BY AJ TRAGER
FERNDALE – Every year, Citizens for a Fair Ferndale grants 10 Good Neighbor Awards that identify and honor individuals, organizations and businesses in the Ferndale community who are outstanding examples of good neighbors, and who are committed to building, preserving, maintaining and improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods and the community.
The Good Neighbor Awards have, over the years, recognized LGBT individuals who have served fabulous Ferndale. This year Rachel Crandall, co-chair of Transgender Michigan, was awarded a Good Neighbor Award for her work in the trans community and for being a voice and an ear to anyone in the LGBTA community.
"I am so proud to be seeing this award because Ferndale is my favorite place in the world," Crandall told BTL.
Crandall was nominated by Susan Crocker, co-chair of Transgender Michigan. The nomination emphasized Crandall's willingness to be available 24 hours a day for people who often have no one else to turn to, including helping those on the brink of suicide.
"The selection committee quickly selected Rachel among the nominees because of her reputation in the community — Rachel not only builds bridges within the LGBT community, she also builds connections with allies and provides educations to potential allies," said Kat Bruner James, chair of Citizens for a Fair Ferndale.
Transgender Michigan was founded in 1997 after Crandall and Crocker noticed the overwhelming need to unite the trans community and provide safe spaces and resources for transgender individuals living in the state. Immediately after forming, TGMI created the Transgender Hotline. The hotline was the first 24/7 emergency access point serving the local and national trans community and is still active to this day. TGMI now has an online clearinghouse and sponsors a multitude of services and programs regarding access to trans-inclusive spaces, trans centered care and a network of affirming professionals. Crandall has used her professional expertise in psychology and her array of personal experiences to provide year-round services of support and community.
Students, residents, business owners and city employees of the Ferndale community are invited to nominate persons for one of 10 awards that are presented in the spring. Any person can be nominated so long as they are connected to the Ferndale community through residency, business, the school district or another affiliation. Nominees should be inclusive, tolerant and reach out to others in a variety of ways that bridge the gaps between people, cultures and ideas. Previous Good Neighbor Award winners are ineligible for additional nomination.
Previous LGBT recipients of the award are Justin Hewitt in 2013; Jason McIntosh, Jim Shaffer and Butch Yuhas in 2012; Julia Music and Richard Latimer in 2011; Jerome Raska and Robbin Yelverton of Blumz by JR Designs in 2010; Ann Heler, Stephanie Loveless and Greg Pawlica in 2009; Kelly McKinstry, Julie Andrews and AJ O'Neil 2008; Ed Burns and Francine Hachem in 2005; and Craig Covey in 2004.
"Ferndale is a community made better due to citizens like these," said James. "Their strengths and passions lie in different areas, but all of these good works come together to make our community an incredible place to live."
2015 Good Neighbor Award Recipients Are:
Rachel Crandall: As a leader in the transgender community, Crandall is always a friend to people who may have no one else to turn to.
Roger Buning: A true Good Neighbor, Buning helps out his entire street by clearing storm drains, shoveling snow and lending a hand to everyone.
Irenita Goedert: Goedert is heavily involved in Ferndale schools and has a gift for matching people with the help they need.
Helen Lambrix: Lambrix is a longtime advocate for children in Ferndale schools, including making sure all kids have the opportunity to participate in fun and learning.
Michelle Paraday: Paraday is a committed volunteer for Ferndale schools who raised resources for homeless women and looked out for others during the harsh winter.
Jim Pool: As Pastor of Renaissance Vineyard Church, Pool and his church host South Oakland Shelter and coordinated flood relief; Jim is also a co-founder of Facebook's "Ferndale Forum."
Katie and Paul Spence: This Ferndale couple has been active in providing shelter, clothing, food and other assistance for our homeless neighbors.
Chris and Pam Strzalkowski: Chris and Pam are active in St. James' youth program, assist with the South Oakland Shelter and maintain key organizing positions of the Michigan Fallen Heroes Foot Float, that is part of the longstanding Ferndale Memorial Day Parade.
Heather Coleman Voss: Voss is a social media guru and cheerleader for all things Ferndale and connects neighbors with calmness and kindness.
Michelle Walker: As owner of 7-11 at Nine Mile and Hilton, Walker not only supports Ferndale schools but extends her kindness to her employees and customers on an everyday basis.
CFF Community Partner — Local Kitchen and Bar: This local business has supported Citizens for a Fair Ferndale and helped it promote its mission.
