This typewriter can not get enough of Seedlings Braille Books for Children. The work that 100 volunteers provide every day of the year to insure that sight impaired children have the same opportunities you and I have every time we pick up a book. The work that goes into producing the books and raising the money is amazing.

It all comes together each fall with the Annual Open House where folks from West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, South Lyon, Detroit come to Livonia to see this miracle and learn how it all comes together.

This year was even more phenomenal as 7 year old blind, piano playing Avett and his mother author Sara Moore traveled from Dayton to entertain and regale the folks at the open house.

And entertain he did. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up he responded "a rapper." Saying this and then heading back to the piano and playing classical 

music. 

How could you not be amazed at a child who started playing at the age of 2. Two years old. Really?

The reach of Seedlings is world wide but for one evening it was right here in Livonia withChannel 2 featuring Seedlings and our hometown on the 6:00 news. Livonia was in the spotlight for something other than signs being stolen. 

City officials came by. Council President Laura Toy, Clerk Susan Nash, Councilman Scott Bahr and Councilwoman Kathleen McIntyre. Even candidates couldn't resist. Mayoral candidate Maureen Miller Brosnan, Council candidates Brandon McCullough, Eileen McDonnell, Rob Donovic and Jim Davis.

There was former councilman Conrad Schultz. Rotary President Janet Haas. Dan MacIver. Hall of Fame inductee Bill Heaton. All taking tours to see how the braille books are produced.

I just cannot get enough of Seedlings. It amazes me how books are printed and shipped world wide. Every state in the nation and 75 around the world. From right here in Livonia.

The smiles as children open the packages with books. The same smile I get every time I start reading the Harry Bosch series or Lee Childs latest. My eyes grow wide as am transported to another world. Just as sightless children as they read their books with mom and dad. So great.

When you are given an opportunity to support Seedlings please do. The children of the world appreciate Livonia. So does Seedlings. And we appreciate them. 

See you next year at the open house. Hear about your bidding with their on-line auction starting November 1st. See you at the bowling outing this coming spring. 

Meeting Avett was a highlight of my month. Having his mother Sara autograph her book for Leonardo was a highlight of my week. Seeing the Seedlings staff and thanking them for all they do for the children of the world made my year.

So much to write. But three words will suffice. THANK YOU SEEDLINGS.

Charlie Mahoney: Great story on Bob's Celebration of Life - thank you for reading the LSO tribute - this community will miss Bob but his presence will continue to be felt through the example he set supporting his community.  

Brian Broderick, President Board of Trustees Schoolcraft College: Hey Bill - thank you for the creation of scholarship fund for Schoolcraft students in honor of your parents.  What a great and lasting tribute to them and your family.  

Carol Brodbeck: You did an excellent job, Saturday, Bill.  It could not have been better!!!!! Bob truly deserved this Celebration of Life gathering and believe all went away with some closure and new-found love for Bob.   So all I can say is Thank you....Thank you....AND Thank you.

Peggy Gaskill, President Livonia Civic Chorus: The Livonia Civic Chorus was very honored to participate in the Celebration of Life for Bob Hardies. He was one of Livonia's very giving supporters of many organizations and his practice of planning for the future and challenging others to do so was a focus of his life. I know that several comments and suggestions made by Bob at our newly formed Citizens' Advisory Council were actionable items that our Board has taken to heart and have or plan to implement.

We are pleased that Dan MacIver has continued the sponsorship of LCC for our 2019-2020 season. Thanks to him and we look forward to a continued relationship in the City of Livonia with Dan and others as we try to realize our vision of enriching the musical experiences for our members and the cultural life of our community.

Kathleen Bilger  Bob Hardies was a wonderful person. He did tremendous good. His life reminds me of the line from Hello Dolly "money is like manure, it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around, encouraging young things to grow." And Bob believed in hugging.

Marnee Westberg: I miss selling cider and donuts at Wilson Barn! Hope you had a donut for me!

Larry Mosier Check out our custom furniture company in Livonia, Union Town Woodshop. We only use recycled wood and steel. We built this piece for the Livonia Fire Headquarters. 

Linda Eagle-Trudell 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.

 

Jim Kline   Your parents are so proud of you and your brother in establishing the two SCHOLARSHIPS.

The 2019 Outstanding Adrian High School Alumni and Adrian Public Schools Outstanding Teacher/Mentor Award recipients were honored the first week of Ocotber as a part of homecoming week. The   event included a reception in the lobby area of the Julianne & George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School. This year is the 12th year for the awards, presented by the Adrian Schools Educational Foundation (ASEF) and Alumni Association.

Cox was elected as chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party in 2019. She leads a staff of over 50 as well as grassroots activists through the 2020election cycle. Prior to her election, she served four years in the Michigan House of Representatives, two as the state's first female Appropriations Committee Chairwoman. Cox also served as the only Republican on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners where she was named chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee.

Cox is active in her hometown of Livonia serving on the Board of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, Community Opportunity Center and Detroit Catholic Central's Mother's Club. She has volunteered as a lunch mom, wrestling mom and a Girl Scout cookie mom coordinating and organizing in local groups to name a few.

Prior to entering public service, she worked as an agent with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) for 13 years in Detroit. Cox worked undercover for 18 months.  Her nominator stated her work in the Legislature has made a positive impact on her community and the state of Michigan.

  

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