Livonia's Great Treasures Lie in
Human Personality.
Last week this typewriter found some downtime, watching the rain turn to snow, and during that time I found myself thinking to 1973 and joining the Livonia Jaycees. Dan Goodfellow was the new member chair and he told the class of new members that at the next meeting we would be called on to recite the Jaycee Creed.
One line, "earth's great treasures lie in human personality, " stood out and stayed with me all these years.
In the 4 days after the downtime, this line kept on resonating as I had tea with Wafa Dinaro, lunch with Tim Klisz, a theatre afternoon with Ken Overwater.
Three who are the future of Livonia, Wafa who moved to Livonia for her two children, Tim whose daughter graduated from Stevenson High School with 34 college credits as she enrolled at the University of Michigan, Ken whose young family still leaves him with time to enjoy the cultural offerings acting and directing.
Every Friday I have breakfast with a number of Livonia residents, an eclectic mix helping me understand and define Livonia's character.
Conversation at times includes some who are making a difference in Livonia--like Wafa Dinaro.
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I kept hearing the name Wafa Dinaro as a leader in Wayne County's economic development recently hired away by the Community Foundation to work toward creating incubator centers throughout Wayne County.
What an interesting 90 minutes. Personality. Intelligence. Knowledge. Mother of two in the Livonia Public Schools.
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I had known Tim Klisz since his campaign for Livonia City Council. An attorney who loves to travel with his family, heading back to Saturday Night Live New York with his wife Deanna and UM daughter Andie.
What an interesting hour. Personality. Intelligence. Knowledge. Father of one who graduated from Stevenson High School.
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I met Ken Overwater during his campaign for Livonia City Council. Felt then and still feel now that he offers a unique perspective on the future of the hometown for his young daughter Eleanor, his wife Sara, and stepson Nicklas. A public defender in Ann Arbor who helps in the theatre at Divine Child and recently performed with the Farmington Players.
What an interesting afternoon. Personality. Intelligence. Knowledge. All traits picked up on the two occasions Ken and I set down over tea.
Met three in settings non-political. Came away wondering what role a 72-year-old plays in the future of Livonia. That thought will carry out over the next few months but for now, I am admitting that spending time with the future of Livonia in Wafa, Tim, Ken turns the clock back and makes this typewriter feel like the future of Livonia is in good hands.
People enjoying life, enjoying Livonia, enjoying family.
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Make plans to attend Rosie Day on Saturday, March 12, from noon-3 p.m. at Greenmead Historical Park. March is Women's History Month!
This program for children ages 6-12 includes learning about the Michigan women who built the Arsenal of Democracy and coloring a plane glider to take home.
Kids will also enjoy snacks popular in the 1940s. Advanced registration required, $15 per child resident, $18 per child non-resident. Register online at LivoniaParks.org.
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Reader Feedback
Snow removal
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Neil Cervenan: Thanks again for FridayMusings. I find it very useful, informative, and a great positive read.
I do have items to suggest for the future:
You provide great information about the current candidates running for offices to represent Livonia. I would like to see you add, for my benefit and my fellow residents on the distribution is a method to identify which district represents my home address (maps, links to input address for the exact district, etc). It is all changed. Also, is this change to representation effective now or after elections?
The more painful, frustrating item is dealing with Wayne County and the State of Michigan, regarding roads. I would like to participate in any grassroots, citizen's forum to assist Livonia City Council and Mayor's staff on discussions with Wayne County and the State of Michigan. Please also include any details you can offer in future Musings, especially public meetings. I'm finding that a simple citizen's letter, phone call, or email finds the trash first.
I am leaning toward Biga's suggestion to proceed with malfeasance legal proceedings, versus talk. Talk has only gotten Livonia into this situation. As for Plans and their implementations, they already exist. Anything more is just more talk. There is no recourse Livonia has to hold Wayne County or the State of Michigan accountable other than the court system.
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Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki: Interesting article on the road plowing situation this weekend. I didn’t realize 50 years ago you were getting road complaints when the roads were so much newer! Wow!
In this day and age, with the innovation in communication, I am thankful the citizens do have the opportunity to call a number when they see something very concerning on a road. The 1-888-road crew (1-888-762-3273) is very easy to call. You speak to a live person and they enter the problem right into the computer. If a citizen is uncomfortable with that, there are several ways to report a road problem. Call me at 313-224-0946 or email me at Tmarecki@waynecounty.com with specific road areas and I will call the problem in.
I was thankful for the Council members and citizens who personally contacted me this weekend with specific road areas they saw were problematic. I have been in touch with the City elected officials and will be updating them on an administration response about this last snowfall event. We have to do better for the citizens of Livonia and surrounding areas.
The State of Michigan is now sitting on 20 billion dollars. I am hoping that the Governors promise to “fix the damn roads” comes to fruition. It is election time so I am hopeful this becomes her priority.
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