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Story by David Wesley | Photo courtesy of the IDA

Anchored in the midst of a patch of industrious steel and stone, resting before the train tracks on the corner of Woodward Heights and Horton Street, you might be surprised to find a colorful and emi- nent dance studio. But here lies The Institution of Dance Arts, or IDA. Inside the cordial lobby waits a café-like countertop guarding rows of little black chairs for kids to sit, eat and draw. Once inside the bright vanilla decor of the main studio, a spacious and speck- less space popping with the movements of dancers of all ages, I meet with the owner and main instructor, Ida Lowback and she cheerfully grants me an interview.

At IDA, Lowback explains, they investigate dance as an art form and explore the instinctual need for movement. Students are given the freedom and security to explore their creativity. IDA’s profession- al and dedicated dance educators provide their students not only with the knowledge of dance movement, vocabulary, and history, but also with skill sets that will enhance their lives outside of dance. Offering classes in all genres to all ages and levels within a safe, nurturing, and educational environment, allow them to create life- long dancers who appreciate the art of movement.

FERNDALE FRIENDS: WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO SETTLE ON FERNDALE TO OPEN YOUR STUDIO?

IDA LOWBACK: I was born and raised in Royal Oak and grew up dancing throughout Oakland County. I always knew that when I started my own studio I wanted it close to home and in a culturally rich community. I was surprised to learn that Ferndale, being such an artistic and creative area, had no traditional dance studio (ballet,

jazz, tap, etc.) and so it was a perfect opportunity. Since we opened in September the community has been extremely welcoming and I have loved getting to know it and its residents; so much so I just purchased a house here!

FF: WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE TEACHING SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE DANCE IN SUCH A COLORFUL CITY?

IL: It has been a pleasure. Dance is a universal language and brings people together. The people of Ferndale are known for being open-minded and community-oriented, and so teaching dance here has been both an exciting and rewarding experience.

FF: CONCERNING YOUR STUDIO AND ITS FUTURE, ARE THERE ANY GOALS OR PLANS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE ACHIEVED?

IL: My long-term goal for the studio is for it to become a cultural cornerstone of Ferndale and a second home for its students. A dance studio is successful when it becomes closely ingrained with its surrounding community and creates a space where students feel free and safe to share and explore the wonders of movement. My goal is that our students find an emotional outlet and a vehicle for personal development that guides them throughout their lives. I am confident that if I invest myself in my students, staff, and community, I can achieve this goal.

The Institution of Dance Arts is located at 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 130. Phone 248-697-2200 or visit their website at www.theinstitutionofdancearts.org

If slightly 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 impotence and other states united to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 dysfunction can be the symptom a strong soundness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual malfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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By: Ann Heler

THE 9 MILE RESURFACING PROJECT is anticipated to commence in early April and be completed by mid-August. The DPW will continue to provide updates as we go through the construction process.

Livernois and Marshall Traffic Signal Update: Construction of the new traffic signal is complete, and the signal began operating on Friday, January 30. Typically, this type of project would have taken six to nine months to complete. However, due to the emergency nature of this project and the hard work of all parties involved, this project was completed in 90 days. The DPW is continuing to work with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company regarding reimbursement of all costs incurred by the City.

Hilton Road (8 Mile to 9 Mile) Resurfacing Update: The majority of construction will take place in the Spring of 2016. Some work will be done in the Fall of 2015

Visit your Ferndale DPW at www. ferndalemi.gov/Government/Departments /Public_Works or call 248-546-2519.

If slightly happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a medicament. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states coupled to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you 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 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.

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By: Ms Margo

ARIES 3/21 – 4/19: You really need to make some more time with your friends. Allow happiness into your life again with laughter and simplicity. Your true friends will come out and support you in whatever you do; it has been a while since you supported them.

TAURUS 4/20 – 5/20: What’s so wonderful about you is that you just don’t say it, you do it. You have been following through, reaching your goals and achieving what you need to achieve. Luck is in the air! Lucky numbers are 302, 1147, 819. Be proud of who you are, you’re doing it!

GEMINI 5/21 – 6/21: Keep personal things to yourself. You do not have to sever ties to all of your personal business. Keep your drama, everybody does, but be more of a listener. Challenge yourself to be thankful for at least ten things today, and every day. Allow positive energy to flow again. Buddy days ahead for you.

CANCER 6/22 – 7/22: You worry too much about what others might think… even people you don’t really even associate with anymore. Calm yourself down. You are forgetting to be in the moment. Maybe go to Como’s for a little pizza moment. You need to relax!

LEO 7/23 – 8/22: You can be very stubborn and dogmatic. But we all know this is what has got you to where you are today. Your hard work and dedication will soon catch up with profit and success, but remember is not always good to be stubborn in every aspect of your life.

VIRGO 8/23 – 9/22: My girls and boys like to party all the time, party all the time, party all the time! Wow, what a wonderful place to hang out with your love one day in Fashionable Ferndale. From a body massage to dancing, a little shop- ping, and then some delicious buffalo wings. What an awesome time for all.

LIBRA 9/23 – 10/22: You have been very forgetful lately. Friends’ birthdays, family holidays, etc. Take notes and write things down. We all know that you’ve been extremely busy, but don’t forget about organization. Just a little helps us move the road for you.

SCORPIO 10/23 – 11/21: You’re fun-loving, exciting, and ready for new love. It’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to flirt, you need to go out to shake your bonbon and just enjoy life again. Remember to always smile, you never know who’s looking.

SAGITTARIUS 11/22 – 12/21: Time to make some light travel plans. Looking for a second home? Good time to buy for yourself. Lucky numbers are 4121, 334, and 8142. As you are searching for a place to hang out at for a little travel time, keep it simple, short, and sweet.

CAPRICORN 12/22 – 1/19: It is time for you to clean up those closets and cabinets. Get some organization in your life. Especially all the stacks of paper you have around you. Don’t get overwhelmed, start with one drawer at a time.

AQUARIUS 1/20 – 2/18: You have an infectious laugh, and it’s wonderful and contagious. New love is on the horizon. You’re sexy hot, and people see you for who you are; genuine and nice. You’re doing great just loving yourself, too.

PISCES 2/19 – 3/20: You’re an awesome parent! You’re doing a great job raising your family and participating in it, too. Make sure you’re taking a little time out for yourself. You must be bouncing in life to be productive for yourself and to others.

Until next time, walk in peace.

If something happened with our health, we believe there is a solution to any maladies in a cure. What medicines do patients purchase online? Viagra which is used to treat impotence and other states connected to erectile malfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What folk 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 health problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual dysfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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By Aaron Butler, 11th grade, University High School

We are all very lucky to be here, just in case anybody wasn’t
aware of that. I learned a long time ago in life that not much
is fair. We’ve bestowed upon the eternal dance of planet Earth,
teaching one to learn and accept one’s fate and move on to the next day, but
it’s hard always trying to keep a peaceful mindset. It’s hard trying not to subject yourself to self-deprivation. It is kind of hard, trying to speak up, from a place where no one wants to hear you.

Expressing, aggressiveness and impulsivity with very little to absolutely no emotional control was my last habit, but it seems as though I’m starting to get
back at it. That demon that I carry is heavy. The things that I can’t help but to think about is entirely stressful upon my brain. But she is the only silhouette of all the darkness I have always longed for, when her beaming light could only choke me in It’s illumination. She remains
the only one that can drive my every instinct to help me find some type of rhythm
in my life.

If only I could ask her how she has the capability to fit my whole universe inside of her. She is like my own open notebook that I can write all of my tongue scratched love notes in. In one of those notes I’ll tell her “I hope you’re not feeling empty
or lonely, because I’m willing to leave behind so much of myself for you.”
I remember a while back, when we were sparking each other’s fireworks; you made me feel as if I was yet but another supernova, in a continually imploding galaxy
of suns, all for enlightenment and favor. Lust, is one of those deadly sins
we committed that summer night.

Regardless of what was committed, we could still be standing face to face, and from where I would be standing, I can see all eternity right before my eyes.
I would love to be that guy that you’re just oh so in love with, but as of right now, my energies are a bit unbalanced.

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

If 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 impotency and other states united to erectile disfunction. 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong health problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction switch on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a state called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk.

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By: Jennifer Goeddeke

Shu Yan has a flair for food, and it shows! Since opening his casual dining-style restaurant in 2008, business has been booming.

What is the core secret to his success? Yan believes that despite the competition in Oak Park and surrounding areas, his cuisine and service really stand out.

First, the ingredients used are always completely fresh, not canned. Secondly, the delivery service is outstanding: food is guaranteed to arrive within 25 minutes or less! Third, Yan and his staff maintain a strong team-mentality, where good customer service is consistently the pri- mary focus.

Yan has extraordinary determination! Having immigrated to the United States in 1990, at only 20 years of age, he lived and worked initially in New York City and then later moved to Michigan. Following ten years of restaurant experience, Yan was ready to open his own business. Over the ensuing eight years, he opened five more restaurants – an impressive achievement by any standard!

Recommended ‘House Specialty’ dishes at China City include: bourbon chicken (BBQ taste, sticky-sweet); sesame chicken (spicy and sweet combined), and almond boneless chicken (with rich gravy, served over vegetables) In addition to the stir-fried foods on offer, there are also boiled/steamed options available! Yan is clearly catering for the taste of a broad range of clientele. In his words, he believes we must all, “…excel to be the best in your field and if you’re putting forth effort, you’re sure to get something back in return!”

Check out this award-winning restaurant for yourself: located at 13715 W. 9 Mile Rd in Oak Park (Southwest corner of 9 Mile and Coolidge). Or, call to place an order by phone: (248) 547-4663. Orders may also be placed online: www.chinacityoakpark.com; www.chinesemenu.com, or www.beyondmenu.com. Business Hours are M-Th: 11am-10pm; Fri & Sat: 11am- 11pm; Sun: Noon-9.30pm. Visa and MC accepted.

If slightly 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 impotence and other states connected to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What humanity 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 malfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness problem such as soul trouble. Causes of sexual disfunction include injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a status called Peyronie’s disease can also cause sexual malfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this therapy passes into breast milk.

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By: Ann Heler

BIG NEWS: We are opening an additional clinic session: Second Thursday evening of the month from 6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M. We are now open once a week: The first and third Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to noon and the second and fourth Thursday evenings from 6:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M.

Also, we are opening a support group for people with diabetes. This is for our patients and for anyone else. You do not need to be a patient to attend these sessions. They will be held on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 1:00 P.M. Call the appointment line at 248- 677-2273 and let the person know that you would like to attend the diabetes sessions. Once again of course, these sessions are free. We will be cooking and shopping in addition to providing diabetes education and care.

Jewish Family Services will be at the clinic on the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00 P.M. To 9:00 P.M. to assist with health insurance enrollment. This is for either the Insurance Exchange or Healthy Michigan. Their staff do enroll- ment assistance full time and are more than willing to work with anyone who has had difficulty enrolling. They are real problem solvers. They saw seven people in December and six were enrolled com- pletely by the time they left. They are very experienced with both programs.

Thank you everyone who responded to our Annual Appeal letter. You have been very generous again. All of you make all of us smile.

FOUR THINGS TO DO DAILY THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH:

-Make funny faces in the mirror

-Tell someone you are mighty glad they are in your world

-Drink at least 3 glasses of water

-Dance to a song on the radio, Ipod, your phone… just dance!

Clinic Appointments and Information: 248-677-2273

We have NO waiting list. You will have an appointment definitely within the month. We can help you sign up for the Insurance Exchange or Healthy Michigan. The only criteria we require is that you have no health insurance and no prima- ry care provider. CALL if you do not have health care!

MEDICATION / MEDICAL EQUIPMENT COLLECTION

Bring medications and medical equip- ment to the clinic on either the first or third Saturday of each month, anytime between 9:00 A.M. and noon.

We take everything EXCEPT:

-wooden crutches (can’t be sterilized)

-oxygen tanks****

-hospital beds

-stretchers

-motorized wheelchairs

Take controlled substances, psychotropic medications or muscle relaxants to the Royal Oak Police Station medication drop box at 221 E. 3rd St. in Royal Oak.

****Oxygen tanks have to be returned to the name on the tank. Tank distributors ONLY take tanks that they distributed.

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 impotency 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 disfunction can be the symptom a strong health 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 curing passes into breast milk.

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By: Rudy Serra

Q: I live in Ferndale and hired a contractor from Madison Heights to do some work for me. We have a written agreement. I paid, but the work was never done. I’ve tried calling, and I’ve also sent email. Almost a year has passed. The amount of money is about $1,000. If I have to sue him, what do I do? Where do I sue?

Answer: Consider filing a “small claims” civil suit at the 43rd District Court in Ferndale. Where to sue is a question of “jurisdiction.” A court can’t act without jurisdiction. Jurisdiction can be challenged any time, and any action taken by a court outside its jurisdiction is void. Our local district court, for example, does not have jurisdiction over cases claiming more than $25,000 in damages.

The District Court has jurisdiction over cases involving less than $5,000 and as- signs those cases to the “small claims” division. The “small claims court” is a division of the local district court. The “General Civil” division has jurisdiction over matters from $5,000 to $25,000. They’re all in the same place at your District Court. The Oakland County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases involving more than $25,000.

A lawyer can help you prepare your case, but attorneys are not permitted to represent you in small claims court. The proceedings are considered informal, and efforts toward mediation or settlement are common.

Usually, the proceeding is run by a magistrate. A magistrate is an attorney who has been delegated authority over certain matters by the district judge. A district judge can overrule a magistrate’s decision. There are no jury trials in small claims.

Ferndale, Madison Heights and Hazel Park are all part of the 43rd District Court. When a crime occurs in Ferndale, the criminal case goes to the Ferndale Judge (Joseph Longo). A civil suit filed in Ferndale, however, may be assigned to Madison Heights (Judge Keith Hunt), Hazel Park (Judge Charles Goedert) or Fern- dale. Cases are assigned randomly.

The Michigan Court Rules set forth the factors you consider in deciding where to sue. The residence of the parties, the place the contract was entered, and so on, are all listed factors. You might have to attend hearings in Madison Heights or Hazel Park. Once your case is assigned to a judge, it generally stays with that judge.

If your contractor lived outside the 43rd District, you can still file your action here. The factors that determine “jurisdiction” don’t change. They are designed to include cases where the parties live in the same place, as well as those where they do not. Generally, with civil actions, you can file wherever the Defendant (the person or business you are suing) lives. However, if you (the “Plaintiff”) reside in Ferndale, the contract was signed in Ferndale, and the work was to be done in Ferndale, you would be able to file the case in Ferndale.

There are two kinds of jurisdiction. A court can have jurisdiction over a person, or it can have jurisdiction over property. In a criminal case, the court has jurisdiction over the person when that person is in custody. In a civil case, the court has jurisdiction to decide disputes over property located in the district. In your case, the small claims division of the 43rd District Court is probably the place to start.

“JUDGE RUDY REPORTS” is a regular feature in Ferndale Friends. This “ask the lawyer” format column welcomes questions from readers. If you have a legal question or concern, send your question by email to rudy.serra@sbcglobal.net. Advice about specific cases or individuals cannot be provided but general legal questions and topics are welcome.

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 impotency and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. 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 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 disfunction. Even though this medicine is not for use in women, it is not known whether this treatment passes into breast milk.

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By: Jeannie Davis

January… a new year… Time to end some things, and time to begin some things. Sometimes, the endings hit so hard we think we can’t possibly see any new beginning. Everything looks so frozen and bleak, so empty. Nothing good will ever happen again. We see what we have lost, and know we will never be the same again.

We lost Kevin Rogers. This is the end of an era in Ferndale. We can’t imagine a downtown event without Kevin in the middle of the action, grilling on his back patio, holding court in front of his store, chatting up everyone who passes. His trademark lop- sided smile, infecting everyone. And hugging….is there anyone who did not feel instantly better after one of Kevin’s hugs? I know I walked up on the “Nine” many times just for a hug. We loved him, and he loved us. Nothing will ever be the same.

But, should it be? People who pass through our lives have an impact. They teach us things, they help us have differ- ent attitudes, they alter us. We are changed. So, how could we expect things to be the same after they are gone? People and events change us as inevitably as water changes the rocks it runs over.

We seniors know this, we have seen many seasons of change. Many losses, and many new beginnings. We just buried a good friend, Loretta. At the funeral home I chatted and tuned in on the women gathered. We knew. We had been there before, and would be there again. No getting around it. Loretta changed us, she will be missed.

But, we also know that something new will come into our lives. And we will be more recep- tive because of the peo- ple we have become just by knowing our friend.

We will be open to fill the space, eager for something new. Our lives will somehow be better. We will miss our friends, but, as time goes on, things will not be so empty and bleak. We will look back and smile, knowing we have weathered an- other storm. We are strong, we can do this.

On the senior front, once again, we seniors sold cookies at Dino’s during the ice festival for a cause. This year our cause was the Elks who have a “Hang- ing with the Heroes” program. We raised $475! Yay! Who would have thought that a bunch of little old ladies baking cook- ies and hanging out in a bar could raise that much money?

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 united to erectile disfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most substantial aspect you should look for is “sildenafil citrate“. Such problems commonly signal other problems: low libido or erectile dysfunction can be the symptom a strong heartiness problem such as heart trouble. Causes of sexual dysfunction turn on injury to the penis. Chronic disease, several medicaments, and a condition 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.

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By: Blake Prewitt, Superintendent, Ferndale Public Schools

In partnership with Baker College, Ferndale Schools will launch its Early College starting next year. Students at both Fern- dale High School and University High School will be eligible for the program and the chance to earn a free Associate’s Degree fromBaker.

An Early College is a program within a school that allows for students to earn both high school and college credit at the same time (up to 60 total transferable credits and/or an Associate’s Degree) and includes a “fifth year” of high school, with the majority of courses in the last year held on the college partner campus (also known as “13th Year”). The college credits earned while in the Early College are completely free to students.

“Ferndale Schools couldn’t be more excited to offer such a great program like our new Early College. Research shows that Early College students are significant- ly more likely to graduate from high school and are significantly more likely to earn a college degree than comparison students. Being able to offer 60 college credits to our students for free is a great opportunity for our families,” said Ferndale Schools Board of Education President Jim O’Donnell

As part of the Early College, students will have a choice of four pathways for an Associate’s Degree awarded from Baker College; Computer Programming, Criminal Justice (in partnership with the Ferndale Police Department, which includes Police Academy option after 13th year), Marketing, and Health Sciences. Students who apply for the program and are accepted will choose their pathway in their sophomore year. Courses can start as early as 9th or 10th grade, with the formal program begin- ning in the 11th grade year; courses include general course work and specific pathway electives.

“Baker College of Auburn Hills is pleased to be selected as Ferndale’s higher education partner in this exciting Early College initiative. As Michigan’s largest independent post-secondary institution, Baker College has a long history of successfully preparing students for employable careers. We are excited to be able to bring these opportunities to the students of Ferndale through this innovative program,” said Pete Karsten, Campus President, Baker College of Auburn Hills.

As part of the agreement between Ferndale Schools and Baker College, there is also an opportunity for students not enrolled in the Early College to earn some college credit. So while this is a fantastic opportunity for students who enroll in the Early College, it is also a chance for all students to accelerate their futures.

www.ferndaleschools.org

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

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By Baron Brown

It’s six months later and we are just nearing 100 percent after the GreatFlood of 2014. Like many residents and businesses in Ferndale, the Police Department and City Hall were severely impacted by the unprecedented flooding this past August.

During the worst of the flooding, Lt. O’Loughlin of the Ferndale Police Department said that water was, “shooting four feet into the air from every plumbing fixture in the basement”. Nasty sewer water rose to approximately three and one-half feet in the basement, severely impacting operations and equipment.

The flood water entered the department’s IT room, fatally damaging our 911 system, regular telephone system, and radio system, as well as many other computer and IT components. Initial estimates to repair or replace the damaged equipment quickly rose to north of one-half million dollars.

Flood waters also invaded the men’s and women’s locker rooms, shooting range, weight room, evidence room, and department armory. The majority of our officers lost uniforms, leather gear, cold weather gear, and significant amounts of personal property.

Most of the department’s weapons were submerged for several hours and each pistol and rifle had to be meticulously cleaned, lubricated, and function checked before going back on the street. Several thousand rounds of ammunition were submerged and rendered unreliable for use on duty.

All of the equipment in our gym had to be rehabbed or replaced. Numerous piec- es of evidence were also damaged or destroyed, but no criminal cases were jeopardized. The entire lower level of city hall and the police department had to be emptied, cleaned, and sanitized prior to personnel being allowed re-entry.

Through a thoughtful and thorough process of cataloging our damaged equipment and communications infrastructure, we quickly identified and prioritized those items that needed immediate replacement. With an innovative approach to repairs, the help of other departments, and a little luck, we reduced our repair costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The good news is that all repairs and replacement were made with little to no cost to taxpayers thanks to insurance and drug forfeiture funds. We immediately procured gently-used replacement body armor for our officers from our good friends at the Royal Oak and Auburn Hills police departments. The use of drug forfeiture funds and grant money allowed us to quickly order new body armor for every officer.

We met with officials from Oakland County Information Technology and private repair personnel and quickly put together a plan to re-establish our communication capabilities. Our close partners at the Hazel Park Police Department dispatch answered our 911 calls for a few months as we located and installed a used 911 system. Our business phone system was patched back together and is being replaced, city-wide, in February. The damage to our shooting range and ar- mory has been mitigated and both are up and running, as are the locker rooms for our staff.

We would be remiss if we didn’t emphasize our gratitude to our law enforcement partners that helped us re-establish operations. We owe a huge thanks to Chief Doreen Olko of the Auburn Hills Police Department, Chief Martin Barner of the Hazel Park Police Department, and Chief Corrigan O’Donohue of the Royal Oak Police Department.

As we return to normal operations, we are proud to announce three promotions. Shane Ptak, a 19-year veteran, was promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant. David Spellman and Timothy Andre’ were promoted to Sergeant. Sergeants Spellman and Andre’ have both served the citizens of Ferndale for nearly twenty years each. Congratulations to all on your promotions. The department is currently in the process of hiring several new officers to replace those that have recently retired.

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 emasculation and other states coupled to erectile dysfunction. Learn more about “sildenafil“. What people talk about “viagra stories“? The most essential aspect you have to 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 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 medication passes into breast milk.

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