January 6, 2020   Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
Musings masthead website


                Art + Culture + Recreation + Volunteerism = Livonia
The time has come. Let's do it.
AlphaUSA in partnership with City Councilman Brandon McCullough presents
Detroit Red Wings Alumni versus Livonia All stars
sponsored by Dan MacIver @ Financial & Portfolio Advisors
sponsored by You -- sign up this week to be a sponsor and part of this fun day for all of Livonia 
sponsored by you -- sign up this week to be a sponsor and part of this fun day for all of Livonia
proceeds to benefit Livonia Kids & Families and Greenmead Historic Village
May @ Eddie Edgar Ice Arena

It is an event that Franklin High School graduate and captain of the FHS hockey team Brandon McCullough has talked about for well over a year. Waiting for the right time to bring the Red Wings Alumni to Livonia to play a team of hometown locals. McCullough who skates year round, and plays hockey year round, was recently elected to a four year term on the Livonia City Council says "the time has come. Let's do it."

Over breakfast with Chuck Dardas, Veronica Cruz and the typewriter arrangements were made to share a portion of the proceeds with Livonia Kids & Family and with Brandon's favorite Livonia go-to historic village Greenmead. "Livonia is all about kids and family so that is natural. Add to that our historic village at Greenmead and you have a winning combination."

Eddie Edgar Arena was available May 17th and the Detroit Red Wings Alumni are poised to take to the ice against a team of
 Livonia All Stars, meaning those who love to skate, love hockey, and those who just plain want to lace up to give it a try and as Brandon says " want to take to the ice and sake against a team of Detroit Red Wings Alumni."

As the event is being put together you can be a part of the first, hopefully annual, Detroit Red Wings Alumni v Livonia All Stars. There are opportunities for two additional sponsors to join with Dan MacIver who immediately said he wanted to be a part of making it happen. There are also opportunities for skaters who want to give it a go. For details drop the typewriter a note at rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com or Brandon McCullough at ltuhockey@hotmail.com.


M ore to come for sure.
Blessings in a Bag Part two. . . . .helping to define the goodness that helps shape our hometown
Livonia Blessing Bag Project 2019
Livonia Blessing Bag Project 2019
In the January 1st issue of FridayMusings we highlighted the success, smiles and tears that resulted from the Blessings in a Bag project that took place all over Livonia on Christmas Eve. 

Since then a video has been produced and is being circulated telling the back story of Christmas Eve and the preparation that went into the project and some of the results from the day of delivery.

If you have not seen the video, and it has been seen 1,300 times since being posted by the City of Livonia.

The Blessing Bag Project is made up of members of the  Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church , the Mayor's Office, the  Livonia Police Department  and @ Livonia Fire &
 Rescue  Department. 

They reach out to various groups that serve others during the Christmas holiday. 

Last year's recipients were the staff and families at  St. Mary Mercy Livonia  working on theChristmas holiday. This year, the focus was over 200 Livonia residents who are disabled military veterans. In addition to helping our vets, Livonia Police Officers handed out cash randomly to individuals and families they encountered to help ease their financial burden. This is made possible by the generosity of the Livonia Community. 

Many businesses contributed cash and other items to make this possible. Special thank you to Rev. Kellie Whitlock at RGPC for her leadership.

Reverend Kellie Whitlock, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church says that "The Blessings in a Bag project has truly touched so many lives! Both the givers and receivers.  

"In 3 years we have hand-delivered 1350 blessing bags plus gift cards and cash to those in need and to those who are working in our cities nursing homes and St Mary's Hospital on Christmas Eve. 

"My original thought was to have Rosedale alone do 100 blessing bags to a few nursing homes and then Mayor Wright heard about the idea and got the Chiefs and here we are three years later! 

"Which just goes to show yah that Jesus is still multiplying loaves and fishes!   Here's to 2020!!!"

If you have not watched this video please check it out. This is a part of our Livonia story that needs to be told and is being shared. We have a wonderful home town of which to be proud. This is part of the reason.
Richard and Geraldine Joyner Scholarship Winners Announced
Richard and Geraldine Joyner with their children and grandchildren
The Joyner family after moving from Decatur Georgia to Livonia Michigan developed an affinity for Schoolcraft College watching it grow from infancy to one of the outstanding community colleges in America. This fondness, in addition to their love of their new hometown Livonia and appreciation for students who were active in their schooling and desiring to obtain a degree beyond high school was the basis for Dr. Robert Joyner along with sons Jason, Jonathan and daughter Kimberly and Richard William Joyner and son Paul in initiating a Scholarship in honor of Richard and Geraldine Joyner.

Two students have been selected to receive a $600 scholarship, $10 for each year the Joyner's have called Livonia home, for classes at Schoolcraft College. The Joyner family is pleased to announce that Brianna Lee a student at Stevenson High School along with Tara Trujilllo a graduate of Franklin High School have received the Richard and Geraldine Joyner Scholarship.

Brianna Lee is described by one of her teachers, Robyn Mackson as, an "intelligent, kind and wonderful young woman who will use this scholarship to further her education while continuing to impact others around her. She is concerned with not only a letter grade but also learning the material."

Brianna has a goal of becoming a baker and wants to attend Schoolcraft College after graduating from Stevenson High School to focus on her strengths and confidence in the field. Brianna wants to be a part of the Culinary Arts program and eventually wants to open her own bakery business with a concentration on desserts and wedding cakes.

Working with her church she has volunteered at a battered women's shelter in Detroit and assisted with cleaning senior citizen apartments as they require assistance and "are not able to clean on their own."

The Joyner family is pleased to provide this financial aid and look forward to watching her achieve her goals. 

Tara Trujillo is described as "dedicated and dependable," by one of her teachers at Franklin High School, Catherine Gibson. "Tara is a conscientious student leader" who "takes pride in all aspects of her education."

While attending Franklin High School she was in the National Honor Society and has volunteered at the Relay for Life and supported the Special Olympics.  Additionally, she played Varisty softball for 4 years and was on the pompon squad as well for 4 years. 

Tara currently attends Schoolcraft and has plans to transfer to Wayne State University to obtain a degree in elementary education. Her pompon coach describes her as a young woman "with great character, intelligence and talent."

The Joyner family is pleased to provide this financial aid and look forward to watching her achieve her goals.

Livonia where education counts and students excel. 
The Joyner family honoring scholarship and calling Livonia home for 60 years.  January 1960 -- January 2020

Richard and Geraldine Joyner Scholarship
Brianna Lee - SHS 2020
Tara Trujillo - FHS 2018
Vote

United States Senate

Gary Peters (D-I)

John James (R)

United States House of Representatives

Haley Stevens (D-I)

Whitney Williams (R)
Eric Esshaki (R)

Michigan House of Representatives

Laurie Pohutsky (D-I)

Martha Ptashnik (R)
https://www.facebook.com/ElectReginaGargus2020/

Send your calendar notices to  rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

January in Livonia
Dickerson Art Gallery will be presenting recent works from the following artists at the Bennett Civic Center Library during the month of January:
Durwood Coffey, Barb Gibson,  Mark Krecic, Jon Lange, Vic Leo,  Kay Masini,  Marcia Polenberg,
Ted Ramsay, Mireille Ripley,  Gwen Roth,Tim Tonachella,
Paul Zenian, and guest artist,  Danny Rebb
January 7 @ 7:00 -- 9:30
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Livonia Civic Chorus is gearing up for the 55th Spring Concert and invites you to join them

January 10 @8:00

January 13
Official launch of the  Tour de Livonia
January 14
Peace with Integral Consciousness/ Tada Gunter
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
January 18
CLARENCEVILLE Senior All Night Party 
BOWLING FUNDRAISER @ MerriBowl
 The contact info is 313.303.3298 or 313.231.2524 or trojansanp2020@gmail.com

January 18 @ 11:00 - 2:00
Franklin High School
PTA DADS Chili Cook-off

January 19 @ 1:00 - 4:00

January 20 @ 2:00
Livonia Historic Society @ Greenmead's Blue House
"Shanty Boys, Peaveys, and River Hogs- 
Michigan's Lumbering Days"
January 23
Senior Center Book Club: Failures of Presidents
A Project of AlphaUSA
Moderated by Chuck Dardas and the typewriter

February in Livonia
February 1 @ 2:00 - 4:00 or 6:00 - 8:00
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Elk's Lodge 31117 Plymouth Road
For more information, call (734) 466-2900.
Co-sponsored by Livonia Elk's Lodge and
Livonia Parks & Recreation

February 11
Nonviolence: The Way to Peace/ Colleen Mills
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center

February 12
Livonia GOP Lincoln Day Dinner

February 16 @ 1:00
Cardboard Boat Races
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
Registration begins on Monday, Jan. 6

February 22 @ 4:00
PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville's Historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium

February 23 @ 4:30 - 8:30
The Ian Clemens 4th Annual Trivia Night
Hosted by The Ian Clemens Foundation
St. Mary's Cultural Center

March in Livonia
March 10
100 Years of Women's Suffrage/What's Next?
Angela Ryan
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Bopoks
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
Seedlings new logo

March 21 @ 9:00 - 3:00

April in Livonia
April 14
Todays Africa Through American Eyes with 
Dr. Peggi J. Tabor, PhD
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
June in Livonia
June 7 @ 3:00
Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert
Churchill High School Performing Arts Center
Readers offer up a bit of commentary 
Bill Craig: (I would like) to comment on your last Musings. What is Police Dept situation?  Interesting, in the fact that contract negotiations are usually between the two parties, in this case, police and City, without much general public awareness. Other than, we are in negotiations, we are very close, we have a deal announcements. Okay, what are the facts?  

Who got what, and how much is it going to cost? Of course, it costs more.  Now you balance the story by saying - Livonia has the lowest taxes and the best darn Police Department, which makes us the safest community.  Everyone is happy.

BUT, where does the money come from? What is done less? Peter just robbed Paul. The Livonia answer is  Build it, they will come, their taxes will, so YOUR taxes don't go up. Then comes, how far do you go to get more building. Tax abatement!  Heck, no taxes!

Okay, what am I saying? The dog keeps chasing its tail.  

All I really wanted to say was... thanks for having comment from Police Department about the situation. Where would I hear that or see that, other than Friday Musings.

Today's Musings... The Diane Webb comment, losing parkland was a LOSS.

These two stories are indirectly connected...  what is sacrificed on the alter of economic development..the land.  Livonia will never have more parkland, only less and less.  County will never have more parkland, only less and less.

Sister Nancy Marie Jamroz, Madonna University: Responded to this statement in Musings "The Motor City Youth Theatre is asking if you're interested in auditioning for Sister Act Jr."

Her response was right to the point:  "HOW EXCITING...TOO BAD WE'RE BEYOND THE AGE LIMIT, EH?"
Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
Livonia's best. Chili that is. Come on out and sample.

January 18, 11:00 - 2:00. Franklin High School. Open to the public and all are welcome to attend for this fun Livonia Chili Cook-off. A $5 admission gets you refreshments and unlimited chili samples from all of our entrants, while supplies last.

An event to get Dads and Designated Superstars to join and support their favorite PTAs, earn money for their favorite schools, and have a great time while doing it. All adult members of their school's PTA are welcome to register!!

The 1st place Winner will take home a fantastic prize package, a $500 grant, courtesy of The Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers, for their favorite Livonia Public School, and bragging rights for 365 days.
 
Jaycees turning vision into action and you can help
This January 16th, from 4:00 - 8:00,  help support the Livonia Jaycees by visiting Mod Pizza on Middlebelt Road and enjoying some delicious artisan-style pizzas and salads.

20% of your bill will be gifted to the chapter to help support their awesome community projects this year.

Join the Livonia Jaycees at MOD pizza as they begin turning Vision into Action!
Start January off with a good mystery at our 
Livonia Barefoot Productions
Susan Glaspell's Trifles, is a classic story of a murder on a farm in Iowa and the two overlooked women who solve it.

The Outside, also by Susan Glaspell, is a story about a woman who is trying to get away from everything, but finds that everything still finds her.
O. Henry, the undisputed king of irony, is the author of the other two short plays.

The Ransom of Red Chief centers on two small time con men, Sam and Bill, who travel the South looking for small money-making schemes that we're guessing end up exploding in their faces.
  
While the Auto Waits is a sweet and whimsical short play is about two young people who seem determined to impress each other by being someone other than who they actually are.
One way to support our Livonia Public School Teachers
Mike Testa dropped a dime to remind us about The Supply Closet for Livonia Public Schools FB Group.

The mission of this group is to support LPS Teachers and their classrooms. The purpose is to provide a platform for Parents and Community Members to donate items to Teachers, fulfill needs they may not be aware of, or make possible a project that needs supplies. This is a great opportunity to re-purpose items that would otherwise go unused. While the main intention is donations from the community to Teachers, exchanges between Teachers is also encouraged.

This group functions as a "virtual" Supply Closet for LPS Teachers; the focus is items that can be used in the classroom.

Use the below link to join the Group. It is a Private Group - when requesting to join, you will be asked a few questions that will need to be answered for approval. After joining, please read the pinned announcement at the top of the group page to learn the rules and how the group functions.



It is not too early to prepare for Spring. So mark your calendars for the Livonia Home Show -- 9:00 - 3:00. Kirksey Recreation Center.


What is the talk circulating throughout Livonia about this
one-of-a-kind guitar being raffled off by the Livonia Symphony?
Susan Parker Stewart had promised to post some detailed pictures of the Alembic bass guitar on facebook that the Livonia Symphony Orchestra is raffling off. 

So what is all this talk circulating through our hometown about this one of a kind guitar that has so many people really excited about the opportunity to win while helping our hometown Symphony.

Let's let Susan Parker Stewart tell you a little about it:

So I believe that this is a Mark King Deluxe model with a bunch of upgrades. It is a hand built custom 4 string bass guitar with a gorgeous buckeye burl wood top and back with the electronics covers on back being continuous (cut from the same piece of wood).

The core body wood is mahogany and the pick-up's are Alembic custom wound active type.The neck is maple with purple heart wood stripes, the fingerboard is ebony with abalone oval inserts.

Another custom feature is that the side marker dots are blue and red LED's. They are gorgeous when illuminated on a dark stage.

These instruments typically take months to complete and cost between $10,000 and $15,000.

This one was donated to the Livonia Symphony Orchestra for a fundraising raffle with 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales funding LSO operations.

300 tickets are being sold for $100 each and the drawing is to be held on Saturday May 9th 2020 at a Symphony concert between 5:00 and 5:30 at the Clarenceville High School Schmidt Auditorium.

These raffle tickets will make excellent Christmas gifts! You need not be present to win!

For raffle tickets please contact LSO board member Emily Bauman ebauman.lso@gmail.com or call (248) 509-4744.