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0 1627

By Malissa Martin

WITH CHRISTMAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, it’s heartbreaking to know that not every child will be a part of the celebration. However, for the past three years Fern-dale Youth Assistance (FYA, located inside Ferndale High School) has been changing that with their Annual Adopt-a-family Christmas program. Caseworker Tasha Hanson and office manager Melinda Hicks coordinate the program, which already has five families in need this year.

“Families come to us. They’re struggling financially. They can’t even get food on the table for the day, let alone think about Christmas,” Hanson said. So FYA pitches in to help by connecting them with volunteers who have agreed to “adopt” a family for the Holiday season. Once families are selected, the children fill out a wish list form provided by the FYA. Only kids receive wish lists; however, sometimes Hicks and Hanson will also purchase a small, thoughtful gift for the parents.

When a family agrees to adopt a family in need, they are given the wish list to use as a guide. “We ask if they need a jacket, boots, gloves. We want to make sure they’re dressed for winter, and then they give us their wish list and sizes. We usually get all of them socks and underwear.” Hicks said.

Hicks enlists local families and individuals to adopt families in need for Christmas. Groups can also volunteer. A local running group has adopted a family every year since the program began. The Police Department, the Courts, and City Hall have also adopted a family.

To help purchase items for the program, the FYA has included a budget of $4,000 to use for Christmas, and as an emergency fund. Last year the program provided Christmas for 38 kids and Hicks is expecting 45-to-50 kids this year.

THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY WAYS the FYA is striving to serve youth and their families. The FYA has two facets: The casework side and also the community organizational side. Hicks is the go-to person for all the planning and programming at FYA. The Oakland County Circuit Court funds Hanson’s salary as the caseworker. The school district provides the FYA space and also provides some funding as well. Finally, Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge provide monetary donations, as well as the community members.

Having their office located inside the high school makes it easier for Hicks to connect with the youth. “Community members – usually the school district, social workers, principals, assistant principals – make referrals of kids that are struggling. Then I meet with them on a short-term case basis and get them to where they need to be for counseling or groups or whatever they need. So, short-term casework services for kids who are struggling with things like death, dying, bullying, anxiety (and) depression,” Hanson said.

Being able to provide kids with toys on Christmas is a blessing, and it’s also Hanson and Hicks’ favorite part of the job. They’ve both lived in Ferndale for years, Hicks all of her life. Providing services for youth is their way of giving back and continuing the tradition of making Ferndale a great place to live.

To adopt a family this Christmas, contact Hicks at (248) 586-8700 or email melinda.hicks@ferndaleschools.org.

0 2148

By Malissa Martin
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, CITY MANAGER ED KLOBUCHER HAS STUCK TO THE FIVE PRIORITIES he wrote on the whiteboard right outside his office at City Hall. He wrote the list in 2002 after taking office and has not erased them since. They are:

● HAZEL PARK IS NOT FOR SALE.
● HONESTY MATTERS.
● WE EXIST TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS.
● ALL WHINING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
● TREAT EVERYONE FAIRLY.

Klobucher says he tries his hardest to stick to these priorities because they have helped residents through very rough times.

Now, these same values are ushering in a comeback for the City. In 2016, Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Campbell led the charge to commission the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) to help guide the City to new planning options for growth and development. According to their web site, the Congress for the New Urbanism “helps create vibrant and walkable cities, towns, and neighborhoods where people have diverse choices for how they live, work, shop, and get around.”

Hazel Park was one of four cities selected to participate. “Basically, we sent a proposal about improving an aspect of planning in the city. We focused on the John R. corridor,” Campbell explains. Two members of CNU came to Hazel Park and worked with Robert Gibbs of Birmingham. “Over three days, people came and talked about what they would like to see on John R., and CNU submitted a report study at the end of it,” Campbell says. More than 120 residents, business owners, and potential business owners attended the meetings. “There was a very diverse group of all ages and all types of people from across the community showed up. People were happy to participate, happy we were undertaking the process, and glad somebody was listening to them,” Klobucher says.

Klobucher came up with five planning criteria for the city:
● A unique destination with two districts;
● A slower and narrower traffic thoroughfare;
● A first-class pedestrian environment;
● A mix of historic and new buildings;
● & a rich mixture of commercial, civic & employment activities.

Klobucher and his team have already begun implementing the suggested plans for the culinary district. Mabel Gray, owned by Chef James Rigato, is a very popular restaurant in Hazel Park, and won the 2017 Detroit Free Press Restaurant of the Year award. Chef Rigato also recently purchased an ice-cream facility in Hazel Park. “He’s going to be rehabbing it and turning it into something similar with his twist on it,” Campbell says.

Another popular stop is Cellarmen’s, a brewery which opened in 2016 and already has over 100 five-star reviews on their Facebook page. Recently, a customer wrote this on Cellarmen’s social media page: “Great vibe here, sampled almost everything, and really enjoyed the session-able meads and the milk stout. Crowlers to go, too! Staff is really cool and overall just a fun place to hang out.” Cellarmen’s plans to expand with a food truck and outdoor seating soon. Another new restaurant is Joe Bar, which will open this Spring.

Providing residents and visitors with different local-based dining experiences is what makes Hazel Park special. “You go to Mable Gray – it’s different. You go to Loui’s Pizza – it’s different. You go to Brayz – it’s different. Not every community has a large donkey on top of its restaurant. It’s all unique. I would rather see us have cool, unique places than all of the chain restaurants and things like that,” Klobucher explains.

The culinary district has taken off faster than the retail district. However, Klobucher says implementing this type of planning takes years. “The biggest hindrance I think that we’ve had with retail is, again, just like the restaurants, finding the right building with the right parking and the right area that will accommodate them.” Klobucher explains. The city has hit a few roadblocks in bringing these plans into fruition. “The fact that we don’t own the buildings and we can’t control the interaction between the potential investors and the current property owners is the biggest problem. We have a lot of interest. If we could control that and make it reasonable, then absolutely we would have even more cool things and developments happening here.” Klobucher says.

Expanding the types of retails and eateries offered in Hazel Park does not mean the city is changing its identity. “We’re not trying to be Ferndale. We have our own identity about who we are. We’re a little more blue-collar than Ferndale, maybe a little edgier. But what we really want to make sure people understand is the identity of our town: Who we are and where we’ve been (because) they’ll help dictate what happens in the future,” Campbell says.

Klobucher says the secret sauce to Hazel Park’s comeback is cooperation. As the longest-serving City Manager in Hazel Park’s history, Klobucher says he’s excited to see where Hazel Park will be in ten years. “I would like to see us continue on this path to growth and vibrancy. I would like to see us have a more walk-able downtown area that is rich with things to do. The people want to come and live in Hazel Park because it is a fun place to be. We’re getting cool rest-aurants now and cool bars. I would like to see us have some cool shops in the future. We are constantly on the look-out for new businesses that make Hazel Park a destination for Hazel Park and Metro Detroit residents.” Klobucher says.

Regardless of the ups-and-downs ahead for Hazel Park as it moves into a new phase, Klobucher says, “Hazel Park is a resilient community. We’re innovative and we don’t give up easily.”

0 2032

By Malissa Martin
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

HAZEL PARK IS A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG HEART located in the far southeastern corner of Oakland County. Many residents call it the “Gateway to Oakland County.” The Hazel Park Parks and Recreation Center is designed for its community members to engage in outside activities and fellowship with neighbors.

Within Hazel Park’s 2.866-miles, the city has several parks and other amenities for the community including:

● Green Acres Park (adjacent to Recreation Center)
● A BMX Course at Fuller Park (on Melville between Woodward Heights & Tucker)
● Felker Park (on Felker between Easterling & Battelle)
● Tuski Park (on Tucker between Vassar & Cayuga)
● Madge Park (on E. Madge between Russell & Hughes)
● Karam Park (on Couzens between 10 Mile Rd. & Woodward Heights)
● Maxlow Park (on W. Maxlow between West End & Ford)
● Scout Park (on E. Otis & Russell)
● Sutar-Sutarek Park (on Caledonia between E. Granet & E. Meyers)
● The Dog Park (on Couzens between E. Mapledale & E. Garfield)
● The Community Garden (on Merrill between E. Elza & E. Milton)

Many of the parks have sheds, picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and bath-rooms. Although residents use all the parks, a few have become favorites through the years. One favorite is the dog park, which opened in late 2014 and has features for canines of all sizes. Small dogs and large dogs have separate, enclosed areas for safe playing. There are also picnic tables, extra parking, and waste stations for easy clean up.

Green Acres Park is another favorite, and is also the largest in the city. It is bordered by Ferndale on the west side, I-75 on the east, and Woodward Heights on the south. It works as a destination park and as an integral part of the neighborhood. It is also home to the city’s Recreation Center and Department offices. Recreation Director Sareen Papakhian leads a team of 15 part-time employees.

The Recreation Center houses several events throughout the year, and one local favorite event is the annual Memorial Weekend Festival. It’s a five-day celebration with a carnival, music, bingo, concessions, and a Memorial Day Parade. Other recurring events are kids camp, Easter egg hunt, lunch with Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony to bring in the holidays.

They also rent three rooms for private use. The pavilions at Green Acres Park and Scout Park can also be rented for private use from May through October.

Socializing with fellow community members is what makes Hazel Park special. The parks and recreation center provide leisure areas and outdoor activities that families can enjoy. The Hazel Park Parks and Recreation Department wants to enrich the lives of its residents by providing spaces for them to congregate. Papakhian says residents deserve great parks, and she’s happy to assist in providing it for them.

0 2279

Story by Malissa Martin
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

THERE ARE SOME CHANGES BEING MADE AT THE CITY OF FERNDALE’S PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT. One of the most recent is the installment of new Director Lareina Wheeler, who replaced Jillian Manchik on March 13, 2017. Wheeler previously worked for the City of Detroit for 15 years as an environmental specialist, where she worked on big projects such as the Link Detroit Greenway/Dequindre cut extension, Detroit Riverfront redevelopment and Inner Circle Greenway project. She’s also owned One Life Fitness for over 12 years.

The next changes coming are upgrades to the parks, while they get ready for summer activities. Wheeler said their Master Plan was recently approved, and upgrades should happen throughout the next two years. “There are a lot of wish-list items we are definitely going to try to tackle and make happen. For this year, we’re starting with Martin Road Park, some improvements in that park.” The list includes: walking pads, splash pads, adult exercising equipment, sitting gardens, new play equipment, pavilion upgrades, ball field upgrades, and more. “The main things would be the splash pad, city garden, walking path, and adult exercise equipment.”

Creating opportunities for family and friends to spend time together at one of the 14 community parks in Ferndale is the goal of the Department. Wheeler said the department is open to suggestions from the public on their vision. “They can definitely be included in the planning process because we’re focusing on forward-thinking. We want our parks to be modern, we want them to be innovated, and we want them to meet the needs of the community.”

Ferndale’s parks provide a unique outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy. Summer youth programs and adult leagues are now taking registrations. Many summer events will take place at the park. The parks are maintained by the City’s Department of Public Works. Programs and rentals are managed by the Recreation Department.

MARTIN ROAD PARK
Located at 1615 E. Lewiston Avenue, Martin Road Park is classified as a community park and is the largest park in the city with almost 32 acres to enjoy. A few of the park’s amenities are shared with Webb Elementary School. Martin Road Park amenities include basketball hoops, concession stands, grills, picnic tables, in-line skating rink, park benches, pavilions and pavilion tables, play structures, sledding path, football field (on school property), full soccer field (Dream Field), two small soccer fields, two softball fields (on school property), walking trails, restrooms, drinking fountains, large open space area, and off-street parking lots.

DETROIT CURLING CLUB/ FERNDALE ACTIVITY CENTER
The Detroit Curling Club, founded in 1885, partnered with The City of Ferndale in the early 2000s to share the club’s building at Martin Road Park. The agreement allows each party use of the building for six months per year. The amenities for the Detroit Curling Club/ Ferndale Activity Center include four sheets of curling ice (winter months), a large open indoor area (summer months), meeting room, office, kitchen, and bathrooms.

HARDING PAR
Harding Park is classified as a community park, located at the corner of Mapledale St. and Paxton St. The large, 17 acres wooded park includes two basketball courts, in-line skating rink (lighted), softball field, full soccer field, two small soccer fields, baseball field, play structure, picnic tables, park benches, restrooms, drinking fountains, storage building, and an off-street parking lot.

GEARY PARK
This neighborhood park is the third largest in the city, with over nine acres and is located at 1198 Earl Boulevard. Amenities for Geary Park include in-line skating rink (lighted), baseball field, softball field, play structures, picnic tables, grills, pavilion, restrooms, benches, drinking fountain, storage building, and an off-street parking lot.

WILSON PARK
Set next to University High School, Wilson Park is the only dog park in the city. It’s located on University St. and Hilton Road, and has an acreage of 7.34. Amenities for Wilson Park include in-line skating rink (lighted), small softball field (on school property), basketball court, play structure, picnic tables, grills, picnic benches, dog park, restrooms, drinking fountains, and an off-street parking lot.

GARBUTT PARK
Garbutt Park, with almost seven acres, is located at 200 Gardendale Street. The park received its latest update in 2015 when it upgraded the playground area. It’s the only Ferndale park to have earth play mounds; earthen formations such as hills to divide areas naturally. Amenities for Garbutt Park includes softball field, soccer field, play structures, walking trail, earth play mounds, picnic tables, grills, park benches, drinking fountain, and restrooms.

LENNON MEMORIAL PARK (MAPLEDALE PARK)
Named after Ferndale’s former mayor, Bernie Lennon, Lennon Memorial Park is also known as Mapledale Park because of its location on the said street’s name. The park has more than four acres, and is located on Garfield St. and Chester St. Amenities for the park include two small soccer fields, basketball court, play structures, picnic tables, grills, open space areas, park benches, and drinking fountains.

WANDA PARK
Wanda Park is located at 998 Wanda Street, with three acres. The park’s amenities include basketball hoops, softball field, play structure, picnic tables, grills, park benches, and a drinking fountain.

KULICK COMMUNITY CENTER
The Kulick Community Center is the city’s primary recreational indoor and outdoor facility. It’s also home to the offices of the Department of Recreation and Senior Services. Amenities for the Kulick Community Center include meeting rooms, various activity rooms, gymnasium, fitness studio, dance studio, kitchen, dining room, restrooms, play structures, basketball hoop, picnic tables, park benches, off-street parking, and site of a Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) public transportation hub.

OPPENHEIM PARK
Surrounded by a beautiful wooded area, Oppenheim Park is located at 650 St. Louis St. and has 2.35 acres. The neighborhood park has the following amenities: Open space areas, play structure, drinking fountain, picnic tables, grills, and park benches.

FAIR PARK
Fair Park is located at the corner of Fair St. and Jewell St., and is considered one of five mini parks with 1.27 acres. Amenities for Fair Park include park benches, paved walking trail, and a play structure.

VESTER PARK
The second mini park, with just less than one acre, is Vester Park, which
is located at the corner of Vester and Farrow St. Vester Park amenities includes a play structure, picnic tables, grill, park bench, and a
drinking fountain.

OAKRIDGE PARK
Oakridge Park is located on Oakridge Street (near Woodward Ave.) and is about a half-acre in size. The mini-park is a completely open space with no additional amenities.

MARIE PARK
Marie Park is another mini park, located at 1300 Marie St. Amenities include play structures, park benches, soccer field, and a drinking fountain.

SCHIFFER PARK
The final mini park, and smallest of the city’s parks is Schiffer Park with about a tenth of an acre. The park is located at W. 9 Mile Rd. and Planavon St. and is an urban plaza with tables, benches, and a drinking fountain. Schiffer Park was dedicated in honor of former Mayor Henry Schiffer in 1982.

Sources:
Ferndale Historical Society
http://www.ferndalehistoricalsociety.org/history_chronology.html
Draft of the Ferndale Parks & Recreation Plan 2016

0 1903

By Malissa Martin

BODYBUILDER AND PERSONAL TRAINER TERRY ULCH says 60 is the new 40! Terry and his wife Diane own fitness studio 359 Fit on Livernois in Ferndale. The Ulches are devoted to being physically active and living a healthy lifestyle.

Terry recently published his first book, “America More Than Average Income.” The book is approximately 150 pages, and is not the aver-age fitness book.

“America More Than Average Income” is about working on your body as well as your mind. The book is broken into four parts, for different age groups, with a very special ending. The first quarter of the book is for 12 to 70-year -olds, and begins by Ulch explaining that anyone can make $100,000 a year even without
a traditional education. The second quarter of the book focuses on 12 to 18-year-olds, and Ulch shares how important school is, having the best habits to present to a future employer, and how to get by in the working world without an education. In the third quarter, which is for 18 to 50-year-olds, Ulch gives tips on how to outwork every-one in the workplace, and how to get the attention you deserve. He also shares tips on saving money, and paying bills on time.

The fourth quarter of the book is for 50 to 70-year-olds living in their golden years. Ulch ex-plains how life is still filled with opportunities to make money, and how to safeguard yourself from catastrophic problems in your later years. The last part of the book is about experiential events that happen in people’s lives and how to handle them. Ulch conversed and consulted with Dr. Ted Naman of Ferndale’s Epic Medical for this particular section of the book.

“America More Than Average Income” should be available for purchase on Amazon by now.

Ulch hopes that his book will not only educate people, but inspire them to get involved in physical activities; especially people over 50-years-old. The aging process is something that happens to everyone. However, there is a way to slow down its onset, and that is to live a healthy lifestyle, according to Terry and Diane. This includes exercising, getting enough rest at night, and maintaining a balanced diet. “Let me give you a staggering number out of the Mayo Clinic: Seventy per cent of all death-related diseases are preventable,” Terry quotes. The Ulches urge people to not wait for bad health signs to start being physically active. “You lose ten per cent of your muscle each decade of your life. You’re losing so much muscle mass and your fat muscle proportion is changing. So in order to maintain the muscle mass you’re God-given when you’re young, you have to work harder,” Diane says.

The aging process is inevitable, but there’s a way to be healthy and strong in latter years too. “You’re aging right now, and everything goes on a decline. If you come into this gym now, ten years from now you’ll be more fit and stronger than you are today,” Terry says.

Terry says opening the gym has been a dream come true. “I love it. I love every person here. Most of my people have been with me five or more years. I have people who have been with me for 12 years,” Terry says. Diane says its Terry and the atmosphere of the 359 Fit that keep people coming back. “When you get older and you start getting out of shape, some people get a little intimidated to go into one of the big clubs.

Everybody’s wearing little outfits and jumping around, and that’s not it over here. This is about serious workouts, and people don’t worry about that. There’s a huge comfort in that as well,” Diane explains.

Terry trains one-on-one with clients for one hour; motivating and educating them on improving the body from the inside out. A little more than half Terry’s clients are women and 88% are over 50. He says “they’re the easiest. They want to lose weight, almost all, but they like the appearance. They also understand the aging process and they’re 50. They’re right in the middle of that aging process,” Terry says.

Terry turns 70 on July 6, and says he’s considering entering another bodybuilding contest since he can now enter the age 70 category. Competitions or not, Terry and Diane say they will always engage in some type of physical activity, live healthy, and reap its benefits.

0 1986

Story & Photos by Malissa Martin

Gumbo, corned beef and cabbage, pork chops, ribs, fried pickles, hush puppies – that’s just a few items from the menu at Southern Belles’ Bistro on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale.

Owner Tony Murry opened Southern Belles’ in May 2016. “The idea was to take a traditional soul food restaurant, and take Cracker Barrel, and kind of jam them into one. Hence, the name Southern Belles’ Bistro. The idea was to bring the best of country, Southern cooking, and soul food together in one,” Murry says.

Despite being open for less than a year, Southern Belles’ has already identified customers’ favorite dishes. Chicken and dumplings, catfish dinner, and chicken and waffles are the most popular dishes.

“People are very particular about their waffles. We searched around and use a different waffle mix now; and also wings, we use a different type flour to put them in. They look lighter because they don’t come out as brown. It tastes a lot better and gives it a lot more of a crunchy flavor.” Murry says.

Macaroni and cheese, greens, and dressing are very popular sides at the bistro. “Those are homemade from scratch and are really good.” Murry says. Southern Belles’ also offers acquired tastes food selections including chitterlings, ox tails, and a home-style turkey dinner with cornbread stuffing.

Southern Belles’ is steadily growing and business is starting to really pick up. However, Murry confesses that breakfast is a tough market to break into in Ferndale, with all the established breakfast eateries. The breakfast menu for Southern Belles’ offers a variety of options including: chicken and waffles, corned beef hash, savory chicken crepes, steak and eggs, French toast, omelettes, biscuits and gravy, fish and grits, salmon croquettes, pancakes, waffles, and much more.

When it comes to making great soul food, it all begins with the cooks. Murry says he worked closely with his cooks to create an appetizing menu. “As far as my prep cooks, I have a lot of older women who’ve cooked for years. One of them is a professional chef. They brought a lot of their recipes to the table,” Murry says. “Home-cooked dishes from scratch are Ferndale residents’ weakness when it comes to food,” Murry mused. “We get the same kinds of stories, ‘I haven’t had cooking like this since my grandmother passed away’,” he says.

What sets Southern Belles’ apart from other restaurants in the area is their commitment to making  home-cooked meals. Ninety percent of the food cooked at Southern Belles’ is made from scratch. Another distinction is that they don’t use pork in their dishes. “We don’t put pork products in any of our food. We sell bacon and ribs, but not as far as in our sides. Traditionally, a lot of people put pork in the greens, pork in the black-eyed peas or even in the gravy. Instead, the cooks use smoked turkey to add flavor to their dishes.”

So far, Murry says business has been good and he’s learning more and more about Ferndale residents. “The Ferndale consumer, they’re very loyal to their restaurant establishments. So we’re starting to pick up more business in Ferndale. A lot of the business we’re getting is transport business; like followers that go to the soul food establishments in the area like Beans and Cornbread or Motor City. Those kinds of customers came to us quickly. The Ferndale customers are starting to come in now. I’ve been noticing it for the last two, three months.”

Murry says that other Ferndale restaurant owners have been very friendly to him and even more since he’s opened. “It’s been a very friendly business atmosphere.” Murry plans to participate in Ferndale’s summer events and is looking forward to building with the Ferndale community.

Visit Southern Belles’ Bistro at 22939 Woodward Ave. in Ferndale.
For more information visit
www.southernbellesbistro.com
or call (248) 607-3788.

0 1449

By Malissa Martin

Ferndale Friends, and the Underwood 5 team members working to bring a community radio station to Ferndale, hosted an emergency meeting on Thursday, January 26 to try to save the imperiled project.

The station must be on the air and broadcasting by August 7, 2017 to keep the construction permit issued by the Federal Communications Commission. In order to make that deadline, station representatives say they must raise another $8 to $10 thousand dollars by this March. Board members have had a challenging time raising the necessary $15 thousand dollars to launch the station. So far, they’ve raised $5 to $7 thousand. The most expensive item in the budget is the most important – the transmitter, which is $4,000 dollars. Without the transmitter, antenna and tower, the radio station cannot launch.

At the meeting, board members of the station presented the station’s vision, plans and updates to interested supporters. The presentation lasted 90 minutes, and ended with plans to keep meeting every two weeks until the station is on the air. Station President Michelle Mirowski says the event went well, and community members appeared to be excited again about the project. “I think it’s great that we had a meeting here and met a lot of people that really want to be involved and see it as a benefit, especially to the community,” says Michelle Mirowski.

According to the Underwood 5 materials, the station plans to offer “Hyperlocal programming, community engagement, promotion of community events, specialty broadcast, and more. Potential programming for the station include: on-air book club, interviews with local news makers, coverage of government and board meetings, Go Comedy hour, prep sports coverage, geek culture and LGBT programming involving Affirmations.”

Once broadcasting, annual expenses for the non-profit radio station are expected to be about $5,000 dollars. The owners of the Rust Belt Market, Chris and Tiffany Best, have offered space in their facility for the station. Station volunteers are on a tight deadline. Funding to help launch the station will come from local sponsors in exchange for on-air mentions once the station is up-and-running. At the meeting, one local businessman offered to donate $2,000 dollars.

Ferndale’s community radio station will broadcast on 100.7 FM, reaching a roughly three-mile radius from the Rust Belt (at Woodward and 9 Mile). It is extremely unlikely the F.C.C. will issue another such license in the Metro Detroit area in the foresee-able future. If this project fails, the dream of a community-owned radio station for Ferndale may be over forever.  “What we have is extremely rare, and I can’t express that enough to people,” says Mirowski. With the deadline fast approaching, Mirowski says she and her team are not giving up. Although they didn’t expect the fundraising to be this challenging, they will continue to work hard until the end.

“This is a passion project and we see benefit in it, and it’s just a great opportunity that doesn’t always come around.” says Mirowski. Board members for the Ferndale Community Radio include: Michelle Mirowski, president; Dave Phillips, secretary/social media; Dave Kim, treasurer/promotions; Jeremy Olystyn, program-ming/training; and Keith Fraley, radio engineer.

For information on donating to help fund the Ferndale Community Radio project email: ferndaleradio@gmail.com. Visit www.ferndaleradio.com any time for more updated information.

0 1409

Story and Photos By Malissa Martin

Children learn certain habits from their parents. One habit Kym Stewart, 48, learned from her father was community service. “My family has always been involved in the community. I’ve always gotten myself involved in different activities,” Stewart says. The Charter Township of Royal Oak resident says she started going to the library to see what activities she could do with the kids. “They told me to get on the library board, so I got elected to the board.” Stewart explains.

After awhile, Stewart realized she could do more. Her brother Shawn owned a nonprofit organization called UleadByExample. However, he was busy taking care of their sick father so he passed the leadership to Kym. “I always let him know this is your organization. I’m not going to change the name. I’m not going to change anything about it, but if you want to come back or step back up that’s fine too,” Stewart explains. She teamed up with her long-time friend Timothy Bell to assist with running the organization.

Almost immediately, Stewart, a mother of five adult children, began working with the kids in her community. Initially Stewart worked with teenagers by taking them on different field trips and “just hanging out with them like the big brother, big sister program. Then I saw that the younger children weren’t getting involved. That’s where it just led elsewhere, because the younger children grabbed my attention and they wanted to know and do different stuff.” Stewart explains. She mostly works with kids ages 5 to 16. “I’ll say about maybe twice a week I’ll get around 45 to 55 kids.”

The first on-going activity Stewart created was round table conversations for the kids to be able to discuss issues that directly relate to them. In addition to roundtable conversations, Stewart started a tutoring program. The tutors, including Stewart’s youngest, attend Kalamazoo Valley College. “They come down maybe once a week or maybe every other week depending on who calls,” Stewart explains.

She’s also hosted Poetry in the Park every other Friday this past summer. Poetry in the Park gives the children the opportunity to creatively express themselves. “An example I use for the children is: If you want to grab the microphone and scream at the top of your lungs, that’s your expression.” Stewart explains.

Other activities Stewart has presented for the kids include: Fieldtrips to museums around the Metro Detroit area, Love Your Children’s Day Dance, pumpkin carving, and a Halloween party. “My last event was the Halloween party. I had well over 200 people there and I had the pony rides, bonfires, arts and crafts. Again we had some more pumpkins set out…music, food.” Stewart has already begun planning Christmas events for the children, including a Christmas party. “I adopted six kids for Christmas, I’m doing coats for kids and we’re going to giveaway five turkeys to families in need.”

Since taking over the nonprofit Stewart says she’s seen changes in the children in her community. “The kids get along a lot better, they problem-solve a lot better, they’re engaging with their parents a lot more, and trying to get their parents out more.” Stewart says.

Events and activities for the kids are paid for primarily by Stewart. “I have volunteers that work with me, but it’s mainly just me providing for them.”

Giving back is something Stewart says comes naturally to her and she has no plans on slowing down. She sees it as an investment into her community with the kids reaping the rewards. “It’s just different events where I get all the kids and parents together where they can spend time with their children and just show the children some attention. Over in Royal Oak Township it’s known for at-risk children where they’re always getting into something. So I wanted to give them another outreach, something else that they can do.”

For more information about UleadByExample contact Stewart via Facebook at Kym Uleadbyexample Stewart, email stewart.kymtara@yahoo.com, or by phone at (910)729-8269.

0 2025

Story By Malissa Martin
B& W photo by Daniele Lanci

Music has a way of entering the soul, enticing listeners to become one with the melody. Internationally renowned composer and guitarist Pino Forastiere has mastered this concept along with various music styles including jazz, rock, improvisational, and classical music.

And he’s coming to Ferndale! Thanks to the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society, Forastiere is stopping in Ferndale, while on tour in America, to perform in concert at First United Methodist Church (22331 Woodward Ave.) on Saturday, October 29, 2016.

Forastiere is a graduate of Santa Cecilia Conservatory, a very prestigious school of classical music in Rome. Throughout his career, Forastiere has played all over the world, including the New York Guitar Festival. He’s ff15640_pino_play1also toured with the International Guitar Night for 4 years. In January 2015 he released his fifth solo album “Deconstruction.”

Fifteen years ago, Forastiere moved away from using classical nylon-stringed guitars and decided to compose his music on lightly amplified steel-stringed instruments, after hearing a CD of the late American composer and guitarist, Michael Hedges.

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a nonprofit organization supporting the art or style of fingerstyle guitar. “Fingerstyle guitar encompasses a lot of different kinds of music, and basically we look for unique guitarists who are in a late level in their style. Most of them just do their original compositions, so that shows the unique component to this,” said President of the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society, Ron Stavale.

Stavale said it took a few months to plan the concert. “I knew about six months ago that Pino would be coming to the states. So our group helped him set up about seven concerts in Michigan, one in Ohio and one in Wisconsin. We don’t do that for all the artists, but if they’re from Europe and the language is an issue then we try and help them out,” Stavale explained.

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society has an average of six concerts and workshops per year. Although a workshop isn’t planned for Forastiere, the organization is open to having one if enough interest is garnered.

Tickets are $20 at the door and the show starts at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church (22331 Woodward Ave.) on Saturday, October 29, 2016.

For more information about The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society please visit www.fingerstyle.org or email the group at michfingerstyle@gmail.com.

0 1670

Story and photos by: Malissa Martin

When Suzanne Row and her husband Bill first bought their house she had a vision. She saw kids running and playing in the backyard while she sat watching and smiling. Fast forward 20 years and Rowe said her vision came true. The longtime Ferndale resident and her husband are moving to Florida in October to enjoy their retirement.

Rowe is a real estate agent and her husband just retired after working 20 years as a musical instrument salesman.

Rowe said it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to Ferndale and she recalls how the city has changed over the ff15616_rowe_gardenyears. “I’m an East Side Detroit person, and this felt like the old neighborhood. When we moved here it was kind of cool, but so different. Not so hip, but it still had that charm.” Rowe said.  Taking a stroll to get pizza at Michigo Pizza and Assaggi Bistro or going shopping on Woodward Avenue are activities she said she will surely miss. She will also miss community-enriching events like the Ferndale Perennial Exchange. “Everybody get together and it was bring-a-plant, take-a-plant. It was always a fun event.” Rowe said.

During her time in Ferndale, Rowe was an involved in city politics. She served on the Beautification Commission for eight years. “It was wonderful. Peggy Snow was the chairperson forever and I learned a lot from her; except I’m not real good at naming the plants even after all this experience.” Rowe said. She was also on the Property and Assessing Review board for about eight years on and off. Leaving the garden that took 20 years to create is a treasure Rowe said she has to painfully leave behind. “Every garden has got its own memories. It’s really hard leaving this.” Rowe said. Through the years she’s collected various plants and decorative pieces; most are gifts from friends who feed her green-thumb passion.

Although Rowe has enjoyed good times at her home, she’s had tough times too. The house behind hers caught on fire one night around 1:00 A.M. The fire spread to the garage and eventually crossed the fence to Rowe’s property. “All I could see were flames and my garage.” Thankfully, the wind blew the fire in the opposite direction so Rowe’s garage didn’t burn, but her garden wasn’t so lucky. Half the trees and grass were burnt. “No one could understand what it was like. That’s 12 years, but look how it came back! Isn’t it amazing how plants do that!? It’s just proof about life.” Rowe said.

The hardest part about leaving is saying goodbye to her friends, Rowe confessed. “I’ve met so many people.” Rowe said. She treasures the personal and professional relationships she’s made over the years.

Rowe plans to visit Ferndale, and it will be sooner than later since she’s selling her own home. “I’m still going to be back and forth. I can’t imagine never coming back. I look at it like this: that’s going to be our home base and who knows what will happen.” Rowe said she might do real estate part-time in Florida, but she’s really looking forward to enjoying her favorite pastimes: writing and painting.

Although Rowe is originally from Detroit, she said Ferndale has a special place in her heart. Moving to Florida is the beginning of a new chapter and Rowe said she’s ready. “It’s like a new adventure.”

Saying goodbye is always hard. So, to the beautiful city of Ferndale, Rowe says, “Ferndale you’ve been good to me.

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