May 13, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
Join the Livonia Community Theatre for their Theatre Trivia Night by logging on to their
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PHOENIX THEATRES - LOOKING FORWARD. Could the theatres be open in July?
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This update on the state of movie theatres is provided by Cory Jacobson owner of three theatres in Michigan, Livonia, Wayne and Monroe, one in Massachusetts and one in Missouri.
This August will mark the 20th anniversary of the formation of Phoenix Theatres. In the years that have followed we have had more than our measure of difficult challenges typical to a small business, none of these problems have been as serious as the emergency we currently face. This challenge was completely unexpected, and effects literally everyone in the world. This threat is health related, social, and economic to the degree that it could spark a terrible cycle of prosperity crumbling into depression not only for our business, but for our community and nation. This is as serious as it gets and a problem with no precedent.
We have faith in the human need to interact with one another and the art we present at the movies. It is unique to our American experience
as movies are one of our greatest cultural contributions to the world. Our business is both local and very social by nature and uniquely disadvantaged in a pandemic crisis.
In the weeks just prior to the Governor's Executive Order we had COVID-19 precautions in place that were guided by best practices from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state authorities and the National Association of Theatre Owners. I have volunteered to participate in a committee of theatre owners to ensure that best practices and guidance will be in place in all Michigan movie theatres, once we have been given approval to re-open. Our plan is very comprehensive as it critical to us that every customer knows that we are going to do our level best to safeguard every aspect of our theatres.
Our closure is also having an impact on our management and staff. We are continuing to provide health insurance for those employees who are already enrolled and providing tools and resources to help our staff navigate through the challenges they are facing. We are holding conference calls several days a week to ensure that everyone is staying connected and safe. We all need reassurance that by working together we can see our way through this crisis. These are also periods of great creativity and we collectively working on several ideas to improve our movie-going experience. Several very technically talented employees have worked together to develop a new Phoenix Theatres Store on our website that for the first time will allow customers to purchase gift cards on line (in increments of $25, $50, $100) and available by visiting us on the web at
Phoenixmovies.net
. As this is the only area of our business that will be open for many weeks, we would certainly appreciate your support. The gift cards can be used for any film and concession items, once we reopen for business.
 This past week we have received some very hopeful (and cautious) news from the National Association of Theatre Owners that our theatres could be open nationally by the first week of July. Warner Brothers and Christopher Nolan are determined to be the first to be able to re-open theatres nationwide with the new film "Tenant" on July 16, and Walt Disney Studios has announced the new date of their long awaited film "Mulan" on July 28. We will also have announcements as dates become available to reschedule other planned film events that were canceled due to our temporary closure. This largely depends on individual states and their opening policies as the weeks continue.
I had the opportunity to talk with a fellow theatre owner in Grayling, Michigan that operates the Rialto Theatre located in the center of their Downtown. The Rialto has been in his family for many generations, and was open during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1917. This reminded me that history is a good teacher and our Great Grandparents were able to overcome that health crisis then, survive and prosper once again.
With a determined effort, we will also prevail today. It is our sincere hope that our society can safely return to a normal routine of enjoying our lives and loves. The experience of living through this crisis has certainly been very humbling for all of us. I want to personally thank many of you that have called us and took the time to send us letters of support. These little niceties are just a little more appreciated than ever.
We have missed seeing everyone, we hope to be together again soon, and hope that all of us can enjoy a film at our theatre. Bill's iced tea awaits his arrival.
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From the Revolutionary War to an acousitc guitar entertainer to a cemetary.
This typewriter loves learning during the stay-at-home policy.
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| Photo by Suzanne Wood |
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Have you just settled in and thought about all the new things you have learned since Michigan 
implemented the stay-at-home policy? This typewriter was looking at the conversations started in Facebook messages with Robert Johnson, a Livonia entertainer who takes his acoustic music around the state. My hope is that gig workers like artists and entertainers can get back on the circuit soon.
But I digress. Kinda like I do when talking.
Johnson dropped dime with this curious message, "My people go back to about 1845 in the Clarenceville Cemetery. And ... there is a Revolutionary War Soldier buried there. Along with many Civil War Veterans, and WW1."
"My Grandfather served in WW1... was at the opening of King Tut's tomb... Askin Robinson My Grandmother, his wife, Alma Robinson, was murdered in 1972 in Detroit. Unsolved. My Great Great Great Grandmother Willehemina Esch was buried there in 1845. Her husband went back to Prussia to fight in the war and died there."
The things people write about when they are at home most of the time. King Tut? Really?
So let's see. The links could take me to the opening of the
cemetery which was opened in 1841, managed by the Union Burial Society which met each year in April. Since opening it contains the burial sites of soldiers from four conflicts including the Revolutionary War.
The links take me to the village of Clarenceville, MI which began with the building of a tavern and general store by Stephen Jennings in 1836. Located in the extreme southeast corner of the township of Farmington bordering Livonia, it was named for Thomas Clarency once owner of the Botsford Inn which is no longer on site.
Clarenceville was the last stagecoach stop on the Lansing to Detroit plank road. It had a p
opulation of 200. It was situated in a rolling farming country, devoted in large part to grazing, B
utter and cheese.were the chiief products marketed. It even had daily mail."
[Source: Michigan State Gazetteer and Business Directory]
The settlement began to fade with the closing of the stage lines and was eventually assimilated by the cities of Farmington and Livonia. Today the only remains of the name "Clarenceville" is a school district and cemetery.
So, what started out with a message took me from Livonia and Johnson's family history to the revolutionary war to a cemetery in Livonia. Gotta love Livonia and all the personality of people calling in home. I think I will call up Livonia's historian Kathy Bilger and have her take me on a tour of the cemetery.
Gotta do it.
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IRS Says PPP Loan Forgiveness Results in Nondeductible Expenses
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 The IRS issued Notice 2020-32 on the deductibility for federal income tax purposes of some otherwise deductible expenses incurred in a taxpayer's trade or business when the taxpayer receives a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The PPP loan program was enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Included in the program is a loan forgiveness provision. Amounts eligible for forgiveness are based on funds used to cover certain payroll, mortgage interest, rent and utility costs paid within eight weeks of the loan's origination date. In enacting the program, Congress stated the debt forgiveness "shall be excluded from gross income," but did not codify or otherwise clarify the exclusion. Subsequently, the IRS weighed in with guidance under Notice 2020-32.
Specifically, the guidance clarifies that no deduction is allowed for an expense that is otherwise deductible if the payment of the expense results in forgiveness of a covered loan under the CARES Act and the income associated with the forgiveness is excluded from gross income.
Some ranking members in Congress were quick to disagree with the IRS' position. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, pictured on the right, issued a statement  saying, "The intent was to maximize small businesses' ability to maintain liquidity, retain their employees, and recover  from this health crisis as quickly as possible." He added, "This notice is contrary to that intent."
The House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, pictured on the left, said through a spokesperson, "We are planning to fix this in the next response legislation."
For the time being, we recommend taxpayers plan on these expenses not being eligible for deduction unless Congress acts. While initial indications are favorable, a correction would be part of a larger legislative package that presents the usual political roadblocks. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether Congress will take steps to clarify the intent of the CARES Act loan forgiveness provision.
LEARN MORE - WEEKLY WEBINARS
This is a reminder that CND is hosting office webinars every Tuesday and Thursday at 2:00 PM EST. These webinars allow individuals to ask questions regarding tax issues, labor law changes, SBA loans, legal issues, investment advice, accounting, the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program, as well as any other general questions.
If you are interested in attending the Tuesday and/or Thursday webinar, you can join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://zoom.us/j/4622295187?pwd=N3o3WmUzZGJKNzJyUkM1cjlpanFpZz09
Meeting ID: 462 229 5187 Password: 205389
One tap mobile +16465588656,,4622295187#,,#,205389# US (New York) +13126266799,,4622295187#,,#,205389# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 301 715 8592 US +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US
Meeting ID: 462 229 5187 Password: 205389
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acLLJpsiHA
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Musings follows Livonia
You Tube Channel
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Livonia City Council Regular Meeting -
May 11, 2020
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Livonia City Council Study Meeting -
May 11, 2020 |
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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
Clean Water Action
SEIU
Emily's List
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
Lynn Mills
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
Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP)
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 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 14 @ 6:00 - 8:00
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#
May 16 @ 7:00 - 8:00
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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Let's not forget those that our non-profit's help all year long.
Seedlings Spotlight on Owen |
Owen (pictured) is one of "our kids." Here is a nice quote his mother recently sent in to us:
"Owen loves his touch and feel books donated to him from Seedlings. In the picture, he is reading Baby's Very First Touchy-Feely Animals Book. We had our first trip to the zoo and we used this book to help Owen associate some of the animals. Getting him used to feeling braille is an important part of our day since I know he will use it daily in his life as he
gets older. Thank you for supplying us with the tools he needs for literacy!"
Happy reading, Owen!
~Photo is of Owen sitting on the floor holding Baby's Very First Touchy-Feely Animals Book.~
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Burton Manor prepares 6,000 meals per week for LPS students. Wow.
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Sam Maas writes to say "THANK YOU to our awesome team Burton Manor for helping make over 6,000 meals each week for Livonia Public School kids in need. Thank you to Livonia Public Schools for letting us help, and thank you to Livonia Police for making sure the meals didn't disappear overnight."
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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.
Nearly half of all Michigan COVID-19 patients are now considered recovered. Almost 49% of all those who have tested positive in Michigan are still alive 30 days since the onset of their symptoms. This is the definition of recovery used by the state. In total, 22,686 individuals are now listed as recovered.
Livonia residents may be eligible for assistance with their Consumers or DTE Energy bills. This limited assistance of up to $500 is available for a short time-call (313) 388-9799 to screen for eligibility and ask for a
"Livonia CDBG utility appointment."
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Sen. Polehanki Introduces Resolution to Prohibit Guns in State Capitol
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"Intimidating legislators, staff, and visitors with guns during session is an affront to the democratic process," Sen. Polehanki said. "If the Michigan Capitol Commission is going to squander its opportunity to keep this historical building a safe and inviting place for people of all ages, I am more than happy to continue the call for prohibiting firearms from the Capitol."
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| Penny Crider and Martha Ptashnik continue to pick up endorsements as they seek the Republican nomination for State Representative and the right to oppose incumbent Laurie Pohutsky who is also collecting endorsements for re-election. |
Penny Crider seeking the Republican nomination for State Representative: "Thank you Lynn (Mills) for the kind words and your hard work fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves!
Martha Ptashnik seeking the Republican nomination for State Representative: "I am honored to have the support of Wayne County
Commissioner Terry Marecki
. As the only
Republican member of the Wayne County
Commission, Terry knows what its like to stand up
and fight for Livonia families and taxpayers. As Livonia's State Representative, I will stand up for you in Lansing and always put Livonia first!"
Laurie Pohutsky, incumbent running for a second term as State Representative: has picked up the endorsement of Emily's List
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| Our neighbors react to some of the articles in Musings |
Sandi Pritchard
Love them. Used to date there. Mainly on Plymouth rd, Detroit
Diane Kosinski Trupiano There used to be a Daly Drive In on Ann Arbor Road and Main St. in Plymouth, also. That was a big high school hang out in the 70's.
Comments on FridayMusings and articles appearing on May 11:
John Grzebik
I think its a wonderful thing that the Lions Club is partnering with Sportsmen Against Hunger. Michigan sportsmen have always been able and willing to help those in need. It's nice to see this right here in Livonia!
Louise Weller Livonia is fortunate to have this important voice. Thank you, Friday Musings!
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Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) is introducing a resolution today that calls for a ban on guns in the Michigan State Capitol Building except by law enforcement. The resolution comes on the heels of the Michigan Capitol Commission failing to implement a ban during its meeting on Monday, and after the state recently made
