March 9, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
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| Ever thought about helping out on the day of election? |
 The City of Livonia is still looking for a few more people to work on Tuesday at the polls.
Election inspector pay starts at $170 a day. 6:00 am until about 9:00 pm.
Check in at the City Clerk's office to obtain more information, get your questions answered or to sign up.
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| CAPA, Scholarships, Fun, Dinner, Remembering Anna. April 1st. Get your tickets now. |
In just three weeks on Wednesday, April 1st, 6:30 to 9:00, at Burton Manor Livonia will gather to honor Anna Bonde, to have some fun, enjoy a dinner and to raise some dollars for scholarships for the CAPA program in her name.
Please make your reservation and get your tickets as soon as you can by clicking on the picture on the left.
Students can use the code ABEDU for a $7 discount.
Please join with our hometown Livonia community for this very special event the 11th Annual Anna K Bonde Scholarship Murder Mystery Dinner.
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| How do we get the message out? We can each play a role. Find your niche. The city is helping. |
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| Cityscape - Episode #1 featuring Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan |
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With the demise of our hometown Livonia Observer it has become increasingly difficult to find a way to get the word out about what is happening in our community. Yes, I know we still have an Observer. And twice a week at that. But it is just not the same when one of the front page stories on Sunday is about a traffic accident on I-275.
Not a week goes by that this typewriter hears the refrain from one organization or another that "we have difficulty getting the word out about the projects we are running."
Realistically how is it that Livonia can get the word out about new initiatives, opportunities to fill vacancies on boards and commissions, or important and timely updates on city properties.
Our Livonia YMCA is increasing their social media presence with more frequent updates on Facebook. The City of Livonia is increasing the quality and frequency of its social media presence as well.
Sure we have the quarterly publication out of downriver, Livonia, that offers community information but it is more broad-based information without the same quality as having a beat reporter or follow up. Although it was kinda cool to see our new Mayor featured last week.
Our schools have a direct line with electronic outreach to parents of our 14,000 students and a Facebook presence as well. This typewriter appreciates the school newsletter that goes to every home but it is just not the same when important school news does not reach the general public on a timely basis.
And yes, there is FridayMusings but even the typewriter realizes that it only touches a small portion of our hometown. During the recent city election we were averaging 5,000 readers over the last four weeks of the campaign. That's 5,000 three times a week. Still just a small portion of our hometown. Recently the story about Clarenceville and Livonia Public Schools robotics team actually hit 10,000. My record for sure.
Kudos then to Dan West, President of the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Livonia TV and Mayor Brosnan in the launch of Cityscape. This week the premiere episode of this new collaboration launched with the first step toward focusing on the people and places making things happen in our community. Another step in letting people know more about the town they call home.
Recently in a discussion with a Livonia elected official their eyes rolled when discussing the new and innovative use of social media being undertaken and encouraged by the Mayor. Eyes rolled until the conversation centered on how does a community take what is understood by so many and used every day, social media, take it and make it useful to nearly 100,000 residents? They had no answer and begrudgingly agreed that the positive outreach being undertaken was needed.
Each niche of the community that is reached means that we have that many more people telling the success story of a hometown that continues to write and rewrite the story of our people, our neighbors, our organizations, our businesses. By taking our story and sharing it, whether on TV, Facebook, speeches, we are helping to create a bond around the sense of community. Of oneness.
We are working to redefine the sense of involvement, togetherness. To encourage our neighbors to tell the success, take ownership of the issues and then ownership of solutions.
This typewriter says "go for it Livonia." It is something that we need.
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Five Days and Counting until the 33rd Annual Seedlings Bowling for Braille Books
You are welcome whether you are bowling or just want to stop by and see all the fun
Thank you to these sponsors for partnering with Seedlings |
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Thank you to these headline sponsors for
partnering with Seedlings for their 33rd Annual Bowling
for Braille Books.
Partners make it happen.
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| Things Taxpayers Should Remember When Searching for a Tax Preparer |
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Several weeks ago Musings was contacted by Bryan Besco, client relationship director at Cole, Newton & Duran, who offered to provide a series of articles relating to, what was then, the beginning of tax season. This article is a continuation of the material provided by CND cpa's. Hope you have found them of value. The typewriter has:
This is because it is ultimately the taxpayer who is responsible for all the information on their income tax return. It is important for people to remember that this is true no matter who prepares the return. Here are some tips for folks to remember when selecting a preparer. Taxpayers should:
Check the preparer's history:
Taxpayers can ask the local Better Business Bureau about the preparer. Check for disciplinary actions and the license status for credentialed preparers. There are some additional organizations to check for specific
types of preparers
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Ask about service fees:
People should avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of the refund or who boast bigger refunds than their competition.
Ask to e-file:
The quickest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to
electronically file
their federal tax return and use direct deposit.
Make sure the preparer is available: T
axpayers may want to contact their preparer after this year's April 15 due date. People should avoid fly-by-night preparers.
Provide records and receipts:
Good preparers will ask to see a taxpayer's records and receipts. They will ask questions to figure things like the total income, tax deductions, and credits.
Never sign a blank return:
Taxpayers should not use a tax preparer who asks them to sign a blank tax form.
Review before signing:
Before signing a tax return, the taxpayer should review it. They should ask questions if something is not clear. Taxpayers should feel comfortable with the accuracy of their return before they sign it.
Review details about any refund:
Taxpayers should make sure that their refund goes directly to them - not to the preparer's bank account. The taxpayer should review the routing and bank account number on the completed return.
Ensure the preparer signs and includes their PTIN:
All paid tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. By law, paid preparers must sign returns and include their PTIN.
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Musings follows our City Council
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Livonia City Council Study Meeting -
February 24, 2020 |
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| Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - February 24, 2020 |
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Musings follows those shaving for kids at St. Baldricks shave-a-thon
May 17 @ 1 Under @ 12:00
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Donate to our St. Baldrick's campaign so we can help fund children's cancer research and put an end to it.
Team Robb Drzewski -
Team Jax Drzewski -
Team Jameson Drzewski -
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Musings follows the 2020 elections
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Joe Biden D
Michael Bloomberg D
Tulsi Gabbard D
Bernie Sanders D
Elizabeth Warren 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
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| Musings follows Livonia Happenings |
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March in Livonia
Census forms start arriving this week
March 8 @ 1:30 - 4:00
March 10 @ 7:00 am -- 8:00 pm
Presidential Primary
Vote Early and Vote Often
March 14 @ 12 noon
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 DIA"
Livonia Bennett Civic Center Library auditorium.
March 16 @ 6:30 -- 7:30
Laurie Pohutsky Coffee Hour
Panera Bread, 28551 Schoolcraft Road
March 16 @ 2:00
Livonia Historical Society presents Joe Oldenberg discussing "The First Native Tribes of Michigan."
Alexander Blue House, Greenmead Historical Park
March 17 @ 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Skywarn Training
Bennett Civic Center Library
March 21
@ 9:00 - 3:00
Home Show brought to you by
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
March 22
Mom to Mom Sale
Kirksey Recreation Center
March 24 @ 7:00
Livonia Jaycee Membership Meeting
Livonia Chamber of Commerce
March 26 @ 7:00 - 9:00
Happily Ever After
Historic Greenmead
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
April 27 @ 4:30
Livonia Rotary Charity Reverse Raffle
May in Livonia
May 1 @ 6:00
Paul Seewald's
The Luck of Livonia Dinner Dance
Livonia Junior Athletic League celebrates 60 years
St. Mary's Cultural Center
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
1 Under
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
July 25 @ 9:00 -- 2:00
Touch-a-Truck sponsored by Rotary AM Club
July 26
Tour de Livonia starting at Bicentennial Park
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| 52 years providing service to our hometown community. Family Y. |
 Last Friday was the kick off breakfast to start the annual fundraising drive for  the Livonia YMCA.
This typewriter joined with a number of community leaders including YMCA Board President Rich Potchynok, Livonia school trustee Tammy Bonifield, Community Foundation Board Member Charlie Mahoney, Rotary AM President Greg Greene, and Mayor Maureen Brosnan.
What made this breakfast so special was that it was held in a room renovated by the Livonia Rotary AM Club. And the room that is used by the Rotary Club for their Wednesday morning meetings. A great partnership.
Since 1968 Livonia has been home to the Family Y currently under the  leadership of
Brian Wolverton
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The Y was the catalyst designed to attract young families during our growth period in the '60s and '70s.
From athletics, to education, to health services, to safe spaces, the Y fills the gaps where society falls short. They are an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility.
 They know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. That's why, at the Y, strengthening community is their cause. Every day, they work side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Livonia Family YMCA is a 99,000 square foot, fully equipped community facility. Basic features include an indoor swimming pool, 5 indoor tennis courts; a state-of-the-art Wellness Center, full-service locker rooms, full-sized gymnasium, an aerobics studio, a Child Watch room, and a multi-purpose room.
Be proud Livonia. Our hometown Family Y makes an impact and has for over 50 years.
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Reading with Riley. What lucky students getting to meet
so many community leaders. |
 Riley was the scene on Friday morning as hometown leaders gathered for a great time in reading to sixth grade students. On hand were Mayor Maureen Brosnan, State Representative Laurie Pohutsky, Senator Dayna Polehanki, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, members of the Livonia Public School Board, members of the Riley staff
 and Superintendent Andrea Oquist.
Great note was received from Kevin Aoun reacting to the picture of those attending this day of reading at Riley. Just had to share this great observation from Kevin: "We hear all the talk about the absence of women leadership in our society from the national media. Look at this picture! Add Kathleen and you will see how untrue that narrative is. Every level of our local government lead by women! Awesome! And, by the way, it has nothing to do with them being women. It has everything to do with their ability and quality over leadership."
Be proud Livonia our hometown rocks with reading.
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Livonia Blessings in a Backpack asks a simple question:
Who will feed the children this weekend?
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Livonia has so many reaching out and touching the lives of those in need or less fortunate. Blessings in a Backpack Livonia is one of those wonderful organizations that our hometown community supports with
its heart, energy, and dollars when possible.
The typewriter is not very good at Trivia. Tried it once. Didn't do well but had a lot of fun for sure.
With calendars filling up fast mark yours for April 24th and get your reservation in.
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Livonia CARES, a Livonia faith-based group that is made up of area churches and agencies, is having a special meeting on March 10th, 6:30, at the Bennett Civic Center Library about human trafficking.
This is something that, unfortunately, happens even in Livonia.
This is a program co-sponsored by Livonia Cares and the Livonia Human Relations Commission.
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Get your reservations now for the State of the City
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April 23, 11:30 -- 1:30 at Burton Manor
Sponsored by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce
Click on the image below to make reservations
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Football and Cheerleading
Two more parts of a healthy Livonia |
30 days and counting before the Anna Bonde Scholarship
Murder Mystery Dinner benefiting CAPA |
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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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Hey Livonia it is time to Get Goofy with
Improvisation
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LIVONIA ADULT IMPROV MEETUP With Trent Sutherland
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| Click on image for more information |
A casual improv Meetup group dedicated to:
* Creating a welcoming, judgment-free space
* Being open to any an
d all experience levels
* Improving attendees' abilities to "think on their feet"
* Building self-confidence by being confidently silly
* Meeting new people
* Having fun!!!
Logistical Details
When: 2pm, Every Other Sunday
Where: Motor City Youth Theatre 27555 Grantland St, Livonia, MI 48150
Who: Adult Humans who want to play (Or watch) Improv Games!
What: See bullet points above
Cost: $5 to play and free to watch!
Yes, and...
We look forward to seeing you there!
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| Livonia, the cultural heartbeat of southeast Michigan with over 20 art and cultural organizations, is poised to vote YES on March 10. |
 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.
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