January 29, 2020   Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive. 
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Absentee ballots are ready to be mailed. FridayMusings offers two endorsements:
Bill Weld for the nomination for President in the Republican Primary
Amy Klobuchar for the nomination for President in the Democratic Primary 
Absentee ballots are ready to be mailed so it is important that we have a dialogue in Michigan, within each party, Republican and Democratic, as to who would best be deserving of our votes and who might best be representative of their party in the November general election.

The issues facing the nation also face Livonia. We are not an isolated island and FridayMusings recognizes that we have a need to address each party and the candidates seeking the nomination for President.

Republican Primary

On the Republican side we had hoped that Governor John Kasich would be the standard bearer of the Republican Party, at least be a viable alternative to compare to President Donald Trump. But that is not to be. However, the candidate on the ballot deserving of the vote for those desiring to cast a Republican ballot for Presidential nomination is Republican former Governor  Bill Weld, who wants to bring the "bedrock principles and practices of fiscal conservatism, total honesty and transparency, absolute support for all matters of individual freedom, informed and intelligent practices of free trade and international diplomacy, intense dedication to environmental issues, a laser-like focus on the future of jobs and wages."

The most significant issue that Bill Weld understands and addresses is climate change as an issue that "fractures into a myriad of side debtes, such as carbon pricing, nuclear power, natural gas." In other words the issue of climate change cannot be wrapped neatly as one spoken in cliches, mantras, or sloganeering. He clearly defines climate change as one requiring a national dialogue on all the multitude of climate issues. Imagine that. A national dialogue and understanding of the issue.

To focus on any of the issues Weld brings up requires a leader who is curious, "focused and open minded". Qualities missing from the current President of the United States.

Our nation deserves a dialogue within each party. Weld brings that quality to the Republican Party. A desire to discuss access to wage and wealth disparity, "healthcare, parental leave, child care, and quality education."

On March 10 if you are voting in the Republican primary send a message and vote for Bill Weld.

Democratic Primary

On the Democratic side FridayMusings has appreciated the number of candidates that have made the case to receive the nomination to face off with President Donald Trump in November. Mayor Pete Buttigieg was the first to capture our attention. He had it all. Veteran. Youthful, fresh face offering a  bold new course, turning the page, and giving Americans hope that we will guide the country to a better place.

Elizabeth Warren who wants to "dream big, fight hard and build  a grassroots movement to fight corruption head on and put power in the hands of the people." Bernie Sanders who is "running for president so that, when we are in the White House, the movement we build together can achieve economic, racial, social and environmental justice for all."

Both Warren and Sanders have the passion and the ideas. Buttigieg brings that new generation of leader, the JFK, the Barack Obama. Three solid candidates.

On the Democratic side after long deliberation the candidate best suited and most deserving of the vote to be nominated to run against President Donald Trump in November is Senator Amy Klobuchar. The reasons are relatively easy and straight forward as each of her priorities affect those of us who call Livonia home:

1. Her position on climate change is solid and stands in stark contrast to the current President.  She is committed to tackling the climate crisis and believes that it is an urgent priority for our communities, for our economy and for our planet. On day one of Amy's presidency she will get us back into the International Climate Change Agreement. On day two and day three, she will bring back and strengthen clean power rules and gas mileage standards. She will put forward sweeping legislation that provides a landmark investment in clean-energy jobs and infrastructure, provides incentives for tougher building codes, promotes rural renewable energy and development.

2. As President, Amy will combat substance use disorder and prioritize mental health, including launching new prevention and early intervention initiatives, expanding access to treatment, and giving Americans a path to sustainable recovery.

3. Amy will tackle Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, enhance health care and retirement security, keep Social Security and Medicare strong, invest in long-term care and caregivers, reduce skyrocketing prescription drug costs.

4. She supports changes to the Affordable Care Act to help bring down costs to consumers including providing cost-sharing reductions, making it easier for states to put reinsurance in place, and continuing to implement delivery system reform. And she's been fighting her whole life to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.

FridayMusings agrees completely with the endorsement of the New Hampshire Union Leader that "If there is to be any realistic challenge to Trump in November, the Democratic nominee needs to have a proven and substantial record of accomplishment across party lines, an ability to unite rather than divide, and the strength and stamina to go toe-to-toe with the Tweeter-in-Chief.  That would be U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. She is sharp and witty, with a commanding understanding of both history and the inner workings of Capitol Hill."

Regardless of who has your vote for the right to face off in November for President FridayMusings is encouraging you to vote. On the Republican side we are endorsing Bill Weld and on the Democratic side we are endorsing Amy Klobuchar.

Are you supporting someone else? Let us know who and why. Disagree with us? Let us know why.
Thank you Civic Chorus. Livonia appreciates your 55 years. Here is to the next 55.
Dr. Peggy Gaskill, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of 2017, has led the Livonia Civic Chorus, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of
Gaskill being inducted into the 
Hall of Fame with Laura Cox, 
Glenn Anderson and Bill Joyner
2014, for much of the past decade. Working closely with the Board of Directors her leadership has expanded the reach of this 70 member community chorus far beyond a Christmas and Spring concert which was the mainstay for nearly 50 years since the founding of the chorus in 1965 by Livonia Parks and Recreation on the recommendation of Parks Superintendent John Dufour, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of 2005.

Our Livonia Civic Chorus now has 20 choral performances a year, including Concerts, Outreach in the Community and Interlude for Seniors. These performances are at nursing homes, Angela Hospice, Greenmead, and city hall at the Christmas tree lighting, among others. Their two main concerts each year, at Christmas and Spring, find an audience that for years filled the historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium at Clarenceville High School and now the new Community Performing Arts Center at Churchill, home to the nationally recognized CAPA program. 

Significant partnerships for the Chorus involve the support by the Livonia Community Foundation and Town Hall,  St. Mary Hospital, AlphaUSA, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, FridayMusings and Livonia Parks and Recreation. 

On June 7th, they will be performing their 55th Spring Concert aptly called Staying Alive at 55. There also is another milestone being eclipsed June 7th. It will be the final concert for Peggy Gaskill as President of the Livonia Civic Chorus. Kathleen Chichester will assume the presidency when the new season starts in September.

President Gaskill is leaving the chorus in capable hands, with a strong community recognition, and with a mission firmly etched in the chorus' culture setting up a transition that will hold it in good shape for years to come.

And that is where the readers of Musings, community leaders and supporters of the arts comes in.
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FridayMusings is asking you to join with friends of the arts, your neighbors, your friends in raising $5,500 to start a legacy fund. Monies that will be set aside for future use; to cover emergencies, to set up an investment for the future. Other efforts will also be undertaken but for now this typewriter is asking you to send your check, for $5, $10, $20 or whatever amount you want to, made payable to the Livonia Civic Chorus and send to the Livonia Civic Chorus,  37637 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154. 

At the same time drop an email to the typewriter at rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com so we can tally amounts donated and share the total in the thermometer chart below.
Musings follows the Arts
55 years of setting the tone for Livonia cultural excellence. 55 years of donating over $50,000 in scholarships. 55 years. Livonia, let's make it $5,500 
to show our appreciation for the  Livonia Civic Chorus sharing their love of singing with all of us.


Musings follows our City Council
Livonia City Council Study Meeting - January 27, 2020
Livonia City Council Study Meeting - January 27, 2020

Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2020
Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2020


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
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 1 @ 6:30 -- 9:30
Soup, Chili, Bread, Pierogies
Livonia Democratic Club
UAW Local 182
February 2 @ 2:00 - 3:00
Coffee Hour with Representative Laurie Pohutsky
Coffee + Cream

February 4 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Tips for preparing for a flower show
February 7, 8, 9
Friends of the Livonia Library Used Book Sale

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 @ 3:00
Livonia Community Theatre
St. Paul's Persbyterian Church
 
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 @ 2:00
Friends of the Livonia Library 
"A Meeting Between Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth" performed by Madelyn Porter, Story Teller. Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library 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
February 29
The Arc of Northwest Wayne County
Laurel Manor
Ball for All Leap Year Fundraiser

March in Livonia
March 3 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Four seasons of garden interest
March 8 @ 1:30 - 4:00

March 10 @ 7:00 am -- 8:00 pm
Presidential Primary

March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
March 15 @ 2:00
 Friends of the Livonia Library 
  "Through Her Eyes Women Artists in the Detroit Institute of Arts." 
Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library auditorium.
March 16 @ 2:00 
Livonia Historical Society presents Joe Oldenberg discussing "The First Native Tribes of Michigan." Alexander Blue House, Greenmead Historical Park
March 22
Mom to Mom Sale
Kirksey Recreation Center
March 21  @ 9:00 - 3:00
 
April in Livonia
April 7 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Sustainable Food System
April 14
Today's Africa Through American Eyes
Dr. Peggi J. Tabor, PhD
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
May in Livonia
May 5 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Plant Legends and Stories
May 16 @ 9:00 - 10:00
Livonia Garden Club Plant Sharing Event
Greenmead Historical Park      Rain or Shine
Everyone is encouraged to come and take plants whether or not they have plants to share
May 17 @ 3:00
Red Wing Alumni v Livonia All Stars
Eddie Edgar Arena

June in Livonia
June 7 @ 3:00
Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert
Churchill High School Performing Arts Center


Musings follows the 2020 elections
Vote
 



Joe Biden D
Michael Bloomberg D
Cory Booker D
Pete Buttigieg D
Julian Castro D
John Delaney D
Tulsi Gabbard D
Amy Klobuchar D   endorsed by FridayMusings
Bernie Sanders D
Joe Sestak D
Tom Steyer D
Elizabeth Warren D
Marianne Williamson D
Andrew Yang D
 

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)
Wayne County Commissioner
Terry Marecki (R-I)
Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick (I)
Joan Gebhardt (I)
Terry Gilligan (I)
Livonia Board of Education
Dan Centers  (I)
Karen Bradford  (I)
Tammy Bonifield  (I)
Crystal Frank  (I)
Clarenceville Board of Education
Matt Boettcher  (I)
Brenda Uren  (I)
Shari Krazelf  (I)
Jeffrey Bunker  (I)
Park Pavilion Reservation Time Has Arrived.  Starting February 4. 
Picnic pavilion reservations for the 2020 season will be issued on a first come, first served basis for Livonia residents beginning at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard.  

The Kirksey Recreation Center opens at 5 a.m.  

Open dates will be available to both residents and non-residents beginning at 6 a.m. on Feb. 5 online at   www.livoniaparks.org.   

Payment in full is due at the time of reservation.

In 2019, approximately 265 pavilion reservations were made at 6 park locations providing a total of 10 pavilions with an estimated attendance of over 19,000.  Livonia boasts pavilions for groups ranging in size from 20-150.   It is recommended that reservations be obtained for groups of 20 or more at least a week in advance. 
 
For more information, please visit  www.livoniaparks.org or call (734) 466-2900.
Keeping up with the impact Seedlings is having
 on children around the world

**Seedlings Spotlight!**

Sarah (pictured) is one of "our kids." Her mother recently sent in this nice quote after receiving some free books from one of our programs:

"Sarah enjoys getting books from Seedlings because it allows her more options than what is available at our local library."

We are happy to be able to provide your family with the books Sarah needs! Happy reading!

~Photo is of Sarah sitting on her couch with her all-braille book in her lap, reading.~
Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
          Livonia Symphony Orchestra to warm up the season on February 22

Livonia Symphony Orchestra February 22nd
"PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA" Louis Schmidt Auditorium - Clarenceville H. S. @ 4:00  featuring:

Japanese born pianists, Yuki and Tomoko Mack have dazzled audiences on three continents.  From Bach to Piazzolla, their diverse repertoire includes a broad range of four-hands piano music and orchestral works.  After winning strong recognition as soloists, Yuki and Tomoko partnered to form the award-winning piano duo. "The Mack Sisters".  Together they've won top prizes in several
 international competitions, including the "Dranoff International Two-Piano Competition" in Florida, and the "Ellis Two-Piano National Competition" in South Carolina.  They've also received both the first and "Kodama" prizes at the "International Piano Duo Competition" in Tokyo.  Most notably, in 2006, they were selected as Steinway Artists - joining an impressive roster of world renown pianists. 

Additionally, the Mack Sisters have been featured in the "GilmoreInternational Keyboard Festival in Michigan, the "Symposium for Two Pianos" in Florida and the keyboard festival at the "Quebec International Two-Piano Festival".  Beyond the main-stage, they've performed live on radio in Sweden, Italy, Poland and the U. S.  In Chicago, Yuki and Tomoko performed on multiple WFMT radio programs.  They also were featured as guest artists on PBS in Michigan and in Florida.  Motivated by their passionate belief of music's ability to empower the human spirit, they have developed Master Classes and Community Outreach Programs that are very popular with students and audiences.
 
Currently, Yuki and Tomoko reside in Michigan.  With their deep roots in the musical community they've established themselves as highly sought-after educators and performing artists.  When not teaching or performing, they're recording.   Their collection of CDs include "Rhapsody", "American Mosaic", "Fantasy", and "Danse Montage" - all of which exhibit their unique sense of interpretation and flawless technique.
 
This summer they will once again join the faculty of the "International Summer Music Festival" in Naleczow, Poland.

And Don't forget to get your raffle tickets for this one of a kind guitar. Tickets will be sold at the Livonia Symphony Concert February 22nd.

No one else does the arts better than our hometown Livonia.
Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
Our Livonia YMCA, Livonia Hall of Fame Class of 2015,
invites you to become a member 



When Livonia was in its infancy city planner Dan Andrews, Livonia Hall of Fame Class of 2008, and Livonia school district administrator Dr. Don Friedrichs, Livonia Hall of Fame Class of 2006,  realized that Livonia needed a family oriented recreational center.

As they exchange calls, held meetings and wrote letters they concluded that Livonia needed a YMCA.

City leaders recruited young families and before you knew it a citywide fund drive was held culminating in an fundraising dinner chaired by Detroit Tiger pitcher Denny McLain and Livonia Observer owner Phil Power.

The rest is history. The YMCA, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of 2015, played a significant role in attracting young families while establishing volunteerism, recreation and a healthy Livonia as cornerstones of a hometown of which we have come to love. 
Livonia Ignites Future Employees. 14-17 Youth Job Fair.
Save the Date!

If you have a family member, a neighbor, or know someone 14-17 years old and who are looking for a part-time or summer job, you should tell them to plan on attending the LIFE (Livonia Ignites Future Employees) Youth Career Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 3 - 7 p.m. at the Michigan Works! Livonia Service Center, 30246 Plymouth Road.
Special Education Town Hall set for February 8


On Saturday, February 8 at 2pm, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) will hold a town hall discussion in Michigan's 11th District focused on special education issues. The event is free and open to the public.

WHAT: Special Education Town Hall with Congresswoman Haley Stevens

WHEN: 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 8

WHERE: Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38651 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304

WHO: Congresswoman Haley Stevens
 Karen Olex, Executive Director of Special Education, Oakland County Schools
Rachelle Vartanian, President and Founder, Living & Learning Enrichment Center
Robert Gaines III, President, Farmington Education Support Professionals Association
Angela Tyszka, Chairwoman, Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee for parents of students with individualized education programs
To submit a question to be answered at the town hall, follow this link: https://forms.gle/Ng4r21h33sEodR737

We are seeking to hear from those with special education needs, their parents, teachers, and employers to learn more about their experiences. Please share your personal stories regarding special education here: https://forms.gle/pB9JDQtqBcjrEhTk8

To verify whether you reside within the 11th district, please visit: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Please make any accessibility requests 72 hours in advance of the event so that we may accommodate your needs. 

It's time to register to bowl with Seedlings and 
celebrity bowler Justice Richard Bernstein of the
Michigan Supreme Court  

Come bowl with Seedlings and celebrity bowler Justice Richard Bernstein ofthe Michigan Supreme Court to help bring the gift of literacy to blind children locally and all around the world! Join in our bowl-a-thon, auctions and prize raffles to help raise $60,000 for 6,000 braille books for children with vision loss. Click "Donate" to make a donation or "Join Now" to register to bowl at https://www.firstgiving.com/event/seedlingsbraille/33rd-Annual-Bowling-for-Braille-Books
  
Thank you to the Headline Bowling sponsors!

Alpha USA, Bill Brown Ford, Plymouth/Canton Lions Club,
Community Financial Credit Union, Financial & Portfolio Advisors, Ltd., Kennedy Industries,
Livonia Builders, MASCO, Plymouth Lions Club, SkyOak Wealth and Valassis.
Dan MacIver helped Debra Bonde kick off the 33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books scheduled for March 14th at the Novi Bowl Family Fun Center. 

Dan presented  Debra Stewart Bonde  with his sponsorship banner, a check for his Headliner Sponsorship and a check to sponsor two teams, an F&PA team and a client team. 

"This is a fun event every year. Having a good time and supporting a wonderful hometown charity that is making an impact around the world." 

This year the celebrity bowler is Justice Richard Bernstein of the Michigan Supreme Court. Contact seedlink7@ameritech.net for additional information, like bowling or sponsoring.
State Senator Dayna Polehanki speaks at
"Lead Like a Girl" symposium
State Senator Dayna Polehanki from Livonia shared her thoughts on a recent speaking engagement in Canton:

Speaking to girls is one of my favorite things to do as a state senator, which is why I had so much fun talking with Girl Scouts at the "Lead Like a Girl" sympo sium in Canton.

As the topic was "inspiring the next generation of young female leaders," I told them my story about how I came to run for office, how important it was to have a mentor to help me along, how I first doubted that I had enough knowledge to be a senator (and got over it!), how important it is to practice public speaking (even if your hands shake), and how to not wait to be asked to lead...just do it! 

Thanks, ladies, for making my day great.
Livonia Historical Society offers up some great programs.
March 16
Join the Livonia Historical Society on Monday, Mar. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead, 20501 Newburgh Road, for their meeting and a presentation by Joe Oldenburg "First Native Tribes of Michigan." 

All are welcome to attend this free event. 

Membership information will be available at the meeting. For more information, please call (248) 477-7375.




                May 18
Join the Livonia Historical Society on Monday, May 18, 2020
 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenmead's Alexander BlueHouse, 20501 Newburgh Road, for their meeting and a presentation by author Barbara VanderMolen "Discovering Michigan- Every County Has a Story." 

All are welcome to attend this free event. Membership information will be available at the meeting. 

For more information, please call (248) 477-7375. Barbara VanderMolen. author of the book Discovering Michigan- County by County will share a short story about each of Michigan's 83 counties. Visit her site
https://discovermichigancountybycounty.com/ to learn more about her books.
A night of Trivia in support of the Ian Clemens Foundation


Only 3.5 months, May 17, until the hometown favorites
Livonia All-stars take on the Detroit Red Wings Alumni
FPA invitation



FridayMusings says mark your calendar for May 17 at 3:00, at the Eddie Edgar Ice Arena for the Red Wings Alumni versus Livonia All Stars captained by City Councilman  Brandon McCullough .

Sponsoring the event is AlphaUSA,  Arthur R Cole  @ Cole Newton Duran,  Dan MacIver  @ Financial & Portfolio Advisors in partnership with City Councilman Brandon McCullough.

 Proceeds of the hockey game will be divided with Livonia Kids & Family and Friends of Greenmead. 

One of the skaters will be Andrew Palushaj, who played on the Stevenson High School Hockey team and is still skates on a local team, shown here with AlphaUSA's Veronica Cruz presenting a sponsorship check to McCullough.