October 11, 2019           Your source for Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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Join your friends and neighbors for the Annual Seedlings Braille Books  for Children Open House featuring Piano prodigy 
  Avett Ray  Maness/American Idol fame. October 14 @ 4:00 - 7:00.
Music From the Heart Fall Concert this upcoming October 26th
Please join the Livonia Arts Commission for Music From the Heart Fall Concert featuring Trilogy Band on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. This festive event will take place at Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft Road.

Tickets are only $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

 Don't miss this fun night of music, dancing and food. Appetizers will be served from 7:30 - 9 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. Casual attire is suggested. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Livonia City Hall, 33000 Civic Center Drive, Fifth Floor.

For tickets purchased online, please check in at the Will Call table.

For more information, please call (734) 466-2540.
Update on challenge to schedule a public forum for Brosnan and Toy to appear
side by side so that Livonia issues can be discussed/debated for all to see
Livonia Chamber Mayoral Candidate Forum - 9/26/19
Livonia Chamber Mayoral Candidate Forum - 9/26/19
When candidates run for office there are usually numerous opportunities for them to meet with their opponent (s). This year there have been several but only one in which both candidates for Mayor attended. There is always a reason, but after missing debates in the primary and general election it becomes a pattern. Without casting aspersions let me just say it is a shame and it is a pattern with Laura Toy going back many elections. 

A shame as she is an intelligent candidate and has good ideas. But the place for them is the public forum otherwise we have to rely on printed literature which never tells the full, or correct story. The voters missed out on numerous opportunities to hear our mayoral candidates side by side.

Last week Maureen Miller Brosnan sent a letter to Laura Toy calling on her to join her for a candidates' forum, so "that Livonia residents can make an informed decision as they cast their ballot in this important mayoral election." Here is the letter that Brosnan sent. "l look forward to hearing her response, and I will be sure to share the information for the event when it is scheduled."

Dear Laura, In light of your recent inability to attend the Livonia Chamber of Commerce Candidate's Forum, I hope you and your Dad are well. I was sorry to hear of his health challenges, and I wish him a speedy recovery.

I am calling on you to join me for a candidates' forum, that way Livonia citizens can ask us questions, hear our answers and solutions to problems, and make an informed decision as they cast their ballot in this year's important mayoral election. Given the record number of absentee ballots distributed by the Livonia Clerk's office last Wednesday, the forum needs to be scheduled soon. To that end, below is a list of evenings I am available to ensure this forum is accessible to as many residents as possible. I'm willing to commit to the same format as last week's forum hosted by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.

October 8   October 9   October 15    October 16

Please respond to this email and letter so we can schedule what I am sure will be an informative conversation about our city's future. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, Maureen Miller Brosnan

When this letter went out Brosnan asked Livonia residents to "watch for updates on the scheduling of an additional mayoral candidates' forum." Here's her update:

"I t's been eight days since I contacted my opponent, and I haven't heard from her. My opponent has only been able to attend 1 of the 4 mayoral candidates' forums to date. I will continue to keep you updated on the status of an additional forum. With only 4 weeks until Election Day, I'm doing everything I can to put my Livonia 2020 agenda in front of voters, showing up to community meetings and conversations across Livonia to answer your questions and hear your priorities.

"Even if we never hear back from my opponent, I will show up anywhere to connect with voters to earn their vote this November. Tonight, I'm off to another event to discuss my vision for Livonia's future. I hope to see you out on the trail!"

FridayMusings is sharing the Livonia Chamber of Commerce video so that our readers can see the positions Brosnan took on the questions when asked. It would have been positive for the city had the two been able to work out a schedule that allowed Livonia residents to see the two candidates side by side. When two knowledgeable  candidates sit down to discuss issues every one benefits. In that situation ideas flourish. 

Last night, October 10th, another forum, this one provided by the historic Rosedale Gardens Homeowner Association, and an opportunity for the two candidates to stand side by side and share views with the voters of Livonia. Unfortunately only one candidate for Mayor was in attendance, Maureen Miller Brosnan. Here is her comment on the absence of her opponent:

"Grateful for the opportunity to address my neighbors in the Old Rosedale Gardens Homeowners Association during tonight's candidates' forum. I had the chance to talk about Livonia 2020, our agenda for Livonia's future, and our priorities for my service as mayor. My opponent sent a letter instead of attending. It contained no explanation for her absence. It's leaving me to reflect again on the importance of showing up for Livonia residents. I'm not missing any opportunity in this campaign to show up to speak with Livonia residents, and that's exactly how I'll lead as mayor."
Richard & Geraldine Joyner scholarship for two students either at or planning on attending Schoolcraft College 
It was 60 years ago this month that dad Joyner took his two boys out to dinner in Decatur Georgia. We were lucky as it was the Howard Johnson just down the street from our home. Mom was in California visiting her family.

Both had a message. We were moving to Detroit Michigan, south of Canada in a house that had a clothes chute where we would put our dirty clothes where they would be washed for us. We would have our milk delivered and put into a milk chute where we could bring it in without ever leaving the house.

This was going to be a whole new experience. So 3 months later we packed up in our Plymouth and headed north. Bob,
Bill and Bilbo, our chihuahua. We spent New Years Eve in a motel, room 14. Shortly after the new year we moved into our new home at 32814 Indiana.

And the rest is history. A slight turn first. Seems Bob, leaving Grant Elementary school turned right out the door instead of left. Hours later, with the police looking, and Bill not knowing what to do, the phone rang. It was Bob calling from Naimola's barber shop. A mile away. He remembered the phone number and asked the barber if he could use the phone to call home. This aptitude would stay with him as he majored in math at Michigan State University, went on to become a Doctor and then he must have turned the wrong way in life as he also went on to become a lawyer.

In 1962 mom Joyner became President of the Grant School PTA. In 1964 she became President of the Livonia PTA Council. In 1965 she was elected to her first of three terms on the Livonia Board of Education.

Dad Joyner in the meantime became equipment manager for the little baseball program, treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 785, Deacon at Rosedale Presbyterian Church and 20 year member of the Livonia Library Commission.

With that as a backdrop brother Bob and brother bill, also known as the typewriter, discussed and decided that we would like to add to the opportunity for two Livonia students attending or planning to attend Schoolcraft College.

Applications for the Richard & Geraldine Joyner Scholarship are now available. Simply drop an email to [email protected] and an application will immediately be Bob Joyner forwarded to you.  In January we will announce two winners of the Richard & Geraldine Joyner Scholarship. Each for $600. Applications are due on December 1st, awarded on January 1st. 

But it is not just the two Joyner brothers, Bob's sons Jonathan and Jason and daughter Kimberly along with Bill's son Paul are all contributing to their grandparents scholarship.

Here's to you mom and dad. Your decision to move to Livonia with quality schools, a plan that developed for open air parks and planned community development. Thanks to your decision to become involved in your hometown. You would continue to be proud of Bill and Bob, Jason, Jonathan, Paul and Kimberly just as we are proud of you.

Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events 
at the Phoenix Theatre
Turandot - The Met Opera Live in HD
October 12 - 12:55pm
October 16 - 1:00pm (Encore)
October 16 - 6:30pm (Encore)

Alien - 40th Anniversary (1979)
October 13- 1:00pm
October 13- 4:00pm
October 15 - 7:00pm
October 16 - 7:00pm

Rob Zombie's 3 From Hell - Encore
October 14 - 7:00pm

Jay & Silent Bob Reboot
October 15 - 7:00pm
October 17 - 7:00pm (Double Feature)

QT8: The First Eight
October 21 - 7:00pm

The Reliant
October 24 - 7:00pm

Manon - The Met Opera Live in HD
October 26 - 12:55pm
October 30 - 1:00pm (Encore)
October 30 - 6:30pm (Encore)

Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli Fest 2019
October 27 - 12:55pm (DUB)
October 28 - 7:00pm (SUB)

Raymonda - The Bolshoi Ballet
October 27 - 12:55pm

Faustina: Love and Mercy
October 28 - 7:00pm

LUZIA - Cirque de Soleil 
October 29 - 7:00pm
Click on this image for all movie times

Send your calendar notices to  [email protected]
 
October in Livonia
 Livonia Arts Commission's annual Fine Arts Exhibition is being held the entire month of October in the Fine Arts Gallery in the Bennett Civic Center Library.

October 1 - 30
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest Every day in October

October 19 - 31
Pumpkin Place fundraiser for Livonia Cares

October 12 @ 10:00 - 1:00
Annual Fire Safety Open House

October 12 @ 4:00
Old World-New Season  Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville High School  Louis Schmidt Auditorium

October 13 12:00 - 4:00
Recreation Center Halloween Open House
Costumes encouraged but not required

October 14 @ 4:00 - 7:00
Seedlings Annual Open House
Piano prodigy Avett Ray Maness/American Idol fame
Greeters: The typewriter and Bodyguard

October 19 @ 8:00 - 11:00

October 19 @ 4:00 - 6:00
St. Paul Presbyterian Church
11th Annual Fall Fun Fest

October 21
Wayne 11th Congressional District Republican Club
Dinner Dance @ Italian Club Livonia
October 24 @ 5:30 - 6:30
Civic Park Senior Center

October 24 @ 5:00 - 7:00
Rotary Community Spaghetti Dinner
Help Eradicate Polio
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
October 24 @ 7:00 - 9:00
October 25 @ 5:30 - 8:00
Free Scary fun at the Livonia YMCA
Games, spooky stories, crafts, and a costume contest 

October 28 @ 5:00 - 7:00
Flemings support for the ARC
People with Disabilities
tickets @  TheARCNW.org
 
November in Livonia
November 8, 9, 10
Women in War
Livonia Community Theatre
St. Paul's Presbyterian Church
November 2
14th Annual Healthy Livonia Turkey Trot
Register at the Kirksey Recreation Center
November 23
Historic Greenmead Treasures from Grandma's Attic

December in Livonia

December 8 @ 4:00
City of Livonia Christmas Parade



Vote
November 5
Absentee Ballots out September 25


City of Livonia  Mayoral Race
Vote for one candidate in November

Maureen Miller Brosnan
FridayMusings
Councilman Jim Jolly,
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
Westland Mayor Bill Wild
Congresswoman Haley Stevens
State Senator Dayna Polehanki
County Executive Warren Evans
County Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
AFSCME, UAW, Teamsters Local 299 
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, 
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
Dan Centers, Livonia School Board Trustee, 
Karen Bradford, Livonia School Board Trustee
Tim Klisz, Zoning Board of Appeals Member 
Gretchen Alaniz, Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick, Schoolcraft College Board Chair
Schoolcraft College Treasurer Terry Gilligan
Janice Centers, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
Citizens Roads Advisory Committee Member Brett Gierak
 Former Livonia City Council Members Mike McGee,
 Joe Taylor, and Dale Jurcisin
 https://www.maureenformayor.com/

Laura Toy
Mayor Dennis Wright , 
Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson
Councilwomen Kathleen McIntyre and Cathy White 
Councilman Brian Meakin
Bruce Tenniswood
Right to Life of Michigan  

City of Livonia Council Race
Vote for up to four candidates in November 

Scott Bahr  
Mayors Dennis Wright, Jack Engebretson, Jack Kirksey
Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly
Brandon Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre, Cathy White
Brian Meakin
Former Council members Jim McCann, Joe Taylor
John Pastor, Treasurer Lynda Scheel
Commissioner Terry Marecki
Livonia Public School Trustees Mark Johnson
Colleen Burton, Karen Bradford, Crystal Frank
Former LPS Superintendent Randy Liepa
Former Representatives John Walsh, Laura Cox
Former Senator Patrick Colbeck
Former Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead
Livonia Firefighters Union 1164
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
ZBA Members Chris Boloven, Joel Turbiak,
Jim Baringhaus
Planning Commissioners Sam Caramagno  Carol Smiley
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Right to Life of Michigan

Gregory Coppola
Councilmembers Laura Toy,  Brian Meakin,
Brandon M. Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre
County Commissioner Terry Marecki
Former Councilmen  John Walsh and  John Pastor
Jim McCann and Joe Laura
Zoning Board of Appeals Jim Baringhaus and Tim Kliz
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
Right to Life of Michigan

            
Robert Donovic
Bruce Tenniswood
Livonia Police Officers Association 
Livonia Fire Fighters Local 1164
 Police  Officers Association of Michigan
 Park Commissioner Paul Condon
Schoolcraft Trustees Gretchen Alaniz, Dillon Breen, 
Mayor Dennis Wright, 
Councilwoman Laura Toy, Councilman Brian Meakin, 
Former Livonia School Trustee Steve King
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, 
County Commissioner Diane Webb,
State Representative Jewell Jones, 
Right to Life of Michigan

Brian Duggan
Laura Toy, Joe Laura, Jim McCann
Livonia Police Officers Association
 
B randon McCullough
FridayMusings
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
Mayor Dennis Wright, 
Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson
Former City Councilwoman Maureen Miller Brosnan    Councilmen Jim Jolly, Brandon Kritzman, 
Great Detroit Building & Construction Trades Council,  Sheet Metal Workers' Local 80,
 Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, 
County Commissioner Diane Webb
   
Eileen McDonnell
FridayMusiings
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
County Commissioners  Glenn S. Anderson Diane Webb former LPS School Board  Dianne Laura
former Livonia City Council member Joe Laura, 
Schoolcraft Trusteew  Gretchen Alaniz and Joan Gebhardt

Kathleen McIntyre 
FridayMusings
Mayor Dennis Wright,  Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson,  John Grzebik, Greenleaf Commission,      
Zoning Board of Appeals Tim Klisz and  Jim Baringhaus
Arts Commissioner Lindsay Spence
Recreation Commissioner Katie Jolly
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
Treasurer Lynda Scheel,  Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly,Brian Meakin,  Cathy White, Brandon Kritzman
 Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, 
Schoolcraft Trustee Gretchen Alaniz
What some of our neighbors are talking about
Linda Eagle-Trudell, retired from Emerson Middle School: Love the article on Chris Last's project/program. This is something that we, as a city/state/country need to start doing. There's a veritable fortune in scrap work lying idly in dumps all over the country. Thanks for promoting it.

Chris Last, the Urban Forrster:   It is almost like campaigning for office. It is folks like yourself and the others that do understand and see all of the potentials, that keeps me even further motivated. This is not just about cutting up a Natural Resource, rather all the educational aspects that can be taught throughout the entire process. Especially here in Livonia and focusing on our Greenmead Historical Park. Thank you Sir for being in my corner.

Janice Anderson Cummings Thank you FridayMusings. I appreciate that Maureen tries to give us a debate so we can get both sides of issues.

Bruce Tenniswood: As promised, I sat down with both mayoral candidates. I'm not going to get 
specific about details of our discussions, other than to say both were almost two hou rs long and I asked them some very difficult, uncomfortable questions. I believe they revealed a glimpse of their real feelings and intentions.

A former boss of mine often reminded our leadership team to "Never confuse motion with progress." I believe our choice in a Mayor is really about deciding between two very different paths. I'm satisfied that I've made the right decision about who I think is the best choice as a leader for Livonia right now. Livonia needs to be repaired, not overhauled, and I believe Laura Toy is the best choice to do just that.

Laura impressed me with the questions she asked, the notes she wrote down, and the things she shared with me. I believe we can expect progress on the issues I campaigned on, and I am willing to help with ideas for solutions. For all of these reasons, I am endorsing  Laura Toy for Mayor.

I've also been asked about council candidates. I believe a legislative body should have a diverse range of personalities, political ideologies, demographics, and should reflect a variety of proficiencies. I am not necessarily in lock-step with all of these individuals, but we have a city to run and I think they're the best team for Council. With that in mind, I am happy to endorse Scott Bahr, Rob Donovic, Brandon McCullough, and Kathleen McIntyre.

Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me by asking for my opinions. I'm confident these individuals will not betray the trust I have in them.

Theresa Mullett Richardson  Thanks for sharing your endorsements. I didn't even know Jim Davis was running.

Brandon McCullough Thank you Friday Musings! I am confident that the citizens of Livonia will make the right decisions on 11/5! My passion grows each and every day and I am excited to roll up the sleeves and get to work!

Kathleen McIntyre   Thank you for the endorsement, it is appreciated. I have worked hard during the past 4 years and I look forward to working hard for the great people of our great city for another 4 years.I never forget that I work for the Livonia taxpayers.
Churchill Music Boosters looking for some help
Do you have items in your home that you no longer need? Are you looking to donate those items? If so, mark your calendar for the Donation Drop-Off Day to support the Churchill High School Music Boosters' Giant Rummage Sale!

The group is collecting items on Oct. 18 from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria...

THEN, be sure to visit the sale to find some treasures that you never knew you needed!

The sale will be 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Churchill.
All the details you need to know about this one of a kind guitar
offered up by the Livonia Symphony Society



If you had unlimited resources what would do to
improve Livonia quality of life?

Calling all high school students who would like to have some fun with their imagination and have the chance to win a $200 gift card!


The Livonia Human Relations Commission is having an essay contest based on the question: "If you had unlimited resources and total control of your schedule for the next 6 months, how would you spend your time and resources to improve the quality of life in Livonia? Who would you have on your team to collaborate with and why? (famous or not)"


See the letter for all of the details! 

  
All entries may be turned in at the Guidance Office at each high school. Good luck!
 



43 years of Holiday Arts and Crafts shopping. Frost PTSA



This is the 43rd year and the Frost Holiday Craft Show has become quite a familiar holiday shopping tradition for many in the community.

The Frost PTSA, staff, and students are very grateful for the support of the wonderful Livonia community throughout the years and they hope that the readers of Musings will join them once again and begin their holiday shopping at Frost Middle School on November 2 from 10am-4pm. 


Celebrate Women in Wars with the Livonia Community Theatre
Our Livonia Community Theatre is proud to announce a very special theatre season - exploring the service of Women in Wars with these thought provoking dramas. 

They hope you'll join them November 8-10, 2019 for Women and War, and return in the spring for A Piece of My Heart.

 Tickets available at the door, or online here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-and-war-tickets-76277561239

 

Let's Go Bowling


Why leave home for a pumpkin !!! 
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest every October day
Join us for Pumpkin fest at the Wilson Barn! Every day in October. EVERY DAY.
 No admission charged, however fees for some activities apply.

WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES (Monday-Friday), 
12noon-7pm
-Pumpkins, Gourds and cornstalk sales
-Pony Rides (3-7pm)
-Hayrides (By appointment only and weather permitting)
** Call 313-909-1870 for an appointment

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES (Saturday and Sunday) 11am-7pm
-Cider, Donuts, Refreshments
-Pumpkins, gourds and Cornstalk sales
-Pony Rides and Hayrides (12-7), weather permitting
- Art and Craft Show
 

Halloween and history. Together. October 25.



Update on the November general election
Rob Donovic Pizza and Pasta   10/11
Brandon McCullough Ball Hockey   10/13
Brandon McCullough Cider and Doughnuts   10/15
Jim Davis coffee and conversation 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
Wayne 11th Republican dinner/dance   10/21
FridayMusings will continue to post information about the 8 candidates running for City Council and the 2 candidates running for Mayor. When we receive notification of an event and as was done in the primary we will post announcements  without editing.
 
 

Click on the image for more details.