May 8, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
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Mayor Brosnan calls on Federal lawmakers to direct relief funding to cities hit hardest by crisis
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 Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan sent a letter to Livonia's Congressional delegation calling on them to ensure the City receives its fair share of COVID-19 relief funding.
The goal is to base distribution of relief dollars on how hard the pandemic has hit each community.
"Livonia has been the second hardest hit city by coronavirus in Wayne County," said Mayor Brosnan. "This has put a burden on our city's finances as looming economic impacts start to come into focus. We need to ensure that the next round of Federal relief reflects our needs locally."
In the letter, Mayor Brosnan highlights the number of Livonia residents who have lost their lives due to the virus. Livonia has had 16.6% of infected residents die - more than Detroit's rate of 11.2% and more than New York City's rate of 10.4%.
"Our high death rate is higher because there are thousands of lives being served in 28 long-term  care facilities or senior living apartments located in our city," Mayor Brosnan said. "It only makes sense for Federal relief funding to be based on the impact of coronavirus on the community."
One example of the funding inequity is comparing Livonia to Dearborn, which have similar populations. Dearborn has 34 fewer positive cases and 46 fewer deaths than Livonia. Yet, Dearborn was provided more than five times the relief funding - at $1.1 million compared to $196,000.
Of the 38 Michigan municipalities receiving funding through the CARES Act, Livonia ranked 33
rd
. The City received the least amount of any city receiving funds in Wayne County.
"Funding has been distributed based on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula, which wasn't designed to help in a pandemic. It may have been a convenient formula, but it is not effective for addressing COVID-19," said Mayor Brosnan. "The bottom line is, the formula used to calculate how money is allocated to cities is failing one of the cities most impacted by the coronavirus, potentially costing us lives and a swift return to economic health."
Livonia has already taken steps to address revenue shortfalls that are being and will be caused by the virus. These revenue reductions include:
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About $1.4 million in lost in state shared revenue for March and April.
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Lost fees for Parks & Recreation programs, which total $1.5 to $2 million.
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A 15% to 20% cut in water sales from business and hotel closures.
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A $1.1 million loss in road funding due to drastically cut gasoline sales tax revenue.
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Expected impacts on property taxes based on the unemployment impact on the real estate market.
Livonia is working to address these reductions now. The City implemented a Workforce Protection Plan, furloughing 37% of its workforce to save $160,000 per week. In addition, the City is undertaking a capital cost containment program that will defer, scale back or eliminate many capital outlay projects and programs this year.
City Councilman Brandon McCullough agrees that a change is needed. "The use of the CDBG formula for COVID is absurd. This is something that needs to be corrected yesterday. I have faith that our congressional leaders can get the funding we need. Human life is more important than partisan infighting."
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Our hometown knows how to partner with St. Mary's and get the job done. So wonderful.
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Elaine Davis sets the stage perfectly, "Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church was asked by our Livonia Mayor Brosnan to make Blessings Bags for our much loved and appreciated health professionals at St. Mary Mercy! So happy to be able to help support them and say thank you!"
Puling this project together required a lot of interlocking partnerships. Debra McFarland Fawkes "Speaking for our sewing circle we were happy to participate by making 1000 headbands with buttons to save those ears of our medical staff there."
The stage was set and on Wednesday Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church delivered over 1,000 "Blessings in a Bag" to the Kirksey Recreation Center to be distributed to St. Mary Mercy Hospital personnel. Read that again, 1,000 bags.
Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan added a thank you on behalf of the entire community and the health professionals at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, "What an absolutely beautiful contribution. Thank you all."
Let's take a look at some of the work that went into making this happen.
  
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Snapshots of our hometown showing how much individuals are living
their life and making others either happy or safe or both
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 Marcia Fletcher-Wisniewski is feeling accomplished. And well she should. This typewriter wishes he had the patience to do a puzzle like this puzzle on the left, You caught my attention Marcia. Job well done.
Driving south of Five on Merriman Road and the typewriter smiled seeing a banner congratulating Robert Modes on his graduation from Medical School. I am sure placed there by proud parents Bob and Joan Modes. Way to go Robert.
  
Mariah Carey send along two pictures of Jaycee food delivery. "I wanted to share these with you! This is from one of the trips I made for the Livonia Jaycees in collaboration with the Livonia Lions club to pick up food to deliver to St. Mary's! Thank you Mariah and thank youLivonia Jaycees. Partnerships making a difference.
Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan nails it, "Givers keep on giving. Today Councilman Brandon McCullough donated the 250 N95 masks he received from Livonia residents Mike and Jules Garavaglia to our Together Livonia Cares (TLC) program. Here's how he describes the important difference he's making."
 Councilman Brandon McCullough replies, "These masks will support long-term care facilities in the City of Livonia, as well as the City's three senior living properties. Our seniors are more susceptible to this terrible virus and we need to ensure that we are diligent with our continued support measures." If you have any personal protection equipment (PPE) that you would would like to donate, drop them off at the Livonia Recreation Center weekdays from 8-11.
Cathy White "had the privilege of delivering 250 donated N-95 masks to the hard-working emergency room personnel at St Mary Mercy Hospital today. Their humble and grateful demeanors were an  inspiration to me and I was so moved by their stories."
Janet Haas, President of the Livonia Noon Rotary Club was in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks to a Zoom meeting.....Mayor Clarke Martin from Bayside...talking about Covid-19 and the community...testing blitz - results used to see about lifting conditions; success of working with virtual teams and the future; meals on wheels ;the interconnection and goodwill of the community; volunteers; when the restrictions are lifted; down loading the APP; encourage everyone to get flu shots (winter). Great meeting and information.
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St. Mary Mercy
reinstates time-sensitive procedures and surgeries
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As the positive impact of social distancing begins to flatten the curve for COVID-19 cases statewide, Mercy Health and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System are resuming select services and surgeries to safely provide clinically necessary care for the health and well-being of area patients.
 "While we know COVID concerns are still high, we don't want patients' conditions to deteriorate or urgent needs to become emergent due to a reluctance to seek appropriate care,"
said Rosalie Tocco-Bradley, M.D., Ph.D, MHSA, chief clinical officer for Trinity Health Michigan. "
We are working together with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Health and Hospital Association and our fellow health systems in a coordinated effort to begin treating patients for
both ambulatory and hospital-based non-COVID issues."
As outlined in the Governor's Stay at Home, Stay Safe executive order enacted in mid-March, the health system has only performed time sensitive essential surgeries, including urgent and emergent procedures, as determined by its physicians and their patient's health care needs.
Through a phased reopening approach, the health system is now
focusing on addressing health conditions that may not be imminently life threatening, but will result in overall worsening of the patient's health and well-being if not addressed within the coming month. These essential procedures include cancer operations, vascular bypass, and diagnostic procedures for which further delay carries significant risk of harm to patients.
"For the health, safety and welfare of our patients, whose care has been deferred during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, we are developing a clear  pathway to begin safely performing time-sensitive procedures while we also continue to care for COVID-19 patients in the months to come," said Tocco-Bradley.
In line with its core value of Safety, Mercy Health and St. Joe's is enhancing safety precautions already in place in order to resume select surgeries, procedures and other critical services following CDC and state COVID-19 guidance.
Enhanced safety measures include:
- COVID-free zones will separate patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others in our facilities.
- All patients scheduled for elective procedures will be tested for COVID-19 prior to the surgery/procedure. If a patient tests positive, the procedure will be postponed until a negative result is obtained, unless urgent.
- Masks provided and required for everyone in our facilities.
- CDC standards for facility deep cleaning with increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat surfaces.
- Continued visitor restrictions.
- Continued monitoring of Personal Protective Equipment, medications, supplies and bed capacity.
Physicians will be reaching out to their patients over the coming weeks to discuss the need to begin scheduling time-sensitive procedures. IHA and St. Joe's Medical Group providers also continue to offer
e-visits
and
video appointments
so that patients still have access to needed health care, from the safety of their own home.
In addition, the emergency departments at all Mercy Health and St. Joe's hospitals as well as St. Joseph Mercy Brighton health center have remained open for COVID and non-COVID care. As always, these fully functional emergency rooms are able to provide 24/7 care for cardiac issues, trauma, strokes, and any other concerns. Mercy Health and St. Joe's have implemented a vigorous screening process with strict safety measures in place to ensure all patients can safely seek care for any urgent and emergent needs.
"People need to know it is safe to continue to come to the emergency room for any urgent and emergency care need," said Tocco-Bradley. "We are concerned that people are putting off needed medical care; however, we are well-equipped and capable of handling all emergency care for our community, and have measures in place to ensure the safety of all patients and staff."
Those who are interested in discussing a plan to schedule future procedures are encouraged to call their medical provider, or visit stjoeshealth.org or call 1-800-Be-Remarkable to find a physician.
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Graduation has a different feel this year. ABC, NBC, Fox, NBC, YouTube
working to make it as special as possible.
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ABC, NBC, Fox and NBC to broadcast a together-as-one-nation honoring high school seniors, their teachers and families on May 16
This is for the graduating seniors, their families and educators! What a great way to honor the class of 2020.
President Barack Obama is set to deliver a commencement message during "Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020," a one-hour multimedia event on May 16 hosted by XQ Institute, the LeBron James Family Foundation, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The event will feature appearances by LeBron James, Malala Yousafzai, the Jonas Brothers, Yara Shahidi, Bad Bunny, Lena Waithe, Pharrell Williams, Megan Rapinoe, H.E.R., Ben Platt and others.
It's set to be simulcast on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC as well as via 20-plus other broadcast and digital streaming partners on May 16, from 8-9 p.m. ET.
As coronavirus has prompted the cancellation of high school graduation ceremonies across the country, The Entertainment Industry Foundation, The LeBron James Family Foundation, XQ Institute, and a broad coalition of partners are coming togethe
r to pay tribute to millions of high school seniors, their extraordinary teachers, and their families, as we rally everyone around a message of hope and unity.
This will be a moment to come together-as one nation-to applaud this rite of passage. We hope you'll join us in celebrating the Class of 2020's achievements."
YouTube is pumping up 2020 virtual pomp-and-circumstance circuit with a video graduation ceremony on June 6
YouTube's "Dear Class of 2020" original special will feature other celebs and notable names including
BTS,
Lady Gaga and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The festival-style lineup will feature talks on traditional graduation-day themes mixed in with music performances.
The multihour event premieres Saturday, June 6, on the YouTube Originals channel and YouTube's Learn@Home site.
Headlining "Dear Class of 2020" are President Obama and Michelle Obama, who will each deliver individual commencement speeches - and a joint message - to graduates. Additionally, Mrs. Obama's Reach Higher initiative will host a full hour of content to kick off the celebration.
And that's not all. Facebook set to present a graduation event on May 15th
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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)
Joe Biden (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
Frank Acosta (R)
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
Endorsed by:
Former State Representative Jerry Vorva
Former State Representative Kurt Heise
Martha Ptashnik (R)
Endorsed by:
City Council President Kathleen McIntyre
Former State Representative John Walsh
Former Livonia City Councilman Brian Meakin
Former State Representative John Pastor
Wayne County Commissioner
Terry Marecki (R-I)
Nancy Darga (D)
Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick (I)
Joan Gebhardt (I)
Terry Gilligan (I)
Livonia Board of Education
FridayMusings endorses the following 4:
Dan Centers (I)
Karen Bradford (I)
Tammy Bonifield (I)
Crystal Frank (I)
Clarenceville Board of Education
Matt Boettcher (I)
Brenda Uren (I)
Shari Krazel (I)
Jeffrey Bunker (I)
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Musings follows Our
Livonia City Council
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Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - April 27, 2020
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| Livonia City Council Study Meeting - April 27, 2020 |
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| Musings follows Livonia Happenings |
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May in Livonia
May is cancelled. Go directly to June
Every night M-F @ 7:00 check him out
Every Tuesday @ 12:00 - 12:00
May in Livonia
May 18 @ 6:30
June in Livonia
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
September 16 @ 10:30 -- 1:30
Livonia Town Hall Series
St. Mary Cultural Center
Gioia Diliberto
a journalist/biographer/novelist
October in Livonia
October 1 @ 7:00
Presenting Sponsor:
Dan MacIver
Financial & Portfolio Advisors
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AlphaUSA knows that the Covic-19 knows no borders.
Mayor William Wild, Westland offers his appreciation. |
   William Wild, Mayor of Westland sends a "Thank you to Chuck Dardas and the Alpha USA Livonia Team for their recent donation of protective shields for Westland's 1st responders.
'They will be put to good use!"
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| Livonia service clubs continue making an impact in our hometown. This time the support work continues at St. Mary Mercy. |
St. Mary Mercy Hospital Livonia opens a Comfort Care Unit, a hospice  for Covid 19 patients.
The Livonia Service Clubs (Lions, AM Rotary, Jaycees and Kiwanis) donate flowering plants to for all to enjoy!
Picture on left: Yvonne Avery receives a donation of flowering Kolanchoe succulent plants for delivery to the SMML Comfort Care Unit;
Picture on right: Two CCU nurses share their appreciation for the Kolanchoe plants.
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Days for Girls continue the sewing and distribution. 400 more.
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Another 400 masks made by Days for Girls and delivered to help our front line workers, our churches, our homeless and even our husbands who like the darker colors with no flowers!
Thank you everyone! More will be made by next Wednesday!
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Dan MacIver offers up a slice of Livonia History.
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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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YOU GOTTA LOVE LIVONIA.
Communication and update from Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan |
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Just a reminder that the City continues to seek contributions of
personal protective equipment and other supplies for first responders
and medical personnel. Donations can be dropped off weekdays at the
Kirksey Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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| Let's attend a virtual town hall with Kym Worthy |
Wayne County Commissioners Melissa Daub (Plymouth, Canton) and Terry Marecki (Northville, Livonia) will host a Virtual Town Hall for Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Prosecutor Worthy will address how the Prosecutor's Office operates and is responding to COVID-19, domestic violence during the Stay-at-Home Order, reducing the jail population, the Prosecutor's Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, and more.
To join the Town Hall, go to https://zoom.us/j/5485243984
You can also join the Town Hall via phone by calling 1-646-876-9923 or 1-301-715-8592 and entering the following: 5485243984#
For questions about the event, or to submit a question to be asked
during the event, email district10@waynecounty.com
This event is free and open to the public.
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