Affirmations Makes Progress…
“The plan for 2011,” Howley said…
Ferndale Loses Pride
After ten years of calling Ferndale home, Motor City Pride has decided to move the annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender – and ally) event to Hart Plaza in Detroit.
Could Birthday Wish Raise Money for COLAGE?
Brown is excited and grateful to be part of COLAGE. That’s why by February 12, her 25th birthday, she hopes to raise $250 to go towards the program. Through the Cause Application on Facebook, anyone who wants to contribute can do so by going to Brown’s Birthday Wish page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/activists/1839233 and making a donation.
Switch-a-roo: Coulter & Covey…
Leadership in the City of Ferndale has taken an interesting twist. Craig Covey (former Mayor, now County Commissioner) has seemingly switched spots with Dave Coulter (former County Commissioner, just appointed Mayor). The switch-a-roo, which came about after a series of steps that could not have been planned if they tried, is only one of many coincidences in the lives of these two community leaders.
Potential Donors Get Answers from Affirmations
Longtime Affirmations volunteer, and Board President from 2008-2010, George Westerman has taken on the task of leading the “Campaign for the Future,” a drive to raise the $1.25 million needed to give Affirmations a strong balance sheet and capital structure. Thus far the campaign has raised $540,000, although only $350,000 has been collected.
Book Clubs Abound in Ferndale
While the Library’s ‘Tween Book Club and The Science Fiction Book Club have taken a temporary break, community book discussion continues. Book Parties at the Emory, a regular extra-library activity, is back on Thursday, Jan. 20. There is also the Nerdy Book Club at Detroit Comics on Jan. 21.And a new tradition is forming with the emergence of the GLBT Book Club which will meet at Como’s on Tuesday, Jan. 25.
Council Meeting Turns Concert of Praise
The Council Meeting of Dec. 28, 2010 turned into a concert of praise for outgoing Mayor Craig Covey, literally. The Mayor’s last Council Meeting crescendoed with presentations for the outgoing Mayor from many in the Ferndale Community, including a surprise performance… (read more)
Resources for the Struggling in Ferndale
Ferndale is a town well-known for its numerous community groups and nonprofits. But for those who are struggling to make ends meet in this tough economy, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Here are some of the resources available in the city for those in need. If you know of more we can add to the list, please e mail us at editor@ferndale115.com.
Breaking the Silence at Corey Jackson’s Memorial
The congregation was silent when Rev. Deb Dysert asked if anyone from Corey Jackson’s family or circle of friends wanted to share anything about the young man who took his own life on Oct. 18.
Affirmations Steps Back
An era of growth and expansion has come to a halt at Affirmations, where new leadership has taken a look at the organization’s books and greatly reduced the hours that the doors of the recently-constructed community center will be open to serve the public, and the scope of services they will be able to provide, for at least the next year while the organization regroups.
Jack Whitehead’s Works Raise Money for Affirmations
…Through the end of November, visitors to the Pittman-Puckett gallery inside Affirmations (290 W. 9 Mile) can enjoy the super-sized acrylic paintings of Jack Whitehead. The works are original paintings done toward the end of the artist’s life while he was living in Florida and fighting kidney disease, though he is mainly known through the Detroit area as a fashion and automotive photographer….(read more)
Ferndale Mayor Speaks at U of M Dearborn
Members of the University of Michigan Dearborn Gay Straight Alliance wanted to know everything they could about Craig Covey’s experience as the first openly gay Mayor in Michigan. That’s why they invited him to speak at their Oct. 7, 2010 meeting…. (read more)
Oak Park Artist Steven Gamburd Says Art is Normal
“I think my art is about dreams, spirituality and existence – you know, life,” says Oak Park artist Steven Gamburd whose paintings have graced the walls of the Pittman-Puckett Gallery at Affirmations (290 W. 9 Mile) since August 13, 2010. (read more)
Adjusting to Help AIDS Patients
…Dr. Farkas will be giving a presentation on the ways that chiropractic care can benefit AIDS patients on October 11, 2010 at 7pm at his office at 22540 Woodward. Members of the HIV/AIDS advocacy group Higher Ground will be treated to refreshments and have an opportunity to ask questions. …(read more).
YEP Awards Turn Teens Into Stars
…The young people involved in Affirmations’ Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) were treated like divas Saturday night as they walked a red carpet lined with photo-hungry paparazzi on their way to a glitzy awards program in honor of the brightest stars at the community center – them!…(read more)