2021 Special Ferndale Memorial Edition

FALL 2021

Hono ring Our Pa l s !

SPECIAL MEMORIAL EDITION Margaux & Max Detroit Hustle Ferndale Pride 2021 Basement Flooding Jimmie Thompson | The Garlows Michigan Stage | Ferndale Catfe

BERNIE LAFRAMBOISE

BERNIE MIKE LAFRAMBOISE LENNON

BERNIE JOSIE LAFRAMBOISE FERRARI

Al s o I

nside

BERNIE JACKLAFRAMBOISE ARONSON

BERNIE ROBERT LAFRAMBOISE FOSTER

BERNIE PATRICK LAFRAMBOISE CURTIN

BERNIE JOSH LAFRAMBOISE URBAN

COMPLETE EDITORIAL CONTENT OF THE 2021 FERNDALE/P.R. CITY GUIDE Photo ©2021 David McNair

SPECIAL MEMORIAL EDITION BERNIE LAFRAMBOISE

BERNIE MIKE LAFRAMBOISE LENNON

BERNIE JOSIE LAFRAMBOISE FERRARI

BERNIE JACKLAFRAMBOISE ARONSON

BERNIE ROBERT LAFRAMBOISE FOSTER

BERNIE PATRICK LAFRAMBOISE CURTIN

BERNIE JOSH LAFRAMBOISE URBAN

JACK ARONSON.....................11

FERNTALES/JIMMIE THOMPSON . . 82

FERNDALE IS MY DOWNTOWN....132

FERNDALE HISTORICAL MUSEUM..158

BERNIE LAFRAMBOISE.............23

PHOTOS BY DAVID MCNAIR.......86

FERNDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT....134

FERNDALE SENIORS.................160

MIKE LENNON........................33

FERNDALE RECREATION............91

FERNDALE POLICE DEPARTMENT....136

SUMMER ON FIRE...................160

PATRICK CURTIN....................41

FERNDALE SCHOOLS REOPEN.....96

SOUTHEAST OAKLAND COALITION..140

PHOTOS BY DAVID MCNAIR.......163

JOSHUA URBAN.....................47

FERNDALE’S LAST NATURAL SPACE

LIVING MODES OFFERS ELEGANCE

GIUSEPPINA FERRARI..............53

..............................................99

..............................................142

ROBERT FOSTER ....................59

PLEASANT RIDGE’S HOPEFUL

PATCHWORK COLLECTIVE..........144

GREG MUDGE.........................62

PERSPECTIVE.........................102

LAWRENCE STREET GALLERY......146

FERNDALE PRIDE 2021.............64

THE CITY OF FERNDALE.............106

REGENERATION EXPANDS.........148

NATIVE PLANTS & BASEMENT

PHOTOS BY DAVID MCNAIR.......110

FERNDALE AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY

FLOODING............................68

30 YEARS AT AFFIRMATIONS.....112

..............................................150

MARGAUX & MAX...................71

VALENTINE DISTILLING.............116

SOUTH OAKLAND AREA REGIONAL

JODY HILL& DETROIT HUSTLE.....74

THE RUSTBELT MARKET............120

CHAMBER..............................152

MICHIGAN STAGE...................76

REV. ROBERT SCHOENHALS.......124

TEN YEARS AT FERNCARE..........154

FERNDALE CATE LOUNGE...........78

GREEN SPACES, HAPPY PLACES..128

PRISM PARK.........................156

THE GARLOWS GO FOR A RUN.....80

FERNDALE QUIET....................130

CHEF LAW’S VOYAGE HOME.......157

Photo ©2021 David McNair

www.ferndalefriends.net ads@ferndalefriends.net

248-545-4215

Box 20076, Ferndale MI 48220

1953-2021

the shelf life and keeping everything fresh. It was a game-changer.”

Brett Tillander, CEO of Metro Detroit Youth Club, echoed these sentiments, saying of Aronson, “He saw the things that go unseen and heard the things that go unheard.” For the Youth Club, “He was a coach for people who needed it.”

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RONSON DID MUCH FOR THE KIDS INVOLVED WITH THE CLUB. Tillander remembers Aronson set one of the members up to throw a first pitch at a Comerica Park game. Aronson was inspired by her tenacity, Tillander said, and mentored her until, as an adult, she began to work with autistic youth herself. He recalled, “Jack had the ability to seed and inspire others to take action.”

He also added that Jack and wife Annette made a great team, saying, “Throughout their time at Garden Fresh, they both did so much. I remember Annette wouldn’t let the sale of Pepsi go through so that employees wouldn’t lose their jobs.” He chuckled and recalled, “One day, Annette came in and some of the employees were anxious about it, wondering why she was there. Turns out, she just came in to wash the windows.”

Daniel and Tillander both agreed some of their favorite memories with Aronson involved food. Daniel called his dad a “foodie” and said he was a “phenomenal cook” who could feed a crowd by coming up with “seven different things that would somehow all come together in the end.” He added, “My favorite memories were driving around finding new places to eat.”

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ILLANDER SHARED A STORY OF ARONSON RANDOMLY DRIVING him out to Red Hots Coney Island in Highland Park (now closed), putting four

coney dogs in front of him and leaving him with a togo bag of twenty. He didn’t have the heart to tell his friend he had just switched to being a vegetarian. He knew Aronson had a love for food, and Tillander ended up just eating them all. He said, “Whenever Jack was driving, it was an adventure. You had no idea where you were going and yet it was all okay.”

Daniel found his dad’s willingness to go above and beyond and get involved in as many charitable organizations as possible incredibly inspiring. He recalled, “He was involved in lots of charities, not only the Youth Club, he did a lot with the Salvation Army and the Beyond Basics Reading Program.” He added, “Above all, my dad was passionate, compassionate and strong.”

Tillander hopes that “when the silence comes, when the flowers stop, when the cards stop, others remember to connect with Annette and the family. They’ve done so much for the community.”

Jack is survived by his loving wife and devoted partner, Annette (known as Vitamin A), his children Trevor (Angela), Melissa (Davey), Melanie (Dave), Jack (Bridget) and Daniel (Shantel) as well as 16 beautiful grandchildren, Tyler A, Tyler, Marlie, Janet, Katie, Jayson, Landon, Ryan, Lily, Katie, Emily, Mya, Lea, Hannah, Olivia and Drea, and siblings Kenneth (Joan), Virginia (Gordon), Diana (Roger), David (Lynn). Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Sonny.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Metro Detroit Youth Clubs (www.miclubs.org), Say Detroit (saydetroit.org), Salvation Army of SouthEastern Michigan (centralusa.salvationarmy.org/ emi) or Beyond Basics (www.beyondbasics.org). n

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.

It brings us together again and again.”

Maya Angelou

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HERE ARE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF THE TIMES I SPENT WITH JACK. I know I don’t stick out as anyone special in any particular way but that’s completely appropriate. Jack was a larger-than-life person to probably everyone he knew.

We met when I was running AJ’s Cafe in downtown Ferndale. AJ’s was a beloved “living room” of Ferndale that achieved a lot of local, even national and global attention for the many grassroots activities that happened there. Jack once told me that when he traveled around, people knew two things about Ferndale, him and AJ’s Cafe! That was pretty cool.

When the time came to leave AJ's Cafe, I was kind of like a fish out of water. I had an idea that the social capital we had achieved at AJ's could be translated into working capital somehow. I put my chips down on a coffee company and we called it Detroit Bold, because the city of Detroit and all of its people, despite all we had endured throughout the ages, was bold. It was the best word to describe us.

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HERE WAS NO ONE I COULD HAVE IMAGINED ASKING FOR ADVICE OTHER THAN JACK. He basically took me under his wing and took me in. I’ll never forget that first meeting on 9 Mile at his headquarters in Ferndale. He sat me down at this super-long executive meeting table with he, Dave Zilco, and Mike Griffin, his trusted cohorts. They began to lay out a plan for me to follow and gave me the necessary roadmap towards success.

Detroit Bold is sold in hundreds of stores today and it would never have happened were it not for Jack.

It was not all work, though. I played in his charity softball games because he asked me to be one of the celebrities. I could not imagine myself as a celebrity but hey – if he wanted me to play I was glad to, no questions asked. I knew the cause was good. We

had a lot of lunches together, mostly at Red Hot’s Coney in Highland Park. We both were originally from around there and loved to go back. Our roasting operation is there, too. Jack made sure to stop in and see the facilities and lend his name to ours.

In 2016, we lost our mom. Throughout the years, Jack always made sure that I went back home with hummus, chips and salsa. Our mother was bedridden and had a hard time eating, but she sure loved that hummus. I Face-Timed Jack for my mom so she could say hello and, of course, Jack was gracious enough to chat with her.

Jack and Annette (that was our mom’s name too!) attended the funeral and took me off to the side of the room where they gifted our family a check to help with the funeral costs. I was so flabbergasted, It was completely unexpected and quite helpful. Jack and Annette knew that my coffee business was still a fledgling business.

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ACK NEVER SOUGHT ATTENTION FOR THAT KIND OF STUFF. I think Jack knew that happiness did not come from from the attainment of things. It came for Jack by giving, and quietly so. I think that of all the gifts he has given to me, that is the one that I cherish the most.

If you knew Jack, you know what I mean. If you didn’t know him, rest assured you would have liked him. He gave his time and talents to me as he would to anyone who crossed his path.

Rest, dear friend. We will carry on and your memory will live on for generations to come.

AJ O’Neil Detroit Bold Coffee and AJ’s Cafe

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KNEW JACK ARONSON SINCE THE ‘70S, THROUGH A MUTUAL FRIEND. But I really got to know him and his wife Annette in the early ‘90s, working for him at Clubhouse BBQ. Then, in August of1998, I started working for them making salsa in the back of the restaurant. That's when the real story began.

As the salsa business grew over the years, so did their love for helping others. Through their humble struggles building the business, so did their humanitarianism grow. They became involved with the Bed & Breakfast Club, Salvation Army, The Boys & Girls Club and many other great giving foundations. They started their own Artichoke Garlic Foundation. They help fund Beyond Basics and many more. They have been there for countless organizations and thousands of individuals over the years.

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’D HEARD HIS NAME IN MY HOUSE EVERY DAY FOR YEARS. My mom was always going to work at his house, or she would hang with his wife, Annette (one of her best friends). Jack was my first boss at Clubhouse BBQ in Ferndale. Now I know the whole family, and am sorry for their loss of such a creative and generous man! He loved helping his community.

I was already working at the restaurant when he created Garden Fresh Salsa. I worked at a few different positions for that company too. On one trip in Chicago, Jack told a waiter it was my birthday. It was not, but they didn't know that, and the staff came with a cake and song. It's funny to look back on now! He made a pig for my luau graduation party and an employee put

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NE THING ABOUT JACK ARONSON (there are too many to list) is that each relationship he had was unique to that individual. He always made you feel important, no matter if you were a student trying to build your own brand or the CEO of a major company. I never saw any ego in any of my time with him over the years.

When I was in treatment for cancer, he made sure I had food prepared each week, and when it was over he

I love these people who also helped me in my time of need. I can't express my deep sadness for the loss of my friend, Jack who lost a three-year struggle with cancer. Through his struggle, he learned so much about this horrific disease, traveling to Switzerland, Austria and lastly Hungary in June/July of this year searching for alternative cures. Through his travels, much was learned for future cancer victims.

His memory will live on throughout the world forever.

R. I. P., my dear friend and boss in Heaven with all of the other Earth's Angels.

Sincerely, your Cherbot 2000!

Cher Mitchell

the pig’s head on my living room table! (I had just become a vegetarian.)

Jack sent me food often through my mom. He knew I love salmon. He loved me, and called me Amy Lou. (“Jack, like you know that is not my middle name right?”) I used that name on a voice text telling him that I loved him about eight hours before he died. I am very grateful that I knew to tell him that then.

He made his dreams come true and did was he was sent here to do, which is to help people! I could never forget him even if I wanted to. He has been such a big part of my life.

Amy Mitchell

and Annette offered me a job with the Ferndale Literacy Project. He saved my life in ways he and Annette never knew. Heartbroken that I will never hear that booming voice again or have to struggle to keep up with his speed-talking. Love you, Jack.

Carol Jackson Ferndale Literacy Project SouthEast Oakland Coalition

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By Jessica J. Shaw

F

IVE YEARS AGO, WE OFFICIALLY OPENED OUR

numerous staff technicians simultaneously heading off

DOORS TO THE COMMUNITY. Not knowing

to pharmacy school, upper-management halted those

exactly what to expect, we, as mid-twenty-year-

plans and, instead, served on the floor, ensuring our

olds, were OVERWHELMED by the support in town.

As we grew with the pharmacy we grew as individuals

high-level of service would not be interrupted by the increase in demand.

and, more importantly, learned new concepts and prac-

Over 18 months later, we are excited to commence our

tices to create an impact. We have been proud to create

projects and introduce a new setting in a historic

innovative solutions to address consumer needs, but the

Ferndale property, original service offerings, innovative

guidance and recommendations by our client-base,

technological solutions, and much much more.

both pharmacy and life-centric, will have an everlasting impact on us.

As we are humbled by the reception the public has given our brand, we truly are not heroes, nor pharmaceutical

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, we began embarking on

master-minds. We are simply just motivated by doing a

new developments to greater elevate our practice. With

good job.

THANK YOU. Five years down…here’s to 50 more!

Sincerely,

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ERNARD J. LAFRAMBOISE, AGE 63, OF HAZEL PARK, died on Tuesday June 1, 2021. Loving father of Crystal (Josh Wilhelm) Put. Adored grandfather of Damien Wilhelm. Dearest brother of Mary Jo Ortiz, Roger Laframboise, Mary Lou (late Leonard) West, Vincent (Deborah) Laframboise and the late

Mary Rose Laframboise. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Beloved friend of Cynthia Douglas. Loving Son of the late Henry and the late Betty Laframboise.

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But I didn’t realize to what extent, until recently. Wow! So, in remembrance of Bernie: Let your light shine bright every day!

photo ©2021 Bill Gemmell

AM SO VERY PROUD TO BE KNOWN AS BERNIE LAFRAMBOISE’S LITTLE SISTER. I always knew what a kindhearted, loving, unselfish, knowledgeable, spiritual, giving person he was, who had touched so many people's lives in many different ways.

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2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

Bernard sponsored and mentored numerous individuals throughout his life. Family suggests memorials to AA: www.aa.org.

Bernie’s little sister, Mary Lou Laframboise West

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HE FIRST TIME I MET BERNIE LAFRAMBOISE WAS A LOVELY JUNE EVENING IN 2010. While taking pictures with my Nikon in downtown Ferndale, Bernie noticed there was a man pestering me to take his photo, who didn't appear to accept my explanation that I preferred to shoot things like the interesting reflections in the puddles from the nightclub lights.

I wasn’t sure what this nice man on his bicycle had said to the obnoxious guy, as he placed himself between me and mister “Hey, take my picture!” but the vaguely threatening fellow finally moved on. I found out later that Bernie had surreptitiously showed the man his gun. (He acquired a permit to carry after a near-fatal carjacking some months before.) Apparently, Bernie had seen a little more than I had in the alley that night, and helped me out of an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous) situation.

We spoke of Nikon, life, the world, and one another’s experiences of it for a long time that evening at the Java Coffee Hut. This man had been through so much, yet was still so open-hearted. Remarkable!

As was often the case with not only hundreds but likely thousands of people: To talk with Bernie Laframboise was to find a new friend. We would meet up to play with our Nikon cameras again.

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ver the years that followed, I learned that helping his fellow man was something Bernie did quite naturally. His myriad of interests kept him busy and engaged in diverse circles of people, so he had connections from photography, roller derby, equestrian, boating and ships, the United Auto Workers, AA, gardening, food and cooking as well as creative communities. He would often try to draw me out to join him in his adventures, as I was recovering from agoraphobia and he was not the least bit shy. His company was good for me.

Bernie was the kindest person I have ever known.

I eventually learned to trust that I was safe going places further from home than I ever imagined I could handle, because Bernie was at my side. Not only was he infinitely trustworthy, he was fun. You literally never knew what he’d do next. Heck; even he didn’t know what he would find himself doing next! How cool is that for a man in his ‘50s and ‘60s?

We grew very close in the last few years and I learned a lot from him that I would be honored to share with you:

• Be kind to every shopkeeper, all the wait staff, every clerk and office worker you meet. It makes both of you have a better day.

• If you get nervous or anxious, reach out and be loving to others and it settles your nerves down nicely.

• Ask your God (as you understand Him) for guidance for your life and watch for the opportunities to do as you are guided.

• Be humble. Never blow your own horn.

• Be there for people.

• Communicate; even if it’s difficult.

• People don’t have to agree on everything to be loving and kind to one another.

• Put yourself out there, even if you’re afraid. God will help you.

• You don’t have to be alone if you don’t want to.

• Be forgiving.

• We’re all human. Enjoy yourself!

• Always keep a childlike wonder in the world around you.

Cynthia Gallagher

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photo ©2021 Bill Gemmell

1957-2021

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ERNIE: IT WAS HARD FOR ALL OF US TO SAY OUR EARTHLY GOODBYES to you at Mass today. I wept like a baby pretty much the whole way through, knowing what a great, nurturing guy you were.

As it has been said, “Losing our loved ones is like losing colors of the rainbow.”

We met around 2005 in the local music scene, and then we were co-workers at Ferndale Friends for well over a decade. I admired your huge talent in photography, and was grateful that you took time to include me in a couple of photoshoots.

You were extremely vibrant, with a wonderful soul, and your departure is a huge loss for everyone who knew and cared about you. You made a positive, inspiring impact on the lives of so many! I never got to see your garden, but I hear it is amazing.

Until we meet again, down the road, wishing you great peace and happiness in Heaven.

Jenn Goeddeke

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HATED HAVING TO GO TO AA. I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE MANDATORY MEETING, THOUGH, because I met two people that are very special in my life, a best friend and the fun-spirited photographer Bernie. I didn’t know then how amazing his work was but he wanted me to model for him. He told me if I shoot with him that I had to believe I am the most beautiful woman in the world!

Everyone loved the pictures he took, even more than any other photographer. We ran around Detroit and Ferndale taking pictures. He even called me early in the morning to run out. We took pictures at his house inside and out. He had a beautiful garden that he loved.

We started a calendar of body parts and unfortunately are unable to finish it. He picked the perfect head shot of me with his white button-up shirt and another in his garage wearing a white “wife-beater” of his and holding a lit blow torch. It wasn’t always easy but definitely fun!

I wish to be on that side of the camera also, so he taught me stuff I did not know about photography. I told him to contact the paper he works for because I wanted a job writing, so here I am honored to tell

my experiences with such a happy and thoughtful man, unfortunately after his passing.

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’M HERE TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING that you didn’t know about this awesome man, but everyone already knows how talented, funny and kind he was. What I can tell you is that he helped, pushed and believed in me.

I was so excited to start taking photos again, and then one day another friend from AA told me that Bernie had died. I do not attend the meetings anymore so I had not heard. I missed the funeral!

He really helped the community. He was proud to be sober and so am I. I am happy that I went back to that particular meeting because I got to live my dreams through sobriety and friends.

It was a pleasure to know you, my talented friend and mentor. I am extremely sad to know you will not be behind that camera again. I did not know that week would be the last time that I’d see him.

Bernie told me he made Jack Aronson’s first outside stove. R.I.P., Bernie!

Amy Mitchell

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ERNIE, YOU WERE SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER BRILLIANT PHOTOGRAPHER. Your camera and photography were just a metaphor for your real genius and artistry which was your gift and talent for making everyone around you feel uplifted. It’s hard to think of anything that will seem more pride-worthy, when it comes time to take account of our own lives in dread perhaps that, too late, we have wasted it. You did not waste a minute of yours.

To spend a minute with you was to be relieved for a while of the silly, stupid burdens I carry around like boulders in a sack: my jealousies, grudges and insecurities would suddenly seem like a dreary waste of time, and evaporate in your presence.

You were a genius with the camera and you knew how to take the pounds off, hide the bald spot and make us look a lot better than the mirror. But those are skills you learned, from experience and from others. So much more profound was your innate genius in what you did for our inner selves.

Not just for me, but just about everyone in Ferndale. You’re pretty much the perfect example for all of us.

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HERE’S BEEN A LOT OF LOSS IN OUR WORLD RECENTLY, but losing you feels like having my guts ripped out. Oh, how I miss your voice and face. This is going to hurt for a while. And it’s nothing compared to the pain your family endures.

I’m not a religious person but there’s plenty of reason to believe our souls are eternal. Maybe our bodies really are just like old cars that get rusty and run like hell, and pretty soon you just have to get rid of them. But if it’s true that our souls live on, then I know you are still alive – still with us inside of Crystal right now. And she is better for it, just as I am better to have my father living on inside me.

I just hope you know how much we all love and admire you, Bernie. Thanks for so very, very much! stephanie loveless grateful friend

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y sincere condolences to Bernie’s family. The man was a solid mentor of mine and a huge part of my finding the peace and serenity he showed every day. He touched so many of us, and my hope is that he continues to watch over us as we use the lessons he taught to move forward in our mortal lives. God Bless.

Gary W.

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ernie was the best derby photographer and a very kind man.

He took his time and shared his talents with all of us. I will miss him dearly. Sending my prayers and condolences to his family and friends.

Akilah Edmondson Aka Rapture

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great photographer and even greater human being.

Mark Boone

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worked with Bernie for a brief but memorable time. Always reliable and fun to work with, and an excellent photographer as well. Gone far too soon.

Jeff Lilly

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ernie was like a brother to me. He would be there if you needed him. I’m glad we talked in his garden the other day.

He loved and was loved by many. He will be missed.

Tom & Kathleen Dowd

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ernie very graciously met my son and I Downtown Detroit before sunrise to take skateboard pictures for my son’s graduation. That was about seven years ago. I knew Bernie through the Ferndale Friends, which we both worked for. He was always kind and gently upbeat. I send love to his family and friends.

Shannon O’Brien

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hat a man for others! Kindness, character, humility, humor and love are just a few of Bernie’s blessings that he so willingly shared with us. He lives in all he touched.

Rick Seefelt ernie was an awesome, generous man. I met him in roller derby. He was wonderful, donating his time for photos.

Bernie and I “pal”-ed around for maybe a year or so. We would go to roller derby race and I’d try to help him with his photo stuff, carrying items etc. Bernie was a pillar of his community. A wonderful, generous person who helped many people. Love and miss you Bernie, rest in peace.

Theresa Rogers h Bernie, you were such a wonderful pal. Our youth was filled with so much fun and I’ll never forget your smile and our silly pranks. May you rest in peace, my dear friend.

Paulette

ernie, I will never forget you! I am so honored to say we have remained friends for 46 years! I know you are still shining bright! IWBYDF Tammy Howard (Roberts) y deepest condolences to you and the rest of Lafambroise family. I’m so sorry and saddened to hear the passing of your brother Bernie. A great family man and friend to me and, oh! An awesome gardener. I looked forward to stopping by at least two or three times every year for some vegetables from him. God bless you all through these sad times and may his memories be a blessing. R.I.P. Bernie. “Fly High Eagle.”

Michael W. Grabke

served as Bernie’s UAW Steward at Chrysler for three terms.

Bernie was one of the most positive individuals I have ever known. Always smiling and always had a kind word. I will miss his radiant smile and all of our chats, whether it was about union business, fishing, gardening, and especially his true passion, photography. I will miss him dearly. R.I.P. my union brother.

William G. Panagos

e touched me. I hope he knew how much he helped me be what I am today. Funny, I didn’t really think about it much until these last 24 hours. There are the Bobs, the Johns, the Heathers, Tims and Daves who showed me the mechanics and the how tos, but it was Bernie who taught me the things I’m using most now. By his words and examples: The garden and plants wouldn’t be what they are; my trusting in God to put someone in front of me to love; my home’s aura; the gratitude and spiritual sobriety; the things I’m finding matter the most in maintaining my strength. God Bless him.

Gary W.

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ernie, I am going to miss our good morning messages. Send me a message from Heaven. Thanks for taking care of my brother Bill Barr. I will let my light shine.

Susan Davis

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any moons ago we were first communion partners at St. James, number 19 in line. Rest in peace, Bernie.

Condolences to your family and friends Theresa Bucy

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will always remember Bernie and the first time I met him so many years ago at a mutual friend’s house. He had a great smile and a huge heart for others. The world won’t be as beautiful of a place without you. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Gina G.

remember being new at a WARM meeting, Spring 2014, and thinking: “this guy sounds wise!” I also had the opportunity to hear a talk he gave in front of the group about his life. It’s an incredible story and I left that meeting feeling both fortunate and hopeful for my own recovery. I loved sitting at tables with him. He will be missed.

Stephanie G.

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e helped me through many life situations. Bernie was like a brother to me and he would be there if you needed him.

Words can’t adequately express the gratitude for this man. I am glad we recently talked in his garden. He loved, and was loved by, many people.

Tom D.

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1956-2021 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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S

orry to learn of Mike's death. The Lennon family has contributed so much to the Ferndale community through the generations. Our condolences to all.

Shirley & Don Pemberton

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est in peace Mike.. Rest in the hallow of God's hand.

Sharon Szalma, Former Deputy City Clerk, City of Ferndale

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ike - I will miss your humor, kindness, and hospitality, and our occasional meals together sharing laughs and concerns.

Jaynmarie Reddie

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Y DAD TAUGHT ME THINGS I’LL NEVER FORGET. Even if he thought I wasn’t looking, I studied his every move as a kid. From the way he called everyone “boss,” the way he shook everyone’s hand, the way he knew exactly what buttons to push, and which ones not to push.

He had a magnetism about him that could captivate a room, and he often made sure of it. He was a bit gruff and rough around the edges, but he was also reasonable, unshaken, and tender at heart. He cared for the little guy and stuck up for his fellow man. He took pride in his work and in his public service and never gave up on people.

Words simply cannot express how unique my dad was and how unbreakable our bond was. In fact, I still feel him with me every day. I’ve always been told that I’m just like him. Maybe without the quick wit and crass tongue I always knew him to have, but I was definitely given his mannerisms and ability to make light of any situation.

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KNOW THAT MY BROTHER AND I WERE VERY SPECIAL TO HIM. I saw the tear in his eye as he watched my brother graduate from the Navy A School, and I knew that every smirk he gave me was a “good job.” He wasn’t one to share his feelings very often but I could always see through to his true heart. Maybe it was from all the years of bonding over Chips with Erik Estrada while eating salt and vinegar chips, or maybe it was our mutual dislike for hanging Christmas decorations.

Whatever the case, he was just a man that sought love and understanding like all of us. My brother, Ryan, and I are proud of the knowledge and life skills he imparted on us, and we know he’s with us in spirit. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t on the other side, still trying to call me at 6:30 A.M. just to see if I had plans that day. I will always be his “Stinky” and he’ll always mean the world to me.

o sorry to learn of your passing. I remember you from high school as a good man. My condolences to family and friends.

Doina Rosu

M

ike Lennon, You are too young to leave us.

We had some good times and you lived a life of service. Sometimes you lived larger than life. May you be pain free and at peace. I'll see you again Annette Richards

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will never forget our trip together to the Rose Bowl when Michigan won the National Championship. We sure had a lot of fun in California and of course here in Michigan. Mike, you sure will be missed. You had a great career in the city you loved Kevin Knight

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est In Peace my dear cousin.

Deborah Calnen Halleck

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ike was a kind and loving person, always there when you need help. Condolences to the family. Stay strong Ryan and Tara.

Patrick Lennon

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am so sorry to hear this. Mike was a great person. He contributed so much to the city he loved. My thoughts are with his children and family.

Trisha Samseli

Tara Lennon, daughter

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Y DEEPEST SYMPATHIES to you and your family with the loss of your dear Dad. He was the kindest and sweetest man there was. His love for his family, faith, and friends made a significant impact on many. I loved his laugh, humor and his mischievous ways of finding ways to have a little more fun. He will always be “my favorite godfather” and think or believe anyway that I was “his favorite goddaughter.” Thanks for sharing your Dad with all of us. The line to greet him in heaven will be long and know my Dad will be so happy to have his lifelong best friend with him and Arv will have an apple pie waiting for him. Love you, Uncle Pat. My love to you and your families.

Ann McNamara Knight

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R CURTIN WAS THE NICEST MAN I’ve ever met besides my dad. I loved Mr Curtin.

It was an honor to assist him. I will always have fond memories of time spent with Mr. Curtin and his family. Kelly Anne and Lynn. I will miss Mr. Curtin forever.

Shanell Farris

F

ROM THE MOMENT I met Patrick he was incredibly kind and warm towards me.

Within ten seconds of meeting him, he sat me down and began to teach me backgammon before then stopping the game to offer me a rusty nail. A memory I will never forget.

Dan Field

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HEN I WAS INTRODUCED to Carolyn and Pat quite a few years ago, I knew immediately what a sweet and charming man Pat was. They also exuded such love between husband and wife that I really believed them to be role models for any married couple. Carolyn's death was a huge loss but now losing Pat is truly a multimagnified loss for everyone who knew him.

He joins Carolyn and other family members in the marvelous “Angel Brigade” of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. They’re all watching over every family member and all of their friends.

Terry Toman

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WEET MR CURTIN was the father of one of my closest friends, Kelly. I got to know him when he became my landlord. He treated me like another daughter and spoiled me with a beautiful scarf he brought back from Ireland, which I still have. And then there was the champagne he gave me at Christmas. Above all, he was one of the kindest souls that I ever met. He had a big heart, and a great sense of humor. Kelly and Lynn, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Francis

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UR SINCERE SYMPATHIES to the Curtin family. Pat was such a gentleman and highly respected by his peers. We have only fond memories of him and pray for comfort in the loss of this patriarch.

Mart and Mary Hollebeek

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FEEL VERY FORTUNATE to have had a 70year-plus friendship with the most loving, very generous, spiritual, kind, person I ever knew: Pat Curtin; a delight to be around. His ability to not worry and greet almost any life event with a very positive & supportive attitude was admirable.

Dick McEvilly

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WOULD LIKE TO OFFER my sincere condolences to the family for your loss.

When I think of Mr. Curtin, I remember his pleasant demeanor, his friendly smile and genuine concern for the other person. Pat will be remembered professionally as a compassionate funeral director who had very high standards of professionalism.

Funeral service has lost a remarkable colleague.

David A. Kesner

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ATRICK WAS A CLASS ACT. My memory will always hold that twinkle he would get in his eye, his signature giggly laugh and hearty hugs.

Kathy Onderbeke

IRENITA SHIMOURA GOEDERT

REALTOR® Cell: (248) 421-0824 | Office: (248) 545-7800 Fax: (248) 928-1292 | Email: irenitagoedert@gmail.com www.OpenRedDoor.com | www.facebook.com/RedDoorISGoedert

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

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“I

T’S AN UNBELIEVABLE LOSS. JOSH WAS THE CENTERPIECE, the driving force and the reason we woke up every day. He was the staple, the cornerstone. He made it the way it was. We want to fulfill everything we talked about with him (such as the donut ideas)!

We are literally “in his shoes” back there (inside the store) and even seeing his chair brings back memories.

It’s hard sometimes to come here every day, but we do it anyway. Joshua worked hard, seven days a week. He was here from the moment the store opened until it closed, typically by himself, until we walked in to help. We were the “Three Amigos,” the “A-Team!”

Josh knew everybody, and he had worked here since he was six or seven-years-old. From around 2008, Josh helped his dad bake the donuts. Then in 2013 he took over more. We could count on him for everything because he was a loyal friend. And kind to everyone, from the smallest baby to the oldest customers. Josh took the time to get to know people; he would even deliver donuts himself to the older ladies. For example, a lady named Guinevere would come in on Tuesdays and Josh would immediately stop what he was doing and take her items out to her car.

Josh was great at finding ways to build the business by expanding our vendor accounts with gas stations and different stores. Josh loved making donations of donuts for

many worthy causes, and he really cared about the community around Ferndale. He did everything with such passion! Some customers still don’t know that he is gone.

Others share memories so we still get to talk about him while we work.

He had many interests, such as football and history. He enjoyed watching Ancient Aliens, The Goldbergs and The Golden Girls on TV. Music was also a big part of his life; he would dance around in the back to his favorite songs. It was hard hearing those songs after he was gone, but now we enjoy hearing them because of the memories they bring back. Traveling up North to a family home was his favorite way to re-energize before returning back to work. Also, he loved spending time out boating with his brother, Jeremy.

Josh’s father, Steve, now trusts us to keep it going, which we truly appreciate. That took a lot of courage and he trusts our judgment, but it’s hard to fill Josh’s shoes.

Steve had a vision of Josh taking over the business; now he has a bunch of women to deal with! We can’t make things run like he did, and the specialty Joshua Donut is gone forever. But we will always try hard to do it his way, the way he showed us. His presence is with each of us, every day. We see little signs of him all the time. We were privileged to have him in our lives." n Memories of Dawn Porter, Colleen Pank & Cyndi Heys Transcribed by Jenn Goeddeke

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H

appy Heavenly Birthday to my dear best friend Joshua. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you or speak your name. I truly, deeply miss you every single day. I wish you were here so you would be able to celebrate your birthday and us having a house soon, and Shaylyn’s sweet 16th birthday. I know you will be watching and we will feel your presence. I love you with all my heart. Til we meet again...

Cyndi Heys

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e love The Apple Fritter and Josh would always treat us the kindest every time we went to The Apple Fritter and nobody can ever make better donuts than him.

Abby, age 11

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’ll miss you Cousin. I’ll miss our adventures and working together and having a riot. You were the best friend a cuz could have. You would do anything for anyone. That was your kind heart. I love you, Joshua. R.I.P., my cuz.

Martin Downs

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teve and Jeremy; my heart goes out to you and your family. Josh had a good heart. Like many others in the community I’ll miss him.

Kris Lieber

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h my. This is incredibly sad. His family and the whole community have suffered a terrible loss. I celebrate his life and the joy he brought to everyone who knew him. Hugs to his family.

Merri Busch

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osh was always so nice and took great care of us. Very sad. Keeping Dawn and the rest of Josh’s family in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike Hickey

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he last time I saw Josh at the shop, he remem-bered that I worked for the Fisher Theater, and asked me how we were doing and we chatted for a bit. It lifted me up that he remembered.

Back when we had The Book Of Mormon at the Fisher, Josh helped us give away a bunch of maple-glazed donuts for a promotion (if you know the show, you know the connection.) He was always so very nice. My heart goes out to the staff, family and friends. I feel like this is a big loss for all of Ferndale.

Scott Myers

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y sincerest sympathies to your entire family. I believe it was Josh I gave the original artwork for my Vern Dale of Ferndale comic that featured The Apple Fritter. He and Colleen helped us out quite a few times. Great people.

Josh Ryals

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am sad about this news. I saw him Saturday morning and only had a chance to wave hello.

Our old pastor used to say: “We all are on the same path, and some will be there first and will just wait for the rest of us.

Laurie N Charles DeNoyer

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y grandma and Josh used to talk all the time about football, and she would often go to the Apple Fritter only to see him and Dawn. She loved him and it was very obvious he had a good heart. My heart goes out to everyone working at the Apple Fritter and to Josh’ family and loved ones.

Karly Natin

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went to the Apple Fritter donut shop on Tuesday morning at 7:30 A.M. I then saw the wreath and the flowers on the door and said to myself, “Oh no...not Josh!” I was very sad. I did not know what was going on. After being completely shocked for a few minutes, God put a peace over my heart and made me remember. The last time I saw Josh was last month, when I came to get a donut all the way from Eastpointe. I told him that I loved him and I would see him soon. He knew my favorite donut when I walked in the store. He would have it ready for me with a smile. I miss you guys and love you all! Steve, stay strong and stay safe. Apple Fritter has the best donuts in Michigan. Josh made every donut better. He will really be missed!

Taleisha Jones

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.I.P., Joshua Urban, you and I have been through so much together. Our friendship was so strong.

You tried to teach me how to cook smothered pork chops and then kicked me out of the kitchen. You have made me smile, you have made me sad, and I always said I would always be by your side through anything.

You had a rough time with stuff. I was always there for you, now you will be our guardian angel. I will forever be your best friend. Til we meet again, love and miss you so much.

Cyndi Heys

Ferndale’s Best Kept Little Secret

Hilton Rd. Cafe CARRYOUT AVAILABLE

• breakfast anytime, Lunch/Brunch • buffalo burgers • Homemade Soups • Baked Goods Daily Carry out Available 548-0008 248

Open 7 Days 8am-3pm • 3150 Hilton Rd

1927-2021 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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Celebrating the life of Giuseppina Ferrari (nee Coletti, Coletta) Aka: Mamma, Josie, Jo Jan. 30, 1927 – Aug. 27, 2021 Abbi Coraggio (Have Courage)

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orn in Sora, Italy, on January 30 1927, Giuseppina was the first child of Assunta Petrozzi and Vincenzo Coletta and the eldest of five children – Marietta, Pasquale, Domenica and Bernardino.

As a teenager, World War II shook Italy, and Giuseppina lived in the horror of that conflict. She suffered physical and emotional injuries and wore a deep scar on her body from a piece of shrapnel. She sustained injury during a bombing raid in town, when she heroically threw herself over her younger cousin.

At a young age, she became the finest sarta (seamstress) in the area, tailoring wedding dresses. And most importantly she met and courted her future husband, Felice Ferrari. They were a beautiful young couple in love.

Felice Ferrrari was the eldest of four brothers who lived in the nearby borough of San Giorgio. Luigi Ferrari, Felice’s father, had fought in the US Army during World War I. As a result of his service, he earned U.S. citizenship. After the death of his mother and father, Felice put to use the American citizenship he inherited from his dad, Luigi. Sponsored by Italian

friends, he journeyed to Michigan and sent for his fiancé Giuseppina to join him.

She packed a small single trunk of personal belongings and traveled alone to America by boat. Her memories of that voyage included her roommate being a pregnant woman who unfortunately spent the ten-day voyage seasick.

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IUSEPPINA AND FELICE WERE MARRIED IN DETROIT September 29, 1956. At the time, Felice was a bricklayer and Giuseppina worked as a seamstress at the downtown Hudson’s department store doing alterations. They lived in East Detroit (now Eastpointe), where she learned to drive. While working construction, her husband fell three stories down a shaft and was then hit in the head by a piece of falling cinderblock. Josie cared for him for over a year until he recovered.

Giuseppina and Felice lent a hand by sponsoring family members from Italy to come to Michigan. They included: Pasquale Coletti, Jo’s brother; Domenica Catena, Jo’s sister; Giuseppi, Felice’s brother and his wife Filomena and their children Loretta and Chiarina, Antonio and Paula Ferrari, Felice’s younger brothers. Many of their siblings married and Josie gained nieces and nephews Enzo and Gianna Coletta, Vincenzeo Catena, Cynthia Noe and Vincenzo Coletti, Lori Pantera and Chiarina Douglas, Luigi and Joseph Ferrari, Lorena and Gianni Ferrari.

While waiting in a line of workers seeking employment at the gate of Ford Motor Company, continued next page

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JOSIE FERRARI

Giuseppina asked to use the restroom facilities. She was granted admittance continued because she was pregnant. Once inside, she jumped on a sewing machine and totally impressed them with her skills. She was hired on the spot. She opened the door to Ford Motor Company for the entire family. First Felice, then his three brothers, a nephew and her son all worked at Ford.

countless places and so many shared settings. Mamma liked to go! She wanted to go wherever they went, and they took her!

The young Ferrari family grew to include two children: Gabriele Louis and Maria Susan (Su). Josie suffered the loss of two other children – Loretta, who was stillborn and a miscarriage.

With Jaye and Su, Giuseppina continued her travels. She attended NWMAF conferences, martial arts training camps, Buddhist retreats. The three of them visited Italy and Canada, traveled extensively in Michigan and saw many U.S. states.

During this period, the couple worked opposite shifts at the Ford Utica Trim Plant. In front of the guard shack, the children would sit in the family car waiting for the parent finishing their work shift to come out and change places with the driving parent. Because the Ferraris had an acre garden at home in Romeo, they sold vegetables to the Ford workers during the shift change.

They traveled many times to Madison, Wisconsin to visit Jaye’s family – brother Steve Spiro, wife Susan, niece Jaala and her husband Mike Callahan, and their children Corrina and Steve (Aden), nephew Jacob Spiro and his wife Krista and their children Skylar (Zoe) and Kai.

After many years working in the sewing department, Giuseppina had to be hospitalized and almost died from a lung infection caused by the toxic fibers in the air of that industrial facility. Due to her lung injuries, she was medically retired. Her husband continued working at the factory and finally retired after a heart attack.

Josie became a regular at Mejishi Martial Arts where Jaye is the director. The school is located two blocks from their home. She came to the studio many days a week and there she was loved and cared for by curious children and compassionate adults as they achieved martial arts success and learned self-defense.

W

Our donation wish is that you invest time with your family or friends or someone who is in need of your loving kindness. Put the money in a jar on your counter and decide where to go to expand your connection with others.

That would make Mamma’s wish continue for generations to come.

ITH THEIR CHILDREN, GABRIELE AND SU GROWN UP, the couple moved to Beverly Hills, Florida, where they lived for many years. Felice’s brothers, as well as Josie’s brother Pasquale, purchased property nearby to one day move to Florida to be all together again. Most of Su’s vacations were devoted to seeing her family in Florida.

When her son Gabriele got sick, she compassionately cared for him at their home until his death in 1993. It was heartbreaking. Jo began showing signs of dementia in the late 1990s. Then, her husband Felice died in 1999. Her daughter Su began her loving stewardship of Josie’s care at that time and shortly after that Josie returned to Michigan to live with Su in Romeo.

Mamma like to go! When she lived in Florida, she traveled all over.

Once back in Michigan, Josie enjoyed biking in the Metro Parks and hiking. Accompanied by Su’s cat Pogolito, they made tours of the scenic western U.S. In 2006, Josie gained a daughter-in-law, Jaye Spiro (of Mejishi).

Mamma and Sue moved from Romeo to Ferndale. It was a walk able downtown like Sora. The three lovingly walked arm-in-arm and later she journeyed by wheelchair all over the neighborhood.

They enjoyed meals together, singing, ice cream, and chocolate in

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OSIE’S LIFE JOURNEY CAME TO A CLOSE ON AUGUST, 2021 IN FERNDALE MICHIGAN, surrounded by Su and Jaye’s loving embrace.

She will be laid to rest in Beverly Hills Florida alongside her beloved husband and son. Forever at eternal rest. She remains in our hearts and center in our memories, a courageous woman who lived a good life in service to her family and those around her.

Rest in peace. We loved you very much!

Spend the time.

Create the memories and share them with us. n

Courtesy of Robert Maniscalco of South Carolina, (www.maniscalcogallery.com)

HARVEST FEST DETROIT

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Sunday Oct. 3 2:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M. Outdoors Plenty of Free Parking

Ralston Festival Site 19730 Ralston Street, Detroit One block E of Woodward Ave, 1⁄2 block S of State Fair Ave. • 5:00 pm: Featuring: John Sinclair with Jeff Grand • 6:30-8:00 pm: Jeff Maylin Band • Event kicks off with Doris Angel Williams, with Healing Harp & Breathwork w/Lute.

• At Dark: Screening Two Films in honor of the late filmmaker brothers: David and Albert Maysles, A Showing on the Wall of Gimme Shelter & Grey Gardens www.janusfilms.com $5-10 Sliding Scale (Proceeds to cover artist fees and production costs) Vegetarian Food From Goldengate Cafe, More Food by Rockstar, for Donation. Please Bring your own chairs, coolers. Fresh Blake’s Cider and Blake’s Farms Donuts for Donation.

A Production of Earth Community, a Non-Profit Org. Contact: marvinmarvinandfriends@gmail.com and to volunteer and sponsor or vend, please call 947-229-9064

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M

Y DAD IS THE STRONGEST GUY I KNOW. It is through him that I find strength daily – and hope to channel that strength to get through this today without crying too much, knowing I’ll likely fail.

Dad always taught us to do our best and failing was never really an option. He was so proud of all our accomplishments and encouraged us to be our best, always. Get good grades; make captain of the team; wear a dress not sweats to the grocery store; go to college – don’t work in a dirty tool-and-die shop. He always wanted better for us and taught us to be independent, intelligent, talented women.

He taught us by example the value of hard work, education, community and family, above all else. He worked tirelessly to provide for us – working hard days but always home at 6:00 PM for family dinner, even if it meant having to go back to the shop to work all night.

He made tennis matches and basketball games while doing home improvement projects in any spare moment. He’d often surprise us with them. Like the time we got home from trick-or-treating to find the roof ripped open to vault the ceiling – while it was snowing. How he did it alone, and without giving my mom a heart attack, is a mystery. He always managed to pull it all together and get it done. He once drove all the way downstate on his birthday just to be with me during a home inspection while I was buying a house. He was hardworking and dedicated, but managed to balance it with good times. We had a bourbon and burger before he drove (responsibly) all the way back home.

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T WAS HARD FOR HIM TO NOT HELP. THE MAN COULD DO ANYTHING. He was a machinist and mold-maker by trade. His house is a testament to his beautiful woodworking skill, and the woodworking garage is a testament to my mother’s generosity. Not only has he kept up and repainted his Roadrunner and F150, he

was also our stand-in mechanic for countless repairs and oil changes. As an amateur photographer, he had a dark room in our basement allowing us to process negatives and create our own art growing up. One of my favorite talents was his musical inclination. He could play my flute before I could, having a talent for picking up and nearly mastering any instrument just by ear.

But his greatest talent was that of loving. He was full of love…and opinions, most would add. When I look back on all my memories of him and my family, what is most present is love. Of course, as daughters, that’s not always how we saw it. His love was sometimes expressed by throwing a CD out the car window or tickling my knees so hard that no one can touch them to this day.

We didn’t always see eye-to-eye, naturally. When I tell someone I have three sisters and no brothers, they typically respond, “Your poor dad.” I’m sure it was tough being surrounded by girls all the time, but he didn’t seem to mind. He would buy a gift for all the “girls” for Christmas each year: a drum set, monster trucks, racetracks, a BB-gun. Probably a bit selfishly, just hoping to connect with us. I think he always wished he could connect more.

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s an adult, I’ve grown closer to my father, learned that his obnoxious comments were jokes, his annoying gestures and requests were acts of love, and I’ve learned that it is okay to fail, because he’ll always be there – even when he’s not. He taught us that family and community are so important, to rely on each other. He’s gone, and already my sisters and brothersin-law have stepped up so much. Dad would be proud.

We will never fill the void, but we can rely on each other so that we each can reach for the stars, knowing we have each other when we may fall.

In his memory, I encourage us all to live each day fully – with love, laughter, family, and passion. n Michelle Foster, August 2021

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F THERE'S TIME TO INCLUDE IT, A MENTION OF GREG MUDGE OF MUDGIE'S DELI would befit this issue. We'll miss seeing him at Western Market. He was a Ferndalian who lived directly behind our store and frequently shopped here. He was a friend to Putnam (our wine buyer, whose previous job was wine buyer & signage for Mudgie's), Steve, and Jarred.

Alana Carlson Western Market

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BELIEVE THE PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN EACH OF US A better understanding of what is meaningful in our lives, that which we take pride in, and those who comprise our tribe.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and the prevalence of absence within our community, along with the events that help define its character, delivered a gut check that we will continue to recover from.

Unable to attend concerts, sporting events, and pastimes like Ferndale Pride, many were denied access to their community, and to the very ingredients which breathe life into their blood.

Accessibility and inclusiveness are two qualities that Julia Music, Executive Director of Ferndale Pride, builds their foundation upon.

By Kevin Alan Lamb 64

2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

“One of the main things we try to do is engage the entire community, so we will have a number of organizations representing the LGBTQA. We were not able to get all of them, but we were able to get LGBTQ represented from different groups. Also, we have lots of different political backgrounds, lots of different religious and non-religious backgrounds represented in our non-profit booths. That is a big component in making sure our Pride festival is very inclusive.

We also have a lot of medical and social services available throughout our Pride festival. We will have STI testing on the street with the Matrix MAC Health Mobile Unit, and free COVID vaccines going this year so people who want to get a vaccine can come get one.”

New to Ferndale Pride this year, in addition to it taking place on Saturday, October 2, will be a third stage programmed inside 215 West Ferndale.

“We are very lucky that Liv Cannabis bought the main stage, and Green Buddha and Thoughts & Prayers are putting on the DJ Dance stage. They are very excited to be joining us this year for the first time ever. We will have 187 booths, and they are all sold out, totally full. Over 200 volunteer slots will be filled by lots of people, helping out, getting the day going, and that is really exciting to see.”

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F PEOPLE WANT TO HELP, THEY CAN VISIT FERNDALEPRIDE.COM where they can sign up to volunteer or donate. They will begin working on Pride 2022 in November.

“A silver lining that emerged from these pandemic times: We got to see places like The Candle Wick Shoppe, which is a small business in Ferndale, come back for the third year with their naming rights sponsorship, ensuring we could actually put on the event because that takes care of a large chunk of our expenses. We have really been lucky that so many businesses were able to do well during the pandemic and come

back to support us, and that contributes to the fact that we are not charging again this year at the gate. There’s no gate, actually – you can just walk right in, free of charge. Bring your whole family because of our fundraising efforts and our sponsors.”

Other events happening in conjunction with Ferndale Pride include an interfaith prayer service on October 29, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Schiffer Park. A multitude of different religions will be represented in prayer for a good Pride festival.

“MotorBall has moved Pride Weekend, so that will be a ticketed event that you can purchase tickets for if you’re interested in going to all of those club events. TG Detroit will put on their Invasion during Pride so transgender men and women and their allies are welcome to buy tickets for those events. Lots of things to do throughout the week and weekend and we are just very excited to bring Pride back to Downtown Ferndale.” n

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F YOU’RE SEARCHING OUT INFORMATION ON NATIVE PLANTS RIGHT NOW, it might be because you’re interested in pollinators like butterflies and bees, especially monarchs.

Fifteen years or so ago, however, local experts began doing native plant presentations at places like Ferndale’s Kulick Center, and the main focus was the benefits to waterways because of the ability native plants have to hold excess storm water. Less storm water pouring down drains, less pollutants riding along, means cleaner Great Lakes. Nothing much was mentioned in those presentations about bees and butterflies except as an interesting side effect. Neither did they mention flooded basements, those still being a rarity.

If only those experts had waited a couple of years!

Soon after this push to go native, basements in our local communities began to flood. And flood, then flood some more. Some homeowners now have flooded basements a couple of times a year.

Heavier and more frequent rainfalls are the culprit, but the means by which water gets into our homes varies as much as our soil, plants, construction materials, and methods have varied.

Why do basements flood? Utilities Kingston, Ontario blames “...seepage or flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water

sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.”

This Old House says, “Even a small storm can trigger a deluge... a house with a 1,500-squarefoot roof sheds 1,000 gallons of water for every inch of falling rain. Once the water accumulates around your foundation, it works its way inside through cracks, joints, and porous material.” A number of sites mention gutters and downspouts sending water down walls instead of away from the house. Most mention nearby concrete and slope of landscape. Most mention soil composition, and many mention what’s planted near that basement.

Cleanwater.com says “Plants are the first line of defense when it comes to erosion control and stormwater management...The extensive and deep root systems of native plants slow down runoff.” Those roots hold water in the soil. Grass roots might be only two-to-four inches deep, but Ferndale’s city flower, Purple Coneflower, has roots that can penetrate to five feet, every inch of those roots able to hold water. Texas Native Plants states that those longer roots provide “flood mitigation services” and that they also filter out pollution.

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F YOU’RE NEW TO MICHIGAN OR GARDENING you might be wondering what native plants even are. They’re just plants that were here before people like us were. There's quite a variety, and something for everyone: tall sun-lovers like

Coneflower and Black-Eyed Susan (loved by birds like gold-finches as much as butterflies); shorter ones like Canada Anemone that not only grow in shade, but bloom in it; specific host plants like Milk-weed, the only plant monarchs will lay eggs on or their caterpillars will eat. There are even some adaptees that fit in quite well, like Queen Anne’s Lace (mine is crawling with swallowtail caterpillars) or Mullein, which may not have the prettiest flower stalk in the world but you won’t mind when you see downy woodpeckers land on it for the seeds. Their long roots hold water for them, as well as for us.

These plants don’t need much extra from the grower.

Turf grass, on the other hand, has much shorter roots in comparison, but that’s not the only issue. Remember Michigan master gardener Jerry Baker? He promoted a formula for lawns that included things like beer and ammonia but also dish detergent, which allowed everything else to work for one reason: turf is water-repellent. Detergent breaks the surface tension and allows water to soak in.

Yes, water-repellent. Turf websites, especially golf course sites, call it that, and so promote the use of chemical surfactants to keep water on grass. Some sites actually call grass “hydrophobic.” Thatch is the main reason for this, and the more you fertilize lawn the more thatch it likely has. It occurs when plants build up more decay-

More Natives = Less Flooding

Is Your Lawn Flooding Your Basement?

BY REBECCA HAMMOND

ing matter than nature can break down. Illinois State Extension not only advises against overfertilizing, they advise against overwatering!

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TRIED AN EXPERIMENT WITH A FEW GALLONS OF RAIN-BARREL WATER. I poured water at intervals onto turf, irises, creeping phlox, and lastly on a patch of natives that included goldenrod and black-eyed susans. All were a few inches from concrete, and slightly uphill from it. I expected water to run off quickly in all four places at first, and it did. But as I revisited each spot, one thing stood out: runoff never slowed from the turf. The irises and surrounding soil slowed it by the second pour. The natives? I had a hard time even getting water onto the sidewalk, as the less-covered soil that surrounds them is very absorbent.

The creeping phlox was the biggest surprise and disappointment because, although it’s not native, I like it and assumed it would allow rainwater easy passage. But it was as bad as grass, or worse. I waited about a half hour and repeated the whole process a few times and, although runoff from the turf maybe slowed a bit, it wasn’t much.

There was no more runoff from the irises, and very little from the natives. The phlox remained a sieve.

worth noting that blowing grass clippings and the like into the street is actually not legal.)

Since Ann Arbor is a leader in things environmental, I went to their website. It not only says, “Cleaning out the storm drain on your street is a simple way to help keep the Huron River clean and prevent flooding in your neighborhood,” they also have a downloadable map of storm drains with a checklist for found objects. Residents can explore their neighborhoods with kids or friends and search out storm drains and help “the neighborhood and the environment.” They can even adopt a specific storm drain.

The site also points out that, “Whenever there’s a heavy rainfall, or even just a little rain, a lot of pollution can end up being washed off the streets and into the Huron River. You can help prevent that simply by reducing the amount of rainwater that flows off your property from sidewalks, driveways, roofs, etc.” Options they suggest in addition to native plants: rain barrels and rain gardens, which can be large depressions filled with native plants, or a few lower places here and there. Residents can earn stormwater credits for these improvements. A person wanting to go bigger can install cisterns or dry wells, both designed to hold excess rainwater.

Mile Road in Oak Park between Rosewood and Scotia. There are big depressions filled with things like swamp milkweed and Joe Pye weed, along the south side’s new bike path. Most of our yards are actually reverse rain gardens, by the way, sloping up away from sidewalks and streets, setting up more flooding.

Whether basements flood because water goes down storm drains too quickly or too slowly, keeping water out of our streets would help keep it out of our basements. Deep roots, less cement, and rain gardens would help. The City could consider once again allowing gravel driveways or adding more pervious pavement.

No matter how it gets there, water pouring off our lawns and streets and into our basements seems the ultimate exercise in futility and frustration. A local waterproofing company told me that no two basements are alike. Sealing walls, repairing cracks, adding sump pumps and stand pipes are all options. Keeping the water away to begin with might be a good starting point.

And consider this: if you or your neighbors use lawn chemicals, that storm water runoff will contain those chemicals. And so will your flooded basement. n

So where does all this water go when it runs off?

F YOU WANT TO SEE SOME CLOSER EXAMPLES of Into the streets, and down our storm drains. rain gardens, check out the new ones along 9 These drains have become controversial here in Ferndale. Some folks think we should clean them off, letting yard and most in the back yard, “2014: The yard had no plants water flow rapidly, and some native plantings, some herbs and other than grass; major flooding think slow is better; don’t clear them. Both camps veggies, and I have never had in the basement. 2016: We move hope that speed or lack water in my basement and I in, regrade the perimeter of the thereof is what keeps rarely mow the back patch of house, plants galore – basement that storm water out grass that remains for the family does not flood.” of basements. (It’s dog, which is away from the Rachel Anne Engel, Ferndale

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“No lawn for 20 years now. Basement never floods. If backyard does it’s only on paver walk, plus it’s gone in 20 minutes. I never get standing water.”

Dean Smith, Ferndale “Forty years, no lawn other than 30 feet of devil's strip. Only water was the ginormous flood six years ago when every house was flooded. Thirsty trees, shrubs and plantings take up all the water that comes down, and our house is within 15 feet of a Red Run tributary.”

Robert Lebow Huntington Woods “When I moved to Ferndale 20 years ago, the previous owner had used large concrete patio blocks around the perimeter of the house. There was a lawn in the front yard and back yard.

Had water in basement on west side of house once. 18 years ago I took away all lawn in the front

house anyway.”

Catherine Jing Rehe Ferndale “90 percent garden plus 2 rain gardens. Only flooded once when sump pump died” Lauren Yellen, Ferndale “No grass at all, 25'x25' mostly edible garden, mulch! Has not flooded. I do seal the walls every few years. No sump pump, and snake the drains twice a year.

My weeds/volunteers are morning glories, milkweed, mint, tomatoes and marigolds. Love my yard!!!”

Merry Gundy, Ferndale “We've never flooded and I give all the credit to our giant Eastern Cottonwood. This year I did get rid of most of my front yard grass and planted natives.”

Elissa Agans “Ours leaks and it did flood (seven inches) in 2014. We need a

french drain and our problem will be solved. We have more grass than cement, lots of flower beds.”

Jacquelyn Marie “I live in Canton, a couple houses over from a creek, and we replaced most of our front yard with native woodland plants in 2019. We do not have flooding in our basement.”

Jackie Fleishcher Best “My basement only gets a water seepage when it’s a downpour or steady rain over several hours.

Only one wall leaks via an opening near the chimney.

Thankfully, the water goes straight to a drain. I have grass and plants and raised beds in my yard. The back area of my yard is where the downward slope is.

My neighbor’s yard gets deep enough for ducks and birds to swim and play!”

Pamela Bentley Callaway “My basement has never flooded except for the sewer debacle in 2014. I have no grass – all perennial gardens and maybe a few native plants – but certainly not the majority” Barbara Harte Huntington Woods 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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board and my Crayola crayons. I’d often mix the colors together to get the perfect shade; then my mom and I would shop for tights, shoes, etc. from the swatches. I , , and read . Fashion makes me happy!

With eBay, Etsy, and other online markets for buying and reselling clothing, why did you decide to open a brickand-mortar store?

Online shopping is great! We offer an online shopping component with our Facebook live, but it is different from eBay, Amazon, and the like. We provide a high level of customer service, even when we are working with our clients online. People can buy clothing and accessories anywhere. Shopping at Margaux & Max is not about buying stuff; we offer our clientele a full-service shopping experience. I work with clients oneon-one to help them find the perfect pieces to fit their body types, skin tones as well as their budgets. People keep saying, “Retail is dead!” Retail isn’t dead.

Bad retail is dead!

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No matter, owner Je Donna Dinges of the resale boutique Margaux & Max “has you covered.” Her shop offers a variety of “previously-loved fine women’s contemporary and vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories” at prices only a fraction of their original cost. The shop carries classic, casual, and formal wear available in sizes that range from 00-24W. Top brands include J Crew, Ann Taylor, BCBG, Banana Republic, Talbots, and many others.

An equally impressive find is Dinges herself. When customers talk with her, they may get a chance to hear her story full of several challenges. Her courage and business savvy have seen her through tough times. These traits exemplify her status as a leader, mentor, and activist in the community.

HEN CUSTOMERS ENTER A CLOTHING STORE, they can be full of expectations. They want gloves that complement a coat, or shirt or blouse that matches a pair of pants. Or their mission is bigger, to come across an array of suitable patterns and styles for a wardrobe calling out for new selections.

How did you get interested in fashion?

I have a background in retail, about 30 years of it to be exact. Most of my retail experience has been in management. I have always loved fashion. As a kid, I would make color swatches using pieces of card-

Margaux & Max

How long has Margaux & Max been in business? How did you come up with the name? How did you find the location for it in downtown Ferndale?

Margaux & Max has been in business for seven years. I started it at my dining room table with one pair of earrings and a Facebook page. The name comes from two beloved pets.

Margo was a German shepherd / husky mix that my parents had when I was growing up. I liked the French spelling better, so I used that. Max

continued page 72

GREAT Finds At Good Prices 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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Margaux & Max continued

was a cat that my ex-husband and I had for 15 years. They have both crossed the rainbow bridge. I’m friends with Heatherleigh Navarre, the owner of the Boston Tea Room. When she moved out of the space, she suggested that my realtor (Rachele Downs) and I look at it, and the rest is history.

Some people dread shopping. How do you attract them to your store? What sets you apart from other retailers?

I work to first earn each client’s trust. I have a knack for looking at someone and knowing what size and style works for them. I am a student of my business/industry, so that means that I present myself as a trusted advisor, a stylist. Fabrics, colors, styles, trends are what I pay attention to so that I can help every client find amazing pieces every time they visit our showroom. I offer clients an opportunity to shop with me one-on-one, so the angst some women feel when shopping in large stores is not an issue. I pull pieces that I know will fit them well. The biggest challenge our clients have is deciding what to leave behind!

How do you feel about your space? Any longterm goals for it?

I love Ferndale. The people are so friendly and supportive of small businesses. We painted the space when we moved in. We just finished painting the outside as well. I love updating window displays to keep the store looking

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fresh, and to keep people excited about what we have to offer.

You were featured in March on the radio about your neighbor in Grosse Pointe Park using racial intimidation tactics against you. What can be done to help others in your circumstances?

My neighbor put a KKK flag in his window, facing my home, in February. The prosecutor could not charge him, and the Grosse Pointe Park Police Department seemed to be running interference for him. I was very vocal in speaking out against him and the Department (which was all-white). I started a letter-writing campaign to demand that the Department become diverse to reflect the community that it serves. In June, they swore in a new chief who is committed to diversity and inclusion. They also hired their first Black officer. Last week, I was invited to sit on the G.P.P. Police Department’s citizen’s advisory board. I would tell people who are dealing with discrimination to make noise!

Don’t stop fighting until they see changes!

Any advice for those wishing to follow in your career path?

Be prepared to work harder than you ever thought possible! I work very hard, but I absolutely love it. n Located at 224 West Nine Mile Road, Margaux & Max is open for virtual appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 313-221-6434.

Check out its Facebook live events each Friday at 8 P.M. The web address is www.facebook.com/margauxandmax.

For more information on store events and displays, you may also follow margauxandmax on Instragram.

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Y FINAL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAME WAS PLAYED in East Lansing at the Breslin Center (Michigan State,) in front of close to 10,000 people, for the Class A State Semifinals. We lost, but the previous game was played at Ferndale High School, where we (West Bloomfield) upset Detroit Southeastern in the most grueling battle I’ve experienced on the hardwood.

first team All Conference and honorable mention for All-State. From there I went to play for Delta College in Saginaw, where I was named an AllAmerican. Finally, I transferred to Livingstone College, where I was a CIAA champion and all conference member, and also BOXTOROW first team All-American. Professionally, I played in Canada, Iraq and the U.S..”

At the time, I had no idea that I would one day call Ferndale home, and have the opportunity to write about other athletes who bled and sweat on that same hardwood. Jody Hill is a graduate of Ferndale High School, where he was first team All-Conference, earning an honorable mention for All-State. Today, he is the General Manager of the Detroit Hustle, a professional basketball team in The Basketball League (TBL). Formerly North America Premiere Basketball, TBL is a minor league basketball organization that began operating in North America in 2018 with eight teams, and expanded to over 30 teams as of 2021.

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“Just wanting to give back to the great game of basketball and my community, giving people the opportunity to play at a pro level even if it wasn’t the NBA. It gives guys the chance to have their familyies still be able to come watch them play,” Hill credits as the catalyst for creating the organization.

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BL IS ONE OF THE FEW MINOR LEAGUE basketball organizations providing player salaries from $1,500 to $6,500 per month, with teams operating on a budget of $125,000 to $250,000 per season.

“I am a high school graduate from Ferndale High, where I was

Like just about everything during the pandemic, you can imagine that launching a professional basketball team was difficult, to say the least. Home games were played in a number of locations as a result of limited availability, while practices were held at the Boys & Girls Club, who were a major partner.

The Hustle’s roster has 12 players, with two reserves. There is a 24 game season, and four conferences, with seven teams in each.

“In our first season all of our players came from the Michigan area, and all went and played in college, while some also had other professional jobs overseas.”

T WAS A STRUGGLE TO FIND GYMS for home games as a result of the pandemic in 2020, which also limited the amount of fans which were able to attend games due to the gym’s protocol.

“Also, sponsors and partners backed off because they didn’t want to take the risk due to COVID. But we had a great turnout and season, and are definitely looking forward to this upcoming season.”

Antonio Capaldi (Detroit) was named the Hustle’s first ever Head Coach. A former college standout at Madonna University, Capaldi brings a fresh energy to the new TBL franchise. With coaching experience on the high school, college, and pro level he brings a unique perspective to the Hustle.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Head Coach in a strong league like TBL. We will be active in the community and play a fast paced & tough brand of basketball,”says Capaldi.

“As a player I have known Antonio to be a very tough competitor and we know what we are getting in him. As a person, he is exactly the kind of man that we need to guide us through these exciting times with always keeping an eye on our community engagement,” Hill says. n

By Kevin Alan Lamb

Jody Hill’s Detroit Hustle!

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Free Estimates

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313-878-1489

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HETHER YOU’RE AN aspiring actor or director, or just seeking entertainment, the nonprofit organization Michigan Stage has something for you. With its goal “to produce theatre in enriching, refreshing new ways directly within the community of Ferndale and greater Oakland County,” opportunities abound for escaping from the monotony of the daily grind by indulging the imagination.

At Michigan Stage studio locations this summer, instructor/ artists with strong creative drives conducted summer youth playlabs for students ages 7 to 13. During the sessions, the instructors helped students develop themes and dramatic moods for designing skits and short sketches centered around D.I.A. (Detroit Institute of Art) works on display in the community. Under the artists’ tutelage, the students learned how to breathe life into their ideas through performances at small local venues. The classes have served as meaningful ways for children and adults to express their creativity.

The playlabs fall under the wings of the organization’s Performing Arts Academy, whose vision is a commitment to “upholding the professionalism of the performing arts community.” To execute that vision, the academy provides resources such as intensive tenweek theater workshops scheduled in the evenings for students ages 13 to 22. Also available are individual voice and dance lessons along with workshops on contemporary pop-rock Broadway composers. A youth ensemble assists with the academy’s artistic and administrative direction.

ings plan to resume in January 2022, at a local library. Says a Michigan Page participant about the club, “(It’s) an environment where the love of theatre is nurtured . . . and impactful discussions are fostered in a relevant way.”

Leading the cast at Michigan Stage is founding Artistic Director Tim Paré, a Michigan State University graduate with an impressive résumé.

Previously, he held the titles of Educational Director for two stage companies where he developed theater arts programs for youths and young adults. By directing and choreographing his students in musicals and other performances, he annually reached 7,500 community members.

College students have also enrolled in his workshops and courses on how to audition performers, dance professionally, and manage stage productions.

In forming his company, Paré has striven “to expose audiences both new and old to the performing arts in new ways – to nurture a curiosity to explore the world around us through...community theater productions.”

As part of fulfilling his mission, Paré directed three free concerts enti, all performed on August 7 at The dot (Detled velopment on Troy) in downtown Ferndale. The shows featured Broadway cast members singing tunes from and other hits. Before and after each performance, gatherers were able to meet the singers, as well as chat with the fire and police department workers who were on hand with activities and information on city services.

Another opportunity offered through Michigan Stage is its play-reading group – Michigan Page – in which group members analyze and critique theatrical works via Zoom. Selections include both contemporary and classical drama. Guest speakers help to facilitate the meetings by providing discussion points and background on the texts. Most recently, in April, participants read and interpreted Sarah Ruhl’s , based on Virginia Wolf’s popular genderfluid character who lives for centuries and re-examines history through encounters with key figures of English literature. Michigan Page’s bimonthly meet-

Up next for Paré and Michigan Stage is , a family-friendly musical that explores the styles of punk rock and heartbeat pop music in addition to the themes of rebellion and selfacceptance. Starring in the production will be Drag superstar Nancy Nogood and recording artist Ugochi Nriaka. Performed at the Ant Hall in Hamtramck, the musical will run from September 30th through October 9th. n For more information on , autumn playlabs, and other Michigan Stage events and programs, visit www.michiganstage.org. You can also keep up to date by joining the mailing list. To contact Tim Paré directly, email him at tim@michiganstage.org.

By Ryan R. Ennis

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Entertainment & MorE For GREATER OAKLAND COUNTRY

For us this means leaving Ferndale and beginning our journey of Running Into a New Earth, taking us to the Stop Line 3 Resistance in Northern Minnesota.

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HE PROPOSED ROUTE FOR LINE 3 crosses 227 lakes and rivers, including the Mississippi River and rivers that feed directly into Lake Superior. As a representation of these sacred waters, we will be running 227 miles along the North Country Trail.

“If Line 3 is completed it will carry nearly a million barrels a day of crude oil – the dirtiest oil to extract and burn – from Alberta, Canada through Minnesota to Superior, Wisconsin.

“When it spills, as all pipelines do, millions of people downstream will feel the effects, and wild rice beds sacred to the Anishinaabe in Minnesota will be destroyed.” - Line 3 Solidarity Action.

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AVE YOU EVER LOOKED AT YOUR LIFE and realized that it lacked purpose? Eight months ago we admitted this to ourselves.

Enbridge, the Canadian company building this pipeline, is the same company responsible for the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history which happened in Kalamazoo, July 2010.

They are also the same company pushing the Line 5 pipeline which is proposed to travel under the Straits of Mackinac.

Throughout our lives, we are led to believe that we find our value and worth in external sources. This is not true. To place our value in external sources, we create a gap between ourselves and the meaning of life. Which will always lead us to unfulfillment.

What we know now is that a dream is not what we save up for, work towards or achieve. A dream is the way we experience life. Life is meant to be lived purposefully.

When you ignite your dream, you discover your values. The two are inseparable and support each other. It then becomes imperative that you embody these values in every moment to bring your dream to life.

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HE WAY WE CURRENTLY LIVE as a people has an expiration date that is fast-approaching. Looking for answers within the same system that has led us down a path to our own demise, will only bring about more destruction.

It’s time to create a new energy within ourselves.

Looking beyond our current societal structures.

Change cannot take place within the current structures. We must change our energy, and the structure will follow.

Unhappiness and negativity is a disease on our planet. What pollution is on the outer level is negativity on the inner. Creating a new energy is to shift the way we experience life. To discover the depths of our being and the beauty that lies at our core.

When this happens, our world around us will begin to change.

We heal ourselves, and by doing so, we heal Mother Earth. n To learn more about #StopLine3, visit www.stopline3.org and follow our journey on @wearebrandonandfiona

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Photo ©2021 David McNair

2021 FERNDALE David MEMORIAL McNair EDITION 87 Photo ©2021

Photo ©2021 David McNair

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By Mary Meldrum Photos ©2021 Parks & Recreation Staff

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AREINA WHEELER is the Director of Ferndale Parks & Recreation. She is an energetic and enthusiastic leader in the City’s very busy department. There are only four fulltime and three part-time people working in

the Recreation Department. continued page 91

Ferndale Recreation!

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HEELER’S DEPARTMENT IS THE LEAD FOR THE PLANNING, DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT of the city’s parks and recreation programs. They provide programming for all ages as well as a very robust sports program: Softball, kickball, soccer, baseball and basketball.

The Department also coordinates the city’s special events, such as the Fall Festival, the Fitness Festival, the DaddyDaughter Dance, and other events that serve the community. The city’s Breakfast With Santa Around The World is a look at how people celebrate Christmas in different countries.

“We typically do a craft class that makes an ornament specific to the country that we are sponsoring that year. We try to do things a little differently,” Wheeler indicates.

Ferndale offers a SMART transportation program that shuttles residents from their homes to a destination within a five-mile radius of Ferndale.

Ferndale has 14 parks, and the Parks & Recreation Department has made major improvements including new play equipment, walking paths, and water fountains. The parks have been very well-maintained by the Ferndale Public Works Department, which has been instrumental in all park improvement projects. This year, Parks & Recreation was able to complete major park improvement projects at Geary and Wanda parks.

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Improvements included new walking paths, a pavilion, as well as outdoor fitness equipment. New benches, drinking fountains, grills, trash and recycling bins were also part of the improvements.

Many of the improvements were made possible by a 2015 bond passed by the residents, including the installation of a splash pad in 2022. The community is very excited about that.

“This past year, we completed a park project downtown, Schiffer Park.

We extended the park, installed custom planter boxes with seating, decorative paving, a drinking fountain and open grassy areas. We formalized and made it an official downtown park. Schiffer Park is now inviting, fits our community and is a beauitful asset to our downtown.”

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INCE COVID, WE HAVE REVAMPED A LOT OF THINGS. We offered free meals in conjunction with YMCA, Gleaners and our ongoing Meals On Wheels program. In addition, we worked with several grant partners, such as Project Play, to give out weekly sports kits. We utilized our partnerships to provide a different sport themed kit every week. The kits were sponsored by organizations like the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings. Some of the sport kits included hockey and soccer equipment.”

Wheeler went on, “We continued to have a presence online last year and served the community the best we could under the circumstances. As we opened in 2021, we began to offer more programming in our parks. We offered spring/summer sports, such as, soccer, baseball, adult and girls softball, and sports clinics.” We also offered new programs and events such as Gravity Art Fair & Skate Contest in partnership with Reveal Productions, and drive-in movies for youth and adults. Our Fall sports programs will be starting soon, and we are planning for our Ferndale Fall Festival among other programs and events.”

“Our Ferndale Daddy-Daughter Dance is usually held in the Winter. This year we are having a Daddy-Daughter Movie and drive-in. We plan to have some activities at the drive-in. We will have the COVID precautions in place.” There is a drive-in movie scheduled for the other kids on the same day.

The outdoor fitness festival will be in July, an opportunity for the community to come and exercise outdoors. “We collaborate with various gyms and health professionals who offer different fitness classes for youth and adults and provide health tips and information.

“In addition, our largest event is our Ferndale Fall Festival. We plan to still hold that October 2. We want to make sure we are doing everything safely. We always do safety checks. We are very excited about servicing the community, offering a little more this year and allowing the community to get out safely.”

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HEELER SHARES THAT SENIORS HAVE BEEN THE MOST AFFECTED BY THE ISOLATION and COVID. “We look forward to helping them overcome their isolation and get out-and-about.”

In 2019, Ferndale built an award-winning skate park, one of the most utilized parks in the city. You can see all abilities and ages in that park; children from three to four-years-old, all the way up to 55 or 60-years-old.

Wheeler has enjoyed four years as Director. She started in March of 2017.

LaReina’s favorite part of the job is serving the community and giving them something they want and will utilize. “Knowing that I am working on something that will be successful. Projects are in line with what the community wants and I am bringing joy to the residents and youth.”

Wheeler says her Department always puts the community and the community’s needs first. “We make sure that we strive to make sure that our efforts are planned in an equitable and inclusive manner so nobody is excluded and everyone feels welcome when they participate. We work very hard. We have a great team and we share the same vision for the residents. We want to continue on our upward trend.” n

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Ferndale Schools

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Photos ©2019 Levegniia Andrusiak

(Pub. Note: Photos are pre-Covid-19. Everyone has been safely masked at Ferndale Schools.)

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ERNDALE SCHOOLS will begin the 2021-2021 school year in-person.

While we are very excited to welcome our students back to school we are taking extra precaution to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.

We know how important having our students in the classroom is, and we are dedicated to doing everything we can to ensure we are able to offer in-person instruction for the entire school year. Below you will find some of the safety precautions we are taking for this school year.

Masks

To start the school year, the Oakland County Health Division has mandated mask wearing for all students and staff. This is an important safety protocol.

Daily Health Screening Discontinued

At this time we do not anticipate requiring a daily health screening to enter school. We continue to encourage families to inform school personnel of absences and COVID-19 positive cases, or exposure to a positive case within your family. We will then follow quarantine and close contact tracing protocols as required by the Oakland County Health Division.

Classroom Distancing & Assigned Seating

All students will be assigned seating in all classes. Each classroom will be different depending on the size of the room and the number of students. We will provide the maximum amount of space that is possible.

We will also continue to enhance ventilation by keeping windows open when possible. Our HVAC system will continue to be set to take in the maximum amount of air from the outside to provide the best ventilation possible.

Busing / Transportation

Masks are mandatory for everyone riding the bus per CDC guidelines.

Students will have assigned seating on the bus as well. We will continue to keep windows open as we did last year to ensure maximum ventilation. Students will also use hand sanitizer as they enter the bus.

Personal Protective Equipment

The District has purchased PPE including face shields and paper masks for students and staff to use as needed. n • These are just some of the saftey measures we are taking. For more information on Ferndale Schools return to the classroom, visit: www.ferndaleschools.org/welcomeback • For more information on Ferndale Schools Safety Protocols, visit: www.ferndaleschools.org/welcomeback/safety • For more information on how the Oakland County Health Division is combating Covid in K-12 schools, visit: www.oakgov.com/covid/resources/education/Pages/k-12.aspx

By Kevin Lamb

By Shannon O’Brien & Dave Cotrill Photos by Nathan Khalsa

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THIS LAND EXTENDS SOUTH TO 8 MILE RD, AND FROM PINECREST RD WEST TO ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP. It has quite a colorful history in Ferndale.

The entire parcel is currently owned by the Detroit Axle Company, which sits on 8 Mile immediately west of the property. tanding on the south side Rd. Axle’s co-owner, Mike Musheinesh, wants to work with the community to of Ferndale High School best utilize a good portion of this last natural space in Ferndale. and looking south, one A footpath used by the Potawatami, from what is now called the Detroit River into what is now called the State of Michigan, became known as the Saginaw Trail about 200 years ago. A man named Jebez White, who apparently never recorded any land purchase, settled for a time on a sandy ridge along a portion of this trail where the parcel of land now sits. We know through historical accounts available at the Ferndale Historical Society that Jebez White was most likely a squatter on the land, and around year 1821 opened a tavern on this site in

cannot help but notice a tall tree line stretching east to west. A chain-link fence separates the high school grounds from the 34-acre parcel of land these trees grow upon.

order to house weary travelers.

Jan Froggatt of the Society, along with volunteers, has received permission to walk the land this Spring to look for any possible sign of the original location of White’s tavern.

Fast forward to the 1940s, when the Ethyl Corporation purchased the property and opened a chemical research facility. They existed on the site until the mid‘80s, leaving in their wake underground tanks used to store various chemicals and scattered dump sites across the property. The tanks have since been removed but the ground is contaminated, and therefore eligible for Brownfield Redevelopment Funds which are used to clean up contaminated sites.

A division of the auto supplier Hayes Lemmerze then purchased the property, conducting business there until 2007. The property was sold to Renu Recycling in 2012, resulting in the demolition of all the buildings onsite, including an Albert Kahn-designed building facing Eight Mile Rd. In 2016 Pinecrest Holdings LLC purchased the land via land contract, with plans to develop the northern 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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portion of the land into a housing development and destroying the forest and existing field. News of this development, after decades of transgressions upon this property, prompted local residents to form a group coined the Southwest Ferndale Neighborhood Association (SWFNA). Concerns ranged from the unknown contaminants existing on the property to the destruction of the last natural space in Ferndale.

The SWFNA attended city planning meetings and held joint meetings with the city, while flyering affected parts of Ferndale and Royal Oak Township for increased awareness and attendance.

O

N A BRIGHT MORNING IN DECEMBER OF 2018, AN ANONYMOUS ARTIST erected a family of four life-sized giraffe sculptures on the land along with the written message, Large, handmade signs appeared for a short time along the Pinecrest corridor, expressing dismay at development and support for green spaces. The giraffes were taken down by the City and the developer. In June of 2019, Pinecrest Holdings LLC withdrew, selling six acres of the land to Detroit Axle.

Detroit Axle’s plan to expand operations to the six acres of the 8 Mile frontage sitting adjacent to the east side of the current facility was abandoned due to the contamination on the property, and after a stand of mature hardwoods was accidentally razed. After resident and city outcry, Musheinesh payed restitution for the lost trees.

The incident created a deeper awareness of community concerns and the gift that trees and fields are to the community.

In August 2020, Axle Holdings purchased from Pinecrest Holdings L.L.C. the remaining forest and meadow of the original 34 acres. Musheinesh wishes to preserve a good portion of this added property, stating that any building done by Axle Holdings will be closer to the 8 Mile Rd frontage. He would love to see the giraffes back on the land, with a message of The site is currently labeled as a brownfield and is being monitored for contamination. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a brownfield is defined as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse or which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Once the contaminants are known, it’s possible to know how to best remediate the land.

One way to clean up a brownfield is through bioremediation. Bio-remediation is the process of either naturally occurring (intrinsic) or deliberately introduced (engineered) micro-organisms or other forms of life, to consume and break down environmental pollutants to clean up a polluted site. This is the most desirable in terms of nature preservation.

Another form of remediation involves removing layers of soil, an idea which has local residents concerned about possible transmission of contaminants through dust and wind. The long-term future is uncertain in terms of preservation or development until testing is complete and all contaminants are identified.

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OROTHEA PULLEN, A LONG-TIME RESIDENT OF ROYAL OAK TOWNSHIP, loves the forest visible from her yard. She harkens back to the 1940s before Ethyl Corp built on the land, recalling walks along a dirt road that led from Pinecrest, through the woods to Pasadena St in Royal Oak Township. She recalls catching “garter snakes and pollywogs.”

A tall, graying man, also from the Township, showed up at a City meeting thanks to the flyers distributed by the SWFNA. He lit up while speaking of the observable wildlife living in the forest, saying fondly that “in the springtime, there are gorgeous flocks of birds that land in the field.”

A long-time resident of Ferndale recalls seeing Ferndale High School being built, and has fond memories of the nearby forest that has managed to survive throughout the decades.

The SWFNA took a keen interest in the contents of the forest. The City of Ferndale had a tree inventory conducted during the development consideration process. Some of the trees of interest are Red and White Oak, White Mulberry, American Elm, Black Cherry, Serviceberry, Black Gumm and Eastern Red Cedar. Wildlife spotted on and near the land have included red fox, a small herd of deer, red-tail hawk, bats, screech owls and a variety of song birds. Vegetation includes white and black raspberries and a variety of grasses.

Maybe especially around the turn of the last century, a different level of awareness and foresight would have created policy and action to protect and preserve portions of the natural world existing in this area which is increasingly recognized as enhancing the quality of life for all. We have an opportunity right here in Ferndale to work toward this end. The land exists, and Mike Musheinesh is willing to work with the community for a healthy and positive outcome.

The future of this historic 34 acres begins now.

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Mayor Kurt Metzger Commissioner Ann Perry

by Ingrid Sjostrand photos ©2021 Bill Gemmell

PLEASANT RIDGE OFFERS A HOPEFUL PERSPECTIVE

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FTER A YEAR OF SO MUCH CHANGE, LOSS AND LONELINESS, it feels almost necessary to search for the bright spots. To look back and find some good and look forward to the fresh opportunities of a new year. In living up to its name, Pleasant Ridge seems to be doing just that.

M

AYOR KURT METZGER has found that the strong sense of community and familiarity among residents has helped many get through the worst days of the past year.

“I think those will be really great spaces for people to gather and have their parties and little events. They are a really nice addition to the park and pool area and are beautifully designed,” Perry said.

As we look forward to 2021, there are plans for even more projects and city improvements, including collaboration with the City of Ferndale on a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to add bicycle tracks to Woodward Avenue and streetscape updates.

The largest project beginning this year will be updating the water lines throughout Pleasant Ridge.

“With the arrival of Spring and vaccines, to see more and more neighbors out, walking dogs, pushing strollers or biking indicates a change toward normalcy,” he said. “Just the idea that we’ve been in our homes and isolated – you see this look on people’s faces when we see each other on the streets. Almost a release.”

“T

HE BIGGEST THING WE’RE NOW FACING IS THIS STATE MANDATE to get rid of all the lead lines,” Metzger said. “We’re trying to find ways to minimize the financial impact on residents, but it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to have a town hall in April to explain why it’s necessary, what the ramifications are and why we just can’t absorb the cost ourselves.”

Others like Ann Perry, one of Pleasant Ridge’s four City Commissioners, found that the forced transition to virtual meetings and events has allowed for increased community involvement.

“That’s one of the most important things I, and all of us, do as commissioners. We’re here to listen to what residents are saying and make sure those things are reflected in policy and practice,” she said. “With remote meetings, it’s given people more access to that. They might not have come to meetings before but now it’s so easy for more people to interact and that has been an excellent experience.”

And this opportunity for resident involvement extends past just virtual commission meetings. Every City department, board, foundation and block club benefits from the involvement of residents and volunteers.

“This pandemic has been such a psychological strain on everyone’s emotional health and having those connections makes a huge difference,” Perry said. “Anyone seeking ways to connect can always reach out to any of the city commission members through the city website. We can always help connect them to different groups and communities.”

I

N ALL, THE COLLABORATION OF CITY DEPARTMENTS AND RESIDENTS has ensured the sense of community wasn’t lost in the isolated year and may have lessened the negative impacts of the pandemic.

“It’s an almost unintentional benefit of having such sandy soil, our water mains never broke,” Perry added. “Unfortunately, that has put us in a tough situation because they are now over 100-years-old and we have to do these lead line updates.”

While this new year might bring new challenges, Metzger wants to assure residents that they are exploring all the potential ways to ease the pain of these necessary updates and have them concentrate on things to look forward to this year, including the re-opening of the community pool.

“The pool is the number-one attraction, followed by summer camp, the swim team and those kinds of activities,” he said. “That’s what people miss the most so we’re just hoping that we can reopen and operate as close to normal as possible.”

“Our Recreation Department is so smart and love what they do. It’s fun to watch them figure out how to navigate this,” Perry added. “I think this will be an exciting summer!”

“Despite 105 reported cases of COVID and one COVIDrelated death over the year, I think we survived pretty well. Budget-wise we were not impacted, as we were able to increase our general fund balance. Obviously, services were delayed and offices were closed but, unlike other communities, we are mainly residential and most of the impact was on social life and activity,” Metzger said. “Outside of that, as a City, we were able to continue most of the projects we had planned.”

Maybe one last bright spot of the past year is the opportunity to find excitement and joy in the little things in 2021.

“While many individual lives have been altered, I believe that the overall effect of the pandemic is to further tighten our community bonds,” Metzger adds.

“We’re all in this together and the idea of getting back to some level of normalcy will be plenty exciting.” n

Those projects include the addition of two new pavilions in the city: One on the East Side at Gainsboro Park and the other at the community pool on the West Side.

By Jessica J. Shaw

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MAYOR MELANIE PIANA REFLECTS ON THIS PAST YEAR IN THE CITY and how residents kept their spirits up, like through the T-Rex Walking Club ERNDALE HAS ALWAYS which involved residents, and Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks had a reputation as a members, parading the streets – socially distanced – in inflatable costumes.

welcoming and inclusive community. The global pandemic seems to have only reinforced those ideals as neighbors, city government and businesses united to help each other and bring joy in the city’s own unique way.

By Ingrid Sjostrand Photos ©2021 Bill Gemmell

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“For me the real bright spot was the community coming together, supporting their neighbors and businesses to help people meet their needs, as well as bring joy,” Piana said. “I was really inspired by the Elks Club T-Rex parade, people decorating their front lawns, others checking to make sure people had enough food to eat. It was really inspiring to see.”

Outside of residents uplifting their neighbors, the pandemic provided the opportunity for Ferndale government to find new, and renewed, ways to meet the needs of its citizens.

“We wanted to make sure our older adult residents were being taken care of. We coordinated with local

organizations and volunteers for meal deliveries, sent out flyers that included state and county COVID resource hotlines so we could reach those who might not have access to the Internet,” Ferndale City Council Member Kat Bruner James said. “We are also in the process of re-invigorating our printed city newsletter. I’m not sure when we stopped producing it, but we found that residents really appreciated the updates on initiatives and things going on in the city – data from a community survey in early 2020 showed us that residents want this, but the pandemic highlighted the critical need for this particular form of communication.”

Collaboration and connection grew in many ways during the pandemic. Bruner James noted more residents attending City Council meetings with the new virtual format and Piana saw a connection among city departments to support small businesses.

“There is a new spirit of partnership between the city, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce,” Piana said. “They’ve really leveraged each other’s strengths and expertise to respond to our

small-business communities needs and became a source of information and guidance for how to apply for small business grants and navigate any employment issues.

The DDA contracted with an HR firm at the beginning of the pandemic because a lot of the small businesses had human resources needs. We’ve been deploying and distributing PPE (personal protective equipment) provided through safety kits by the County,” she added. “So, we’ve tried a lot of different approaches to support our businesses. It’s been a chance to have partnerships that brought a lot of value and benefit to our small businesses across the city.”

Mayor Melanie Piana

N TOP OF ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THE O COMMUNITY, the city continued with several scheduled projects for 2020. In August, City Council

approved its Affordability & Inclusive Housing Action Plan to create a blueprint to increase housing options at all price points throughout the city. They’ve also expanded open outdoor public spaces, like the “Grassy Knoll” at 9 Mile and Bermuda and patio zones for restaurant use.

They are currently working on a proposal to require standards for short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, in the city.

“We are finalizing the short-term rental ordinances now,” Bruner James said. “Next, we will be looking into the vacant and abandoned housing and how to better manage and rebuild those. This will be an important project as having a high rate of vacant homes can lead to a lot of issues for residents including property value and pests.”

Mayor Pro Tem Raylon Leaks-May

“We have data that Ferndale has an eight percent rate of vacant single-family homes, so we’re going to dive deeper into why and understand what is contributing to that number and identify solutions for this issue,” Piana adds.

As we move into 2021, the city is preparing for some exciting changes along Woodward Ave. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be repaving the road between 8 Mile and 10 Mile starting in 2022. In partnership with Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale has applied

for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant to improve safety and modes of transportation options as part of their Woodward Avenue Improvement Project which, if approved, will coincide with the repaving.

“I’m really excited to take advantage of this repaving opportunity and our two cities have come together in a strong partnership supporting making improvements on Woodward,” Piana said. “The grant has been submitted and we’re hoping to hear back by July.”

Residents will have another opportunity to come together as a community to provide input on the final design and engineering of the Complete Streets project. Piana suggests keeping an eye out for meeting details in the next few months and emphasizes the necessity of these improvements.

“W

HAT THE PANDEMIC SHOWED US IS THE REAL VALUE of open and public space and how much having access to public space is important to the public’s health,” Piana said. “You need great sidewalks that connect you somewhere and access for people who may need to use mobility devices. These are all things that the pandemic really doubled down on. We knew it but, until we had to rely on it completely for social well-being and to interact with people in our communities, it wasn’t as apparent.”

As vaccinations roll out and businesses begin reopening, it can feel like things might be back to normal by summer but Piana wants residents to remain cautiously optimistic.

“Looking ahead for 2021, we’re still in a pandemic. I like to use a music analogy – we’re crescendo-ing up the vaccinations and decrescendo-ing the COVID cases,” she said. “The City will be keeping the focus on safety and supporting small business recovery. We’re at more than a year of hunkering down at home, everybody is sort of sick and tired of the pandemic, but we really still need to do our part and stay safe.” n

Council Member Kat Bruner James

Council member Laura Mikulski Not PictureD But Also Serving: Greg Pawlica 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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by Sara E. Teller

Affirmations A

FFIRMATIONS STARTED AS A GRASSROOTS PROGRAM with a handful of advocates offering a hotline for support. Its mission has always been to provide a welcoming space where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultures were able to find support and unconditional acceptance, and where they can learn, grow, socialize, and feel safe.

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HAT MISSION HAS ALLOWED AFFIRMATIONS TO GROW INTO a well-recognized community staple in Ferndale and beyond, offering a wide array of services to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It is a focal point for much-needed support, social gatherings, public meetings, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, while fighting against systemic injustice and inequality.

“Affirmations rented out a one-room space across the street from our current location,” said Development & Community Relations Manager, Kyle Taylor, of the early years. “And it continues to be the hidden gem of Ferndale to this day. There are many people who don’t

days a week for many different populations.

These include groups for Arabic individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, recovery support, millennials, those who identify as transgender, and others. The organization also offers counseling services for adults and refers out to local centers for those under 18.

Taylor said Covid-19 has had “both positive and negative” outcomes, adding, “The silver lining has been our ability to reach individuals who wouldn’t have otherwise come into the Affirmations building – those who can’t drive or live out of the area.”

The team has had to develop creative ways to continue to reach its supporters. One way that it has been able to stay visible is by starting a telethon, which Taylor said has been a successful solution for continuing to foster connections.

A

FFIRMATIONS CELEBRATED THEIR GRAND REOPENING on August 2. Their support groups are now hybrid and their volunteer program is back in swing.

“The best way right now for the community to continue to offer support is through donations,” he explained. “Or, by following our social media pages, which is a great, non-monetary way to show support.” realize we’re here until they stumble upon the building. But everyone has been very supportive, from our police officers to the Mayor and city officials, and our community partners. They’re always mindful about including us in everything.

Ferndale is a very welcoming place to be.”

Upcoming virtual event information can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/ Affirmations or on Instagram and Twitter, @GoAffirmations. Donations can be made at Affirmations’ website, goaffirmations.org/ support. For more information or to get involved, visit Affirmations online or call 248.398.7105. n

In 2007, the group moved into its new space at 290 W. 9 Mile.

Since that time, it has expanded its programming and community services significantly.

Taylor explained, “We now have a Discord channel for youth that offers topics from our volunteers and staff members. We also have a cohort, paid program that meets twice a week and is hosted by professionals in the area. Youth are able to connect and develop a mission for after high school.”

Past presenters include local hair stylists, doctors, lawyers, and many other experts in their fields.

D

UE TO THE PANDEMIC, AFFIRMATIONS NOW HOSTS its support and discussion groups virtually, seven 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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IFINO VALENTINE WAS INSPIRED TO START HIS VALENTINE DISTILLING COMPANY in direct rebellion of the manufacturing standards by big alcohol companies. Coming from a background on Wall Street, he saw big players making big moves in what he considered to be the wrong direction.

Valentine Distilling

by Rose Carver

T

T ALL STARTED WITH THE DIRTY MARTINI. Valentine

would frequent different swanky bars to enjoy this beloved drink after a long day at work. He would try vodkas with labels that said “handcrafted” but, upon further inspection, proved to be just another mass-produced liquor.

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The City of Ferndale also gets a special Valentine thank you, as they allowed the cocktail lounge to expand their patio seating to a couple street parking spots when indoor seating was restricted. The lounge is now back to 100 percent occupancy, and outdoor seating is also available.

A

NOTHER WAY THAT VALENTINE DISTILLING goes above and beyond for their customers and community is their commitment to what they call their “Clean Green Initiative.” The business is in their third year of a ten-year sustainability initiative, which includes making their 20,000 square feet manufacturing facility completely sustainable. They installed a system that will allow them to reuse up to 98 percent of their water. Being from a Great Lakes state, Valentine says they take their water usage seriously. Their green initiative has also allowed for the installation of LED lighting in the facility, and an ambient temperature chilling system that uses much less energy.

“Large liquor companies are making billions of dollars off of Michigan consumers,” Valentine said. “We want to influence customers to demand more from those companies to be responsible when it comes to energy efficiency.” Valentine claims that because these larger liquor companies have no tie to the region in which they sell their product, they don’t make decisions that are responsible for the community.

Get the good stuff from Valentine Distilling, and support regional manufacturing companies who have your best interests in mind. It’s good to know what goes on behind the scenes, and their product speaks for itself. n

“Put simply, profits became the chief goal instead of the quality of the product,” Valentine explained. This prompted him to create a business model that focused on quality.

Valentine Distilling is located in 965 Wanda Street in Ferndale, just down the street from their cocktail bar, on 161 Vester Avenue. Valentine claims the small cocktail bar serves the “best stuff in the world.” You can find this “stuff” all over the Midwest, as it is distributed in 12 states, spanning the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

These spirits are award-winning, and have won best-vodka-in-the-world two years in a row. Their gin has also been named the best-Americangin, and their cask gin has won a world’s-best award as well. That doesn’t begin to cover all of the awards won over the years.

Which one is Rifino’s favorite? He says choosing a favorite liquor is like choosing a favorite kid.

“I

N THE FALL MONTHS I ENJOY OUR BARREL-AGED GIN OR OUR BOURBON. In the spring and summer time, I go for our White Blossom vodka,” he says, boasting the quality of their flavored vodkas.

“Nothing Is better than sitting on a sunny patio with a White Blossom cocktail.”

Like many businesses in the area, Valentine has been hit really hard by the pandemic. Forty-five percent of their distribution is to bars and restaurants, and the shutdown has been devastating. “It’s been horrible, a really tough year,” Valentine said. “We are still trying to build back our business, but we are going to be okay.” Early on in the pandemic, the distillery also made a Valentine brand hand-sanitizing liquid. A sincere thanks goes to the customers who bought those and their “to-go” cocktails last year, as he says it helped them out a lot.

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“That list is: C Cooper Designs, Ida Belle Soaps, Tooth And Nail Oddities, Painted Lady Trashions, Attack Hunger and Detroit GT. They did two things that we’ll never forget. They took a chance on a strange business model ten years ago when we needed a vote of confidence most.

And they stuck with us through good times and bad. That kind of loyalty is rare and never forgotten. There are other shops like 248 Studio, Outer Spaceways and Speedcult that have been with us almost nine years and we have gratitude towards them as well. We have a lot of gratitude towards our shops in general.”

T

HAT SEEMING SENSE OF ETERNAL GRATITUDE IS VIBRANTLY RECIPROCATED, coming full circle, back around from the small business owners within The Rustbelt.

“It can't be overstated how important our partnership with Rustbelt has been since our inception,” says Jeremy Olstyn, Board Member and Production Director of Ferndale Radio.

“Back when we were ramping up to apply for our construction permit with the FCC, we weren’t even sure where we could house our little station. Part of my day job is running WPHS-FM (a small high school radio station in Warren) and Chris Best invited my students and I to broadcast live from the Rustbelt one weekend. So, when we were looking for a home for Ferndale Radio, Chris and Tiffany were really enthusiastic about having us onboard. From what I recall, having an in-market radio station was part of their original business plan. It’s not hyperbole to say that without Chris and Tiffany, we would not be on air in Ferndale.”

By Kevin Lamb

“H

UMBLED AND LUCKY TO BE GIVEN the opportunity to give others an opportunity,” Chris Best says.

When it comes down to it, isn’t that what we should all be striving for? A series of fortuitous happenings, propelled by hard work, and community support which create the space, time and mechanism to help others experience the same.

“In 2011 we set out to create an environment where everyone wins,” and they’ve done just that at The Rustbelt Market.

“The patrons get an authentic human experience which is the antithesis of online shopping. The vendors get to practice and hone their skills turning their passion and dreams into a business they can rely on to bring in steady income. We as the owners get to increase our own business acumen including starting our own events business with a full bar and a plant shop. Practice makes more perfect and we all learn from each other while lifting each other,” Best says.

It is a tremendous gift, and business model to help lift others; not so different from a community garden where space is shared, nurtured, and cultivated for a common good.

“I cherish our time at Rustbelt: the friendships we have made, and the unique shopping experience it gave our customers. It was a great way for us to expand our brands. Tiffany and Chris Best do a great job managing the market and listening to vendors. All the vendors look out for each other and the sense of community is very strong there as well. The Rust Belt Market is the best business incubator in all of the Metro Detroit area,” Paul Marcial of Ink Detroit and The Great Lakes State says.

Best has a deep sense of gratitude towards the brave group of business owners who have been with them since the beginning.

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Making possible what might have previously been otherwise; like planting seeds in rich soil, creating an opportunity for life itself. Best credits the City government of Ferndale for their customer service orientation, taking a public/private partnership stance when approaching their small requests/needs.

“We've heard horror stories from business owners in other cities, and we feel like the city government is our ally. The community of good humans who appreciate the goods made and carried by our shops are way up on that list of gratitude as well!

They have been the ones who have made the dream a reality for all of us Rust Belters. Their votes via dollars are the reason we are making it through this awful pandem ic.”

I

T TAKES A VILLAGE TO TRANSFORM DREAMS INTO REALITIES, and each of us possess unique abilities to help another’s garden grow.

“I think the idea of small shops coming together in a unique, collective space fits perfectly with our community and DIY aesthetic. The Rustbelt is one of those purely Ferndale destinations that has become synonymous with the type of

business people want to support and see thrive and grow in the city. For many of the Rustbelt vendors, you’re seeing people investing in their dreams through sweat and hard work every weekend; our volunteer DJs are doing the same thing in supporting Ferndale Radio,” Olstyn says.

Plants need water; dreams insist sweat equity. The closer a dream aligns with another, the more magnanimous and possible it grows. Like plants, dreams must adapt to ever-changing conditions if they are to blossom.

“Our events business has been shut down for one year. This has been devastating because events brought in 70 percent of our revenue and helped keep rent affordable for our retail tenants. We’ve had to adapt by scheduling a rent increase for our tenants to help offset this loss. Also, my business partner has been able to spend more time focused on The Plant House which is located inside The Rust Belt. She has also added an online sales cart during the shutdown. We eliminated Friday hours also as a way to cut costs and lower risk.”

Nestled within the heart and foundation of Ferndale, The Rustbelt continues to evolve its offerings, preparing for recently approved City ordinances, and their 10th birthday!

“Our wonderful DDA and City Council just approved social districts! That means open adult beverages will be allowed in most of the Downtown's pedestrian walkways and parklets. We plan to take advantage of this by setting up an inviting, outdoor hangout area behind our building with an attractive tent, good lighting and plants. Follow us on social media to stay updated.” n

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by Sherry A. Wells

Rev. Robert Schoenhals First United methodist church

“W

E TAKE A LOT FOR GRANTED HERE IN FERNDALE.” Rev. Schoenhals observed. “There’s a cocoon of acceptance.”

Rev. Schoenhals has been ahead of his denomination in his public statements for LGBTQ persons, but the Church “is coming along and it will get there,” he believes. His stands made for a short stay at one church.

As a Methodist, he is not part of “a nice, comfortable religion.” There is anger, violence, material greed and selfishness to be overcome. The next generation is important to him.

In Ferndale, he was the first pastor of First United Methodist Church to have a large banner on church property declaring Black Lives Matter, made several years ago. Church members and members of the general public signed it. Last year it was placed on the fence. And stolen. A supportive person from the public (not a church member), paid to replace it.

He credits his wife, Jill Allison Warren, with the idea for the next banner: Love is Bigger, which came after the deadly racist confrontation in Charlottesville, Virginia in 2017.

Church members and hundreds of the public signed that one, too. Lesson learned: It was installed very high up.

Every sentence about activism begins with “we.”

The day after Charlottesville, the church hosted a rally of support. “We had about 400 people in the church that day and another 100 out on the sidewalk.”

“We invite Green Energy, such as during the Green Cruise and bike rides. We have a solar array.”

Activism includes being a sanctuary church for immigration.

“One family was about to move in,” the Reverend said, “but got their papers the day before!”

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HE CHURCH RENTS SPACE FOR SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS’ MEETINGS, including the Indivisible Fighting 9. That group asked permission to place 1000 stuffed and other toys on stakes on the lawn, an art installation to represent the thousands of children separated from their parents. “We gave them our blessing.”

Rev. A recent sermon was titled Schoenhals described the relationship between the prophet Elijah and Elisha, as hero-to-trainee. The Reverend so pictured the scene that I felt as though I were walking behind the two, listening to every word. Elisha looked up to

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Elijah’s strong stands against the earthly powers, the political ones.

The Reverend has been accused of being too political but, he insists, and this lesson shows, he is simply being biblical.

It was thrice-weekly exposures to the Bible in his youth that led him into further studies and to the ministry. He enjoyed the indepth Bible appreciation courses in the Liberal Arts program at an evangelical college in Indiana. A Biblical Literature major taught critical thinking and analysis.

Greek and Church History and biblical languages and interpretation inspired him.

A

SSIGNMENTS BY THE DENOMINATION have included seven years as a campus minister at the University of Michigan; an urban mission in Indianapolis with a small, diverse congregation housed in a gigantic, historic building; a brief stint on the West Coast; and eight years as pastor of a rural church in Armada, Michigan in the early years. Here at Ferndale First the congregation is also remarkably diverse, with about 40 percent Black members: African-American, several from Jamaica, with Ghana represented as well. He will be retiring in 2022, so Ferndale will be his last, although he will help celebrate this church’s 100th anniversary.

One advantage of the pandemic is that one may secretly attend a service via Zoom. With the link

on the church FaceBook page, you’ll see Rev. Schoenhals sitting on the steps up to the . He looks like a chancel for grandpa. When he spoke about his grandson, his face lit up with great delight. I asked his wife if, when there are children with him on those steps, he is much more animated than on Zoom. My suspicions were confirmed with a “You got it right!” n www.ferndalefirstumc.org www.facebook.com/FirstUnitedMethodist ChurchFerndale

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HERE’S STILL PLENTY OF WARM WEATHER LEFT TO explore the green spaces of Metro Detroit. Thanks to local conservation efforts, the surrounding area is replete with several parks for those seeking good ol’ Vitamin N.

Douglas Evens Nature Preserve ONE INCREASINGLY POPULAR JAPANESE MODALITY in outdoor enjoyment is , also known as “forest bathing.” As defined by the Association of Forest and Nature Therapy, forest bathing entails leaving digital devices behind and walking slowly through the forest, observing nature in its constant state-of-change.

Come join on paths near and far to enjoy the calming benefits of spending time in nature.

Stage Nature Area 6685 Coolidge Highway, Troy MI 48098 Start your walk by grabbing a map at the Nature Center. You’ll set out to experience 1.5 miles of trails in a park known for its ample wildlife such as deer and turkey. The wooded trails and boardwalks wind through upland forest, meadows, wetlands, and a cattail marsh playing a backdrop to the Rouge River. Go for the peace and quiet. Stay for the activities such as maple-tapping scheduled through the Nature Center.

Heritage Park 24916 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills MI 48836 Step onto the winding trails at Heritage Park and experience why is the motto of the park. With four and a half miles of looping trails for hiking and nature study, curious hikers will find the park’s gems, including the where a small rumble of water cascades over rocks and the . Sweeping vistas can be enjoyed from benches throughout the park overlooking meadows and birdwatching spots.

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31845 Evergreen Rd, Beverly Hills MI 48025 Take a walk on the wild side at Douglas Evans. Ungroomed, rustic trails greet hikers who navigate the winding paths and invite the adventurous at heart to follow openings in the bushes to locate the riverside trail system. Sit-spots, like large fallen logs along the riverbank, make for places to pause to absorb the surroundings. Park on Evergreen Road and cross the bridge to enter this petite and untamed natural space. Be forewarned, there are no restrooms.

Red Oaks Nature Center 30300 Hales Street, Madison Heights MI 48071 You’ll find a pleasant surprise tucked across the street from Meijer on 13 Mile Road where you can steal away from the hustle and bustle at this 37-acre park. Here, trails are alive with birdsong while towering trees sway in the breeze overhead. Stop by the vernal pond in the spring and summer months to observe the dynamic changes it undergoes as the seasons progress.

Tenhave Woods Nature Trail Lexington Blvd & Marais Avenue, Royal Oak MI 48073 Forest-bathers will appreciate this vibrant natural environment as a treat for the senses nestled away from the cityscape. This fenced-in nature area affords walkways winding through 22 acres in the Quickstad Park next to Royal Oak High School’s Raven Stadium.

The park touts oak, beech, hickory and maple trees which are said to have stood since the early 1800s. Come Spring, several types of wildflowers, including trilliums dot the forest floor. Dragonfly Pond is a nice place to pause and is also a gathering spot for wildlife, like turtles and frogs.

Maybury State Park 20145 Beck Road, Northville MI 48167 Prepare for the grandest of adventures at this crown jewel of natural beauty. Start by locating the park map on signposts which distinguish walking trails from those meant for bikers and horseback riders.

Meander under the canopy of trees through dense forest and rolling hills that give away to open meadows and the small lake. Paved walking trails are also available at this nearly thousand-acre park. n

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by Jill Hurst

photo ©2021 David McNair

S

ILENCE. Not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Ferndale, with the drag races on 8 Mile, the Dream Cruisers, music on the 9, street fairs and Monday 5:00 P.M. protesters.

Rumi And the voices. Lots of loud, opinionated folks here.

I like that.

As of 2019, Ferndale was noisy and booming. Apartments and parking structures going up. New and established business thriving.

Then, in early 2020, enter the virus. Like everyone else in the country, we had to lock down and mask up. There were a few ornery holdouts, but for the most part Ferndale is a collaborative place and adapted pretty quickly to quarantine life. Normally, we’d be out and loud on the streets during a year of rising social injustice and a contentious election. But we stayed quiet. We expressed our political opinions and social outrage through signs we stuck in the ground and used paint and sidewalk chalk to thank essential workers for their service.

The signs on 9 Mile used song lyrics like. from the Police and White Snake’s reminding us to take care while we were out and about. The festivals were replaced by the parade of folks walking their dogs. The music venues were dark, but the birds were out in full force, accompanied by the wind chimes.

O

NE SUNDAY AFTERNOON, our young neighbors played and sang outside on their front lawn. On New Year's Eve many of us placed luminaries in front of our homes. I hope we make that a Ferndale tradition. When we look back on this collective experience,

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we’ll remember the moments, good and bad. I cried the first time I shopped at Western Market wearing a mask. But the owners took such pains to provide a safe environment, it became a haven and a distraction.

And there was the day the owner of Green Daffodil pulled up in front of my house with the lotion I’d ordered. It was on her way home, she claimed. My bosses at Bubble & Bark made home visits to dearly loved senior clients Cooper and Milly and their families. Food pantries popped up. Restaurants quickly shifted to takeaway and delivery. I never got the hang of using an app to order food, but valued someone else's cooking more than ever.

N

OW, HERE WE ARE, more than halfway through 2021. The summer was a little more “normal”. The restaurants opened their doors. Back in June we enjoyed Gravity, a new festival that brought people of all generations to Geary Park on a hot Saturday afternoon.

In August, the Dream Cruise roared through town. I joyfully renewed my library card in person and got a pedicure. Okay, two.

But I’m not taking these happy, frivolous moments for granted. Like all of you, I remember the voices and places that will stay silent. I am truly thankful for the folks who helped us get through these challenging months, the ones who had to work so that we could all stay home.

We still have a lot of challenges ahead of us, so…take a walk around town before it gets too cold. Look at the beautiful flowers and the heavy hanging tomatoes and peppers. Hug a vaccinated friend.

Admire that fresh coat of paint on your neighbors house. Dig out your Halloween decorations.

One foot in front of the other. Go forward into our new Ferndale Normal.

n

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by Peter Werbe

Ferndale Is My Downtown photo ©2021 David McNair

S

hhh! Don’t tell Marian McClellan, the wonderful Mayor of Oak Park, the city in which I live, but Ferndale is my downtown.

JONI MITCHELL, “Big Yellow Taxi”

I DON’T THINK I’M TOO DIFFERENT FROM RESIDENTS OF OTHER SURROUNDING SUBURBS who flock to the Nine Mile and Woodward area for food, beverages, and services. Although for a year, public congregating has been on major hold or done with the necessary inconvenience of a mask. Many, including myself, haven’t been to a restaurant in over a year. I remember the exact date. It was March 7, 2020. We celebrated my wife’s birthday at Pop’s for Italian on Nine Mile.

To be sure, cities like Oak Park, Berkley, Hazel Park, and others are undergoing a vibrant refashioning of their image and reality. The city where I live is doing an amazing job of transforming Oak Park from a bedroom community to one that rivals Ferndale as a magnet for social life, as are the other towns. Each of these municipalities have ambitious plans to create destination locations, many already brought to fruition.

The challenge each faces, however, is not having a traditional, walkable downtown, such as enjoyed by Ferndale and Royal Oak. Ferndale had a bustling downtown in 1950 when a lot of Oak Park was a wetland that they called a swamp back then. One could stand a little west of the Ferndale border and see the traffic on Greenfield until the porous land was filled in (something that would never be allowed today) and thousands of tract homes erected.

I’m just far enough from downtown Ferndale on Oak Park’s East Side that it’s a bit too far to walk. So I drive, or bike on the city’s new Nine

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Mile Road bike lane. I also drive to spots in the other suburbs, but what is attractive about Ferndale’s center is that you can casually stroll the streets, some times having nothing planned until you pop into Howe’s Bayou for a catfish po’ boy, sushi at Inyo, maybe grab a pre-meal cocktail from Valentine’s or a beer at Woodward Avenue Brewery.

Some mornings, it’s a coffee from Java Hut with a pastry from The Red Hook. Or, I mail copies of my book at the Ferndale post office (don’t let them close it!), and get lunch from the venerable Bangkok Café. I’m making myself so hungry writing this that I’m pausing to get a snack!

The particular appeal is that you don’t go to just one location to get what you want, but that after eating or drinking or shopping at one of the great stores, it’s an interesting enough terrain to just drift along Woodward or Nine Mile Road, maybe walking over to get an ice cream at Treat Dreams.

I’ve mentioned only a scant number of the establishments featured in this Guide, all of which are worth driving or biking to. This last year reflects the Joni Mitchell song. We take most of our lives, or did, pretty much for granted. As things return to normal, we need to give a greater appreciation for what we thought was the same old same old.

We know now that it was and is what constitutes our lives. n

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ERVING THE FERNDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS A CONSTANT CHALLENGE, but it is also a highly rewarding profession. Chief Teresa Robinson and Marshall Dennis Barr recently met with me at Station #1 to talk about important safety matters, and to give an overview of the

by Jenn Goeddeke

Together with Station #2, located at 1070 E. 9 Mile, the Ferndale Fire Department manages fire & EMS response teams for all of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge and Royal Oak Township. Calls are routed from the 911 system and the trucks are then dispatched, including ambulances, depending on the nature of the emergency.

Robinson and Barr explained that their staff respond to all kinds of emergencies, beyond fires, and so they need to be one-hundred percent prepared. The staff are all well-trained to respond fast to practically any emergency situation. Robinson added, “We have a great group of conscientious firefighters and paramedics here who train together every day on a wide variety of skills. Even though the job can be stressful, ultimately we get to make someone's day better. Unfortunately, it's not always a good outcome, but we can still show compassion and try to fix whatever is going wrong.”

Barr emphasized that prevention is the key. “We want to be proactive and to educate the community on how to stay safe.” Even simple measures count, like having a good smoke detector located on every floor and in every sleeping area. The Ferndale Fire Department reaches out to the public in many ways with information. For example, a free smoke detector educational program is offered. Residents can schedule a safety survey, which is specifically tailored to each home. This program takes about an hour to complete. It covers many topics such as an escape plan (for example, making sure your windows open), or checking for hidden hazards such as electrical cords running under your carpets.

Campfires can also create risky situations and injuries. A permit is required for local campfires. There is an application available online. Your potential campfire arrangement will be reviewed to make sure it meets certain safety standards. There is a $25 annual permit available. Of course, firework safety is equally important. Residents can check the City of Ferndale website for the appropriate City ordinance.

Downed wires can also be extremely dangerous. Barr reminded residents to call 911 if you are unsure of any situation involving a downed wire. They can easily electrify surrounding conductive objects, such as a metal fence.

Moisture is a factor in how the electricity is able to travel along the ground.

Check out more fire safety ideas at: www.safehome.org/resources/fireprevention-guide/,

T

he Department also gets involved with many local outdoor festivals and events. Every year during the Woodward Dream Cruise, the Department offers five-minute CPR demonstrations. Autism awareness is in April, in partnership with Team GUTS. In the Fall, they raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. The Fire Department also attends various block parties in Summer months to interact with parents and their kids and answer questions on firefighting/safety.

Robinson has been working for 25 years in fire and EMS, and, “still loves coming to work every day.” She added that they are always looking for ways to give back but are not looking to be in the limelight for these efforts. They have been receiving fewer applicants for jobs, so they’d like to keep promoting firefighting as a valuable career avenue. Robinson said you can make a good living with the Fire Department and “you can be proud of doing this.” The job has fun aspects too. “You get to do stuff like training on ‘jaws of life’ equipment. The staff are always lear ning new skills.”

Certifications usually take a year to complete, with a further year to become certified as a paramedic. To be a firefighter, a person must be in good physical shape and at least 18-years-old. Robinson has seen some people enter the Force later in their life but suggests that a full career in the Department is the best way to go. Phone calls are welcome from those who have serious inquiries about a career in firefighting.

We’d like to thank the Ferndale Fire Station for promoting safety, helping so many people in their times of need, and saving lives! n www.ferndalemi.gov/departments/fire-department www.teamgutsmichigan.com www.lung.org/get-involved/events/fight-for-air-climb

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RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH CHIEF OF FERNDALE’S POLICE DEPARTMENT, Dennis Emmi, for an in-depth conversation on current policing perspectives in Ferndale. Chief Emmi is committed to maintaining good leadership practices and standards. We can be reassured in knowing he is in charge of Ferndale's police force.

We covered four main topics: The Department’s response to the Covid19 pandemic; professional standards; interaction with the community; and the evolving role of technology within law enforcement.

COVID19:

Emmi emphasized how proud of the staff he has been throughout the pandemic. The officers worked staggered schedules to minimize crosscontamination. Due to consistent precautions, such as the mandatory wearing of masks and strict hygiene measures, the Department kept Covid19 under control around the station. “We prepared for the worst outcome and protected our officers. We were constantly writing and updating a Covid response for the City and also for SouthEast Oakland County. It was a team effort.”

The pandemic has severely affected the social interaction part of policing.

This has posed a big obstacle. As Emmi pointed out, “Zoom just is not effective with that!” At a time where the law needed to be humanized more than ever, it wasn’t easy while also maintaining safe distancing measures.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS:

Emmi added that they are a progressive Department, where oversight and professional conduct is always a top priority. Out of 588 departments in Michigan, they are one of only 29 to be accredited by the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Emmi explained, "We follow National Best Practices, and our certification gets renewed every three years. We definitely need to maintain high standards, and I would encourage other Michigan departments to complete the same accreditation process."

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

Emmi believes this is the core value of their Department: “Our residents do not just take government for granted. They participate a lot. We engage in their opinions and support them in voicing concerns.” Emmi strongly feels that their interaction with the community is a key for success, and that the workforce needs to closely represent the society they protect. Emmi particularly likes the Cop On the Corner program, where residents are encouraged to chat with the Chief of Police and some of the officers.

Another way of reaching out to residents is the Citizens Academy. This is a four-week program involving 20 “recruits,” who spend their time learning all about local law enforcement, four hours a week. The program is designed to educate residents on various aspects of policing, including investigations; reporting; crime scene processing and also employment opportunities. Staff members from every Department program, from dispatchers to the Chief of Police, help shed light on what goes on behind the curtain and

eliminate some of the mystery surrounding law enforcement.

The Ferndale Police Department is currently hiring, and they actively recruit from local academies. Emmi describes their Department as, “an exciting place to work.”

by Jenn Goeddeke

TECHNOLOGY:

Emmi emphasized that investigators in this modern era need to be in touch with technology. Gone are the days where a police officer simply leaves with a carbon notepad and pen. Emmi points out that much crime is now embedded within the online world, including a high percentage of Internet-based fraud schemes and identity thefts. Also, solving crimes typically includes the use of different technologies, such as: cameras/surveillance equipment; social media; cell phones/tower signals.

Part of their job is to educate the public how to safeguard ourselves against crime. For example, monitoring your personal and business credit and changing passwords frequently.

Controversy has arisen over the years regarding where to draw the line with technological recognition/monitoring computer programs such facial recognition and vehicle license plate scanning. This makes people nervous about their privacy rights. The implementation and use of these types of technology must be preceded by well thought-out policies and strict oversight to ensure they are used responsibly. However, as Emmi pointed out, these technologies have become essential for combatting crime. They serve as a force multiplier and in some cases increase officer safety. For instance, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or drones) are an invaluable, potentially lifesaving piece of equipment for searching for missing children or assessing dangerous police or fire situations.

Emmi recognizes that police officers are “in a position of great authority.

We don’t take the responsibility lightly, and we want the public to know about our efforts to maintain professionalism, and to avoid any appearance of mystery or violating the public trust.”

We thank Chief Emmi and the members of the Ferndale Police Dept. for their efforts in keeping Ferndale a safe, great place to live! n 310 East Nine Mile, Ferndale MI 48220 The Command Desk may be reached at: 248.541.3650 • Hope Not Handcuffs program: www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org • For anonymous reporting of ordinance violations or hazards, please install the CClickFix app on any smartphone.

• The Ferndale Police Department will dispose of expired medications. A medbox is available within their location.

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A PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE FROM CHIEF EMMI 136

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S

UMMER WENT BY IN A FLASH. Now we are faced with new challenges: Getting back into a routine that hasn't been there for many months will be a challenge. Most students I have talked to are excited to return to in-school learning and some are still opting for remote learning. No matter which choice makes sense to you, our students have been experiencing mental stress and possibly making poor choices in substance use.

by Carol Jackson, Executive Director

a great alternative to tobacco. It’s extremely addictive and it Vaping is is illegal under the age of 21. This is a vulnerable time for our children.

Our job is to ensure that their educational, personal and mental development continues to increase and prepares them to become tomorrow's leaders. Read on to see how you can help.

The most important thing you can do to make an impact is simply to pay attention to new behaviors in your youth. Problems with substance use starts in middle school. Yes, you heard that right: middle school. Signs include too many bathroom trips, a dry cough, keeping secrets, objects that looks like a charger for a computer (which are actually a charger for a vape pen), shortness of breath, headaches, increased thirst, emotional problems and that's just to name a few. Young people can actually purchase clothing made to facilitate vaping surreptitiously, like a hoodie with ties that are actually a delivery system for the vapor.

SEOC tries to teach parents and teachers to pay attention and provide alternatives to keep our young people active. Some of the prevention strategies SEOC offers are a Join Our Youth group (run by students) in the school, to help troubled students get support from their peers. Other programs include Financial Literacy, Health, Wellness & Nutrition and Life Skills, to help young people learn prevention strategies. We don’t preach, we educate and have fun while doing it.

We have sponsored the following activities for many years prior to Covid: Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Domestic Violence Awareness, Safe Night, PRIDE Month, Coats for Kids, SEOC Youth Group, and holiday events.

If you have a student in your life, give us a call at the coalition for more information.

These young people are our future leaders, we need to give them all the opportunities we have in our tool box. n Submitted by Carol Jackson, Executive Director 586-747-1394 carol.jackson@ferndaleschools.org Hiram Harris, Youth Programs Director 248-979-2212 hiram_harris@yahoo.com

The SouthEast Oakland Coalition (SEOC) has been in Ferndale public schools for many years. We are a 501c3 charity with a mission “To bring together all segments of the community to reduce substance abuse, especially among youth and promote a mentally, emotionally and physically safe and healthy environment in which to live and work."

SEOC is responsible for Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Twp and a sliver of Oak Park.

Underage and binge drinking, marijuana, use of E cigarettes and vaping has increased nationally among youth during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SOUTHEAsT OAKLAND COALITION

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T

he Covid-19 pandemic has affected communities world-wide in many negative ways. In addition to widespread death and despair, Covid-19 has also exacerbated another epidemic that has long been growing in our communities: teenage substance abuse.

Teenagers are curious by nature, and their interest in drug experimentation is no exception. They feel indestructible, and are ignorant of the consequences drug abuse will have on their lives. The two most common substances abused by teens are alcohol and marijuana. Others include; tobacco, opiates, prescription drugs, stimulants, hallucinogens, inhalants and “designer” drugs.

Unfortunately, some teenagers will go on to develop an addiction to drugs.

Why do some young people develop a substance abuse problem? , Peer pressure. , Low self esteem. , Family history of substance abuse. , Mental health issues (especially anxiety and depression). , Past trauma/abuse.

Where can our Oakland County youth find help for a substance abuse problem? Look no further than these three local Community Coalition Groups: , Southeast Oakland Coalition: Serving Ferndale, Royal Oak Town-ship, Pleasant Ridge and portions of Oak Park. The Director is Carol Jackson (carol.jackson@ferndaleschools.org). , Tri-Community Coalition: Serving Berkley, Huntington Woods and portions of Oak Park. The Executive Director is Judy Rubin (judyrubin@tricommunitycoalition.org).

, Providing our youth with substance abuse education, which enables them to make better "life choices." , Employing student speakers to share their first-hand substance abuse experiences, lending credibility to their drug-free message. , Working with parents, teachers, businesses, governments, faith communities, law enforcement, healthcare providers, homeowners and public/private agencies.

Some of their current programs include:

by Kerry Lark

, Student Vaping: This growing problem involves inhaling substances and chemicals which may lead to permanent lung damage. , Resolve: This comprehensive “life skills” program restores the hope and health of people in recovery from substance abuse. , Buzzed Driving: This program covers the dangers of "driving under the influence." , Renewed: This four-step, on-line program provides tools and coping strategies to help people deal with stress and anxiety.

The mother ship for these three local Community Coalitions is a 501c3 non-profit called the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. The Alliance is funded by the Oakland Community Health Network and private donations. There are a total of 21 local Community Coalitions providing coverage to all of Oakland County.

Covid-19 has caused great suffering and loss, but it also can be a catalyst for positive change. We know our young people should not face the dangers of drug abuse alone. So what can you do? It’s simple! Tell your family, friends and neighbors about the important work being done by these Community Coalition groups and then contribute some of your time, expertise or money to their worthy cause.

Helen Keller summed it up best, when she said: n

www.ACHCMI.org | info@achcmi.org | 248-221-7107

, Royal Oak Coalition: Serving Royal Oak. The Director is Melissa Morris (rocommunitycoalition@gmail.com).

I interviewed the Directors from these three Community Coalition groups and learned a great deal about the excellent work they do, including; , Providing numerous educational programs, presentations and support to our local middle schools and high schools. , Substance abuse prevention, mental health wellness and recovery support.

LOCAL COMMUNITY COALITION GROUPS

Fighting Teenage Substance Abuse 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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by Jenn Goeddeke

Living Modes

F

OR NEARLY SEVEN DECADES, METRO DETROIT'S PRIMARY DESTINATION for great contemporary and mid-century modern home decor has been Living Modes. Located at 23535 Woodward in Ferndale, and owned by Richard Sherman, Living Modes has gathered an extensive clientele over the years.

Along with his highenergy manager of 34 years, Rick Lakomy, Sherman prides himself on dedication to his loyal customers. Sherman and Lakomy enjoy getting to know everyone. Even though the Covid19 pandemic has hit Ferndale hard, Sherman continues to work diligently to keep up with the demand for his products and services.

We sat on a gorgeous, white leather reclining couch, next to a large and brightly-colored coffee table. I was already sold!

Sherman put me at ease, with his laid-back conversational style. After chatting, Sherman took me on a tour of the entire two-level store, quite an eye-opening experience for art lovers such as myself.

Sherman's background in horticulture and interior design clear-ly served him well in forming these stunning showrooms and the whole ensemble is spot-on. All items are displayed in a highly color-coordinated and integral way; it’s a lively, arrangement of furniture, art, lighting, mirrors, florals and accessories where all items are vying for attention!

Sherman takes great pride in his selection of merchandise, and buys items from all over the world.

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Offering Elegance & Style Since 1953!

S

HERMAN STARTED OUT SMALLER, WITH JUST 3000 SQUARE FEET. The store has evolved greatly over the decades. In 1953, his father, Bernard “Barney” Sherman opened the first incarnation of Living Modes, on the old James Couzens highway. Gradually over the years, Richard Sherman started to handle the nuts and bolts of the business. Then in 1995, the store moved to its current location at 23535 Woodward Ave in Ferndale Due to the Covid19 pandemic, Sherman had to close the store for a couple of months, like most others in Michigan. However, he considers himself fortunate, as sales have remained strong.

Teaming up with his son, Ian, Sherman retains a prominent online presence, through both FaceBook and their web site.

Naturally, Sherman has been saddened by the effect of the pandemic on many of his neighbors’ lives and businesses, and he is “waiting for the ‘new normal’ – I want to see Ferndale return to its former bustling vibrancy.” n 248.544.1711 www.livingmodesonline.com www.facebook.com/livingmodes.

Mon. 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Tues 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Weds-Thurs Closed Fri 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Sat 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Sun Closed

FULL

SERVICE

W& W

FUNERAL

HOME

Wessels & Wilk F U N E R A L

H O M E

Licensed & Insured

• Funeral Services

Granite • Quartz Laminate Tops Flooring • Appliances

• Obituaries

Kitchen & Bath Cabinets at Wholesale Prices Professional Installation

• Planning • Grief Support • Honoring Veterans John E. Wilk & Steven Wilk, Directors 23690 Woodward Ave. Pleasant Ridge, MI 48069 Phone: (248) 543-0100 Fax: (248) 543-0102

Serving with Compassion

TABERNACLE

BAPTIST CHURCH • Sunday School: 9:30 A.M.

Visit Our Showroom • 22110 Woodward, Ferndale

248.336.6000 www.kitchenconceptinc.com

Licensed with the State of MI

Covid-19 preparedness plan in place

Children & Teen Ministries on Sundays & Wednesdays

• Sunday services: 10:45 A.M. / 6:00 P.M. On Facebook Live

Arabic language service on Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

• Wednesday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 P.M.

Coffee Shop Bible Studies for Millennials

Pastor Richard A. Yokel tbchp@wowway.com www.tbchp.org (248) 541-8070 FAX: (248) 541-5765 Find us on Facebook!

Providing a nurturing environment for every child during their most critical early years.

COMPETITIVE RATES | CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFIED MEALS INCLUDED | CHRISTIAN-BASED STATE-CERTIFIED TEACHERS | DHS ACCEPTED

Extracurricular Activites: Martial Arts, Dance & Music Immersive Learning Experience | Class Dojo app W 9 Mile Rd, Oak Park 248-809-6025 10440 Mon-Fri 7:00 AM–6:00 PM

info@sunnysideec.com

22323 S Chrysler Dr, Hazel Park MI 48030 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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Patchwork Collective

W

HILE MUCH OF THE WORLD IS BETTER FAMILIAR with the comforts of working from home after 2020, I would similarly wager there is a greater appreciation for quiet, distraction-free, office space.

Founded in 2018 to be just that, Ben Long says PatchWork Collective was opened as a result of a lack of small office space in Ferndale, particularly for solo entrepreneurs and start-ups.

“The goal was to have something unique, and different from the large coworking sites like WeWork,” Long says.

Located at 22007 Woodward Ave., PatchWork Collective invites you to work the way you want, offering safe and adaptable office space with private offices, conference rooms, and special event/presentation space when permitted.

“Networking groups, weddings/wedding showers, birthdays, ballroom/ tango dance events, social events, book signings, animal adoption events, retirement parties, painting classes, and art auctions” are all examples of the events held in the space thus far.

PatchWork Collective is open to its members 24/7, and otherwise by appointment only.

“Ferndale has always been very inclusive and welcoming, and has a nice community and neighborly feel. PatchWork has a diverse member population. PatchWork has been well-received by the community with several members and occasional users being Ferndale residents and/or Ferndale business workers. Additionally,

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2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

PatchWork won the

by Kevin Alan Lamb

in 2019 at the ,” Long says.

The Mayor’s Business Council gave out five awards to local businesses and business people who truly represented the heart of Ferndale. Mayor Coulter introduced former PatchWork CEO, Lisa Schmidt, and told everyone how the PatchWork Collective was an idea born right here in Ferndale. He talked about how Lisa and her co-founder Long had worked with the Build Institute in Ferndale to create their business plan and develop the company from concept to concrete. He shared how PatchWork is a great space for small business owners, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to work together.

A

RECENT ROLLOUT AT THE COLLECTIVE IS THEIR TABLETOP MARKETPLACE, which is a way for vendors who might usually be at festivals like Pride, or those merchants with side gigs making products like candles, to sell their products.

“We currently feature homemade candles from Ferndale’s own Solas Candles, a local artist’s production, Waxing Cara (homemade goods using natural ingredients from bees), and products from Bedazzled Ballroom Dress Rental. The marketplace is open Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., or by appointment. We’re always looking for additional vendors, so contact us if anyone is interested in learning more.”

Long hopes that once vaccines are fully rolled out and we are in the clear, they can get back to being a co-working, incubator space. n

We now carry Feng Shui Wealth Bracelets to attract money and for protection.

Various Gemstone bracelets.

Full line of Herbs, Oils and Incense

Wide Variety of Smudge Sticks & Tibetan Singing Bowls.

Stones, Herbs, Jewelry, Smudge-Sticks , Religious Goods, Statues, Tapestries, Cauldrons & Metaphysical Products.

10332 W Nine Mile Rd, Oak Park

248-291-5483 Mon-Sat 10-5

2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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S

UMMERS WERE SPENT PLAYING BASEBALL in the front yard by day, and running through neighborhood streets, playing Capture-The-Flag by night.

In those brief moments we took respite inside my childhood home for PBJ’s and hydration, we could always depend on my mom busy at work painting in the kitchen (her studio), listening to Julio Iglesias. Our home was decorated with her water-color and mixed media creations, while her positive energy and creativity still tell a story today.

All those years ago, she was a member of the Lawrence Street Gallery, which first made its home in Pontiac, before finding its way to Ferndale. Little did I know then, but some 25 years later I would call Ferndale home, and be given the opportunity to write about Lawrence Street Gallery, connecting with Laura Host, its Director and my mom’s old friend.

Closing also prompted a needed shift in emphasis toward the Gallery’s online presence. “Cindy Parsons (painter) spearheaded the project of making the Gallery capable of having virtual exhibits online.”

“Your mom, Kris, was always a very enthusiastic member. She was a great artist and was willing to attempt anything!” Host says.

Grateful for this serendipitous entanglement of past and present, I asked Host to paint us a picture of the gallery’s early days.

“Our first location was on Lawrence Street in the old Salvation Army building in Pontiac. The space had been an art gallery but a new owner bought the building and wanted to have it continue as a gallery. So she decided to turn it into an artist cooperative gallery. The original members set it up legally as a cooperative and Lawrence St. Gallery started in 1987.”

Despite being closed from mid-March until July, Host was quick to identify a silver lining in the pandemic; citing increased foot traffic downtown as a result of people having less to do, and receiving the Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant.

“We received the grant in October 2020,” thanks to Treasurer Dennis Montville, who is also a wood turner and wood sculptor.

“We’ve been able to purchase air-purifying machines and hand-sanitizer machines to help our members and visitors feel safer,” Host says.

W

HILE SHE WASN’T LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING BACK, HOST QUICKLY REALIZED how much she missed it. “What could be better than sipping coffee while looking at art?”

Open the first Friday of every month, ten people are allowed in the gallery at a time. Even after being in Ferndale for 18 years, they are exploring ways to better let neighbors know they are there.

“We joined the Chamber of Commerce and have tried to create events that get people into the gallery, like Meet-the-Artist Sundays. We stress that we have a brand-new exhibit at the gallery every month.”

“The space had high ceilings, beautiful tall windows and wood floors.

Downtown Pontiac was waking up after a time of empty buildings and the City offered buildings for very little, hoping to have the new owners refurbish the buildings and downtown. We were the first gallery in the 1987 version of downtown Pontiac, and the last one to leave in 2003.

Finding a spot on Woodward Ave. in Ferndale seemed like a great idea. We kept the name Lawrence Street Gallery as we had been known as a place for artists to display their work, and we wanted to keep a connection to all the history of the gallery.”

Artists are their best customers, and Host is grateful that people are learning more about the community, that they might not have had time for in the past.

“We have affordable, original, all-media art by area artists. Those who love buying art can always find something at the gallery, and those who are just starting out buying artwork for their homes can find amazing art, at affordable prices. We even donated a percentage of sales for a couple of months when we reopened last July to the Renaissance Vineyard Food Pantry in Ferndale.” n

By Kevin Alan Lamb

Lawrence Street Gallery 146

2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

LIBRARY BOOKSTORE Used Books Bought & Sold In-Home Buying Available

Tues-Sat

12-5pm

(248) 545-4300 169 W 9 Mile Rd. Ferndale

9 Mile Troy

Woodward

WE BUY BOOKS M. Sempliner, Owner • D. Morland, Mgr. 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

147

“Deciding to close our Clawson store wasn’t difficult, as we knew that managing both stores, especially amid a pandemic, would be too much to handle financially and emotionally,” Duffey said. “Last Summer, we rented the space next door to our main location to help manage the overflow of inventory.

“Eventually we will break down the main wall and refigure our dressing rooms. But in the meantime, The Annex houses the bulk of our accessories for men and women,” said Williams. “While the front room has a cozy boutique feel, the Annex is an intimate space that is a revolving/evolving room dedicated to local artists and sustainable products.”

L

IKE MOST SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, Williams and Duffey got creative during the pandemic and went outside of their normal methods of engaging customers, and much of their efforts to stay connected to customers focused on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram.

M

elanie Williams and Nicole Duffey, lifelong best friends, are celebrating 14 years in business as co-owners of Regeneration, a resale clothing store at 23700 Woodward Ave. in Pleasant Ridge, just blocks away from Ferndale and I-696.

D

ESPITE A TOUGH YEAR DURING THE PANDEMIC, they are expanding the size of their store with the addition of a new space called The Annex, and looking forward to the future.

Williams and Duffey expressed deep gratitude that their store managed to survive the difficult circumstances brought about by COVID-19.

“We are appreciative that most of our customers feel safe to shop and sell clothing with us during such an uneasy time,” Duffey said.

“We’ve used Instagram the past few years to highlight exceptional items we buy for the store, but now we’re using Instagram to make connections. Just before we reopened in May 2020, we invited our staff to share Instagram videos of what they’d been up to during quarantine. We’ve since transitioned into hosting a weekly live sale on Instagram at 2:00 P.M. on Saturdays. It’s important to share highlights of our inventory with folks that aren’t one hundred percent comfortable shopping during the pandemic. We cultivated a big family of customers prior to the pandemic shutdown, and our activity on Facebook and Instagram helped us stay in touch with people and connect to other businesses.”

One trend the two women have noticed is that career-oriented items aren’t selling as much as they once did. Working from home has changed career-wear culture. They said the great thing about resale is that you don’t have to spend a lot to wear fashionable clothing, and shopping secondhand is beneficial for one’s budget, as well as the environment.

“When we do shift back to school full-time, being social, or heading back to the workplace, our store will be a fantastic option for families who don’t want to spend full price on apparel,” Williams said. “Also, having a significant amount of down time has inspired folks to clean out their closets and purge unneeded things. This is beneficial to the world of resale, because we are seeing an influx of amazing items that people are casting off in exchange for cash or store credit.” n

The duo’s history as business owners goes back to 2007, when a desire for new careers led them to shift gears and open Regeneration.

“We were both in a stagnant place, job-wise and life-wise; craved a change and wanted a challenge,” Williams said. “We both adored vintage clothing and had been avid thrift store shoppers, so it made sense to try our hand at a business we loved.”

Regeneration had expanded to two stores when a second store opened in Clawson in 2011. But the Clawson store did not survive the pandemic, allowing Williams and Duffey to focus on growing their main location in Pleasant Ridge.

Regeneration Expands!

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“Best Sandwich Shop!”

Click On Detroit

Metro Times

For Meat, Poultry, Vegetables & More Available as Wedding & Party Favors

Hey Baby! & more at

Ernie’s Market 8500 Capital Oak Park MI 48237 facebook.com/Ernie’sMarket erniessandwichshop.com

734-812-7552

MILIVE.com

erniessandwichshop.com

Home of the famous “Ernie’s Monster!”

8500 Capital, Oak Park MI 48237 facebook.com/Ernie’sMarket | erniessandwichshop.com

Advance Orders Welcomed At: 248-541-9703

GIFT BAGS | BOXES | FAVOR BAGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

! e e r F Free 3.5 oz. cone OR 12 oz. misty slush w/any purchase

HANDMADE GOURMET TOFFEE POPCORN

Michigan Mix (toffee & cheddar cheese), Carrot Cake, Pecan, Jalapeno Cheddar, Cinnamon Pretzel, Strawberry Lemonade Butter Pecan, Toffee, Red Velvet & More!

Ferndale Dairy Queen 941 W. 9 Mile, Ferndale

H A N D - M A D E H O M E ST Y L E I C E C R E A M !

CHECK US OUT ON DOORDASH & GRUBHUB Redeemable at the Ferndale Dairy Queen Only.

Limit one per customer, per household, per visit, per purchase. Expires 10.31.2021

M-W by appt Th-Sa 10A–6P Su Closed

FB: Lisa D’s Divine Treats Instagram: Lisads_DivineTreats

www.LisadsPopcraze.com email: Lisads@sbcglobal.net

24361 Greenfield Ste 208E, S’field | 248 403-2682 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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W

e never felt that “closed” was an accurate word to describe the Library’s status during quarantine. Frankly, our staff never stopped, nor did a considerable majority of our core services – albeit said services were inevitably delivered from a safe distance, if not virtually.

Our commitment to the Library’s mission never wavered. Even during a pandemic, we did our best to continue connecting our community to culturally enriching materials and resources that inform, entertain and empower – whether physical items conveyed through contactless curbside pick-ups, interactive programming for all ages hosted via Zoom, or utilizing online sign-up forms for new Library cards and introducing a wider portion of our patrons to the vast array of online resources and digital content. We worked to keep you connected to free content that invariably offered enlightenment or escapism.

REOPENING PLANS

W

e are back open, seven days a week, with our regular service hours fully restored. We will continue to provide you with access to all of our resources in the year ahead, including newly added apps like Freegal Music (for streaming/downloading MP3s from thousands of major labels). And we also have new events and programs that recently started meeting virtually, like our new adult Writers Group and the forthcoming Film Club – the former is open to writers of all genres and skill levels and the latter will focus on and discuss films that were adapted from popular novels.

WEBSITE The Ferndale Area District Library (FADL) will be launching a new web site in September at www.fadl.org. This new web site will allow for

easier, more intuitive access to our online catalog, a list of staff reading recommendations, and a dynamic calendar of upcoming events.

You can also link to our online resources from this new URL. And don’t worry if you forget and still type in our old address; you’ll be automatically redirected.

BIBLIOBOARD

B

iblioboard is a new online resource where we archive multimedia content to a new Community Collection, featuring past programs and events, library history, Ferndale history, podcast mini-series, and so much more. With Biblioboard, not only can you take a digital stroll through recent library history with our unique collection, but it’s also an ebook lending platform. Ferndale residents have instant access to ebooks by local/indie authors: no holds, no waiting – everything on here is simultaneous use. The most recent upload to our collection unveils digitized items, photos, and documents that were stored in both of our time capsules.

But that’s not all. With Biblioboard, we’re also able to provide patrons, particularly our local authors, a service allowing them to design their own eBooks! Writers can also submit their own previously written titles for consideration to be included in the Biblioboard Library’s eBook collection.

COMING UP: We have art on display by Andromeda Schmidt and Suzanne Allen. Andromeda Schmidt is a local graphic designer, sculptress, illustrator and teacher who has shown works in Detroit, Philadelphia, Richmond, and New York. Her works are on display in our Corridor Gallery this month! And Ferndale’s own Suzanne Allen is a former college English teacher turned visual artist. Her current artwork consists mainly of acrylic, encaustic, and water media paintings, collographs, cyanotypes, assemblages, and monoprints. Works will be on display through early October.

At the time of this posting, we have tentative plans to host an in-person synthesizer expo with local musicians for a limited audience that will be registered beforehand, with an encouragement to mask up.

More info regarding this, and any upcoming events – virtual or in-person, will be posted to our social media pages.

by Jeff Milo FADL Media/Marketing

Parents of toddlers, ages 1-4, can sign up for virtual storytimes in September by emailing Youth Services Librarians: everett@ferndalepubliclibrary.org or jasmine@ferndalepubliclibrary.org These virtual storytimes are hosted via Zoom, at 10:30 A.M. on the first three Wednesdays of September.

We also have an exciting roster of guests coming to our podcast, including local authors like Stephen Mack Jones and poet Cal Freeman, along with recognizable names from around the country and world, such as Paula Hawkins, Lauren Groff, and Megan Abbott! Our show, , is streaming on Spotify, iTunes, and Stitcher. n www.ferndalepublicLibrary.org | www.fadl.org www.facebook.com/ferndalepublicLibrary www.instagram.com/ferndalepublicLibrary

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Ferndale Welcomes the Launch of

O

ur local Chamber of Commerce has a rich history. It was originally established in 1918, at which time it was called The Board of Commerce.

Nearly two decades later, in 1936, the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce (later FACC) was born.

Founded by business and community leaders with the vision of promoting business growth, by 1972, the FACC sponsored its first Fall Festival on West Nine Mile.

Despite challenges, the Chamber sustained itself by inviting neighborhood clubs and organizations to join for a small fee of $25. This money was used to purchase the marquee that still stands proudly on the corner of Woodward and Nine Mile and serves as a way to alert residents to local happenings.

The purpose of the Chamber is to give local businesses the opportunity to collaborate with each other to promote and improve area commerce. And, in connecting members by way of various events held throughout the year, the Chamber increases visibility for its members’ products and services.

Joy Wells joined the FACC in 2019 as its Executive Director, overseeing more than 300 members. From the get-go, she wanted to go even bigger and used her passion for public service to expand the Chamber’s reach.

Wells led an endeavor to unite Ferndale with the surrounding communities of Oak Park and Hazel Park as a way to bring back the vitality of the entire area, despite complications that arose amid the pandemic.

“I saw such a great opportunity to spearhead a large, impactful strategic endeavor that only took a year to accomplish,” said Wells, with 15 years of operations and project management experience prior to FACC.

S.O.A.R.

the other board members are determined to foster prosperity in the postpandemic state.

The expansion of the Ferndale Chamber’s reach allows for a unique opportunity for current members to connect with Oak Park and Hazel Park and foster business growth in all three cities simultaneously. Because residents tend to frequent businesses in all three municipalities, it just made sense.

Working closely with the county, cities and government officials to support its mission, SOAR allows representatives in these communities a platform to come together and lift each other up in the process. SOAR’s website proudly boasts, “When communities unite, everyone wins!” The Board believes the new structure will increase the power in numbers, the power of advocacy, and the powers of the Chamber itself.”

Some of the many benefits members enjoy include access to business networking, government, city and local hubs of business resources, advocacy and economic development, and volunteering and community support. The Chamber is currently accepting additional applicants throughout the region.

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ELLS EXPLAINED. “DURING THE PANDEMIC CRISIS, WE HAVE OPENED OUR DOORS to all businesses and communities while we navigate through the current state of affairs.” She added, “We are in a pilot year of our regional launch and further learning the needs of our growing communities. We are revamping our membership and sponsorship programming.”

Businesses who join SOAR in its first year will be in a unique position of helping to define its future, and several activities are already underway.

These events are free of charge and open to both members and non members.

Most of 2021’s events are centered around SOAR’s mission of economic growth despite the crisis and defining its new structure. “We have an events committee that goes through a brainstorming process. We then create them in a test environment, troubleshoot, and publicize,” Wells said, explaining how new ideas are generated and rolled out. She added, “We are still learning the needs of the communities and understanding the business landscapes.” n For updates and new website launch information, follow South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. Businesses interested in growth opportunities, community engagement, and prosperity, are welcome to join through SOAR’s website, southoaklandarearegionalcc.org, or by emailing Wells directly at joy@soar-cc.org.

A

S A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS, AND IN COLLABORATION WITH its Oak Park Alliance and City officials in Hazel Park, this year the FACC relaunched as the South Oakland Area Regional Chamber of Commerce (SOAR). Wells is staying on as the organization’s President, and the vision of the new collaboration is to make the region “the community of choice to work, live, learn, and grow.” Wells and

To receive SOAR’s weekly newsletter, email joy@ferndalechamber.com, And for more information on current and future events, contact mia@quickcheckbooksllc.com.

By Sara E. Teller

SOUTH OAKLAND AREA REGIONAL

Chamber Of Commerce 152

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Dr. Paul Benson Be Well Medical Center

A

S FOUNDER, OWNER, AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR, Dr. Paul Benson sets the tone for the Be Well Medical Center. The practice reflects the philosophy that Dr. Benson has developed over the course of 40 years dedicated to his profession and his patients.

atmosphere of honesty and trust, where people feel comfortable speaking frankly, asking and answering questions, providing information, admitting concerns and fears, etc., even when it comes to personal and potentially sensitive aspects of their life and health.

Sexual Health If there is something that sets Dr. Benson and Be Well Medical Center apart from many other family practices, it is his conviction—informed by decades of experience—that sexual health is an under-appreciated and underemphasized aspect of health care.

Addressing sexual health with one’s patients has multiple components: sexual history discussions, sex education, and STI testing.

Dr. Benson maintains that if you are the physician responsible for providing a person’s primary medical care, taking your patient’s sexual history should be as much a routine part of your job as taking their blood pressure or asking about their allergies. A sexual history should be taken on a new patient’s initial visit, whenever the patient receives a routine preventive exam, and whenever there are indications of an STI. A discussion of sexual health should include educating the patient with current information regarding HIV and other STIs and their prevention, including addressing appropriate condom use with any sexually active patient. Individuals deemed at risk for STIs should be encouraged to get tested regularly, every 3 to 6 months depending on the degree and nature of the risk.

As defined by the World Health Organization, “Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to As a family medicine practice, Be Well Sexual health is a matter close to Dr. Benson’s sexuality; not merely the absence of Medical Center provides primary heart. He has been on the forefront in the battle disease, dysfunction medical care for people of all ages, against HIV since before the or infirmity. Sexual treating many common conditions from terms “HIV” and “AIDS” even health requires a diabetes to high blood pressure, while existed. He has seen far too many positive and also maintaining relationships with other lives damaged and lives lost as a respectful approach to health care providers and facilities for result of inadequate sexuality and sexual people who need more specialized care. communication, education, and relationships, [and] understanding of risk concerning Dr. Benson refers to his practice as the possibility of sexual matters. In addition to “your neighborhood medical center with having pleasurable being board-certified in Family Dr. Paul Benson a heart,” because he is committed to and safe sexual Medicine, he is accredited as an the principle that while ideal patient care requires experiences, free of coercion, HIV Specialist by the American keeping up with the latest relevant advances in discrimination, and violence.”

Academy of HIV Medicine. medical knowledge, treatments, and technology, it also A family doctor, Dr. Benson contends, requires never losing sight of the human side of Dr. Benson has published must not regard addressing the sexual medicine. A family practitioner especially — who often extensively in medical journals, health of his or her patients as optional maintains lifelong relationships with patients, in some has been the principal or as of minor importance. Not when cases across multiple generations in a family — needs investigator for many therapeutic we live in a time when—just to to manifest virtues including patience, being a good drug trials in the HIV field, and is mention a few relevant and concerning listener, and compassion in order to provide the best a national speaker on many 1964 Eleven Mile Rd points—there are more than 110 care. health-related issues. He has Berkley, MI 48072 million sexually-transmitted infections served as President of the St. John Be Well Medical Center offers evening hours four (STIs) in this country, the lifetime risk Oakland Physicians Organization, days a week, as well as some Saturday hours for of contracting HIV for African American as well as of the local Berkley patients’ convenience. Their staff of health care men who have sex with men is Rotary Club. providers and support staff are all highly capable and approximately 50%, the long-declining have been trained by Dr. Benson to reflect his Dr. Benson’s pledge to the rates of gonorrhea and syphilis have in practice’s philosophy. community is that Be Well recent years reversed direction and Medical Center will always be open and Helping people live healthier lifestyles, and preventing risen, approximately half of all new STIs each year welcoming to those of all races, genders, ages, health problems rather than waiting for them to arise occur among people 24 years of age and younger, and orientations, etc. All people who walk in the door before addressing them, requires good communication studies show that people tend to drastically are respected, valued, and accepted as deserving between doctor and patient. To facilitate this, Dr. underestimate their likelihood of contracting HIV. of individualized care. n Benson contends, a family practice must create an

Family Practice

by Ryan R. Ennis

FernCare

Serving the Uninsured for Over Ten Years

I

N OPERATION SINCE AUGUST 2010, THE FERNCARE FREE CLINIC’S MISSION is to “to enhance lives and champion thriving communities by providing no-cost health services and advocacy for medically uninsured people.” It is one of only three free medical clinics in Oakland County.

WHILE ITS ESSENTIAL MISSION has stayed the same, FernCare has changed and grown in many ways. Originally, it was a mobile clinic housed in the Kulick Community Center. Open only on Saturdays, licensed staff and other volunteers would bring in and set up donated medical equipment to help the public. Sponsored by Credit Union One, the clinic eventually found another home at 459 E. 9 Mile Rd., where it expanded its hours and services. When the Credit Union sold the property four years ago, it relocated again to its present location at 751 E. 9 Mile Rd., Suite 2.

Anyone without health coverage between the ages of 19 and 64 may use FernCare’s services. According to Dan Martin, FernCare Executive Director, “Ninety percent of our patients come from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.” With exposure from the Internet, the clinic services clients who “make trips here from as far south as the middle of Ohio and as far north as Traverse City.” To receive treatment, Martin adds, “You don’t even have to be a resident of the U.S.” International travelers needing medical assistance have sought out the clinic’s programs.

Some of the non-emergency health programs at the clinic include maintenance care of chronic illnesses, routine checkups, diagnosis of everyday illnesses, dispensing of generic medications, and basic lab testing. Coordinators can also help clients with enrolling in the Prescription Assistance Program, Affordable Care Act Insurance Exchange and the Healthy Michigan plans.

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FernCare can offer treatment and support for other matters. Not sure about which diet to follow based on your medical history? Want to set personal goals? Desire to stop smoking? Feeling numbness in your hands? At the clinic, clients can receive one-to-one smoking cessa-tion counseling, nutrition counseling, acupuncture and wellness/ life coaching. Need a book to ease boredom? FernCare also maintains the Little Lending Library at E. 9 Mile and Hilton, where people can exchange free reading materials. Three part-time employees and a budding staff of over 60 volunteers with varying experiences and professional backgrounds ensure the clinic can continue to provide a wide range of services.

“Even if we don’t offer it,” says Martin, “We are happy to point people in the right direction. We enjoy connecting people to other safety net systems.”

T

O MEET PATIENTS’ NEEDS, THE HEALTH FACILITY RELIES ON INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS, FUNDRAISERS, AND GRANTS. Naturally, the health care personnel would not be able to function without appropriate equipment to run tests and diagnose ailments. As a result, “FernCare takes in used equipment through World Medical Relief” and other sources “that we repurpose for our patients,” states Martin.

Martin had been employed as Executive Director for just two weeks when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Unlike some other facilities, FernCare never fully closed during the initial lockdown and only stopped accepting new patients for a month. As Martin secured personal protection equipment to protect staff and patients, he facilitated changes in protocols. Increasing phone consultations and issuing 60-day prescriptions reduced the number of people having to come into the clinic. These practices and other forms of remote case management are referred to as telehealth.

Also called telemedicine, telehealth enables many patients to obtain a favorable level of health care while practicing social distancing.

While accessing electronic medical records, doctors provide care to patients through phone calls, video chats, email and file exchanges, and chat messages. Health professionals can use any of the forementioned communication methods to frequently check in with patients whose vitals are being monitored by devices worn at home. n To set up an appointment, call the FernCare office phone number at 248672-4067. If you are interested in volunteering, you may submit an application at ferncare.org. The 2021 medical clinic schedule is first and third Saturdays 9:00 A.M. to Noon; second and fourth Thursdays 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.; and second and fourth Mondays 9:00 A.M. to Noon (new patients only).

Prism Park Optical Studio

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RISM PARK OPTICAL STUDIO IS A MAIN DESTINATION for stylish eyewear frames in two convenient locations: Royal Oak and Hazel Park.

I recently sat down with Frankie Schreiberman to talk about his business and about how the global pandemic has reshaped the way business is done (at least temporarily).

A sharp, handsome guy, Schreiberman had previously been the manager at Pearl Vision for a number of years, and he made it clear he had enjoyed his time there, and that he'd learned a lot. It shows! The Royal Oak location has over 500 frames and the Hazel Park location has 350 of its own, with “a style for every taste!”

Various brands of contact lenses and prescription sunglasses are also offered.

“Competition is healthy,” Frankie said about the number of geographically nearby competitors, and he emphasized that personalized service, along with stylish product selection, would set his

Does Your Child Have ADD, ADHD, Autism or Developmental Delay?

optical studio apart. His core approach is to offer the best online pricing, along with great inperson service, to create the best value possible for his growing customer base. As he pointed out, eyewear is hugely important in people’s lives, as glasses are often worn from the moment of waking up until bedtime.

Schreiberman certainly understands eyewear. He has worn glasses himself since the age of three.

His goal has been to help transform people’s experience of choosing eyewear from just a bland or neutral experience to something more exciting and engaging. He described himself coming from a family of entrepreneurs; his parents were successful in telemarketing, and his sister and brother-in-law are real estate agents with several rental properties. His early experiences of work were in helping out with these family enterprises, and really enjoying it.

So, naturally, he gained a solid work ethic, and was later inspired to become an entrepreneur himself.

Better than “taking a pill for the rest of your child’s life,” help them “train their brain.” Neurofeedback is a safe, pain-free and permanent way to help.

Schreiberman added that the best part of his job is, “making someone happy, comfortable and positively impacting their day, by offering a good price, and a fantastic experience. In fact, most of my customers save 30-60 percent versus their typical eyewear experience. I do not want my customers to simply ‘go through the motions’ of choosing eyewear, which can be stressful. I want them to enjoy themselves!”

The Brain Training Center believes in the mind/body/brain connection. This method has been helping children and adults for over 20 years.

Schreiberman has teamed up with a top-notch ophthalmologist in Hazel Park, Dr. Shawn S. Gappy, at Central Eye Care. Customers can get a seamless experience, with a full-eye exam and your prescription filled at at Prism Park Optical.

Reasonable rates. This treatment works even with a child that has difficulty being still. Now covered by many insurance carriers.

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by Jenn Goeddeke

2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

Schreiberman has a flair for diverse and bold color palettes. As he said, with a smile, “My taste in color is borderline obnoxious, like a child who won the lottery!” His lively personality has totally transferred into his two optical stores, giving them both a unique vibe.

Schreiberman has not let Covid hold him back.

He had already formed the concept for his business two weeks before the virus was announced.

Prism Park Optical Studio is located at: 319 S. Washington Ave in downtown Royal Oak, and at 23411 John R Road, Suite 4, in Hazel Park. Please call: 248.290.9697 with any questions, or visit their website: www.prismparkoptical.com. Visit them on Facebook for updated hours and further information on both locations. n

Chef Andy Law’s Voyage Home

By Kevin Lamb

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HE WORDS “ESSENTIAL,” “DISTANCED,” AND “HOME” HAVE NEVER CARRIED THE SAME WEIGHT of which they now ring. In the space and wake that this long, strange, trip of a year has left behind, my hope is that each of you has a better definition of what is essential, the burden of distance, and most importantly – the ingredients which constitute your home.

“As I’ve grown in the industry, the concept of ‘home’ has become more and more important to me. There’s always been a lovely ‘home’ feeling inside of Voyager in my opinion. I feel that we are continuing to help our guests feel that as well,” says Executive Chef Andy Law. For a man who humbly, and carefully tiptoes the vocalized designation of being “chef,” the journey to the summit achieving such a feat is a quiet victory for all those who dare navigate the road less traveled; mindful of each genuine human connection along the way which propelled a dream to be realized, because it is a dream shared.

“The little moments, man. The look of someone seeing a dish for the first time; the reaction on the faces of those eating something you know you’ve poured your heart into. Beyond the food, it’s watching growth.

Growth in others. I take pride in cultivating an environment where ego is not an issue. I’ve seen some of our current staff grow in days; weeks; months. That’s cool. Seeing people get excited about food is really cool.”

Pretty safe to say that no industry has been asked to be as versatile, nor shape-shift as frequently as the food and beverage industry in the past twelve months. But in flexibility, resides possibility.

“Andy stepped in at a time when our culinary team needed strong but positive leadership, and he delivered it naturally,” says Voyager owner Eli Boyer. In the last year, we have tried to lean into the new and different opportunities available to us, and Andy has embraced that spirit in the fullest. He’s a delight to be around — let alone to work with — and I hope to work with him for a long time.”

When life gives you lemons… be grateful and lean in.

“Over the holidays, we had a wonderful opportunity alongside many to work with the Metro Detroit restaurants. We were able to provide over 400 meals for two local hospitals. Eli and I delivered these ourselves, and having the ability to share that moment with these essential workers was wonderful. One of the hospitals was where my mom worked many years ago, so it was especially rewarding to me,” Law says.

Frequent to acknowledge his life catalysts, Law blazes the trail ahead, by crediting those along his path behind.

Elated to begin work on a “home” Voyager garden, Law is grateful to be working with an owner who thinks outside of the box and is open to thinking creatively from a business standpoint. It appears the bromance is mutual. n 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION

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By Rose Carver

SPRINGTIME MASSAGE LLC

248-819-4111

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Ferndale Historical Museum M

OST PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN OR WHO HAVE BEEN TO FERNDALE CAN AGREE that Nine Mile Rd. is a central vein in the heart of the city. But even regulars may miss out on some hidden gems. One of those is the Ferndale Historical Museum, tucked a few buildings down Livernois St. south of Nine Mile.

President of the Ferndale Historical Society, Jan Froggatt, was happy to stumble across their website as a resident and ended up taking a deeper dive into the unique little museum.

Previously an architectural resource librarian for over 25 years, Froggatt found herself immersed in all things Ferndale upon her first visit and wanted to know more. She started volunteering in 2012 when the recession hit and, even after all these years, she is still finding new and interesting facts about Ferndale’s history.

Unlike many other museums, Ferndale Historical Museum maintains an active role in continuous new research. For example, the has a profile of every street in Ferndale, a picture of each property, the year it was built, sales records, and other information gathered from City Hall Records over a span of 12 years.

They also stay relevant through their museum newsletter, The Crow’s Nest, released four times a year and featuring articles about Ferndale.

The Museum really took a hit during the Covid19 pandemic and is continuing to adapt to changes and working hard to keep their ties to the city.

While not currently open to the public, they still answer inquiries sent via e-mail, Facebook, and voicemail. They accept donations and still take and sell items on their website, including the ever-popular house plaques. While they don’t have the normal walk-in traffic or donation box proceeds, their house plaques sales are a main source of revenue they hope continues. They even deliver it right to your front porch.

Froggatt and her volunteer mentor Jean Spring miss the face-to-face interactions the most during this time; the opportunities to share their passion with walk-in visitors. They are thankful for their members, the continued support from their board members, and potential new visitors that plan to visit when they can safely reopen. The staff have been working hard to utilize this downtime to organize photo files, process donations, and prepare to be better than ever. n

Ferndale Historical Museum: 1651 Livernois St. Ferndale, MI 48220 (Livernois & Nine Mile)

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Ferndale & Hazel Park Seniors

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E FERNDALE SENIORS have been through an uncertain period during Covid and after. Of course, we weren't able to meet at all during the outbreak. We kept in touch with all our people by calling each and every one at least weekly.

Then, in July, torrential rains damaged the Kulick Center, displacing our merry little band. I want to thank the wonderful folks at Affirmations for making us feel so welcome for a month.

After a month of searching, we hope we have found a temporary / permanent home. The Hazel Park Recreation Center has welcomed us during this time so, starting September 8, we will be meeting there. Estimates for the Kulick Center repairs are about a year.

We will be arranging for quality speakers once we are settled. Of course, Hazel Park residents are always welcome. Our speaker program is varied, from Art Institute lectures, historic talks, important information regarding current political issues, and safety issues. We have special events and luncheons on holidays, including pot lucks. All are welcome. We also have hopes for our annual Thanksgiving pot luck.

Please join us and give us your ideas. n

Summer On Fire

, A NOVEL BY OAK PARK JOURNALIST PETER WERBE, is set in 1967 Detroit. You’ll feel saturated in the turbulence of the time and read about earlier events that are the underpinnings of that turbulence. The authenticity is unmistakable, and no wonder. Werbe, who was 27 and living in the area in 67, said, “I began writing for the , one of the country’s first so-called underground newspapers, in 1966. It led to my broadcast career as a talk show host and DJ.” He’s also written for national publications. Some sections read almost like parable. Conversations, especially those between professors and students, are instructive and engrossing. It’s hard to put the book down. was completed before the January 6 Capitol riots, but the book may seem to have occasional similarities.

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Photo ©2021 David McNair

164 2021 FERNDALE MEMORIAL EDITION Photo ©2021 David McNair