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
Annabelle’s Couture featured in Local Business News
On an unassuming side street in Berkley, a few feet from 12 Mile Road’s relentless stream of daytime traffic, longtime boutique-clothing entrepreneur Patti Brock has created a cozy, richly stocked space for the apparel shoppers she’s been serving for 25 years — and for those who’ve just discovered her here at Annabelle’s Couture.
“I’ve always loved clothing and fashion,” Brock said recently at her store. “For 10 years, in the 70s and 80s, I enjoyed working part-time at specialty clothing store Patti Smith’s in Royal Oak. I became a buyer there. When I needed full-time work, I went to It Was/It Is, another Royal Oak boutique, where I worked for two years.
“I finally realized, ‘I think I could do this myself!’ Was it a leap of faith? Stupidity? Passion? A little of all,” she said with a laugh.
City Council to Vote on Vinsetta Garage Parking
After hearing the concerns of residents at the Jan. 6, city council meeting, Berkley and City Council worked with 27799 Woodward LLC on clarifying the consent judgment language surrounding the Planning Commission’s role.
The updated language clarifies that the proposed Oxford parking lot and its perimeter wall materials and construction are subject to the Planning Commission site plan review and approval process, in accordance with the consent judgment and city ordinances.
The consent judgment specifically states, “Prior to commencing any construction of the Oxford parking lot on parcels 25-17-431-023 and 022, Plaintiff must apply for and obtain site plan approval from the City Planning Commission in accordance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The scope of the City Planning Commission’s site plan review shall be to determine whether Plaintiff’s site plan is consistent with this Consent Judgment and applicable City ordinances.”
The judgment will be considered by City Council at the special city council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.
New Berkley Local Podcast
Check out the latest Berkley Local podcast from the Berkley Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Berkley. This week features Berkley Eyewear & Local Sunglass Co. and The Atomic Dawg. Click to listen.
Berkley U Series on Healthy Workplaces
Join other business owners and managers for the Jan. 31 Berkley U Series Program: 20/20 View of a Healthy Workplace. The event runs from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Berkley Public Library.
Megan Patterson, a total health and wellbeing consultant from the Marsh & McLennan Agency, will discuss best practices and the impact of good health and a healthy culture on the bottom line. Regardless of budget, there are several steps you can take to improve this area of your business.
This program is free to attend but you must register.
