John F. Kennedy Green School Profile

The State of Michigan began Green School certification as a grassroots initiative at Hartland High School in Livingston County in 2005. This effort resulted in Governor Jennifer Granholm signing Public Act 146 into law in May of 2006. John F. Kennedy Green School Committee was founded in 2008 by a group of parents, staff and students who wanted to see John F. Kennedy Elementary become a certified Michigan Green School. Kennedy Elementary achieved Green School status that year, and has every year since then.

Author Talk: John Connolly

The Book of Lost Things was originally rejected by a publisher because they disliked the description of Little Red Riding Hood being intimate with The Big Bad Wolf.

Author John Connolly read the controversial passage to a room full of fans at the Ferndale Public Library’s Author Talk held March 29, 2011. The talk was part of a month-long celebration of reading that is becoming a Ferndale Library Tradition.

After 20 Years in Prison, Ex Con Sees Filming as a New Start

When Dez Mansell was released from prison on parole in 2008, the bright optimism of freedom was overshadowed by the fear and insecurity of figuring out how to make an honest living.

“I’ve been a liar, cheater and a thief since I was 12,” Mansell said. “I have made a very stark transformation. But still, it’s hard for people, especially employers, to trust me.”

The Oklahoma Experience

Starting out with nothing, some 65 students from FHS, FMS, Coolidge and Kennedy Schools came together to produce Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! They performed from March 12 -20, 2011.

Junior Natalie Berger played Ellen in the production, and she organized the Sound Effect Design. She and her friends had such a fun time with the show that she put together a video to remember the experience.

City Accepts Animal Control, Waggs has 30 days to find home…

After city leaders in Ferndale discovered that Oakland County had been providing animal control for free to some municipalities, while charging others for the service, the Oakland County has reshaped its Animal Control program and is now offering free service to any city.

City Council voted on March 28, 2011 to accept the service, and also to end an agreement with nonprofit group Waggs and Wishes

Purple Glove Video Shows Ferndale Getting Ready for Relay

As the weekend of June 11-12, 2011 approaches, Ferndale gears up for the 24 hour walk to raise money to fight cancer known as Relay for Life. Teams from all over the City will walk the track at Ferndale High School, with pledges going for The American Cancer Society. The event is known for it’s fun themes, performances and antics, which have started early this year thanks to the community-focused “Purple Glove” video.

50 Years of Comos

When Sicilia Grego was just 22 years old she started the business that would allow her to raise her son George, who was just a baby back then. As Como’s (22812 Woodward) turns 50 years old on April 1st, Grego was honored with a visit from United States Congressman Sander Levin, who presented the still-vibrant entrepreneur with a flag that was flown over the US Capitol in her restaurant’s honor.

Affirmations Big Bash

“It’s amazing,” said Gary Roberts, one of the founding members of Affirmations Board back in 1989. “Back then there were people who were afraid to sign the articles of incorporation because it was a public document. Look at how far we’ve come,” he said as he looked around at the sea of people openly celebrating their lives. He recalled how the organization moved around from small places and people’s houses, before moving to the old office in Ferndale, just a block away from their current 16,000 square foot community center where they serve more than 30,000 individuals each year.