Ferndale TimeBank Relaunches, Hosts Open House on Saturday

The Ferndale TimeBank is relaunching and is inviting residents to join in for an open house on Saturday.

The 2013 Open House will be held at the Ferndale Public Library from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Attendees can meet TimeBank members, ask questions and submit an application to participate.

The Ferndale TimeBank was started in 2010 to "develop, support and promote a caring community based on reciprocity by providing a networking system for local residents." For each hour someone puts in, they get an hour of time back.

Michelle Foster, who was working as an intern with the city, led the group until four months ago when she took a job in Traverse City. The new director, Joe Spain, joined the time bank shortly after moving to Ferndale as a way to get involved in the community.

"I've really had a chance to meet a lot of people and get more involved in Ferndale and help make it a better place," said Spain, who contributes his time by tutoring students and has received time for help cleaning his garage.

"There's always something to do," he said. "And it's fun - that's key to this, it's fun."

The time bank's slogan is, "Good neighbors make great communities." The more people who contribute, the stronger the community is, Spain said.

"Everybody has something that they can give and contribute to the time bank," he said.

See the event listing here for more information. For questions or to RSVP, visit ferndaletimebank.org or email ferndaletimebank@gmail.com.

Read more on Patch:

• Adventures in Timebanking: Timebanking 101
• Putting Your Skills to Work: The Growing Concept of Time Banking