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Art & Music

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By: Jeff Milo, Circulation Specialist

PARENTS, SUMMER IS HERE AND THAT means the kids will be home a lot more often, looking for something to do. How about reading a book? Lots of books? How about visiting the library (or maybe even a museum?)

FADL’s annual Summer Reading Program takes off on June 20 with a spectacular kickoff party at Garbutt Park. Kids and adults, teens and tweens, library patrons of ALL ages are encouraged to participate and read for prizes all summer long..

Summer Reading registrants can earn raffle tickets by visiting the library, reading books, or even visiting a state park or museum. Raffle prizes will be given away at our first-ever finale party on August 8, sponsored by The Friends of Ferndale Library.

Important Summer Reading Dates: On June 20, we celebrate our community heroes at our kickoff party, with a Rescue Vehicle Petting Zoo at Garbutt Park 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. On July 11, we will investigate Superhero Science with the Michigan Science Center. Then on July 18, we will empower our inner hero by practicing youth yoga with Belightful Yoga.

Also, each week in FADL’S Kids Corner, there’ll be a different guessing jar to win a prize! To view the full lineup for summer reading programs, stop by the library today or visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/ferndalekids

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: Our Summer Concert Series kicked off on June 16 and will continue with two more performances in July and August. These free, all ages concerts are on July 14 and August 11, each starting at 6:30 P.M., hosted in the library’s Community Room.

The Library’s Summer Concert Series is an ideal way for music fans and families to spend a summer evening. Our roster of bands and musicians will be performing during regular Library hours, leading to tunes cheerfully resonating throughout the whole library at agreeable volume levels. Library cardholders donated all the desserts for our Fall Bake Sale last year, and now this is a way to for the Library to b give back.

On July 14 Ara Topouzian will treat Ferndale Library to a performance on the kanun (Middle Eastern harp). Topouzian’s traditional musical style keeps to his Armenian heritage, but has expanded to include music from around the Middle East, as well as jazz, fusion, new age and blues. Then on August 11, it’s a very special multimedia program celebrating d the music of The Beatles. Award winning writer, M.L. Liebler will read his short story “Beatles Forever” while nationally known Detroit area musicians perform Beatles favorites live.

ART: This summer, FADL invite any art lovers in the community who are interested in helping with planning, promotion, installation and reception-hosting to join the Arts & Exhibitions Committee. If interested, contact our director, Jessica Keyser at 248-547-6000. Coming up: fiber artist Boisali Biswas is scheduled to exhibit work from June 29 through August 8. A reception is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

SHARE YOUR LIBRARY STORY: Has the Looking Forward library made an impact in your life? Tell us about a time when a librarian or library program helped you! Did the library resources help you get an A on your paper? Or, did a librarian help you get a job? Stop at the Circulation Desk to B share your story.

http://ferndalepubliclibrary.org

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

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Story by Lue Banks and Jeff Lilly, photos by Ed Abeska

FERNDALE FRIENDS IS SAD TO ANNOUNCE that Robert Taylor, long-time owner of Ferndale City Glass Company, passed away on April 16, 2015 at the age of 84.

He was born on July 2, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to John and Elsie. He served his country during the Korean War, and soon after he returned home, he joined the staff of Ferndale City Glass, a company his uncle founded in 1934. He originally entered the business to assist his uncle at the request of his father, but what was planned to be a few months of helping out turned into a lifetime of work, and a Ferndale institution. Bob took over the business with a partner in the late 1960s and became sole owner in 1975.

One of his long time friends and customers says, “I’ve been a customer of Ferndale Glass for about 20 years and really enjoyed Bob’s stories and sense of humor. But Bob was more than that; you could tell that he cared about people and their stories. Businesses like Ferndale Glass, and people like Bob are what make communities great… a steady, committed presence that truly affects quality of life.”

Another customer relates: “My first experience with Ferndale City Glass was in the late ‘80s. I walked in the front door and there was no one in the store. A parrot said ‘May I help you?’ I looked around and couldn’t see anyone. Again – ‘May I help you?’ The third time, I figured what the heck. ‘I’m looking for butyl tape for a windshield mount and some molding clips…’ A guy came out of the back room laughing and holding his stomach. ‘I wondered how long before you would answer the bird.’ That was my very memorable introduction to Bob.”

While the business was his first passion, Bob also enjoyed weekends at his cottage in Hartland, Michigan. He enjoyed boating, jetskiing, snowmobiling, and riding motorcycles. He was also a member of the American Legion and enjoyed bowling on a team with members of his post.

Bob is survived by his wife Melva and his three children; Matthew, Michael, and Marla; four grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. Another son, Mark, preceded him in death in 2002. He was laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, Michigan, with military honors.

Ferndale City Glass Company continues to operate under ownership of the next generation of the Taylor family. It’s located at 140 Vester Street, just east of Woodward. All of us at Ferndale Friends extend our condolences to Bob’s family.

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

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The Winner Has The Right.
First on the field to challenge.
“Who is this smiling rookie?” thinks he.
“A Girl?”
Cock sure, he swaggers to the plate.

She’s sweet, polite, lets him bat first.
Ears hear that first ball crack.
Connecting. Boom! Sails over the fence.
HOME RUN!
Ahh, she must acknowledge him his strength.

Calmly, quietly she awaits her turn.
This match is set. He pummels on.
No doubt his place deserved. Thus far.
Eyes glazed, she steps up to the plate.

What’s this? Underneath that frilly dress
She’s dressed up like a Warrior.
Her stance resembles someone else.
A Man?
She’s thrown him off his game.

He’s on the mound, winds up, then balks,
Unsure what she can handle.
Ball underhand…his first mistake…
THAT BALL IS…A…GONER!
Ah Hah! The challenger stakes her claim.

The game proceeds accordingly
With ferocity and pleasure.
The sidelines watch bewildered, charged.
Just What is going on?
Gamblers grumble…all bets are off.

Bottom of the ninth. Score’s even.
Tension’s thick. Crowd’s on their feet!
All rallying for the underdog!!
Rain falls. Game called.
Score now? Oh, crap. It’s even.

**Stay tuned for the make-up date.
I promise you an exciting game.

Suzanne Thomas Rowe 2015

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

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For their recent album, Straight Up Boogaloo,The Muggs did everything they wanted to do. The local blues-rock trio didn’t worry about what listeners would think or what might be expected of them, and it wound up being not only a very fulfilling experience for the band, but their most dynamic, absorbing and fully realized album to date.

“It was very liberating,” said Danny Methric, lead guitarist/singer/songwriter. “The last few records I’d worry
whether it was enough for our fans, ya know? This time, I said, ‘I’m writing the record that I wanna hear.’ It took me ‘til I was 42 to finally say that. I hope people like it, but if they don’t, that’s cool; at least we gave it our best effort. I’m so very proud of this record.”

With Boogaloo, released in late March on local label Bellyache Records, the veteran rockers finally feel they’ve forged what Methric called the “Muggs’ identity.”

The group formed back in 2000, born out of a lifelong friendship between Methric and bassist Tony DeNardo. They hit the ground running amid the Detroit scene’s musical renaissance (predominantly garage-rock, as it was) spearheaded back then by The White Stripes. Through 15 years, The Muggs have distinguished themselves by their impeccable live shows, their sustained camaraderie and a palpable loyalty to classic blues and a uniquely Detroit- flavored rock n’ roll.

Early in their career, mid-2001, a hemorrhagic stroke nearly took DeNardo’s life. Methric and their original drummer Matt Rost refused to replace him. With endearing support from the local music scene, DeNardo was able to receive crucial treatment to aid his recovery, eventually training himself to accommodate bass parts with his left hand along the keys of a Fender Rhodes. The group has since recorded four albums, with Rost’s 2009 departure filled by drummer Todd Glass.

In May, The Muggs traveled across the pond for their third European tour. “Euro kids, particularly the Spanish crowd, really love rock n’ roll; they especially love Detroit rock n’ roll, like The Detroit Cobras, Paybacks and The White Stripes,” Methric assured. “Those bands were a revelation for Spanish kids because there’s

a lot of electronic music over there while rock bands are few and far between. We were a band they really latched on to.”

Methric said the group got together last year, with producer Adam Cox, to make a strong, straight ahead rock album, no frills, yet subtly epic. “Like Led Zeppelin IV crossed with The Beatles’ Revolver, just eight great songs, more streamlined. With the songwriting, I took more chances, kinda blending pop-rock with blues rock. It was weird.”

Methric admits having felt pressure during the songwriting process for previous albums, as if compelled to constrain himself to a certain form or delivery. With stormy swagger and glorious growls of the album’s opener “Applecart Blues,” Methric surges with a throat-curdling, guitar shredding catharsis that certainly “upsets the applecart” and disrupts typical preconceptions of blues rock. “That title, the idiom, has nothing to do with the lyrics, but it’s about the attitude.”

In late 2011, after releasing the exceptional Born Ugly LP, Methric wondered aloud whether it would be their final album, much to the dismay of DeNardo, who continued to encourage him. “I can be Danny Downer,” Methric said, self- deprecatingly, chuckling at their yin-yang repartee. “And Tony Blue Skies keeps reminding me things are getting better.”

If Ugly was their magnum opus, then Boogaloo would be “…the record we could throw the kitchen sink at,” says Methric. It helps having the esteemed Glass on drums, Methric added. “So lucky to have (Glass,) we build everything from the drums up. And no matter what crazy idea for a song I threw at (DeNardo) he’d say, ‘Cool, let’s run with it.’” (Glass & DeNardo) usually acknowledge that Methric’s done well enough so far with those crazy ideas, why stop now?

“We’ll keep making albums as long as we can,” Methric assures.

There’s no wane in their enthusiasm, neither for each other’s company nor for their abilities to bust out some brisk, enlivening blues rock. Straight up, no frills: boogaloo!

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The Muggs’ Straight Up Boogaloo is available online at: http://bellyacherecords.com/store/records/ http://www.themuggs.com/news/

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

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Story by Jill Lorie Hurst | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Assignment: Cover Andrea Rosenfeld Founder of the Detroit Art & Business Institute, “Where artists, craftsmen and designers come to learn targeted business strategies that allow them to find their passion and increase their value.” Yay! This article will write itself….

Not so! Andrea Rosenfeld is an amazing force of nature but, like a butterfly, or maybe a firefly, it’s hard to capture her on paper. You all need to meet her even if you’re not an artist! In the meantime, a few words: Mixed media artist, consultant, model, business coach, teacher, mother and, my favorite word for her, “Connector.” She connected me to the sweet potato cake at “Good Cakes and Bakes” bakery on Livernois! Yum. The conversation started as she walked into the bakery: First, about D*FINDS, a “consignment shop for the creative community” which will open soon. She’s looking at space in Hamtramck, an area she finds to be very artist-friendly. D*FINDS will be a community space but offer something unique: the ability for creatives to sell their used studio supplies and buy from other local artists. Profits from donations will help fund a student scholarship to help them purchase art supplies.

The Oak Park and West Bloomfield native attended U of M School of Art & Design and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. She studied fashion, but taught herself merchandising so she could run a business. She stayed east for close to 30 years, married, and raised three children. Motherhood is a consuming job, but eventually Andrea started creating bench jewelry. Work style? “Hands-on, curious. I love to learn.” She sold her work through stores like NYC’s Bloomingdales, Henri Bendel and local art galleries, no small feat.

Andrea loved the East Coast, but felt drawn to the visible resurgence whenever she visited her parents. Two years ago she made the leap and came home to the Detroit area, full of energy and ideas. She started a unique business that would help artists help themselves: Detroit Art & Business Institute. There are so many people who do wonderful artwork but have no idea how to get their pieces out there, where to get grants, legal advice, how to price and profit from their art, budget and speak to potential clients. Andrea is here to help.

“I’m privately coaching artists who want to quit their day job and succeed with their business,” she says. Her average student / client ranges from age 30 to 65, but she’d like to broaden that. Rosenfeld is determined to reach out to students. “Art schools should include business classes in their curriculum.” Agreed. As a start, Rosenfeld partnered with ACCESS Growth Center to teach a first-of-its-kind, eight-week business course crafted specifically for the creative community, “Mind Your Art Business,” at the Arab American Museum starting June 9th, 2015.

She is on numerous advisory boards and committees. In her “quiet time” she models for artist John Hegarty; her time to sit still and engage with her community outside of exhibitions “on the other side of the canvas.” Her mother was a fashion model. In August, Andrea’s jewelry and her mom’s work will be on display at the Historical Museum.

Andrea Rosenfeld is determined to keep the creative community in the Detroit area growing, exciting and profitable. She is open to working with all artists. “I don’t segregate.” She smiles. “It’s all about building healthy relationships. The better I can educate artists in business, well, everybody wins.”

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Find Andrea Rosenfeld at www. thedabi.com or email her at andrea@theDABI.com

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

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Multi-Talented Artist Jimmie Thompson Draws From A Big Bag Of Tricks…And Deep Artistic Roots

Story by Jeff Lilly | Photos by Ed Abeska

You could easily apply famous clichés to Jimmie Thompson. You could say he wears many hats. Has a lot of irons in the fire. To expand on that thought, you could say he paints many canvases, draws many cartoons, designs many floats, sculpts many sculptures, builds many shadowboxes… and teaches others how to do it all, too.

“I was fortunate enough to be raised in a family of artists.” Jimmie says, one sunny morning in mid-March, curling himself into a chair in his living room. The room is comfortable and eclectic and almost every square foot of wall is covered with art, most of which Jimmie has a personal connection to.

“My grandfather was an artist,” Jimmie says, pointing to a series of landscapes hanging next to the piano. “His nickname was ‘Birdseye Thompson’ because he used to paint buildings, what they would look like, before they existed. The ones done by computer today, he did those by hand. My father was a commercial artist. My mother was a classical cellist.” Jimmie’s wife Jane and daughter Jenny are artists as well, and his son Ray a musician and songwriter.

JThompson

 

His own art has its place in the room, too. On the back wall is a huge 3D shadowbox, filled with dynamic, colorful, cartoony figures. Jimmie’s own style, to a T.

“I’ve loved to draw ever since I can remember. As for direction, at different times I’ve been a cartoonist, an animator, a puppeteer, an illustrator, and I am working on two childrens books.” Jack of all, and master of all of them, too. Right now, his bread and butter is “special events,” or translating others’ ideas into floats, decorations, character balloons, and installations for parades and festivals. He’s worked for 26 years on Detroit’s own America’s Thanksgiving parade (with a brief hiatus), starting as a designer and sculptor, moving up to art director and finally Vice President of the parade company. His designs have been a yearly sight at the Festival 500 Parade on Memorial Day in Indianapolis. He also currently creates designs and teaches workshops for the Festifools and Fool Moon events in Ann Arbor.

He shows me a photo of his favorite creation, a “Jack & the Beanstalk” float from a past Thanksgiving parade. “We had a height restriction because of the People Mover. So I rigged it with a hydraulic system so that after we cleared it, the stalk would shoot up.” He smiles. There’s a good helping of the mad inventor in Jimmie, too!

“I love character development.” He says. “Everything I do stems from that. Often, people come to me, and they have an idea but don’t know how to do it. I can help them, find out what they like, what they don’t, and translate their ideas into something that appeals.”

He leads me to his basement workshop as he talks about some projects on the table right now, including working on a design for a snow globe. He’s an artistic Swiss Army knife! His studio is neat and well-organized, but crammed full of portfolios, supplies, and materials. A drawing board has several pages of inked designs taped up. There’s a spacious workbench, and hanging from the ceiling is a 3D wire frame of a cartoon animal, which I promptly bump into. That’s a piece for the class he’s currently running for Festifools, teaching others how to build sculpted luminaries. Another shadowbox leans against a wall. On a desk are designs for the kind of stand-up displays where tourists put their heads through and have their pictures taken. A paper maché sculpture leers impishly from a corner.

In a large black portfolio are examples of Jimmie’s cartoon work. We talk about the impact of political cartoons, and their ability to pack a profound message in a deceptively innocuous wrapper. “It’s a very powerful medium that’s been used throughout the centuries.” Jimmie says. “I’ve known politicians through the years who have wanted to befriend cartoonists.” He smiles knowingly. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer!

I ask Jimmie if there’s anything he hasn’t tried, a medium or a project he’s always been eager to tackle. He pauses, and his voice grows eager. “I would very much love to start and be a part of an event here in

Ferndale. Something immersive, along the lines of Festifools. I’ve got some ideas, but haven’t hammered them out yet. We have a lot of great events here, but I want to do something that’s a little more… well, that people walk away from and say, ‘I haven’t seen anything like that!’”

With Jimmie Thompson involved, that would be a sure bet. Let’s give it a go, people! Give him the keys and let the Jack of all Dreams take us to places we’ve only imagined.

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Jimmie’s new comic strip debuts in this issue. Check it out!

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

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Local author Clay Boura is on cloud nine with the success with his first book on idioms.

By David Wesley | Photos courtesy of Clay Boura

FOR AS LONG AS HE CAN REMEMBER, Clay Boura has always been fascinated with the English language. Between all of the rules, silent letters, words with multiple spellings and meanings, and all of the colorful sayings, it can be quite a complicated fascination for anyone, especially for a young child learning to read.

As he became an adult and his first child began learning to read, it occurred to Clay how literal children can be at early ages. Thus, an idea was born!

“Leave it to Beamer” is a children’s book series about a young boy, Beamer, who dreams up wild, imaginative ideas for where he believes English idioms and other figures of speech may have come from. In the end, Beamer also learns the true meanings of these silly sayings. The series is humorous, adventurous, and educational, and appeals to all demographics of readers.

Ferndale Friends: How long have you lived in Ferndale and what’s your relationship with the city?

Clay Boura: I was born in Ferndale back in 1978. I attended grade school at Taft Elementary, middle school at Best Junior High School (which is now Kennedy Elementary where my kids go to school) and I later graduated from Ferndale High School. I lived in Ferndale up until about ten years ago when my wife (whom I met at Ferndale High School) and I moved to Oak Park. So as you can see, my entire life, and now my kids’ lives, have centered around Ferndale!

F.F. Who are your biggest influences artistically?

C.B. Ever since I was young, I have always loved to write and draw. Initially, my dream was to become a cartoonist and have my own cartoon strip in the newspaper. My biggest influences were always Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Jim Davis (Garfield) and Bill Amend (Fox Trot). Then I started having kids and realized how much enjoyment I got out of sitting and reading books to them. I decided that I wanted to write and illustrate my very own children’s books. On that front, my biggest influence is probably none other than the Doctor himself, Dr. Seuss.

F.F. What has the reaction been to your children’s book series Leave it to Beamer?

C.B. So far, everyone I have shown the book to has loved it. A handful of people even told me they want to buy the rest of my series (and this is only my first book!) I have honestly been blown away by all of the love and support that I have received. So many people have shared it through social media and sent other people to me to buy copies and offered words of encouragement. It has been tremendous so far.

F.F. Do you have any future projects in the works?

C.B. Yes, “Leave it to Beamer” is definitely going to be a long series of books. I just finished and published my first book in the series “Don’t Let the Cat Out of the Bag” and my second book is already completely written. I just have to complete my illustrations and hope to have that finished later this year. Since my series deals with English idioms, the possibilities are endless. I currently have about a dozen other ideas for future books typed out and every day I hear some sort of idiom or silly phrase that I think could be another book idea! I am also going to be donating a copy of my book to the Ferndale, Oak Park, and Berkley public libraries and I am working on setting up book signing events at a few local bookstores.

www.facebook.com/ClayBouraBooks
Twitter @ClayBoura

Boura’s books are now available for sale at Modern Natural Baby in Ferndale, the Book Beat in Oak Park, and Paperback Trade Inn in Clawson. Boura will be signing and selling books at this year’s Oak Park Summer Fest on August 8th and 9th.

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

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CJ Forge’s artistry brings blacksmithing into the modern age

Story & photos by Jeff Lilly

You’d miss the place, 99 times out of 100, if you weren’t looking for it. Driving along Ten Mile Road, just west of John R in Hazel Park, among the row of humble and nondescript industrial buildings, it’s easy to look over the graphic of the anvil, the sign announcing “Blacksmith,” one of the oldest of trades.

A blacksmith? Here? In the 21st century? Yes, indeed. The art and the craft of forging tools, accessories, and decorations from steel, coaxed from a stock piece by fire, muscle, and sweat, is alive and well for this generation and many to come.

What is a blacksmith’s shop like? It’s a bit different from the depictions you might see in historical reenactments or in fantasy films. It mainly looks like a modern machine shop, with rack of tools and benches. A power hammer and mill take up a lot of the space. But the anvils are there, and the hammers, and the forges piled high with coke, hissing and orange. When I shake hands with the three men inside, all of them have steel-hard grips and big smiles.

“Blacksmithing was the center of life.” explains Owen C. Creteau Jr., master blacksmith and one of CJ Forge’s founders. “People today think it was all about horseshoes.” While shoeing horses was indeed important, the blacksmith “made just about everything of metal. Every tool, every hook.”

“If you were building a house,” chimes in Kevin Keena, master blacksmith and CJ’s other senior member, “you had to go to a blacksmith and have all of the nails made.” No hardware store, no big box store. In the old days, Owen adds, people used to burn down their old, dilapidated houses just to recover the nails to re-use in another structure.

Today, there’s less need for horseshoes, but plenty of demand for skilled, durable metal. A display on the wall shows the kind of work they do. Coat racks, hooks, fireplace sets, toasting forks, trivets, hinges, wine racks, and even furniture. Kevin shows me the skeleton of a coffee table, ready for a marble top. Owen points out a hanging pot rack, based on a customer’s drawing. “If they can draw it, we can make it.” He says.

I walk over to the workspace of Donnie Miller, a younger fellow with a full beard. He walked in a few years back, looking for information on working metal, and ended up working, period. “I told them I’d do whatever I had to. Sweep floors, clean toilets.” He laughs. An old-school apprentice in an old-school trade. I watch as he thrusts a steel bar into the pile of glowing coke (a medium-size job will consume fifty pounds of the stuff,) heating it until it glows bright orange. With his hammer, he taps and shapes it into a leaf. Hanging on a rack next to him is a work in progress: a mirror frame, decorated with steel vines and leaves. It’s a wonderful mix of beauty, ruggedness, and simplicity. Like everything CJ Forge makes, it will doubtless last a lifetime and will hopefully become an heirloom. Art and practicality, meeting in the best possible way.

Owen, meanwhile, is working on making a pair of tongs for another blacksmith. It’s amazing to watch him shape a featureless bar into a precision tool. As he works, he tells me how he used to give demonstrations at Greenfield Village. They don’t any more, sadly, as the blacksmith shop there is now just a static display. But blacksmithing as a trade is alive and well, he assures me. There are organizations for promotion and training. Classes are offered, and CJ Forge makes the rounds to many art fairs and exhibitions, where they are always a popular draw.

As I get ready to leave, Donnie hands me a gift. It’s the leaf he was working on, the stem twisted around a key ring, still warm to the touch. A reminder of a great day that will no doubt outlast me!

CJ Forge is open on a by-appointment basis (to protect patrons from flying sparks and loud noises) and they’re eager to talk to you about your design needs. Phone 248-543-4010 or visit their web site at www.cjforge.net

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

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By Ramone Smith-Howard 12th grade, University High School

Tingling.
Going from seemly Inanimate to a Explosion How it pours in the Midst
And gets ripped to Metamorphosis
The false Posing
Almost as the ancient state could have
And Would
Cease or Ceased to Exist
Smiling but Happenings
Told the Lore
That this is unfit
I got caught in the web with a itch Looking to Exterminate
But my wish was eradicated
By Lies that would Create
A hotter day
A infection
A worsening condition
To be mistaken
For Retardation?
Autism?
Something causing me to be depicted as far and below
of what is average in thorough education and IQ processes in the nation
Just Face It
It comes and goes with Patience Amazing.

—-

Welcome to the Writing Rink, a space dedicated to the creative writing of Ferndale students! The Writing Rink accepts po- etry, song lyrics, essays, very short fiction (600 words or less!) or original news articles written by students grade K-12. Please contact us for submission guidelines at ff.writing.rink@gmail.com

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

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