February 7, 2020         Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive. 
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Third Grade Reading Law is under discussion as it should be. Needed changes are being proposed by Senator Dayna Polehanki and supported by the Livonia Public Schools.
A lot of conversation is taking place around the Third Grade Reading Law which  was passed in 2016 by the Michigan Legislature and becomes effective during this school year.  It requires schools to identify learners who are struggling with reading and writing and to provide additional academic support. 

The Third Grade Reading Law requires that students who are reading more than one grade level behind, in third grade, be retained, and repeat third grade the following school year. 

State Senator Dayna Polehanki, who represents Livonia, introduced Senate Bill 633 to eliminate the mandatory retention provision contained in the bill,  but it has not reached a vote in the State Senate. 

The Livonia Public Schools are supportive of this proposed bill, as it maintains the remainder of the legislation which is focused on the efforts to support students achieving grade level proficiency, but eliminates the requirement for mandatory retention.
 
The law states that students who are identified as struggling in reading must receive targeted reading interventions, daily. Those interventions may be from the classroom teacher, an elementary support teacher, a Title I interventionist or a resource room teacher. The Livonia Public School teachers are committed to providing this focused intervention for students, based on their individual needs.
 
LPS has purchased new guided reading materials for grades K-4, and trained teachers in the implementation of these materials. This  training for teachers deals with how to differentiate for all levels of learners during reading instruction.   LPS trains all teachers on how to identify students who have skill areas that are below grade level and how to provide targeted interventions to improve those areas. 

In LPS, all K-3 students are assessed in reading during the first 30 days of the school year, plus two more times throughout the school year. The assessments used by LPS are iReady - an online reading diagnostic - and Fountas & Pinnell, which determines if a student is more than one grade level behind and should be given an Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP). The results of those assessments are shared with parents three times per school year. 

The State of Michigan will identify students for retention by June 1, 2020 through a letter that will come directly from the Michigan Department of Education. 

Parents will be personally contacted by your child's school if he/she has been identified, so that the district may directly assist you with a request for exemption. A parent has the right to request a good cause exemption by contacting the school district within 30 days of receiving notice of retention and are highly encouraging them to do so. 

If you have questions about the Third Grade Reading Law or about the good cause exemptions you should contact your child's principal or the Chief Academic Officer, Theresa O'Brien at 734-744-2614. 

What is the position of the Livonia Public Schools on the Third Grade Reading law

Andrea Oquist, Superintendent of the Livonia Public Schools responded to that question in an article appearing in the Detroit Free Press in September of 2019:

We believe in the intent of the Third Grade Reading Law and applaud the focus on this key indicator of all students reading at grade level by the end of third grade. However, the component of mandatory retention for students who have not yet mastered this goal is inappropriate and quite simply, not in the best interest of children.
We will be utilizing all of the Good Cause Exemption provisions to support placement of our learners in grade 4 next year, while continuing the myriad interventions based on their needs. We are committed to continuing our efforts, which are extensive, to support our struggling readers and learners. From establishing dedicated intervention blocks to providing literacy coaches for job embedded professional development for our teachers, along with individualized Reading Intervention Plans and data dialogues to identify and address the needs of individual learners, we are fully dedicated to the reading achievement and success of all of the students
entrusted to us.

However, we will not utilize retention as an option to address the needs of our learners. The detrimental impact of retaining a third grade child is significant, with long-range implications for their future as a student and as a citizen. We believe that each child learns at a different pace and may require unique intervention and support tools to help them achieve. 

We are committed to each learner and will provide this support.

Stacy Jenkins,  Administrator of District Communications, provided the bulk of the information above. Additionally, Jenkins states that " We've kept our parents in the loop on this issue since the legislation was first drafted in 2016 and Mrs. Oquist was able to offer input regarding the district's opposition to the mandatory retention portion of the legislation, during discussions with the governor and with Senator Polehanki."
Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Now Year-Round 

The City of Livonia is kicking to the curb its old annual Household Hazardous Waste collection event. 

Instead, Livonia residents will be able to drop off their Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste (E-Waste) throughout the year at ERG Environmental Services (ERG), 13040 Merriman Road, located on the east side of the street, just north of Industrial Drive. 

Residents are able to deliver their HHW and E-Waste items to ERG during the following times: 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday..................... 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Tuesday, Thursday.....................................9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
Saturdays....................................................Special dates to be determined 
Sundays and Federal Holidays*............... Closed * Including the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 

Once the Saturday dates are set, residents wishing to drop off items will be asked to schedule an appointment with ERG at (734) 437-9650 to avoid traffic congestion on surface streets.  Residents delivering waste items will be asked to verify City of Livonia residency. 

City of Livonia residents may drop off up to a maximum of 100 lbs. of HHW and E- Waste items, for example:  - Up to 100 lbs. of HHW and no E-waste. ---  Up to 100 lbs. of combined HHW and E-Waste. ---  Up to 100 lbs. of E-waste and no HHW.   Drop off is free up to 100 lbs. maximum . Residents will pay 75 cents per pound over 100 lbs. 

For more information, please visit ERG's website www.ergenvironmental.com/ or contact the City of Livonia Department of Public Works at (734) 466-2655. 

Items accepted: 

Oil-based paints        Stain        Paint thinners        Herbicides        Household cleaners        Batteries        Electronics        Motor oil        Pool chemicals 
Medications        Ammonia        Gasoline        Antifreeze        Transmission fluid        Brake fluid        Used computers        Printers        Aerosol cans 
Propane        Solvents        Wood stripper        Used needles - Must be in hard rigid containers       
Mercury-- Devices such as thermostats and thermometers that contain Mercury are 75 cents per pound 
Latex paint - Disposal fee is 75 cents per pound 
Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs welcomes Emily Henricks
Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs is proud to welcome Emily Henricks, human resources director, to its team. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Human Resources and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management, Strategy, and Leadership.

"We are excited to welcome Emily to Cole, Newton & Duran," said Cole, Newton & Duran's chief marketing officer Bryan Besco. "We have seentremendous growth over the past few years, and Emily will help with administrative tasks, talent acquisition, developing employees, and implementing new operational procedures. We will benefit greatly from her wealth of knowledge, talent, and expertise."

Emily has more than 13 years of experience in human resources. She has worked for companies in a variety of industries including manufacturing, not-for-profit, and legal. She understands business strategies and translates and communicates them into actionable human resource strategies. She specializes in supporting strategic objectives by establishing human resources goals in line with organizational best practices. Emily also has experience complying with federal, state, and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation, anticipating legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements, and advising management on needed actions.
Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
Musings follows Livonia Happenings
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


Musings follows the 2020 elections
Vote
 



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
Musings follows our City Council

Livonia City Council Study Meeting - January 27, 2020
Livonia City Council Study Meeting -
January 27, 2020
Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2020
Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - January 27, 2020
Its official David Knezek has been appointed to replace
Diane Webb on the County Board of Commissioners

As FridayMusings has been reporting the past two weeks Wayne County Commissioner Diane Webb has been appointed Superintendent of Redford Township. Her replacement on the Wayne County Commission is a former State Senator from Dearborn Heights  David Knezek. He was appointed Thursday to the vacancy on a 15-0 vote by the Board of Commissioners. 

Knezek will now represent  District 8, which covers Dearborn Heights, Redford Township and part of Livonia (Joy Road north to Five Mile between Inkster and Middlebelt).  
Continuing the effort to save the Great Lakes
Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4031, a bill to reauthorize the  Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).

 The GLRI coordinates efforts to address pollution, combat invasive species, and complete restoration projects in the Great Lakes region. Congresswoman Stevens is a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force.
 
"Michigan depends on a healthy and flourishing Great Lakes ecosystem," said Congresswoman Stevens.

 "Now more than ever, we need to fight to conserve the beauty and precious natural resources of one of the world's largest freshwater ecosystems. From pollution to habitat erosion to invasive species, there are several challenges facing the Great Lakes that threaten to cause serious damage to the public health and financial stability of Michigan communities. 

"Thanks to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, the federal government has stepped in to protect and restore our Great Lakes and preserve a way of life for our region. But the threats to this fragile ecosystem persist. 

"I was proud to support the continuation of this critically important program so that preservation efforts can safeguard the current and future health and vibrancy of our Great Lakes."
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
The "no-rain" Corn Roast
 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.
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.
Janet Haas enjoying her year as President


CEO/Secretary General of Rotary International John Hewko and President Janet Haas of the Rotary Club of Livonia met up at the Ann Arbor Rotary Club Meeting held recently at the University of Michigan union building.

With her travels to neighboring Rotary Clubs, meeting up with International Rotarians, sharing the story of Livonia while taking in success stories of volunteerism this Livonia Ambassador, Janet Haas, does Livonia proud.

Our Livonia service clubs help spread the word not only in our hometown but also outside our borders. We don't just think outside the box we pick up the entire box, take it to our neighbors and show them what works.
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.
Wedding traditions. Make your reservation now for an
exciting evening at our historic Greenmead.


          Livonia Symphony Orchestra to warm up the season on February 22

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.

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
Gaskill being inducted into the 
Hall of Fame with Laura Cox, 
Glenn Anderson and Bill Joyner
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.
.
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.
Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
It's time to register to bowl with Seedlings and 
celebrity bowler Justice Richard Bernstein of the
Michigan Supreme Court  

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.
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 seedlink7@ameritech.net for additional information, like bowling or sponsoring.