March 13, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
Check your mail. Your census forms will start arriving this week March 12 - 20 with the online registration now open.
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An update on our hometown preparedness for challenges like the coronavirus outbreak
and a statement from Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Andrea Oquist, Paul Shepich, Terry Marecki |
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| City of Livonia COVID-19 Preparedness |
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City of Livonia
This week Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan sat down with Livonia Emergency Preparedness Director Brian Kahn to discuss what Livonia residents should know about the city's preparation for challenges like the coronavirus outbreak and what we can all do to keep our families safe.
Stay tuned to the
Livonia Community page for ongoing updates on this and other important city topics.
Congress
Our representative in Congress Haley Stevens sent the following statement on the Coronavirus cases in Michigan:
"Yesterday evening, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services  (MDHHS) confirmed the first two cases of novel coronavirus in Michigan, one in Oakland County and one in Wayne County. MDHHS, the Wayne County Health Department, and the Oakland County Health Department have done an excellent job preparing for this situation, and I have full confidence that they will handle this development responsibly and do everything in their power to keep Michiganders safe.
"Residents of Michigan's 11th District should remain calm, but they should take this news seriously, stay informed, and take necessary precautions to keep themselves and others safe. It is especially important for those at greater risk because of their age or a serious long-term health problem to carefully follow CDC guidelines by avoiding crowds and non-essential travel and staying home."
Last week, Congresswoman Stevens voted for an emergency funding package to support a robust and coordinated response to coronavirus, including vaccine development, support for state and local governments, and assistance for affected small businesses.
Clarenceville Public Schools
The Clarenceville Public Schools sent a letter to students, parents and staff from Superintendent Paul Shepich a portion of which is shared in the image to the left. Chief among his actions is the canceling of all rental events and canceling of large large group events. 
Musings will continue to provide updates offered by our community leaders. We have had two statements provided by Sup
intendent Andrea Oquist and one from a representative of the Mayor's office Dave Varga run in previous issues.
Livonia Public Schools
Livonia Public Schools Superintendent Andrea Oquist
sent the following email to Livonia Public School parents. I am sharing the actions that she continues to take:
"As a follow-up to our prior communication regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how this public health concern could affect our school community, we wanted to take a few moments to provide additional information to our families.
"This evening, the governor issued State Recommended Community Mitigation  Strategies for school districts, businesses and other organizations, based on the known cases in the state of Michigan. This guidance included cancelling or postponing non-essential activities and gatherings of more than 100 people.
"In accordance with these guidelines, parent/teacher conferences at the high school level will be cancelled for tomorrow evening. As always, parents are encouraged to contact their child's teacher(s) with questions or concerns regarding student academic progress.
"Moving forward, principals will communicate with their school communities on other school event cancellations or postponements, through spring break. These decisions will be based on the state guidelines regarding large scale gatherings.
"Our school district leadership has been in regular contact with local, county and state officials and will continue this close communication. Based on the guidelines from the county and the state, there are currently no plans for school closures in our district.
"Be assured that thorough cleaning and deep sanitization continues to take place on an ongoing basis across the district. Our maintenance and operations staff has been working tirelessly in this regard. Additionally, our school bus fleet is being sanitized as part of our ongoing cleaning protocol.
"It's important that we remain positive with our children and empower them to use recommended hygiene practices. It is also key that we curtail the spread of misinformation and keep the lines of communication open between our schools and our families. We pledge, as always, to keep you informed and we appreciate your partnership."
Wayne County
Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki has put out a letter detailing the steps being taken by Wayne County:
"We have had many meetings at the County level and our response to this. There is a huge outreach to the public with facts on the virus and phone numbers where people can call with questions. There are informational sheets going into the 'Meals on Wheels' meals for the seniors. Since seniors over the age of 80, especially with medical predispositions, are the most vulnerable for fatalities, there is a concentrated effort to get information to them.
"The County is in daily contact with the feds and the state. This is a group effort and all decisions will be made by the professionals in the County and will be relayed to the public.
"The goal presently is to mitigate and have any potential person with the virus or virus symptoms to isolate. One interesting item- there is no evidence at this point that people are spreading the virus unless they actually have symptoms. It may change down the road but right now if you aren't symptomatic for the possibility of the virus, you aren't spreading it to other people."
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| Livonia Election Summary Report |
Below you will find a summary for all contests voted on in Livonia. Livonia has 44 precincts at which 29,680 votes were cast.
The Detroit Institute of Arts Authority Millage Renewal was passed overwhelmingly by a margin of 74% to 25.14%.
Joe Biden received 52% to Bernie Sanders 37.29%
Donald J. Trump received 93.95% to uncommitted 3.97&
Registered voters in Livonia
Total registered voters in Livonia 78,056
Total registered voters since March 1-between March 1st and March 10th 358
Detroit Institute of Arts Authority Millage Renewal
Total Livonia voters voting YES on the DIA renewal 21,469
Total Livonia voters voting NO on the DIA renewal 7,209
Total votes on the DIA renewal 28,678
Presidential Primary Votes Case
Total number of Democratic Party ballots cast 19,919
Joe Biden 10,503
Bernie Sanders 7,428
Total number of Republican Party ballots cast 8,943
Donald J. Trump 8,402
Uncommitted 355
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33rd Annual Seedlings Bowling for Braille Books and Blesssings in a Backpack cancel major fundraisers
Many other organizations are taking a step back and cancelling their events |
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Seedlings Announcement:
FridayMusings supports the difficult decision that to protect the health of everyone involved, Seedlings Braille Books for Children has decided to cancel their 33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books event on Saturday, March 14, at Novi Bowl. They will be contacting all bowlers, sponsors and donors soon regarding any bowling donations and registration fees they have already received. They want to thank all the bowlers, sponsors and donors for your support and understanding.
Even though the bowling event is canceled, donations are still welcome to help us put more books into the hands of children with vision loss. The bowling event webiste is accepting donoations through June 14, Donations are welcome anytime through Seedlings' website:
Blessings in a Backpack Announcement:
In an abundance of caution, we have decided to cancel the Trivia Night scheduled for April 24th. We are disappointed that we will not be able to spend the evening with our friends and supporters raising funds to feed the children of Livonia Public Schools. We do not want to take chances with the health of anyone. For those that have already paid, a refund will be issued. We hope to put together some sort of virtual fundraiser to help offset the funds that we would have made from this night. Be on the lookout for details regarding this in the near future. We appreciate all of the support that the community always shows us. We could not do what we do without you!!
Additional Cancellations are being shared as they are provided to FridayMusings:
March 16 Representative Laurie Pohutsky Coffee Hour
March 18 Livonia Town Hall
March 19 Livonia Democratic Club Monthly Meeting
March 21 Livonia Franklin Craft Show
April 19 Big House Toyota 5K
April 24 Blessings in a Backpack Trivia Night
May 1 Jim Crowley's Trivia Night
All public venues at The Henry Ford effective today, March 12 at 5 p.m. This includes the closing of Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, the Giant Screen Experience and the Benson Ford Research Center. We will stop public operations for one week and will re-evaluate this decision on Wednesday, March 18.
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ll public programs between now and March 18 are postponed or cancelled at this time and all private events are being evaluated on a case by case basis with each client.
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Musings follows these three
healthy, giving and fun events
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May 17 @ 1 Under Craft Beer/Eats @
12:00
St. Baldrick's Shave-A-Thon
Benefits: Kids with Cancer,
Goal: $100,000
May 17 @ Eddie Edgar Ice Arena @ 3:00
Red Wings Alumni v Livonia All Stars
Benefits:
Greenmead Historic Society
Livonia Kids and Families
Goal: $30,000
Tickets now available at
Livonia UPS Store *37637 Five Mile Rd
Jack E. Kirksey Recreation Center *15100 Hubbard St.
Livonia Kids and Families.
July 26 starting at Bicentennial Park
Benefiting Livonia Kids and Families
Tickets and registration @
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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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Matthew Kulacki has joined the ranks of:
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Musings follows the 2020 elections
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None have been certified by Board of Canvassers
Donald J. Trump (I) (R)
Democratic Candidate has yet to be determined
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
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 @ 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 Office
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 23 @ 11:30 -- 1:30
Burton Manor
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 Craft Beer and Eats
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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Livonia's own Robert Johnson, fresh from gigs in
Frankenmuth & Ann Arbor & Norhville. Now in Livonia, March 19. |
| Livonia YMCA looking for some good day camp counselors |
Our Livonia Family Y currently have two day camps in need of amazing counselors.
The first is housed at the Livonia YMCA (14255 Stark Rd, Livonia) and the second in housed in Central City Park (36601 Ford Rd, Westland).
The Y is looking for positive role models wanting to have a summer of fun adventures! Must be 18 and over.
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Here's Why Taxpayers Should Be Using
Direct Deposit for Tax Refunds
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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:
With the filing season just around the corner, taxpayers should be aware of the benefits of using direct deposit for refunds. It is easy, secure, and the fastest way to get a tax refund.
Here are 10 quick facts about direct deposit.
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It is the best and fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund.
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It is free.
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It is secure.
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Taxpayers can deposit their refund into not only one, but also two or three accounts.
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Combining direct deposit with IRS e-file is the fastest way for taxpayers to receive their refund.
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When using direct deposit, there is no risk of having a paper check stolen or lost.
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The IRS uses the same system to deposit tax refunds that Social Security and Veterans Affairs use to deposit benefits into millions of accounts.
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It is easy. Just follow the instructions in the tax software or on the tax form.
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Taxpayers can use direct deposit even if they are filing by paper.
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Direct deposit saves taxpayers money. It costs the IRS more than $1 for every paper refund check issued, but only a dime for each direct deposit made.
If you would like to learn more about Cole, Newton & Duran CPAs and how we can help with your accounting, tax, or consulting needs, please contact Bryan Besco, client relationship director, at 734.427.2030.
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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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| 2020 Ian Clemens Foundation Scholarship availability |
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Ian Clemens Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is open to any Livonia High School 2020 graduates that will be pursuing an engineering degree from any accredited public Michigan University. Criteria and Information can be found at
Applications must be postmarked by April 18th.
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| Frost PTSA Volunteer Scholarship Award Deadline: April 17, 2020 |
 The Frost Volunteer Scholarships will be awarded to one Livonia High School Senior. One student will receive $500 to assist him/her in financing their post-secondary education.
The scholarship is available to any graduating senior at Churchill, Franklin or Stevenson who attended Frost Middle School. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and must be a current member of their PTSA. The scholarship was establis
hed to recognize students for their volunteer efforts in their school and community.
All applications must be returned to Frost Middle School. It is recommended that students hand deliver applications/forms in order to be assured arrival by the deadline.
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James P. Carli Scholarship Deadline: April 3,2020
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The James P. Carli Scholarship of $1,000 has a deadline of April 3rd.
Must be a Livonia senior from one of the Livonia high schools. The scholarship seeks to recognize and reward students who demonstrate the qualities of dependability, integrity, and consideration of others, and who demonstrate service to the school.
Applications available in the counseling office.
Must have three staff recommendations in addition to the application.
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| You gotta Love Livonia. For sure. |
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Join the many volunteers, civic organizations, scouts, school groups and the Livonia Parks and Recreation Department, for one day dedicated solely to taking care of and preserving the beautiful parks right here in our community.
Taking pride in LIVONIA is contagious
and the benefits are endless! Immediately following the time in the parks, we'll end the day with a picnic at the Ford Field baseball diamond to thank everyone for their time and commitment.
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Check out the Business Breakfast Roundtable
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On Thursday, May 14, 8:00 -- 9:30, enjoy breakfast, networking opportunities and observations on the Metro Detroit, Michigan economy, and more from two of Metro Detroit's leading journalists: Detroit News' Nolan Finley and Crain's Detroit Business' Chad Livengood.
They will also be answering audience questions. Tickets are available from the Livonia Chamber of Commerce.
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The lineup for the 2020 -- 2021 Livonia Town Hall Lecture Series
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What our candidates are up to:
Regina Gargus, candidate for State Representative |
 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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