February 21, 2020         Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive. 
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Be Proud Livonia. 

Livonia was at it's finest Thursday night. Sold out audience at Laurel Manor. Smiles. Conversations. Dinner. And a rousing introduction to the evening with the Grant Elementary School Choir under the direction of Donald Stromberg.  Could't tell who was more excited when they were performing. The students. Their parents. The audience. Regardless it was a rousing start with the music and the first standing ovation of the evening. 

Be proud Livonia.

County Commissioner Terry Marecki. Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan. State Senator Danya Polehanki. State Representative Laurie Pohutsky. And they were not the stars of the evening. Nor was City Council President Kathleen McIntyre, Council folks Scott Bahr, Brandon McCullough, Jim Jolly. Livonia and Clarenceville Public School Trustees. They were all there but the focus was not on them. 

Nope. The center of attention were those being celebrated at the Livonia Chamber of Commerce 2020 Leadership & Awards Celebration.

Be proud Livonia.

This was a night that made Livonia proud as we celebrated the educational excellence in the Clarenceville and Livonia Public Schools with Superintendents Paul Shepich and Andrea Oquist. Clarenceville Elementary Educator of the Year Keri King, a first grade teacher at Grandview Elementary School and Megan Kutz, Secondary Educator of the Year. Livonia Elementary Educator of the Year Kitty Yost, a fifth grade teacher at Cooper Upper Elementary, Christianne Antonelli, Secondary Educator of the Year who teaches Marketing and Business at Stevenson High School, and Support Staff of the Year Abigail Knoph, a paraprofessional at Western Wayne Skill Center. 

One award stood out. Kitty Yost was Brandon McCullough 6th grade teacher. How cool.

These five made Livonia proud of our public school system. Be proud Livonia.

How about the Livonia Chamber Ambassador of the Year Award presented to Erin Schrieber. Or the Greenleaf Sustainability Award presented by Jim Baringhaus to Aristeo Construction for their creative pollinator garden enhancing its property in front of its Livonia headquarters, featuring 22 native Michigan plant species that provide food sources and shelter throughout the year.

D&B Lanscaping with 76 employees has become one of the largest landscaping companies in Wayne County. They were designated Large Business of the Year.

The 22nd largest accounting firm in metro Detroit Cole, Newton & Duran CPA's with a commitment to the firm's core values of "caring for one another," was selected for the Small Business of the Year Award.

Be proud Livonia.

2019 saw a passionate group of city advocates and volunteers leading an effort that converted Livonia's Ford Field into a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Appropriately the Moving Wall Committee was awarded the Community Enhancement Award.   DO Apparel/Brotherhood Sports and Michigan Institute of Urology also received a Community Enhancement Award.

  Ashlyn MacIver was selected as Outstanding Youth of the Year and introduced by Clarenceville High School Principal Troy Nelson saying
 "her involvement in student groups such as BPA, and National Honor Society as well as athletics in addition to her taking a difficult course load including AP courses and dual enrollment. Her success in these arenas is due to her ability to focus on a goal and not give up until she finds success.

The three largest ovations of the night were reserved for the Livonia Legacy Awards and First Citizen Award. Bill Fried and Conway Jeffress have made a lasting impact on defining quality of life in our hometown. Fried through his volunteer efforts over five decades and Jeffress for the nearly 40 years of educational leadership who understood the need for community colleges to be able to adjust while providing the training necessary for in-depth careers.

First Citizen Award was presented to Sharon and Jerry Marsh who have raised 71 children and is described by Debra Bonde as having "never seen such an amazing, yet humble couple. Yet, they don't think they have done anything special."

Be proud Livonia.

The Marsh's have provided stability for many babies born from stressful situations as they fostered 69 children. In addition they have nine grandchildren. These Bentley High School graduates married in 1966 and have lived in Livonia since purchasing a bungalow in 1975. 

The raising of foster children was an amazing journey which appropriately led them to being named Livonia First Citizen.

Livonia was at it's finest Thursday night. Sold out audience at Laurel Manor. Smiles. Conversations. Dinner. Wow. It was okay this night to wear your Livonia pride on your sleeves. To tell others how proud you are of a town you call home. 

With thanks to the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and it's President Dan West for a night to be remembered. Thank you. Be proud Livonia.



Musings follows Livonia Happenings
February in Livonia
All February

Allen Brooks photography on display at  Livonia City Hall 9 to 5. The show will be up until Feb 28.

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 27 
Mental Health with Eric Hipple
VisTaTech @ Schoolcraft College
Registration at Livonia Chamber of Commerce
February 29
The Arc of Northwest Wayne County
Laurel Manor
Ball for All Leap Year Fundraiser

March in Livonia

Census forms start arriving this month
Be on the lookout. Spread the word.

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
Home Show brought to you by
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
 
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 
Greenmead Historic Village

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 @ 12 noon
St. Baldrick's Shaving for Kids with Cancer
Plymouth Rock
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 our City Council

Livonia City Council Study Meeting - February 10, 2020
Livonia City Council Study Meeting - February 10, 2020
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)

Bob Carr (R)

John James (R)

United States House of Representatives
Haley Stevens (D-I)
Endorsed by:
Michigan Education Association

Kerry Bentivolio (R)

Whitney Williams (R)
Endorsed by:

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

A Meeting between Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman
at the Bennett Civic Center Library this Sunday
The Bennett Civic Center Library will feature a Meeting Between Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman on Sunday, February 23rd at 2 PM - 3 PM.

Performed by Madelyn Porter, noted story teller, founder of Street-Life Theatre Company and MYSS Theatre Productions, and receiver of special grants in recognition of her talents. Do plan to be there for this fine interpretation of two strong and influential women who were of significant importance to our history. 

There will be a reception in the Michigan Room that will follow the program.

Meet Madelyn Porter

"The whole world is a stage..." and Madelyn Porter plays a part in keeping it real in Detroit. Porter has worked in professional theatre for over forty years and is the recipient of the Wayne County Chapter of NOW - Special Achievement Award for portraying Sojourner Truth (national tour), Rouge Award for Best Supporting Actress (Burying The Bones - Detroit Repertory Theatre), the YWCA Woman Of Achievement In The Arts Award, the WMGC-105.1 Woman Who Makes Magic Award -as well as the Between The Lines - Wilder Nomination for Best Actress (Comedy/Original Script).

Porter currently writes and performs Storyliving for The Henry Ford/Greenfield Village, Detroit Historical Museum, Troy Historical Village, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. She was recently seen in Flint Youth Theatre's Akeelah and the Bee and The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963; The Actor's Theatre of Louisville's Skeleton Crew; Premiere production of Public Enemy: Flint; Detroit Public Theatre's Dot; The National Organization of Women's Annual Conference featuring her One-Woman production of Sister to Sister; and portrayed Carolyn Cheeks in Carol Teagardin's world premiere of Strawberry...What Party? 

Porter is lead teacher for Michigan Opera Theatre's Create and Perform Workshops.

Porter is founder of Mad's World Theatre Productions, and cofounder of MYSS Theatre Company, and Street Life Theatre Company. "What we need is quality theatre by any means necessary."
Tackle Mental Health with Eric Hipple next Thursday
at a luncheon sponsored by our Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Eric Hipple is a former Detroit Lions quarterback who was at the pinnacle of his career with a memorable, victorious performance on the Monday Night Football stage. 

He endured a horrific loss when his 15-year-old son was a victim of suicide, then he struggled with his own mental health in the aftermath. 

He turned his  personal tragedy into a mission to study and speak about mental health, inspired by the memory of his son, to prevent others from facing such a tragedy.

On Thursday, February 27th Hipple will speak about how families can live with depression, in an important Livonia Chamber of Commerce program that provides valuable information for your family and your workplace. His presentation will take place at the VisTaTech Center at Schoolcraft College. Click here to register. The cost for the luncheon is $30 for Chamber members or $40 for guests.
 
We are proud to have businesses sponsor high school tables at this event to help share the important message with our community's young adults. Email dwest@livonia.org to sponsor a table of high school or college students.
 
Attendees are welcome to stay to meet Eric Hipple and purchase his book  Real Men Do Cry , which he will autograph.

Home Show at the Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
which means Spring is right around the corner


Gerald Ellithorpe joins Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs 
as a seasonal tax preparer
Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs is proud to welcome Gerald Ellithorpe, seasonal tax preparer, to its team. Gerald holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Walsh College and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan State University.  

"We are excited to welcome Jerry to Cole, Newton & Duran," said Cole, Newton & Duran's individual practice leader Christopher Boloven. "Jerry's more than 40 years of experience will be a great addition to our growing tax practice. We will utilize his extensive experience specializing in corporate, partnership, individual, and not-for-profit tax to provide clients with outstanding service. Our clients will benefit greatly from his depth and breadth of experience."

Gerald has more than 40 years of experience specializing in providing tax services for businesses, partnerships, and individuals. He specializes in tax preparation, small business accounting, and consulting. He also has experience performing audits and 990 tax returns for not-profit organizations and government entities.  
Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
Livonia's night out in support of CAPA, Murder Mystery Company 
April 1st is the date to mark. Mark and circled and underlined. That is the date when the Murder Mystery Company returns to Livonia for the Anna Bonde Benefit Mystery Dinner. This is one of the nights the typewriter looks forward to every year. It is just plain fun.

America's favorite murder mystery dinner theater is bringing murder to the mitten-- in a comedic way, of course! The Murder Mystery Company was founded in Michigan, so they are literally right at home in Livonia.

Unlike other theatrical shows, the Murder Mystery Company experiences are completely interactive and immersive. From the moment you enter to take your seat, you are a part of the action. You witness a crime, assemble clues, interrogate suspects, and solve the crime, all before you finish your dessert! Work with your entire table to solve their live-action game of Clue.

This year the Murder Mystery Company will present a fun, entertaining evening at the Anna Bonde Benefit Mystery Dinner. The theme this is  I Love The 80s To Death on Wednesday April 1st at Livonia's own Burton Manor. The evening is a steal again at only $27.   To get your tickets click here.  

What is the theme this year? Read on. . .

  It's the 80's again, and all of the big names are here for a big concert. Tensions run rampant as backstage secrets spill out into the spotlight with like, totally tragic results! This isn't an episode of Miami Vice! This is like...murder. It's up to you to bust it like a ghost, for sure! Peg your jeans, slouch your socks, flash some neon, put on way too much eyeliner and get that hair up! You are going to solve this crime in style. No time to be Too Shy! You are a Smooth Operator, and you know to listen to those Careless Whispers. It's time to put on your Sunglasses at Night and Relax. Time after time...You will solve the case.
Livonia Symphony Orchestra Saturday, February 22nd
"PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA" Louis Schmidt Auditorium - 
Clarenceville H. S. @ 4:00  featuring: 
Japanese born pianists  Yuki and Tomoko Mack.

 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 "Gilmore International Keyboard Festival in Michigan, the "Symposium for Two Pianos" inFlorida 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 pictured here on the right. Tickets will be sold at the Livonia Symphony Concert February 22nd.

No one else does the arts better than our hometown Livonia.
Looking for someone to cater your graduation party? Or perhaps that business meeting.

No matter what your catering needs you can count on that familiar face, with that quality service.

Bob Modes  @  Blue Plate Catering
Our Hometown Livonia continues to take on the Opioid Crisis with Town Hall scheduled  March 5th, 6:00 -- 7:30, 
Bennett Civic Center Library
Join Police Chief Curtis Caid, Families against Narcotics Lauren Rousseau,
Mitchell's Hope Michele Wagner and Growth Works Patrick Stropes
The importance of understanding the Opioid Crisis will the focus of a Livonia Opioid Town Hall hosted by State Representative Laurie Pohutsky. With the crisis afflicting and affecting Livonia this town hall becomes an important step of defining the issue, the impact of the issue and steps that might be taken to resolve the issue locally.
 
Pohutsky will be joined by an expert panel of special guests including: 

Livonia Police Chief Curtis Caid.  Caid is  a product of Livonia Public School system. He s tarted his college at  Schoolcraft College,  graduated from  Madonna University/ He says He is " pretty much Livonia through and through." H e started as a police cadet in 1979 and moved through the ranks and was appointed the job of top cop in 2011.

Lauren Rousseau from Families Against Narcotics. Lauren Rousseau is a professor of law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.  From 2010 to 2012, she was legal guardian of a young man who became addicted to heroin, and who lost his life after multiple attempts at treatment. Professor Rousseau's experience with this young man affected her profoundly, starting her on a path of service to families struggling with addiction.

Michele Wagner from Mitchell's Hope. Mitchell's Hope, Fowlerville Michigan is a grassroots organization formed by Michele Wagner after the tragic loss of her only child Mitchell in 2014 to accidental overdose. Mitchell's Hope aims to promote: awareness of the opiate pandemic, many pathways to recovery, education, prevention & support for those in the trenches. We also advocate to end the stigma surrounding Substance Use Disorder and Mental Illness; they go hand in hand! We provide free Naloxone training and host a mutual aide grief group.

Patrick Stropes from Growth Works.  Stropes counsels others struggling with addiction through a new program, Rescue Recovery, run by Growth Works Inc., a local human services agency.  Growth Works has a long, rich history of providing youth and family support and addiction counseling in Wayne County. Initially, Growth Works was founded in 1971 as a youth drop-in center to provide a place for local community children to be active in a safe environment. Providing such a space was an attempt to keep the local children engaged in positive activities, thus reducing the likelihood of substance abuse and delinquency. 
Lauren Rousseau
Michele Wagner
Patrick Stropes
Curtis Caid.

The panel is set up with four community activists who based on their experience will be able and willing to answer your questions and share information on available resources to support our family, friends or loved ones struggling with addiction.
 
The Town Hall will also provide updates on work being done at the state and local level to provide relief and assistance to those experiencing the effects of the crisis and to help end it.
 





When: Thursday, March 5, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Livonia Civic Center Library Auditorium, 32777 Five Mile Road in Livonia

Position posting: Part time Lifestyle Coach at Livonia Family YMCA
Under the direction of the Wellness Director, the Lifestyle Coach will assist members to attain their wellness potential by helping the, set goals and develop self-management skills consistent with sustained health behavior change.

Qualifications:

*Currently working towards an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in an exercise or health and wellness field from an accredited University (required)

*Position requires 6 months to 1 year experience in the health and wellness field

*A current certification from one of the following nationally recognized organization- ACSM, ACE, AFFA, CES, ISSA, NASM, NESTA, NETA, WITS, or YMCA Group Exercise or Strength and Conditioning Instructor certification is perferred OR score at least 80% on a Lifestyle Coach assessment tool prior to becoming a Y employee.

*CPR/AED certifications must be current

*Must have technical skills in the operations and use of a variety of fitness equipment.

Applications/Resumes accepted in person at our front desk, or email to: Chenoa Hall chenoa.hall@ymcadetroit.org
Livonia schedules SKYWARN Training

The National Weather Service SKYWARN Training is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 from 7 - 9 p.m.

The training will take place at the Livonia Public Library.

Admission is FREE and NO advance registration is necessary.

For questions, contact Brian C. Kahn at brian.kahn@livoniapd.com