April 15, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
 
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| Earth's great treasures lies in human personality and that surely defines Livonia businesses |
 AlphaUSA has retooled its production facility to make face masks to help front-line workers to fight the virus. The first 250  masks were sent to the Livonia Donation site at the Kirksey Recreation Center for use of Livonia's first responders.
But the work did not stop with the first 250. Not at all. The Strumbos family donated 5,000 masks and the results in the first week: 250 to City of Livonia, 250 to St. Mary's Livonia, 250 to Colorado for the Strumbos family to distribute.
1,000 to City (first responders but, more importantly, the Long Term Care workers who have so little as the hospitals absorb the supply. There are 15 in Livonia)
1,000 to St. Mary Mercy Livonia,
1,000 to Beaumont Royal Oak,
1,000 to Colorado (for the Strumbos family to distribute),
1,000 to U of M in Ann Arbor.
 According to Chuck Dardas the "hope is to start re-employing people as this is considered essential manufacturing we want to get enough orders to
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Pictures from Maureen Miller Brosnan Facebook Page while at AlphaUSA
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put people back to work."
AlphaUSA received a thank you from Beaumont Royal Oak for something Renee Dardas did. Chuck Dardas responded to that thank you by writing that "we really needed to thank them, it was the reverse. Then I gave them an excerpt from the famous Churchill speech during the Battle of Britain."
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Never was so much owed by so many to so few...."
How does a major manufacturing company organize this retooling and training:
First they needed to get raw material to assemble from another Michigan Company. They can only produce 1,500 shields a day so Alpha is working on a supply chain and that depends on demand for the masks.
They are able to make 500-600 per hour with four cells of workers. T
hat will be 10-12 people and will be able to complete the 5,000 masks this week.
"We will not accept volunteers from the company," Dardas explains that "we are going to pay them."
They are devising a stay at home training for all employees. Dardas makes it clear that "We will have them work, but not in our buildings until released to do so.
We have a safe operation plan once they return."
Even if the employees are not able to come in until the state order is released Dardas is adamant that "We have extended 100% health care though for everyone through the end of May. The Strumbos Family is picking up the tab. That was vital to us that employee/family health care coverage did not lapse."
Thanks Livonia's AlphaUSA for making my day. We are a city filled with personality and you gotta love it.
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Wayne County Commission rejected Wayne Kids Win! petition initiative.
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 FridayMusings has been following the story about the Wayne Kids Win! petition initiative proposing a new 1 mill tax for after school programs for Wayne County children.
The Wayne County Commission by a vote of 13 to 2 yesterday rejected the initiative petition championed by the Wayne Kids Win! Committee to place a new 1 mill tax to fund afterschool programs on the ballot.
Commissioner Terry Marecki, who seconded the motion to reject and helped lead the opposition to the proposal, indicated that "our legal and fiscal staff found that the implementing ordinance to distribute the tax proceeds would violate the Commission's budgeting, contracting, legislative enacting and auditing authority." She added: "we have a responsibility to follow state and county law and defend the authority of the County Commission."
For comparison to this 1 full mill request, estimated to raise over $250 million over six years if passed, the DIA, Zoo and county Parks millages are each only 0.25 mill. In addition to the size of the tax increase, the Commission was also concerned about the timing of the proposal.
"We have to make sure the county utilizes its resources to provide mandated services and address emergency needs caused by the coronavirus pandemic," Commissioner Marecki remarked. "The last thing our people need right now is another new tax when they're worried about their health and jobs, and making ends meet."
Following this rejection by the county's legislative body and according to county-mandated process, the petition now gets returned to the Wayne County Clerk and Wayne County Election Commission for consideration whether to place it on the next general election ballot, which is scheduled for November 3, 2020.
However, the Resolution passed by the Commissioners authorizes Commission Counsel
"to continue any and all efforts necessary to oppose placement of this Initiation of Legislation Petition on the ballot." Consequently, Marecki said she expects that the Commission's attorneys will oppose placement of this new tax and implementing ordinance on the November ballot, both before the Wayne County Election Commission and in court if necessary.
In addition to Marecki, all other western Wayne County Commissioners, Glenn Anderson, Melissa Daub, David Knezek and Al Haidous, voted to reject the initiative petition.
Reaction to the rejection of the initiative petition:
Musings sent a request to Wayne County RESA Superintendent Randy Liepa, who serves as Treasurer of Wayne Kids Win asking his reaction to this Commission move and how it might affect a RESA ballot proposal scheduled for November.
Request for comment: This morning the Wayne County Commission rejected the Wayne Kids Win! Committee (WKWC) initiative petition by a 13-2 vote. As I understand the county initiative process, this proposal will now be returned to the Wayne County Election Commission for consideration of placement on the November, 2020 ballot.
I have an interest in your input.
I understand that Wayne County RESA has been receiving resolutions from school districts requesting that the renewal of the 2 mill education enhancement millage be placed on the November ballot, which you have recommended.
As the Treasurer of the Wayne Kids Win! Committee, do you have any concern that this new 1 mill proposed tax for after school programs could be on the November ballot as well?
What do you say to those people that might perceive this new 1 mill millage to be in direct competition with your renewal?
As WC RESA Superintendent and Treasurer of this ballot committee, do you see any conflict in promoting two millages at the same time?
Would you consider withdrawing your support from the WKWC proposal, so as not to jeopardize your own renewal?
Liepa responded, "I am very supportive of after school programs, especially for our most needy students. I was happy to support the effort, first started by non-profit entities serving Detroit and Wayne County, as it is recognized that structured activities for children after school can have a profound impact on their academic achievement.
This is much needed in our state and region.
Our school leaders in Wayne County understand the value of this, also. Having said that, our first funding priority is the maintenance of the existing enhancement millage. We have a wonderful story to tell about the significant difference this millage has had in our County and how it has impacted programs for students. Thus, I will be rethinking my involvement with the after school millage proposal."
Who is behind this ballot initiative?
A number of political heavy weights supported the Wayne Kids Win! when it was initiated in Fall 2019, including City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan,
Wayne County Executive Warren Evans,
DTE Energy President & CEO Jerry Norcia,
Taylor Federation of Teachers President Linda Moore,
Former State Representative Thomas F. Stallworth III, and WC RESA Superintendent Randy Liepa.
Funding was mostly provided by DTE and Quicken Rock Holdings, who each came to the table with $200,000. The Wayne Kids Win! committee then paid nearly $500,000 to a Grand Rapids company to collect enough signatures to try and obtain a spot initially on the March Presidential election ballot.
You can count on FridayMusings to keep you up to date on issues that will affect our hometown Livonia.
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| Be a part of a quarantine production by Livonia Community Theatre--April 26 |
 JOIN US for our first #StayHome Quarantine Production of MYNX & SAVAGE! We're all #AloneTogether!
The is the first Livonia Community Theatre production where everything has been done entirely online including auditions, rehearsals and the actual live Watch Party on Facebook.
7:30 -- 8:30 only at https://www.facebook.com/LivoniaCT
Our live Facebook Watch Party will begin at 7pm on April 26 on our Facebook page. However, please tune in at 6:30pm for our actor bios, Director thank you and curtain speech. We expect the show run time to be approximately 90 minutes.
PLAY SYNOPSIS
Getting lost in a story is a dangerous temptation. Adam is a comic book writer coasting on his past successes in the glossy pages of Mynx & Savage. Much to his chagrin, his employer has assigned him a partner, Ket, to ensure he makes his next deadline.
Ket is young and ambitious; her life was changed by Adam's first serious graphic novel, and she aches to know what new, "important" work Adam is working on.
As the duo sets to work on the 100th issue of Mynx and Savage, the fantasy bleeds into reality as the superheroes and their mild-mannered alter egos invade the artists' space. Adam finally starts to trust Ket and shares the story he's been hiding. It is the story of Jill and Kyle, two childhood friends on summer break who dream of superheroes. Where Kyle is frightened, Jill is brave; where Kyle is secretive, Jill insists on honesty.
This is the story that tortures Adam, the story he's been hiding from the world; it's the origin story of Mynx and Savage. In the end, as the worlds of the children, the superheroes and the artists collide, Ket helps Adam realize that he has no future until he makes amends with his past.
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| Working and chillin. Facebook always makes this typewriter smile. Or cry depending on the picture. |
 The Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church Sewing Circle gals
have set aside making quilts, to do their part to help during these rough times.
They have made hundreds of masks!
They say, "We hope that you all stay home, stay safe & strong. We will be together again soon.
Thank you ladies for what you are doing!
I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I see this picture on Facebook from Jonathon Wennstrom with his hound. "Chillin with the hound!"
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Musings follows Our Arts
Livonia Civic Chorus Sings for you
A different song each issue
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Just like many of you, the 72 volunteer members of the Livonia Civic Chorus are Staying Home to Stay Safe, but they
are continuing to SING!
The Livonia Civic Chorus' vision is to enrich the musical experiences for their members and the cultural life of our
community.
To achieve this vision during the COVID-19 crisis, they want to provide you music for your enjoyment
and get our community singing-along!
How about YOU? Let's all Sing a Song!
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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)
Endorsed by:
Sierra Club
SEIU
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters & Millwrights
Congresswoman Haley Stevens
Martha Ptashnik (R)
Endorsed by:
City Council President Kathleen McIntyre
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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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town Aug 16, 3:00.
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| Musings follows Livonia Happenings |
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April in Livonia
April is cancelled. Go directly to May
Every night M-F @ 7:00 check him out
Every Tuesday @ 12:00 - 12:00
April 20 @ 6:30 -- 7:30
Representative Laurie Pohutsky
Virtual Coffee Hour
Join her online:
Join her over the phone: (605) 475-4818
Access Code: 748496#
April 21 @ 7:00
Livonia Jaycees monthly meeting
April 26 @ 7:30
Livonia Community Theatre
Live on Facebook
May in Livonia
May is cancelled go directly to
June for what's happening
If things change look for the events here
June in Livonia
June 6 @ 9:00 -- 4:00
St. Colette's 4th Annual Custom
& Classic Car Show
Free to Spectators with plenty of
Food ,beverages , D. J. , 50 / 50
drawings and Prize Raffles..
July in Livonia
July 25 @ 9:00 -- 2:00
Touch-a-Truck sponsored by Rotary AM Club
August in Livonia
August 16 @ 3:00
September in Livonia
Bob Bennett Memorial Golf Outing
Date to be determined
September 13 @ 12:00
October in Livonia
October 1 @ 7:00
Presenting Sponsor:
Dan MacIver
Financial & Portfolio Advisors
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The Administration and Staff of St. Mary Mercy Hospital Livonia and our Livonia Services Clubs (Lions, AM Rotary, Kiwanis, Jaycees) would like to take this opportunity to recognize
and thank the following Livonia area businesses and organizations for their commitment to providing food donations to SMML.
TWICE A DAY AT 11:00 AND 6:00 FOOD IS TAKEN TO OUR HOSPITAL BY SERVICE CLUB VOLUNTEERS THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF THESE BUSINESSES.
In addition to these restaurants Jeff Adams adds even more good news, "Not on the list are all the residents in the area that have donated to the account AM Rotary has set up. To date we've raised over $2000 in personal donations. The citizens in our town are taking action here, joining leaders, to make an impact in the community"
Matt Collins writes: We truly appreciate the generous support that these area businesses are providing for our courageous nurses and doctors who are engaged and at risk in this challenging battle with COVID 19.
Aleko's (Jeffery Naeger) Alpha USA Archie's
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Costco Domino's Pizza
Elite Catering Feed the Front Lines Georges Senate
Granite City Heritage Bakery Jersey Mikes
Jets Pizza Jimmy Johns Jimmy Johns (Joanne Roe & Friends)
Joes Produce Joe Randazzo's Larry's Foodland
Lees Chicken Leftys (Local 98 and Guardian Plumbers)
Livonia AM Rotary Club Livonia Jaycees Livonia Kiwanis Club
Livonia Lions Club Moes on Ten
Pridestaff Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts Program
Subway on Five Thomas's Restaurant
Special Thanks to those members of the Livonia Community who are helping to make a difference by making a cash donation in support of this Program.
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| The two sides of Easter Weekend illustrated by Finn |
 Saw this posting on Facebook by Debra Bonde and thought it captured what and how so many of our neighbors are feeling. Meet Finn, grandson of Bonde:
So as Easter 2020 draws to a close, I'm going to have Finn help me explain t the two sides of the day.
Photo 1 expresses the sad part ... the 'life can be tough' part of spending the day without any face-to-face contact with even one human being.
But then there's Photo 2 which shows the joy of being able to share the day virtually with friends & family & my church family celebrating the sure and certain hope of the resurrection!
I am grateful. Sending love to all, with the fervent hope that we will be able to be together again soon!
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Dan MacIver offers up a slice of Livonia History
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| Gotta love it when Musings readers offer up their opinion |
Misc thoughts on Musings
Alan Helmkamp: With most aspects of our existence currently to hell and gone, it is reassuring to awake to Friday Musings. Reading about scholarship availabilities, the coming election and such is a reminder that life will go on and we have other, "old normal" things to attend to. Also love the historical features. Thanks Bill for staying engaged and bringing us news and information to distract and encourage.
Livonia Board of Education Endorsement
 Karen Bradford, Livonia School Trustee: Thank you very much, Bill, for your endorsement to re-elect me to LPS Board of Education for another four years, as well as my three other colleagues.
Our Board has worked very diligently, alongside our Superintendent and Cabinet, to focus on 3 main priority goals: student achievement, employee capacity, and fiscal responsibility.
You are correct in reporting that we have good chemistry. Each member respects each other's opinions and we learn from our differences. We work well together.
I look forward to being elected to another term as there is always plenty of work to be done to improve our educational goals. We always focus on putting students first.
Thank you for all your support throughout the years- our community and families are crucial to our educational success. We appreciate Musings and all you do promote our schools.
Crystal Frank, Livonia School Trustee: I pray you and your family are doing well and staying healthy.
Thank you so much for your endorsement for School Board in yesterday's Musings. It was a thoughtful article with many insights. I agree we have worked well together, even though we have different views on many things, we come together for the good of our schools, our staff, students and community. I think it is an amazing team and I am honored to be part of it.
Thank you for your continued support of LPS!
Wayne Kids Win Ballot Proposal
The Naming of our Livonia Public Schools High Schools
 Lindsay Bennett Spence, Livonia Arts Commissioner: My cousin was among the first class to graduate from Stevenson. In fall of 1965, the only students in the in the building were the 10th graders. In fall 1966, they added a second class, so the school only had 10th and 11th graders. It wasn't until the fall of 1967, that all three grades attended Stevenson. Ninth grade was added in the early '80s. Also, a tidbit not mentioned in the McIvers' article was that Bentley was the best.
Janice Erickson: The district started transitioning 9th graders to the high schools in the fall of 1979. Not all schools transitioned the same year. For instance Bryant closed spring of 1979 and students from there came over to Stevenson. Holmes did not transition 9th graders until at least 80.
On the retooling at AlphaUSA to make face masks
Rick Hayes: I worked for ALPHA USA for 36 years before retiring...great company at the corner of Glendale and Farmington Rds.
Karen Vega Bonanno: AlphaUSA is a muti-faceted gem in our community. Their light shines wide and deep.
Charlie Mahoney: Thank you Alpha for doing what you do best - meeting the need and caring.
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Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan situation update April 14th
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| Update on the Alembic Bass Guitar Raffle |
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As you read this let your heart beat stronger with hometown pride, let the tears flow in happiness for our collective strength, put the smile on your face and say "I gotta Love Livonia."
