• Leslie EllisPatch Staff Verified Patch Staff Badge

  • Huntington Woods-Berkley, MI

Email leslie.ellis@patch.com

Phone 248-303-4434

My family was a news family - we got the daily paper and discussed the nightly news over dinner. On the weekend, CBS News Sunday morning was part of our breakfast routine and we spent the first part of the day reading and swapping sections of the newspaper. With all that information floating around in our heads, you'd think one of us would have been able to beat my Dad at Trivial Pursuit. But, we never did - even when we teamed up against him! My first internship was in high school with the Rochester Eccentric newspaper. But I really caught the news bug at Michigan State University, where I studied history and journalism. I found a way to combine both subjects with jobs at The State News and the Lansing State Journal. Journalism, after all, has been called "the first rough draft of history." As luck would have it, I landed my first professional job near home at The Oakland Press and from there moved to The Detroit News. Despite its ups and downs, journalism has been a rewarding career that has allowed me to learn something new every day, meet fascinating people, be creative and serve the community!

Posting Activity

Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Dream Cruise Snapshot: 'It's Like Reliving Your Youth'

Huntington Woods couple Rick and Margaret Tripp stroll along Woodward Avenue on Saturday ahead of their 46th wedding anniversary next weekend and recall what it was like to be an original cruiser.

Dream Cruise Snapshot: 'It's Like Reliving Your Youth'
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Have a Safe, Healthy Dream Cruise

Alliance Mobile Health will set up first-aid stations during Berkley CruiseFest and the Woodward Dream Cruise; the agency also offers tips on how to avoid seeking medical treatment when you'd rather be watching the classic cars.

Have a Safe, Healthy Dream Cruise
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Dream Cruise Snapshot: Witnessing for Jesus

John Brooky of Ferndale loves the cars, don't get him wrong. But he also loves Jesus. So he pairs the two passions at the Dream Cruise.

Dream Cruise Snapshot: Witnessing for Jesus
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Berkley Approves Animal Shelter on 11 Mile Road

New Beginnings Animal Rescue also provides a Pet Food Pantry program that assists owners who otherwise may have to surrender their animals.

Berkley Approves Animal Shelter on 11 Mile Road
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Moms Talk: Did Sesame Street Make the Right Choice?

The popular children's show will not heed requests to have beloved characters Bert and Ernie get married: Is the program an appropriate avenue to discuss the issue of marriage – gay or otherwise – with kids?

Moms Talk: Did Sesame Street Make the Right Choice?
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Candidates File for November Elections

A mix of incumbents and new faces will contend for positions on Berkley City Council, Huntington Woods City Commission and Berkley School District Board of Education.

Candidates File for November Elections
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Berkley School District Meets No Child Left Behind Goals

However, Berkley High School was among a number of Michigan high schools that didn't meet the 2010-2011 Adequate Yearly Progress benchmarks; officials cite increased targets.

Berkley School District Meets No Child Left Behind Goals
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Completion of Berkley Parking Lot Project Delayed

Nasty weather, complications securing easements and parts delays held up the work, but the city expects the lot will be open Friday for CruiseFest parking — without finishing touches.

Completion of Berkley Parking Lot Project Delayed
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Official Woodward Dream Cruise Gear a Hot Commodity

Merchandise is available at the corner of 12 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Berkley; sales are a big income generator for community groups.

Official Woodward Dream Cruise Gear a Hot Commodity
Huntington Woods-Berkley|News|

Dream Cruisers, Spectators: Woodward Awaits You

From Mustang Alley in Ferndale to the Kids Cruise in Royal Oak to Chevy's centennial in Birmingham, there are events for every community leading up to and through Saturday's Woodward Dream Cruise.

Dream Cruisers, Spectators: Woodward Awaits You