Berkley, Huntington Woods Had News-Packed Year

As we prepare for the new year here at Berkley Patch, it's hard to believe the site went live just a month and a half ago. Already, we've covered what feels like a year's worth of news. But, as the saying goes, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

Here's a recap of some of the big stories on Berkley Patch since our launch Nov. 17.:



The term-limited state senator and Huntington Woods resident leaves public office after three decades to become president and CEO of the nonprofit Michigan League for Human Services in the new year. She will be succeeded by Sen.-elect Vincent Gregory in the 14th District. "I think I can look back and be proud of my career and service to the community," said Jacobs, who got her start on the Huntington Woods City Commission. "And, I'm transitioning into a terrific position to still be able to impact public policy with a different hat on."



Officials expect the economic outlook in Michigan to brighten somewhat during 2011. And, although the state still faces serious financial hurdles and credit is hard to come by, Berkley saw new businesses sprout this year. Among them was the  – featuring the work of Michigan artists in a variety of media – the first of its kind for the area. "The community of Berkley is very supportive," owner April McCrumb said. "People want new and fresh content to make shopping interesting."



The annual celebration lit up 12 Mile Road as floats and marching bands made their way to , where Santa flipped the switch on Berkley's Christmas tree lights in the gazebo. The day included horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by the , a petting zoo and Chamber of Commerce trolleys ferrying shoppers around downtown. But, the festivities didn't come about by Santa's brand of magic. Volunteers spent months raising money, making plans and gussying up the jolly one's float. "We need help. We need help bad," said Cinda Coon, co-chairwoman of the parade committee. "The crowd's getting bigger ... so if you have time or interest, come and check it out. And check out the Berkley Junior Women's Club."



It was a bittersweet season for the  football team. Coach Jim MacDougall and running back Terrell Porter helped lead the team to the Division 2 district finals. It was only the second time in school history the football team qualified for back-to-back post-season play. After a strong showing, the Bears ended the season with a 28-13 loss to perennial power Farmington Hills Harrison. The loss was MacDougall's last, as from coaching at the end of the season.

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Both cities' books received positive reviews from accounting firm Plante & Moran, but auditors said the year ahead will be tough. "(Berkley) is hanging in there, all things considered," said Beth Bialy, a partner at Plante & Moran, who warned falling property values and a predicted decline in state profit-sharing funds will mean less revenue in 2011. The situation was much the same in Huntington Woods. Auditors praised a $232,046 increase in the general fund balance. But, audit partner Leslie Pulver cautioned: "It's really going to be hard to keep squeezing the budget without looking at what services to cut."



The family of Berkley resident Tara Kelly Kidd, 29, asked the community to rally behind her during "Help Tara Day" on Facebook. The fundraiser aimed to raise money for Kelly's mounting medical bills. She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in April and the disease is stage four, which is the most aggressive type. "I've never once heard her say, 'Why has this happened to me?'," her sister Tammy Kelly Shapllo said. "She's extremely sweet. All the doctors like taking care of her because she's so nice." The sisters lost their father earlier this year to cancer. To find out how to help, contact Kelly Shapllo at nurtrk18@yahoo.com. Kelly Kidd's family also is attempting to get at least 111 people to donate $11.00 by Jan. 11 at giveforward.com.



A new pilot program in two eighth-grade classrooms aims to assess whether single-gender classes can help narrow a perceived language arts achievement gap between boys and girls. "There were many quiet girls who found a voice," said Erin Burke, who teaches the girls' class. "Likewise, (in the boys' class) it sounded like there weren't all the distractions from boys trying to impress girls or each other." To address detractors' concerns,  selected children at random to participate and allowed parents to opt out. School officials are tracking the students' progress and will assess at the end of the school year whether those involved benefited from the program.

Other stories of note included Huntington Woods'  and passage of a , as well as a new Berkley  and coverage of  that hit earlier this month.

Of course, there were stories we missed, including the defeat of a proposed schools millage, the annual Woodward Dream Cruise and the historic Vinsetta Garage closing. So, our resolution for 2011 is to do an even better job keeping residents informed. And, we can use your help: If you have a story idea or news tip, please e-mail Leslie.Ellis@patch.com. You also can promote events and solicit volunteers or volunteer yourself using Berkley Patch. Together, we can create a true online community.

Here's wishing you and your family a happy and healthy new year!