Friends,

One of the best parts of being City News editor is I get to see all the good we humans do for each other around the holidays. From toy and canned food drives to charity events and volunteering opportunities, my heart is happy.

I’ve always loved the giving time of year and I’m trying to instill that spirit of generosity into my kids year-round. I had them help me donate to the Macomb Foster Closet, which gives foster kids two free wardrobes each year. I love this charity for several reasons. There’s no middle man. Our donations go from our trunk to their shelves. We are helping children in our area. And my kids are adopted. Luckily, they didn’t spend any time in foster care, but it’s a path many children have to take.

What are some of your favorite charities? Why? Let’s see if we can get a shout out to the ones that mean the most to us. Together, we can make an even more caring community.

Rebecca

Berkley Ranked 2nd for Shop Small Saturday

Out of the 51 cities, townships and villages reporting from Shop Small Saturday, Berkley ranked second in Oakland County with 198 receipts submitted representing $9,215.46 in sales.

This data was shared by Oakland County Main Street.

City Hall, Library Closed Dec 20.

City Hall and the Berkley Public Library will be closed on Friday, Dec. 20, for staff development on ALICE active shooter training. Normal hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 23.

Berkley Local Podcast Launches

Berkley Local is a podcast spotlighting business in the local community. Through this monthly one-hour podcast, host and Berkley Chamber member Steve Johnson, will interview two local businesses. The participants will have an opportunity to tell their story to their customers and the local community.

The first podcast came out earlier this month featuring Nicole Miller co-owner of Coco Fairfield’s and Heather Boddy of Heather Boddy Design LLC. Listen to their story on why they started their business, how they market their business and learn a little more about these businesses that are in your backyard. This podcast is produced by the Berkley Area Chamber and sponsored by the Berkley Downtown Development Authority. Listen now.

Questions concerning Berkley Local podcast, please contact Darlene@Berkleychamber.com.

Life Line Screening

Life Line Screening is Coming to Berkley on Monday, Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus on 12 Mile Road.

The screenings offer a five-test package to thoroughly check for risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions.

Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors.

Book now and receive a $10 discount; or call 800-690-6495.

Visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle. Pre-registration is required.

I blinked and missed November.

At my house, we’re in full-blown celebration mode. After Thanksgiving, we celebrated my dad’s birthday. Then my twins’ birthday is midmonth. My family Christmas party and my birthday sit back to back on the calendar. Christmas comes through like a freight train, and after a week of putting toys together and picking packaging out of the rug, we celebrate the New Year.

I’m pre-exhausted.

But this season, I’m doing a few things for myself. I signed up for a virtual race to run, walk or crawl at least one mile every day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m also determined to enjoy a cheesy or classic (I haven’t decided yet) movie without multi-tasking. And I have my heart set on finding a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas in a store. A story of mine is published in the book and I’d just like to see it somewhere.

What are your plans for the holidays? Email me at citynewseditor@localbiznews.net so I can pick up a few new ideas for my family.

Rebecca

Holiday Lights Parade

The Berkley Holiday Lights Parade rolls into town on Dec. 7, at 5:30 pm. It starts on 12 Mile at Bacon and ends at the gazebo in front of City Hall on Coolidge Highway. The tree lighting and visits with Santa follow after the parade.

Volunteer for Master Plan Steering Comittee

Interested in taking part in helping plan for the future of Berkley? The Community Development Department is looking for volunteers to join the Master Plan Steering Committee.

Fill out the application here:

www.berkleymich.org/masterplanapp.

Friends,

Last week, I took my first mom-cation. I went to Seattle, and for the most part, traveled around by myself. I had a wonderful time. Beyond the sights I saw and the food, I met some interesting people—Tony the bartender at Rocco’s, Richie the shoe salesperson at Nordstrom, the fish-throwing guy at Pike’s Place.

One of the best things of my profession is how it has made me so curious about people. I’ll ask anyone anything. Usually, I can get some great insight, and at the very least a telling response to my questions.

It was great to get away, but now I’m back and in the throes of the holidays. Thanksgiving in a few days, then we launch into “birthday season” at my house, and of course Christmas.

Be sure to check out Local Business News for some great holiday shopping ideas while you’re looking through the Black Friday ads, too.

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Rebecca

Meet Your City Council

The community is invited to join the Berkley City Council for a Welcome Reception on Monday, Dec. 2.

Mayor Dan Terbrack was re-elected to a two-year term. Council Members Bridget Dean and Ross Gavin were re-elected to a four-year term. Council Member Natalie Price was elected to a four-year term.

The reception begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Holiday Lights Parade

Ring in the season with the Berkley Holiday Lights Parade on Dec. 7. The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. and travels along 12 Mile from Bacon Street to City Hall.

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a doughnut at the tree lighting ceremony right after the parade. Then, visit Santa in the Gazebo in front of City Hall – make sure the kids bring their wish list. Afterward, treat the family to a horse-drawn carriage ride through decorated neighborhood streets.

Arrive early so the kids can enjoy a petting zoo and free pony rides from 1 to 4 p.m. at the corner of 12 Mile and Tyler.

Origami Club

If you’re interested in origami or are a seasoned folder, stop by the library’s new origami club. This club provides an opportunity to learn and explore with like-minded individuals. The club meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m.

Animals Visit Middle School

John Oliver, a zoologist from Michigan School Shows, visited Pattengill Elementary on Nov. 13 with a few friends. Oliver presented “Animals and their Environment” to students in a zookeeper talk style. Students learned about the importance of coexisting with animals and respecting their environment. He also brought his animal friends out to share with the students as well: a chinchilla, tortoise, a peacock and more.

VinoTalk

In this week’s Vino Talk, wine expert John Jonna talks about pinot noir. Just in time for your Thanksgiving table, you’ll have the best vintage to tantalize the taste buds of your guests.

Meet Your City Council at a Welcome Reception

The community is invited to join the Berkley City Council for a Welcome Reception on Monday, Dec. 2, to swear in the newly elected members.

Dan Terbrack was re-elected to a two-year term. Bridget Dean and Ross Gavin were re-elected to a four-year term on city council. Natalie Price was elected to a four-year term.

The reception begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall (3338 Coolidge Hwy). Light refreshments will be provided.

Letters to Santa

Stop by the Berkley Public Library Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to write and decorate a letter to Santa and then drop it in the giant mailbox right outside the library! Light refreshments will be provided.

No registration required.

Police Leadership Graduate

Lt. Corey Miller and Chief Matt Koehn graduated from the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police “Police Executives and New Chiefs School” on Nov. 15. They joined 36 other chiefs and executives from all over the state for this comprehensive week-long training in East Lansing, as part of the Berkley Department of Public Safety professional development plan.

Sum Girls

Sum Girls was featured in Local Business News recently. Did you see the story on this local favorite boutique?

Health Screenings

Lifeline is coming to Berkley to provide health screenings on Dec. 16 at the Knights of Columbus Queen of The Holy Rosary on 12 Mile Road. The hours will be 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The screenings offer a five-test package to thoroughly check for the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. The combination of these tests help detect problems – before you have symptoms and while your doctor can still take action. So you can keep doing the things you love.

Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors.

Book now and receive a $10 discount or call 800-690-6495, text the word circle to 797979,
or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle.

Pre-registration is required.

Coolidge Complete Streets

To get an update on the Coolidge Complete Streets Project for the Road Diet Pilot Program, there are two upcoming meetings:

• 21, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., if the data is available
• 2, at 7 p.m., at the City Council Meeting

Check the website for further information.

Get to Know Your Schools

On Friday, Nov. 15, Berkley Schools will host a “Get to Know Your Schools” event for Real Estate professionals and business owners. This event, in coordination with the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce, shares the great news from Berkley Schools with folks who meet with potential home buyers and customers.

RSVP by calling 248-837-8069 or email jessica.stilger@berkleyschools.org.

Berkley Schools Sends Thanks

Thanks to the voters, the Berkley Schools Headlee Restoration Millage passed on Election Day.

The unofficial Headlee Restoration Millage election results have been posted by Oakland County with 77.16% voting in favor of the proposal.

The Headlee Restoration Millage allows the district to collect the full state per pupil allotment for students and add nearly $300,000 to the general fund in 2020-21. That money will be used to support the teaching and learning going on every day across the district.