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

Community Outlook Breakfast

The 2020 Annual Community Outlook Breakfast on Monday, Feb. 24, features community updates from Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township and the Rochester Community Schools.

Breakfast and presentations will be held in the Oakland University Student Center beginning at 8 a.m. with a press conference. Networking, breakfast and speakers will follow.

For more information, contact the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce at 248-651-6700.

Chief Financial VP Named Transformative Leader of the Year

MichBusiness named Cheryl Boodram, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Chief Financial Credit Union, a 2019 Transformative Leader of the Year.
The MichBusiness Transformative Leader award recognizes leaders who are remarkable at elevating the quality of life for employees, clients or colleagues. The award is open to business leaders throughout Michigan, highlighting select individuals who exemplify leadership each year.

During her time at Chief Financial, Boodram has fostered the organization’s marketing and sales strategy from the department’s inception, and has acted as lead of credit union project management. She also developed programs that cultivated hundreds of thousands of dollars for community partners. Boodram was also honored for her efforts in 2018 with the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Award.

Chief Financial Credit Union is the only financial institution headquartered in the Greater Rochester Area. For more information, visit www.chiefonline.com.

Free Kitchen and Bath Clinic, Feb 5.

Big or small, every rebuilt kitchen or bath has its challenges. Learn how to conquer those obstacles, pick the right materials and love your new kitchen or bath at a free clinic on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. at Dillman & Upton.

The latest trends and the “tried-and-true” will be highlighted by industry and design experts. Attendees will learn what to expect during and after construction.

The event will be held in the new Dillman & Upton Design Center filled with refreshed ideas for every room in your home.

With over 110 years in the building business, family-owned Dillman & Upton continues to be a major supplier of quality construction products and full-service, installation services. Read the feature on Dillman & Upton in Local Business News.

Space for the free class is limited. Make your reservation online at www.dillmanupton.com or call or visit Dillman & Upton at 607 Woodward Street in Downtown Rochester.

Chamber of Commerce Names Hunter 2020 Ambassador Chair

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce named Scott Hunter, of Cruise & Travel Experts with Scott the Traveling Man, as the 2020 Ambassador Chair. He has been part of the Chamber for 12 years and became an ambassador six months after joining the Chamber.

Rebecca Calappi

Rebecca Calappi

City News Editor