February 17, 2021 FridayMusings is your source for what we love about Livonia
To spend nearly two hours with Robb Drzewicki is to take a tour of who's who and who gets it done in Livonia.

I mean this typewriter thought he had a Rolodex that never stopped spinning but Robb has re-invited the concept of networking for the good of the community.

And no, he is not running for City Council.

Robb and I met up in North Livonia. We were to meet at the Detroit Burger Bar on Eight Mile. Closed until 2:00. So drifted down one block to the Blue Moose.

Neither one of us had ever been there. Not unusual for me but highly unusual to find a location that Robb did not know about and had never set foot inside.

Both had the Angus burger and both recommended it.

For three years running the typewriter has offered up lunch on me to the highest bidder on the Seedlings annual Fall auction. Robin Henke, Art Cole, and now Robb Drzewicki actually made a donation to Seedlings to spend lunchtime discussing a variety of subjects.
Variety? In the case of Robb it covered an amazing journey through our schools, elected officials, bars, community leaders, and the St. Baldricks Childhood Cancer Research Charity--you know the shave your head fun (d) raiser that Robb has played an integral role in helping raise $1 million locally.

I knew him from that fun event and from the PTSA Dad's Chili Cook-off held each of the last three January's. Oh, and as soon as I post the date of the Annual Corn Roast he is the first to drop a dime to volunteer.

After being a stay-at-home dad with two children, his wife Colleen worked at Domino's in HR and has just recently joined the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Robb has spent the last 3 years with CLS, Director of Communication and Training. 
Side note: Community Living Services is a non-profit, 501 (c ) 3 organization providing services and support to thousands of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I would love to share some of the insight he has about our community elected officials but was sworn to secrecy. All off the record. But suffice it to say he loves people, loves to talk, loves to offer up his opinion, loves to share ideas. Most of all he loves Livonia. It shows, especially when someone else is buying lunch.

Recommend the Blue Moose in North Livonia but more importantly, recommend spending time with Robb Drzewicki. I'd do it again.
Earths great treasure lies in human personality. If there is anything I miss in this pandemic it is that there is less one-on-one human connection.

And when there is more personal conversation it does not seem to be the same. Something is missing.

Talk usually centers around the pandemic, the vaccination, how much time before we return to normal.

I have a regular Tuesday morning zoom update with folks I use to meet with at the Blue Plate. And the Friday breakfast at the Senate with my usual Friday group.

That is a start. But it is not the same. I did enjoy the Drive-by for the arts last Sunday. People. Outdoors. Masked of course. But to see people again.

I can schedule lunches with Robb Drzewicki but just not the same as pulling up to a coffee shop for my tea with a good book and watch people coming in and out. People are not there yet.

I am ready. I have a feeling you are as well. Let's just hold on for a few more months. Normalcy is just around the corner. I gotta believe. I gotta hope.
Getting ready for food distribution

Rosedale
Gardens Presbyterian Church Easter Food Delivery has set up two dates for you to drop off food donations.

Food Drop Off Dates and Times:
Saturday, March 13th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 20th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Food Items Needed:
Peanut butter and jelly, pasta and spaghetti sauce, soup, baked beans, yams, mac and cheese, dried potato mix, dried rice mix, canned tuna and chicken, brownie and cake mix, Jell-o, cereal, and pancake or waffle mix.

When possible, they would like contributed items in plastic jars instead of glass so they can also be used in their Community Cupboard.

Our Livonia faith community continues to reach out and help those in need.
Community policing
coming to Livonia

Councilman Jim Jolly one of the early outspoken hometown leaders for community policing, the proposal originating with Mayor Maureen Brosnan, acknowledges that the Livonia City Council will vote on the issue at the March 8th City Council. "Livonia will be at the forefront of community policing with the addition of two social workers. This is a big change, but one I believe will serve the community well and allow for our police officers to partner with mental health professionals who can provide help and intervention once a situation is de-escalated. I support this effort and commend all involved in its creation. It is important to me that there is an ongoing assessment of effectiveness and officer safety, I trust that these operational issues will be monitored by the administration and police representation."
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System opens St. Joe’s MercyElite Sports Center on the campus of
Schoolcraft College

Saint Joseph Mercy Health System is excited to announce the opening of the MercyElite Sports Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College.  MercyElite specializes in athletic development and offers specialized services for sports medicine, physical therapy, and sports performance training. This new 7,600 square foot training facility, with 75,227 square feet of dedicated space for indoor volleyball and soccer, will be a great resource and support for students, faculty and the surrounding community.
“The relationship between St. Joe's and Schoolcraft College has grown significantly in recent years, which has increased the campus' access to high-quality health care and sports medicine services," said Dave Spivey, president of St. Mary Mercy Livonia, a member hospital of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. "MercyElite Sports Performance is doing a remarkable job working with athletes, specifically young people, to get them healthy and back competing on the field of play. Our increased presence on Schoolcraft's campus will benefit everyone -- students, faculty, and local residents."
 
As part of its continuing mission to serve the community, Schoolcraft College expanded both youth and adult continuing education programs within this facility. Students, athletes, faculty, and staff also benefit from expanded access to the facility's wellness and fitness services.
 
The facility is the new western suburban home of Michigan Elite Volleyball Academy and houses a state-of-the-art Fitness Laboratory, classroom space, and faculty offices for Schoolcraft College’s Associate Degree program in Movement Science. 
 
The Fitness Lab is designed to train students in performance testing, applied exercise physiology, and other skills. The Movement Science program takes advantage of MercyElite’s presence on campus to support academic programs, job shadowing and internship opportunities.
“We’re so pleased to welcome the St. Joe’s MercyElite Sports Center, a facility that provides another win-win for our students and the area,” said Dr. Glenn Cerny, Schoolcraft College president. “With its many amenities, we anticipate this state-of-the-art complex will quickly become an active hub for our campus community, community members, and sports teams from across the area and beyond.”
 
The new facility is at 18600 Haggerty Rd. in Livonia, just across from the St. Joe’s Sports Dome, which draws numerous youth sports organizations in addition to serving Schoolcraft College teams. This includes the Michigan Wolves Soccer Club, which plays in the St. Joe’s Sports Dome and now will have a dedicated practice field to maximize player development and training.
 
The St. Joe’s MercyElite Sports Center also has a 1/7-mile walking track available for members of Schoolcraft College’s Fitness Center as well as pickleball courts that can be reserved for a nominal fee. Also inside is the self-service Elite Market & Smoothie Bar, which conveniently offers a variety of nutritional snacks.
 
For more information about the St. Joe’s MercyElite Sports Center or MercyElite services, please visit MercyElite.org or, to make an appointment, please call 734-655-8240.
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