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MON. JULY 1

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

TUES. JULY 2

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JULY 3

  • Oak Park Farmers Market 9AM-1PM

 

THUR. JULY 4

• Michigan Rib Fest, Royal Oak

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

 

FRI. JULY 5

  • Michigan Rib Fest, Royal Oak

 

SAT. JULY 6

  • Michigan Rib Fest, Royal Oak

 

SUN. JULY 7

  • Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

 

MON. JULY 8

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. JULY 9

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JULY 10

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward.

www.indivisiblefighting9.com

• Oak Park Farmers Market 9AM-1PM

  • Food Truck Rally, 5-9 PM, RO Farmers Market

 

THUR. JULY 11

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

  • Concerts In The Park, Shepherd Park, 7PM

 

SAT. JULY 13

• Utica Antiques Market Antique Sale, 8AM-5PM, Knights of Columbus, Shelby Twp

• Fusion Festival, Kulick Center

• Berkley Street Art Fest, downtown Berkley

  • Butterfly Parade, Red Oaks Nature Center

 

SUN. JULY 14

  • Utica Antiques Market Antique Sale, 8AM-4PM, Knights of Columbus, Shelby Twp

 

MON. JULY 15

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. JULY 16

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

  • Aston Neighborhood Pls Clb, Ferndale Library

 

WEDS. JULY 17

  • Oak Park Farmers Market 9AM-1PM

 

THUR. JULY 18

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Get Reel Movie Night, Free movies on Vester

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Joe Hertier, Ferndale Library

  • Concerts In The Park, Shepherd Park, 7PM

 

FRI. JULY 19

  • Pig & Whiskey

 

SAT. JULY 20

• Pig & Whiskey

  • East Oak Park Neighborhood Association Annual Picnic, Best Park, Roanoke Ave., Noon-4pm, eastopna@gmail.com

 

SUN. JULY 21

  • Pig & Whiskey

 

MON. JULY 22

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.comTues. July 23

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

WEDS. JULY 24

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

  • Oak Park Farmers Mkt 9AM-1PM

 

THUR. JULY 25

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Blessings In A Backpack meeting, 4:00 PM FUEL, tentative, 24220 Rosewood, OP

  • Concerts In The Park, Shepherd Park, 7PM

 

MON. JULY 29

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. JULY 30

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JULY 31

• Oak Park Farmers Mkt 9AM-1PM

• Space Camp Day, Red Oaks Nature Center

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SAT. JUNE 1

• Palmer Park Art Fair, Woodward south of Seven Mile, 10-7, Food trucks, beer tent, more. PalmerParkArtFair.com

• Ferndale Pride, Downtown Ferndale

• Rainbow Run, Downtown Ferndale

• Western Market, Beer Tent/Parking Lot Party

  • Sip Savor Stomp, 6:30-10:30O PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

SUN. JUNE 2

• Palmer Park Art Fair, Woodward south of Seven Mile. 11-5. Beautiful boutique art fair along the lake and by the cabin. Food trucks, beer tent, more. PalmerParkArtFair.com

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

  • Huntington Woods Home Tour

 

MON. JUNE 3

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

TUES. JUNE 4

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

THUR. JUNE 6

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

 

FRI. JUNE 7

• “Labels of Love & Sex,” Ctr for Relationship & Sexual Health, www.crsh.com 7-8:30 PM

• Forgotten Harvest’s 27th Annual Comedy Night, Fox Theater, Detroit

  • Burgers & Brews, Royal Oak Farmers Market, 6:30-10:30 PM

 

SAT. JUNE 8

• Royal Oak Art of Fire, Washington Street, Downtown Royal Oak day 10-7; ArtOfFireRO.com

• Tropidelic, Otus Supply, Ferndale SUN. JUNE 9

  • Royal Oak Art of Fire, Washington Street, Downtown Royal Oak day 11-5; ArtOfFireRO.com

 

MON. JUNE 10

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. JUNE 11

• Park It Night, Ferndale

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JUNE 12

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward.

www.indivisiblefighting9.com

  • Family Pride, Food Truck Rally, 5-9 PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

THUR. JUNE 13

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

 

SAT. JUNE 15

  • Tito’s Annual Event, 6-11PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

SUN. JUNE 16

  • Ferndale Community Concert Band Salute To Our Fathers Concert, Ferndale High School

 

MON. JUNE 17

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

TUES. JUNE 18

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

• Kids Club Live Barney Shows, 9AM, 1PM, 5PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JUNE 19

  • Kids Club Live Barney Shows, 9AM, 1PM, 5PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

THUR. JUNE 20

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Royal Oak Unity Fair

• Art of The Cocktail, venue to be announced

  • Concerts In The Park, Shepherd Park, 7PM

 

FRI. JUNE 21

  • Royal Oak Unity Fair

 

SAT. JUNE 22

• Front Porch Music Festival, throughout Ferndale

• Royal Oak Unity Fair

  • Fine Art Fine Wine Fair, St. Mary’s, Orchard Lake

 

SUN. JUNE 23

• Royal Oak Unity Fair

  • Fine Art/Wine Fair, St. Mary’s, Orchard Lake

 

MON. JUNE 24

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. JUNE 25

• Active Adult Pool Party, Red Oaks Waterpark

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. JUNE 26

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

  • Oak Park Farmers Market 9AM-1PM

 

THUR. JUNE 27

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Blessings In A Backpack meeting, 4:00 PM FUEL, tentative, 24220 Rosewood, Oak Park

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Berkley Art Bash, downtown Berkely

• Greater Detroit Veg Bash, 6:30-9:30, Royal Oak Farmers Market

  • Concerts In The Park, Shepherd Park, 7PM

 

SAT. JUNE 29

  • Masquerade Ball benefitting My Safe Haven, Southfield Pavilion, 26000 Evergreen, Southfield 248-251-5924

 

SUN. JUNE 30

• Herb Spiral Workshop by Reveter. 11-1 313-303-1364 or by Reveter Facebook page

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WEDS. MAY 1

  • Pride Fundraiser, 1st Wednesday Gayest Tin Can Raffle Rosie O’Grady’s

 

THUR. MAY 2

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

 

FRI. MAY 3

  • Walsh College Fundraiser, 6-10PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

SAT. MAY 4

• May the 4th B. With You Party, B. Nektar, 2 PM-12 PM. www.bnektar.com

• Nay the 4th Be With You, RedOaksNature Ctr

  • FUEL Talent Show, Ferndale High School

 

SUN. MAY 5

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

  • Royal Oak Classic Bicycle Swap Meet, 8AM

 

MON. MAY 6

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Community Conversation with State Rep. Tob. Wittenberg, PR Community Center, 4 Ridge Rd

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

TUES. MAY 7

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. MAY 8

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7- 8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward.

www.indivisiblefighting9.com

  • Food Truck Rally 5-9PM, RO Farmers Market

 

THUR. MAY 9

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

  • Pierogi Fest, 6:30-9:30PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

FRI MAY 10

  • Men Who Care Spring Gala, 6-11PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

 

SAT. MAY 11

• Utica Antiques Market Antique Sale, 8 AM-5 PM, Knights of Columbus, Shelby Twp

• Ferndale Home Tour, benefitting Ferndale Education Foundation, ferndalehometour.com

• Taoist Tai Chi Society – Open house, 10:00 AM, Gerry Kulick Center. www.taoist.org

  • Garden Tool Repair Day, alley between Ford and West End, Hazel Park, 8AM-Noon

 

SUN. MAY 12

• Utica Antiques Market Antique Sale, 8AM-4PM, Knights of Columbus, Shelby Twp

  • Women Walk For Peace, First UU Church, Cass Corridor Commons, 4605 Cass, Detroit

 

MON. MAY 13

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. MAY 14

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

THUR. MAY 16

• Downtown Bike Rodeo, Planavon

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

  • Haven Gala, 6-11PM, RO Farmers Market

 

FRI. MAY 17

  • “Helping Parents Talk About Sex,” Center for Relationship & Sexual Health, www.crsh.com 7-8:30 PM

 

SAT. MAY 18

• Clean The Ferndale Up, downtown Ferndale

• Tequilo Mundo, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• Pride Fundraiser, Hot Daddies at Soho Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka

• Flower Exchange, Oak Park Community Center, 10AM-Noon

  • Pleasant Ridge Auction & Gala, 4 Ridge Rd

 

MON. MAY 20

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

 

TUES. MAY 21

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. MAY 22

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward.

www.indivisiblefighting9.com

 

THUR. MAY 23

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

  • Blessings In A Backpack meeting, 4 PM FUEL, tentative, 24220 Rosewood, Oak Park

 

SUN. MAY 26

  • Flower Sale, Oak Park Community Center, 10AM-5PM

 

MON. MAY 27

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Memorial Day Parade & Observance, Fallen Foot Float

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Royal Oak Historical Society Pancake Breakfast, 7AM-Noon, RO Farmers Market

 

TUES. MAY 28

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

THUR. MAY 30

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

 

FRI. MAY 31

• Covert Operations, Otus Supply, Ferndale

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MON. APRIL 1

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Community Conversation with State Rep Rob. Wittenberg, 1-2pm, RO Twp Hall, 2131 Garden Lane

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

• Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

  • Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

 

TUES. APRIL 2

• Community Conversation with State Rep. Rob. Wittenberg, 7pm, Oak Park Comm. Ctr

• After Hours Band, Geisha Girls, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

  • Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

WEDS. APRIL 3

• Pride Fundraiser 1st Wednesday Share the Wealth Raffle at Rosie O’Grady’s

• Reading Collective @ Hunt. Woods Library 7:00 PM

• Shwayze, Magic Bag, 8 PM

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

  • Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

 

THURS. APRIL 4

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Fatai, Magic Bag, 8 PM

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Ann Arbor Artist Guild Artist Market, Royal Oark Farmers Market

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

• Ma Baker with El Brandino, Otus Supply, Ferndale

  • Eat Well Live Strong, Oak Park Rec, 10-11AM

 

FRI. APRIL 5

• “Let’s Talk About Suicide,” Center for Relationship & Sexual Health, www.crsh.com 7-8:30 PM

• Hardcore/punk showcase featuring One With The Riverbed, Negative Gravity, Wrists. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Ann Arbor Artist Guild Artist Market, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• Major Dudes, Otus Supply, Ferndale, Tribute to Steely Dan

  • Chris DuPont, Ferndale Library, 7:30

 

SAT. APRIL 6

• Bacon Bash, Royal Oak Farmers Market, 6:30-10:30 PM

• Brother Elsey, Otus Supply

• Intl Youth Silent Film Fest, Redford Theatre

  • Free ASL Course, Hazel Park Library 12-1:30

 

SUN. APRIL 7

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4PM, 45 E Pearl

  • Ferndale Community Concert Band, Ferndale High School Auditorium

 

MON. APRIL 8

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

• Lamphere Trivia Night

  • Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

 

TUES. APRIL 9

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

 

WEDS. APRIL 10

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

• Food Truck Rally, RO Farmers Market, 5 -9PM

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

• Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

  • Claddagh Chiropractic Spring Into Wellness Open House 6-8PM, Ferndale, Free demos, giveaways

 

THURS. APRIL 11

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Reading Collective @ Berkley First 7:00 PM

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

  • Eat Well Live Strong, Oak Park Rec, 10-11AM

 

FRI. APRIL 12

 

SAT. APRIL 13

• EGGstravaganza, Marie/Wilson/ Garbutt/ Geary/Martin Parks, RVC Church, Ferndale Rec Dept., 12:30-3

• Vodka Rox, RO Farmers Market

• Record Store Day, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Run For The Health of It, RedOaks Nature Ctr

  • Free ASL Course, Hazel Park Library 12-1:30

 

MON. APRIL 15

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

• Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

  • Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

 

TUES. APRIL 16

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

  • Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

WEDS. APRIL 17

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

• Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

  • Kitchen Dwellers, Otus Supply

 

THUR. APRIL 18

• Hazel Park Historical Museum open for visitors Noon-4 PM, 45 E Pearl

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

  • Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

FRI. APRIL 19

• Bye Bye Birdie, Redford Theatre

  • Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, Otus Supply

 

SAT. APRIL 20

• Eddie Logix Monthly, Geisha Girls, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Easter Saturday, Childrens Day, Royal Oak Farmers Market, 9 AM-1PM

• Earth Day, RO Farmers Market, 9 AM-1PM

  • Singin’ In The Rain, Redford Theatre
  • Good Friday Service, Renaissance Vineyard Church, 6:30 PM

 

SUN. APRIL 21

  • Easter Celebration, 10:30 AM, Renaissance Vineyard Church

 

MON. APRIL 22

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

  • Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

 

TUES. APRIL 23

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM

• Deadicated and David Gans, Otus Supply, Ferndale

  • Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

 

WEDS. APRIL 24

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

  • Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

 

THURS. APRIL 25

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Used Jewelry & Purse Sale, Mad Hts Active Adult Center

• Blessings In A Backpack meeting, 4:00 PM FUEL, tentative, 24220 Rosewood, Oak Park

  • Spring Fever: Loving Touch, Otus Supply, Magic Bag, New Way Bar

 

FRI. APRIL 26

• Caring for Planet Earth, Red Oaks Nature Ctr.

  • Spring Fever: Loving Touch, Otus Supply, Magic Bag, New Way Bar

 

SAT. APRIL 27

• Spring Fever Beer Fest, Royal Oak Farmers Market, 6:30-10:30PM

• Mom 2 Mom Sale, Kulick Center

  • Spring Fever: Loving Touch, Otus Supply, Magic Bag, New Way Bar

 

MON. APRIL 29

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • World Dance Day Event, Oak Park High School 6:30-9:30 PM

 

TUES. APRIL 30

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

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FRI. MARCH 8

• Karaoke Night, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• American Spirits, Ship and Sail, Honey Creek, Former Critics, The End Electric, The Evergreen, Far From Fiction, Ian Arnold, The 510 Building, Hazel Park

  • Pajamas, Clock Reads, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SAT. MARCH 9

• Hazel Park Rec Mother/Son Dance 5:30-8:00 PM 248-547-5535, www.hazelpark.org

• Paints & Pours, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Rev. Payton Big Damn Band, Magic Bag, 8 PM

• See What Stacey Started Figure Drawing Class (non-instructed) featuring model Lena Feil. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Another Man’s Trash, Boys N Ties, Joinery, Bottom Of The Lake, Big Juicy, Justin Don. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Hazel Park Fire Dept. CERT Class, 9AM- 4PM

• Bestest Concert Ever, 5-9 PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• Super Brunch, Kulick Center

• Coffee With A Cop, 9-11 AM, 9 Oaks Grill, Oak Park

  • The Wooks, Old Salt Union, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SUN. MARCH 10

• Release of American Gods, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Matthew Ball Boogie Woogie Kid, Oak Park Library 2:00 PM

  • Pocket Sounds Sunday, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

MON. MARCH 11

• Pride Fundraiser Harry Potter Trivia, Pops 6 PM-10 PM

• Drawing Camp week 2: Drawing To Scale, instruction by Steve Gamburd, 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Dr. Kyle Hawkins, 6PM Claddagh Chiropractic, Ferndale

 

TUES. MARCH 12

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM-7:30

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

  • Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

WED. MARCH 13

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7- 8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

• All Them Witches, Plague Vendor, Magic Bag, 8:00 PM

• Food Truck Rally, 5-9 PM, RO Farmers Mkt

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

• Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

  • Dr. Chris Emmert, Help for Healthy Bones, Claddagh Chiropractic, 12-12:30 PM, Ferndale

 

THUR. MARCH 14

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Reading Collective @ Ferndale Library 6:30

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Think Spring Craft Show 3-9PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• March Storytime w/Cowboy Alex, Royal Oak Community Ctr, 10 AM

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

• Eat Well Live Strong, Oak Park Rec, 10-11AM

  • Dr. Kyle Hawkins, 12PM, Claddagh Chiropractic, Ferndale

 

FRI. MARCH 15

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 7:30 PM

• DJ Sanford, Geisha Girls, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Worth (TX), Desiring Dead Flesh, Car Crash Jake, Casey Fitz and the Night Shift. 510 Bldg, Hazel Park

• Think Spring Craft Show 3-10PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• Madame X, Redford Theatre

• Domestic Problems, Jes Gru, Magic Bag, 8 PM

  • The Claudettes, Ryan Dillaha, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SAT. MARCH 16

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 7:30 PM

• An Affair To Remember, Redford Theatre

• Mega ‘80s, Magic Bag 8 PM

• See What Stacey Started Figure Drawing Class (non-instructed) featuring model Mary Stone. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Nini D, DJ Dos Lopez, S.A.P., Jade Aurora, Govanna, Durt 313, The Veldt, Spellbooks. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Hazel Park Fire Dept. CERT Class, 9AM- 4PM

• Free ASL Course, Hazel Park Library 12-1:30

  • Chachuba, Biomassive, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SUN. MARCH 17

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 3:00 PM

• Country Boy hosts St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Plant Sale. Lion Marilyn Moore is donating all $ to Hazel Park Animal Shelter.

• St. Patty’s Day Party at Dannys, Ferndale

• St. Patty’s Day with Rootstand, Otus Supply, Ferndale

  • Detroit Fleat St. Patty’s Day Party

 

MON. MARCH 18

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

• Figure Drawing and Character Development. Instruction by Steve Gamburd, 510 Building, Hazel Park

• St. Patrick’s Day Party, Mad Hts Active Adult Center, Noon-3PM

• Adult Computer Class, Oak Park Library 9 AM

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

  • Dr. Andrea Whedon-Hulbert, Claddagh Chiropractic, Ferndale

 

TUES. MARCH 19

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

  • Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

 

WED. MARCH 20

• Reading Collective @ The Emory 7:30 PM

• Wynchester, Magic Bag, 8 PM

• Dr. Chris Emmert, 6PM, Claddagh Chiropractic, Ferndale

• The Dizzy Bats (NY), Wait and Shackle, E.M. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

  • Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

 

THUR. MARCH 21

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Reading Collective @ Berkley Library 6:30 PM

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

• Eat Well Live Strong, Oak Park Rec, 10-11AM

  • People’s Blues, Otus Supply

 

FRI. MARCH 22

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 7:30 PM

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

• DJ/Hip Hop showcase featuring United Lights, Underground Detroit Radio, Hi Potent C, Pravada 2x, Danny From Japan. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Jim Ellison Coffee Hour, Seros, 7:30-9:00 AM

  • Escaping Pavement Release Party, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SAT. MARCH 23

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 7:30 PM

• Bike MS 2019, Charity Spinathon, 8AM-2PM 248-579-0363

• Class of 98 Band, ‘90s Party Palooza, Magic Bag 8 PM

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

• See What Stacey Started Figure Drawing Class (non-instructed) featuring model Stella Rothe. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Rock showcase featuring Home Grownups, Jenn’s Apartment. 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Hazel Park Fire Dept. CERT Class, 9AM- 4PM

• Free ASL Course, Hazel Park Library 12 PM

  • Jimmie Bones & The Snakebit, Otus Supply

 

SUN. MARCH 24

• Ferndale Musical Boosters present “The Addams Family – a new musical” at Ferndale High School. 3:00 PM

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

  • Melvin Seals & JGB, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

MON. MARCH 25

• Quizzo Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Pride fundraiser, Penalty Box

• Rock showcase featuring Equine, Koltay, Sick Llama. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Drawing Camp week 4: Settings and Storyboarding for Comics. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Weekly peace vigil, 9 Mile & Woodward 4:45

  • Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

 

TUES. MARCH 26

• Transgender Day of Visibility, Five15, Royal Oak 6 PM – 8:30 PM

• Reading Collective @ Ferndale Library 7:00

• Hazel Park Library Family Fun Night 6PM

• Adult Coloring Club, Oak Park Library, 6-7:30

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

  • Jazz is PHSH, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

WEDS. MARCH 27

• Indivisible Fighting #9 Meeting, 7-8:30 PM, progressive politics. First United Methodist of Ferndale, 22331 Woodward. www.indivisiblefighting9.com

• Total Body Workout, Oak Park Rec, 10:30 AM

• Tabata, Oak Park Rec, 7:30 PM

  • Gotta Get Over The Hump, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

THUR. MARCH 28

• Geek Trivia, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Gary Gulman, Magic Bag, 8 PM

  • “Let’s Hang Out” Plum Hollow Lanes, 6:30-9:30 PM, Southfield

• Blessings In A Backpack meeting, 4:00 PM FUEL, tentative, 24220 Rosewood, Oak Park

• Rock showcase featuring Toward Space, Toothe, Scary Women, Jus Plurals, 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Middle-Eastern Belly Dance, Oak Park Recreation 6PM

  • Eat Well Live Strong, Oak Park Rec, 10-11AM

 

FRI. MARCH 29

• Big Lebowski Costume Party, B. Nektar Meadery, www.bnektar.com

• Old ‘97s, Magic Bag 8 PM

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

• Rock/ Pop Punk showcase featuring Nectar, Killsound, Birdie Country, Epic Disappointments. 510 Building, Hazel Park

  • The Insiders, Tom Petty Tribute, Otus Supply

 

SAT. MARCH 30

• Wine Lovers & Beer Snobs, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• Affirmations Spring Bash, 30th Anniversary, MGM Grand Detroit

• Polar Beer Fest 6:30-10:30PM, Royal Oak Farmers Market

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

• See What Stacey Started Figure Drawing Class (non-instructed). The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Rock showcase featuring The Womps, Audrey Burne, Nick Juno, Loxodon, Horace The Van. The 510 Building, Hazel Park

• Free ASL Course, Hazel Park Library 12-1:30

  • Steffanie Christi’an, Otus Supply, Ferndale

 

SUN. MARCH 31

• The Odd Couple, Redford Theater

0 2309

By David Ryals

Ferndale Friends recently spoke with Dr. Joe Kort – a psychotherapist, coach and author specializing in LGBQT sexual and relationship health. He founded his practice in 1985, and his specialties include gay affirmative psychotherapy (emphasizing how being knowledgeable about gay issues informs the therapeutic process) and IMAGO Relationship Therapy (a specific program to help couples and singles learn to improve their communication and relationship skills). For years his practice has specialized in sex therapy and sexual identity issues, including Out-Of-Control Sexual Behavior; responsible non-monogamy/monogamy; childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse; mixed-orientation marriages; coming out; and depression and anxiety. His group also offers workshops for couples and singles as well.

Kort is the author of two books on gay male identity and relationships. His latest book is Is My Husband Gay, Straight or Bi?: A Guide for Women Concerned About Their Men. Joe sat down with Ferndale Friends for an interview about his new book, career and day to day work.

FF: What inspired you as a doctor to focus on people’s sexuality and sexual relationships?

JK: I think it originally came from me focusing on my own sexuality growing up. When I started to work in the field I saw many sexual abuse survivors and became trained in working with them. What I found was there was great training around treatments in helping people heal but there was no sexual health model to teach people what healthy sexuality could look like for them after their recovery from sexual abuse. I also worked with people who experienced “sex addiction”/out of control sexual behavior that too didn’t have a sexual health component to help people find what healthy sexuality was for them. So, this began my quest in seeking training and certification in sex therapy. Also, in working with couples I found that if you talk about your relationship and get better connected that sex will just come. The truth is that people need to focus on sexual health conversation and talk about their erotic desires and differences.

FF: How has your career evolved and who are your inspirations in the field on human sexuality?

JK: In the beginning of my work, it was all about sexual abuse and trauma and “sex addiction“/out of control sexual behaviors. I no longer believe that sex can be addictive but I do believe there is a lot of sexual suffering for all kinds of reasons, so I have to change my stands over time. My inspirations have included so many people in the sex therapy and education field, including Esther Perel and Dan Savage.

FF: What is the reason for your interest in helping men, specifically who are on the LGBTQ spectrum?

JK: This is largely due to the fact that I am a gay man. I saw how much therapy helped me in my teenage years throughout my 20s and coming out, and I wanted to also offer this to the LGBTQ population. Also, women have a window to have sex with other women without calling it bisexuality or lesbianism. Men are stigmatized, and if they have one homosexual thought they are considered to be gay or bisexual. I find this ridiculous, and I work hard at eliminating the stigma.

FF: What prompted you to write your books ‘Cracking The Erotic Code’ and ‘Erotic Orientation’? What has their reception been?

JK: I wanted to start by writing some short books that were easily accessible to the public for gay, bisexual men and for straight couples and individuals. People lead very busy lives and don’t have time to read full books, so I thought I would write some short books helping people reduce any shame and misunderstandings about their erotic lives and their sexuality. They have been very well-received by people who are thankful to begin a conversation about making their sex lives and erotic lives better.

FF: How have you affected the people you help? What are your ultimate goals with your work?

JK: I’m not just a therapist, I’m an educator. I think I have affected people by giving them good information, good resources. And, directing them toward new possibilities of making their relationships and their sex lives work with themselves and their partners.

JOEKORT.COM

STRAIGHTGUISE.COM

GAYAFFIRMATIVETHERAPY.COM

YOUTUBE.COM/JOEKORT

0 2154

By Jill Lorie Hurst

“WHY DO YOU GO AWAY? SO THAT YOU CAN COME BACK. SO THAT YOU CAN SEE THE PLACE YOU CAME FROM WITH NEW EYES AND EXTRA COLORS” – Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

“Ch-Ch-ch-ch Changes. Turn and face the strange,” wrote David Bowie. When I heard Dino’s Lounge and M-Brew were up for sale, I grabbed this assignment so I could meet Dean Bach before he left Ferndale.

He agreed to meet up at Dino’s on a gray Monday afternoon in February, a week after the opening of Belle Iron Grille, his new place in Gaylord. Bach was emotional, pragmatic and wise as he looked around Dino’s and talked about childhood on the East side of Detroit. “I grew up in the 48205.” Life in the restaurant world, a ride that started as a 15-year-old dishwasher at Eastside Charley’s.

He took a risk on Ferndale when he bought the Rialto Cafe at the corner of 9 and Woodward, opening Dino’s Lounge in 2002. “We were ahead of the curve then.”

Some thought he wouldn’t make it. He talks about the cook who quit two weeks after opening, sure the place was destined for doom. Instead, Dino’s and later M-Brew (“my independent child, it runs without me, which is what I wanted”) became part of the fabric of fabulous Ferndale.

From the start he wanted Dino’s to be “a little bit of everything. Something for everyone. The corner bar for Ferndale.” Philosophical. “Today every place is a concept. Does the town need a neighborhood gathering place anymore?”

BOTTOM LINE, HE THINKS IT’S TIME FOR DINO’S TO CHANGE. He had ideas, of course. On this day they included selling or partnering. Stepping away. “I owe it to Ferndale and myself to do something that’s right for the community.”

He looked at me. “What do you think?” Me?! I hope they keep serving the chips. He smiles. “Everybody loves a good kettle chip.”

His idea? “I take a lot of ideas from my staff. Everyone has good ideas.” He’s listened and learned from his staff, his parents, local leaders and Ferndale residents. He listens to his wife, Denise, who encouraged him to throw himself into the restaurant business he loved, full-time, back in 2008. When he turned 50, the couple started looking forward, open to change.

A 4th of July visit to Lake Otsego clicked for Denise. “This is where I want to be.” Bach, emotional, remembers the moment. Laughs. “I couldn’t believe that (city girl) Zsa Zsa wanted to move to Green Acres.”

He loves the new place, Belle Iron Grille, and he is enjoying becoming part of a new community. “It’s making me grow as a person to learn about this different culture. Talk about different viewpoints, but people are the same everywhere.” He is enjoying this new experience.

OUR TALK RETURNED TO FERNDALE AGAIN AND AGAIN. Thoughts about Ferndale’s future? He is optimistic. “Ferndale will continue to grow, but Ferndale of the future will still be Ferndale.” I liked his faith.

A few days after we spoke, I learned that Dean Bach had taken Dino’s and M-Brew off the market. Bach reached out from the beach in Aruba! “We’re definitely happy about… reinventing Dino’s and making some adjustments to M-Brew. I just felt I wasn’t quite ready to simply sell and leave.”

Dino’s Lounge is located at 22740 Woodward in Ferndale. M-Brew is at 177 Vester Ave in Ferndale. Belle Iron Grille is located at 4029 Old US 27 in Gaylord.

0 1942

By David Ryals

DANNY’S IRISH PUB HAS BEEN A STAPLE OF FERNDALE FOR 30 YEARS. It stands as a testament that a traditional friendly neighborhood pub never goes out of style: everyone comes here and everyone is welcome. It’s nestled along Woodward Avenue in the heart of Ferndale and is a mainstay in the community with a loyal following of longtime regulars.

In traditional bar fashion, Danny’s is small and dark save for soft lighting from the green bulbs on the ceiling. Various other interesting flair adorns the walls and bar, with a couple pinball machines tucked away toward the back. The thing that sticks out the most about Danny’s is its solid character.

Danny himself spoke to Ferndale Friends to explain the longevity of his success. “Our formula is to keep it simple: Pour good drinks at a reasonable price. Keep the menu simple and easy to prepare, add things when you see a need for them, not just because the guy down the street has them. Many bar owners think they have to have all of the latest things, but many times it’s just a waste of money. Give your customers what they want, not what you think is cool. The most important is to find the best employees you can, treat them fair, and give them good reason to stay with you. That should be the secret of any good business.”

On the evolution of Ferndale throughout the years and its impact on his business, he said, “The community has changed dramatically over 34 years. Our own contribution to the city has always been to welcome all people regardless of race, creed, color, gender or sexual orientation. As things evolved, we were in a perfect place to welcome new people and ideas into the community. However, it has always been our position that everyone was welcome, unless they caused trouble. Our relationship with our customers is one of family. And just like family sometimes we have disagreements, but eventually we make up.”

ON HIS OWN BACKGROUND AND LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP WITH FERNDALE: “My family moved to Ferndale in 1946. Back then, it was a quiet community where everybody knew everybody. Kids played outside all summer until the street lights came on. My wife, Sally, has an even longer history. Her grandfather had a grist mill on the northwest corner of 8 Mile and Pinecrest. In 1946 my father built a restaurant on 8 Mile near Pinecrest. The grist mill was gone by that time.

“I bought the bar from Nick Pappas in 1985 when everybody was saying not to buy in Ferndale. However, my history with the city made me ignore all of that good advice.

“In the beginning, Nicks – later to be named Danny’s when I accidentally broke the Nick’s sign – had more of a county-western atmosphere. There were a lot of fights and a lot of customers being barred. It was a little rough-sledding in those days.

“When you kick out your base, you have to rebuild from the ground up. Over the years, the city changed and the new residents began to discover us.

“About ten years ago I left my full-time job and decided to spend more time with the bar. I found some of the best bartenders around and convinced them to come to work for me. They are my second family and they don’t seem to want to leave. I’m a very lucky owner.”

0 1139

By Richard Robbins

RECEIVING A TRANSPLANTED ORGAN IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE WILL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT. But for an increasing number of people it is a reality they must confront. I became a lung transplant patient and recipient, and I’d like to share a bit of my story and some info on transplanted organs in general.

I was diagnosed as having pulmonary hypertension, emphysema, and another process that was never identified, in September 2017. I started the extensive testing process in January 2018, then listed for a double lung transplant. I was transplanted in August 2018. I was fortunate to get a transplant as fast as I did, because of the scarcity of lungs available for transplant in general.

The whole process involved a rigorous round of numerous tests to determine whether I was a good candidate. Fortunately, I took my team’s advice and participated in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation exercise program at the Providence Heart Institute in Southfield. They kept me strong by making it possible for me to walk and exercise, despite the 15 liters of oxygen I required to do so. Just sitting in a chair required 4 to 5 liters for me to maintain an oxygen level of barely 92 percent on a good day (a normal reading is usually 95 to 100 percent).

Checking my heart pressure required the pulmonary team to perform a heart catherization. That was performed by running a heart catheter through my right wrist and into my heart. The doctor performing the procedure was quite stunned as to the level of pressure in my heart, which increased my UNOS score for transplant. They checked the other arteries running into the heart and I was cleared, since there was minimal blocking of the arteries.

OTHER TESTS INVOLVED CHECKING THE FUNCTION of my stomach which involved drinking a barium solution and being turned upside down; also, eating and swallowing various things to check that functionality as well. Checking the distance one can walk in six minutes is also a must. Their baseline was a minimum of 400 feet in six minutes, but I managed to walk closer to 1400 feet on 15 liters of oxygen. Blood tests also confirmed the suitability for transplant, and they took 43 vials of blood at the initial draw. Among these tests were drug and alcohol tests and testing of other organ functions and diseases.

I was placed on the list for transplant in May 2018, and was registered with UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing. I was assigned a score that ranked me by need and was sent home to await a match for a double lung transplant. Blood type, antibodies, and lung size are just a few factors to consider in any lung transplant. UNOS handles other organ transplants as well, such as liver, heart, and kidneys. You can find out more about their function for transplant recipients, and statistics, at unos.org.

Then I was sent home to wait for a match. Things sped up a bit once my oxygen levels decreased due to the diseases I had. I was driven to the ER for treatment and admission into the hospital. The transplant team did a fine job bringing me back from that emergency and I spent a week in the hospital. It seemed as if the transplant team wanted to keep me at the hospital until lungs were found, but instead I was sent home.

LESS THAN TWO WEEKS LATER I GOT THE CALL. Lungs were found! We drove to the transplant center and I was placed in a bed, waiting for 8:30 AM for the surgery. After they wheeled me down to the surgical suite, we waited a few hours while the surgical team checked the lungs received from the donor. The last thing I remember was the doctor coming in, saying “It’s a go,” and I was put out for the next 12 hours. This entailed placing me on a heart lung machine, cutting open my chest, splitting my sternum, moving my heart, and replacing both lungs.

Waking after the surgery was over, I only remember someone leaning over me, saying “You’ve got new lungs.” Looking over to the telemetry, I found the blood oxygen reading, and was relieved to see it running at around 98 percent.

The nursing staff would be critical to my recovery, as were the physical therapy people who made sure I could function once they released me. The biggest trick was getting up out of a chair or bed using no hands. It’s not easy even without a lung transplant. I was sent home after nine days. A visiting nurse and home rehab after surgery got me back to speed quickly.

My lung transplant was the first major surgery I have ever had, besides tonsil removal. It was far easier than I expected. I worried about the pain from splitting the sternum, but it was not that bad at all. Healing takes a while of course, but that varies from person to person. Maintaining the “status quo” now requires doctor visits and swallowing a lot of anti-rejection pills. Also, wearing the face mask that people always give me the fish-eye for. (It’s for my protection folks, don’t worry.)

Getting this transplant has enabled me to resume my life with a few restrictions. I am grateful for all the community support I have had through this process, as well as for my donor for taking the time to check off the box for organ donation when filling out their driver’s license form or agreeing to do so in the hospital. Also, I am volunteering with Gift of Life Michigan to promote organ donation and possibly speak to those potentially undergoing similar procedures. Please consider organ donation when you renew your license or go to giftoflifemichigan.org/become-donor to sign up.

0 1501

By Sara Teller

JEREMY POSNER IS A MAN OF MANY IDEAS. As his graduation date neared at the University of Michigan where he was enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering program, the toy-and-game inventor quickly realized he would not be following a traditional path. While much of his graduating class was planning work at the Big Three, he was applying for internships at game makers.

“I didn’t care about cars. So, I thought, ‘What other industries could be fun?’ I’ve always liked toys and games – I mean, who doesn’t? So, I thought I’d give that a shot,” he said.

Posner put a few applications out there and, as fate would have it, he landed a gig at Mattel. “It was in a neighborhood outside of Los Angeles. I went down there and got to see how the sausage was made, so to speak. But I was given one project to focus on, and I just kept thinking I wanted things to move faster. I was on the manufacturing side of things and there were so many pieces that went into getting the product to market,” he explained.

So, Posner was left once again considering what path would be more aligned with his interests. Soon, he realized he needed to be on the inventor side. “I met a mentor there who invited me to brainstorming meetings and he said, ‘You probably want to be an inventor,’” Posner recalled. The rest is history.

AFTER COLLEGE, POSNER LANDED A GIG at Rehkemper Invention & Design, then Big Monster Toys. In 2016, he won the Game Innovator of the Year award at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair, TAGIE Awards, for his work on Jenga Quake (Hasbro), Smackies (Goliath), Stratos Spheres (ThinkFun), Twangled (Mindware), Gravity’s Edge (Mindware), and Brynk (Winning Moves). “These [concepts] were all team efforts, but I was a key player,” he said. 

Posner met the love of his life, Allison, while in the Chicago area as well. It was a chance meeting. “We met at the Anti-Cruelty Society, an animal shelter. She was working there. I went in to play with the puppies and my friend really wanted to see the cats,” Posner reminisced. “I’m not a cat person, so I decided to talk to this cute girl for about two hours instead. I left my number with the receptionist and she called later that night.”

The couple was recently married, and they now live in the Detroit area near Jeremy’s family with the newest member of their family, a rescued mutt named Kiwi. Posner said he chose to start his company in Detroit because, “my family is here, and the rent is more affordable.” After being in the business for a little over six years for different firms in Chicago, he really wanted to see if he could make it on his own.

Having friends and family nearby certainly has its perks, according to the inventor, who said, “I have game nights. My older brother, Alan, helps me a ton with my company.” Often, he has family and friends over to play test prototypes, so he can get their feedback.

Currently, Posner has a number of projects in the pipeline awaiting licensing and expects to have his products out by next Spring. He is constantly coming up with new, innovative ideas. “My inspiration comes from everywhere,” he said. “My brain is on all the time.”

For more information on Shenanigans Toys and Games LLC, please visit the company’s web site, www.shenaniganstoysandgames.com.

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