December 6, 2019 Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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Livonia is alive. With art. And so much more. Let's tell the Livonia story.
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Livonia is known for being a home to cultural excellence. Some might suggest that Livonia is the cultural heartbeat of southeast Michigan. With all of our rich history and the bountiful programs at the Bennett Civic Center Library, our high school thespians, our community theatre groups. Okay, let's get specific. The oldest Youth Symphony in Michigan (1958), nearly 50 years of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, 55 years of the Livonia Civic Chorus. The Livonia Youth Choir. Civic Ballet Companies. Movies at the Phoenix Theatre. Madonna University. Schoolcraft College. The list goes on and on.
Our hometown should start spreading the word that Art is Alive in Livonia. Make it an integral part of a Livonia marketing campaign. Adding art to our recreational opportunities, the open space, community safety with our police and fire. A comprehensive marketing and branding campaign to give a fresh look for a modern city.
Bring together marketing executives, retired, or on loan from the corporate world. Design a campaign that is fresh. Telling a story. Livonia is alive. With art. An so much more.
Livonia has a past steeped in art and a future filled with outdoor recreation, sustainability and so many dining opportunities. Explore art, encounter nature, experience Livonia.
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| Seedlings from Livonia around the world. The nation gets a glimpse into a hometown favorite. |
Woman's Day
, one of the top 10 magazines in the United States, and
Living Lutheran
, a publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, both have articles about Seedlings in their current issues.
"
We hope these articles help spread the word about our free and low-cost braille books to many people who haven't heard of Seedlings before
," Seedlings' Founder and Director Debra Bonde said. "We want more families with children who are blind to know about us as well as potential supporters who share our passion for literacy."
The
Woman's Day
article appears in the Inspire section on Page 57 of its December 2019/January 2020 issue along with other short articles under the headline, "Your Kind Acts." It was submitted by Lori Stofflett whose son Jared grew up reading Seedlings' books. It reads, "
Debra Bonde began Seedlings Braille Books for Children after meeting a young blind girl who couldn't afford braille books. Now, 35 years later, Seedlings - named because of Debra's belief that a child's love for reading will grow if you place a book in his or her hands - has distributed more than half a million braille books to kids all over the world.
"
The
Living Lutheran
article in the December 2019 issue is a full-length profile on Bonde, part of the magazine's I'm a Lutheran series featuring various Lutherans across the country. Bonde was nominated by Seedlings volunteer Linda Bricker, who attends the same church as Debra. You can read the entire article online
here
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Livonia is a small town and diners like the Blue Plate enhance that image. A town's gathering spot.
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FridayMusings is reporting that The Blue Plate Diner is set to close with Sunday being the last day. A new owner has purchased the diner and will start renovation almost immediately. It will stay as a diner with word on the street that it will serve primarily breakfast with a name known to many.
Bob Modes, owner of the Blue Plate, is known for his support of Livonia and numerous charities, taking food down to the Pope Francis Center, maintaining a patrio
ts wall with pictures of veterans, hosting the Best of Livonia reception, collecting socks for homeless shelters and so much more.
As
Charlie Mahoney commented upon learning of the closing said "how sad. Bob was such a great community supporter.
This typewriter agrees. Supporter in so many ways. It became a regular stop on one morning each week for Jim Davis during his recent campaign. Meeting up with residents who wanted to talk with him. "Meet me at the Blue Plate." When Brandon McCollough was thinking of running he called the typewriter and said "Let's meet at the Blue Plate." It became a regular refrain from so many. Bob Modes and his staff were so accommodating.
Heck, he squeezed in nearly 100 for an annual Detroit Edison Christmas Party.
Liz Jarvis and Kathy Bilger were there every Tuesday. Many mornings Jarvis would bring her entire family. You could bank on 6-8 folks having breakfast in the same corner on Tuesday.
Friday mornings would see former Council President Jim McCann, John Walsh, Greg Coppola, the Pastor brothers. Every Friday when they weren't on the golf course you would find them at the Blue Plate.
Heck, for m
ost of his term the Mayor, Dennis Wright, would stop in for coffee before heading to his office. Friday mornings saw Geno Grabinski, Alan Helmkamp, Gary Selesko
and any number of folks sitting in their comfortable corner table. Bill Craig could be found on the occasional morning having his french toast with whoever was open for conversation.
Deb Bonde was a regular. As was Barb Lewis. So was a Lutheran Men's Club who every Thursday could be counted on to have 10-15 regulars on hand. Marge Gruzen for lunch. The Blue Plate was the place to meet up. And so people did.
There was Bob Modes going from table to table meeting and greeting. Always with a story.
This typewriter does not believe that we have heard the last of community involvement for Bob Modes as it is understood that he has another venture ready to announce. But I am going to leave it to him to make the announcement when he is ready. Soon I will bet. Stay tuned as it is not a small venture.
So now the typewriter is on the prowl for another breakfast place. You know where you always have the same corner, people know where to find you, and the waitress would let you in a few minutes early with the tea already at the table. Had to read the paper before others started arriving.
As word spread of the closing on Sunday others reacted as well:
Geri Leiter said it "Sad news indeed! They were always so accommodating to The Livonia Civic Chorus"
Wendy Belloli Ernzen, "That's sad to hear, but I'm sure his story is far from over. You can't stop that kind of community passion and commitment. I can't wait
to hear what's next for him."
 Kathleen Bilger, "Not sure what to say. I am happy for Bob because I know he has other projects in the works but I am sad for all of us. A lot of friendships were made over coffee, fundraisers planned, so many debates of every sort and a lot of celebrating."
Kathy Ventittelli, "What can I say? We are losing our "home away from home." Best to focus on all the wonderful times had at our little hometown diner. Thanks for all the good food and great company, Bob."
Paul Shepich,
"
I am sorry to hear this news. My wife & I eat there almost every weekend for breakfast. Bob, thank you for all of your community service-best of luck with whatever is next!"
Charlie Mahoney,"Thanks for your presence in our community- personally, I will miss that delicious goulash - it was so like my mom's - the diner was home for so many - thanks Bob for being there for us - missing goulash but wishing you the best."
Livonia is a small town and the Blue Plate enhanced that image for so many.
And this typewriter bets that you have your favorite go-to restaurant. That is what makes Livonia so livable.
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Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events
at the Phoenix Theatre
MET Opera: The Magic Flute Holiday Encore
December 07 - 7:00pm
Click on this image for all movie times
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Have you got your tickets yet?
Your tickets for the Livonia Symphony Society raffle for
a one-of-a-kind Bass Guitar.
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Another month of homegrown art on display at the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library
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 The Fine Arts Gallery, located on the second floor of the Robert and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library, is featuring the works of
"Artists on Five" for the month of December.
"Artists on Five" is a group of artists that either teach at the Visual Arts Assocition of Livonia or are on the Board of Directors for VAAL. Works are presented in acrylic, oil, calligraphy, collage, pastel, watercolor, alcohol ink, linocut relief prints, monotype and mixed media. Over 40 beautiful paintings.
Virginia Bosak, past President of VAAL and a member of the Livonia Arts Commission hopes "you can take time from your busy Holiday schedule to visit the Gallery to relax and enjoy some quiet time with the art of Susan Aitkin, Dorothy Amberger, Durwood Coffey, Mary P. Cline, Jean Figurski, Sandy Steed, Laura Host, Edee Joppich, Karen Judnich, Rose Marie Starke, Fran Seikaly, Julie Tibus, Laraine Walowich and Kitty Weaver. You might even find that special present you are looking for."
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December in Livonia
December 6 @ 9:00 - 2:00 Today
Livonia Senior Center Holiday Craft Show
Senior Center
December 6 @ 6:00 Tonight
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
with Angie Hahn's Academy of Dance
Magical Fantasies
Clarenceville High School
Louis Schmidt Auditorium
December 8 @ 4:00
City of Livonia Christmas Parade
December 12 @ 7:00
City's Inaugural Ceremony @ City Hall
December 13 @ 2:00 - 4:30
Elder Abuse Town Hall With
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Laurie Pohutsky
Livonia Senior Center 
December 14 & 15
Livonia Civic Ballet Company
The Nutcracker
December 15
Last day to order your Dough Joes Chocolates
December 15 @ 2:30 - 4:30
Bennett Civic Center Library
December 15 @ 4:00
Livonia Youth Choir Winter Concert
Holy Trinity Church
December 15 @ 3:00
December 15
Live Nativity
3 PM Animals and Refreshments of
Donuts, Hot Chocolate and Coffee
3:30 PM Live Nativity
4 PM Concert in Kresge Hall
5 PM Animals and Refreshments of
Donuts, Hot Chocolate and Coffee
5:30 PM Live Nativity
6 PM Concert in Kresge Hall
December 21 @ 2:00
Livonia Youth Symphony Winter Concert
Kresge Hall @ Madonna University
January in Livonia
January 13
Official launch of the Tour de Livonia
January 23
Senior Center Book Club: Failures of Presidents
A Project of AlphaUSA
Moderated by Chuck Dardas and the typewriter
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What a weekend in Livonia. Add to it the Livonia Holiday Parade Sunday at 4:00. Wow.
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Dancers, soloist, Youth Symphony, Livonia Symphony.
Come out and enjoy an outstanding holiday concert.
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| Greenmead Holiday Tour. Chorus singing in the historic church. Come out and enjoy the holiday and history |
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| Receive a phone call from Santa |
Santa and his elves will make special calls to children (any elementary-aged child who still believes) on Monday, Dec. 16 & Tuesday, Dec. 17.
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Representative Laurie Pohutsky set to address elder abuse
Town Hall meeting includes Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel |
Kiwanis stepping it up to help.
So much good in our community service clubs. |
| St. Mary Mercy Hospital partners with the Livonia Civic Chorus in announcing the December 15th Holiday Concert |
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HEALTHY LIVONIA'S 100 DAYS TO HEALTH
KICK-OFF EVENT SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
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Healthy Livonia's 100 Days to Health begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5 at the Kirksey Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard. The kick-off event will feature keynote speakers, raffle prizes, refreshments and free workout and open swim for the day
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The community wide event, which benefits the entire family for the first 100 days of 2020, is presented by MercyElite Sports Performance and sponsored in part by Dick's Sporting Goods, Running Fit, St. Mary Mercy Livonia, Energetic Wellness Coaching, Lemongrass Spa, Time Too Savor, Nestle Water & SPN Survivors.
The program offers the opportunity to participate in a range of activities including exercise classes for all ages, nutrition and wellness seminars, rock climbing, free Friday workouts, open swim and more. Additionally, adults can take part in the 100 Day Weight Loss Fitness Challenge.
Register for the Challenge and be eligible for monthly prizes. Last year's participants lost a total of 541 pounds, with the winner losing 39 pounds.
Register now at the Kirksey Recreation Center. For more information,
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60 years. Oldest Youth Symphony in Michigan.
Right here in Livonia. Come on out for their winter concert. |
HELP STRIKE OUT ILLITERACY!
Seedlings' bowling event is March 14 |
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Save the date!
Seedlings' 33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books event is at 12 noon Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Novi Bowl Family Fun C
enter in Novi.
"This is our biggest fund-raiser of the year," said Karen Smith, Seedlings' Community Outreach Manager. "We hope to raise $60,000 for 6,000 more braille books for children with vision loss. You can help by bowling in the event, making a cash donation and/or being a sponsor."
Watch for emails from Seedlings with information about registering to bowl and/or being a sponsor, or check Seedlings' website for updates.
Sponsorships are expected to range from $200 to $1,500. Contact Karen Smith at
[email protected]
or 734-427-8552, ext. 301.
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| PFLAG Livonia sets meeting for December 10th |
The newly-launched PFLAG Livonia chapter invites the community to join us as we discuss areas of need for LGBTQ+ people living in Livonia and surrounding cities.
Bring a snack to share if you'd like. We look forward to meeting you!
Tuesday, December 10th at 7:00 - 9:00. The meet up is at 9435 Henry Ruff, 48150
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