Vaccine rollout ramps up with new guidelines
Small business owner finds her niche during COVID-19
While continuing to put an emphasis on getting senior citizens vaccinated, county health officials announced Saturday they are expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to most of Macomb’s adult population.
The new guidelines, which go into effect immediately, allow for vaccines to be administered to:
• People aged 16 and up who have disabilities and/ or medical conditions, as well as their caregiver family members and guardians.
• Lawyer guardian ad litem, guardians and conservators required by statute to visit and who are actively visiting wards; and, attorneys that are required to attend in-person proceedings who work in close proximity with others that cannot otherwise be conducted virtually.
As vaccine rollout has ramped up, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel has criticized Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for allowing the expansion of eligibility beyond seniors when the county has not had enough doses to handle those 62 and up considered to be most vulnerable.
“We are encouraged to see a number of positive trends with our vaccination strategy here in Macomb County,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “With an ever-growing number of seniors obtaining the vaccine
and increased doses being received, we are making the commitment to provide vaccines to individuals who have a disability and legal advocates.”
The head of the county health office confirmed now is the time to expand efforts.
“Throughout this pandemic we have worked with public health experts and community advocates to develop the most responsive and equitable vaccine strategy for our community,” said Macomb County Health Officer Andrew Cox. “This is the next step to ensure all vulnerable population groups can have safe access to the vaccine right here at home.”
Those interested are encouraged to visit Macombgov.org and click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Central link to verify and obtain all the necessary information to get vaccinated. With the announcement earlier this week of the county’s new scheduling system, available appointments are posted on an ongoing basis on the county’s website.
Previously, appointments have offered on a first come, first serve basis at 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday. As of Saturday morning, the county has administered 65,793 doses with another 22,012 appointments set.
A lot of small businesses in Michigan that were forced to close their doors during the coronavirus may never reopen.
Yet, others have thrived. “When COVID hit, my business boomed,” said Patty Romanelli, founder and president of Graphix4You by Glitz4You, a small businesses that does custom graphics, screen printing and embroidery, which she operates in the basement of her home. “When I do the graphics I send it to them. They look it over. Then they pick out the apparel and I do the work. I don’t have a lot of exposure with people.”
When the stay at home order went into effect last March, her orders increased.
“There wasn’t anyone else doing what I do,” she said, of the companies doing the same kind of work, which has changed considerably since she started.
Twenty years ago, most of what she designed was given to her friends. But when they started asking for copies of her designs or designs of their own she decided to turn what she loves to do into a business.
“It just kind of escalated from there,” she said.
Her late husband, Joe, an automotive designer who recognized her talents for design, was the one who encouraged her to do it. He also advised her to do the work herself rather than jobbing some of it out to vendors.
And so she with the help
“I only recently became acquainted with this dynamic person but quickly grew to admire and esteem her pioneering ambition,” said Christine Gennette, who handles marketing and promotion for the business.
As for the basement, it works out nicely as a shop.
One side of the area serves as a workshop and office, while the other is as a boutique featuring everything from active wear and T-shirts to tank tops, sweatshirts, crop tops, purses, boots, hats and jewelry. Shoppers simply make an appointment to stop by, browse the selection of goods, then purchase the items or place an order. Everyone who enters has their temperatures taken at the door, must wear a mask and practice social distancing but there’s plenty of room to move around. She can also accommodate small parties if someone wanted to organize a shopping spree.
“I’ve had people bring appetizers and make a night of it,” Romanelli said.
has, along of five employees.
Sizes on the apparel range from X-SM to 4XL. Plus, anything and everything can be embroidered and emblazoned with glitter, Rhinestones or Rhine studs.
“This is one of my favorites,” said Romanelli, holding up a sweatshirt featuring a glitzy illustration of a local eatery popular among boaters. Since she lives near Lake St. Clair and many of her clients are boaters from Macomb and Oakland counties, a common design theme is nautical.
More often than not the incorporate some sort of glitter.
However, while women love glitz, shortly after starting her business Romanelli realized a lot of men were not very excited about what she was doing.
“I kind of expected it,” she said.
But it got her thinking about what men might like or need and it’s this thought process that led her to launch Graphix4You by Glitz4You, which specializes in custom corporate wear for men and women. Dress shirts and uniforms, jackets or golf shirts, any kind of apparel that a company might need to promote
their business or brand is what Graphix4You can do. Shortly after its launch, Romanelli landed a few accounts and once word got out that she was able to do the work this portion of her business boomed.
“This is a small community and word of mouth can do a lot,” said the 71-yearold,
who admits her hobby has turned into a pretty good income.
It’s also still fun for her and while many of her friends are kicking back and enjoying their retirement, she is looking ahead at new designs and more options for her business.
“This is kicking back for
her,” Gennette said, while watching her boss pluck examples of her work from the rack. “How can you not be inspired by this woman?”