CLOSE
Editions

0 1583

By Judy Serra

Q: CAN I WRITE A VALID WILL in Michigan without hiring a lawyer?
Answer: Yes. Michigan and some other states recognize a “holographic” will. A will that is in your own writing, signed by you and dated by you, is your holographic will.

Under Michigan law, a will has to be written. The law does not allow verbal wills. The person making a will is called the “testator” if male, and the “testatrix” if female. I use “testator” to include both. Under law, a will has to be signed by the testator and at least two wit-nesses, as well as being dated. If you want to look-up the statute, it is MCL 700.2502. Under this law, there is an exception to the require-ment of two witnesses. If a will is in the testator’s hand writing, and is signed by the testator and dated, it is valid as a holographic will. When “forms” are used, these are also ac-ceptable as long as “the material portions” are in the testator’s hand-writing. The material portions of a will are the parts that say who gets what. Pre-printed parts of the form are acceptable for proving that the document was intended to be a will.

This means that it would be possi-ble under Michigan law to use a form from the Internet or to write a will in your own handwriting. The format used does not invalidate the document. Forms can be helpful, but forms are generally used to make sure the drafter does not forget something or make a mistake. This is a signal that it is possible to make such a mistake.

A common error in drafting wills is vagueness. Often people think they are being clear, but lots of confusion can arise after death. A reference to “children,” for example, could create a dispute about whether step-children or non-officially adopted persons qualify as children. Lawyers usually identify real estate with a legal description. Otherwise, refer-ences to “my home” can create con-fusion if a person moves or owns more than one piece of real estate. It is important to know that you can-not always easily “disinherit” a person who might have inheritance rights. These are all circumstances where it may be beneficial to hire a lawyer.  People often draft a will assuming that their present circumstances will not change. A drafter should consider options. If one beneficiary dies, the will should say what happens to their inheritance. Events like family deaths, moving, children reaching adulthood, and so on, are among the many things to consider and include.

If some happened with our soundness, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotency and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most 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 health 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 medication passes into breast milk.

0 1361

By Jeannie Davis

IN TODAY’S YOUTH CULTURE so many seniors feel irrelevant, al-most invisible, left in a corner until hey are needed by their children for babysitting, cooking, and (dare I say it?) financial assistance. Our opinions don’t matter. Our past experiences are barely listened to. How many of us have heard: “Oh Mom, it’s not like that now”? Our efforts at conversation fall flat, and camaraderie is out the door. Oh, we have great conversations with our peers, fellow travelers in this thing called old age. We prattle on happily about our ailments, daytime TV, and how cute our pets are. I heard these conversations as I worked the room at our senior meetings. I fit this picture perfectly several years ago. My children tolerated me, barely listening as they phoned from the road, checking off one more thing on their “to do” list. I didn’t exactly feel lonely, just a little adrift. I joined the Ferndale Senior Group to have something to do and quickly found a niche.

When I became president, I was aware the majority of the members felt as I had, and I did some serious think-ing on how to remedy this.
I was determined to make the senior group more visible, to be regarded as pertinent in our city.

I started by volunteering us to help with city events. We started small, helping on Pub Crawl night, serving an evening at the Blues Fest, helping at Music in the Park. Everyone enjoyed themselves, and we were on the way.

Along the way, I noticed a change in the dynamics with my children. They were bitching about the difficulty in reaching me. YAY!

Now, the Ferndale seniors are on the map. People who plan events not only ask us to help, but, they cater to us, and treat us with respect and care. Our opinions matter because we are visible, we are of service, and we are real flesh and blood people. Virginia and myself recently helped with Dean Bach’s rib roast. We were given plum jobs in the sides truck, checked on frequently, fed, and in gen-eral pampered. We had such a good time, that when our replacements showed up, we were amazed at how quickly the time sped by. Michael Lary asked the seniors to cook hot dogs for the annual “Clean the Ferndale Up” event. Virginia, Joyce, Mike, and myself volunteered. Again, we felt pampered and cared for. Scott, our official young strong person, took care of us. Great time, great day. Now whenever we enter the Kulick Center, we take special pride in know-ing that we helped make this makeover possible.

Just as our group perception has shifted, so have our own personal perceptions. We are involved, we are recognized, and we feel good about ourselves. Our conversations are varied and interesting, and we are sharper.

We need to stay connected to some-thing. It doesn’t have to be our city, it can be church, a theater group, a walk-ing club, even a book club. If we keep moving, and doing, we keep growing. The worst thing in the world is stand-ing still. As Auntie Mame says “Life is a banquet and most poor fools are starving.”

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 emasculation and other states connected to erectile malfunction. 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction 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 medication passes into breast milk.

0 1642

Story by Sherrad Glosson

EVEN AT SIX-YEARS-OLD, Jordan Venita Workman was very gifted in art, and loved music. She attended a classmate’s birthday pool party on April 22, 2016 but, due to unfortunate circumstances, she lost her life and went to be with the angels on April 28. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she had suffered brain damage. A few days later, the family realized she was gone. With no known history of past problems, a sudden and devastating tragedy, had occurred.

Sean Toenniges, an owner of a graphic design studio in Ferndale, Michigan, and friend of the Workman family extended a helping hand. To try to aid in the family’s grieving process, he came up with the idea of organizing a memorial service for Jordan. Sean has been a friend of the family for nearly five years, and has attended many of Jordan’s birthday parties. Sean stated, “The family has been strong so far, and I wanted to do something nice for them,” he said matter of factly. And that’s what he did.

He went around to several businesses in the community seeking the support of anyone who wanted to contribute, donate, or be a part of the memorial. To his surprise, there was more than enough support from the city of Ferndale and surrounding ar-ea. A lot of his friends and associates are business owners in the area as well as in Hazel Park, Sean told me, and one of them elected to hold the memorial service at Cellarmen’s Brewery/Bar. Cellarmen’s extended a helping hand and opened their doors for a memorial auction which was held for Jordan on May 21 2016. Local artists, businesses, school mates, family and friends all gathered to support and help with the cause, and it turned out to be a good day.

I had the opportunity to talk to Jon Workman, the father of Jordan. “Our family is more than grateful, and amazed at how everyone came together for this event. Thanks to all of the family, friends, her school and everyone for participating. Thanks to those who could not make it but sent their love, and we are just grateful for Sean making this event wonderful.”

If you would like to donate to this event you can go to facebook.com/Jordanvworkmanmemorialauction and click on the link for the gofundme page.

If something 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 impotency and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile disfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction 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 curing passes into breast milk.

0 1312

By Ann Heler, President

The 8th Annual Dinner was a wonderful event! As everyone says, “”ya should have been there.”  We are so fortunate. We raised 1/5 of our total operating cost for one year. There just aren’t enough thank yous and hugs for everyone who has supported us this year and through the years. Kate Baker, incredible Dinner chairperson, Sara Abrin, Linda Baker, Pam Bellaver, Darren Bowlsby, Sharon Chess, Lynn Cottrill, Gail Hincz and Kly Schell were the team that created the event. Three very brave former patients were our guest speakers, Tim O’Rear, Ann Danielak and Frank Reid. Incredible. Gage Products, Charles R. Jones family and Dr. Hollander/Michigan Institute of Urology were our presenting sponsors. We would all love to see you at the dinner next year.

The Great Garage Sale, Saturday, June 11,8:30 – 4:00.  Once again this is in conjunction with the Ferndale Seniors Trunk and Treasure and this year, the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission Art Fair at City Hall. You can bring items you wish to donate to the sale to the clinic on Wednesday, June 8, Thursday, June 9 and Friday, June 10 any time between 9:30 and 7 pm. If you are on Facebook, keep an eye out on June 8, 9 and 10. Often Kate sees a great item and will open it up to the best bid. Mark July 23, 8 pm on your calendar. We are doing another band and bar night at New Way Bar, 23130 Woodward in Ferndale. Pam Bellaver and Jeff Milo are picking the bands so I can guarantee you are going to hear the best up coming bands (and perhaps an old favorite) in the area. $5 at the door!

HEALTHY MICHIGAN and AFFORDABLE CARE ACT MARKETPLACE ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE EXPANSION: Call the appointment line and tell them you want a health insurance appointment. Even if all you have is questions……call 248-677-2273.

Clinic Appointments and Information: 248-677-2273. You will have an appointment definitely within the month. The only criteria we require is that you have no health insurance and no primary care provider and have current ID to become a patient. CALL US if you do not have health care!

MEDICATION/MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COLLECTION: Bring medications and medical equipment to the clinic on either the 1st or 3rd Saturday of each month or anytime week days between 9 am and 12 noon. We take everything EXCEPT wooden crutches, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, motorized wheelchairs, customized foot or back braces, any package of medical supplies (diapers, gauze, etc.) that has been OPENED. Please note that we take medications ONLY from people, not medical clinics, physician’s offices or nursing homes.

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

0 1582

Story and photos by Jenn Goeddeke

If you’re a fan of barbecue, then it’s safe to say that walking into Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will create an instant craving! The aroma from the meat on the hickory-smoke burner is truly delicious.

Craig Southerland is the proprietor and, along with his sister Cindy McFall (manager), they have created a fun, friendly “fast-and-casual” dining locale. With family-friendly promotions such as “kids eat free on Sundays”, Southerland continues to expand his loyal customer-base in the area. Coming up on his two-year anniversary at the 23123 Woodward in Ferndale location, Southerland plans on running some mouth-watering specials. Last year, for example, there were all-you-can-eat ribs!

Dickey’s started out in 1941 by Travis Dickey (a World War I veteran), and the first location was in Dallas, Texas. Franchising began in 1994, and now there are over 500 locations in the USA. “During the past five years, the brand has really exploded in popularity…quite a few more Dickey’s will be opening in the Metro Detroit area soon, and I plan to open another locale myself!” Southerland added. As far as local promotion goes, Southerland mostly relies on the word-of-mouth referrals and leans on the good local reputation he has already created: “…we have our regulars, plus we really get out into the community a lot!”

A good part of Dickey’s huge success is, of course, its food quality and menu selections. The current menu includes: beef brisket; pulled pork; St. Louis-style ribs; polish sausage; spicy cheddar sausage; smoked turkey, and marinated chicken. In addition, there is a wide array of home-style sides to choose from, such as jalapeño beans or macaroni & cheese. A buttery roll and ice-cream comes free with every meal.

He also frequently donates food, for example, to local bands. Recently, the local radio station, WCSX, hosted an event, and Dickey’s fed an impressive 200+ people! Fundraisers for organizations such as PTAs are also frequently hosted by Southerland: “We will give back 15 per cent of whatever sales they drive in,” he explained. Additionally, Ferndale High School graduates always receive five to ten per cent off their bill (depending on whether it is a pick-up or delivery order). Southerland firmly believes he chose the best location when he picked Ferndale, “I chose this locale out of five that were on offer partly because I am familiar with the area, and also because there is plenty of foot traffic. I had no idea what to expect, but everyone has been so supportive and helpful, including our customers, the DDA staff, Stephanie Loveless, Crystal Proxmire, and so many others…they totally won me over!”

Dickey’s is open daily from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., and they also cater for events such as graduation parties & corporate lunches. “Catering is a huge part of our business, between 15-25 per cent of our sales,” Southerland pointed out.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is located at: 23123 Woodward Ave in Ferndale and is open Mon-Sun, 11am-9pm.
Call Dickey’s at: 248.565.3355, or reach by email: DickeysWoodward@gmail.com.
Check out their websites: http://order.dickeys.com; http://www.dickeys.com; https://twitter.com/DickeysFerndale; http://instagram.com/dickeyswoodward.

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 impotence and other states connected to erectile disfunction. 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction 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 curing passes into breast milk.

0 1786

By Ingrid Sjostrand

Just as the grass turns lush and the spring buds finally bloom, one of Ferndale’s favorite candle, lotion, and everything else shops is growing right in season. Green Daffodil is celebrating its tenth birthday, and expanding their store as the perfect present to all.

Most famous for their handmade, vegan, 100 percent non-GMO soy candles, Green Daffodil has grown over the years to include other homemade products, gifts and affordable vintage finds. Owners and best friends Anne Simonette and Siouxsan Miller say they are happy to fill the void of the gift shop niche in Ferndale.

“There is such limited retail here and we like being known as Ferndale’s gift shop because we carry a whole assortment of things from greeting cards, kitchenware, and pottery from a local artist, to jewelry and then we have obviously all our handmade stuff,” Miller says.

Located at 624 Livernois Ave. Green Daffodil will host their grand reopening on Saturday, June 25th from 11am until 5pm. The location was originally dedicated mostly to production of the bath and body line for their wholesale business, which sells to over 100 stores across the country. They purchased the empty space behind their shop and spent the winter expanding, instead of hibernating like the rest of us. This expansion provides a stronger retail presence and storefront.

“It’s just allowing us to be a little bit more efficient with our production because our wholesale is forever growing,” Miller says. “We were at a point where we couldn’t mentally or physically grow our business in the ff-jj-gd-insidespace that we were in; we will just be able to work better and smarter.” The new storefront is inviting and relaxed with cool, vibrant green walls and thoughtful product arrangements that open into the studio where visitors can get a peek at how their favorite products are created.

“We display it in a way that is very fun and friendly and the products we’re bringing in are thoughtful and different, maybe not something everyone else is carrying and that is a huge task,” Miller says. “It’s something that’s important to us.”

The most important aspect of their business, though, is that the product is quality and cost efficient.

“A lot of times companies are really over the top with packaging but then the product is mediocre. We are all about the product being what soy is supposed to be — long burning, smells amazing and good for you,” Miller says. “We try to do limited packaging; we want the actual product to speak for itself, not the bells and whistles.”

“We call it an affordable, everyday luxury; so people can actually burn the candle instead of buying a $35 candle and thinking ‘When are we gonna burn it,’ you can buy our large tin for $12.50 and you can burn it for a long time and enjoy it,” Simonette adds.

The grand reopening will allow visitors to get the full retail experience of Green Daffodil and a chance to buy and smell all their products with daily sales, food, refreshments and some of the store’s outside vendors on site to discuss their own products.

“The city is doing a ribbon-cutting because we never had that and we are kind of branding it as a grand reopening to get the public to really know that we are for sure a retail store,” Miller says. “It’s not a whisper, we are shouting it out!”

Green Daffodil is located at 624 Livernois, Ferndale MI 48220, 248-547-4172

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected 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 health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this curing passes into breast milk.

0 2915

By Jill Hurst

WHAT? Me? Why? Just tell them I love dogs. Dogs are my life.” This was my riend and boss Julie Andrew’s reaction when I told her that Ferndale Friends wanted to interview her. She laughed, and gave in.

Julie, born and raised in the Detroit area, has lived in Ferndale with her spouse and business partner, Kelly McKinstry, since 1996. When they’re not in Ferndale, you can find them in downtown Detroit, often returning from the Eastern Market with produce they share. But they find most of what they want in Ferndale, said Julie.

They opened Bubble & Bark (doggy daycare, grooming, boarding) almost ten years ago. Everyone who walks ff-jj-bb-jathrough the door becomes family. Today, music was playing, Rodney was hanging with the boarders, the groomers were clipping, and Julie and Megan were on the floor playing with a new friend, a 13-year-old beagle.

Beagles are an important fixture at B&B. “Jazz” was Julie and Kelly’s first beagle. Rescued from an abusive owner, they did their best to rehome her. No luck. Jazz was “hell on wheels, she destroyed everything.” Julie used to sit in the driveway and cry before going into the house to deal with her. She was a smartie, who learned how to open the refrigerator and unzip purses.

And yet, when they finally found someone willing to take Jazz, they couldn’t give her up. “She was the smartest dog I’ve ever known. She changed my life.” At home, it’s been beagles ever since.

When Zola had a litter, Julie and Kelly shared puppies with friends and family, including Julie’s sister Jane who also lives in Ferndale and works tirelessly in animal rescue. Julie spoke proudly of her sister
“She’s the real deal. She can’t look away,” when there are animals who need help. The extended family has regular beagle parties at B & B when the pups show up on the same day and, as Julie says, they are so “flippin’cute”.

But when we talk dogs at Bubble & Bark, there are lots of stories about Winston, Milly, Milo, Bailey, Cupid, Cooper and Floyd – to name a few. They come to play, to sleep over, to visit Robin and Terrie for baths, hair and nails. They come in for a self-serve bath in one of the big tubs or to get food and treats.

Bubble & Bark was the first dog care facility to open in Ferndale. Julie and Kelly own a house down the street from the business, but they didn’t see “home” for weeks when they were getting the business on its feet. Julie said, “Don’t write this, but we used to shower in the groom tubs, because we didn’t want to leave the dogs.”

They now employ three daycare workers and two more who work the front of the store, along with the groomers. What’s the best part of running a small business? “Getting close to your staff. They become family. Getting to know the dog families, following them through their lives. My life has been so enriched by the dogs and their owners.” The hardest thing about small business? “Watching employees move on. Losing families who relocate, being present as dogs become ill or reach the end of their lives.”

We talked about Beth, a beagle mix who was the queen mother of Bubble & Bark. “When she died, it changed the energy here. The earth shifted. And I miss her and her owner to this day.” Then there are the dogs like ff-jj-dd-ja-kissCooper Simmons, who’ve recovered from serious illness, the dog whose owner left and never came back, and our beloved Ham Haberman, who we all wanted to adopt when her owner Jeremy Haberman passed away. Loving dogs is not on the job application, but I’m betting it’s one of Julie and Kelly’s top requirements when they hire staff.

Ferndale is a dog-friendly town. The dog-care business is expanding. I asked Julie about the competition: our new dog park, other day care facilities. She is glad people are investing in their dog’s care.

“Every business offers something different. I think we all can survive.” She acknowledges the challenge of trying to “remain a small business without losing the edge you need to survive.” Mostly, she talked about the joy of being a part of the dog community. “This business, the dogs and people, saved me (during tough times). They consume 95 per cent of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Visit Bubble & Bark, celebrating ten years of tender loving care for dogs in Ferndale. Ask for Julie. You and your dogs will love her as much as we do.

Bubble & Bark is located at 686 Livernois, Ferndale 248-544.9244 (WAGG)

If something happened with our soundness, 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 coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What men 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 include 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 medication passes into breast milk.

0 2546

Story by David Wesley
Photos by Bernie Laframboise

Dave Mesrey is one of the many torches in Detroit helping to keep the city alight and colorful. His work is appreciated but not noted nearly enough to show the gratitude he deserves for his efforts. He’s a great reflection and representative of the city: he’s gone through bleak times and weathered the storms of change to prove things like cities and lives can be destroyed but never defeated. At 47, Dave Mesrey has become something of a local presence in the last few years with his work at Metro Times and at Navin Field. His past is shrouded in mystery, but I managed to pull the curtain back on his persona — with his permission of course.

David confesses to Ferndale Friends on his first run-ins with Metro Times: “I’d been reading it off and on since about 1989. I was a fan of Curt Guyette’s and Michael Jackman’s work, as well as Larry Gabriel, Jack Lessenberry, and the great music writer Brian Smith. I knew I wasn’t in their league, but I thought maybe I could trick ‘em into hiring me as their copy boy. It worked! From 2013-2015, I got to work alongside some ff-jj-dm-papermajor young talent like Ryan Felton and Lee DeVito. Prior to that, I even got to work in their Greektown office for a spell. In the ’90s I studied creative writing at WMU under Jaimy Gordon, who went on to win the National Book Award for Fiction in 2010. I’ve got a story about her, but it’s not for print.

Currently, I’m working on a short story for inclusion in Aaron Foley’s new Detroit neighborhood anthology for the Rust Belt Press. Aaron asked me, and I was honored. I lived for 24 years in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood on the Far East side. I’ve got a lot of stories from my old neighborhood. I’ve never really had to travel far to find a good story.

When his history in downtown Detroit is mentioned, I ask him about his work at historic Navin Field. “Navin Field​ is the historic name of Tiger Stadium, which opened at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull on April 20, 1912.  Ty Cobb scored the Tigers’ first run by stealing home in the bottom of the first, but it was actually another guy who scored the very first run there in the top of the first inning: none other than Shoeless Joe Jackson. That’s why I like to say Navin Field is the real field of dreams.

“Six years ago, a local mailman named Tom Derry founded the Navin Field Grounds Crew, an all-volunteer group that restored and maintained historic Navin Field after Tiger Stadium was demolished in 2009. I thought Tom had the right idea, and I still do. He’s been a real inspiration for all of us. For six years, Tom led the effort to preserve the Tiger Stadium site and restore it to playing condition. It was really a labor of love.

In addition to my volunteer work with the Navin Field Grounds Crew, I’m a freelance writer and producer, and recently helped produce a segment for Channel 4 about Motown, Marvin Gaye, and his landmark album, WHAT’S GOING ON. I also interviewed former Detroit Lion Lem Barney for a piece in Metro Times. I also throw a birthday party every year for the late, great Mark ‘The Bird’ Fidrych in Corktown. We call it the Bird Bash.”

Dave has the candor and color of a rainbow and our chat pinballs from subject to subject. Ferndale pops into the conversation quickly, between bumpers of beers at Anita’s Kitchen. “I lived in Ferndale for four years, and I loved it. I like shopping at the Food Patch, I always take my bike to the Ferndale Bike Shop, and I love eating here at Anita’s. Joe and Jen Wegryzyn make you feel like family. I also have a penchant for sheltering wayward creatures. I’ve long been something of a wayward creature myself. To that end, I’ve turned my house into a mini animal rescue. It’s still a work in progress. Aren’t we all?

Our mutual writing projects come up, and he tells about a historical piece he’s working on about the history of the Hazel Park Racetrack. In 1980 his father died of a heart attack in the back of the grandstand. “The track has always been a magnet for me. Ever since my father first took me there in 1974. There’s something really spellbinding about the track for me. I’ve never been to Santa Anita or Churchill Downs. Hazel Park is the only track for me.” He says he will have been in the grandstand for opening day. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” he says.

As we wrap up our talk, and Woodward streaks and shines beside us with rush-hour traffic ten feet away, he gives me a parting punchline of good faith, “If you were to ask me what I want to be when I grow up, I’d probably say, ‘Good question. I’m still trying to figure that out.’”

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

0 1491

By Rebecca Hammond

DO YOU WATCH THE TV SERIES, PORTLANDIA? Ferndale is weird in some of the ways that Portland, Oregon is weird. Good weird. Fernlandia has become so dear to us, the five or six years Phil and I intended to live here have stretched to 30 (so far). This weirdness is some of the glue that holds us here, it and a neighborhood that is old-fashioned in its friendliness, with much calling back-and-forth and wandering about. Our town and its ‘hoods are a splendid combination of old and new, traditional but forward-thinking. It doesn’t take deep perusal to notice.

One obvious way is our yards. A couple of years ago I bicycled around this quadrant of Ferndale counting Fernlandia yards. If memory serves, there were then about 18 yards with no visible grass. All had been replaced with ornamentals, natives, vegetables. About 66 had gotten rid of half or more, and maybe 87 had replaced so much grass with other plants they went far beyond a lawn bordered by shrubs or flower beds. This trend has grown, especially on devil’s strips, where our sandy “soil” isn’t just inhospitable to grass, it seems actively opposed to it. Now, though, the Fernlandia approach is countered by more pesticide warning signs every year. Two philosophies on yards, two approaches to gardening.

Well, what’s wrong with pesticides, anyway? No matter which route we take, the point is to surround ourselves with property that pleases our aesthetics. If you want green, velvety turf, you must have to use chemicals, right?

No, not really. Remember TV gardener Jerry Baker? When we moved to Michigan from Germany in the mid-80s, television was a culture shock, and I remember three reasons: Oprah, Miami Vice, and Jerry Baker. Oprah and Miami Vice were the talk of mass media then, unavailable to those of us limited to the Armed Forces Network, as it ran six months behind. But we had heard of both. Jerry Baker, ex-Detroit cop turned garden maverick, was a new name.

Baker’s MO is producing a healthy yard and garden using nothing but grocery-store ingredients. His idea that a healthy lawn can stand up to pests is echoed by Bayer on its lawn-care site, which states that even nine grubs per square foot won’t damage healthy grass. Baker, now retired to Florida, recommends cocktails of odd ingredients like beer, ammonia (basically nitrogen), and liquid dish soap in a hose-end sprayer, powerful enough to need application only once every two weeks. The nicest lawn I ever saw was a Baker lawn, right here in Ferndale. Very Fernlandia.  Jerrybaker.com. Newcomer Tina Towell told me, when I noticed her husband Dick using a reel mower, “We were mow-ing about two acres at our previous home, so a city lot is a breeze by comparison. It doesn’t warrant the existence of yet another noisy, polluting gasoline engine. Our simple push mower not only gets the job done in short order, it also provides a bit of low impact exercise and a surprising sense of accomp-lishment. There is, as well, something very neighborly about it.

“Purveyors of elaborate, chemical-based turf regimens vie for our attention each spring to no avail. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn’t. That’s good enough. ‘Lawn order’ needn’t rule our lives.”

On June 7, 2014, the Washington Post ran an article in their Health & Science section called What To Know Before You Spray Your Lawn With Pesticides. What Philip Landrigan, professor of pediatrics at New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine states may surprise you. Kids play in the grass, put fingers in mouths, and face high levels of exposure simply by that and being smaller. Growing faster, “they take into their bodies more of the pesticides that are in the food, water, and air.” And because of that growth, “These delicate developmental processes are easily disrupted by very small doses of toxic chemicals that would be virtually harmless for adults.”

In the same article, Gary Ginsburg of the Univer-sity of Connecticut points out that there is no scientific standard for the length of time we’re warned to stay off a sprayed lawn. Herbicides can still be detected in the urine of pets 48 hours after spraying. Ginsburg recommends staying off a treated area for at least two days, three being better. The chemicals are also tracked indoors, or blow in windows, and can be found on inside surfaces a week after spraying. They’re are also re-wetted by dew or rain, and it’s not even certain that they’re safer when dry.

Leslie Jones of the Pleasant Ridge Environmental Committee told me, “I think that many people, over time, have been sold on the idea of having perfect lawns at the expense of health, their own as well as the health of the whole ecosystem. I think it takes a very long time for these kind of ideas to sink in. We spend tons of money to keep our lawns perfect and our gardens free of weeds in the easiest way possible, by spraying or dousing everything with pesticides and weed killers. Better living through chemistry! That was an actual chemical industry slogan at one time. We shouldn’t tolerate a polluted, toxic environment whether it comes from carbon pollution, pesticides or industrial and chemical pollution. It’s bad for our health but also the health of our fellow earthly inhabitants. Humans need to respect and honor all life whether plant or animal. We are all connected and need to see and understand that connection on which all life is based.”

LuAnn Linker of Wild Birds Unlimited in Royal Oak said, “Remember, any chemicals that are poisonous to weeds and insects are just as poisonous to birds, pets and children. Opt for environmentally friendly lawn care products.” Fernlandia. We’re the Ann Arbor of Metro Detroit, the Lakewood of SE Michigan, the Portland of the Midwest. Keep Ferndale Weird. Becky Hammond is listening to wrens, orioles, and baby chickadees as she types this.

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

0 1529

By Mary Meldrum
Photo by Bernie LaFramboise

LONG TIME FERNDALE CHAMBER of Commerce member, animal rescue enthusiast and vegan; these are only a couple of the labels that fit Carol Jackson.

I am greeted at her door by a variety of cats. All told, she is fostering five from the Michigan Humane Society. They all have names. Cupid is her giant brindle greyhound from the Motor City Greyhound Rescue. Gentle and calm, he fits right in with all the felines and serves as the centerpiece on the couch in the fuzzy pile of lucky animals.

Originally from Michigan, Carol moved back from California, and she has been a homeowner in Ferndale for 14 years. “I started in the mortgage industry many years ago. I wanted to connect with the people in Ferndale, so I sought out the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce to do that,” shares Carol. That decision sparked the foundation of an accumulation of friends, neighbors and knowledge that has grown and lasted far beyond her aspirations as a mortgage broker. Through her work with the Chamber and through her own business, Bits ‘N Pieces Small Business Solutions, her warmth and ability to connect with the community has blossomed into a network of people who know her and care about her.

Carol had only received her diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma three or four weeks before I interviewed her for this article. The massive shift she has had to make in all aspects of her life to accommodate cancer in that short amount of time is stunning. Carol was a long-time member of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce until just recently. She has been a member for over ten years, and recently served as interim executive director for the Chamber three times over a two-year span.

“Two years ago when we lost our executive director at the Chamber, I was the only one with the flexibility in my schedule to take on the interim role while we looked for a new Executive Director. The person that we hired didn’t last long, so I took it over again. Once again, the newly-hired ED did not last long, so back in October (2015), I took over the Chamber again for six months.”

During the second time that Carol Jackson took over the reins at the Ferndale Chamber, she began to feel that something was “off” in terms of her health. Mostly, she felt tired. “Fortunately, I have two incredible doctors who listened to me and followed through to really figure out what was going on. I give a lot of credit to Dr. Joel Kahn, one of those doctors.” Dr. Kahn is a plant-based cardiologist, and was looking for heart-related issues with Carol’s symptoms, and ended up seeing something unusual in one of the tests that came back that led to her cancer diagnosis.

“Because he listened to me and he ordered these tests – if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t even know I was sick. Listen to your body. If it feels weird, something is going on,” she said adamantly.
“I had my first chemo today,” Carol explains. “Once I got the diagnosis, I started the process of switching every-thing in my life completely around.”
Carol has already gone out and purchased bandanas for the inevitable loss of hair. She is also having a specialized hair replacement piece made by an organization in West Bloomfield called Raydiance for Women.

“I am going to transition that as softly as I can with a sense of humor,” expressed Carol with a smile. Carol understands what a difference it makes in her quality of life to have a full head of hair. “You cannot tell me that people do not treat you differently,” she emphasizes.

She wants people to see her as they have always seen her, but more than that, she wants to see herself. The hair piece will give her the opportunity to look in the mirror and see Carol. She doesn’t have to look at a reflection that only shows her cancer.

One of her biggest challenges is wondering if or when she can ever trust her body again. Other challenges include keeping her energy up, juggling her demanding vitamin schedule, being able to continue to work and earn a living, and of course, paying for all her medical expenses.

One of the most wonderful things that have come out of her diagnosis a few weeks ago is the outpouring of love and support from the community. Neighbors and friends are bringing her food and walking her dog. Upbeat messages and happy memories on her Facebook page lift her spirits.

What does Carol need? Sure, help walk her dog, Cupid; or better yet, go foster an animal from a shelter. She would probably like some meals delivered, but the biggest thing that she is looking for is positive messages and upbeat support. No upsetting words or stories about “incurable” cancer or sad stories of people who have died from cancer.

Carol’s is determined to have a happy ending with cancer, but in the meantime, she is looking for all the happy moments she can muster!

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 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness 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 dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

Prev1...454647...81Next Page 46 of 81
© 2024 - Ferndale Friends | webmaster Loudbaby