Bill Joyner's FridayMusings 11/30/2022

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What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.

FridayMusings Wenesday, November 30, 2022 Helping define Livonia Quality of Life

On the Road Again. Felt good. Canton Georgia for Thanksiving.

Aurora Colorado for Christmas. Livonia always.

The Thanksgiving trip to Georgia was refreshing. Determined to end the lazy, lethargic attitude that was permeating what seemed to be my total existence before and after back surgery I took off on a road trip.

On the face, it seemed so wrong. But as we headed down I-75 with detours the last 2 hours heading through the back roads, and I mean the two-lane variety, of Tennessee and Georgia my eyes started opening wider, and the mental fog began to dissipate. Could I be on the road to recovery?

YES. And does it feel good.

Stopped at an O'Charley's in Richmond Tennessee, home of Eastern Kentucky University. Happened to chat up, and felt so good striking up conversations with total strangers. Learning about tattoos, families, and in this case at O'Charley's meeting up with a brother of Lamda Chi Alpha, a student at EKU.

So cool as I was a Lambda Chi Alpha, pledging in 1967 as a freshman at Central Michigan. Reminisced about the old while learning about the new.

Stopped in here as I miss the O'Charley's on Seven Mile where Andiamo's is now.

On the way back the bodyguard researched and found a restaurant serving up catfish and hush puppies so we stopped in at Smitty's Southern Style BBQ. 4 tables. Residential neighborhood. Great pulled pork as students came in for carryout and told me it "was the best". But I was there for catfish and hush puppies even though they offer up some of the best slow-cooked southern-style bbq. They pride themselves on pulled pork, ribs, and brisket.

Meeting the owner, pictured here, was a hit. Southern charm, accent, smile. Served us great food. Portions so plenty that we put some in the cooler and brought it home. Back home again. In this case, not Livonia but the South I grew up in.

Had to take my trip to Ball Ground Georgia for a sausage biscuit and sweet tea at Jill's Bakery, pictured up top. A regular stop each trip. The best biscuits.

But the highlight for me was watching the bodyguard enjoying the holiday with her sister Teri and brother-in-law Joe. Her smiles were worth it all. Well, and her driving as much as she did. Loved it.

I hope y'll had all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. and are joining me in having a great holiday month in the only city that counts, Livonia. The city we all are engaged in. Look forward to seeing you at so many hometown gatherings.

Wonder if now that I am up and around I should start getting the ice legs in shape for the 2nd Annual Red Wing v Livonia All Stars game in January?

Detroit Tigers and hotdogs. The Livonia connection. Bring it on Spring Training. We are ready.

This is the weekend that Livonia Creativity soars to new heights

Livonia's Fine Art Gallery to feature The Painter Sisters, throughout month of December

The Painter Sisters will be exhibiting for December in the Fine Arts Gallery in the Bennett Civic Center Library. Twelve artists are included in the group: Marilyn Wolff, Nancy MacDonald, Kitty Weaver, Karla Kerber, Edee Joppich, Janis Madias, Loretta Neville, Lynn Paquette, Liz Rowse, Karen Judnich, and Virginia Bosak.

The exhibit includes various exciting media, including oil, acrylic, collage, watercolor, and mixed media pieces. Members of the group have been painting together through classes, critiques, and fall getaways to the North.

They are sisters in art. All have been in juried exhibits throughout the area. Some out and enjoy the Fine Arts during December.

Another great idea from our Friends of the Livonia Library

On December 10 and 11 a Kids' Only Used Book Sale with parents welcome will be held in the Michigan Room of the Bennett Civic Center Library. It will be stocked with a huge selection of children's books, and they'll all be buy one, get one free!

Livonia is ready to celebrate some of the best of our holiday traditions

You Are Loved!

Another Sleeping Bag Mission huge success

Susan Landmesser offers up "gratitude and thanks to all who donated anonymously, who gathered together to sort, fold, build kits, and assemble sleeping bags for the You Are Loved Sleeping Bag Mission 2022.

"Special mentions to Livonia Civic Senior Center, Livonia Democratic Club, Livonia A.M Rotary, Mile City Church, City Orchard and Pelic Groups, Friday Musings, Northstar Marketing Content, and My personal friends and family.

Thank you all again. You are loved."

The pictures show just some of the bags of donated materials from generous Livonia residents including these hand knitted caps.

The Livonia Rotary AM Club had a hard working delegation of volunteers on hand in Detroit for the distribution of the assembled kits.

LPS Education Foundation 12th Annual Luncheon

Our Livonia Public Schools Education Foundation 12th Annual Luncheon was yesterday and by all accounts it was another huge success!

Rochelle Riley was the guest speaker continuing the outstanding programs bringing together supporters of our Livonia Public Schools while raising funds for the Education Foundation.

Congratulations Executive Director Laura Kulisz Ulaszek on a job well done. And thanks to the LPS EF Board members featured in the picture for the continued support of our traditional public schools.

Mail Address

19514 Livonia 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

December Holiday Schedule in Livonia is filling up. See ya.

Light it up Livonia!

Think you have the best holiday decorations in Livonia? Sign up for the Light Up Livonia Holiday Light Contest! The deadline to enter is Tuesday, Dec. 13. The contest is open to all residences in Livonia. Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan will pick three residences and a Clark Griswold award winner with the best holiday decorations. Mayor Brosnan and Santa Claus will visit the winners to deliver the awards on Tuesday, Dec. 20 in the evening.

Light it up, Livonia!

Library partners with Livonia Community Theatre

On Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. in the Bennett Civic Center Library auditorium the Livonia Community Theater presents “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus," a charming story by the author of The Wizard of Oz.

Listen to the story of how an orphan named Claus was rescued by a forest-dwelling fairy and grew up to become the beloved figure of Santa.

No registration required for this free event.