Friends,

My heart is happy.

I’m a huge advocate for volunteerism. It’s a huge, satisfying part of my life.

With it being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, seeing all the volunteering and giving opportunities makes me proud to be in these communities. While I’m not going to pretend to understand the depth and breadth of what Dr. King means to the African-American community, I truly admire the movement to create something special in his memory. I think that’s one of the most profound legacies a person can leave in this world.

In talking with my aunt last week, she said something that resonated with me: To whom much is given, much is expected. I agree. I’m no millionaire, but I certainly can’t complain about my lifestyle. My family is safe, warm and fed. We have access to doctors and teachers. Life is good.

But others aren’t so lucky.

Time is free and it’s the most important thing you can give. I encourage you to get out there this week, and every week, and lend a hand where you can. You don’t even need to be formal about it. Grab some paper and markers and make cards for kids in the hospital. Pick up litter at your local park. Start a pay-it-forward the next time you’re in the drive thru.

It’s all about kindness, folks. And it’s the least we can do.

Stay warm,

Rebecca

Sock Drive

The Auburn Hills Teen Council is participating in the 3rd Annual Sock Drive and Auburn Hills organizations and businesses and a great opportunity to help

Put out a box in your lobby and begin collecting new socks, gloves, hats and scarves.

Do this until Friday, Jan. 31 and then deliver the items to the Auburn Hills Community Center located at 1827 North Squirrel Road, southwest corner of University Drive and N. Squirrel Road, no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The company or organization that collects the most will be proclaimed the winner. City staff will create a billboard design with the winner’s name on it and during a one-week period in February, the winner of the 2020 Auburn Hills Sock Drive will have their name in lights.

Click for more info.

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State of the Community

The Auburn Hills State of the Community is a great way to start the new year by meeting more than 250 community leaders and business professionals.

Auburn Hills Mayor, Kevin McDaniel will provide a look at accomplishments from 2019 and upcoming initiatives rolling out in 2020. The Chamber of Commerce will also give updates.

The presentation is Thursday Jan. 30, at 8 a.m. in the Oakland Center at Oakland University. Click for more information or to register.

Kindness Rocks

Kids in grades six through 12 are invited to drop by the library on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. and help create kindness rocks.

For questions, call 248-364-6706.

Fitness Room

If your New Year’s resolution included fitness, listen up. Auburn Hills residents can work out in the fitness room at the Community Center for free.

The Fitness Room includes treadmills, elliptical machines, a multi-station strength machine, stationary bike and more. Showers and lockers are available, so bring your own lock. Children 12 and under are not allowed in the Fitness Room. Those aged 13 to 17 must be signed up for the Teen Fitness Program to participate. A Corporate Fitness Card is available for those who work in Auburn Hills for $100 annually.

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor