The Ferndale 115 News



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March 15, 2010 read online at Issue#19

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March 11, 2010 -

On 03/11/10 at about 1:30 a.m. a Ferndale officer made a traffic stop at Woodward / E. Chesterfield on a Chevy with a tail light out.

The officer found that the driver of the vehicle had warrant out for his arrest (Drug warrants out of Kentucky and misd. Warrants out of Detroit and Muskegon). The driver (37 years, b/m, Detroit resident) was arrested and when searched the officer found cocaine and marijuana on his person.

 

There were two passengers in the car. The front seat passenger (b/m, 32 years, Ferndale resident) had cocaine and marijuana in his pockets and he was arrested.

A second passenger in the vehicle was not found to be violating any laws, and was allowed to leave.

When impounding the vehicle, officers found a bag with over 17 grams of marijuana in the trunk.

 

The case is being presented to the prosecutor’s office for warrant requests. (release from Lt. William Wilson)

March 4, 2010 – Bobby McGowan’s pretrial exam  - see article in March 15, 2010 ed., or this link:  19p1murder.html

 

March 1, 2010 - On 03/01/10 at approx. 12:14 a.m. FPD responded to a Hit and Run Injury Accident near 8 Mile / Fair. The accident involved a Ford Ranger Pick-up truck driven by a man who fled the scene. The pick-up ran into a mini-van; the van was occupied by two women who suffered apparent minor injuries. One of the women was taken by the ambulance to the hospital.

Officers tracked the fleeing vehicle by following debris and fluid left in the roadway. They discovered where the pick-up had struck a tree and stop sign (which the truck then dragged with it) near Shevlin and Chester. Farther down the road, the truck ran into a parked vehicle.

Officers found the suspect in a home on Chester, lived in by an acquaintance of his.

Officers determined the man to be the hit and run driver and after conducting sobriety tests, arrested him for drunk driving. They found that he was in possession of two packets of heroin. He had a prior conviction for drunk driving.

Warrants were obtained for:

1.       OWI 2nd offense (1 year misd)

2.       Possession of Controlled Substance under 25 grams (4 year felony)

Magistrate Mead set bond at $1000. (release from Lt. William Wilson)

 

 

Feb. 28, 2010 - Yesterday, police arrested a 17 year old Detroit man (boy) after he was found trespassing in back yards. He has been tied to one or more home invasions in the area. Investigation continues. Once it is complete, turned over to the prosecutor, and warrants issued, I will provide more information.  

So, this is a teaser release. Stay tuned for more. (release from Lt. William Wilson)

 

Feb 28, 2010 – Officers on foot patrol near Via Nove at 344 W. 9 Mile Road encountered a group of people exiting a car in the valet parking area, at least one of the men from the car was smoking marijuana.  Later that night police were called in response to two intoxicated men fighting.  One of the men was “extremely intoxicated.”  Both were arrested and Via Nove was issued a liquor control citation.  (from interview w/Chief Michael Kitchen and daily log report)

 

Feb. 20, 2010 - Hit and Run Accident – Drunk driver arrested with 4 year old child as passenger  10-420

On Sat. Feb. 20, 2010 at approx. 1:00 p.m. Ferndale police responded to an Hit & Run accident that occurred at Woodward and Fielding. A motorist with a cell phone followed the car and advised police dispatch of the location. A Ferndale officer found the suspect vehicle and stopped the driver in Detroit near 7 Mile and Warrington. The blue Honda CRV had fresh damage to the driver side fender. The driver was a 46 year old Westland woman. Seated behind her in a child seat was her 4 year old son.

The woman appeared to be intoxicated, and was given field sobriety tests by the office.  Her performance on these tests confirmed the officers suspicions. The woman was arrested and later given a breath test with a result of .25.

Her son was turned over to a relative.

 

FPD is seeking warrants for OWI – Child endangerment, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. (release from Lt. Wilson)

 

 

 

Feb. 19, 2010 - On 02/19/10 at 8:10 p.m. , FPD received information that a drug transaction just occurred between a pedestrian and somebody in a van near E. Hazelhurst and Woodward alley. Officers found a pedestrian matching the description given by the caller; he was walking in the alley a few blocks south. Officers made contact with him, and after investigating, arrested the 49 year old man for possession of a bag containing 5.8 grams of marijuana. Officers also found a silver van matching the description given and stopped the vehicle for driving without headlights on. An investigation resulted in the arrest of the 38 year old driver for Driving While License Suspended and possession of marijuana as he had two zip locks bags of marijuana in his coat pocket.

Warrants are being sought for both suspects. (release from Lt. Wilson)

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Chazzano’s Coffee Embodies Spirit of Ferndale Networking

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

When Chazzano Coffee Roasters opened at 1737 E. Nine Mile Road last November, it was one of the largest ribbon cutting ceremonies in Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce history.  Over two dozen supporters crammed into the quaint, but business-like coffee shop that is located between Hilton and I-75, to check out the unique specialty coffees and the unique meeting-friendly environment that Chazzano’s brings to the community.  That’s because owner Frank Lanzkron-Tamarazo came to the close-knit city of Ferndale with a plan.  His goal was to have every aspect of his business be associated with the city, and he choose to work only with other Ferndale Area Chamber members as he planned and opened the shop.

 

Chamber Director Jennifer Roosenberg attributed the large turn-out to “the fact that he used so many Chamber members and networking that people really wanted to come out and support him.”  When Lanzkron-Tamarazo made up his mind that he wanted to have his shop in Ferndale, he set out to use locally-active businesses in every aspect of the business.  Insurance Agent Marty O’Neill knew Lanzkron-Tamarazo from Business Network International of Royal Oak (BNI), and O’Neill drew the coffee king to the Ferndale area by introducing him to commercial realtor Guy Scavone.  The connections continued until he had found the perfect location, as well as the perfect web of community support to ensure him a strong opening.

 

The grand opening speech included accolades for many local businesses.  Blumz was thanked for providing fabulous flowers for the opening.  Guy Scavone was recognized as the realtor and Todd Hoyt of K.E.T. Leasing and Hoyt, Brumm and Link as the new business’ landlord.  Aly Darin provided photography services.  Marvin Petuch of IBC International Bancard Corporation handles all of Chazzano’s credit card processing needs.  Adrienne Greer of the Miller Agency arranged the business’s liability and auto insurance.  Craig Cesarone of C-Biz Computer Solutions supplied the POS system for the cash register.  Ed and Angie Marsh of NightCry Graphics handled advertising and promotional materials.  Mark Hill of Alert Alarm makes sure that the property is monitored 24/7.  Mark Reder of Waste One Management is in charge of garbage disposal.  Veronica Lujic and Nicole Rafaill of State of the Art Custom Framing designed the menu board and the artwork in the shop based on Chazzano’s slogans.  Daren Bossenberger of Phono Creative set up the signage on the door.  Jay McMillan of Royal Services keeps the place looking spotless.  Rita Van Keymeulen of Creative Office Design was responsible for the entire look of the place, and Ken Seawell was recognized as Lanzkron-Tamarazo’s business coach.  And of course The Ferndale 115 News played their role letting the public know about the event.

 

“My business is in Ferndale. I want to help grow local business as my BNI of Greater Royal Oak helped to build mine. Rita Van was on-site immediately after I signed the lease for the property. Rita's business, Creative Office Designs created an incredible space and I am so grateful that Andi Greer referred her to me. Everyone was a referral

from another business owner. I met my business coach, Ken Seawell, through Jay McMillan who is a member of my BNI of Greater Royal Oak. I use Jay McMillan from Royal Services because he is local, does awesome work, and is a trusted friend and business referral partner. Ferndale is filled with people who believe in Givers Gain- if you help others reach their goals, both professionally and personally, they will also help you. Ferndale chamber members understand that Givers Gain helps everyone. I want to do everything in my power to help grow business in Ferndale and help everyone expand their networks,” Lanzkron-Tamarazo said. 

 

Chazzano provides a unique coffee-tasting experience, and Lanzkron-Tamarazo takes his bean-roasting very seriously.  “There is nothing better that fresh-roasted coffee. My 9 years of experience roasting coffee has helped me to create roasts that bring out the natural flavors of the coffee. Wine has about 700 different flavor profiles- whereas coffee has over 1500 flavor profiles,” he said. “I am able to bring out notes of grapefruit in the Kenya AA, notes of blueberry with a red wine finish with the Ethiopia Harrar, and notes of dark chocolate with the Mexico Chiapas. We give away coffee that is more than 2 weeks old. I make sure that all of our restaurant, cafe, or office accounts have the freshest coffee. Coffee and its incredible aroma and taste lasts but 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, it is stale, without awesome aroma, and not worth drinking. Life is too short to drink bad coffee.”

 

One of the slogans is “Coffee that makes you sing,” which comes from the fact that Lanzkron-Tamarazo and his with Lisa are professionally trained classical singers.  Lisa teaches at Marshall Music in West Bloomfield, while Lanzkron-Tamarazo continues to function as a Cantor at the synagogue he founded in Farmington Hills – Congregation Hava Nashira.  Chazzano Coffee Roasters is certified Kosher by the Council of Orthodox Rabbis of Greater Detroit.

 

Since opening Lanzkron-Tamarazo has formed other partnerships in the area.  Chazzano Coffee Roasters is now served at Anita's Kitchen, Amici's Pizza, Oakland Hills Golf Club, Bacco Ristorante, What Crepe, Tasi Smoothies, Pride Source Media Group and soon Cup.Cake in Royal Oak.  They have also created at ten year partnership with King Coffee of Royal Oak, making King the exculsive distributor for Chazzano Coffee in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana.

In addition to providing a welcoming atmosphere to hold business meetings, there are also cupping parties (for coffee tasting and lessons in coffee flavor) and a meeting room available for rentals.  They offer cupping parties for people to learn more about their flavor varieties.  For more information on this new Ferndale business go to .

Murder Details Emerge in Pre-Trial Exam

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

Ferndale – Nineteen year old Bobby Prince McGowan smiled and talked over his shoulder to friends during breaks in his pre-trial exam in 43rd District Court on March 4, 2010. Judge Joseph Longo heard testimony from several young witnesses and a medical examiner before ordering McGowan to be held without bond pending trial in Oakland County Circuit Court on charges of open murder and other felonies in the December 19, 2009 shooting of two sixteen year old boys at the VFW Hall in Ferndale.

 

The shooting brought a tragic end to a sweet sixteen birthday party for two Ferndale High School students.  One victim, Tyshaun Thompson of Royal Oak Township, lost three ribs and part of his liver when a shotgun slug entered his abdomen and exited his back.  The shot then pierced the abdomen of his friend Charles "Chuckie" Andrew Dorchy of Detroit, who had been standing behind him.  Dorchy died shortly after at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak due to a severed artery.

 

McGown, whose street name is “Bags,” will be tried for open murder, two counts possession of a firearm in a felony, assault with the intent to murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon.  The defense argued that the murder was not pre-mediated, although Prosecutor John Skrzynski said “Just the fact that he brought a deadly weapon, loaded and ready to fire to this party” was enough to warrant the open murder charge.  “The intent is evident in that it’s a point blank firing into a vital area,” he added.  Longo agreed and ordered McGown held over without bond.

 

Several young witnesses testified in the pre-trial exam, shedding light on the gang-style activities leading up to the shooting. While the two birthday girls danced and played party games under the watchful eyes of parents, a group of four teens on Andover Street in Detroit was getting ready to crash the party.

 

Sixteen year old “Max” took the stand wearing a blue jumpsuit and chains, in police custody on unrelated charges.  “My brother had come over and said ‘let’s go to a party.  And we were all like ‘let’s go.’  After everybody was about to leave he [McGowan] goes back to the house to get the gun.  I saw it in his sleeve, but I didn’t say nothin’.”  The four teens then drove in a Silver Intrepid and parked in front of the VFW Hall at 177 Vester Street.  Witnesses said that one or more of the boys wore black tee shirts that said “RIP DJ,” referring to McGowan’s brother who was murdered earlier last year. 

 

Witnesses said the party was going fine until McGowan and three other young men arrived and began telling people they were from “State Fair.”  Others at the party announced that they were from “Eight Mile.”  Some witnesses reported seeing gang signs being flashed.

 

A 17 year old from Detroit who had come to the party with McGowan said that he and his friends had intended to meet a girl at the party and to go back to her house.  He said he had no idea McGowan had brought a gun.  “We were just dancing and having fun.  A group was throwing up signals and getting all in our face and yelling out gang signs,” said the witness.  “I heard a shot.  We all bagged back and I saw two people wrestling on the ground.”

 

“That song ‘Plenty Money’ came on and someone with money was flaunting it,” said another young witness.  “He threw money in the air and the person with the brown and tan coat reached down to his right and came up with a gun and shot,” he said.  “I see Chuckie fly back, holding his stomach.  He lands on the floor.”

 

Thompson testified he had gone to the kitchen to get something to drink, and was walking across the dance floor to meet up with friends.  “When I got close, about two steps away from them, I looked down and I just saw fire come out.  When I knew I was shot I ran back to the kitchen.  I just felt blood and a hole,” he said.  “I was laying in the kitchen.  Some girl named Desiray was there with me, putting stuff on my side to stop bleeding.  It was about 20 minutes with her then some officers came in, sittin’ on me telling me to stop moving.  Then the guys came to put me in the ambulance.”

 

Chaos ensued as nearly 200 panicked teenagers ran to safety.  After the shot went off, a 19 year old called “Ray” grabbed the man with the gun and wrestled it away.  Several witnesses say that it was McGowan who pulled the trigger, or that they saw him fighting over the gun just after the shooting.  An 18 year old called “Ray” said he was able to get the gun away and laid on the ground with it close to his chest as the teens from “State Fair” attacked him.  Friends of “Ray” jumped in and the four party crashers ran off. 

 

“Willy,” who had also come to the party with McGown, said that he was trying to leave when he got pulled into a fight.  He said he made it outside and slipped on the snow, hitting his head on his car.  Another witness said he followed the shooter and his friends outside, and bashed the teen’s head against the car in a scuffle.  “Willy” said that once he and a friend made it back to Andover Street, they called for an EMS and he went to the hospital with a head injury.

 

The man who took the gun away from the shooter also testified.  “Ray” told his version on the stand.  “I’m standing behind them.  One of the boys shot.  He started back peddling and I grabbed him,” he said.  “I just seen the flash and heard the pop.  I was standing right behind the boy who took the shot.  I grabbed him from behind, holding the gun against his chest.  And got in a fight with three other boys.  We tussled with the gun and when I got it they ran out of the party.” 

 

“Ray” then hid the gun in his coat and put it in his friend’s car.  “I went back in and saw Chuckie on the floor.  Someone lifted his shirt and his intestines were hanging out.  He wasn’t crying and he was talking.”  “Ray” testified that he then drove to his friend’s house in Royal Oak Township and wiped the gun down for prints.  He then wrapped it in a tee shirt and a black plastic bag, which he taped closed.  He said that he didn’t want to be caught with a gun since he was on probation.  He and his friend threw the gun on to the roof of the Royal Oak Township Recreation Center, then went to visit their injured friends at the hospital.

 

He said that he initially denied knowing anything about the shooting, but later told the police where to find the gun.  “I was scared I was gonna catch another case,” “Ray,” who is on probation, said.

 

McGowan did not testify at the pre-trial exam, though he did smile and chat with friends who were there to show support.  Police asked that witnesses not be identified, and Ferndale Police Lt. William Wilson said that witnesses are all “very young and scared – rightfully so.”

 

The Ferndale Police worked closely with other departments to solve the murder, including a gang violence group from Detroit, and detectives who used Facebook to track down suspects. 

Ferndale Chamber Gets New Name and Look

by, Crystal A. Proxmire

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When Jennifer Roosenberg took over as Executive Director of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce a year ago, one of the first things she set out to do was give the Chamber’s name and logo a facelift.  “Look at this,” Roosenberg said as she held up a sign of the Chamber’s plain green rectangle logo with a swoop .  “We can do better than this.”

 

She and the Board of Directors assembled a team that included Night Cry Graphics and phono creative to give the Chamber a more dynamic image.  They also wanted to focus on the broadness of the group’s membership.  “For a long time people didn’t know you could join the Chamber even if you weren’t in Ferndale.  People really want to be part of our community.”  That’s why the group is now known as The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

The new name and log were revealed at a Business After 5 Networking event hosted by The Post Bar and Liberty Tax Service on Feb. 25.  The new logo has a spring green F and a powder blue C, set to form a corner with a clear A shaped in the middle that some might not notice at first glance.

 

Ed March of Night Cry Graphics said that because the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce is a “large, vibrant, growing enterprise,” their logo design needed to be as well.  “This captures the inclusiveness of the Chamber,” he said.  Roosenberg said that nearly 40% of member businesses are outside the city borders.

 

Brian Pecktol of Detroit Financial Group lives in Macomb Township and has an office in Farmington Hills, yet he said the Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce was a good choice for him.  “I went to a Motor City Connect event and noticed how tight knit the Ferndale people were,” he said. 

 

Pectol joined the Chamber last fall, and recently joined their Ambassador group, which gives him a chance to help new members – or shy ones – connect at networking events.  “I’m chatty, but I know a lot of other people have trouble talking to people they don’t know.  We make sure there are always friendly people to help all members make connections.”  Pecktol sells insurance and financial planning services, and though he doesn’t have a set sales territory, he prefers to do his networking in the Ferndale area.  “Where I live doesn’t have a downtown, or that kind of feel.  It makes a difference.” 

 

Another out-of-town Chamber member is Carol Kirkland of AVE Office Supplies in Novi.  She has been a member of networking groups in Rochester Hills and Novi, and attended meetings in other cities.  Over the past year, Kirkland tagged along to several Ferndale Chamber events along with friend, passion coach and Chamber member Jodi Knittel, before finally joining just two weeks ago.  “I like the Ferndale group because it’s not a huge group where you can’t get to know people.  They’re so friendly and welcoming, and seem to really support each other as business owners.”  Kirkland said she’s excited to have joined right before the new branding change.  “The new logo is really upbeat, like the people.  I also like that people may not see the ‘a’ right away when they look at it.  It’s a fun, Ferndale kind of thing to do.”

 

Ferndale Schools Superintendent Gary Meier has been on the Chamber Board for three year, and a member for nearly ten. “The evolution of the Chamber has been really positive.  Jennifer has been real straightforward about her goals and has been making the membership stronger.  The whole idea of a Chamber is to create a strong network.  We don’t want to be territorial.  Ferndale is a community that is inclusive, and the name change and new logo show it,”  said Meier as he showed off his tee shirt with the new logo on it.

 

The Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce has over 200 members, who benefit from networking, advertising, member-to-member discounts, educational and social opportunities.  More information can be found at .

Paper Street “Incubator” Gives Start-Ups a Unique Home

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

FERNDALE - The 20,000 square foot building on the corner of Wanda and Jarvis may not seem much different than its industrial neighbors, but behind the grayish yellow facade a big idea is brewing. A community of ideas even.   Paper Street is part office and industrial collective, and part think-tank, designed to give Ferndale entrepreneurs a way to share creative resources and expenses.  With office space for rent starting at $220 a month, and industrial work areas starting at just $300, Paper Street could soon house up to 36 new businesses.

 

Though the doors don’t officially open until April 1, space in the building is already half reserved.  The growing Paper Street community includes an art dealer, a blacksmith, a mason, a recording studio, a small business coach, a Motorsports studio, and a custom hot rod builder. 

 

These eclectic tenants will have ridiculously low rent, free wireless internet, 24/7 access, and all utilities included.  They will also benefit from Paper Street’s large community space, which will have couches, table, vending machines and an upscale, sleek industrial décor – complete with unique automotive-themed prints that might inspire power and productivity.  The industrial spaces will allow renters to share tools in a secure environment with cameras and RFID card access. There will also be a regular supply of gourmet coffee from Chazzanos, and plenty of other creative business owners around to exchange ideas and advice with.

 

Andy Didorosi, the mastermind behind Paper Street, said that a shared office or work space can help keep people motivated.  “So many people who work from home miss out on the office experience.  We need people to talk to, and to bounce ideas off of and to support each other,” he said.  “This isn’t just a warehouse, it’s a small business incubator.”

 

The idea of taking a giant industrial warehouse space and portioning it off into smaller rentals cheaply to other entrepreneurs came about when trying to find a new shop for his custom race car business.  “The larger a space you have, the less it costs per square foot,” he said.  “I thought if I could find someone else to share the space it’d be even less.  And we’d save even more if we got three or four friends on it.  At that point it would hardly cost anybody anything.  But then I thought, wait, I don’t have that many friends that need shop space.  So I got the building, put up a Craigs List ad, and figured I would make new friends – and help out other small businesses.”

 

Didorosi has been building and racing custom sports cars professionally since he was 19 years old.  He is also a freelance automotive writer.  The Grosse Point native rented his first shop in Ferndale’s industrial district, a space inside the Darwin Industries Building.  He’s since moved around the Detroit area, but now- at the age of 23- has settled back in Ferndale.  

 

“I’m kind of nostalgic I guess,” Didorosi said.  “I started out here and it feels like the right kind of place for something like this.  The rent is low enough to afford, but it’s a high-quality community.”  Didorosi now also lives in Ferndale because he wants to be closer to his shop – and all the new friends he is making there. 

 

Named after the headquarters of revolutionaries in the famed “Fight Club” novel by Chuck Palahniuk, Paper Street is sure to be a place where grand ideas are formed.  There will be an open house on Sat. March 13, noon – 4 p.m. at Paper Street located at 1511 Jarvis, Ferndale.

More information can also be found at .

“Starting Point” Budget Boggles City

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

The City of Ferndale is boggled as city leaders, police and fire unions and other department heads try to solve the $3.1 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year Ending (FYE) 2011.  The deficit is primarily caused by sharp drops in property tax revenues and unprecedented declines in state revenue sharing, which are funds that local governments get from the state sales tax. 

 

At the March 10, 2010 City Council meeting, City Manager Bob Bruner presented his “starting point” budget to the city, which calls for a wave of layoffs in various departments, including Police and Fire, as well stopping services, like animal control, cable and recreation, in order to make up for the losses in revenue. 

 

“None of us wants to implement that plan and we’re all ready working very hard with the city’s labor unions to avoid implementing that plan,” Bruner said.

 

City leaders began working on the budget proposals months ahead of schedule so that department heads, members of the public and the labor unions could have ample time to make suggestions.  Over the past two months citizens have come to council meetings to ask council not to cut police and fire personnel, although Bruner says that because police and fire make up 42% of the general fund it would be impossible to cover their current costs, even if they got rid of all other expenses.

 

“With union cooperation, employees and taxpayers can share and minimize the sacrifices required to balance the 2011 General Fund Budget,” Bruner said.  “Without union cooperation, employees with be laid off and the service eliminations and reductions required to balance the FYE 2011 General Fund Budget will be greater than otherwise necessary.”

 

The preliminary budget is based on a 2009 Citizen Satisfaction Survey.  Cobalt Community Research (Cobalt), the Michigan nonprofit organization administering the study, sent surveys to a sample of 1,500 registered voters using two mailings in September and October and received 344 valid responses. Cobalt Executive Director William SaintAmour calls the City’s 23% response rate “very solid” compared to other communities.  The study ranked municipal services based on how important they were to overall citizen satisfaction.

 

Based on the study and the possibility that there will be no compromise with the unions, Bruner recommended the following (which can be viewed in full at ):

 

-Reducing the City Clerk’s office by 17%

-Bringing Community Development from collecting 79% of their expenses back in revenue, to collecting at 100%

-Reducing the Finance department by two people (22%) and having citizens mail payments directly to the bank rather than collecting at City Hall

-Replacing Cable Director with a less expensive contractual position

-No reduction in Dream Cruise expenses

-Reducing public safety expenses by 32%, including police and fire layoffs

-Eliminating animal control

-Eliminating six officer patrol positions and civilian service aid positions from the police Patrol Division

-A 55% reduction in Detective Bureau staff, which would bring Ferndale in line with detective staff from similar sized cities

-A 29% reduction in fire safety

-Eliminating one record bureau position

-Eliminating six seasonal positions and a Park Supervisor position in the Public Works Department, which means the elimination of all athletic field maintenance for Recreation, closure of park restrooms and reduced park building and equipment repairs. 

-Two options for Recreation.  One would be to eliminate the Recreation Department completely.  The other is to close the Community Center and relocate staff to City Hall and offering self-funded programs

 

“Balancing the FYE 2011 Budget without eliminating a single position would require every General Fund employee to accept a 20% decrease in total compensation.  That is more that I am able or willing to personally sacrifice so I cannot ask my fellow City employees to give up so much.  Therefore balancing the FYE 2011 will require some combination of voluntary separations, negotiated personnel cost reductions and layoffs as a last resort,” Bruner said.

 

Debate has begun on how best to change these recommendations.  Some have suggested a public safety millage, however there is not time for one to pass for the current budget year.  Additionally Bruner has said that with the current economic situation a millage is unlikely to pass.  Police Lt. William Wilson disagrees with comparisons of Ferndale to other cities of similar size and population.  “Ferndale is different because we are a small city that is on the border of Detroit, that has a major highway going through it,” Wilson said.  “We need more officers because safety is an issue.  Crime is controlled because our police have a visible presence in the community.  Once that starts to fall apart it is a hard reputation to get back.  We don’t want to become Highland Park.”

 

The biggest factor in the budget process at this point is the negotiations with the unions, which are done in private.  “The whole situation is bleak,” said Police Chief Michael Kitchen.  “We are working as best as we can and we’re hopeful we can work something out.  There’s a lot of strategic posturing, it’s just the nature of the beast.  It’s still sort of the feeling out step of the process.”

 

City leaders are eager to hear suggestions for how to balance the budget.  One suggestion brought up at council was for people to donate the difference in their property taxes back to the city for the General Fund.  Bruner and the City Clerk will be looking more into this possibility.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Kate Baker suggested that a continued focus on long-term planning might help Ferndale to better improve our economy.  “To add to our taxable value seems to me to be a way to jumpstart our recovery.  New development adding and new property tax to our tax base are ways we can help.”  Bruner added that only properties outside of the Central Business District (Downtown) add to the general fund.

 

“DDA [Downtown Development Authority] property tax revenue is going to go up next year because of new development like Rosie O’Gradys.  I think it’s important for folks to understand that none of the money is going to the City’s General Fund,” Bruner said.

 

Mayor Craig Covey suggested asking the DDA to pitch in.  “Of course if we wanted to we could talk to the DDA about contributing towards some of the costs we pay for like police, like lighting,” Covey said.

 

He also said that although there is no time to approve a millage to fix any areas of the FYE 2011 budget, voters could begin working on one for future years.  A millage would have to be put on the November ballot by a petition, and if the public approves it, it could go into effect the following June.  Millages are property taxes collected for a specific purpose.  For example, voters agreed to a special tax to fund the new Public Library which is scheduled to open June 10, 2010.

 

The Fire Department is also looking at a long-term goal of consolidating services with Hazel Park and other departments, to save money on a regional level.  However without a separate Fire Authority, which costs more money to initially fund, complete consolidation is not possible, said Fire Chief Roger Schmidt.  He is currently in negotiations with the Hazel Park Fire Department to see what cost-saving measures could be implemented in the short-term.  The Fire Department already works with Royal Oak Township and Pleasant Ridge to provide services, which also provides the City of Ferndale with revenue.

 

Councilperson Scott Galloway said we are facing at least 30 years of reduced budgets, and that “this is the reality we face” as governments in all Michigan cities figure out how to do more with less.

 

At the March 8, 2010 meeting Council approved a schedule for budget discussions, which can be found at the City of Ferndale website at .  There are also more detailed budget-related documents, including the city’s current budget which can help citizens better understand where their tax money goes.

Welcome to Ferndale Fare, the 115's newest column. Twice a month Jarred will bring all things local and delicious, with a focus on seasonal, real, food and drink. -Editor

Ferndale Fare: Beginnings

by Jarred Gild

Why does the Ferndale 115 need a food and beverage column, and why should you read it? There is an awful lot written already. This column is notable though, as it focuses on food and beverage available around Ferndale, and not just any edible or libation either, but those produced by conscious, caring artisans that have a passion for their craft and community. Making and consuming foods and beverages is an important part of many people's lives, and for some it isn't; but for everyone there are economic and social ramifications that are further reaching than most consumers realize. Food and drink form a large part of a place's unique cultural identity, from the geography of farmlands that surround a city, to the cuisines brought with diverse populations, even how people gather to enjoy food.

 

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I went camping with a group of young Ferndale families. I know them from working at Western Market, and see them while walking through downtown. We spent two nights in a large cabin, cooking our food over the fire. Nearly everything in this dish was bought as a raw ingredient and prepared before the trip or over the campfire. Each dish used as many Michigan ingredients as possible for the season. Even the perfect beverage for a harvest meal served fireside was made in Michigan; Psenkova Cherry Mead is made of cherries and honey from small, family farms. It makes sense that the right beverage for braving the Michigan weather is an avid woodsman from Northern Michigan, so why would so many folks reach for something made from genetically modified corn, designed in a corporate laboratory? It may sound easier or simpler, but given the long-term effects an unexamined diet, there is much to be gained by looking wider and deeper than a supermarket shelf.

Local First, an organization in Grand Rapids, estimates that for every $100 spent in a nationally-owned establishment, $43 stays in the local economy, whereas the same amount spent at a locally-owned business keeps an average of $73 in the region. Michael Shuman, author of "The Small Market Revolution" and local-economy advocate says: "Growing evidence suggests that every dollar spent at a locally owned business generates two to four times more economic benefit—measured in income, wealth, jobs, and tax revenue—than a dollar spent at a globally owned business. That is because locally owned businesses spend much more of their money locally and thereby pump up the so-called economic multiplier." This chart from Local First illustrates how local spending can make a difference:

Every time we eat we make an endorsement about what kinds of practices are used in the food's production, distribution, and preparation. These practices can be beneficial or harmful, but it's often hard to tell what happens behind the scenes. Problems at animal feedlots, food recalls, GMOs and H1N1 have all been staples of the national and local press, but what's usually not emphasized is that these issues all exist because of the choices of the consumers. It's often easy to be unconcerned with problems that are out of sight, but it's the dollars of the consumer that allow companies to continue negligent, sometimes even deadly practices.

That doesn't mean that a consumer's choices are limited. If anything, learning about what real food is and where it comes from is quite freeing. This array of charcuterie was all handmade by people that sought out traditional means of production. They met with farmers or butchers to buy meat, read and conversed about how to smoke, cure, ferment or cook their victuals, and gathered with friends to enjoy their labors. I tried pork jowl for the first time prepared as an un-smoked style of Italian bacon called gaunciale (pronounced "gwan-chi-ah-lay"). It's that reddish, solid piece of meat near the top, aromatic and strongly flavored, but with delicate texture, and when added to a dish it contributes a certain character that cannot be achieved without it. It's not expensive or made with hard to find ingredients, nor is esoteric knowledge required to prepare it. Taking the time to explore culinary traditions is something that makes eating more enriching, more than just consuming calories for energy, especially when shared with others.

Twice a month this space will be used to explore our local food system and anything it's connected to. Stories of real people, real food, real wine, real culture... hopefully they will encourage the citizens of Ferndale and beyond to joyously ruminate on how they can enrich their life and community through what they choose to eat.

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Volunteerism is the Heart of Our Nation:  My Involvement with The Assembly Line Concert Second Shift

By, Carol Jackson

 

My name is Carol Jackson and I am a proud resident of Ferndale.  We have an amazing community; diversified, caring and involved in life.  And for that reason I got to know AJ at AJ’S Café.  AJ is so committed to not only Ferndale, but to basic humanity.  He cares what happens to all of us in this down economy and beyond.  He gives so much of himself that you want to help in anyway possible when he starts a special project  That special project is The Assembly Line II, Second Shift.  If you are not familiar, last year he won the Guinness World Record for the ‘longest running music concert’ in the WORLD!!!  It’s all to bring awareness to the struggles of the American Car manufacturer.  One little guy, one little coffee shop did it and will do it again this year.

 

But an undertaking like this takes money and a people commitment.  Volunteers are the back bone of this worthwhile endeavor. 

As a volunteer getting involved with AJ’s Café has been a no-brainer.  Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something bigger than yourself?  This movement is timely with our economy and in our communities.  We are inspired by AJ’s commitment to helping bring awareness to the general public and businesses to buy and support American made products and services.  This is not just about Ferndale, it’s about all of us…So if you are so inclined to become part of this terrific movement at AJ’s Café, than call today to volunteer or help raise sponsorship money to put on the best event ever in Ferndale.  Go to the website  

Starts March 19 thru April 1st.  12 Non Stop Days, so there are a lot to times to help out.   Get involved.  One person CAN make a difference!!!  AJ certainly has!!

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Hooray for AJ   His leadership is the BEST.

Submitted by:  Carol Jackson, Metlife Securities  586-747-1394

Ferndale Police Battle Prosecutors Office

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

A brewing feud between the Ferndale Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutors Office has reached public attention as Ferndale City Manager Bob Bruner has released letters and other correspondence after a freedom of information act request from Fox 2 News asking for communications between Prosecutor Jessica Cooper and the City of Ferndale.

 

On Feb. 16, 2010 Cooper’s office ceased all telephone and e mail communications with the Ferndale Police, forcing police to drive to Pontiac to obtain warrants in person.  Her decision came after learning that Ferndale Police were recording all telephone conversations and releasing such tapes to Fox 2 News. 

 

Cooper also made serious accusations against Ferndale Police Department leaders in letters to Mayor Craig Covey and council dated March 1, 2010 and Feb. 20, 2010.  The complaints included inappropriate taping of privileged conversations and the release of those tapes to Fox 2 News including a tape of a detective giving a victim false information, failing to turn over recorded phone calls to defense attorneys, withholding information from warrant requests, and holding an individual in custody for 72 hours without grounds to keep him locked up.

 

The Prosecutor’s letter explains the potential legal ramifications these actions could have for the City, including possible “criminal and civil consequences.”  She said that “because of all these concerns we have no choice but to require that all warrant requests from the Ferndale Police Department be presented in person.”

 

“Ferndale is the only agency where, sadly, we have come to question the wisdom of some of the decisions made by a few members of the command staff.  We process over 20,000 warrant requests a year without much incident.  I have now had to expend untold hours, and my staff has had to expend untold hours because of the serious ethical, legal and constitutional issues that have arisen as a result of the conduct of these individuals,” the letter stated. 

 

Mayor Covey asked the Police Department to respond to the accusations, which they did in a March 5, 2010 letter from Captain Timothy D. Collins.  “Quite frankly I am offended by some of the distortions that she [Cooper] presents as she casts unfair aspersion on our organization and will remind you that had her assistant written what in most cases is a routine warrant none of these events would have transpired,” Collins wrote in reference to a Feb. 6, 2010 assault case where phone calls were released to Fox 2 after a FOIA request.  “Now that the City Attorney knows that telephone calls in the detective bureau are recorded, he has officially made the determination that these conversations are indeed protected from release under FOIA. …we have no objection to this what-so-ever, it just happens to be an issue that has never been raised or discussed prior to this,” Collins wrote.

 

The letter also said Cooper’s action “appears to be a canard to distract attention away from the decision making that prompted the media attention.” 

 

Captain Collins noted that “the Ferndale Police Department is not the only police department in Oakland County or contingous counties that records telephone calls between detectives and prosecutors.” 

 

“Further we have informed the Prosecutor’s office that every Ferndale detective has a city issued cell phone (also standard and common practice) that is not recorded, which can be used for communication between detectives and assistant prosecutors.”

 

Collins wrote “The Prosecutor’s decision in this matter is preventing us from using equipment provided by the taxpayers to expedite the transfer of data in the most cost effective manner.”  He also wrote “I would very much like to defend ourselves in specifics on these two matters, however, because I do not believe that this communication is free from yet another FOIA request, I would be negligent in expressing the specifics in this forum.  …I will say however that the information provided by the Prosecutor is not accurate and/or is taken out of context to take what I suggest is yet another unwarranted ‘cheap shot’ at the Ferndale Police Department.”

 

“The Department stands ready to meet with any one of your honorable body to explain these false and/or misleading allegations, provided that the information presented would not prejudice any of the criminal proceedings.”

 

The Prosecutor’s Office and the Police Department clashed publicly last October after Police Chief Kitchen sent press releases to several media sources criticizing the Prosecutor’s handling of an assault case that involved a Highland Park man bringing a gun to Ferndale High School and allegedly striking a former student with the gun during a dispute.  The man was not charged with felonious assault, but pled to lesser charges.  Kitchen publicly denounced the handling of the case, and strained relations between the two departments have escalated since. 

 

“The Police Department stands ready and willing to work with the Prosecutor’s office to resolve any and all issues,” Collins said.

 

The Ferndale City Council, who is the ultimate governing body of the Police Department, is expected to hear more information about the situation at their March 22, 2010 council meeting.

Fashion:  New Stores in Ferndale

By, Whitney Lawren

Who has the hottest trends and fashions in the Metro Detroit Area? Fashionable Ferndale of course. Downtown Ferndale has numerous boutiques that have just opened up in the last few months as well as some that are having their grand opening in just a few weeks. With the economy being so uneasy nowadays, you need somewhere close by to shop for the latest trends at a sensible price, while supporting your local community.

            The Exquisite Collection Boutique located at 195 W. Nine Mile Rd. Suite 102 is one of the new boutiques in Downtown Ferndale. The young and vibrant business owner Adrienne France from Detroit opened her boutique on December 18, 2009. Her influences for opening her boutique came from selling the body shapers called Body Magic. Adrienne started selling the products in January 2009 the majority of her clients lived in Ferndale, and she enjoyed the community, she decided to open her boutique in the heart of Ferndale.  Adrienne is also a single parent and her daughter just started kindergarten so she needed flexibility in her work schedule, so what’s more flexible than being your own boss? The Exquisite Collection features the body magic body shapers as well as lingerie, trendy women’s wear, handbags, and accessories. In a few weeks Adrienne will be incorporating shoes and cosmetics into her boutique. The fashions are for mature women in their early twenties and beyond. The garments are priced very reasonable and affordable to meet the needs of the customers on a budget while still maintaining the posh look. The Exquisite Collection’s motto is “beauty from….start to finish” Adrienne says that the motto covers the whole business because it is a one stop shop. The store’s grand opening and website will be coming soon in a few weeks so look out for them. While you’re waiting you can check out some of the latest fashions by becoming a fan on Facebook @The Exquisite Collection or on Twitter @Exquisite Cache’.

           

If you really wanna rock out then check out the Rockin’ Soul Boutique located at 22751 Woodward Avenue.  Previously located in Detroit in the New Center Area, the boutique has been open since March 1st in its current location. The owner Mark Hunter, who has been in the fashion industry for nine years, got his influence to open his boutique from being a sharp dresser and getting compliments everywhere he went on his stylish outfits, this is why the store has so much style and pizzazz. The Rockin’ Soul specializes in women’s and men’s wear, the clothes range from casual and contemporary to very trendy. The target market that the store attracts is anyone from their late teen years to people in their thirties and forties looking for the latest styles. The boutique has dresses, jeans, shirts, shoes and accessories. Every garment in the store is very modish and detailed, you would think it was expensive, but the clothes are priced for the penny pincher. The grand opening will be coming soon next month so look out for it.

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          Who do you dream of becoming? When you step into Queens Dreams you can transform into whoever you want to be. This boutique is located at 23337 Woodward Avenue, just recently had it’s grand opening on March 9 and the owner Jim Calleja is calling all genders to come in and become the queen that you were meant to be. Queens Dreams is has new and gently used clothes for women, transsexuals, and drag queens. With the sizes running form small to 6x everyone will be accommodated in this boutique.  If by any chance you do not see what you are looking for Jim will special order it for you. If you are going out for a night on the town they also have a make-up artist and a seamstress available for you with a 24 hour notice of course. The styles of the garments are very diverse and they range from casual everyday wear to formal evening wear, with prices this low you’re guaranteed to find something you like. This is definitely your one stop shop because Queens Dreams has undergarments, shoes, wigs, and jewelry, children’s jewelry and clothes coming soon. The owner Jim who is a Ferndale resident decided to open his own boutique because of the economy. He has over 25 years experience as a district manager in the food service industry and could not find a job. Jim’s motto is “can’t find a job, make one yourself,” that’s exactly what he did. So if you want to let you inner queen loose, take a visit down to Queens Dreams where you’ll find all your fashion needs.

   

        If you want to have an Exquisite Collection, a Rockin’ Soul, or if you have Queens Dreams, then come to Ferndale and shop for the latest and greatest garments. Not only will you be supporting your community but you will also be saving because the prices are so reasonable. These were just a few of the new stores that have opened up in the last few months, but there are plenty more just like them. Come to Fashionable Ferndale where all your clothing needs will be met.

Getting F.I.T. for New Michigan Jobs

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

As s3 Entertainment Group begins its second year of Film Industry Training (F.I.T.), previous students gear up for the 2010 filming season here in Michigan.  S3 is part production company, part school – with many students stepping up to take paying jobs with s3 or other productions that s3 connects them with.

 

“All of our students get internships,” said one of s3’s founders Jeff Spilman.  “In this business you need experience to get work and you need to work to get experience.  Unlike other programs our students get to work on real high-budget films.

 

In a course overview class on Feb. 25, 2010, Spilman, other F.I.T. Instructors, and former students spoke to potential new recruits about what working in the film industry is really like.

 

“If you’re out to make a quick buck, this is not the job for you,” Spilman said.  “Our days are 10-15 hour days, six days a week.  Your kids will not see you for weeks.  If you have a dog you better have someone supportive to go let them in and out.  When you’re filming, the film is your life.”  He also explained that living project to project is a new concept for people in Michigan who are used to working regular hours with a steady paycheck.

 

“These are all freelance jobs.  Production managers hire on a project to project basis.  There are union jobs and you need to prove you can be hired before they’ll let you in,” Spilman said.  “And unless you have a time commitment and a passion don’t waste your time with us.”

 

Many of the fifty-sixty people at the class were unemployed or at jobs they said would be disappearing soon.  Automotive engineer Belinda Davis of Madison Heights has been laid off since November 2008.  She came Saturday to find out if jobs in the film industry were really available.  “The fact they’re trying to help Michigan’s unemployed with this industry is exciting,” she said.

 

The training classes offered through F.I.T. include a basic film industry overview, a Grip/Electric/Generator Operator Course, an Introduction to the Film Art Department, Introduction to Film Industry Production Accounting, Introduction to Camera Department, Introduction to Mechanical Special FX and a Film Camp for wanna-be actors.  Each class is designed to give students hands on training in jobs that are in high demand during the peak filming season.

 

All of the classes offered except for their Film Camp are eligible for state funding through No Worker Left Behind.  No Worker Left Behind provides up to $5,000 a year for training.  Workers who have been displaced by jobs going overseas may be eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance for up to three years of training.  And a Workforce Investment Act–National Emergency Grant may help people who lost jobs in failing industries get up to $4,000 a year in training.  Andy Cuadrio and Megan McLosky from the Ferndale Career Center were on hand to help potential students learn about funding for classes.  “Currently there is no funding left in Oakland County for No Worker Left Behind, but we are always looking for ways to connect workers with jobs and job training,” Cuadrio said.  Those interested in state funding for jobs can get more information at the Ferndale Career Center at 713 East Nine Mile Road.

 

Bob Bechett spent over 25 years in advertising and marketing for Chrysler before loosing his job.  He took two F.I.T. training classes last year and interned on the set of The Irishman.  Since then he has been hired onto several projects including Crave, Red Dawn and Game of Death with Wesley Snipes.  “It doesn’t matter if you’re a CPA, have a Masters Degree or are a kid out of high school.  It’s all about your attitude,” Bechett said.  “It doesn’t matter what they ask you to do, it needs to be done.  Everyone has a small role but they all fit together to make a really big production happen.”

 

Several films are scheduled to be made in Michigan this year, including a new Transformers movie, Power of Few, Thief of Hearts, Hung: Season 2, Sucker and a DreamWorks production called Real Steel. 

 

More information on s3 Entertainment Group and the classes they offer, go to .

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Eagles Take Flight

by, Ron Gilmore

                It has taken just one season to return the Ferndale High School basketball program to prominence. With the hiring of its most celebrated alum as head coach, the Eagles began their mission. As a player at Ferndale and then the University of Michigan, Tom Staton was always a focused, intelligent player. He understood the basic concept that basketball is a team game. Five players on the floor working together  as a single unit with a single purpose will overcome individual efforts.  Tom also has always been a firm believer that preparation and conditioning will ultimately lead to success. All this said, Tom also realized he had to be a salesman. He needed to sell his players the idea that if they followed his plan, that they would indeed succeed.

                To their credit, the players bought it. The assistant coach (Ferndale alum, Herb Goliday) bought it. The Junior Varsity coach (another Eagle alum, Bruce Felton) bought it.

                A very simple idea. Everyone, coaches, players, seniors, juniors, JV, freshmen, ALL were going to work under the same concept and idea. "We're not just putting a team together, we're putting a program together" Staton stated early in the summer. And with that, the mission began. First came conditioning. The coaches insisted that the players be prepared to outwork their opponents. Next came the implementation of the game strategies. The coaches taught complex offensive and defensive plays. Lots of them. "I was told that these kids weren't smart enough to handle this" said Staton.  "I knew better than that. I expected them to learn it. With great expectations come great results".  This season, Tom has used as many as four defensive alignments on the same possession by their opponents. The players didn't miss a beat.

                After starting the season slowly, the Eagles have soared to an overall record of 16-3, winning 15 of their last 16 games and going undefeated (14-0) in the OAA Blue Division. Leading the attack are Shaun Amiker (18.6 points per game, 8.5 rebounds) and point guard Jody Hill ((18.4 ppg and 4 assists). Anyone watching this team understands that it is the teams all out hustle and aggressiveness that is their trademark, featuring a smothering full court defense that unnerves even the best of their opponents.

                Now it is  on to the district playoffs starting with a game at Detroit Renaissance on Wednesday, March 10. Knowing Tom Staton and his players, they will be prepared for the challenge, and looking to make a long run in the playoffs.

15 Questions for Chuck Moeser

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

In an effort to learn more about life in Ferndale, The Ferndale 115 News is launching a 15 Questions Series that gives interviews with residents and people involved in the community.  On March 11, 2010 reporter Crystal A. Proxmire sat down with Ferndale Board of Education President Chuck Moeser to find out how School Board issues might affect readers.

 

 

1.  What does the School Board do?

            “The School Board sets the policies for how the district operates.  They work with the administration to make sure that goals are being met and that guidelines are being followed.  We are elected by people in the District to make sure the schools are operating the way the public wants.”

 

2.  How long have you been School Board President?

            Moeser has been on the School Board for 19 years, and has been President for the past 10.

 

3.  How much money do you make as Board President?

            “This is a volunteer board so there is no pay.  Those of us involved do this because we like to do things for the kids.”

 

4.  When you say that you do good things for the kids, what types of things do you actually do?

            “We have to be involved with the district and the kids to make sure that all students have the same opportunities.  Every student gets equal opportunity to a quality education.  There are ways that we can impact students, especially by being involved on the committees for different things that we do.”

 

5.  What committees are there?

            “Finance, program, operations, staff relations, policy and superintendent advisory committees.  Sometimes people watch our meetings and it seems like we don’t really do anything, or that we just vote to pass whatever someone else tells us to.  But the fact is that we have good committees that do all of the research and debate before the issues come to us for a vote.  I’ve seen meetings in other school districts that have gone on for days because of discussions and debates.  But because our committees do a good job we have all the information before we sit down at the meetings.”

 

6.  Who can be on the committees? 

            “The committees have two board members, 3 citizens, 1 administration and community volunteers.”

 

7.  What is your role as President of the Board?

            “The role of the President is to make sure the meeting is running smoothly.  I generally don’t vote unless there is a tie breaker, or something that we want to be able to say ‘passes unanimously.’

 

8.  What have you accomplished as President?

            “We work as a team, but one thing that we have done was bringing in the current Superintendant and helping him to restructure the District.  We went from a neighborhood-based school system to a grade-based system, and that required a lot of research, planning and execution to make it happen. 

            My biggest issue is that of finance.  There is always an issue with State mandated but unfunded programs as well as the current issue of the State cutting funding.

One of my first issues, and one of my big issues was that girls and boys should be treated equally.  I got involved with the Board because one of my big issues was that the girls swim team was treated differently than the boys.  One season the boys got all new lockers but the girls didn’t.  My daughter was on the team and she didn’t understand why.  The school told me that there wasn’t enough money to do both, and I got them to see that when you treat girls and boys differently, no matter what the reason, the kids are going to pick up on that and feel like things aren’t equal.  That year the girls went on to win the championship and when they won the President of the Board gave his congratulations along with the promise of new lockers the next year. Those are the little ways we can make sure our kids get treated fairly.”

 

9.  How long ago was the restructuring and why did you do it?  

            The restructuring was about seven years ago.  Gary Meier [Superintendent] came on and saw some of the problems our district.  Our district is part of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak Township, and part of Oak Park.  Because we had neighborhood-based schools it meant there was a school for Pleasant Ridge and a school in the Township, and people were saying that it was segregation because we have a very diverse district, but the schools did not reflect that diversity.  Going to grade-based schools helped to solve that problem.  It also helped with resource management, team teaching and better opportunities for students.  Any kind of change faces resistance, but the students and parents seem to like it and our test scores have been going up so I think it is working.”

 

10.  What issues does the School Board face now?

            “The biggest issues are financial ones.  The State says they are going to cut back on student funding by $160 a student, but that number could go up to as much as $400 per student.”

 

11.  How are you dealing with the financial issues?

            “The Ferndale District is one that saw these problems coming and began fixing things before they broke.  Our theory has not been ‘where do we cut next,’ but ‘where do we raise money?’    We started doing accounting for other school districts.  We brought in University High School to increase the taxes we receive by having more students in the district.  Adult Ed. is the same way.  We share resources and made a lot of improvements by restructuring the District and we rent out District property when we can, including the old elementary school that we rent to the City for the Community Center. 

            “We are committed to remaining a full service district and we continue to look at ways to do that.”

 

12.  Is school of choice an issue?

            “It is.  That is something that parents ask us a lot about.  We allow up to 15% of the District to be part of school of choice.  The students must be from Oakland County to be part of Ferndale High School.  We sometimes have a problem with students living out of the system and falsifying addresses so that they can go to our schools, and when we find that we send them back.  This year we had to remove 63 students from the system for falsifying addresses.  We take it seriously and follow the rules.  We now require guardianship papers as part of enrollment so that people can’t just use a relative’s Ferndale address. 

            “University High School allows students from outside of Oakland County because it is a different type of school.”

 

13.  What is going on with the elections?

            “On Monday the School Board will nominate someone to fill a spot on the board that is vacant from a person who left to pursue their own things.  There were five candidates and the board will choose one to serve for a year an a half.

            There are two open seats with four candidates running for the May 4th election.  That’s when the public gets to vote.”

 

14.  What advice do you have for incoming board members?

            “The most important thing is for new members to work together and function as a team without having personal agendas.  And once a decision is made the team needs to be behind it.  We’ve got a good board and we work well together now. That needs to continue during these trying financial times.  Experience is critical.”

 

15.  Do you have kids in the district?

            “I have been in the district my whole life.  I graduated from Ferndale in 1968 and have lived here 59 years between Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge.  My oldest daughter Margaret (Molly) went through our school system and she is now a lawyer in LA.  My other daughter Gretchen is involved in Marine Biology and lives in England, and my son Matthew is a Navy Pilot who flies all over the world.  All of them went to Ferndale High School.  All were involved students – in band, theatre and sports.  My kids are all products of Ferndale Schools, and I really believe in our system.”

American Cancer Society Seeks LGBT Participants for Major Study

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

In order to make their third wave of long-term cancer studies as inclusive as possible, the American Cancer Society has made Kristopher Keys their official LGBT Ambassador for the CPS-3 (Cancer Prevention Study) Study.  The study is for people aged 30-65 who have never been diagnosed with cancer, and who are willing to take follow-up surveys for the next 20 or more years.

 

“Our goal is to get 25% of participants in minority categories,” Keys said.  “The first study, done in the 50s didn’t ask about sexual orientation.  And the second one, which was in the 70s, had very low numbers of LGBT participants.  I stepped in this year to let everyone know that this study is available, and to help get better data about our community.”

 

The CPS-3 asks participants to answer some medical questions, have their waist measured and give a sample of blood.  They also agree to answer questionnaires about their health and their habits every two years for at least the next 20.  This helps The American Cancer Society research what types of behaviors and traits may predispose people to the disease. 

Keys said there is no evidence linking homosexuality to cancer, but that it’s important that large-scale studies be representative of diverse groups of people.  The CPS-3 will attempt to follow the lives of 500,000 people across the country.  There are several opportunities to sign up, including Relay For Life of Detroit at Marygrove College on June 19, 2010 from 1-5 P.M.  Other CPS-3 survey sites are at the Relays for Life in Barry County, Bay County, Bedford, Brandon/Ortonville, Brighton, Calhouhn County East, Grand Traverse County, Greater Port Huron, Holland & Zeeland, Lenawee County and Romeo.  Already, more than 6,000 participants from 21 different events in Michigan and Indiana have enrolled.  Unfortunately due to it’s proximity to the Detroit event, The Ferndale Relay for Life is not a CPS-3 location so Keys is working hard in the community to get people to sign up at the Detroit event even if they do not want to walk in the Relay.

The Metropolitan Community Church Team will be walking in the Royal Oak event.  MCC team members Carmen Garcia and her partner Cheryl Klopman will be doing a separate fundraiser on May 2, 2010 at a lesbian-owned dog spa in Ferndale where they will wash dirty dogs in exchange for donations to The American Cancer Society. Klopman cannot participate in the CPS-3 because she is a lymphoma survivor.

“All of us on the team are dog lovers, and this our third year.  The people from Bubble and Park are there to give us moral support ,” Garcia said. “Cheryl had lymphoma and it was fourth stage when they diagnosed it.  It was really aggressive and she was a trooper.  They told us it would be 20 weeks of treatment and it ended up taking two years of fighting. 

“Two years of treatments had ups and downs.  I understand the phrase “practicing medicine” means, because a lot of it trial and error.  We are still learning and practicing,” Garcia said.  “You can’t go back to normal but you adjust what it is you consider normal.  All the treatments affect people differently.  Cheryl has been in remission for 17 years, but still has residual effects from chemotherapy radiation.  Her heart not as strong and we will never feel like we’re 30 again.  She’s on this team and she really wants to try and walk the whole 24 hours, even though it will be physically hard for her.

“We both feel really lucky that all of the treatments worked.  We know that it could have gone a lot differently.  We walk because we are grateful and we walk because and we walk to remember the people that we have lost.  I lost my friend to ovarian cancer and I remember her every day.  People on the MCC team were helpful, and we all formed a support group.  It was more support for me more than for Cheryl.  The team is made up of men and women and all through MCC Detroit.  We’re a lot of fun and going to have some surprises for people who come out to show support.”

American Cancer Society LGBT Ambassador Keys cannot participate in the CPS-3 either because at age 13 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma Stage 4.  He has been in remission for ten years, yet has always fought the disease with his work in the community.  “There is always a chance of it recurring,” Keys said.  “No one in my family has had cancer.  I don’t know why I got it.”

Several local LGBT hotspots have welcomed Keys’ efforts with open arms.  Recognizing the link between smoking and lung cancer, Menjo’s has gone smoke free on Saturday nights, and a portion of the night’s door cost goes towards cancer research.  They also allow Keys to speak on Tuesday nights about cancer and the upcoming study.  “Tuesday night is Battle of the Sexes and I am always there,” Keys said.  “Backstreet let us host an ACS Outburst, Rainbow Room is doing two drag shows with a portion of the money going to ACS, and Club 9 are going to have an Outburst, and a lot of the local performers are helping.  Entertainment-wise Sabin, Sir Walt, DeAngela Show Shannon, Ski Banz, Cheyenne Pepper and Tori Lynn are all out there helping me spread the word.”

In addition to recruiting for Relay for Life and the CPS-3, Keys tells people about the biggest cancer risk factors.  “LGBT people have a tendency to go out.  We like to smoke and eat.  People need to know that smoking and obesity are related to cancer,” he said.

To find out more about Relay for Life and the CPS-3 Study, go to .

Ferndale’s Small Business Boom

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

At least 13 new businesses are in the opening stages around Ferndale, many in the city’s ever-growing Downtown Central Business District (CDC).  Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Roosenberg says she’s having trouble keeping up with all the grand openings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.  “We’re thinking of having a big new business celebration to tie into the Diablo’s opening, instead of a dozen different events,” she said.

 

Diablos is a large new Mexican restaurant expected to open within the next month at the old Rosie O’Grady’s location on 175 W. Troy. 

 

Across the street in the Ferndale Arts Building at 195 W. 9 Mile is The Exqusite Collection, a designer women’s clothing store that opened last month.  (See our fashion section for more info:  )

 

Around the corner at 22751 Woodward Avenue Rockin’ Soul offers trendy clothing for the 20-30 crowd, while up the street at 23337 Woodward Avenue is Ferndale’s new drag queen resale shop called Queen’s Dreams where plus sized women and men can shop for designer women’s fashions at reasonable prices.

 

On March 27, 2010 Designer Resale Botique at 22442 Woodward will have their grand opening ceremony.

 

Other stores opening in the area include The Green Thumb Garden Center at 22963 Woodward, Hair Studio 9 at 22841 Woodward, No Pins Required (a baby store specializing in pin-free, adorable-looking diapers) will be opening in Salon Rehe’s old space at 22446 Woodward.  Salon Rehe will be moving to Lofts on the 9, and Downtown Ferndale Bike Shop will be opening at 163 W. 9 Mile within the next couple of weeks.

 

Chiropractor Dr. Daniel Farkas has opened an office on Woodward, M1 Studios will be opening at an undisclosed location on Hilton, and a flower and event shoppe called Petit Fleur () is also new at 23257 Woodward.

 

On the east side of town Continental Catering will be joining B Nektar at 1505 Jarvis, and Paper Street Motors will be home to several new small businesses.  The “business incubator” concept means that several offices and industrial occupants are able to share a large space at little cost to each of them.  Space is available for as little as $200 a month, with renters in the company of a career coach, a recording studio, a racecar builder and an industrial arts company.  (see 19p4paperstreet.html)

In addition to the many new businesses, people in Ferndale await the July 10th opening of the new Ferndale Public Library at 222 E. 9 Mile.  ()

 

Area Chamber Executive Director Roosenberg says she is “overwhelmed and excited,” with all the new business openings.  “I don’t have anything to compare it to, but businesses like Ferndale because of a combination of affordable rent, the centrality of Ferndale and the access to these type of businesses target market.  Ferndale is known for having an active Downtown and businesses want to locate where the people are.”

 

The Ferndale Chamber of Commerce () and The Downtown Development Authority () are good resources for people interested in learning about new or existing businesses, or for those who are thinking of opening businesses in the area.

Neighbors Come Together to Save the Downtown Ferndale Pony

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

For years children and drunks alike have enjoyed the mechanical pony on the corner of W. 9 Mile Road and the pedestrian walkway leading back to Troy Street.  For only a quarter a rider could indulge in a moment of child-like fun, while also drawing attention to American Pop!, the funky collectables store that shared the same corner.

 

But then one day, just as spring was coming and people were starting to once again invest their quarters, the owner of American Pop! Wyll Lewis learned that the children’s ride was being taken away by the building owner and sold.

 

“Most people thought it belonged to me and American Pop!, but it was really my landlords and he decided he needed the money so he took it and put it on consignment,” Lewis said.  “This is a small local store.  I don’t have a thousand dollars lying around to buy the pony, but it’s been here for ages.  My customers love it, and so do people just walking up and down the street.  It’s one of those special Ferndale things that gets people coming here.”

 

Concerned neighbors noticed the pony missing and stepped in to help.  Carrie Copeland, who coordinates events at Affirmations Community Center, helped Lewis create a Facebook page to raise interest in the pony’s peril.  Wolfman Mac, the producer and star of Wolfman Mac’s Nitemare Sinema, donated some “Creepy” merchandise and helped set up a fundraising party at American Pop! on Saturday, March 13, 2010.  Lewis made arrangements with the owner of the consignment shop to hold the pony for one week, giving him time to host the fundraiser without fear of loosing the horse beforehand.  The shop was asking $1,200 for the pony, which is valued at $1,500.  But he agreed to let American Pop! buy it for the original seller’s asking price of $800.

 

Despite the cold rainy weather, over 30 friends and neighbors showed up to give their support.  “I came to show love for my brotha Wolfman Mac here and to help the store keep the pony,” said Detroit based comic book artist Electric Otto.  Otto and other creative types can often be seen around Downtown Ferndale, enjoying eclectic shops like Detroit Comics and American Pop.  “We need to support each other,” Otto said.

 

The event only raised $200 towards the pony, $100 of which was in Wolfman Mac contributions.  But another couple of neighbors stepped in to make sure that American Pop! got the pony back for good.  Tom and Tiffani Gagne, who frequently shop at the unique gift and collectables shop, surprised Lewis by paying for the pony Saturday morning and having it delivered back to the store.  “That pony IS downtown Ferndale - the whole block looked blank without it,” said Tiffani whose young boys have probably put dozens of quarters in the mechanical pony over the years.”

 

The purchase is a loan that Lewis still have to find a way to pay back.  Although Lewis owns American Pop! he must also work a night job in order to pay the bills and keep the store open.  This isn’t the end of his economic struggles, or those of other businesses in a failing economy, but he can now rest easy knowing the pony is now back in it’s home in front of 175 W. 9 Mile.  “The support from the community was phenomenal,” he said.  “I wish the whole situation had never happened, but it’s good to know that people in Ferndale care about the store – and the pony.”

Art About Books at Paramount Bank is Another Chapter in Big Read Event

By, Crystal A. Proxmire



 

Over a hundred curious viewers flocked to The Community Arts @ Paramount Bank Gallery for the opening of an exhibition in honor of reading.  The Big Read Exhibition opened Friday with paintings, prints and sculptures by 15 artists who were given the assignment to do a piece based on a favorite book.  The exhibit ties in to a city-wide reading initiative designed to get the community talking about reading, and about “The Maltese Falcon” in particular. 

 

Thomas S. Humes of Grosse Pointe Park (seen in the title picture above) was inspired to make two prints of Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Sharer.”  “It’s about a captain of a ship – a young guy and it’s the first time he’s on a ship as a captain.  It’s a 1900’s period piece.  The captain is on his first watch at night and he goes to pull in the mail rope and there’s a person down swimming in the water.   The person in the water has killed a person and there’s all this psychological tension.  Should I save the guy or not?  Should the person in the water go turn himself in, or swim around until he drowns?”  Humes’s sketches show two different views of the same scene, with the captain looking down at the man in the water.  One picture is smaller, with a dark sky.  The other is bright, with bursting stars standing out in an un-colored sky.  The contrasts between the pictures are representative of the book’s premise - which is the difference between reality and the illusions created by the captain’s psyche. 

 

Ferndale artist Bethany Shorb had already been working on a book-based collection when she found out about The Big Read exhibit.  Almost a year ago Shorb had been in a near-fatal car accident, a life-changing experience that led her to read, and fall in love with, the book “Crash,” by J. G. Ballard.  The book is about the eroticism associated with car crashes.  “I think it affected my psyche,” Shorb said.  “I had this friend with this great car that was going to the junkyard and it reminded me of the book.  So we got some friends together and did a photo shoot.”  Shorb built elaborate scenes and designed many of the props for the shoot.  She also has added to the Crash theme with a series of sculptures made out of old automobile air bags.  She had gone to the junkyard to find a steering wheel to use in a display for her commercial artwork company, and was inspired by many colors and patterns that were on deployed airbags.  “They were all blowing in the wind,” she said.  “They’re all kinds of different colors that you wouldn’t expect due to the silicone coating they put on to keep them inflated.”  In order to print on the airbags, Shorb must take them all apart by hand so the pieces can lay flat.  At the Art About Books showing, Shorb had two photographs and two air-bag sculptures.

 

Rald Dahl’s “The Sound Machine” inspired Bloomfield Township artist Clinton Snider to do an children’s book-like illustration for one of Dahl’s more macabre adult works.  “All his children’s books are illustrated and they kind of lend themselves towards that.  But he’s also got some scathing, really adult stories that have that kind of imagery too.  In this one this kind of crazy guy invents a machine that learns that plants can feel pain.  You pick a rose and it screams.  You eat vegetables and he can hear them dying.  It’s horrible.  And the story only takes it so far and he ends the experiment, but it gives you something to think about,” Snider said.  Snider teaches art at the College for Creative Studies and at the Birmingham-Bloomfield Art Center.

 

The tall narrow picture with houses on stilts on top of mountains and the fanciful stream of blue swirls leading back down to the earth is artist Julie Russell Smith’s interpretation of “Einstein’s Dreams, by Alan Lightman.  “I’ve always liked this book,” Smith said.  “I pulled it out to re-read it because I felt like it was something I could think about as opposed to just illustrate.  When Einstein started thinking about how time worked, he had these dreams that were more imaginative.  What if time worked like this?  He’s saying imagine a world where the further you get from the center of the earth, time slows down.  So people start moving up to the mountains because they’ll live longer.  Then they start building their houses on stilts to get even further away from the center.  And before long it becomes a status thing and people forget why they are even doing it.  Some people stop caring about living longer and they go back to the ground level, while all the people above take on a new life and all die young from being thin and undernourished.  The book has all these really neat ‘what ifs.’  Like what if it was reversed and time slowed down the closer you got to the center of earth.  Or what if we really are doomed to relive the same things over and over again.  It’s fascinating to think about, and it shows how even the most scientific of people use their imaginations and dreams to solve problems.”

 

Mark Danley of Detroit chose a more down-to-earth theme with his sculpture based on Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.”  “It’s about human nature and violence in the West, and it’s based on actual events.  It shows the contradicting extremes of what people are capable of.  The same man who can make art and music and other beautiful things, can also be violent and evil,” Danley said.  His sculpted book stood in the center of the gallery for the opening.  Danley, whose work is currently on review at the Contemporary Gallery of Detroit said “This sounded like an interesting project.  Blood Meridian has so many images that an artist could use to make it interesting, and the book bears repeated readings.”

 

Royal Oak based artist Sandra Cardew did three pieces for the project, all based on stories from Bruno Schulz’s “The Street of Crocodiles.”  Cardew said that her sculpture of animals on stage is most representative of her traditional work.  “It’s hard to explain without having people hear the words,” she said.  “But my own work does a lot with animals and antrhopromporphic figures.  I like Bruno’s work because he deals with reality and the metaphysical word in a way that is difficult to describe.  He has often been compared to Kafka and is probably one of Poland’s greatest 20th century writers.  He was killed by the Nazis and a lot of his lost work keeps resurfacing.”  The paintings show two stories.  The first is “What Exactly Happened to Uncle Edward,” which Cardew said “is based on Bruno’s father who would take him into a room and psychoanalyze him down and down until there was nothing left.”  The second painting “The Book of Idolatry,” features a woman being worshiped.  “Bruno was much into idolizing women.  In his work men were subservient.”

 

The exhibit and The Big Read both continue through the end of March, with many events taking place throughout the city.  Each Thursday night Go! Comedy has a free improve show called “Son of the Maltese Falcon.”  There will be book discussions at many stores and community spaces, and a presentation from local mystery writer Loren Estlemen at Ferndale High School on Thursday, March 25 at 7:30 P.M.  More information about these and other Big Read celebrations can be found at

[pic]

52 For Mom Update

By, Brian Lane

 

As you know, Brian Lane (CEO/Runner for FiftyTwo4Mom) is on a cross country journey running races in each state to raise awareness and money to fund research for Optic Nerve Disorders. 

 

The journey continued as FiftyTwo4Mom visited Birmingham , Alabama this past weekend for the Mercedes Marathon.  Thanks to AdvoCare the team was able to share a booth at the Health Expo on Friday and Saturday, which allowed us to raise over $300 and get information out to hundred of other individuals who were picking up registration information for the race.   People we met were very receptive to our cause and seemed genuinely enthusiastic to check out our website and follow us as we travel the country.  On Sunday, Brian competed in the half marathon, running the hilly course in 1:54.59, finishing in the top quarter of competitors.  The race felt great and if this in an indication of things to come the team is well on their way to reaching our goals.

 

Our next stop was Biloxi , Mississippi which offered us several great opportunities.  We left behind several donation jars at local restaurants and hopefully we will find out in the next couple of weeks if those brought us any luck.  Our host was very generous the week and showed us around the great town and even took us out to eat on several nights.   The town was pretty ravaged by Katrina, but it is good to see the spirits of this region are strong and people have rallied to build it back up.  The Arbor Day 5k was on Saturday, and the Gulf Coast Running Club put on a great race and allowed us to pass out info to the runners.  It was a nice race through the town, and I finished 33rd out of over 200 runners in a time of 23:05.  Sometimes you forget how hard a 5k can be when you’ve been training all year for marathons.  Later that day we also participated in the Disability Awareness Festival and were given the opportunity to talk to people and pass out information.  Sunday, we had the opportunity to have a booth at the local Flea Market which was a change of pace for sure.  I think a lot of people thought I was there to sell raffle tickets or try to sign them up for a program, but once I was able to talk to people they really opened up to our cause and what we were doing.   Through all the events we reached over 300 people.

 

New Orleans was the hardest city of the 3 we did this month.  I won’t lie or sugar coat it, it was hard to get interest with such a large race and so many people running for causes.  Between the different cancers, MS, and all the other foundations I believe that they calculated that around 45% of individuals were running for a charity.   With over 15,000 runners that’s a LOT of people and it was difficult to stand out and get the media or businesses to take notice.  The trip was worth it though because I was able to make several good contacts and establish relationships with the local track club, and a local blogger.  You never know with those bloggers what comes from their posts.  The race itself went well and while I had a slightly slower time than in Alabama , 1:55.51, I was really enjoying talking to people and enjoying the race.  I am taking a week off to recoup from doing 2 half marathons in 14 days, but will be in Hilton Head for the Shamrock Run 5k on March 13th.

 

Our goal over the journey is to raise one million dollars by getting one million people to donate just $1.  We really need everyone’s support to continue on with our journey week in and week out.  Please make sure to check out our site and if you have not already done so, please make a donation to our cause.  Everyone who donates will have their name added to “My Road,” to thank you for your donation.  We would also like to offer to the businesses the opportunity to sponsor our trip.  Sponsorships are as low as $20 to have your company logo and website listed on our site.  Our sponsors have ranged from local bars/restaurants to running companies and other small businesses.  Other opportunities are also available for those interested (please email for details).  You can also follow us on Facebook ( ) or on Twitter ().  There is lots of information and links on our site about OND’s and also a blog for anyone to post stories about how Optic Nerve Disease has affected them.  If you or anyone you know has been affect by this disease, please let us know so we can share their story.  This is a great way for people to network with others who are affected and see they are not alone.

 

We want to thank everyone for their support so far.  We know it is a difficult time for many people, and that’s why all donations are so greatly appreciated.  We would like to give special thanks to the Ohio Northern Swim Team, the MSU Tampa and Atlanta Alumni Associations, AdvoCare (Anne especially), the Gulf Coast Running Club, and our hosts in Birmingham, Biloxi and New Orleans who were all amazing.   We also have really enjoyed hearing back from people, so please do not be afraid to hit us up with your words of encouragement. 

Thanks,

 

FiftyTwo4Mom Team

Phone: 517-420-2198

Mail:    P.O. Box 301095

Waterford , MI 48330

Email: info@

Web:   

________________________

Relay for Life Begins Year 3 in Ferndale

By, Crystal A. Proxmire

 

Sitting at tables topped with birthday balloons and colorfully wrapped presents, volunteers and walkers were brought to tears by the sorties of cancer survivors, caregivers and those who have lost loved ones to the disease at the Relay for Life Kick off Celebration last week.

 

Kim Hughes shared her “Story of Hope” about her experience in turning to The American Cancer Society for help with her father’s cancer diagnosis.  “I called the 800 number [1-800-227-2345] and was able to get more information in the ten to fifteen minute conversation in any of our research before.  “Sometimes you can call and you don’t even know what it’s for, but they are experts who are trained to know how to help you.”

 

“Today I spread hope by being a caregiver and telling my dad’s story,” she said.  Hodge will walk along with people from many area groups including Ferndale Adult Ed, Ferndale Labs, Ferndale Area Chamber of Commerce, Harding Cancer Haters, Snap Fitness-Ferndale and at least 11 other teams on June 12-13, 2010 beginning at 10 A.M. at Ferndale High School to raise money for cancer research.  For 24 hours walkers will circle the track in honor of loves ones with cancer, who have survived cancer, who have passed.  They also celebrate caregivers and those who mourn the loss of a loved one. 

 

The theme this year is celebrating birthdays, with the hope of helping those with cancer see more of them.

 

“My dad is 67 years old.  Each day is truly a gift – enjoy it,” Hughes said.  “Don’t focus on survival rates.  You have to believe you can beat this!”

 

Beth Collins said that 58 people a day in Metro Detroit are diagnosed with cancer.  “The American Cancer Society has spent $3.4 billion on cancer research, with $15 million spent here in the Detroit area.”  She urged people to sign up for a team or to start one of their own.

 

Ferndale High School Orchestra Director Ben Moy shared his experience as a team leader for the Ferndale High School Orchestra and Friends team.  “I assure you it isn’t as intimidating as it might seem,” Moy said.  “They make it easy for you.  They give you a place you can put in e mail addresses and they even write the email for you.  Our team also raised $300 alone just taking dollar donations for the paper feet.  Moy said the students also turned old musical instruments into artwork to sell.

 

Jackie Koivu is the volunteer coordinator for Relay for Life Ferndale.  She got involved in Relay for Life last year after a disappointing Relay experience at Marygrove College the year before.  “I walked the track by myself all night.  It was lonely, but after walking around so many times and reading the illuminated bags I felt like I really knew all the people being remembered.  It was such a touching experience.  But I was also sad and disappointed because there weren’t many people walking, and they weren’t doing anything to make it fun either.  In Ferndale we can make things fun and memorable.”

 

For more information about Relay for Life go to .

The Ferndale 115 News

Inform, inspire and unite

On the 1st and 15th of each month

The Ferndale 115 News comes out online on the 1st and 15th of each month, hence the "one-fifteen" name.  Our goal is to inform, inspire and unite the people of Ferndale.  By encouraging readers to learn as much as they can about our community, we hope to give people the tools to be more active, to know what is going on, and to be able to appreciate the benefits of shopping locally and caring about your neighbors.  We also hope to show people outside of Ferndale how great our community is, and to draw more homebuyers and investors to our city.  We hope to improve communications for all businesses, groups and departments so that everyone can make more informed, cooperative decisions.  We also hope to preserve the history of our community so that we can all be more appreciated and remembered. 

Education, communication and the search for truth are principles that editor and publisher Crystal A. Proxmire hopes to share with each issue.  When you buy advertising in The Ferndale 115 News, or when you join our FANS program, you are not only reaching our to 1,200+ of the most active people in Ferndale, you are supporting the idea that an informed community is a strong community. 

Our rates are ridiculously low because we want everyone to feel like they can be a part of this paper, and the community service it provides.  For the first six months we operated at a loss so that we could build up readership and get the production process down pat.  Now is the time to come forward and support these efforts.

Advertising Manager Jim Stone can be reached at supremejim@.

Editor and Publisher (and reporter) Crystal a. Proxmire can be reached at editor@.

Food and Wine Editor Jarred Gild can be reached at editor@.

Fashion Editor Whitney Lawren can be reached at editor@.

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