October 23,2020 Your Source for Livonia Cultural Happenings
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The Wilson Barn-1974 / a cultural center with stage
46 years ago Electra Stamelos partnered with Mayor Ed McNamara, Councilman Bob Bennett and School Trustee Geraldine Joyner for the land swap allowing for the preservation of the Wilson Barn. The Livonia Jaycees/Jaycettes with the leadership of Sharon Brown, Sue Wozniak and Paula Joyner collected 6,000 signatures to Save the Wilson Barn.
A part of the vision was an art gallery, shown in rendering on the left, in the main barn with art studios on the lower level to be rented out by Livonia artisans. But what most do not remember is that on the property to the north of the Wilson Barn, pictured here again on the left, was to be an entertainment venue with a stage area.
46 years ago the plan to have an amphitheater was born and the community said yes. Art and historic organizations, news media, elected officials all said Save the Barn and create a blend of history and heritage.
46 years is long enough. Just ask Laura Toy. She and the typewriter ten years ago worked on a plan with the art community for an amphitheatre. Now Brandon McCullough is picking up the mantle of heritage and culture.
46 years is long enough. Wilson Barn. Greenmead. Civic Center. Let's start talking.
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Get your tickets now as Alexander Zonjic returns to Livonia supporting the arts |
FridayMusings says that this is one of my favorite events when held at Greenmead's Blue House.
This year moving to Burton Manor--assume for distancing. Zonjac does a great intimate concert playing some awesome jazz and wonderful interplay with the audience.
So much fun for sure.
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Livonia's Haitham Fakhouri has been been selected as an awardee for Arab America Foundation 40 Under 40.
The Arab America Foundation announced today the awardees of their 40 Under 40 initiative. Forty Arab Americans from more than 14 states were announced from a pool of one-hundred applications. Nine judges from throughout the country reviewed the applicants.
40 Under 40 is a celebration of accomplished young Arab Americans. The program spotlights Arab American professionals in all fields and business sectors, including education, law, public service/politics, non-profit, business leaders, entrepreneurs, engineers, medical professionals, artists, entertainers, writers, and media representatives. These young professionals have great achievements both in the workplace and in their communities.
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“We are proud to launch this historic initiative that recognizes all of the successes and accomplishments Arab Americans contribute to our society,” said Warren David, co-founder of the Arab America Foundation and president of Arab America. “The awardees truly exemplify our mission of connecting and empowering Arab Americans. We are delighted to see so many young Arab Americans take pride in their heritage and devote their time to making the world a better place.”
All awardees are under the age of 40, who excel in their industry, and are engaged in promoting their heritage and culture to empower their communities and make a difference. Each of the awardees has forged pathways in their profession and community. They have done stellar work to promote their Arab heritage and bring positive changes to those around them.
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Chuck Dardas a Distinguished Volunteer |
All of our hometown should be excited that The Schoolcraft College Foundation has nominated Chuck Dardas as one of their four Distinguished Volunteers as part of the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day.
As Chuck Dardas likes to say, "it is just me being me." Livonia appreciates you being you.
Usually there is a dinner to celebrate, but because of COVID, all awardee, including Distinguished Volunteers will be recognized on Sunday, November 22 on Detroit Public Television.
ALTRUISTIC: Chuck Dardas cares about today… and the future. Each year Chuck offers his time, talents and expertise to promote the professional trades and entrepreneurial spirit with young middle school students in southeast Michigan.
These programs are a partnership that AlphaUSA and Schoolcraft College enjoy, but Chuck also makes a personal charitable impact with various nonprofit organizations.
And the community responded when the honor was announced:
Debra Stewart Bonde Thank you for all you do, Chuck! And thanks to the Schoolcraft College Foundation for recognizing Chuck's dedication to our community!
You are such a vital part of the Livonia community on so many levels. Very happy you are being recognized with this award!
Rose Kachnowski Congratulations Chuck. I am extremely appreciative for everything you do for our community especially your continuing help to the Livonia Symphony. You are well deserving of this award.
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Get ready for THE
Seedlings Auction
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Seedlings' online auction opens at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, and closes at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 (EST). Mark your calendar and get ready to bid. Seedlings' auction is a win-win for bidders and for kids!
Here are just a few of the exciting items up for bidding starting November 10th.
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The Livonia Community Theatre Performing Arts Academy Registration is Now Open! |
20+ Instructors ... 100+ Classes ... Unlimited Dreams!
"We hope you will join us on our journey and share in our vision to offer some of the best individualized and workshop-based Performing Arts learning opportunitites available today.
"We invite you to take a look at some of our current recurring lessons, classes, workshops and master classes."
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LIVONIA BULK LEAF PICKUP STARTS OCT. 26
Each fall, the City assists residents with their leaf removal through a bulk leaf pickup program. The Bulk Leaf Program begins the week of Oct. 26.
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Advancing Care for the Common Good:
A Vision for Change
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Dave Spivey, President of St. Mary Mercy Livonia is partnering with members of Trinity Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System to "create an advocacy campaign, Care for the Common Good, to drive policy change we believe needs to happen to address the health care concerns we face today."
The campaign he is involved in is based on four principles:
- Everyone should have access to high-quality, comprehensive health care.
- Investment in Public Health is critical to our nation's safety and economic health.
- Improving the health of communities is the right thing to do.
- Affordable, high-value health care is achievable.
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Spivey is asking for your help in sharing this information below with your friends and neighbors and posting on your social media to encourage people to learn more and sign the petition.
"It has become clear that our nation is at a critical point in history. With a convergence of a global pandemic, a health care delivery system that fails to meet the needs of all, a challenged public health system, and societal unrest stemming from racial inequality, it's time to address the issues impacting the health of all Americans.
"With the belief that policy change is necessary, a new campaign is underway. Join Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and its parent organization Trinity Health in its Care for the Common Good campaign.
"The goal is to empower and inspire others to take part in the national dialogue to improve our nation’s health care delivery system. While not intended to impact the outcome of any election, engaging in the national dialogue on how all Americans receive health care allows us to promote a bipartisan vision for what we believe the system must achieve."
Please visit the campaign webpage to learn more, share this information on social media, and please sign our petition to show your support for these principles. Your support will be shared with presidential candidates and others who will be developing policy agenda's in both Washington D.C. and state capitols in 2021.
Together, we can be the change our communities desperately need to live their best lives.
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Readers have been sharing their views |
Darga endorsed for County Commissioner:
Jim and Annette McConnell: Annette and I did walking 'tour' there a few weeks ago and I told myself to send you a note...but, suffering from COVID seasonal disorder, I never wrote the note... But have read some great books.
And, I need to tell you that I am very impressed by Wayne County commission candidate Nancy Darga. She has been a leader in preserving history/enveironemental issues, including the Piquette PFort Plant, creating Motor Cities Heritage area, cleaning up the Rouge, etc. In addition, her civic participation in Northville makes her an outstanding candidate for Wayne County Commission. ... just an outside opinion.
Covid Seasonal Disorder:
Vicki Schroeder So sorry to hear about your Covid Seasonal Disorder. Sadly, you are not alone. We get by the best we can. Keep riding your bike.
Linda Eagle-Trudell You need to find some indoor hobbies to get you through the next 6 months. I’ve spent a lot of time doing a lot of projects since Covid began, and am lining up new ones for after Christmas. Walking, even in bad weather, is good too. Lots of music, DVD movies, and reading (I think I’ve read 100 lately), FaceTime family and friends, call people who are stuck inside to check on them and have a nice chat. There’s lots to keep you sane, but you have to plan ahead since our brains are becoming numb from the fear of going out or listening to all the talking heads. Hang in there, you can do it.
Halloween Decorations:
Janice Gatny Keeler Fun! Your house looks great! Especially at night with the lights shining on it.
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