Friends,

Less than three years ago, I quit my job in corporate communications and went headlong into freelancing. I called it, “my adventure.” Since then, I’ve been especially aware of taking risks and doing things that scare me.

Well, I’m heading into another adventure next month. I’m running my first 5k.

I’m not entirely sure how I got talked into this. I’ve never liked running. In fact, I’ve warned people that if you see me running, you should probably be running, too.

Yet, here I am in the middle of training week five.

I’m using a couch-to-5k app, and if we’re being honest, I still identify way more with the couch aspect than the 5k aspect. I’ve also developed an obsession with running clothes, updating my playlist and keeping my newly chopped hair out of my face without looking like a sweaty Medusa.

The struggle is real, y’all.

The event is Women Run the D on Sept. 15 on Belle Isle. I have no idea if I’ll keep up with running after the race, but I’m enjoying the challenge and proud of my accomplishment already. My goal is to finish in the top 500 in my age bracket. Keep your fingers crossed!

Rebecca

Coulter Name Oakland County Executive, Steps Down as Mayor

On Aug. 16, Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter accepted an appointment to serve as Oakland County executive. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners selected Coulter to fill the remaining term left vacant following former executive L. Brooks Patterson’s death on Aug. 3—an appointed position that will run through December 2020.

To serve as Oakland County executive, Coulter had to resign his mayoral position.

“Mayor Coulter has been a tremendous leader and friend of Ferndale for ten years,” said Joseph Gacioch, Ferndale city manager. “While we hate to lose him a few months earlier than planned, we have processes in place specifically for situations like this and we will lean on them, as well as the strong direction and leadership of our city council, to move forward successfully.”

Power Outage Planned for Aug. 22

Charge your phones, a schedule power outage is coming to Ferndale Thursday, Aug. 22. Some residents will experience a brief power outage as DTE works to transition electrical customers to their new substation infrastructure, located at Nine Mile and Hilton.

The transition is part of a planned infrastructure upgrade that will provide area residents with access to an upgraded electrical system and more reliable power.

During the transitions, power will be turned off for customers for up to three hours. Changeovers are being scheduled by area/neighborhood.

Two areas will be affected:

• The north side of Marshall Street on the south, the east side of Livernois Street on the west, the south side of Leroy Street on the north, and the west side of Woodward Avenue on the east. Work is scheduled to begin in this area at approximately 9:30 a.m. The interruption could last as long as three hours.
• The north side of Leroy Street on the south, the west side of Allen Street on the west, the north side of W. Troy Street on the north, and the west side of Woodward Avenue on the east. Work is scheduled to begin in this entire second area at approximately 1:30 p.m. The interruption could last as long as three hours.

DTE reports that all affected electrical customers have received direct communication from the utility company about this planned work. If you have not received this communication, or if you have additional questions, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 248-546-2363

Skate Park Opening Scheduled for Sept. 14

Join the fun for the official skatepark grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony, skateboarding contests, bounce house, giveaways, live music and more.

Contests will include skateboards and bikes. To participate, you must be at the skatepark and registered by 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14. The events runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Ferndale Schools Receives Recognition

Ferndale Schools was recognized as being an Equity Innovator by the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center.

According to the Great Lakes Equity Center, “Congratulations! Your district’s innovative work with the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center), a project of Great Lakes Equity Center, was rigorously evaluated and deemed the most noteworthy example of the pursuit of educational equity by an education agency for the 2018-2019 school year. Selected from several applicants, we are pleased to inform you that Ferndale Public Schools is the recipient of the Equity Innovator Recognition.”

The district equity efforts will be showcased at the Equity Innovator Recognition Ceremony in September. At the Equity Innovator Recognition Ceremony, FPS will be honored for dedication and commitment to students in ensuring all students access to and participation in safe, inclusive, high-quality education regardless of and responsive to race, sex, national origin and religion.