| February 5, 2020 Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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| Diane Webb set to step down and be replaced by David Knezek on the County Board of Commissioners |
It looks like plans are underway for County Commissioner Diane Webb to resign from this position as she takes on the role of Superintendent of Redford Township. With the County Board of Commissioners set to meet on Thursday, February 6th, one of the items to be taken up will be acceptance of the resignation of Commissioner Webb and potentially the appointment of former State Senator
David Knezek as her replacement.
David Knezek formerly represented the 5th District in the Michigan Senate. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Prior to his election to the Michigan Senate in 2014, Knezek served as a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 2013-2014.
Knezek is 33 years old.
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| To Denver with Love. There and back with memories to last a life time. |
 
The typewriter was ready. Southwest Airlines was ready. Paul, Raquel and Leonardo were ready. Arrived at the airport at 4:30 for a 6:00 flight. 2.5 hours from Detroit to Denver. The Ramada Inn was ready. More on that shortly. Paul and Leonardo arrived and all was in place for a wonderful for a six day holiday with Grandson #1.
Learned something new as the stage was set the first night for a smash cake party. Even Denaulo got into the action much to the dismay of Leonardo.
Saturday was the party for family and friends. And was there ever a party with food, cake, humor, conversation and yes, children running wild around the neighborhood club house. I am exhausted just thinking about it and still not sure I was able to take it all in. But fun was had by all.
There was grandmother Paula, now living in Colorado Springs, grandmother Guara Tetzner, of Brazil and Italy. And there was bodyguard Kathy joining the typewriter in trying to keep up with the model United Nations with Portuguese challenging English for the language most spoken. But fun was had by all.
Now the Ramada Inn. Toilet backed up Saturday morning. Asked housekeeping for help. Was told to go to the front desk. Went and reported the problem at 8:30 in the morning as we headed out for the big party with Paul and Raquel and yes, of course, with Leonardo.
Returned at 8:30 that night to find that nothing had been done. After 12 hours. Really? Was told at the front desk that "the s--t is yours you have to fix it yourself." I said really? He once again said "I will get you a plunger and you can fix your own s--t." Wow. He did try to explain that no one in maintenance worked over the weekend.
Well, bottom line is that on Monday, two days later, a knock at the door and behold someone to fix the toilet. But to my surprise it was not the maintenance department, it was the husband of one of the cleaning ladies who had heard about our still overflowing toilet. "I am not a plumber but I think I can fix it for you." Well he did.
 Fortunately watching Leonardo running around the house, playing hide and seek, seemingly wide-eyed as every time he found something to play with his smile widened as if he was discovering an invention that no one had ever thought of. Loved it.
Did take one morning to drive through downtown Denver, taking in the cultural district with stage productions, art shows, art exhibits. Tried the Monet exhibit but it was sold out.
Took in REI and enjoyed the Starbucks, the unbelievable outdoor camping equipment, the bikers by the dozens pulling up to the recycled power plant built in 1900 and now a three story REI on the bank of a river that in the summer was set up for rafting. One couple walking by asked if this was an old power plant. Had to answer as if Denver was my hometown. I guess I looked like a tour guide.
Denver is scary. Here was this chubby guy trying to blend in with outdoor personalities, backpacks, bikes, joggers. Could have set there all day but decided that my role was best at the birthday party where I could fit in as the aging grandfather doting on his grandson, proud of his son Paul, and smiling all day at the love shared between Paul and wife Raquel.
Kathy the bodyguard jumped right in, enjoying the festivities as did I. We headed out for a flight on Southwest that arrived in Livonia at 1:00 after two hours in the sky, picked up our bags and arrived home at 1:30 ready to go back. You bet. Really. But next time I will wear bikers spandex with backpack and water bottle. Ready to blend in.
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Ambassadors to new folks, caring neighbors to those in need, corn in celebration to wrap it up.
What do you think? Take the survey. |
In a discussion last week with Brian Wolverton at the YMCA the concept of a service weekend culminating in the September Good Old Fashioned
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The "no-rain" Corn Roast
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Neighborhood Corn Roast started to percolate.
Picture this. Between now and the third week of September we collect names of seniors, home bound, people in need. On the Saturday before the corn roast teams of people spread out around our hometown raking leaves, putting summer furniture away, doing chores, any number of quality of life issues that might brighten the day for dozens of people around Livonia.
What do you think? Would you like to see a Service Weekend in September starting on a Saturday with the Annual Good Old Fashioned Neighborhood Corn Roast on Sunday;
Give us your opinion, yes, no, maybe and next week the polling results will be shared with the readers of Musings. Click here to vote.
A service weekend. The people we help are invited to the Corn Roast. Oh, and part of the service Saturday is knocking on the doors of people who have moved into town in the previous 6 months.
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St. Mary Mercy set to host weight loss seminars
once a month from February to July |
The
Michigan Bariatric Institute, a program of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, will host free monthly
weight-loss seminars for the public in 2020, led by one of its bariatric surgeons.
All classes will be hosted from 6 to 7 p.m. in suite 202 inside
St. Mary Mercy Livonia, located at
36622 Five Mile Rd. in Livonia.
Dates: February 6, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 9
Please call to confirm the schedule prior to attending all seminars. Registration is required. Please call
734-655-2692
to register.
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| Musings follows Livonia Happenings |
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February in Livonia
February 7, 8, 9
Friends of the Livonia Library Used Book Sale
February 8 @ 2:00 -- 3:00
February 11
Nonviolence: The Way to Peace/ Colleen Mills
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
February 12 @ 12:00 - 1:00
Noon Concert @ VisTaTech
Jazz pianist and composer Ellen Rowe will be joined by Sean Dobbins on drums and Paul Keller on bass to perform and discuss some of the most beloved jazz standards written for movies.
February 12
Livonia GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
February 16 @ 3:00
Livonia Community Theatre
St. Paul's Persbyterian Church
February 16 @ 1:00
Cardboard Boat Races
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
Registration begins on Monday, Jan. 6
February 18 @ 3:00 - 7:00
Livonia Youth Career Fair
Michigan Works! Livonia Service Center
30246 Plymouth Road
February 22 @ 4:00
PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville's Historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium
February 23 @ 2:00
Friends of the Livonia Library
"A Meeting Between Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth" performed by Madelyn Porter, Story Teller. Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library auditorium
February 23 @ 4:30 - 8:30
The Ian Clemens 4th Annual Trivia Night
Hosted by The Ian Clemens Foundation
St. Mary's Cultural Center
February 29
The Arc of Northwest Wayne County
Laurel Manor
Ball for All Leap Year Fundraiser
March in Livonia
March 3 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Four seasons of garden interest
March 8 @ 1:30 - 4:00
March 26 @ 7:00 - 9:30
Happily Ever After--The Joy of Weddings
Reservations required
March 10 @ 7:00 am -- 8:00 pm
Presidential Primary
March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
March 15 @ 2:00
Friends of the Livonia Library
"Through Her Eyes Women Artists in the Detroit Institute of Arts."
Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library auditorium.
March 16 @ 2:00
Livonia Historical Society presents Joe Oldenberg discussing "The First Native Tribes of Michigan." Alexander Blue House, Greenmead Historical Park
March 22
Mom to Mom Sale
Kirksey Recreation Center
March 21
@ 9:00 - 3:00
April in Livonia
April 7 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Sustainable Food System
April 14
Today's Africa Through American Eyes
Dr. Peggi J. Tabor, PhD
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
April 25 @ 10:00 - 3:00
Previously Enjoyed
Jewelry
Sale
May in Livonia
May 5 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Plant Legends and Stories
May 16 @ 9:00 - 10:00
Livonia Garden Club Plant Sharing Event
Greenmead Historical Park
Rain or Shine
Everyone is encouraged to come and take plants whether or not they have plants to share
May 17 @ 3:00
Red Wing Alumni v Livonia All Stars
Eddie Edgar Arena
June in Livonia
June 7 @ 3:00
Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert
Churchill High School Performing Arts Center
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Musings follows the 2020 elections
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Joe Biden D
Michael Bloomberg D
Cory Booker D
Pete Buttigieg D
Julian Castro D
John Delaney D
Tulsi Gabbard D
Amy Klobuchar D endorsed by FridayMusings
Bernie Sanders D
Joe Sestak D
Tom Steyer D
Elizabeth Warren D
Marianne Williamson D
Andrew Yang D
United States Senate
Gary Peters (D-I)
John James (R)
United States House of Representatives
Haley Stevens (D-I)
Whitney Williams (R)
Eric Esshaki (R)
Michigan House of Representatives
Laurie Pohutsky (D-I)
Martha Ptashnik (R)
Wayne County Commissioner
Terry Marecki (R-I)
Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick (I)
Joan Gebhardt (I)
Terry Gilligan (I)
Livonia Board of Education
Dan Centers
Karen Bradford
Tammy Bonifield
Crystal Frank
Clarenceville Board of Education
Matt Boettcher
Brenda Uren
Shari Krazel
Jeffrey Bunker
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Musings follows our City Council
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Livonia City Council Study Meeting -
January 27, 2020 |
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| Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2020 |
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55 years of setting the tone for Livonia cultural excellence. 55 years of donating over $50,000 in scholarships. 55 years. Livonia, let's make it $5,500
to show our appreciation for the Livonia Civic Chorus sharing their love of singing with all of us.
Updated every Friday
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Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
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| Keeping up with Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan |
While the typewriter was out in Denver celebrating the first birthday of grandson Leonardo our Mayor was out and about. Here are just some of the postings from her Facebook page. Gotta keep up with Mayor Maureen Brosnan:
Association of Parks and Recreation Conference
"Spent the afternoon yesterday just playing around at the Michigan Association of Parks and Recreation Conference. Got to hang out with the cool kids including Livonia Director Ted Davis,  Commissioners Paul Condon and Mark Johnson and Livonia Assistant Superintendent Michele Koppin. She was also the chairman of the record-breaking attendance event. You know what I learned? Parks aren't just for kids."
Michigan State of the State
"One picture from (the 2020) State of the State. Livonia was really well represented at the event with Deb Bonde, Amanda Saab, Senator Dayna Polehanki and Representative Laurie Pohutsky
at Michigan State Capitol."
Ribbon Cutting time
"The big news is Beaumont Urgent Care opened without injury Tuesday, as I was entrusted with the giant scissors.
"Was joined by Congresswoman Hailey Stevens and Northville Mayor Brian Turnbull and loads of supporters from the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Beaumont. "
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Greenmead has it all.
In this case check out the previously used jewelry sale. |
 Greenmead's annual jewelry sale has a wide variety of rings, bracelets, necklaces and more for you to add to your collection!
Come shop our large selection on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House, 20501 Newburgh Road.
Please be prepared to pay with cash or check. All proceeds benefit the restoration and preservation of Greenmead.
Do you have previously enjoyed jewelry you wish to donate? Donations can be made at Greenmead, 20501 Newburgh, and the Civic Park Senior Center, 15218 Farmington Road.
For additional information, please call Mary at (248) 427-0226 or Barb at (734) 464-0450.
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Wedding traditions. Make your reservation now for an
exciting evening at our historic Greenmead. |
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Livonia Symphony Orchestra to warm up the season on February 22
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Livonia Symphony Orchestra February 22nd
"PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA" Louis Schmidt Auditorium - Clarenceville High School @ 4:00 featuring:
Japanese born pianists, Yuki and Tomoko Mack have dazzled audiences on three continents. From Bach to Piazzolla, their diverse repertoire includes a broad range of four-hands piano music and orchestral works. After winning strong recognition as soloists, Yuki and Tomoko partnered to form the award-winning piano duo. "The Mack Sisters". Together they've won top prizes in several
international competitions, including the "Dranoff International Two-Piano Competition" in Florida, and the "Ellis Two-Piano National Competition" in South Carolina. They've also received both the first and "Kodama" prizes at the "International Piano Duo Competition" in Tokyo. Most notably, in 2006, they were selected as Steinway Artists - joining an impressive roster of world renown pianists.
Additionally, the Mack Sisters have been featured in the "GilmoreInternational Keyboard Festival in Michigan, the "Symposium for Two Pianos" in Florida and the keyboard festival at the "Quebec International Two-Piano Festival". Beyond the main-stage, they've performed live on radio in Sweden, Italy, Poland and the U. S. In Chicago, Yuki and Tomoko performed on multiple WFMT radio programs. They also were featured as guest artists on PBS in Michigan and in Florida. Motivated by their passionate belief of music's ability to empower the human spirit, they have developed Master Classes and Community Outreach Programs that are very popular with students and audiences.
Currently, Yuki and Tomoko reside in Michigan. With their deep roots in the musical community they've established themselves as highly sought-after educators and performing artists. When not teaching or performing, they're recording. Their collection of CDs include "Rhapsody", "American Mosaic", "Fantasy", and "Danse Montage" - all of which exhibit their unique sense of interpretation and flawless technique.
This summer they will once again join the faculty of the "International Summer Music Festival" in Naleczow, Poland.
And Don't forget to get your raffle tickets for this one of a kind guitar. Tickets will be sold at the Livonia Symphony Concert February 22nd.
No one else does the arts better than our hometown Livonia.
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| Shamrocks & Tea is right around the corner. Plan ahead. |
 Come and join the Livonia Symphony Orchestra on March 8th for their annual "Shamrocks and Tea" event to celebrate the "Wearing of the Green" and to indulge in some great food served at your table, lots of fun, conversation and lively Irish music performed by LSO's special ensembles.
As is their tradition, there will be prizes given away and a silent auction will be offered.
Tickets are $40 per person. Reserve your seat before Thursday, March 5, 2020. Order from this link or call 734-522-1687
It's time for you to gather your family and friends as Livonia looks forward to another delightful afternoon of chatter and merriment!
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Thank you Civic Chorus. Livonia appreciates your 55 years.
Here is to the next 55. |
Dr. Peggy Gaskill, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of 2017, has led the Livonia Civic Chorus, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of
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Gaskill being inducted into the
Hall of Fame with Laura Cox,
Glenn Anderson and Bill Joyner
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2014, for much of the past decade. Working closely with the Board of Directors her leadership has expanded the reach of this 70 member community chorus far beyond a Christmas and Spring concert which was the mainstay for nearly 50 years since the founding of the chorus in 1965 by Livonia Parks and Recreation on the recommendation of Parks Superintendent John Dufour, Livonia City Hall of Fame Class of 2005.
Our Livonia Civic Chorus now performs 20 times a year at nursing homes, Angela Hospice, Greenmead, and city hall at the Christmas tree lighting, among others. Their two main concerts each year, at Christmas and Spring, find an audience that for years filled the historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium at Clarenceville High School and now the new Community Performing Arts Center at Churchill, home to the nationally recognized CAPA program.
On June 7th, they will be performing their 55th Spring Concert aptly called Staying Alive at 55. There also is another milestone being eclipsed June 7th. It will be the final concert for Peggy Gaskill as President of the Livonia Civic Chorus. Kathleen Chichester will assume the presidency when the new season starts in September.
President Gaskill is leaving the chorus in capable hands, with a strong community recognition, and with a mission firmly etched in the chorus' culture setting up a transition that will hold it in good shape for years to come.
And that is where the readers of Musings, community leaders and supporters of the arts comes in.
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FridayMusings is asking you to join with friends of the arts, your neighbors, your friends in raising $5,500 to start a legacy fund. Monies that will be set aside for future use; to cover emergencies, to set up an investment for the future. Other efforts will also be undertaken but for now this typewriter is asking you to send your check, for $5, $10, $20 or whatever amount you want to, made payable to the Livonia Civic Chorus and send to the Livonia Civic Chorus, 37637 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154.
At the same time drop an email to the typewriter at rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com so we can tally amounts donated and share the total in the thermometer chart below.
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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
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It's time to register to bowl with Seedlings and
celebrity bowler Justice Richard Bernstein of the
Michigan Supreme Court
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Come bowl with Seedlings and celebrity bowler Justice Richard Bernstein ofthe Michigan Supreme Court to help bring the gift of literacy to blind children locally and all around the world! Join in our bowl-a-thon, auctions and prize raffles to help raise $60,000 for 6,000 braille books for children with vision loss. Click "Donate" to make a donation or "Join Now" to register to bowl at
https://www.firstgiving.com/event/seedlingsbraille/33rd-Annual-Bowling-for-Braille-Books
Thank you to the Headline Bowling sponsors!
Alpha USA, Bill Brown Ford, Plymouth/Canton Lions Club,
Community Financial Credit Union, Financial & Portfolio Advisors, Ltd., Kennedy Industries,
Livonia Builders, MASCO, Plymouth Lions Club, SkyOak Wealth and Valassis.
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 Dan MacIver helped Debra Bonde kick off the 33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books scheduled for March 14th at the Novi Bowl Family Fun Center.
Dan presented
Debra Stewart Bonde
with his sponsorship banner, a check for his Headliner Sponsorship and a check to sponsor two teams, an F&PA team and a client team.
"This is a fun event every year. Having a good time and supporting a wonderful hometown charity that is making an impact around the world."
This year the celebrity bowler is Justice Richard Bernstein of the Michigan Supreme Court. Contact [email protected] for additional information, like bowling or sponsoring.
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| Livonia Historical Society offers up some great programs. |
March 16
Join the Livonia Historical Society on Monday, Mar. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Alexander Blue House at Greenmead, 20501 Newburgh Road, for their meeting and a presentation by Joe Oldenburg "First Native Tribes of Michigan."
All are welcome to attend this free event.
Membership information will be available at the meeting. For more information, please call (248) 477-7375.
May 18
Join the Livonia Historical Society on Monday, May 18, 2020
at 2:00 p.m. at Greenmead's Alexander BlueHouse, 20501 Newburgh Road, for their meeting and a presentation by author Barbara VanderMolen "Discovering Michigan- Every County Has a Story."
All are welcome to attend this free event. Membership information will be available at the meeting.
For more information, please call (248) 477-7375. Barbara VanderMolen. author of the book Discovering Michigan- County by County will share a short story about each of Michigan's 83 counties. Visit her site
https://discovermichigancountybycounty.com/
to learn more about her books.
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Only 3.5 months, May 17, until the hometown favorites
Livonia All-stars take on the Detroit Red Wings Alumni
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FridayMusings says mark your calendar for May 17 at 3:00, at the Eddie Edgar Ice Arena for the Red Wings Alumni versus Livonia All Stars captained by City Councilman
Brandon McCullough
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Sponsoring the event is AlphaUSA,
Arthur R Cole
@ Cole Newton Duran,
Dan MacIver
@ Financial & Portfolio Advisors in partnership with City Councilman Brandon McCullough.
Proceeds of the hockey game will be divided with Livonia Kids & Family and Friends of Greenmead.
One of the skaters will be Andrew Palushaj, who played on the Stevenson High School Hockey team and is still skates on a local team, shown here with AlphaUSA's Veronica Cruz presenting a sponsorship check to McCullough.
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