Ferntales – August 2016
The Twisted Tavern and Red Door Nightclub
Story by David Stone
Photos by Ed Abeska
One of the best ways to experience the magical skills of a truly great chef is to sample their appetizers. So it is exciting to see that the center of William Quasarano’s (A.K.A. “Chef Quas”) menu at the Twisted Tavern are indeed his amazing apps. Rest assured, they do have an incredible menu of amazing tacos, delicious burgers and sandwiches and a unique variety of flatbreads, too.
We will return to this wonderful menu later. But, first, let’s meet the man behind the menu; Chef Quas.He was born in Detroit and says he’s been “all over the East Side.” He graduated from Grosse Pointe North after 
starting at St. Joan of Arc. He has lived in Las Vegas, Chicago, and up North. “I’ve kind of been all over,” he says.
When describing his introduction to the culinary field, he said, “I had my ninth birthday in my dad’s first bar, Hollywood Nights.” He later studied culinary arts under Chef Schneider at Macomb Community College.
After working at many other restaurants, Chef Quas joined Mark McConnell who, at the time, owned Boogie Fever in Ferndale. They worked together so well that the two decided to continue working together when Mark decided to refurbish the site, creating the Twisted Tavern and Red Door Nightclub.
At that time, they decided to focus on the apps. Quas describes Twisted Tavern as a place that does “family-style but with apps.” The menu clarifies this, saying that they come in “mine or ours” sizes. The menu further defines the two app sizes as “to share or not to share.” As Chef Quas put it, “It’s not like having to dish out $35 for an entree.”
McConnell has been a local entrepreneur since 1999. When Boogie Fever began to “show its wear,” Mark and co-owner Rob decided it was time to reinvest and renovate. They decided to open a restaurant in front and a nightclub in back, and that was how Twisted Tavern and Red Door were born.
Mark mentioned that he received “a ton of compliments on the decor,” and points out, “we’re not a dive but 
our menu is not priced like an expensive restaurant…you get a nice environment but you’re not paying the exorbitant price for it.”
When describing the business atmosphere in Ferndale, Mark likes to point to such things as our “close- knit business community.” He mentioned how the business community will “come together for city-oriented events.” And, he feels that the “city is organized to help the businesses.”
Now, back to the food.
As mentioned earlier, they serve many interesting salads and flat breads. They also have a wide variety of “grande twisted tacos.” Two interesting examples are the Asian-soy braised short-rib beef, lettuce, toasted sesame, and veggie-roasted seasoned veggies, lettuce, guac, pico de gallo. They have many interesting sandwiches too.
But the highlight of the menu are the appetizers; they have 13! For me, there were three standouts: First, the shark bites. The chef’s signature dish is Mako shark, lightly blackened and seared, and served with a cusabi sauce. Lollipop Kale, a hybrid of kale and brussel sprouts, is wonderful. It is then flash-fried and a “balsamic drizzle” is added. Instead of chicken wings, they serve fried duck legs in a mandarin glaze.
The Twisted Tavern is a wonderful place for a large group to have a very good meal, in beautiful surroundings, and at a reasonable price. The Red Door is a gorgeous nightclub where you can dance the night away. On Fridays, they play top 40s and current dance music. On Saturdays, they play dance music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today.
Both Twisted Tavern and Red Door are located at 22901 Woodward.
Twisted Tavern, (248) 545-6750; thetwistedtavern.com
Red Door, (248) 541-1600; reddoornightclub.com
If something 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 emasculation and other states connected to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 treatment passes into breast milk.
A Moment of Serendipity With Mike Rott
Story by Sherrad Glosson
Photos by Bernie Laframboise
Mike Rott, (Director/Producer) began his career in commercial real estate. At that time it seemed as though that was the be-all and end-all career. But when the market took a crash, Mike knew that he had to switch careers at least till things got back on track with the real estate market. Mike has always had a love for computers and, as fate would have it, he started working part-time at Apple as a salesperson until he figured things out. Working up from one position to another, he was promoted to a full-time lead creative position with a team of nearly 30 people, and that’s when he said everything started to take shape and take off. “I wanted to get good at it so I could teach it. So, I forced myself to learn everything,” said Mike. He witnessed people coming in, asking for various audio and video productions and he knew he had to make sure he was ahead of the game. So he began self-teaching himself how to do the things people requested. He started a business making short films and freelance websites for big-time executives under his company name, Dynasty Media Network, a company Mike opened in Ferndale back in 2013.
I was thinking about Birmingham, Royal Oak, or even somewhere in the Detroit area but there is something about the city of Ferndale. They even held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for me,” said Mike matter-of-factly with a big smile on his face.
One day, Mike received a phone call from his dad, Sheldon Rott (co-producer/music director) who worked with the Tuskegee Airmen in the ‘60s. Rott had previously met Lieutenant Col. Alexander Jefferson (from Detroit), after hearing him speak one evening. He told Jefferson about his son opening a film studio, and suggested documenting some untold stories.
When Col. Anderson told his story, Mike and his father were deeply moved and Mike realized that it was a great subject for a movie. Col. Jefferson had doubts about his story eventually reaching the world but, with faith and persistence, the movie titled “The Luft Gangster: Memoirs of a Second-Class Hero” was born.
“The Luft Gangster” is the story about Col. Jefferson’s courageous times fighting in World War II with the Tuskegee Airmen. Not only was this a period of segregation, Jefferson was also shot out of the air and held captive by the Nazis. Col. Jefferson, now 94, is one of the few Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilots still alive today. Imagine what it must have been like to put everything you have into fighting a war for America, only to have to fight a war of your own when that was over.
In February, 2016, Black History Month, “The Luft Gangster: Memories of a Second-Class Hero,” premiered on American screens and, with great response, it was held over for a second month. Over the past few years, the movie has gained recognition and accolades from all over the world. One specific award for which Mike is truly proud is the award he received at the Los Angeles International Underground Film Festival. Mike never thought the film would become as big as it is currently.
Mike is still working hard, and shared some goals that he has in mind. “I want this film to be shown in schools everywhere! Kids nowadays need to hear some real in-depth information from the actual source.”
Still in pursuit of his dreams, Rott is working to start a non-profit to create educational films for schools. In addition, Dynasty Media Network will be offering individual apple training, helping those with technical issues on their computers and help them understand any software they use.
The Luft Gangster; LuftGangsterMovie.com
Dynasty Media Network; dynastymedianetwork.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 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 heartiness problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction 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 medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
Agora Arts: The Vision Becomes A Reality
Story by Sara Telle
Photos by Bernie Laframboise
John Paxton and Maria Bucco started Agora Arts three years ago. The couple’s vision was to “create a space for both performing and athletic arts.” John, a jazz musician who spent 36 years with Planet D Nonet, Detroit’s awarding-winning swing band, and Maria, a talented violinist originally from Venezuela who began her career as a member of the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra at the age of seventeen, met through a mutual friend and seemed to hit it off right from the start. John’s admiration for his wife is evident. “Maria is an intellectual,” he says, “She just has a beautiful soul.” The two musicians put their creative minds together to start their successful venture.
“It was Maria’s idea, actually. She was the visionary,” John says. “She wanted to start a business and I’m just her trusted right and left hand when she needs me.” In establishing Agora Arts, “We were really hoping to enrich the cultural life of Ferndale,” he explains. “My wife and I believe that hard work and reaching out to the community enriches everyone’s lives ten-fold.”
Agora Arts quickly gained attention with local residents in utilizing its vision to “create a welcoming space for the community and inspire a deeper appreciation of life and wellness through the study of music and 
circus arts” and expanding soon became inevitable. That is when Maria partnered with Cheryl Willard, a long time Agora aerial instructor, and the two developed a vision for the expansion. John says of the renovated space, “We’ve totally transformed this place. We’ve built everything with our own hands.” He speaks of the massive face-lift given to the old building, adding, “My first line of duty when we bought it was to ‘unblacken’ the interior of theater school.” By coloring the walls, they were able to liven up the ambiance and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The three business partners would really like to see the space offering a wide range of activities in the near future. They hope to incorporate a new circus, as well as various movement and music classes and perhaps even Brazilian martial arts. The new space is currently being promoted as a rental opportunity for a wide range of private and community events, including holiday parties, wedding receptions, workshops and official meetings. “It’s so beautiful, everyone would want to be here,” John says. He speaks of a mural that Shaina Kasztelan and Alejandra Bucco, two talented local artists, created inside and hopes to commission a fixture on the outside wall of the building near the railroad tracks in the future. “It’s just wonderful,” he says with admiration. “Colorful and bright. We would like to see something similar on the side very soon.”
“We were all successful teachers prior to this,” John, a native Detroiter explains of Cheryl, Maria and himself. “I have a teaching degree and had a private studio for a long time where I mentored children. Maria was an 
instructor in her home country.” Maria was actually the co-founder and head of the string department for the School for Integral Arts in Venezuela, and a faculty member for El Sistema. Cheryl began teaching and performing as a member of a troupe in 2011. She also started a small aerial arts program around that time. John says, “One of our main goals is to expand our roles as educators.”
Other instructors at the studio include Elizabeth Smith, Emily LeMieux, Taylor Aquino, Anny Bouchard, Karie Eichhor, Lis Thomas Cher and Miranda Irwin who all teach various circus and conditioning classes, Nicole Richards, a yoga instructor, Stacey Kim, hula hoop instructor, and Gary Williams, Capoeira instructor, and Maria Cassar, music instructor. Agora Arts, which is open to students of all ages and skill levels looking to enhance their skills, will be hosting a new round of drop-ins as well as six-week group series classes in the renovated space beginning in July. The 90-minute sessions will include everything from aerial silks, static trapeze, and lyra.
The owners have recently had the good fortune of acquiring a Yamaha grand piano from a local church, and John would to bring it center stage, hosting a “piano-centric” event. There will be house tours, circus performances, live music featuring local artists, raffles and more! John and Maria are also hoping to start crowd-funding soon for a new concert series, which will include an eclectic mix classical, jazz, folk and blue grass artists.
More information about Agora Arts, its instructors, and the classes, workshops and rental space offered can be found at the company’s website, www.playatagora.com. 648 E 9 Mile, Ferndale
If slightly happened with our heartiness, 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 malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you have to 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 heart 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 disfunction. Even though this physic is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.
Ferncare: Good News!
By Ann Heler, President, Board of Directors
On August 7, we celebrated six years as a working clinic. How many readers remember when we opened over at Kulick Community Center? We have so many people to thank: The original group that conceived and created FernCare, the original clinic team that actually put together the medical clinic processes and procedures, all of the volunteers and of course everyone who has supported and donated.
Our next fund raiser is Sunday, November 1 at Le-on & Lulu on 14 Mile Road in Clawson. This will be our fifth fundraiser with them. They kindly donate 10 per cent of every item sold on that Sunday to us. Once again we will (have) our sommelier (wine specialist) pick out three Fall wines for the wine tasting.
If some 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 emasculation and other states coupled 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 health 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 disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.
Revel Bar opens in Rust Belt Market
Revel isn’t just any bar. It’s as unique as Rust Belt Market where it is located, and as dynamic as the couple who own both. Revel Bar & Events has been in the works for a few years now. When Chris and Tiffany Best opened Rust Belt Market in 2011, they were soon receiving requests to hold events, weddings, shows and concerts there, but they had no liquor license. No problem. Event promoters brought their own alcohol. Still, many opportunities were slipping through their fingers, along with an avenue to generate more needed revenue without raising rents. “We do not like to raise the rent on our tenants, and have not done so since 2011,” said Chris.
After some serious negotiations that carried on for months, the Bests were able to secure a liquor license, and initiate another milestone in the evolution of Rust Belt Market
Revel, whose grand opening was July 15, offers Michigan craft beers, signature cocktails, wine and, specialty coffee from White Pine Coffee, a micro-roaster in Lake Orion, MI. Besides a sublime beverage selection and fun ambiance, there is also food to be enjoyed at Revel. It has a licensed kitchen, a food truck. Chef 
consultations are underway, exploring various food options. Revel has a prominent post-industrial theme, and the bar lies adjacent to the entry and event stage, which offers a clear view of the market. The focal point of Revel is the seven-foot terrarium that features carnivorous plants and poison-dart frogs; something unusual and interesting when you want a diversion from people-watching. When asked how they came up with this concept, Chris replied that their basic business philosophy has always been to “Do something cool and interesting, and then figure out a way to make it possible and profitable.”
The concept of Rust Belt, along with Revel Bar & Events, is something of a new twist on an old community model that included a central meeting place or village green, where people could gather to shop and attend concerts, shows and other events throughout the year.
Owning and managing a bar, is something of a brave new world for the Bests, as neither has done so before. But then, neither of them shy away from a challenge. Chris credits the wonderful sense of community between fellow entrepreneurs in Ferndale and neighboring towns that helped this novice to the bar and restaurant business make prudent purchasing and operational decisions for Revel. Paul Fradeneck of Mabel Gray in Hazel Park, Brad of White Pine Coffee in Lake Orion, and Sandy from The Oakland in Ferndale are just a few fellow entrepreneurs toward whom Chris expressed his gratitude. “Their advice helped me get things off on the right track,” he says. “For example, Brad and his staff are complete coffee nerds, and they have trained Revel staff to be proper baristas.”
The wildly popular Rust Belt Market is testament to the Bests’ true entrepreneurial spirit; and there is every reason to believe that Revel will follow suit. As a side note, Tiffany Best also owns the lifestyle shop, “Lady Lazarus,” within the Rust Belt Market. The shop’s name is a metaphor for renewal, reinvention, and well…rising from the dead, like Lazarus. A poignant metaphor that could be applied to the revival of Ferndale’s downtown from years past.
Located inside Rust Belt Market at 22801 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, MI, 48220; Revel is open 10 hours a day, five days a week. Hours will be posted on a sandwich board at 9 Mile and Woodward. To learn more, go to the web site at www.revelbarandevents.com.
If something 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 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction 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 medication passes into breast milk.
Judge Rudy: Wills
By Rudy Serra, attorney, former district judge
Q: About ten years ago my sister-in-law left an expensive set of tools in my garage. She lives not far from me and I repeatedly asked her to come and get the tools, but she never did. I want to sell them. Suddenly, she died and did not leave a will. My brother now claims she said she wanted the tools to be a gift to my nephew. I don’t think that’s fair but I don’t know what to do.
A: My last column was about writing a will without a lawyer. Your question presents property issues that can arise when a person dies without a will, and related questions. Under the law, a gift requires two things. First, present delivery and, secondly, “donative intent” or the intention to make a gift. If your sister-in-law had intended the tools to be a gift, she failed to deliver them to the recipient so there was no gift. Once the person dies, their donative intent could be ex-pressed in a will. Assuming the property is part of your sister-in–law’s estate, her surviving spouse, if she was married at the time of death, inherits everything. If there is no spouse, then the surviving children would inherit in equal shares. This distribution assumes that the property is part of the estate. The spouse or children would have to open an estate and have a “personal representative” appointed by the probate court. That personal representative would then demand that you account to the estate for the property.
As a practical matter, the estate may not have a viable claim for the property. Depending upon the time that passed and the reasonable expectations of the parties, the property could be considered to have been abandoned. If you had proof that you notified your sister-in-law that she should pick up the item or you would dispose of it, your claim would be stronger. If the facts you describe are accurate, then the property has been in your garage ten years. Most people would consider that more than long-enough to store someone else’s property involuntarily. It would be up to you to prove that you asked for the property to be removed. Your sworn testimony may be considered evidence on that issue.
Aside from the question of whether a person should have a will, this is a good example of being able to avoid problems and uncertainty if you put it in writing. For example, if you had sent a letter or two to your sister-in-law during that ten-year period, and if you had copies with a deadline, it would definitely help. Since it is too late to prevent this particular issue, you should probably work out a mutually agreeable resolution with your brother. If no estate was opened, he would have to take you to small claims court to recover the property.
If something 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 malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people 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 core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch 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.
B. Nektar Comes to the aid of the Orlando victims
Story By David Wesley
Photos By Bernie Laframboise
In a novel from 1902, Joseph Conrad wrote, “The two main ingredients of the terroristic personality are vanity and laziness.” Through the scenes we see exploited by the news from tragedies such as the one in Orlando, the public can manage to untangle the villains, dismiss them as crazy, and rush to help he victims in any way possible. Neither news nor hearsay can prevent the sane majority from doing what is humanistic in the wake of public horrors as the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando proved.
Incidents like Orlando are becoming more common in the Western world, especially across pockets in Europe, because of a phenomenon the French call “anomic terrorism,” terrorism bred from alienation over one’s displacement across countries, cultures and religions (and more). And because of shortcomings and handicaps in their personality, as Conrad stated, it brings about a quick and easy impulse to make a violent legacy and raging headlines.
Despite this new type of terrorism, the reaction against it has been nothing short of phenomenal. Globally, people are coming together in ways digitally and physically to support the victims and uphold the new majority mentality of equality and fairness.
No matter how charity or help is done or received, it’s intimate and helpful. Naturally the city of Ferndale, 
being the LGBTQ Mecca of the Mid-West, has raised lots of money to the victims of the Orlando shooting. At their brewery and tap room on the fringes of the city, B. Nektar held a charity drive on July 19th, where 50% of the sales in their taproom went to the Pulse Victims Fund.
The B. Nektar family stands behind the victims and their families in Orlando with heavy hearts. Through the wide bright windows of their spacious taproom, people were gathered in lines buying B Nektar’s notable brews like Zombie Killer and The Dude’s Rug, many glasses and many colors inside. The bartenders were happily busy handling money and beer, while the owner, Brad and wife Kerri, chatted with customers. Everyone was socializing comfortably and the event had a natural, uplifting energy because of its intent.
B. Nektar invited their friends from the Hero-or-Villain Van food truck to bring their food to sell. Their tips were donated to the Pulse Victims Fund, as well. Workers and regulars from Affirmations swirled about, while the people from BrewPass were selling Brew Passports (five dollars from the sale of each book was donated back). Placed before a beaming window, a black canvas with rainbow letters read, “Give-O-Mead-Er,” with the hashtag WeAreOrlando at the bottom. Between the top and bottom there were envelopes that held donations in increments of $250. By the time I left the Give-O-Mead-Er had reached $1000 in donations. Over $2,000 was raised in all.
Ferndale has a right to be proud yet again, but instead it seems Ferndale’s pride is channeled into warmth and inclusiveness towards everyone. B. Nektar had a wonderful idea to bring people out for a good time while doing some impactful charity work. In fact, I know of no other city besides Ferndale that has held a charity event like this, inside a microbrewery, and used the profits for Orlando. The event was as good as the idea, and everyone who stayed around and drank beer and ate food made donations that will make lives deservedly better.
I found the couple piñatas on the wall amusing, and the LGTBQ decorations touching. The spirit of Ferndale 
was an actual living thing inside B. Nektar that evening. The crowd grew bigger and the laughter and the chatter got louder. It was not a somber event despite the tragedy it was for; instead, a sociable positivity held the air together for the evening. People only started to walk home after the dusk thinned around 9:00 P.M..
Hopefully, other businesses in the city will join in and host events like this for other charities near and far. B. Nektar opened its doors in 2008 to Ferndale, and since then the city and the business have had a wonderful love affair that only gets better. Guided by geeky imagination, influenced by sub-pop culture and never satisfied with the status quo, B. Nektar always aims to bring a modern twist on mead as well as diversify craft mead, cider and beer. The people of Ferndale think they’re doing a fine job, and many more glasses are raised to their efforts and success.
Find more information on B.Nektar on their website; bnektar.com
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 emasculation and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What humanity 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 soul trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction 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.
Jeff Montgomery Local Civil Rights Legend promoted into eternity
Story by Ellen Janisch
Jeff Montgomery Local Civil Rights Legend promoted into eternity 1953-2016.
Jeffrey Montgomery, early LGBTQ activist and co-founder of the Triangle Foundation, passed away in Detroit on July 18th, 2016, at the age of 63. This loss is profound for the gay rights community; Montgomery’s relentless drive, compassion, and desire for change will long be remembered by those who are continuing his noble cause for LGBTQ acceptance.
Born in 1953 in Detroit, Montgomery grew up in Gross Pointe and attended Gross Pointe South High School until his graduation in 1971. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in social science from Michigan State University in 1976. Following the tragic events of 1984, when Montgomery’s partner, Michael, was slain outside a Detroit gay bar, he began his crusade against anti-gay police sentiment and inaction. Montgomery founded the Triangle Foundation to assist the victims of anti-gay crimes.
Rudy Serra, prominent local attorney, former appointed judge for the 36th District Court, and longtime 
colleague of Montgomery, was there from the beginning: “Triangle was the LGBT organization that stood-up to anti-gay police misconduct. Jeff was a very important influence on this issue because some members of the LGBT community disapproved of defending men who were ‘cruising for sex.’ Jeff understood that being ‘out-and-proud’ required unabashed understanding of sexual freedom. Under Jeff’s leadership, Triangle began collecting and compiling police reports and court documents from men who were arrested in gay bars and parks and who said they had [done] nothing illegal.”
Thanks in part to Montgomery’s work, Triangle was able to prove that hundreds of individuals were being illegally arrested and prosecuted for acts that were not crimes. Triangle represented some 700 men in Detroit who were arrested for being allegedly “annoying.” The law used to charge them was eventually struck down. “Jeff and Triangle were instrumental in defending hundreds of victims of anti-gay police activity in Plymouth, Pontiac, Detroit and elsewhere in Michigan,” Serra said.
What initially started as a small grassroots organization led by Montgomery, Henry D. Messer, and John Monahan, the Triangle Foundation grew to become a recognized Michigan-wide political tour-de-force that routinely took on challenging cases involving hate crimes, employment discrimination, anti-gay slander, and many other LGBTQ concerns.
“Although, initially, Triangle was dedicated to anti-gay/anti-violence, Jeff’s concern extended to everyone who needed help,” Serra said. “Accordingly, Triangle rapidly grew beyond anti-violence programs and grew into support for LGBT people in employment discrimination, transgender bathroom disputes, school issues, family law, estates and more. The Triangle Foundation was the primary voice of the LGBT community in Lansing. I personally went with Jeff Montgomery, Sean Kosofsky and/or Henry Messer on many occasions to successfully lobby about LGBT issues such as sex offender registration, amending the Civil Rights Act, local ordinances, and many other global LGBTQ issues.”
The Triangle Foundation, which has since become Equality Michigan, flourished under Montgomery’s leadership as president, interim executive director, and executive director until his departure in September of 2007. An exceptional public speaker, some were initially skeptical of Montgomery taking such a prominent position early on. “There were people who questioned whether Jeff was ‘qualified’ to be an executive director at first, and I think his initial hiring was considered a trial period,” Serra said. “He was exceptionally skilled in media relations and very quickly became the primary public voice of the LGBT community in Michigan.”
Montgomery went on to become a go-to authority on LGBT issues, frequently speaking with media outlets on high profile LGBT criminal cases, including the Matthew Shepard murder trial. In 2000, Montgomery delivered the inaugural Matthew Shepard Memorial Lecture at Brown University. Entitled “America…You Kill Me,” this speech further cemented Montgomery as an established authority on the fight for LGBT rights.
“When I heard Jeff’s inaugural Matthew Shepard Memorial lecture, I thought it was one of the better speeches I had ever heard,” Serra recalled. “I recommended that it be sent to ‘Vital Speeches,’ and they agreed and published Jeff’s speech…Jeff was ‘the’ face of the LGBT community in Michigan. When an issue arose, he was the one the news media would interview.
In addition to his pioneering efforts with the Triangle Foundation, National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Woodhull Freedom Foundation, and the WikiQueer Global Advisory Board, among others, Montgomery was also passionate about the performing arts. He worked tirelessly to restore Detroit’s Orchestra Hall in the 1970s and 1980s, which has since served as the home of the internationally renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he was public relations director for America’s Thanksgiving Parade.
Through all his diverse pursuits, Montgomery remained steadfast in his love for the city of Detroit. “Jeff was committed to stay in Detroit himself, to assure that Triangle Foundation stayed in Detroit, and to do everything possible to support the City of Detroit and the well-being of the residents of Detroit,” Serra said. Accordingly, Montgomery was the recipient of the “Spirit of Detroit” award three times and named a 2002 Michiganian of the Year by the Detroit News.
Montgomery’s life and career is the subject of a forthcoming documentary called “America, You Kill Me,” on 
which he was collaborating with his brother John at the time of his death. Montgomery’s legacy as a visionary, political activist, and indisputable leader lives on through the efforts of others in the LGBTQ community, who can draw much from his history and countless triumphs in policy reform and anti-discrimination action.
Serra sums it up: “Jeff did not have formal educational training in social work, community organizing or law. His accomplishments show that a person of passion and dedication can teach themselves how to do what is required and can build relationships that compensate for their own weaknesses…Jeff sacrificed for his passion. The staffs of many gay rights organizations were often little more than glorified volunteers. Jeff took time to prove his worth and earned more and more respect and a larger and larger role [in] LGBTQ social revolution.”
More on Montgomery’s work can be found at www.jeffreymontgomery.org as well as a link to donate to his autobiographical documentary, “America, You Kill Me.”
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Ferndale Seniors: Politics
By Jeannie Davis
The political season is in full bloom. Democrats, Republicans, and a healthy mix of hird parties are loudly spewing rants telling us what we should and should not believe. The talking heads are busy analyzing every word, gesture, and facial expression of the candidates. Every place we turn, we are bombarded with claims that this one lied, this one hates women, that one is bigoted, or whatever is the sound byte of the day. This season is particularly heated. It’s only August, and already we are weary.
We seniors are quietly watching, listening. We’ve been here before, we’ve seen world war. Close to our radios listening, waiting for any scrap of news. We watched horrified as our beloved young president was struck and died in the arms of his wife. Glued to our television sets, crying, outraged. Watched a president impeached, students gunned down by our own troops, a bomb drop which destroyed two cities, killing over 100,000 people.
However, we ourselves have survived, and are stronger for the struggle. Standing together made us strong. We differ in beliefs yet we all need each oth-er. So why waste all that energy hating a person you don’t even know? Let’s simmer down and analyze the situation before we speak. The way we are going, many of us won’t be speaking to each other by elec-tion day.
Jeannie Davis; 248-541-5888
If something 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 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as core trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status 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 treatment passes into breast milk.
