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By Sara E. Teller

TIM AND KRIS BARNES HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED PLAYING GAMES – so much so, in fact, that they met doing just that, and then decided to share their love of games with the community. Six years ago, the couple opened Gate Keepers Games, an amply-stocked retail shop in downtown Berkley.

“We rented a space downtown,” recalled Tim, adding it was meant to be a bit of a test run to see if their bet on Berkley’s love for gaming would pay off. And it certainly did.

Barnes explained, “We chose Berkley because of the many young families that live here, and we were able to successfully run our shop those first few years.” The customers came flooding in, excited for a new hobby store in town, and they kept coming back, impressed by Gate Keepers’ wide selection of social, role-playing, board, and card games, among other collectibles.

After realizing the store was a big hit, Barnes wanted to take the couple’s vision one step further and begin offering a gathering space for anyone interested in trying the inventory in real-time. This space would expand upon the retail portion and allow customers to compete against each other, just for fun or for prizes. The Barnes bought the more than 7,000 square feet of vacant space that was once the Doll Hospital & Toy Soldier Shop and moved their items down the street, excited to extend an opportunity for game lovers to mix and mingle.

UNFORTUNATELY, HOWEVER, THE PANDEMIC HIT SOON AFTER THE NEW BUILDING WAS READY. “Our whole business model is built on people spending time together,” Barnes said. “We don’t charge for the space. We just hope you buy a game if you enjoy it.” So, things have been much more slow-going than expected and the focus has remained largely on the retail portion.

In the meantime, Gate Keepers Games has secured a liquor license so patrons of age can enjoy their favorite drinks while playing, and there are monthly trivia nights alongside other, more intimate gatherings.

“Right now, we’re able to host events and we’re asking that you’re vaccinated to come in,” Barnes said. “We have everyone spaced out and are just having smaller events.”

In addition to trivia nights, Gate Keepers Games offers painting classes, birthday and Christmas parties, and social games such as Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Cards Against Humanity, chess, euchre, and others. There are also opportunities to learn how to play certain games. While most of the time, the space is totally free and designed for open play, Gate Keepers also hosts tournaments in which there is a small cover and prizes available. All ages are welcome and there are plenty of family-friendly fun activities.

GATE KEEPERS ALSO HAS MANY PAINT SUPPLIES AND MINIATURES IN STOCK, and patrons can pick up their favorite games to have on hand at home or even have them delivered. More details about how to request delivery are available online.

Gate Keepers regularly gives back to the Berkley community, offering support to the Library and local schools, and Barnes hopes to do even more outreach when possible. He would like to partner with public centers to host more events and envisions being able to have field trips and after school extracurriculars on-site.

“Right from the beginning, the Berkley community has been very friendly and supportive,’ Barnes said. “I have many positive things to say about the city itself.”

He hopes that anyone who hasn’t had a chance to yet will come check out what Gate Keepers Games is all about. A full calendar of upcoming events is available at gatekeepergames.net.

For more information, email gatekeeper@gatekeepergames.net or call 248.439.0787 3961
Twelve Mile Rd, Berkley, MI 48072

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By Ingrid Sjostrand
Photos © 2021 Bill Gemmell

THERE ARE MORE THAN 78,000 PIZZA RESTAURANTS IN THE U.S., and in 2019 Michigan had the eighth most in the country with 2,718 pizzerias. With those numbers, it should come as no surprise that on any night of the week an average of one-in-eight Americans is eating pizza.*

Roy Sera, and his wife Christine, wanted to help feed that pizza craving in the Berkley community, so they opened their Jet’s franchise location in 1994 at 2823 Coolidge Hwy. The Jet’s Pizza brand alone has over 400 locations throughout the U.S., but Sera likes to think his employees, their dedication, and the residents of Berkley they serve make his restaurant stand out from the rest.

“I chose the location in Berkley because my brother-in-law had a location in Madison Heights and Berkley happened to be just outside of his territory,” Sera said. “I am so glad I went west of his store and settled in Berkley. It has been a wonderful experience because of the people, the residents.”

It probably comes as no surprise that the most popular item on the menu is the classic large, square, cheese-and-pepperoni. But even as a franchise, Sera says there are menu items that are lesser known.

“We have two kinds of pepperoni: the normal pepperoni and an old-fashioned pepperoni that cups up,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know we have them, but once they do they normally order them again.”

Sera credits much of the past 27 years of successful business to his employees. Two of his delivery drivers, Kyle Kleckner and Lester Jones, have been working at his Jet’s basically since the beginning, employees for over 25 years.

“They both are staples of our fast delivery service,” he said. “My general manager, Matt MacDonald, has been with me for over 19 years and has been incredible, especially during the pandemic. All of his brothers and his sister have each worked here at one time or another, too.”

SERA’S OWN FAMILY HAVE ALSO BEEN AN ASSET TO THE BERKLEY JET’S SUCCESS; having helped keep the store staffed when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its height.

“On many occasions, I had Christine, my son Ryan and my daughter Alexandria all working on the same shifts to get through the dinner rushes,” he said. “Having my family all working together during the pandemic was a great feeling.”

Despite the positive family-bonding opportunities, much like other businesses, the past two years haven’t always been easy for Sera and Jet’s Pizza.

“The pandemic has really been hard on our work staff. Working with masks and gloves next to a 500-degree oven was challenging,” Sera said. “We have been fortunate with sales but have struggled to have a workforce to support the sales.”

Sera also owns the Southfield Jet’s location at 30120 Southfield Rd., just north of 12 Mile Rd. For anyone who loves pizza and wants to work in a supportive, family-oriented environment, Sera encourages them to join his team.

“We are hiring! Full time, part-time, inside or delivery,” he said. “Apply within!”

Roy Sera; roysera@gmail.com
2823 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072
jetspizza.com
(248) 547-9880
*Pizza statistics from AltoHartley.com & Statista.com

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By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Bill Gemmell

ADITYA RENGASWAMY AND HADY BEYDOUN, CO-OWNERS OF THE BERKLEY MEDICAL CENTER (BMC) PHARMACY, MAKE THE PERFECT PAIR AS FAR AS BUSINESS PARTNERS GO.

“I am more business-minded and work mainly in the back-office doing our accounting and those types of things,” Rengaswamy explained. “Hady and Eman Beydoun are our staff pharmacists.”

The combination of their expertise proved to be especially essential when the business, located conveniently next door to the BMC, first opened in August 2020, right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The pair had to be very strategic about what they planned to do to ensure their business survived.

There are many things that have set the pharmacy apart and have helped their customer base grow quickly. As far as the two are concerned, it has not only survived, but thrived. In fact, the owners have been told this is the first business of its kind to be able to do so in the strip located right on the corner of 12 Mile Rd. and Woodward Ave.

Rengaswamy said, “You can imagine that it was very tough to establish a business during this time. But we’ve been lucky. We made sure to really connect with our neighbors early on and can offer a few things that big-box pharmacies cannot, including free shipping on all orders.” He added, “It helps being able to be in the same location as the medical center, too, so our customers can complete their care all in one spot. This has been a huge draw for them, and the doctors who work at the center have referred their patients to us.”

THE BMC PHARMACY DELIVERS PRESCRIPTIONS FOR FREE NOT ONLY TO BERKLEY RESIDENTS, but all over Southeast Michigan. “I’ve sent orders to downtown Detroit, and all the way to Romulus,” explained Rengaswamy. “That’s not something typically offered by larger pharmacies. Normally customers have to pay a fee.”

The pharmacy also offers much more than medications, including candy bars and other food items that one would normally expect. Adjacent to Kindercare, Rengaswamy and Beydoun are in the midst of planning to supply snack bags to the children who attend.

“We’ll offer a variety of healthy snacks,” said Rengaswamy and adding, jokingly, “Of course, we can’t just give the kids apples or they wouldn’t be very happy with us! We plan to include fruit snacks and an assortment of other healthy options as well.”

And, even if the beginning was a bit tough, in the coming months, the two plan to expand their footprint in the community.

“In the post-pandemic era, we’d like to do much more than this,” said Rengaswamy. “I’m proud to have become a board member of the Chamber of Commerce and be much more involved.”

FOR NOW, THE PHARMACY TEAM HAS JUST BEGUN TO THINK BEYOND STABILIZATION, And the owners are brainstorming next steps. “Be on the lookout,” Rengaswamy was able to share. “We’re planning to post more pharmacist positions soon. We not only offer a certain level of convenience for our customers, we’re also hoping to help the community by offering good-paying jobs.”

They enjoy being situated in the close-knit Berkley community, and surrounded by many neighboring ones, saying, “We’re able to really get to know our customers, their kids, and their families. They’re not just a number.” The word-of-mouth marketing has definitely helped the pharmacy gain a footing in Berkley and the owners are looking forward a bright future with plenty of reasons to give back in a big way.

Berkley Medical Center Pharmacy
1695 12 Mile Rd., Suite 210 second floor, Berkley
248.591.4489

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By Sara E. Teller

BERKLEY FIRST: A UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS TECHNICALLY JUST OVER FOUR-YEARS-OLD, but its roots in Berkley date all the way back to 1929 when a group of Methodists began meeting in a local storefront.

After many decades of faithful ministry, that old church eventually closed its doors. Then, in January 2017, Berkley First launched in its place.

“We exist to gather, nurture, and equip disciples of Jesus Christ for ministry and mission in the world,” Rev. Zack Dunlap explained. He and his wife Rachael lead the ministry.

Dunlap added that the doors are open to any and everyone who is interested in sharing this mission. “Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, Black or white, Asian, or Hispanic, rich or poor, LGBTQ+ or straight, a hunter or a vegan, you are more than welcome here. In planting Berkley First, our hope was to reach people with the good news of Jesus who we never would have reached otherwise – people who might never have been reached at all.”

Berkley First has programs to address the needs of all of its congregation members. In fact, the church’s purpose is to unite everyone for the mutual purpose of serving the Lord, and there is strength in numbers. “We firmly believe that what unites us in Christ is greater than anything that divides us,” he said. “Even if you don’t yet believe in Jesus, we’d love the chance to get to know you.”

The church is community-driven and operates best when the community is willing to be just as passionate in helping each other and giving back. “We were created for community and designed for worship,” Dunlap said.

Worship services are held each Sunday morning at 10:00 A.M. Dunlap encourages Berkley residents and those in surrounding communities to “grab a cup of freshly brewed Great Lakes coffee, check the kids into our excellent children’s programs, and grab a seat to take in modern worship music with a message that’s both Biblically-sound and sure to apply to your life.”

ONE OF THE BEST PARTS ABOUT BERKLEY FIRST IS THAT IT’S LOCATED in an inclusive community that holds fun, ongoing events and activities. “Since its inception, Berkley First has sought to be a hub of community activity from our prominent location at 2820 12 Mile Road,” Dunlap said. “With great schools, a walkable downtown, and a unique atmosphere that’s simultaneously small town and suburban, Berkley is a wonderful community to live, work, pray, and play – and what is good for one of us in this little city is good for all of us.”

The church houses both the Tri-Community Coalition and the new Berkley Cares Food Pantry. It also partners with Micah 6 in Pontiac, Brightmoor and Cass in Detroit, and has international partners in Cuba and Honduras. Berkley First, itself, is a multi-site campus of Birmingham First, located on West Maple.

“We are also connected with Berkley’s only Boy Scout Troop, Troop 1085,” Dunlap said, adding, “We are proud to be the first church in Berkley to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, because we truly believe that what is good for one of us as churches, businesses, residents, and restauranteurs is good for all of us. This empowers us to offer the programming and resources of a larger church, while still having the intimate community feel that Berkley is so well known for.”

BERKLEY FIRST HAS CONTINUED TO ENSURE ITS CONGREGATION HAS OPPORTUNITIES for engagement throughout the pandemic and has held outdoor summer gatherings to accommodate this. The church plans to continue to hold gatherings while upholding all statewide mandates. While safety has always been a top priority, Dunlap knows that togetherness is an important asset of a strong church family.

For more information on Berkley First, 2820 12 Mile Rd., please visit www.berkleyfirst.org or call 248.399.3698.

Worship services are currently held both online and in-person.

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By Ingrid Sjostrand

MICHELLE ARMSTRONG HAS A CLEAR MISSION IN LIFE: to help the small businesses in and around the Berkley community. She is the owner of her own small business, TAG MultiMedia, but her journey didn’t start there.

“It’s been in my nature to help the small-business type-of-person since childhood because my mother and my father had a small business,” she said. “They are inspiring to me and have helped me set the tone for my definitions of success.”

Armstrong is a member of the Berkley, Clawson and Royal Oak Chambers of Commerce, Berkley High School DECA Advisory Committee and Royal Oak Women’s Club, and, in 2019, developed the BerkleyU series with a goal of helping local small businesses stay informed, network and remain a local value in the community.

As a self-proclaimed advocate for small businesses, it might be surprising that Armstrong spent 15 years working in a corporate setting. Having been on both sides of the fence has only further prepared her for her current venture.

“I’ve been in sales, management, training, insight marketing and performance management making sure advertising was performing at a level where our clients saw a return on their investment,” she said. “I moved from there into a business automation specialist role and was knee-deep in how software needed to be a part of the small business model.”

WHICH LEADS TO THE MISSION OF TAG MULTIMEDIA, LOCATED AT 642 S. MAIN ST. IN CLAWSON. Armstrong is using her corporate experience to make software and virtual and augmented reality more accessible to small businesses around Oakland County. But what does that mean?

“We are working on proprietary software that will change the way business is done online and how small to medium-sized businesses present themselves and be represented online,” she said.

This isn’t just your average website or social media profile. TAG is creating online avatars that shoppers can interact with and digital replications of local cities that users will be able to explore and shop in.

“The avatar can live on your website and your social media and is meant to interact with customers. The beauty of having an avatar is that once you train it, you don’t have to retrain it like you would a new employee,” Armstrong said. “In the digital cities, we’ve been able to merge gaming and social environments with a retail and interactive social aspect, all in one space.”

TAG HAS APPROACHED MULTIPLE CITY GOVERNMENTS, including Berkley, and local civic organizations to build these virtual cities. Like many newer technology concepts, it may be hard for some to picture these concepts in action. But Armstrong isn’t deterred by skeptics.

“Not everyone is going to understand the value of this, but those same people can’t deny that eyeballs are online and (businesses) will get lost in the matrix if they don’t present themselves a certain way – a new solution is needed,” Armstrong said. “Virtual and augmented realities aren’t going away. In fact, by the year 2030 it’s going to be a $1.6 trillion dollar industry.”

Several of TAG’s clients are already using avatars in billboards and commercials. Armstrong suggests watching some of their Digital Community Network videos, available on their YouTube channel, DCN Network, to get a better understanding of their product.

“If we don’t do something now, the idea of a brick-and-mortar environment where you can shop is going to diminish. We’re already seeing the impact of that and if those businesses had a way to compete in both spaces they would survive,” she said. “For the last 15 years, I have been helping small businesses bridge the understanding and functionality of software to help them run their business and get a return. I’m looking for more businesses that want to be showcased in this changing landscape.”

For more information and to get involved with TAG MultiMedia, visit TAGMultiMedia.net.

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By Sara E. Teller

THE BERKLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS KNOWN FOR PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS from early elementary to beyond high school. The District is highly-ranked in the State of Michigan as well as nationwide, and there are plenty of diverse opportunities for students to excel both academically and in extracurricular activities.

“In the Berkley School District, students are prepared to be creative, curious, confident, well-rounded critical thinkers,” said Jessica Stilger, Director of Communications. “They are kind and caring and have a global perspective while understanding their communities.” She added that the District “is known for [presenting] pathways for students to achieve their individual best, whatever that looks like for each student.”

One of the main reasons Berkley has one of the top districts has to do with the tremendous support from residents. Since its inception in 1840, the District has enjoyed support from everyone, including businesses and families without children attending school. Stilger said, “Berkley’s students enjoy the multitude of experiences and successes because of the overwhelming community support, the fantastic work of their great teachers and administrators, and the rich and vibrant environments that families create. The incredible successes Berkley students experience are possible, in part, because of the support provided at every level.”

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED to think critically and reach their full potential through out-of-the-box courses in the Cultures of Thinking & Reading program as well as writing workshop models designed to enhance literacy skills and increase comprehension in all subjects.

There are a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses available in higher grades – 26, in fact. These allow students to extend their knowledge beyond a traditional curriculum. Students also have an opportunity to take classes at the Oakland Schools Technical Centers as well as the Center for Creative Studies & the Arts (CASA). These partnerships allow for additional career exploration that is invaluable post-graduation.

“Classes like zoology, forensics, Encore! show choir, creative writing, film studies, history of the Holocaust, marketing, African-American literature, computer programming and more challenge and engage students,” Stilger explained. “Students can explore robotics, foreign languages, student newspaper opportunities and various music options in middle school. In addition, many middle school students complete high school credits while attending Norup and Anderson.”

Berkley offers a plethora of sports, including softball, baseball, football, basketball, track and field, cross-country, wrestling, swimming, volleyball, golf and tennis. Students can also join clubs like the yearbook team, Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA), Black Perspectives Club, Dungeons & Dragons, gaming club, robotics, and art and drama. The high school, specifically, offers soccer, cheerleading, hockey, figure skating, dance and rugby. Stilger explained, “At the high school level, students are able to join over 50 clubs of varying interests, like Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), GSA, drama club, future teachers and more.”

DISTRICT AWARDS

BERKLEY HAS ACHIEVED MANY AWARDS, including being named Best Community for Music Education for the last ten years by the NAMM Foundation (2012-2021). The District is also among the top 25 school districts in Michigan, according to the 2022 Niche rankings, and Berkley High School was named Best High School by the U.S. News & World Report in 2021, as well as being among the top six percent of high schools in the nation.

In recent years, students have been named All-State and Academic All-State for swimming, baseball, tennis, volleyball, and soccer. Twenty student athletes signed with colleges and universities in the 2020-2021 academic year. The Berkley High School (BHS) Orchestra was one of three high school orchestras nationwide invited to play at Carnegie Hall in 2019 for the World Stride Music Festival. “This was the second trip to Carnegie Hall in four years,” explained Stilger.

The BHS Drama Department produced a musical in Spring 2021 and performed outside to ensure the show would go on despite the Coronavirus pandemic. BHS was also the first school in the state to adopt Sources of Strength, a peer-led wellness program.

“The Berkey School District is incredibly proud of all of its students and the paths they are forging for themselves,” said Stilger, adding, “Families are encouraged to join their school’s support groups to stay involved with their child’s school and education.”

In fact, each school has its own Parent Teacher Association parents can join to have a say in the opportunities offered. Choir, Orchestra, and Instrumental Booster groups support grades 6 through 12, and the Athletic Boosters support high school athletics. The Berkley Education Foundation helps all students in all buildings through teacher innovation grants, student scholarships, elementary enrichment programs, and sending students in eighth grade on college tours.

2021 INITIATIVES

THE BERKLEY COMMUNITY PASSED A SINKING FUND INITIATIVE IN 2018 that was meant to expand upon a 2015 bond initiative to provide funding for school roofing and concrete replacement projects, technology infrastructure improvements, energy and security developments, technology device purchases and more. Most recently, the District has focused this funding on building an addition at Anderson Middle School for a multipurpose and cafeteria space. Construction is slated to be completed soon.

A draft of a new strategic plan is also ready for community feedback. The plan will guide the District’s work for the next three to five years, setting stretch goals for the District as a whole and creating a plan for the administrative team to report on to the Board of Education. “The words inspire, empower, lead, will guide the team through this process,” Stilger explained.

Berkley is continuing to ensure that diversity is at the center of its commitment to students and families. Stilger said, “The School District is committed to keeping diversity, equity and inclusion at the forefront of its goals by creating an environment where all staff, students and community members feel a sense of belonging. Many diversity, equity and inclusion goals and strategies are embedded in the new strategic plan proposal.” This focus ensures that the District’s core values of lifting up, encouraging, and supporting each and every child is upheld.

“All are welcome in the Berkley schools no matter the color of their skin, who they love, how they identify, if or how they worship, their family income, where they live, what they look like, their abilities or what language they speak,” Stilger said.

Berkley also has a new superintendent, Scott Francis, who was the District’s Director of Teaching, Learning & Technology for four years prior to moving into his most current position in May 2021. Francis was also the principal of Pattengill Elementary from 2014 to 2017.

“Superintendent Francis will spend the first months of his new position building relationships with staff, families, and community members,” Stilger said. “The goal of the conversations and work will be centered around what is best for students and staff, and how the community – along with Superintendent Francis can create a shared vision for the future of Berkley Schools.”

For more information on the Berkley School District, please contact the administrative office at 248-837-8000 or visit www.berkleyschools.org

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By Lisa Howard

TEN YEARS ON THE BERKLEY CITY COUNCIL, FOUR YEARS ON THE LOCAL EMERGENCY POLICY COUNCIL FOR OAKLAND COUNTY, 30 years in the Army and Army Reserve, 37 years as a volunteer firefighter…and that’s not even getting into his career as an engineer.

If it involves emergency management, Jack Blanchard has done it. “I love emergency management — it applies to everything, from schools to cities,” Blanchard says. (Not surprisingly, he’s also been involved with Berkley Schools.)

He initially worked with emergency management in his active Army days back in the 1970s. “One of my jobs was to open up the Ohio Turnpike after a big snowstorm,” he explains. “I was running operations from North Carolina, flying in airport snowplows and snowblowers and moving in Army units to help clear the expressway. It was a major effort.”

NOW, HAVING RECEIVED HIS CERTIFICATION AS A PROFESSIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGER by the Michigan State Police, Blanchard spends a lot of time putting long-term planning into place for Oakland County concerns including big local events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Berkley Art Bash.

Between public-safety, food-service and traffic-control plans, overall event plans can be a 100+ pages long. “People don’t realize how much is involved in putting on these events,” says Blanchard. “We make sure they’re pulled off safely. We do a lot of long-term planning so that if something happens it will be very easy to address.”

In addition to events, a big part of emergency management is dealing with climate-related issues like flooding. As most Berkley residents know, flooding is a perennial problem, in large part because it’s a regional problem. Blanchard explains that while the City can help mitigate some flooding, heavy rainfall to the west can cause big problems.

“We have sewers coming in from Southfield passing through Berkley that we dump our water into. And when we have really torrential rain, the sewers get supercharged and we can’t get water into them,” he says. “So, we’re working hard to figure out ways to temporarily store the rainwater, like installing big rainwater storage systems under-neath parking lots.”

When building their parking lot the Library put in a system, for example, and whenever any new major development is built going forward, the builders will be required to put systems underneath it so that the water can run in there and then be released slowly into the drain system. Another useful tactic is to slow down water going into sewers in the streets, allowing the water to sit on the surface for a little longer means less pressure on the sewers, pressure that could otherwise force water up into people’s houses. The City is also looking at installing rain gardens to help capture and soak up excessive rain.

WHEN HE’S NOT DRAWING UP PLANS TO IMPROVE CITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND EVENTS, Blanchard serves on the Oakland County Incident Management Team, assisting in searches for missing persons, helping out when a tornado hits, and working with events outside of Berkley like the Detroit fireworks and Milford Memories summer festival.

During the pandemic, he also closely tracked what Berkley spent for various needs since some of that overlapped with receiving FEMA funding. As he points out, any emergency manager worth their salt knows that keeping impeccable records is the key to potential future reimbursement.

“We have a good team in City Hall,” Blanchard says. “In terms of the future of Berkley, everything I’ve seen so far is positive. We’re fixing the roads and redoing water mains, our DDA Director is working on recruiting businesses and we’re getting a lot of new residents. I think the city is going to develop even more.”

As if that weren’t enough, Blanchard has also been the City Council Liaison to the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce for the last ten years. Well done, Jack!

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By Lisa Howard

REAL ESTATE INVOLVES A LOT MORE THAN SHOWING HOUSES, realtor Tim Murad points out – it’s a “relationships” business. On average, he works with clients for three to six months depending on how long it takes for them to find their dream home, do the closing, and move in.

“In almost four years of being a full-time Keller Williams realtor, I’ve made so many friends! Because that’s what my clients become,” he says. Whether their clients are buying or selling, realtors need to work closely with them to understand their wants and needs and how those factors fit in with the current market.

Last year was a particularly challenging time for anyone involved in real estate given that the traditional timeframe for selling homes was pushed back several months. “March and April are typically the hottest selling months because families want to move over the summer and be settled in before school starts, but that hot streak didn’t get started until midsummer of 2020.

Now we’re seeing more of the traditional market,” Tim explains. He anticipates the market to remain competitive, though, with sellers typically receiving multiple offers over their asking price if they price it right. “If you over-price a house, it’ll sit on the market forever even if the market is hot,” he warns. “Sometimes home-owners have a vision in their head of what they think their house is worth, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect the state of the market.”

Another factor in the upward trajectory of selling prices has been a shortage of new housing. Ever since the recession in the late 2000s led to fewer new homes being built, construction has not gone back to pre-recession levels. That puts more demand on existing houses. The trend was starting to reverse…and then the pandemic hit. Construction costs, in particular, have gone up in terms of both materials and labor. “And on top of that, the pandemic also changed where people want to live,” Tim says. “Because a lot of people can now work remotely, they no longer have to live so close to their place of employment.”

IT’S FAIR TO SAY THAT BEING A REALTOR THESE DAYS IS COMPLICATED! But that hasn’t dimmed Tim’s appreciation of real estate. As a kid, he loved drawing houses and buildings, an obsession that led him to become an architect. His work at an architecture firm eventually took him to the IT department, where he stayed for many years.

Ultimately, though, he wanted to get back to working with people, so he combined that with his architectural experience and became a realtor. “I can look at homes and help guide people to decide if they want to do renovations or additions,” he says, “and I can take what the inspector is trying to explain and put it in layperson terms for the buyer.”

Along with understanding the nuts and bolts of a home, over the years, he’s also acquired expertise in how cities interact with their residents; he has served on several City boards, including the Berkley Planning Commission, the Berkley Downtown Development Authority, and the Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce. As a longtime Berkley resident, he was also the chair of the committee that worked on the Berkley Public Library renovations back in 1998.

Despite having a strong Berkley base, Tim works with clients all over Metro Detroit. Still, he isn’t shy about his feelings regarding our city. “From a real estate standpoint, Berkley is one of the most desirable cities in this area right now,” he says. “I’ve always said to people that it feels like you’re in a small town in the middle of a big city. Everybody knows everybody and is welcoming, yet you’re minutes away from big art museums, sports teams, concert venues, you name it. It’s a great place to live and to raise a family.”

Tim Murad Realty | 423 S Washington Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067 | (248) 288-3500
https://tjmurad.kw.com | Tim@TimMurad.com

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By Lisa Howard

BANKS AND BANKERS SOMETIMES HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BEING STUFFY, but Tamara Powell, manager of the Berkley branch of Vibe Credit Union, is the opposite.

So is the branch itself. Her 20-year anniversary of working at Vibe is just around the corner, and she’s been the manager for the past 12 years. One of her main jobs, she says, is to be the face of Vibe; to get out into the community and meet people. That’s why she also joined the Berkley Area Chamber and loves to volunteer at events around town like the annual Berkley Street Art Fest and the Berkley Art Bash.

“Being in Berkley is like being in a big city in a small town – everyone knows everyone,” Powell says. “The average person I meet who lives here has either lived here for 30 years or they were raised here and then moved away and now they’re back in the community with their new family. I feel like no one leaves Berkley.”

That kind of neighborly connection makes it all-the-more enjoyable to network within her roles as both a credit union manager and a Chamber member. Perhaps not surprisingly, she’s also the Treasurer of the Chamber.

TAMARA AND HER FAMILY ARE ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY IN MANY WAYS. Her kids attend Berkley schools and played for Berkley sports teams, among them the Berkley Steelers and Bears. The kids work in the community too. In other words, everyone in the family stays plenty busy, and Tamara’s days are full with work and family life.

Powell says life at the credit union keeps getting busier too, especially now that the renovations are complete. The branch got a complete overhaul starting in the Winter of 2020 and finishing in the Summer of 2021, even shutting down the drive-thru services for about two months while the parking lot was redone.

But now business is running at full tilt, with a record number of loans issued and a thriving membership. Ever since Vibe merged with Oakland County Credit Union – which doubled the number of Vibe branches – more and more people have been coming in to find out about the credit union’s services.

“MY FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING THE MANAGER IS THE PEOPLE,” Powell says. “I love meeting the new members and helping the existing ones. And I have a great team here, which makes my job easy. Everyone at the branch understands the importance of providing excellent member service. We get referrals because our members brag about how well they’re treated.”

Some of the employees whom she originally hired are still there eight years later, a testament to the branch being a great place to work. In addition to Powell volunteering at Chamber events, the branch also sponsors community initiatives like the Berkley Public Library’s summer reading program.

As Powell points out, being a financial institution doesn’t mean being standoff-ish rather, it means being at the heart of the community.

3082 Coolidge Hwy, Berkley, MI 48072 | 248.735.9500
www.vibecreditunion.com/home/home

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By Sara E. Teller
Photos by Ashley Poirer

THE BERKLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (BACC) IS DEDICATED TO CREATING A SPACE for business owners to come together to serve Berkley and our surrounding communities. The Chamber has organized many events and activities over the years, with this year being no exception despite the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Many great things have been happening around town in general, even as the world is faced with a ‘new normal.’ There are businesses continuing to come into Berkley, and the close-knit community has witnessed a growing number of people settling in, especially younger singles and families. Drawn to the area because of the ‘everyone-knows-everyone’ ambiance, free parking and many fun things to do, Berkley continues to be a go-to spot for newcomers.

BACC primarily supports small businesses by engaging in local events, organizing affordable marketing options, offering a high-volume social media presence, and initiating networking activities. In 2021, BACC was instrumental in supporting businesses through a grant from Oakland County. The Chamber offered PPE items for its members, as well as propane for outdoor heaters, hand sanitizer, wipes, and other items that weren’t in the budget before the pandemic hit. The Chamber ensured members were given as much online attention as possible, particularly regarding adjustments made to days and hours they were open, and the innovative ways owners came up with to continue serving residents.

“We organized very successful 2021 summer events that brought thousands of people to Berkley, in a strategic, safely-spaced manner,” explained BACC’s Executive Director, Darlene Rothman, adding, “We had beautiful days for these events, and everyone enjoyed being outside. You could feel the excitement in the air!”

BERKLEY ART BASH & STREET ART FEST: While the Berkley Art Bash is traditionally held annually during the second weekend in June, the event was postponed to September 11 this year to allow for more people to receive the Covid-19 vaccination. Pinspiration Berkley and Vibe Credit Union sponsored the Kids Zone. Nearly 100 vendors offered a diverse assortment of photographs, garden art, jewelry, pottery, wearables, paintings, and gourmet offerings.

“We expanded the footprint by a few more blocks to ensure more space between vendors and to allow for safer shopping,” said RoseAnn Nicolai, BACC Events & Operations Manager and owner of Nicolai Events & Communications. “A lot of the success of the event was due to April McCrumb, owner of Catching Fireflies and Yellow Door Art Market. She did such a great job curating the show and finding such talented artists to be vendors.”

The County Oakland Irish Fest group hosted the entertainment which included Doug Thompson, the Flanagan-O’Hare Irish Dancers and Michael O’Brian & the Distractions. Children who attended could either make a craft there or take a kit home. Pinspiration Berkley also had a splatter-paint tent where children could fling paint onto a small canvas, creating their own piece of artwork.

The Berkley Street Art Fest date was also postponed to August 7 this year due to the pandemic. Downtown Berkley was transformed with art as professional and aspiring chalk artists created colorful street art with chances to win prizes. Shop for Good Village, a newly-added component coordinated by VITRINE owner Susan Rogal, was a curated collection of handmade products made by sellers with a primary focus on ‘doing good’ on a local or global scale. A commissioned artist, Ed Irmen, created a mural at Folio Offices. People throughout Metro Detroit watched these artists as their masterpieces came to life. The event was presented by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

“We are looking forward to Berkley Art Bash returning back to its usual time of year in 2022, Nicolai said. “Mark your calendar for June 11, 2022. Berkley Street Art Fest date will be announced in 2022, and County Oakland Irish Fest, which the Chamber is a sponsor, will return on September 10, 2022.”

CRUISEFEST: The 2021 CruiseFest shirt, designed by Jon Murrell of Armadillo (owned by Dave Lakatos), was such a big hit that it sold out prior to the event for the first time in the CruiseFest’s history. The Chamber responded by adding a limited timeframe for residents to purchase them online.

The shirt was created to promote the 25th anniversary of the CruiseFest, which was held on August 20, 2021. The event draws car lovers from all over and includes a parade of classic vehicles for attendees to enjoy. Darron Moore & the 14th Floor provided the event’s entertainment. New for 2021, the Berkley Parks & Recreation hosted an outdoor movie experience in front of the Neighbor’s Shoppe. The film Grease was screened immediately following the parade.

RESTAURANT WEEKEND & NIGHT MARKET: BACC partnered with the Berkley DDA to bring, for the first time, a Restaurant Weekend to downtown Berkley the first weekend of October. Katie Kutscher and Christine Gross, sister owners of Berkley Common, also helped pulled together this amazing event.

“Berkley Common was the driving force behind this,” Rothman said. “Katie initiated the conversation, encouraging us to do something to help the restaurants.” The owners wanted everyone (BACC, DDA, and the participants) to join together as a team to bring extra attention to the restaurant community during an especially difficult time.

Those who participated included Berkley Common, 24 Seconds, Amici’s Kitchen & Living Room, Casa Amado Tacqueria, Coco Fairfield’s, Crispelli’s, Dog & Pony Show Brewing, Fresh Collective Kitchen & Market, Green Lantern, Oak Park Social and Republica. Each eatery had food and drink specials local foodies could retrieve online by scanning a QR code or simply take note of signs placed around town.

The same weekend, the DDA Night Market was held on October 2nd, giving residents the opportunity to visit their regular go-tos after hours and explore new businesses along the way. Retailers stayed open late to give visitors a magical night-time shopping experience. A complimentary downtown trolley sponsored by the Berkley DDA ran throughout the event and dozens of storefronts transformed with spooky décor.

The retailers who participated included Articipate, The Artsy Umbrella, Fresh Collective Market, GateKeeper Games, …Have You Any Wool?, June & December, Peninsulas, Pinspiration Berkley, PUCK HCKY, Red Arrow Tattoo Collective, Reware Vintage, Toadvine Books, Tootie & Tallulah’s, The Twisted Shamrock, Ullman’s Health & Beauty and VITRINE.

Rothman said, “The restaurants and retail stores were thrilled that the community supported them by eating and shopping locally, for as many items as possible and being gracious to their staff as many are understaffed. The holidays are approaching soon, so please consider buying local to support these businesses.”

STATE OF THE CITIES: The State of the Cities event, produced by CMNTv and sponsored by Beaumont Health, was held virtually on October 28, 2021. The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for local government entities including the City of Berkley, City of Huntington Woods, the Berkley School District, the Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the BACC, to report out to the community about the accomplishments and issues faced over the past year as well as talk about what is up-and-coming.

The Chamber honored local businesspeople and organizations during the State of the Cities that had been especially supportive of the Berkley community. Its Best of Berkley awards are traditionally given to Chamber members who exemplify leadership, have passion for the area, and go out of their way to support businesses with a commitment to making the community shine.

Rothman added, “This past year, with the pandemic, they had to be especially creative and think outside of the box.” The 2021 recipients focused largely on ensuring that the community flourished despite the Coronavirus.

THE 2021 CHAMBER HONOREES INCLUDED VITRINE, owned by Susan Rogal, as Business of the Year, and Robyn Cohen, owner of Sum Girls Boutique, as Businessperson of the Year.

VITRINE and Rogal have been instrumental in bringing attention to downtown Berkley businesses, especially along the Coolidge Corridor, where VITRINE is located.

“VITRINE is always coming up with new ways to promote Berkley, and Susan personally recruits businesses to participate in the downtown shopping events,” Nicolai said. “Susan is so willing to help new businesses on Coolidge succeed by offering them advice and connecting them with people who can help.”

“In particular, they were instrumental in growing this year’s Berkley Street Art Fest, using their summer marketing dollars usually allocated to promoting their business,” Nicolai said. “And their staff personally, on their own, promoted the event.”

The second honoree, Robyn Coden, “is a champion for downtown Berkley and its businesses,” Nicolai said. “At least once a month, she has an event that brings different vendors and businesses to town to promote at her store. She also consistently donates, both monetarily and of her time, to the community, civic groups, and Berkley Schools.”

Coden regularly employs students from Berkley High School and Anderson Middle School to work in the store and creates cross-promotional opportunities with other businesses. She has recruited new businesses to open their storefronts in Berkley, and through her social media presence, she is always drawing attention to these businesses.

Nicolai explained, “Both honorees are passionate about making sure everyone in downtown Berkley succeeds.”

Rothman and Nicolai are especially grateful to the “wonderful writers of this annual City Guide who all do a fantastic job.”

For more information on BACC activities and events, or to become a member, visit the Chamber’s newly launched site: www.berkleychamber.com

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