Do you ever wonder what happens to the thousands of braille books Seedlings sends out every month. Take a look at Graham and get that smile on your face. Pictured is Graham, age 1, who is one of "Seedlings' kids."  The picture shows him sitting with one of his braille books.

His mom says, "My son is deafblind due to CHARGE syndrome. He's really started getting into books and loves to feel the Braille on the pages while mom reads to him. I love being able to expose him to Braille so early! It's great to have access to so many great brailled books for kids of all ages."

all ages."

Livonia joins Seedlings in saying "Happy Reading, Graham!"

St. Mary Mercy Livonia hosted its 27th Annual Anniversary Gala, Embracing our Heritage, at the Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center in Livonia on Friday, October 11 where it raised more than $250,000 to benefit the Felician Sisters of North America's Mission in Haiti.  More than 500 people attended this year's event, including best-selling author and journalist Mitch Albom, Felician Sisters Marilyn Minter and Mary Inga Borko, and 2019 Gala committee co-chairs John and Lina Del Signore.

 

"This year our hospital and our medical staff came together and, with the backing of generous individuals and local businesses, we were able to raise a significant amount of money to support the Haitian people," said David Spivey, president and

	Dave and Julie Spivey

CEO of St. Mary Mercy Livonia and vice president of community health and well-being for Trinity Health-Michigan Region.  "I am proud to be part of an organization and a community that helps spread hope in a world so greatly in need of it."

"In addition to the ground-breaking work being done by Sr. Marilyn, a real life rock star, and Sr. Inga, Mitch Albom shared his account of the need he sees first hand at the orphanage he funds and visits monthly," said Maureen Miller Brosnan, chairman of the board of the hospital. "I was humbled and honored to have shared the evening with these amazing humanitarians."

 

This year's event celebrated the 60 year anniversary of St. Mary Mercy Livonia, founded by the Felician Sisters in 1959.  Support for the Gala reflects a heritage of mercy that has benefitted the Livonia community and will go a long way in helping others in need.   

 

John and Lena Del Signore

Six years ago, the Felician Sisters responded to the needs of the people in Haiti, who had been devastated by the earthquake of 2010.  Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and the loss of life and property was catastrophic.  Two sisters, Sister Marilyn Minter and Sister Mary Inga Borko departed for Haiti in September 2012 to begin the Felician Ministry of Presence.  They spent the first months learning the

	Mitch Albom with Sisters Marily Minter  and Mary Borko

language, making important connections, and searching for the diocese in most need of their ministry.

 From its humble beginnings, the Haiti Mission has grown exponentially over six years.

 

The Gala, which included dance performances and live music from Intrigue, was made possible by donations from many sponsors.  The hospital is grateful to everyone who supported the event, especially its lead donors, Platinum Sponsor DTE Energy Foundation and Gold Sponsors Huron Valley Radiology and Charles and Carol Cassie. 

 

Donations to support  the Felician Sisters of North America's Mission in Haiti  are still being accepted.  Individuals or businesses interested in making a gift can call 734-712-4040.

This past weekend's Kids Coalition Against Hunger Meal Packing Event went very well.  This Event was co-sponsored by the Livonia Community Service Organization's FORUM, Kids Coalition Against Hunger and St. Edith Church.  

More than 140 Volunteers from all over Livonia gathered to pack more

 than 45,000 meal in a little more that 2 hours time.  2/3rds of these meals were distributed to the hungry in and around Livonia. The remaining meals were sent to KCAH to help replenish the 500,000 meals they just shipped to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Livonia Rotary Club volunteered to help with the meal packing

Event Leaders included Ron Gaffney - Livonia Rotary Club, Jodee Hall and Bill Heaton - Livonia Goodfellows, Mike Shesterkin - Daniel A. Lord Knights of Columbus, Fred Salmu - Monaghan Knights of Columbus,Dina Dubuis and Matt Collins - Livonia Lions Club, Toni Sheffield - St. Edith's Church and Michael  Burwell - Kids Coalition Against Hunger.

Why leave home for a pumpkin !!! Two choices right here in town 

Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest every October day and

Pumpkin Place fund raiser for Livonia Cares

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

 

Join Attorney General Dana Nessel and Representative Laurie Pohutsky for a town hall on addressing payroll fraud in Michigan Monday, October 28, 6:00 - 7:00, at Madonna University, Fran Building - Suchyta Hall

Payroll fraud is a crime that happens when companies fail to pay workers the wages, overtime, and benefits they're owed. One in five Michigan households fall victim to payroll fraud, costing families across Michigan hundreds of millions of dollars - and they might not even know it. And that is precisely why the Attorney General established her Payroll Fraud Enforcement Unit.

Employees must be vigilant, know their rights and responsibilities - and their employer's obligations.

Join Attorney General Nessel and Representative Pohutsky for this town hall to learn about Michigan's Payroll Fraud Enforcement Unit and how to spot and stop payroll fraud in Michigan.

Gaining a reputation after 43 years. Frost Holiday Arts and Crafts Show