May 15, 2020 Your News source for All Livonia. All the time. All ways positive.
Ten years ago Livonia finished #1 in the nation for completed census forms in communities over 50,000. Right on.
Today we are #1 in the nation again but only .2 ahead of #2. Let's spread the word and get it done. Call your friends.
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| Taking a look at our hometown response to COVID-19. Doing it the Livonia way. |
 Got a phone call this week wanting to know what I was hearing around town. Really? I am practicing stay-at-home. Don't really get out and about. But I understood the question and put it in a different context.
This pandemic has placed some unique demands on local leadership. Initially the death toll nationwide, and then in Michigan, certainly
here in our hometown of
Livonia. There was some incredulity about the toll in our hometown. Largely there was some fear because of the unpredictability of where will it strike next. And our numbers in Llivonia were so high.
Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan posted her thoughts on Facebook Thursday afternoon, "Everyday I know someone's grandmother, uncle, mother, brother, husband, friend, co-worker will not be here tomorrow. Everyday I remind myself this is not over. This battle has not yet been won. There is still so much more to do. So, I start with a prayer, but know it will take more than that to stop people from dying from this horrible disease. Stay strong Livonia. Our 18.6% morbidity rate may be bigger than most, but so is our will to beat this."
Anyone with a heart had to be touched by those words. I know I was.
I do not respond to the anxiety caused by the mixed messages coming out of Washington with the experts offering up one set of guidelines and the political leadership yet another. Nor did I choose to respond to the tribal division in Michigan with the dividing line between those who stay-at-home following the leadership recommendation based on medical and health professionals and those who attack that policy wanting everything to open.
When the phone call came in I felt a need to respond to the reaction of our local leadership, Mayor Brosnan, and the challenge she is facing just months after
being sworn in as
Mayor. The virus outbreak is affecting the landscape of governance and
the need for new and multiple levels of communication. As the venue for media communication to our residents continues to shrink it is impressive to see just how the Mayor is working to get her word out.
Working to get the word and the feelings that she shared with her Facebook posting quoted at the top of this article.
We are seeing an expansion of the Livonia You Tube channel, with the Mayor often taking the message directly to live video that plays not only on You Tube but also on her own social media Facebook page. Add to that the newly expanded Livonia Community Facebook page that comes out daily with updates on city activities, speaking directly to our neighbors.
 The Mayor's office comes out daily with the Situation Report giving updates on the state of Michigan as well as our hometown. Every day.
Our Chamber of Commerce has moved into the active social media role with a weekly CityScape: Cyber Edition, which while not always focusing on the pandemic, does open the door to a wider recognition of what the vibrant business sector Livonia has. One day soon we will be open for business and with this line of communication we will have a greater appreciation for all we have to be proud of in Livonia.
Coalitions between county non-profits, Livonia businesses, Livonia service clubs. Not only partnering but acknowledging. Giving them credit for being an integral part of our hometown. The list of those reaching out in Livonia is replete with hometown hero's. All being a part of the networking that goes into improving communication and engaging our neighbors.
All of this opens up new pathways to taking the message directly to our neighbors, engaging citizens with a better understanding of what is happening, how tax dollars are being watched over in a pandemic like we have not had in 100 years.
 I have grown weary of our current situation due to COVID but I'm doing my best to stay the course. I miss seeing my friends and family. I miss going to the office. I miss going to my recovery meetings and seeing my brothers and sisters that have supported me so well. I miss enjoying a meal at my favorite restaurants. I miss shopping! I miss the library. I really miss hugs from so many of you. A lot. I miss the way life used to be. But...
I trust and rely on experts like Dr. Fauci, who on Monday had this to say, testifying before the Senate:
"If we skip over the checkpoints in the guidelines to: 'Open America Again,' then we risk the danger of multiple outbreaks throughout the country. This will not only result in needless suffering and death, but would actually set us back on our quest to return to normal,"
As eager as I am to get back to some semblance of normal, I'm scared and worried we might move too fast in our earnest to return to life as it once was. I'm praying for the strength to get through this and stay sane. I'm thankful we have the technology to connect virtually; though it's not the same, it will have to suffice for now. I'm also so grateful for time in nature; which has always been my healer. I'd be lost without the woods and the water.
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Stevens Shares PPP Frustrations with SBA, Treasury Department
Some small business owners in Michigan's 11th District are concerned by
aspects of the emergency lending program.
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 This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Administrator of the Small Business Administration Jovita Carranza to urge the Trump Administration to make the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) more transparent and highlight the difficulties that business owners in Michigan's 11th District have had navigating the program.
As of May 10th, the Small Business Administration (SBA) had approved more than 4,000,000 PPP loans for businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some businesses in Michigan's 11th District have expressed frustrations about the lack of clarity around the eight-week forgiveness period and flexibility businesses have to use PPP funds they receive.
In the letter, Congresswoman Stevens called on the Administration to share more information about these roadblocks so more small businesses can benefit from the program. Congresswoman Stevens also shared testimonials from constituents in Plymouth, Birmingham, and Canton who are having trouble navigating the PPP requirements.
"As applicants have begun to receive award notification and PPP loan allocations, many are beginning to weigh the benefits ofparticipating given constraints around duration and flexibility," Congresswoman Stevens wrote. "I write today to encourage more transparency, given the lack of available information, and for your offices to work more directly with employers and employees looking to benefit from the nearly $700B of spending that has gone to PPP."
The full text of the letter:
  "Dear Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Carranza,
It has come to my attention that small business owners in my district are facing significant obstacles in benefitting from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
While respective authorities of administration and appropriation continue to address the PPP's statutory constraints, I urge the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration to reconcile impediments to this program for small businesses.
As applicants have begun to receive award notification and PPP loan allocations, many are beginning to weigh the benefits of participating given constraints around duration and flexibility. I write today to encourage more transparency, given the lack of available information, and for your offices to work more directly with employers and employees looking to benefit from the nearly $700B of spend that has gone to PPP.
I have included for you testimonials from small business owners in my district that demonstrate some of the roadblocks being experienced at the local level:
"We applied for and received a PPP loan/grant and we're grateful to get the money but we don't know how to use it within the 8 week timeframe. We know that our restaurant will be closed for at least six of the eight weeks and will reopen at 25% to 50% capacity so we're not sure how we can use it in the allotted timeframe for allowable, forgivable uses. It is also hard to use the money without any certainty about the terms because, given our financial situation, we don't want to have to repay it. We need clear guidance from the federal government about the terms of the PPP in order to be able to decide if we can use it." - Jim, Plymouth
"It should be structured to allow us to pay our rent and then bring our staff back when appropriate. At that time, we will need startup funds and the PPP money still used for salary would be of greater value." - Jonathan, Birmingham
"Unless we get some type of major financial relief immediately - mainly rent relief - we won't ever be opening back up so there is no planning necessary. Our landlord has been very clear that we are all 100% expected to pay our April rent and all rent going forward. And, until we do pay all of our rent up to date, in full, we will not be allowed to continue to conduct business." - Laurel, Canton
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss with you or your staff the ongoing challenges with this program as a federally elected representative in southeastern Michigan and as a former Treasury official who served during the last economic crisis. I am aware of the daunting challenges you face and the importance of your stewardship for our nation at this hour. Thank you for your service to the American people. I can be reached at (734) 853-3040, and would be delighted to discuss these issues more in-depth with you or one of your lieutenants.
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Questions on tax issues? Ask CND every Tuesday and Thursday
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 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
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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
Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki
Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP)
Michigan Freedom Network
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 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 is cancelled
August in Livonia
Livonia All-stars v Red Wings Alumni
is cancelled
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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| Livonia is #1 and you can help us stay there. Spread the word. |
FridayMusings says "WAY TO GO LIVONIA." We rank #1 in the nation for communities completing the census form with over 50,000 population.
#1.
Now granted we are only .2 ahead of our nearest competition, Maple Grove Minnesota. But we are still #1.
Which can only suggest that we need to tell our neighbors, friends, family, to make sure the census form is completed. Today. Mine is in? Is yours?
Ten years ago we finished the census #1 in the nation.
Let's do it again.
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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.
The Livonia AM Rotary Club announces it has canceled Touch a Truck 2020 given the uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic and the cancellation of similarly large events in summer 2020.
The St. Andrew Society of Detroit announces it is canceling the annual Scottish Highland Games, which would have been at Livonia's Greenmead Park on Aug. 1. Looking for caber tossing, Highland dancing and Celtic folk music to return in 2021.
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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Ptashnik and Pohutsky continue to pick up endorsements.
Ptashnik for the August 4 election. Pohutsky for November. |
Martha Ptashnik running for the Republican nomination to
 oppose incumbent Representative Laurie Pohutsky has picked up two avowed conservative statewide organizations, Micigan Freedom Fund and the Great Lakes Education Project.
The Michigan Freedom Fund believes in freedom, the Constitution and empowering people to accomplish extraordinary things. We are a statewide nonprofit organization committed to promoting greater personal and economic freedom in Michigan.
The Michigan Freedom Fund exists to defend the Constitution, stand up for our personal and economic freedoms,
and inform the public of any and all efforts to ta
ke away their rights.
Ptashniks second endorsement is the Great Lakes Education Project (GLEP) a bi-partisan, non-profit advocacy organization supporting quality choices in public education for all Michigan students. GLEP strongly supports efforts to improve academic achievement, increase accountability and empower parental choice in our schools. They are strong advocates for public funding of charter schools.
  Representative Lauri Pohutsky has also picked up endorsements for her campaign including the Sierra Club, Run for Something, AFSCME. Clean Water Action:
FridayMusings will post endorsements as they are provided to the public or Musings. As the campaigns heat up positions taken by the candidates will also be shared with our readers with most of the attention given over the those running in the August 4th primary, Martha Ptashnik, Penny Crider, Regina Gargus.
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| Our neighbors react to some of the articles in Musings |
David Stechholz
The continuation of Bob Hardies' "Best Kept Secrets of Livonia" is a treasure. Many thanks, Dan and others. We appreciate these vignettes of our community history.
Tom LaBelle Alden Village is now in the (Rough and Ready) area.
Skip Nairne These slices of our city history are a breath of fresh air, especially in these trying times. Thank you very much.
Jim Wenson Thanks for sharing these best kept secrets. So interesting
Comments on FridayMusings:
Ray DePerro:
Just for the record people having gun's at the state capitol is ridiculous. What if some one would have accidentally discharged their weapon and someone was seriously hurt I would love to hear that explanation
Louise Weller Thank you for reporting this, Friday Musings. (Livonia ranks 33rd out of 38 cities in the state receiving CDBG funds distributed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) so appreciate our proactive mayor for stepping up to advocate for us. And to Congresswoman Haley Stevens for giving this federal attention.
Sherry Klisz Thank you for this important update. So happy Mayor Brosnan is so proactive!
Janice Gatny Keeler Thank you for sharing! You really share a lot of important information I would not get to see.
Terry Godfroid-Marecki Thanks for reporting on this Bill. It was great to bring everyone together and Rep. Stevens will be doing these every other week.
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