Trash Routes Changing

Due to the increase in compost (leaves) this time of year, trash routes are changing. Please make sure to have all materials outside by 7 a.m. to ensure they will not be missed.

The Department of Public Works makes every effort to accommodate residents if materials are put out late. However, during the busier season, they may not be able to go back and retrieve what was missed.

For more questions, please contact Department of Public Works at 248-546-2525 Option 7.

Free Parking on Thanksgiving

The city has waived enforcement of metered parking in Downtown Ferndale in observance of Thanksgiving, Nov. 28. Free parking continues on Saturday, Nov. 30, for Small Business Saturday. So, park with gusto!

Saturday Crafternoon

Come to the Ferndale Public Library with a project and the stuff you need to work on it. Enjoy hanging out and making with other crafters. We have plenty of tables and electrical outlets. Saturday Crafternoon is Nov. 16 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Sign Up for Alerts

The Park Ferndale team regularly sends out parking alerts about important need-to-know items and reminders. Register to receive alerts via text or email, and follow Park Ferndale on Twitter, Facebook and the City’s website to stay up to date on all city news.

The dot Gets Further Funding

The Oakland Press reported Oct. 22 that the dot, or The Development on Troy, a $29 million mixed-use development, was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.

According to The Oakland Press, the five-story structure will feature a 168,000 square-foot parking garage, which will be financed and owned by the city, as well as 40,920 square-feet of retail and office spaces to be financed and owned by Versa Wanda.

Ferndale High School Blood Drive

The need for blood is constant, and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds.

To help contribute to the effort, Ferndale High School is hosting an all-day a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Media Center on Oct. 29.

Contact Ms. Oliver at 248-548-8600 for more info.

Ferndale VFW Sponsors Scholarship Contest

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship, or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Ferndale VFW Post 1407 is sponsoring the local Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contests this year. Entries must be submitted by Oct. 31. Finished submissions can be sent to Bill Good at bill.good@ferndaleschools.org.

Did You Know?

Ferndale kicked off its Inclusive Housing Study in August. City officials will work with the community to define what it means for Ferndale to be a truly inclusive community and to adopt strategies to fulfill that vision. Head to the city’s site for more info.

Friends,

We had a beautiful fall day this past Friday, so my kids and I played hooky and went to the cider mill.

The weather was perfect: cool temps, blue skies and the sun was warm on our backs. The apples were plentiful on the trees and the pumpkins were picture-perfect in the fields.

Going to the cider mill is so romanticized in my head. I always think about how cute I’ll look in flannel and boots; how adorable my kids will be running through the orchard; how wholesome we’ll be out in nature gathering our food. In reality, I look like an actual farmer (not the goal), the kids are running because they’re afraid of bees and our farm-to-table apples cost a whopping $26 for a half of a bushel. The doughnuts are even insanely expensive at nearly $9 a dozen.

But some aspects of the cider mill are priceless, such as convincing my kids we have to pick doughnuts off the trees because they’re best when fresh. They weren’t 100% persuaded, but they didn’t want to take any chances either, so they saved a produce bag just in case we rolled by any doughnut trees.

It’s always best to be prepared.

Rebecca

Leaf Pick-Up Begins This Week

The Department of Public Works announced Ferndale’s annual curbside leaf pickup program begins this week and runs through the week of Dec. 2.

The City provides complimentary curbside leaf pickup to residential streets each fall between mid-October and the beginning of December. Every street receives pickups according to the east-west schedule. Get the schedule here.

Ferndale Bans Conversion Therapy

Ferndale City Council voted unanimously at the Oct. 14, meeting to enact an ordinance banning the practice of conversion therapy within the city limits. The act will now be classified as a misdemeanor, with violations punishable by up to 93 days jail time and a $500 fine.

The practice of conversion therapy has been classified as harmful by the American Medical Association, American Counseling Association, National Association of Social Workers, American Psychological Association, and a number of other accredited and highly-regarded professional organizations.

The ban will go into effect once the ordinance has been published.

School Millage Meeting

This spring, Ferndale Public Schools will have two items included on the ballot: a 0 mill bond proposal and a Non-Homestead millage renewal.

Please note that if either or both of these measures were approved by the voters, it would result in no increase to the current tax rate.

A community informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at Ferndale High School where voters can get the details. Click here for the basics of the millage.

Trunk-or-Treat

Ferndale Parks and Recreation is collaborating with Renaissance Unity this Halloween for a super fun Trunk-or-Treat event.

The dance party starts promptly at 11 a.m. in the Gymnasium, followed by trunk-or-treating at noon. If you would like to decorate your trunk for this event, please sign up using the registration link or contact the community center.

Candy donations will be accepted at the center. All donations must be already packaged, homemade items will not be accepted.

Prizes will be given out for best-decorated trunk and best costume, so dig deep into your Halloween spirit. Register here for the event and register your car here.

I got my flu shot today. It came with a spiffy purple bandage with some weird design on it. I figured if I was going to take my kids to get their vaccination, I should lead by example.

It’s not going to help put their minds at ease, though. It will be a battle to get them in the car, out of the car, and then when it’s over and they’ve undoubtedly survived the ordeal, they’ll be mad at me for a while.

My conscience is clear.

However, if this year is anything like last year, I’m not sure who was more traumatized—them or me. They gave me a run for my money. When kids don’t want to do something, like get a shot, they suddenly become slippery, wet noodles with superhuman strength that can fit in any crevasse. I had no idea it was going to be so hard to get a 50-pound kid out of a Ford Fusion. By the time we got in the doctor’s office, we were all sweaty, some were crying, and no one was happy.

I guess this is part of the reason I run 5ks. Wish me luck.

Rebecca

Vote from Home

Following the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason.

Absentee voting is convenient, time-saving, and allows you to avoid lines at the polls. And it’s easy: simply join Ferndale’s Absentee Voter List and have your ballot mailed to you before each election.

Register now for your absentee ballot.

Free Valet Parking Downtown

Don’t circle blocks looking for a spot. Use the free valet in Downtown Ferndale every Friday and Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. courtesy of the City of Ferndale and the Downtown Development Authority.

The free valet program is offered as part of the city and DDA’s ongoing temporary parking solutions, meant to provide parking relief to downtown residents, visitors, and employees during the construction of The dot mixed-use parking development.

The StarTrax valet stand is located in the business alley between 9 Mile businesses and the Withington Parking Lot. Use Planavon St. to access the business alley—it’s open to two-way traffic. Drop off your vehicle at the stand, located behind Dye Salon and Liberty Tax, then stroll up the pedestrian walkway to access downtown shops, restaurants and events.

Ferndale Community Concert Band

Looking for an entertaining evening supporting local musicians? Look no further than the Ferndale Community Concert Band. The band begins its fifth season Sunday, Oct. 20, at 3 p.m. All concerts are held in the Ferndale High School auditorium. Each concert is free of charge, donations are accepted.

Skate Park Video

Check out the video for the new City of Ferndale skatepark, created by the Tony Hawk Foundation.

The skatepark is one of the first to be completed under this grant.

Trick-or-Treat Night

On Saturday, Oct. 26, Downtown Ferndale will come alive with little ghosts, goblins, princesses, ninjas and more for Trick-or-Treat Night. From 4 to 6 p.m., kids can trick-or-treat around town. Come join the fun!

Ferndale Game Day

Board games abound at Ferndale Game Day hosted by the library. On Oct. 12 from 1 to 5 p.m.,  gamers can:

– Learn new games and play old favorites
– Come alone or bring others
– No experience required
– All ages welcome
– Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult

Ferndale Game Day happens every other Saturday.

Recycling Dropoff Station

Back by demand, Ferndale is teaming with the Department of Public Works and southeastern Oakland County Resource Recovery Authority to offer the popular recycling drop-off station.

Available to all Ferndale residents and business at City Hall Parking Lot.

Accepted items:

Styrofoam, plastic bags, paper products and cardboard
Hardcover books, aerosol cans, and glass
Electronics, light bulbs, paints, oils and metals

On-site paper shredding is provided by American Data Security.

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Friends,

It’s officially autumn. Beyond the pumpkin spice debate lies a more important topic in my house: Halloween.

My 7-year-old twins have been planning their costumes since August, so I’m very aware of how critical Oct. 31 is in their world. I’m not the only one, either. So many communities are planning trick-or-treat events, that I can’t possibly list them all. As a PTO mom, I’m helping plan a trunk-or-treat at our Eastside elementary.

Enjoy the fun of October. In addition to getting juiced up on candy, there are apple orchards to visit (try convincing your kids that you’re going doughnut picking, too, it’s fun), pumpkins to carve, chili to make and football to watch. What’s your favorite activity?

Enjoy autumn,

Rebecca

Fall Festival Oct. 5

Leaves are changing, nights are cooler, and autumn is in the air, which means it’s time for Ferndale Parks & Recreation‘s annual Fall Festival.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., bring the family, rain or shine, to Martin Road Park for:
Horse/pony and hay rides
Arts and crafts
Bouncy houses and inflatables (must wear socks)
Face painting
Pumpkin painting
Trick-or-treat trail
Photo station
Rock climbing tower
Live DJ and entertainment

The cost is $5 per person for an all-inclusive wristband. Children aged 2 and under are free. Food will be available for purchase.