January 3, 2022 People/Dining/Shopping/Events/Culture All defining Livonia
|
|
This picture by Paul Joyner Photography defines to me the expectations for the year 2022. One person is online, talking on the telephone, totally connected without the need for any interpersonal skillset.
The other person is recharging his phone, looking at the person opposite his chair while ignoring his laptop. Perhaps longing to make a connection personally.
Yes, it could be interpreted as boy meets girl but I feel strongly that it says we need to take a step back from our electronic devices while recharging. Recharging not our internet life but our personal.
Taking that into consideration I would like to engage, one on one, or one with many the concept of Courageous Conversations, addressing (1) a pressing issue, (2) the consequences of the issue, (3) the responsibilities of those involved, and (4) the hopes and plans for improving the future.
This idea was presented to me by Steve Spreitzer, a Livonia Bentley graduate who ran track while at Bentley and is now the President, CEO of the Michigan Roundtable. He has recently moved back to Livonia from Plymouth which provided the typewriter an opportunity to share tea/coffee with him, first at Madonna College and again at the Tuscan before Christmas
The concept intrigued me as I watch Livonia become divided on a number of issues, all beneath the surface but occasionally thanks to social media coming to the forefront. This was especially true during and after the City Council race.
One is the issue of black v white, candidates v Livonia Cares About Black Lives, Non-discrimination ordinance supporters v opponents, pro-public school v private schools.
Each takes a role on the social media platform but not in a public discussion where the issue can reach a point of moving forward.
Now is the time and this publication is looking to our community leaders to bring people together on these issues and others to reach a unifying position to move Livonia forward, or at a minimum to have the sides come to an understanding on the consequences of positions taken and the responsibility of those taking a given position.
|
Livonia's changing political landscape
Effective with the primary, August 2022,
and general election November 2022
|
Livonia will have three State Representatives while keeping incumbent Laurie Pohutsky
"The MICRC has approved new maps, and I’m excited to be running for re-election to the Michigan House in the 17th district, representing parts of Livonia, Redford, and Detroit."
Currently, most all of Livonia has a single state House district. The new map will split the city into three districts. Two new districts in the city extend east to include Redford and some Detroit neighborhoods while the third district (District 22, see below) extends west to include Plymouth and part of Northville.
|
Livonia welcomes incumbent
Representative Matt Koleszar
Plymouth Incumbent State Representative Matt Koleszar (D) has announced for the new District 22 which includes Plymouth City, most of Plymouth Township, Northville City, most of Northville Township and the western part of Livonia.
Meet Matt Koweszare:
|
Livonia loses Haley Stevens as our representative in Congress
"Now that we have final mapping configurations, I am excited to announce that I will continue representing my home, Oakland County, and will be filing to run for re-election in the new Michigan's 11th."
Her new district includes southeast Oakland County communities Ferndale, Oak Park, Royal Oak, Madison Heights, and extends up to Troy. It also includes Bloomfield Hills, Pontiac, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce Charter Township, and Waterford. Rep. Andy Levin, D-Bloomfield Township, also lives in this district.
|
Livonia will now have two
County Commissioners
In addition to three State Representatives, two State Senators Livonia will have two Wayne County Commissioners.
Our long-serving Commissioner Terry Marecki (R) will keep Northville City and Township along with the northern half of Livonia.
|
Under the new districts approved by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners Glenn Anderson (D), who represented Livonia for eight years in the Michigan State Senate, will be returning to Livonia representing the southern half of Livonia. |
Livonia will have two state senators
State Senator Dayna Polehanki (D) currently representing all of Livonia has announced that she is running for re-election in a newly drawn district including a small part of Livonia primarily the southwest corner, Canton, Westland, Garden City, and Inkster.
Livonia is to be split in two with the southwestern part of the city placed in a district including Canton, Garden City, Inkster, and Westland. The rest of Livonia is in a district that includes Farmington, part of Farmington Hills, Redford, and some west side Detroit neighborhoods.
|
|
From Livonia with Love to the
Czech Republic
Livonia City Councilman Brandon McCullough has been selected to play for the United States as a member of the USA Ball Hockey masters team.
"I am honored to be representing the USA at the World Ball Hockey Championship! The tournament is set to take place in the Czech Republic in September 2022."
|
Successful LSO Guitar Raffle
The long wait is over and the Livonia Symphony Orchestra guitar raffle has now selected the winner.
This typewriter was honored to pull the winning ticket. In the audience were the Dan MacIver and Chris Last families, along with Robin Whitfield, President of the LSO, Charlie Mahoney, Board Member, and Emily Bauman, Board Member.
And the winner is Livonia resident Gary Selesko.
Charlie Mahoney offers her "congratulations to Gary and thanks to all who supported this raffle and LSO."
|
Seedlings Spotlight
Maya is one of Seedlings Kids. Read this nice quote from her mom:
“I'm the parent of 8-year old twin girls who love to read. We absolutely LOVE Seedlings’ books. The neat lines on the page make it easy for my girls to follow without missing any words.
"Thanks for all you do!”
|
Masks now required at both Library locations |
Beginning Monday, January 3 through January 22, all patrons regardless of vaccination status will be required to wear a mask in all Livonia Public Library locations per the CDC and Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services recommendations.
Masks are available for your use at all locations.
|
So refreshing to spend time with nearly 3-year-old Leonardo and of course 9-month-old Maya. So proud of the partnership between Raquel and Paul making sure these two are participating in learning life skills--well at least Leo but soon it will be Maya's turn.
One of the most important skills to learn is to have cinnamon rolls on Christmas Day.
|
|
Postal Address
19514 Bainbridge 48152
|
|
|
E-mail
rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com
|
|
The typewriter looks forward to hearing from FridayMusings readers |
The typewriter loves to hear about what is going on in Livonia. Make a promise that in 2022 you will continue sharing news and information about Livonia happenings and the typewriter will continue sharing it with our Livonia neighbors. |
|
AAUW Livonia Celebrates 48th Salute to Women |
Pictured left to right: Lynn O’Neil - President AAUW-Livonia,
Awardee Tracey Stevenson, and Charlie Mahoney
|
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) held its 48th "Salute to Women" Luncheon recently recognizing women whose efforts reflect the goals of AAUW and whose contributions enhance the quality of life. This year's honoree was Tracey Stevenson, Assistant Principal at Clarenceville High School.
Stevenson has worked in the educational field for over 20 years. She received her B.A. in Business Administration from Michigan State, M.A. in School Counseling from Siena Heights University, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Madonna University.
A passionate advocate for all students she believes to her core that all students can be successful. She has worked to establish a school culture that celebrates all students and is conducive to student learning and growth, be it academic, social, or emotional. She is also active in coordinating efforts with community stakeholders to ensure students remain focused and receive appropriate attention to their needs.
Stevenson continually looks for ways she might impact the larger community.
In 2020 she started a book club for girls during the COVID shutdown discussing topics that were themed with the books; this was so well received that it continues today. A board member of Livonia Kids and Families she assisted in the creation of a food pantry program for the Clarenceville School District.
Collaborating with Say Detroit and Growth Works she helped create workshops on personal growth and the importance of building positive relationships to make a difference for students struggling with finding a positive path to success in school and the community.
Stevenson is also the Educational Ministry Leader at her church, El Bethel Baptist in Redford where she organizes the annual Project Get Ready-Back to School Rally providing school supplies to adequately prepare children for a successful state to their school year.
Stevenson is a wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother. She loves spending time with her family and friends. She loves giving back to others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
