December 13, 2019 Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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| Kicking off a new era in Livonia. Are you ready to be engaged? |
 Well it is now almost official. The hands were raised and our hometown elected officials have taken the oath of office and in 18 days will be at  the helm, setting the path into the future for Michigan's 9th largest city.
The two newest members of the Livonia City Council, Brandon McCullough and Robert Donovic, (pictured on left) spent Tuesday in Lansing for a municipal training session put on by the Michigan Municipal League, meeting with other newly elected officials and being given a course in rules and regulations like the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act.
Our new Mayor, Maureen Miller Brosnan, is back from Harvard meeting up with newly elected officials from around the country including (pictured on right) Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Former Philadelphia Chief of Police Charles Ramsey who answered questions on principles of effective policing.
But Thursday night before a packed house, auditorium and overflow room, Clerk Susan Nash, Treasurer Lynda Scheel, Mayor-elect Maureen Miller Brosnan, the newest Council members-elect Robert Donovic and Brandon McCullough, along with returning Council members Kathleen McIntyre and Scott Bahr all took their oath of office.
Several elected officials were on hand including Congresswoman Haley Stevens (pictured left), State Senator Dayna Polehanki, State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, State Representative Kevin Coleman and County Commissioner Terry Marecki.
It was a festive evening with the Clarenceville Choraliers leading it off with a number of musical selections. Dan West, master of ceremonies took us through an incredible journey resulting in two new members of the council being elected along with the first woman to serve as Mayor. At the end of the evening the Franklin High School Bel Canto Choir (pictured below right) provided a fitting conclustion to the festive evening.
 The Livonia Police Department and Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors followed by Brownie Troop #76293 leading in the pledge of allegiance. The invocation was  led by Father George Shalhoub, St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church with the Benediction by Rev. Kellie Whitlock, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church.
Charlie Mahoney had the honor of introducing Mayor Dennis Wright with both sharing some of the highlights of his tenure as Mayor. It was moving when the audience twice rose to give Wright a standing ovation, an ovation from the heart that showed just how much this community holds Wright in the highest esteem and with the greatest respect.
It was kinda cool to see how each elected official chose the person or people to swear them in. Rob Donovic by Judge Paul J. Cusick, Brandon McCullough by wife Kacie and daughter Harper, Scott Bahr by his mother, Kathleen McIntyre by her husband David McIntyre Culliton and former Mayor Jack Engebretson, Lynda Scheel by her husband Doug, Susan Nash by her sister Mary Thereza Centlivre and Maureen Miller Brosnan by her three children Marie, Brendan Rory and Eleanor Brosnan.
All of the elected officials shared their appreciation to their family and friends, looking forward to the new year and working with the other officials.
But the challenge of the evening was set out by Brosnan who in just a few words challenged Livonia to engage in their hometown, to be a part of the transformation of Livonia. But her words are better shared with you, in hopes that you will take them to heart and share them with your neighbors and to accept her challenge to be a part of the story that is Livonia and is being written now:
Tonight, on this, Livonia's 34th Inaugural Ceremony I have the honor of doing something only done eleven times in our City's 70-year history. And I have the even greater honor of being the first woman to deliver an inaugural address as Mayor in the City of Livonia.
So, I rise grateful to serve for the next four years, which hold utter promise, amazing possibility and endless hope, because I've been  entrusted with your confidence. Thank you.
I stand prepared to lead through the challenges, which most certainly lie ahead, because I've had the privilege of standing on the shoulders of giants to peer over the horizon - giants like mayors Ed McNamara and Bob Bennett and council members Fernon Feenstra and Joe Taylor. Thank you.
I lean in anxious to blaze a trail through the challenges, which are the only things certain to appear on that horizon, because I have the support of those who work for our City, those who worked to get me elected and in the words of Mr. Fred Rogers "all those who loved me into being." Thank you.
I remain unwavering in my pledge to serve you, as we move toward that bright future, which together we will create, because I am inspired by a deep faith in God and the people He created. Thank you.
There is much I am energized to do as your mayor, but perhaps nothing excites me so much as getting to tell our story. I  have a sign that sits above my desk that says, "Home is where your story begins."
My story, like
many of yours, began in Livonia. Together our stories have grown into an exceptional story of the biggest little small town you'll ever find.
Last week, at a gathering of newly elected mayors at the Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics I shared the Livonia story with 23 newly elected mayors from all over the country. I knew going into the week there were larger cities like Dallas, and Tampa, and Salt Lake City and Spokane and there were small cities like Pikipsee, but perhaps none so unknown as Livonia. So, I vowed, before departing for Boston to make sure that when I returned to Livonia that would not be the case. Three days after my arrival in Boston there wasn't a mayor who didn't know our story. There wasn't a mayor at the training who didn't admire the community I have been chosen to serve.
We have a compelling story. I pledge to tell our story well. But like all good stories it merits a new chapter. 
In this new chapter we will need to remain unyielding in our efforts to tackle the challenges tens of thousands of residents articulated when we talked to them during the campaign. They were clear. They said, "keep us safe, fix our roads and ensure our children succeed."
I am eager to work with my colleagues on Council, and our boards and commissions to advance the community's agenda and our most important goal of addressing our police and fire shortage.
I am looking forward to working with other community leaders and collaborators to find new ways of doing business which will help us address our critical infrastructure needs, including our distressed roads.
 I am excited to work with our team of professionals at City Hall to not just continue the job we've been doing so well, but to explore new ways of delivering high quality city services, like creating a workforce development program second to none.
And above all else, I am eager to engage residents in transforming our community. Your feedback will be the data which drives our decisions, you will be the voices that help us tell the stories of our success, you will be the standard bearers by which we measure the value of our work.
We will need your voices, your time, your talent, your connections, your feedback, your dedication and your earned trust if we are to  move further faster in making Livonia a city of tomorrow.
So, I'm asking you get involved, recommit to our community by heading to our transition website (www.livonia2020.com) to sign up to join a board or commission, submit your resume for consideration when we are looking for subject matter experts to participate in future community conversations, or invite me to attend a conversation or event your organization is having. I want to hear from you.
 It is that hope, that promise that I see in our city. Our deep passion to realize our fullest potential will be the mark of our City's success as we move to embrace the innovation and transformation necessary to make sure Livonia is the city our children come home to. Join me in embracing this opportunity, in working hard to realize our biggest dreams.
Together let's write the story of our city's tomorrow, today. Thank you.
And as the 400 plus attendees left city hall they were greeted by the electronic billboard. How cool was that.
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Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
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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 13 @ 2:00 - 4:30
Elder Abuse Town Hall With
Attorney General Dana Nessel and Laurie Pohutsky
Livonia Senior Center
Moderated by City Councilman-elect
Brandon McCullough
December 15 @ 9:00 - 5:00
As part of Inaugural Week 2019, the Kirksey Recreation Center is holding an open house on Sunday, December 15th with Mayor-elect Maureen Brosnan.
Livonia residents will receive FREE admission to the Recreation Center for the day.
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 @ Madonna University
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
March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Bopoks
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
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A partnership made in Livonia.
Livonia Kids and Families -- Livonia Pubic Schools -- Livonia Kiwanis |
The concert you have been waiting for.
Waiting one year to be exact. |
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Parking in front and behind Churchill High School.
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Citizen engagement is the word on the street this
week and for the next four years. |
December 15, 9:00 - 5:00:
As part of Inaugural Week 2019, the Kirksey Recreation Center is holding an open house on Sunday, December 15th.
Livonia residents will receive FREE admission to the Recreation Center for the day.
Guests will have an opportunity to chat with me about our community's future and learn about Parks and Recreation offerings for the new year.
Enjoy a day of swimming, rock climbing, use of our fit hub, drop in sports and more!
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| Get those recipes ready for Livonia's Chili Cook-off |
| Richard and Geraldine Scholarship application is available. |
 Bob and Bill Joyner would like to tell you that here is still time to get your scholarship application for the Richard and Geraldine Joyner Scholarship to be applied to classes at Schoolcraft College. Whether you are planning to attend or are already enrolled this $600 scholarship can help you out.
In fact there are two scholarships available.
Drop a note to rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com to obtain the application. Needs to be turned in by the last day in December and will be awarded in January.
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| School breaks? No problem. Enroll in the YMCA Holiday Break Camp. |
Keep the vibes of your BEST SUMMER EVER going throughout the school year by joining us for Schools Out Camp!
Your child will stay active and engaged during the holidays when enrolled for Holiday Break Camp! Use this link to register today
http://bit.ly/HolidayBreakCamp
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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
seedlink7@ameritech.net
or 734-427-8552, ext. 301.
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