersed in his role. Recently, he presented a presentation for the Ferndale Senior Group. His topic was Ferndale during the war years. He brought artifacts to dem- onstrate his topic. Did you know that during WW II, our little town outsold the country in war bonds? We actually paid for two bomber planes by ourselves! Garry has an actual grenade which sat in a display case for over 30 years be- fore someone told him that it was live! Yikes! He gave a run- ning commentary of the objects as he placed them on the table for us to examine. All the seniors were fascinated.
He also brought two of the museum’s greatest assets. Jean Spang and Jan Frogatt. These ladies are completely devoted to the Historical Society. They do research on the various artifacts people donate, and answer questions peo- ple have on their houses. They delve into old newspaper articles, go online to the county, and research old school records, along with whatever other avenues they can find. Along with Roger Schmidt, they are putting together another book on Ferndale. Roger, Jean, and Jan can tell you where members of the Purple Gang lived, which houses were blind pigs, as well political scandals. Roger is like a bulldog with a bone whenever he happens upon an old picture which is not identified. Our history helps show our personality “back then” and how it has evolved to what it is now. From them, we get a sense of continuity.
We can support them by becoming members of the Historical Society. It only costs $10 per year, or $100 for a life- time membership. As a member, you will get the crow’s nest sent to you quarterly. This a newsletter with stories about various historical events and places in Ferndale.
Stay tuned this summer for a return of the Music in the Park Series, with the following dates: June 26, July 17, July 24, and August 21. Time is from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. and cost is free. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and your wine. We will be grilling hot dogs and selling snacks.
Also, The Art Commission is holding a Ferndale artist only art fair on June 20. Cost is only $75 for a space. We still have room. Ask Mark Burton, Michael Lary, or myself for details.
Our meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00 A.M. at the Kulick Center.
Now, go enjoy the summer!
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 impotence 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
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