November 11, 2019            Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.  
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It is one heck of a November with birthdays in the Joyner family in abundance.

Happy Birthday Brother Dr. Bob of San Antonio fame. Also happy birthday to attorney, nephew Jonathan and attorney, nephew Jason both of San Antonio fame and daughter in Law Raquel of Aurora Colorado fame.  
Santa Claus is coming to town. Better be good. He is coming December 8th. 

Come out and see Merry & 
Bright: Livonia's Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting starting at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

The festive parade will feature floats, high school bands, honor guards, entertainers, cheer teams, scout groups, Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. 

The route begins at Frost Middle School and travels about a mile (from Stark to Lyndon to Farmington Road and then to Civic Center Drive) before winding up in front of Livonia City Hall.

On the steps of City Hall, Mayor Dennis Wright will be joined by the visitors from the North Pole to push the giant button that illuminates colorful holiday light display around City Hall. Members of the Livonia Community Chorus will serenade the countdown.

This year's Merry & Bright events are co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Livonia, Livonia Libraries, Livonia Civic Chorus, the Christian Financial Credit Union and Busch's Fresh Food Market in Livonia.

Parade-watchers are invited to wear festive attire and set up for viewing along the route. The parade will will last about an hour. Parking will be available at numerous City lots along the route, including Ford Field, Stymelski Park and the Senior Center.

Afterward, the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library will host hot cocoa and cookies, entertainment, crafts and a chance for youngsters to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.


Races for Congress and State Representative sure to capture the interest of Livonia voters 
The campaign season that we thought was over is simply changing its focus with two candidates having announced that they are running for Congress in the 11th Congressional District.

Canton Republican  Whittney Williams is a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan.  Williams currently serves as the Director of Diversity for the 11th District Republican Committee.  Williams is a professional actress and enjoys a modeling career.  She was also elected as a Canton Township Precinct Delegate in 2018.

A Birmingham attorney Eric Esshaki is a Republican who says Congress is broken.  His top priorities are health care and helping grow the middle class. He is a former nurse who says he saw the healthcare system first-hand.

Democrat Haley Stevens has dedicated her career to saving and growing good-paying jobs in Michigan. During the Great Recession, Haley served as chief of staff on the Auto Rescue which helped return the auto industry to financial stability and saved over 200,000 Michigan jobs. Stevens replaced Congressman David Trott.

As the new year gets underway FridayMusings will continue to bring you current and up-to-date information on the candidates, their policies, personalities and politics.
 
Another race for our consideration in Livonia is the race that could find incumbent Democrat State Representative Lauri Pohutski being potentially challenged by former Senator Patrick Colbeck District Representative Penny Crider.  Word on the street has Crider running but we have not received an official announcement. 

Pohutsky is a self described Progressive Democrat and millennial microbiologist representing Livonia (District 19) in the Michigan House of Representatives. where she is fighting for environmental protections, people over corporations, and single payer healthcare.

As this race turns the corner and begins to capture the interest in Livonia voters FridayMusings will make sure to bring you their policies and politics. 
"Faygo" and what you need to know about this iconic brand presented by the Livonia Historical Society

Come and join the Livonia Historical Society on Monday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead. The general meeting will begin at 2 p.m. followed by author Joe Grimm's presentation of "Faygo." 

Pictured on the left is Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, clutching a bottle of rock 'n' rye, while hosting the  2019 Michigan Notable Books  authors in her Capitol office. 

At left are Wayne State University Press author Joe Grimm with "The Faygo Book," and Mitch Lutzke, author of "The Page Fence Giants: A History of Black Baseball's Pioneering Champions." At right is WSU Press double winner Anne-Marie Oomen, co-author of "Lake Michigan Mermaid: A Tale in Poems" and editor of "Elemental: A Collection of Michigan Creative Nonfiction."

Membership information will be available at the meeting and all are welcome to attend! For more information,
 please call (248) 477-7375. 

The story of Faygo, Detroit's beloved soda pop, begins over a hundred years ago with two Russian immigrant brothers who were looking to get out of the baking business. 

Harvey Lipsky, pictured on the right, came to Faygo as a young chemist and stayed for more than 50 years, was entrusted with the Rock 'n' Rye recipe.

"The Faygo Book" covers how Faygo made one of its all-time favorite flavors, the mysteriolicious Rock & Rye.

This is part of what Grimm wrote in the book:

One of the top secrets was how to make rock 'n' rye. Even late into his career, founder Perry Feigenson mixed that one. 

In a 1969 Detroit News Magazine article Lipsky recalled, "One day when he was in his 80s and having a tough time climbing the stairs to the lab, he called me aside and said he figured it was time to learn the secret. I watched the mumbo-jumbo, which included waving a towel over the bottle, and I took notes. I analyzed the process and, being a chemist, figured I could duplicate the blend by modern  methods. I worked on it several months, using the latest scientific steps. It smelled the same, it looked the same, but it wasn't the same. I now make it his way-even waving a towel over the bottle. I never have figured out what that did to the blend."

Joan Rayford, who heard "The Faygo Book" presentation at an Oakland County Mensa meeting, has a theory:
"Mr. Feigenson was a baker.  A 'baking secret' is to properly mix the batter to have sufficient air mixed in to ensure better dough rising.  Depending on the recipe, this mixing can be done by electric mixer, wooden spoon, wide or narrow spatula, by hand, with a fork, or even by tapping the bowl on the countertop to force extra air out before putting the batter into the baking pans.

"Another 'baking secret' is how long do you do this?  An experienced baker will do this by feel, or by counting, or 'saying some mumbo-jumbo."  

"Waving a towel apparently is either another very slight mixing method, or when combined with the 'saying some mumbo-jumbo' a way to let the mixture set before moving on to the next step.  There are lots of baking recipes where the batter sits on the counter or goes into the refrigerator or freezer for a specific period of time before being baked."

Author Joe Grimm mixes the ingredients of a successful beverage company confected in dicey times in a boom-and-bust town. 

The Faygo Book is the story of a pop, a people, and a place. These stories and facts will tickle the taste buds and memories of Detroiters and Faygo lovers everywhere.

Seedlings' online auction: 
a win-win for bidders, blind kids.
383 items available for you to bid on. 3 days left.
The big bidding event has arrived.  Look over the 383 items available for you to bid on: 


Great items including dining, travel, sports events, gift cards  and yes, unique experiences like lunch with Senator Dayna Polehanki or lunch with the typewriter.


The real winner of your bidding will be the visually impaired children who will hav e access to an additional 2,100 books if Seedlings Braille Books for Children reach their goal of raising $21,000.

Let's get started. The bidding is from November 1st through November 14th. 
Mitchell's Bravo Cucina Flemings Steakhouse




SEEDLINGS BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN


Click on this image to instantly be transported to the Seedlings Braille Books for Children bid site. 

   BIDDING  IS OPEN NOW.
Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events 
at the Phoenix Theatre
Click on this image for all movie times

Send your calendar notices to  [email protected]
 
November in Livonia
 
November 12 @ 11:00 - 1:00
Veterans Appreciation Lunch
sponsored by Community Choice
Reservation deadline was November 8th


November 13 @ Buffalo Wild Wings

November 16 @ 7:30
November 17 @ 3:00

November 16 @ 10:00 - 4:00
Clarenceville's Craft Show

November 18 @ 6:30
Save Hines Park Informational Meeting
Vista-tech Center Schoolcraft College

November 16 @ 10:00 - 3:00
Rotary Club invites you to Be a Cancer Kicker
@ Burn Fitness - Livonia

November 23 - December 2
Live from Berea Kentucky and Decatur Georgia
The annual typewriter road trip
Will visit the elementary school attended by both
Jack Kirksey and Bill Joyner believe it or not

November 23 @ 2:00 - 4:00
Blessings in a Backpack Bowling Outing

November 23 @ 9:00 - 3:00
Historic Greenmead Treasures from Grandma's Attic

November 25 @ 2:30 - 6:00
Livonia Blanket Making Event
Stevenson High School

December in Livonia
December 2 @ 11:00
Lunch with Senator Gary Peters @ Burton Manor

December 2 @ 9:00 - 2:00
Livonia Senior Center Craft Show
Senior Center

December 7 @ 10:00 - 12:30
Santa Claus is coming to town
Community Alliance Credit Union

December 7
Trumbell Film Forum
Monroe Phoenix Theatre

December 7
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Magical Fantasies
Clarenceville High School
Louis Schmidt Auditorium

December 8 @ 4:00
City of Livonia Christmas Parade

December 14 & 15
Livonia Civic Ballet Company
The Nutcracker

December 15 @ 2:00
Livonia Youth Symphony Winter Concert
Kresge Hall @ Madonna University

December 15 @ 3:00
 
Brandon McCullough thanks the folks he met along the campaign trail

Brandon McCullough, Councilman-elect: Now that I have had time to let Tuesday set in, I am truly blessed to have they support of 11,486 people of Livonia! The journey was long and tiring but worth every second. My family has been through some tough times over the past five years and I think those experiences propelled us to keep pushing onward.

Along the way, we have been blessed to meet so many incredible people that I am glad to call family at this point. So many people that just want the  best for our city. This pride for Livonia is something that was contagious and kept growing my fire to become elected. You all know who you are! Thank you!

I do want to specifically thank my beautiful parter in crime Kacie McCullough for being the brains behind this campaign! It can be so stressful on family of a candidate, especially in this current political climate. You have been selfless and I will always be forever grateful for your unwavering love.

Lastly, now begins the fun! You elected me for a reason and I am so ready to get this party started! I cannot wait to work beside our new incredible Mayor Maureen Brosnan! Now is this time to shine!

Thank you all for you love and support! I promise to make each of you proud!


 St. Mary Mercy Livonia sponsors Hernia Night seminar
including a hands on demonstration of the da Vinci Surgical System
St. Mary Mercy Livonia will host a free Hernia Night educational seminar on Wednesday, November 20 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. inside the hospital's South Auditorium (36475 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154).
 
Attendees will have an opportunity to hear from Dr. Jacob Roberts about the options available to relieve hernia-related symptoms such as nausea, pain or discomfort in the groin, or a bulge or pressure in the lower abdomen.  

Dr. Roberts will provide education about the latest hernia treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery.  Guests will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on demonstration of the da Vinci Surgical System and will be entered to win Red Wings tickets. 
 
For more information or to register for this event, please call 734-655-8486.
Click on this image to check out more on Dough Joe
The official chocolates of FridayMusings
Chef Joe Gilligan has considered himself an artist all his life. From a very young age he entertained himself with drawing, painting, sculpting, and film making. Cooking and baking were a favorite pastime too.

Originally Joe started attending Schoolcraft College in 2010 pursuing a Film/Art degree. He then changed his major in 2012 when he was accepted into the prestigious Baking and Pastry program at Schoolcraft. 

After graduation Joe had the opportunity to go to Paris, France. It was there that he developed a stronger love and respect for the art and creations of chocolate. He also purchased his first chocolate molds there!

Upon returning home, Joe started honing his skills as a pastry chef working as the last pastry chef at the Lark Restaurant in West Bloomfield, MI and Avalon in Detroit.

It is our mission to deliver high quality chocolates made with 100% organic butter and cream with the finest chocolates available with our flavors varying season to seasonia. 
The sale of parkland in Hines Park is down to the wire
with approval expected within 30 days

Informational Meeting on Proposed Parkland Sale is
scheduled by folks at Save Hines Park


You are invited to an informational presentation on the proposed sale of parkland in Hines Park.


WHEN: Monday, November 18, 6:30pm
WHERE: Schoolcraft College VisTa Tech Center Auditorium, 18600 Haggerty Rd. 

Free parking available in North Lot. Enter at the main entrance.

Save Hines Park will present a summary of the proposals to sell the Wilcox Mill in Plymouth and the Newburgh Mill in Livonia, and other pending land sales, and steps you can take to help stop the loss of our public parklands.

As reported  two weeks ago in FridayMusings the Wayne County Commission has received purchase agreements on these park properties. The Commissioners will hold a committee vote on Nov. 26, and then a final vote on the sales on Dec. 5.


RSVP: https://www.savehinespark.com/register-for-november-18-presentation.html
Meet friends at Buffalo Wild Wings and help out
the Clarenceville Senior All Night Party
Print this coupon and take with you to get the 20% donation


Livonia's treasures waiting to be found
You never know what you'll find in "Grandma's Attic". Come to Greenmead on Saturday, November 23 (9am to 3pm) and see what treasure you can bring home - no admission or parking fee.


Blending Historic State of the Art Film Making with
Contemporary Cutting Edge Film Making



Phoenix Theatres at the Mall of Monroe is proud to present the Douglas Trumbull Film Forum, featuring works from the film director and cinematic visionary's entire career, emphasizing Trumbull's cinematic dream of immersive, experiential cinema through his cutting-edge MAGI technology. Trumbull himself will be in attendance to discuss his work and give a Master Class presentation of his filmmaking philosophy, process, and achievements.

Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a robust lineup of science fiction classics such as Silent Running, Brainstorm, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Blade Runner, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and a special 40th Anniversary presentation of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. In addition to an excellent lineup of classic science fiction films featuring Trumbull's exemplary work, we will be presenting "UFOTOG", Douglas Trumbull's short film that demonstrates his MAGI film process.

FESTIVAL FILMS
All Festival Films $1 Admission

Star Trek: The Motion Picture in  at 7:00 PM
Blade Runner The Final Cut at 11:40 AM 9:55 PM
Close Encounters of the Third Kind at 9:00 AM 1:15 PM
2001: A Space Odyssey at 2:10 PM 4:00 PM
Brainstorm at 9:00 AM 9:50 PM
Silent Running at 11:15 AM 5:10 PM

FREE EVENTS

UFOTOG in Magi
every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Douglas Trumbull Master Class Lectures
at 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM

CONVENTION EVENTS
Panel Discussions at 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM