Six Minutes

Six Minutes from The Handicammers on Vimeo.

Can a bag of nickels make a difference? A simple parking ticket inspires a movement that aims to give others six extra minutes at the meter, saving them from violations of their own and allowing them to spend more time in downtown Royal Oak stimulating the local economy.

Voices of Detroit Interviews Two Local Business Owners Who are Improving the Lives of Local Detroiter's

Voices of Detroit with Larry Henry and David Benjamin once again visited Goldfish Tea in Royal Oak for their latest show.

In this podcast, we talk to Menachem Kniespeck who is co-founder of Operation: Kid Equip and Lisa Meloche, President and Massage Therapist of Bodywork Alternatives.

During the show, Voices of Detroit brings the two together in what might be the start of another great non-profit organization benefitting everyone!

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Beaumont, Royal Oak Named a 'Top 100' Hospital for Nursing

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/

Nursing Professionals magazine has selected Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak as one of its 2009 "Top 100 Hospitals to Work For." Beaumont was one of five Michigan hospitals to make the listing.

"It's an honor to be recognized nationally as an outstanding place for nurses to work," says Val Gokenbach, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer at Beaumont, Royal Oak.

"Our ability to provide excellent care for patients depends on the expertise of our nurses. We're especially proud that Beaumont, Royal Oak was the first hospital in Michigan to attain Magnet status, the highest designation for nursing excellence."

In early 2008, Nursing Professionals sent a survey to 25,000 randomly selected hospital nurses throughout the country measuring their job satisfaction. Questions focused on the following topics: training and development; family-friendly employer; equality and diversity; and flexible working arrangements.

"Greater awareness of the crucial role of nurses and the expanded opportunities they have today in patient care, research and training will be very helpful in encouraging more people to enter this profession, " says Donna Anderson, a senior vice president of marketing with
Nursing Professionals.

Nursing Professionals magazine serves as a tool for hospitals, the military and corporations to recruit nurse graduates.

Beaumont Hospitals employs 6,544 nurses, nursing assistants and nurse technicians. The three-hospital system is consistently recognized as having the best nurses by the National Research Corporation and as among the most preferred places to work.

From the flexibility of its nursing pool to a variety of full and part-time opportunities on its medical, surgical, cardiology and maternal child health units, Beaumont has a broad range of opportunities.

All three Beaumont Hospitals have Professional Nurse Councils that are made up of nurses who serve in an advisory and decision-making role to provide leadership in nursing practice, professional development, outcomes and research.

Calling All Future Brides

Getting ready to tie the knot?

Not sure where to find the latest in bridal gifts, dresses, cakes, makeup and accessories?

Downtown Royal Oak is offering an array of ideas at the area's premier boutique bridal event: Bridal Bliss, Saturday, Feb. 7, from noon to 5 p.m.

This event is different than other bridal events held in large venues as it caters to the bride-to-be who is looking for that little something "extra" when it comes to planning a unique, festive wedding - regardless of budget.

Participants will learn what's hot for 2009 weddings and beyond - from dresses and accessories to cakes and invitations.

Royal Oak also offers many restaurants and venues to host engagement parties, showers, bachelor parties and weddings. It's a great way to see everything the city can offer the bride-to-be.

Registration begins at noon on Feb. 7, at Douglas J Aveda Institute located at 409 S. Center St. (between Main and Washington).

After registering, participants will receive guides filled with great incentives from downtown retailers.

All participants will also have the opportunity to enter to win a bridal gift package with gift cards from local retailers valued over $1,500.

Thirty downtown retailers are participating in the event. Look for the pink bows outside of stores.

The Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority is sponsor of this event.

For more information, visit downtownroyaloak.org or call (248) 246-3065.

Detroit artists inspired by the man and the moment

By Patricia Montemurri
Detroit Free Press

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — As Barack Obama finished his inauguration speech, a dozen artists at the 323 East Art Boutique here erupted into applause and cheers as they stood near their collected portraits of the new president.

"It was empowering and inspirational," said Mike Mac-Kool, 25, of Detroit, one of the gallery owners. "He's a man of majestic nature. It makes me feel pretty hopeful."

The noonday sun pouring into the narrow studio reflected on portraits of Obama in many moods: smiling, pensive, jubilant, somber.

His profile was evoked in bright neon hues or muted shades.

The artists, whose work is displayed on the website, http://www.323east.com/, said they were influenced by the times.

A sturdy rectangle of cardboard was Andrew Alexander's canvas to depict a thoughtful Obama. The president's name is written on the work in a graffiti style.

"I'm using what we can to make the best of the times," said Alexander, 25, of Highland, referring to his use of a mundane medium like cardboard. He called Obama's speech inspiring.

"I liked the explanation of intentions of what he wants to do," Alexander said. "You know that you're in a bad time, but why let that stop you? That's when the most influential things have been forged in our country."

MacKool said art and history have always gone hand-in-hand.

"Embrace this moment," he urged, "through the eyes of artists."