CHARM AND CONVENIENCE

Couple enjoys Ferndale's small-town atmosphere.

Her husband, Frank, is a
research analyst in the develop-
ment department of Wayne State
University in Detroit.
Frank and Gaye, who share their
home with their menagerie of cats
and one dog, enjoy walking
through the surrounding neighbor-
hood and exploring
Ferndale's growing
downtown area.
"We've discovered
some wonderful restau-
Mg?
f'/.,,At NW;
rants, bookstores and
boutiques," Gaye says.
"In the summer, we go
to the concerts and art
fairs in Geary Park,
and we love dining
outdoors."
The couple moved to
Ferndale from Royal
... ;for.
Oak, where they
participated in lay-led
services at the
Reconstructionist
Congregation T'Chiyah.
Now they are members
of Temple Emanu-El in
Oak Park, where they
participated in a joint
b'nai mitzvah celebra-
tion last fall. They also
deliver food for Yad
Ezra.
"Ferndale is like a
small town in many
Frank Castronova and Gaye Tischler
ways," Gaye says. "I
with their pets in their Ferndale home.
know many of the
people who live here
"We wanted a place that was
and the store owners by name, and
centrally located between Detroit
they know me. They even know my
and the northern suburbs," says
dog, Ginger, who I take for frequent
Gaye, who substitute teaches in
walks through the neighborhood
the Berkley School District and
and the business district." I
also works for JARC as a respite
Ronelle Grier
care provider for younger clients as
well as with adults in the new
Steppin' Out program.

t was the architectural charm and
the convenient location of their
1920s house that first drew Gaye
Tischler and Frank Castronova to
Ferndale six years ago, but they
quickly found many other things
about their new neighborhood to
appreciate.

I

FERNDALE

Population: 22,105
Square miles: 3.9
Became a city: 1927
Claims to fame: The downtown
business district is making a comeback,
and property values have increased
45 percent in the last three years.

ROYAL OAK

Population: 60,062
Square miles: 11.8
Became a city: 1921
Claims to fame: Popular downtown
area is known for its trendy restaurants,
boutiques and theaters

Jewish Institutions:
Congregation T'Chiyah

HUNTINGTON

WOODS

Population: 6,151
Square miles: 1.5
Became a city: 1932
Claims to fame: Annual July 4 parade
and fireworks, close-knit community

BERKLEY

Population: 15,531
Square Miles: 2.6
Became a city: 1932
Claims to fame: Annual Berkley
Cruisefest featuring a classic car parade
in August in conjunction with the
Woodward Dream Cruise

Favorite Community
Hangout:

"Toast is one of our favorite restaurants
for breakfast or brunch," says Gaye,
"and we love eating at Le Soups on
Nine Mile and shopping at the Natural
Food Patch. The Woodward Avenue
Brewery has also become one of our
favorites."

2004-2005 Community Directory ■

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