November 5, 2021 People/Dining/Shopping/Events/Culture All defining Livonia
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FridayMusings agrees with County Commissioner David Knezek
We're all in this together... let's get to work!
I truly respect anyone who has the courage to step forward, put their name on the ballot, and invite their fellow citizens to judge their vision and qualifications for holding elected office. My hat's off to all the candidates who participated in yesterday's General Election.
I am thrilled that some of my dearest friends will soon be assuming or retaining their roles in our community. I am similarly crushed that some of my dearest friends came up just short of their goals yesterday. But, I am reminded through my own success and failure in running for office that the ability to affect positive change in our communities isn't reserved for those with a title. Each of us, in our own ways, big and small, have the ability to improve the quality of life for our neighbors if we lead with our shared values, compassion, and a heart for service.
To those who were successful yesterday, I look forward to working with you. To those who were not, I look forward to working with you, too. We're all in this together... let's get to work!
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To those celebrating, Happy Diwali.
Diwali, the festival of lights, is a religious observance commemorated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists around the world.
Every autumn, the observance sees millions of people attend firework displays, prayer services and festive events in celebration of the occasion.
Diwali can trace its origins back to ancient times when the end of the summer harvest season was celebrated with much pomp and splendour. It signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil and sees millions of lamps lit at homes, temples, shops and public buildings across the world.
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How many people does it take to help a person once they have a stroke? Debra Madonna is still counting at 817. This is her story.
The typewriter has known of and known Debra Madonna since moving to Plymouth Township in 1977. Followed her activities in support of the arts, of her working with Paula Joyner for the first children's weekday concerts, still going 40 years later.
She has always seemed an amazing woman and when she had a stroke in 2015 I was even more amazed at her recovery, her continued work on behalf of her family and her community.
13 years ago Deb had been working with the Plymouth-Canton School District on a special needs playground project. That’s when she discovered the Miracle League. Deb had worked on Music in the Park for many years and knew that Plymouth was the perfect spot for a Miracle League. The playground project transformed into the Miracle League of Plymouth. Deb knew that the City of Plymouth, residents and businesses would support and welcome MLP’s players, families, and volunteers.
Deb’s favorite part of the Miracle League is all the people that she has met and the fun that is had. Her hobbies include reading, writing, biking, swimming, walking, weaving, hanging out with her grandson, and dreaming. Deb is an Occupational Therapist, Massage Therapist, and Health Educator who uses her imagination. Deb adds, "I love MLP and all the folks. It makes me happy.”
Deb worked at St Mary's for 21 years. "I had left a few months before I had a stroke and I was a patient there. I am an Occupational Therapist and I wanted to tell the story of the first days after having a stroke, what occurred during the rest of the time at the hospital up to today.
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Debra Madonna: a stroke is that story, of a fighter, of a person that is the definition of community over self. It defines her as an unselfish person and this book helps to tell that story.
"Who can have a stroke? One person may ignore health warnings and go about their lives believing that nothing will happen to them. Another person may collect information about every health issue that impacts them. They listen to medical practitioners and carefully follow the advice they are given. They take care of themselves, eat healthy foods, drink 6 – 8 glasses of water every day, exercise, and avoid stress.
"What do these individuals have in common? Either person can have a stroke. Neither may have recognized the warnings. They may be surprised that it happened to them. Either may pay attention to the big risks, but don’t consider how can a little salt, stress, or high blood pressure can negatively impact their health and lives. I had a stroke, with very little warning, and found myself in an Intensive Care Unit facing a lengthy recovery. All of my plans were canceled that day. My immediate plans were abandoned. My long-term plans were placed on indefinite hold. My family was affected just as seriously as me. This is the story of my stroke, my recovery, the people I love, the people who love me and helped me survive and thrive."
The book is available November 22, 2021, and can be pre-ordered now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Baby.
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It's November with
plenty of activities
Enjoy a night out and get tickets to see Almost, Maine at the Livonia Community Theatre. The performance will run from November 11th - 21st. Tickets are $15.
The Franklin Players present Little Shop of Horrors November 11th - 14th. Tickets are $12.
Little Livonians will enjoy a new Life When It's Snowy pre-school program at Greenmead. It's a partnership with Huron-Clinton Metroparks and tickets are $10 per child, November 13th.
And on Tuesdays from 9am to 11am kids 5 and under can enjoy Open Play at the Livonia Parks and Recreation (membership or day pass required).
Check out Treasures From Grandma's Attic at Greenmead November 19th & 20th.
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December. Welcome the Holidays with our
Livonia Civic Chorus
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Dan and Janice Centers
Say Thank you
While this campaign came up short, I’m honored by all of the support we received across the City. I will remain engaged in the work of our community and our public schools because I believe in the great potential to move this community forward. I want to thank everyone who supported this campaign and let them know I’ll never forget the outpouring of encouragement and support that made our work together possible.
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Carrie Budzinski Says Thank you
First and foremost, thank you for all of the kind messages and comments, they mean a lot to me. But in case you missed it, I didn't win.
The Republican slate had a strong victory but I came in 5th (with 9,684 votes) and that's not so bad.
I went into this wanting to run a new kind of campaign, one that focused on people and not fundraising - I intentionally raised and spent nearly the least amount of money (approximately $11,000, compared to the highest being over $50,000).
I'm tired of partisan politics and ran a truly non-partisan campaign that presented voters with information (including about all 7 candidates), asked for feedback, responded to answers/questions/inquires and made no assumptions.
I met the MOST INCREDIBLE people in this campaign and learned so much about Livonia. Public service and community building were my goals and I don't need to have a desk at City Hall to do that work.
Running for office is hard. I had some amazing volunteers but we were all new and learning as we went. It takes a lot of time and effort to campaign too, especially when it's not your primary focus (I work full-time and I've got my guys at home). And the hardest part is the hate. Every day for several months I felt like I was hit by a 2x4 on the internet and elsewhere.
For the most part, I don't take it personally but I do take it to heart when I think about the big picture. How easily it is to assume the worst in someone you've never met and to say hateful things from the distance of a keyboard. I don't share for sympathy but for a reminder to be kind. Give people the benefit of the doubt and even if they disappoint you, give them another chance. We all have to live on this planet (and community) together - let's do our best to live well.
So what's next?
I have a plan and I'm excited to share but not today. This was never a one person mission and it still isn't. I'll need your help (but don't worry, not your money). I hope we can continue to connect and reach new people too!
I'm not going anywhere so feel free to email, call or friend me on my personal Facebook page (it's mostly pictures of my kids).
I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and support throughout this race. Yesterday's results weren't the goal but it isn't the end either - there's work to do.
Stay tuned + Take care
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Costume Closet set to open with your help
Friends and Family. Do you have new or gently used Halloween Costumes you'd like to get rid of? Please consider donating them to our Livonia PTSA Council for a "Costume Closet" they will host next Fall where families can pick out a costume for their child for FREE! They are hoping to ease the financial burden on families who need it while also helping students have a great Halloween!
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Sign up for the Holiday Lights Contest
Now that Halloween is over, it's time to start thinking about the holidays! Livonia Parks and Recreation and the Livonia Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the return of the Light Up Livonia Holiday Lights Contest! The contest is open to all residences and businesses in Livonia and runs from Tuesday, Nov. 30 to Tuesday, Dec. 14. Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan will pick three residences, a Clark Griswold award winner and one business with the best holiday decorations.
Register online at LivoniaParks.org and indicate if you would like to be part of the Light Up Livonia Holiday Lights Map. The map will be available online for people to tour the lights. Mayor Brosnan and Santa Claus will visit the winners to deliver the awards on Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the evening.
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