Ferndale Seniors: Thank You!

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS and people which make Ferndale a great community. Our vibrant downtown with such an enthusiastic DDA group is so lucky to have Cindy Wilcock on board. Our wonderfully progressive city council led by Mayor David Coulter keeps us on track, and forward- thinking Melanie Piana helps us look to the future.

Our unique businesses are always getting involved in city activities. Dean Bach has given so much. Who could leave out Monica Mills organizing the Pub Crawl, and Blues Fest, among so many other things. Francine Hachem and our newly reformed Art Commission are bringing free music events back into the city.

Mark Burton, who works so hard to bring us art in city hall and an art fair geared to Ferndale artists, is a great asset. Our library is always a hub of activity, from kid’s activities, to Friday evening music events, to special book readings. Mi- chael Lary, who works so hard to make our events memora- ble and to run smoothly.

Julia Music, who is the very icon of Pride. Steve from West- ern market is always willing to contribute. We all know these people when we see them. They are visible, and indeed why not? They work hard and deserve to be recognized.

However, there are other groups and people who contrib- ute to making Ferndale what it is. One of these groups is the Ferndale Historical Society. Garry Taylor leads this group. He is thoroughly immersed in his role. Recently, he presented a presentation for the Ferndale Senior Group. His topic was Ferndale during the war years. He brought artifacts to dem- onstrate his topic. Did you know that during WW II, our little town outsold the country in war bonds? We actually paid for two bomber planes by ourselves! Garry has an actual grenade which sat in a display case for over 30 years be- fore someone told him that it was live! Yikes! He gave a run- ning commentary of the objects as he placed them on the table for us to examine. All the seniors were fascinated.

He also brought two of the museum’s greatest assets. Jean Spang and Jan Frogatt. These ladies are completely devoted to the Historical Society. They do research on the various artifacts people donate, and answer questions peo- ple have on their houses. They delve into old newspaper articles, go online to the county, and research old school records, along with whatever other avenues they can find. Along with Roger Schmidt, they are putting together another book on Ferndale. Roger, Jean, and Jan can tell you where members of the Purple Gang lived, which houses were blind pigs, as well political scandals. Roger is like a bulldog with a bone whenever he happens upon an old picture which is not identified. Our history helps show our personality “back then” and how it has evolved to what it is now. From them, we get a sense of continuity.

We can support them by becoming members of the Historical Society. It only costs $10 per year, or $100 for a life- time membership. As a member, you will get the crow’s nest sent to you quarterly. This a newsletter with stories about various historical events and places in Ferndale.

Stay tuned this summer for a return of the Music in the Park Series, with the following dates: June 26, July 17, July 24, and August 21. Time is from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. and cost is free. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and your wine. We will be grilling hot dogs and selling snacks.

Also, The Art Commission is holding a Ferndale artist only art fair on June 20. Cost is only $75 for a space. We still have room. Ask Mark Burton, Michael Lary, or myself for details.

Our meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 11:00 A.M. at the Kulick Center.

Now, go enjoy the summer!