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Story by David Stone – Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.09.48 AMBorn in India and raised in Troy, Michigan, Arun Prasad first had great bubble tea, or boba, in California. When he returned home, he could not find a place “within 50 miles of Royal Oak” that made it as well as they did on the West Coast. So, he and his wife Alycia opened Detroit Bubble Tea, where they make boba according to their exacting standards.

At Detroit Bubble Tea, there are four questions you must answer in order to create the perfect drink:

1. Do I want a slushie, a smoothie, or do I want it poured over ice?
2. Do I want it with black tea, green tea, or (caffeine-free) alpine berry?
3. Which of the over 100 flavors do I want added to my drink?
4. Which pearls do I want?

Let me explain this last one. Traditionally, tapioca, in the form of chewable black pearls, is added. At Detroit Bubble Tea, you can also choose from over 50 flavors of popping pearls. “Imagine fruit gushers,” said Arun. You drink your tea through an extra-wide straw able to accommodate your “pearls.”

He then went on to point out other ways his product is unique. Since tapioca pearls are good for only three hours, he makes them fresh every hour. Also, all his teas and syrups are organic.

They also carry other goodies. Besides selling vegan cupcakes and macaroons every day, they serve crepes Saturdays from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Soups and sandwiches will be coming soon.

I asked Arun to suggest some flavor combos that a boba newbie might enjoy. He suggested adding taro flavor and choosing popping pearls, perhaps one of the more popular fruit combos. For the traditionalist, he suggested simply green or black tea with tapioca.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.09.38 AMFall brings colder temperatures and school. Detroit Bubble Tea marks these with special drinks and special deals for students. They offer hot and cold cider. They will be open late during exams. Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, they will take 10 per cent off your bill when you show a student I.D.

Arun believes it is important give back to others. That’s why a portion of their proceeds go to a different charity each month. In August they gave money to Camp Casey. September’s charity was the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link. Each month’s charity is listed on their website.

Why did the Prasads choose to open their business in Ferndale? Arun likes to use words like “culture,” “openness,” and “camraderie” when describing Ferndale. He sees our community as “forward-thinking,” and as a place where “everyone looks out for one another.”

So let’s give something new a try. Check out Detroit Bubble Tea for good boba and to support what Arun and Alycia call “chariTEA.”

The Detroit Bubble Tea Company is located at 22821 Woodward, just north of 9 Mile in Ferndale. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 12:00 noon to 10:00 P.M., and Friday thru Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. Call them at (248)239-1131, or visit them on the web at detroitbubbletea.com

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states united to erectile dysfunction. 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 soundness problem such as heart 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 medicine 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 Ed Abeska

THERE ARE A LOT of great kids in Ferndale. Summers they’re on bikes, or creating art with sidewalk chalk. Come September, we see them running to catch the school bus. Vibrant, healthy kids, the future advocates, leaders, and care- givers of this town we love. But we all know it’s hard to stay vibrant when you are hungry.

More than half the kids in Ferndale qualify for the reduced price / free lunch program offered by the public school system. This helps Monday through Friday, but what about the weekends?

Lindsay Gonska, a four-year vet of the Ferndale Public School system (second grade) and parent Nikki Amey share a deep concern about hunger and how it affects student performance…and the desire to fix the problem.

Lindsay: “Once you become invested in Ferndale, you want to help.”

Enter “Blessings in a Backpack,” a national program that started in Louisville, Kentucky in 2005 by a teacher who saw students returning to school on Mondays hungry, tired, and sluggish. The program sent these students home with backpacks that provide three meals a day Lindsay Gonska during the weekend. BIAB now exists in 46 states. Michigan joined up in November of 2008, with more than 100 schools involved. Lindsay, Nikki and other committed folks in town are determined to make the program available to qualified Ferndale Public School students.

Recently I sat down with Lindsay, and my friends Megan and Jim Pool – who are on the committee – to get a progress report and find out what we can do to help. Simple answer: Money is needed. Once theprogram is completely funded, there will be volunteer opportunities, but in order to start the program without having to stop it midway, they need funding. A little goes a long way, and a little more can do a lot.

A $25 donation feeds one student for ten weeks. $100 gives a student a backpack full of food every weekend for the entire school year. Once funded, the program will start in our elementary schools, but the plan is to make it available to all qualified Ferndale Public School kids as soon as possible. The program takes into account food allergies and special dietary needs.

Jim Pool says, “This is the way for the community to be good neighbors to our youngest neighbors.” Our future teachers, nurses, urban planners, our artists, chefs, veterinarians and public servants…

Lindsay Gonska wants Ferndale kids to be the most successful students they can be. She is quietly, fiercely determined to get “Blessings in a Backpack” up and running. “We’re doing it. We’re going to keep going. It can succeed.”

For more information and to make a donation (tax deductible), see blessingsinabackpackmi.org or call 248-528- 1060. When you donate, please specify that the funds go to Ferndale. If you donate with a personal check, please write “Ferndale” on the memo line.

When we help our kids, we are helping not only their present, but OUR future.

Blessings in a Backpack is currently part of a fundraising challenge through Hour Detroit, competing against other charities to win $25,000. www.crowdrise.com/GiveDetroit-BlessingsinaBackpack/fundraiser/elainezold

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 impotency and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this therapy passes into breast milk.

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Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Dog owners know that walks are a non-negotiable part of life. Everyone has their favorite routes, and a lot of factors go into making a successful stroll. Forgetting to bring bags to clean up after your pup or an unexpected hot day making your hound dehydrated can leave everyone suffering, or even cut a walk short.

Changing up your route just might relieve you of all your dog walk woes. Ferndale residents should consider taking their pooch down Allen Street where one homeowner has turned her fence into a deluxe dog stop.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.33.26 AMLocated at the corner of Allen and West Hazelhurst, owner Julie Miron has provided everything walkers might need to make their dogs happy. Waste bags and a trash can, disposable bowls and water, notices about dog health and yellow ribbons to warn of unapproachable dogs are some of the things you might find there.

“It just seemed like a nice thing to do,” Miron says of the station. “Allen Street has a lot of dog walker traffic, and I saw the bag dispenser posted online and thought it was really cool.”

Miron spread the word about her work by posting photos to the Ferndale Forum Facebook group. She received immediate positive feedback and over 113 “likes” on her post. Many members commented thanking her for her generosity.

A lifelong animal lover, Miron has been involved with the Michigan Anti-Cruelty Society for 25 years and is the owner of two Flemish bunnies and two dogs – a bloodhound and amastiff/Rottweiler mix. Miron walks the bunnies more than the dogs, which she describes as “socially challenged.” This might have been the inspiration for the yellow ribbons.

“Some dogs aren’t as approachable, so the yellow ribbon is for them and the posters are to help inform the other walker,” Miron says.

These yellow ribbons caused a lot of discussion within the Ferndale Forum and helped teach many dog owners and residents something useful. Forum member Stevie Hayley sparked the discussion with a photo of Miron’s dog station and the question: “Does everyone know what the yellow ribbon is for? Thank you neighbors, this is very kind.”

Everything Miron has posted or available at her dog spot is meant to inform residents and enhance a dog’s walking experience.

“Disposable bowls are extra precaution against canine influenza,” Miron says. “There is a heat PSA also, and a friendly neighbor made the dog cut outs there.”

As winter approaches, Miron has no plans to take down the dog station, only improve it with seasonally relevant information.

“Probably no water, unless I put out my heated water dish and maybe a PSA about salt on dog paws,” she says of the things she might change.

Miron encourages neighbors to stop by and check out the dog spot; a Ferndale resident since
1989, she is no stranger to the attention. She says she used to get noticed for her impressive Halloween displays and recently on the Ferndale Forum.

“My neighbor and I joke about who is trending more on the Forum. He lives at 1000 Allen, and everyone thinks it is a wine store. People constantly stop to chat, and it used to be Kellehers Market in the old days,” Miron jokes.

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotency and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you must look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness 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 therapy passes into breast milk.

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Story by Jeff Milo | Photo courtesy of Friends of the Ferndale Library

THE FRIENDS OF THE FERNDALE LIBRARY are a group of citizens who care about our library and want to contribute to its continuing mission of enriching the community. The Friends, as they’re called for short, help the Ferndale Area District Library provide excellent programming and vital resources to the community; these volunteers hold fundraisers to bolster the library’s circulating materials collection, facilitate large-scale library events, sponsor special library programs, and occasionally purchase wish list items, like harder-to-find books, rare albums or foreign films.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 11.42.52 AM“The Friends is pure Ferndale,” said former member Kevin Deegan-Krause. “It’s a diverse group of community members giving their time and energy for the benefit of the whole city, and, having a great time doing it!”

Deegan- Krause, an associate professor at Wayne State, has since moved on to the Ferndale School Board, but he was an active member of the Friends during the library’s renovation and expansion (2009-2010), and serving as president from 2010-2012.

The Friends group, founded in 1937, is the oldest organization of its kind in the state of Michigan. It was initially estab- lished to create an awareness of library services and needs (the Ferndale Library first opened in November, 1930). The Friends, except for periods during World War II, the late 1990s, has operated continuously to support library services. “It certainly has been one of the most active,” said Deegan-Krause, “and, in my mind, one of the kindest.”

“I am, at heart, a library nerd,” said Kelly Farrah, current Friends President. “Libraries have always been a sanctuary for me. They are a place in our community that is open and free to everyone.”

Farrah first got involved back in 2007, serving as Treasurer for the Ferndale Citizens for a Better Library, who worked to get a millage passed to improve the library. The Friends, said Farrah, were a natural progression after the library was revitalized. “I’m not sure people even realize that libraries have Friends groups.

“One of the most important aspects of (the Friends) is the fundraising. Like libraries everywhere, the struggles in the economy have affected the funds available for the library, so, raising money and awareness of the library’s needs is really important.”

Ed Burns, Reference Librarian and Assistant Director of FADL, served as the Friends president through the late 2000s, the first to have the group start selling used books at the annual Trunk & Treasure sale as a fundraising outlet. Burns began volunteering for library events back in 2000, during one of the Friends dormant periods (it was rebooted in late 2002 by Ferndale resident Veronica Bielat, who went on to become a librarian that same year.)

Burns stepped down as president after he became a librarian at FADL, but during his time, he was keen to keep the Friends very visible in the community, at the Dream Cruise, Pridefest or the Art Fair. “I most appreciate people giving of their time,” said Burns. “It’s such a valuable resource, and something that we never seem to have enough of. I’m very grateful that people care enough to give some of their time to the library.”

Current Friends Treasurer Laurinda Ross said she was drawn to the Friends because she enjoys “…working for the betterment of our community.” Said Ross: “I enjoy feeling like I’m a part of something bigger than me.” Meanwhile, other Friends volunteers like June Axelrad (who runs the Friends Bookstore), draws a parallel to other vital cultural institutions, like the Belle Isle Conservancy, who have similar advocating booster groups. “Without public support (like the Friends,) we would lose a lot of our culture.”

Membership is open to anyone interested in the purpose of improving the library’s facilities or promoting increased knowledge and understand- ing of the library’s services and needs. If that’s you, you can join today by visiting www.ferndale friends.org. Yearly dues are just $20. The Friends board meets monthly at the Library, and members are always welcome to attend.

“Strong libraries mean strong communities,” said Kevin Yezbick, an active Friend, formerly a Friends president, and currently serving as treasurer for the library’s Board of Trustees. Yezbick has a Masters in Library Science, so, of course joining the Friends was one of the first things he did after moving here in 2009.

Still, he’d like you to consider this: “The library is an anchor institution, a third place that provides not only education but entertainment for its neighbors.” While the millage, back in 2007, was crucial for the library’s expansion, the recession of 2008 means this institution is still in need of vital support from a community of
impassioned volunteers.

“There’s usually always room for a Friend of the Library to volunteer,” said Yezbick. “It comes back to community and finding out how we can help each other stay strong.”

For more information, visit Ferndalefriends.org

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. 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 core 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 dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this therapy passes into breast milk.

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BRUNCH IS A BRITISH TRADITION that began to grow in popularity in the United States nearly a century ago. The concept is basic, just as simple as the word itself – a combination of the root words “breakfast” and “lunch” – but leave it to us Americans to take a tradition and pump it up.

The hustle and bustle of a hip, quaint community like Ferndale is ripe for a brunch explosion, and explode it has! There are tons of fantastic breakfast spots along the Woodward corridor, especially within the cozy confines of Ferndale. Metro Times has chosen, however, to combine a number of brunch purveyors within one venue.

The Rust Belt Market acts almost as the epicenter of the city, and on Saturday, November 21 it will be the brunch capitol of Ferndale. Out To Brunch is an event that combines some of the area’s favorite brunch destinations, and Metro Times is going out of their way to make sure it’s everyone’s favorite morning meal done right.

They’ll be including plenty of booze – from mimosas to beermosas and a whole Bloody Mary bar! After all, their tagline is “There’s no better way to chase away a hangover than brunch with friends.”

The VIP portion of the event takes place between 10-11am, allowing attendees a full hour to sample brunch selections and beverages before General Admission ticketholders arrive.

The event itself runs until 2pm, leaving plenty of time for socializing, snacking and sipping.

More info is available at outtobrunch.metrotimes.com

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 dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 heart trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

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Story by Ingrid Sjostrand | Photos by Jeff Lilly

IN A CITY WITH A POPULATION GROWING TO OVER 20,000, combined with the unpredictable nature of Michigan weather, it can be hard to ensure the safety of all Ferndale’s residents in an emergency situation.

Natural disasters, heat emergencies – even major city-wide events like the Woodward Dream Cruise – require first responders’ attention, and some- times more help is needed than those available to offer it. In an effort to increase safety, there’s no better way to protect the community than to involve its residents.

This need and desire resulted in the initiation of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to further support Ferndale’s citizens. According to Ferndale’s government web site, “The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.”

Initiated in 2012, Ferndale’s CERT is organized through the city’s Fire Rescue team, and is always looking for new members. Anyone from the age of 16 to 60 can apply and no experience is required. All applicants receive training through various exercises and classes.

Since its creation in 2012, 45 of the original members are still involved and a variety of backgrounds and skills are encouraged. Some of the training CERT members receive include animal response, basic first aid, search and rescue and CPR. There is also the opportunity to help comfort individuals after disasters, documenting incidents, organizing trainings and other logistics tasks.

CERT is not limited to Ferndale, either. Over 1100 communities across the country have organized
teams, all of which receive funding from Congress and the Department of Homeland Security’s
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A pivotal example of Ferndale’s CERT team playing a critical role was during the flood in August 2014. A state of emergency was declared and 4.57 inches of water poured into the streets and the homes of residents. An estimated 50 per cent of homes had some sort of damage. Catch basins collapsed, preventing
drainage, and roads experienced erosion. Along the way, however, CERT members were available
for assistance with cleanup and support for residents.

Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan is heavily involved in the CERT team, and even conducts the trainings and classes for new members. According to Sullivan, the original concept for the CERT team was to help with emergencies that might not require as much training, so the fire rescue team is available for more serious issues.

“I don’t want firemen who are well-trained, well-equipped and very experienced sitting on a
wire,” Sullivan said in a 2012 Ferndale Patch article. “We can be free to handle bigger emergencies.”
Not only does CERT provide relief to emergency responders, it also increases the community’s knowledge and can prevent unnecessary damage from future emergencies.

The effects of this training extend past the community and into homes and the workplace. Even individuals who might not be interested in joining CERT should consider attending a disaster preparedness course.

For those looking to join Ferndale’s CERT team or to learn more can contact the Ferndale Fire Rescue team at ferndalecert@ferndalefirerescue.org

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What 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 health problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual 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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Story by jeff milo | photos courtesy of high arrow

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 12.20.37 PMHALLOWEEN AND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL go hand- and-hand…or should we say claw-and- claw?

High Arrow is a high energy psych-rock trio forged in Detroit back in early 2013, and they’re coming back home this month to throw us a sensational masquerade party.

High Arrow’s lead singer and bassist Tracy Olane Thomson and lead guitarist Adam Thomson recently relocated to west Arizona, but their most formative experiences (including all of their studio work) have been here in Ferndale and Detroit. Cloak & Whisper is the name of their masquerade party on October 23.

As of now, they’re set on returning to Michigan as much as possible (meanwhile, setting up a footprint over in Las Vegas). High Arrow’s rock is a vigorous storm of psychedelia, with soulful, soaring vocals, wickedly whipped guitar riffs and intricate drum patterns stirring up furious thunderclouds. Suffice to say, you can anticipate quite an exertion for their homecoming Halloween party.

Cloak & Whisper pays homage to iconic filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s final work Eyes Wide Shut. The Thomsons have curated a variety show featuring a blend of bands and performance artists. There will be a theatrical skit featuring all the artists on the lineup along with custom theme music composed by High Arrow, along with local songwriter/producer Jon Berz (from Woodshed Studio) and songwriter Eugene Strobe (of Cosmic Light Shapes). Strobe’s band, along with Berz punk duo (Counter Elites) are performing, along with a dance performance by Charley Crystal and her Kittens.

Screen Shot 2015-10-20 at 12.21.12 PM“We both love Halloween,” said Tracy. “It’s creative, fun, dark, glitzy, sugar-fueled, and as adults, we still haven’t grown out of it. We still look forward to attending theme parties like Theater Bizarre (in Detroit.) Bringing Halloween themes into a rock ‘n’ roll show can make for an excellent complement and a treat for the senses.”

Growing up in metro Detroit, Tracy was the “fine arts kid” through school, eventually attending undergrad at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit and then the University of Michigan. She got into poetry in the early 2000’s, along with art exhibitions which combined art, music, and dance. “In terms of music,” said Tracy, “I specifically pull toward psychedelic, acid rock. As a kid I can remember playing The Doors on my Fisher Price record player and being confused, yet attracted to that experimental style.”

Adam Thomson, meanwhile, grew up in St. Clair Shores, having started on guitar when he was ten- years-old. “I always loved playing music live and riding the energy waves between the music and the audience,” Adam said. For years, he had collaborated with a slew of other rock bands, but he always wanted to form a group of his own. “High Arrow became the right opportunity for me to lead.”

“When (Adam) wanted to form his own band,” Tracy said, “I energetically volunteered to write poetic lyrics. He taught me how to play bass and the rest is history. (High Arrow) was the chance for us to work together as a married couple, take our music and our backgrounds in art and merge those into something unique.”

The band is essentially a trio, with the Thomsons having collaborated with a handful of drummers over the years. Their first two records, a frenetic batch of bluesy psyche tunes on their 2013 self- titled debut along with a dynamic psych-rock odyssey called Venus Is Rising, were recorded in downtown Detroit at producer Jim Diamond’s Ghetto Recorders studio. Last summer, they released Hot Love, an exhilarating blend of cerebral and atmospheric rock trips and punk- tempo soul rock ripped right from the seminal sounds of 70’s sludge.

Hot Love was mastered by Jim Diamond and recorded over at Woodshed Studios in Ferndale. They recall how Berz, a Ferndale local, encouraged them to “push further into the creative abyss.”

“The motor city is our foundation,” said Tracy, “(Metro Detroit) is our roots and our family. We will never forget where we grew up and first got started. We plan to visit annually, stay connected with our musician community and return there to play shows.”

The first opportunity to see High Arrow in a homecoming performance is Cloak & Dagger at PJ’s Lager House on Oct. 23. High Arrow’s first show ever was here in Ferndale at the Loving Touch back in May, 2013. “We’d whipped ourselves for months,” Tracy recalls, “rehearsing these poetry/experimental songs in Scott (Boyink)’s basement and couldn’t wait to finally see if it did anything to the audience. No matter how good you can possibly get a song sounding in practice, playing it live is a whole other beast. We saw responses within the first couple songs. We were playing on the floor and the audience kept coming closer, closer as we played on…” Two years after that, both Adam and Tracy look back upon their first two years around the Ferndale scene with reverence. “At the end of our recording journey, four drummers participated in our madness. They include Charlie McCutcheon, Mark Tabor, Scott Boyink and Adam, too.”

At the end of the day, High Arrow aimed for a unique and exciting variety show. “But combining it with Halloween takes the experience to a whole new level,” Tracy said. “We’re really excited, and we know this show will be a lot of fun.”

High Arrow perform Friday, October 23 at PJ’s Lager House
at 9 pm / Ages 21+ / $7

Featuring The Counter Elites, Charley Crystal and Cosmic Light Shapes
1254 Michigan Ave., Detroit / pjslagerhouse.com

More info: higharrow.bandcamp.com/

If slightly 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 connected to erectile dysfunction. 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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Story by David Wesley

IN EVERY CITY AND TOWN, THERE ARE PEOPLE who you can call “fixtures” of the town. This simple word often hides a wealth of history, trivia, and local knowledge. Pat Cissell is definitely a fixture, having lived in Ferndale all of her 58 years, and offering her unique skills, talents, and vision to make a better life for her family and for her fellow citizens.

Pat’s name should be quite familiar. She volunteers for many local events. She ran for city council, and her son Andrew ran for state representative. Recently, mother and son worked together on the legalization of marijuana through the milegalize.com ballot initiative, pounding the streets to change the law. “Even a full-time homemaker can make a differ- ence in the world by getting involved.” Pat says. “There are many ways to do it. You don’t have to be famous or rich. Regular people make the world go round.”

We talked to Pat recently, and here’s what she had to say.

Ferndale Friends: Pat, what has your storied history with Ferndale included?

PC: I have lived in Ferndale all my 58 years. I have been a full-time homemaker and mother. I have three children who are grown. I worked at our family company, Soltman Heating & Cooling, that had been in Ferndale and now is in Oak Park. I also ran for the City of Ferndale council in the mid ‘90s because I wanted to make a difference in my city.

Currently I have been working as a Detroit area movie extra and volunteer on the Ferndale CERT team. That is the community emergency response team that backs up at the police and fire as needed. Ferndale CERT is under the jurisdiction of the Ferndale fire services and Chief Kevin Sullivan. We train monthly in the preset CERT program as it is a division of the Department of Homeland Security.

I deployed for a cooling center a couple of years ago, and I missed the Ferndale floods when the CERT team was very helpful, as I was visiting my daughter in California at the time. I was also a Girl Scout leader for my daughter’s troop and outdoor cooking trainer for the Girl Scout Council leaders. I am going to Ethiopia in Africa as a missionary for my church also.

I started a Facebook page probably about three years ago or so called “Memories of Ferndale Michigan.” We have over 3500 members around the world, who grew up and have lived in Ferndale. It is for the folks
who like to remember growing up in the old days of Ferndale.

FF: Given your experience, how do you feel about Detroit’s comeback? What do you see for its future?

PC: As a movie extra, we have filmed in the city of Detroit for a few TV shows and many movies. I think the tide is turning but it will take some time to find a new normal. I personally am in Detroit quite often, and enjoy its restaurants and museums. A week or two ago a few of my movie pals and I toured the Motown Museum, sat along the riverfront in lounge chairs in the shade, drove around Belle Isle and did some hiking to the lighthouse there. Then we finished up our day at the top of the Renaissance Center for a drink.

“Detroit is making a comeback due to many reasons, such as people with the means and vision buying and improving properties and bringing in jobs and changing the economic culture of downtown. Also, many of the neighborhoods are being improved and making a comeback. Detroit is a very large city with many residential and commercial areas that will need much help for many years yet to come. Ferndale is a much smaller location to manage and help improve. Ferndale, over the last number of years, has made great strides in becoming a much visited and talked about location to visit. Both, the city of Detroit — our neighbor — and Ferndale will continue to coexist side-by- side and continue to be great places to live, work, and visit!

The last thing I would say is if you want to make a difference, get involved! There is always some place that volunteers are needed… get involved to help make a change for the better.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile malfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch 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 and photos by Rebecca Hammond

FRACKING: THERE IS A PETITION DRIVE to ban fracking that’s partly headquartered right here in Ferndale. One of two monthly meetings occurs at Renaissance Vineyard Church, a church with a focus on “Creation Care.” Former resident Todd Bazzett spoke to me about the issue. Todd found himself “horrified at the injustice of the DEQ not watching out for state land.” Land very near our rivers and lakes can end up being used as fracking sites. Fracking uses a huge amount of water, which ends up toxic and needing stored basically forever. It also requires large amounts of sand. Todd provided this statement:

“The Committee to Ban Fracking is working feverishly in the last few weeks of the campaign to collect signatures to get an initiative on the November 2016 ballot. The initiative will allow voters to ban hydraulic fracking, acidization of horizontal well bores and disposal of toxic frack wastes in the state. While Michigan has not been as heavily fracked as other states, oil and natural gas developers continue to seek mineral rights leases throughout the state and currently have enough leased land to install hundreds of wells. Michigan continues to receive shipments of frack waste from out of state and the application for a permit to expand the US Ecology frack waste storage and processing site in Hamtramck indicates that the trend is expected to continue. Signature gathering for the campaign ends November 11th 2015. Please go to letsbanfracking.org for more information about the campaign and local events in your area where you can sign the petition.”

RAPTORS: FOR THE LAST 14 YEARS OR SO, hawks have been a common sight in Ferndale. So when we hear a chorus of bluejays joined by a smaller, cuter chorus of nuthatches, chickadees, and titmice, we assume they’ve zeroed in on a hawk, attempting to annoy it into leaving. A month ago, though, I took a series of photos of a tall, dark shape in a tree across the street, and only when I zeroed in on the computer did I see the huge feet, eyes, and “horns” of a great horned owl, here in Ferndale. It’s my first sighting of one, but not my first encounter, which happened on a cold walk home from the WAB in January 2011. The 17 degree temps kept me focused and hurrying, vaguely thinking I kept hearing a train. At the moment when I finally stopped for a good listen, a woman taking out her garbage said, “You hear that owl?” Yes, I did.

FERNDALE MONARCH PROJECT: Want milkweed seeds? Look for our box in the atrium of the Ferndale Library (and thanks, FADL, for letting us put it there). Our project’s first summer is over, and with 283 milkweeds and 28 caterpillars handed out, and 244 butterflies released by page members, it’s a success. Some of what we learned:

• Milkweed seeds aren’t like radish seeds, sprouting quickly and mostly at once.
They’re like maple seeds,
sprouting all summer long,

usually after a rain.

• Maybe 10% of monarch eggs survive in the wild. Raising them indoors increases that to over 90%.

• When a caterpillar molts, it seems dead. It’s not. Wait.

• Each caterpillar forms a chrysalis at a different pace. Same with butterflies. Some hang motionless for a day, others are flapping around within hours.

There are plenty of places to scatter seeds besides your e own yard. I’ve tossed them along rail trails and dirt roads up north; along the Mason Tract Pathway and the Michi- gan Shore-to-Shore Trail.

“LEAVE YOUR LEAVES” was the title of my first column for Ferndale Friends years ago. A new reason to

leave leaves was brought to my attention at a native plants presentation at the Pleasant Ridge Community Center. If you want a healthy garden, begin with healthy soil, and provide the microbes in the soil the specific food they need to thrive. Mulch from Florida can’t feed them the way Michigan leaves or bark can. It would be nice to have immediate sources for Michigan mulch, but Eagle Landscaping & Supply, on Lahser in Southfield, has two types. We were told in PR that nature never strips down to bare soil. Better to leave it covered. In our small but tree-filled yard, we are well past ten years of raking leaves into flower beds. By June, they’re gone and the sandy soil continues to improve.

The Detroit Zoo has phased out the sale of bottled water. Go to their web site and read why, and you’ll wonder why we ever started buying it at all. For starters, it’s the number one con- a tributor to plastic waste in the US. I’ve often wondered what, had I been able to travel forward in time as a child, I’d be most surprised by. And although the variety of athletic shoes we each are pressured to “need” would certainly have been amazing, watching humans of the future pay as much for water as we do for pop would have been baffling. Maybe we just like having things to do with our hands. The caps alone provide a type of busy work akin to knit- ting (but with nothing use- ful at the end.)

More than 60 thousand plastic bottles will be kept out of the waste streameach year because of the Zoo’s effort. From their website:

“. . . it takes five liters of water to make one liter of bottled water, and . . .about a quarter of a water bottle of oil to produce, transport and dispose of a single bottle of water. Americans throw away 38 B billion water bottles each year.” Eighty percent of them end up in landfills. Follow the Zoo’s lead.

Becky Hammond oversees an urban milkweed e farm in Ferndale, MI.

If some happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a preparation. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile malfunction. 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 soundness 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 dysfunction. 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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