June 29, 2022 When we are not limited, we all thrive
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FridayMusings acknowledges this Pride flag-raising as one that is important not just for today but also for the future. The comments by Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan deserve to be shared as they are on point for our hometown. She was gracious enough to provide them for our readers:
This Livonia City Hall is meant to stand not just as a place of local government, but as a symbol of a government that exists to serve ALL people.
No matter your income level, religion, ability, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or identity—the City of Livonia is here to recognize, respect, and represent you.
With today’s Pride Flag raising, we share a message about our City’s commitment to that responsibility by recognizing the LGBTQ+ Livonians who are—and have always been-- a key part of our community.
And it’s important that we do that because for decades the LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized, silenced, and threatened in America.
In fact, tomorrow – June 28th – marks the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City that originally inspired the establishment of June as Pride Month.
The LGBTQ+ community has fought back against marginalization and threats for decades. But still there’s more work to do.
We have a responsibility to speak clearly and take action on our inclusive values.
Together, we can make sure our LGBTQ+ youth in Livonia feel safe and valued.
So that they—and future generations--understand our community is invested in a more just future for them and for all.
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We are building a future that condemns harassment and discrimination wherever and whenever we see it.
We are building a future that gives the LGBTQ+ community the legal protections they need and deserve.
And we are building a future that makes all members of the LGBTQ+ community feel welcome and at home here in Livonia.
The only way we will be successful in building this future is if we do so together.
I’m confident we can make this vision come to life in Livonia.
And those gathered here today are the force that will make it happen.
We come here today out of a shared commitment to an inclusive, welcoming Livonia.
Because we know the values of courage, compassion and determination sit at the core of who we are in Livonia.
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Those gathered here today represent those values.
And so as we build this collective future together for our City, know that it takes all of us to advance these important causes.
And through small acts, like raising a flag, and eventually larger acts like passing a non-discrimination ordinance, we will find broader and broader support in a community that shares the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I may be the first mayor to raise the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag – and I am honored to have that distinction. But I will not be the last.
It is my hope that with your help and support– we will make this an annual tradition that celebrates our neighbors, friends, and family in the LGBTQ+ community.
And we will assure Livonia is a place that our children will be proud to come home to – as they raise their own families and build their own bright futures.
This is a historic moment we are gathered for today.
And one that will long be remembered in our City’s history as a key moment in the path toward progress.
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Kathy Ventittelli set aside her bodyguard duties and took in the occasion while sharing her feelings. "Watching the Pride Flag being hoisted outside Livonia City Hall today was both exciting and encouraging. As flawed as we are as human beings, we do sometimes get it right, even if it is in baby steps.
"While I hope this event becomes an annual one, I also hope that someday it won’t be necessary anymore because it will mean that our society has learned to embrace each and every one of us in all of our beautiful diversity."
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Slovakia and the
Czech Republic, not Czechoslovakia
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Toby Padfield dropped a dime offering up the following geographic lesson on Europe:
"I’m a regular reader of your always-informative newsletter, and just wanted to let you know that the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia is now two separate nations: Slovakia and the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia). Both nations regularly compete in international sporting events like ice hockey, which is how I became familiar with their current status. Keep up the great work!"
Thanks Toby, thanks for keeping us geographically honest.
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Livonia Kids and Families steps up to the plate and we need you to join this partnership Saturday |
I am looking for 30 volunteers this Saturday, July 2nd, 9-12, to clear out and enhance three Devon-Aire baseball diamonds.
Brandon McCullough has partnered with the typewriter and Livonia Kids & Family to coordinate with the Livonia Public Schools which owns two of the diamonds and the City of Livonia which owns the third.
The effort to bring groups together as a partnership is designed to give the Devon-Aire Softball League playing fields that they can be proud of.
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The Devon-Aire Softball League was established in 1958 as a learning softball league for children ages 4-18. They support any child and teach them the fundamentals of softball and teach them good sportsmanship.
Livonia Kids and Families stepped up to the plate and committed the funding necessary to start the process of grooming the diamonds.
One individual in the community has offered to provide equipment like bats and balls.
Yet another Livonia business stepped up and offered to make up the difference if the funding of LKF did not cover the materials for grooming.
Parks & Recreation has requested bids for a company to install new fencing on diamond #2 and they hope it will be completed before the end of summer, which should improve the playability and safety of that field.
Board Vice President Mark Johnson, Brandon McCullough, and Phillip Francis, Asst. Superintendent of District Services talked with the schools "all set to go for Saturday. What a wonderfully positive event."
Andrea Oquist said that the schools "are fortunate to have such an involved and supportive community."
Dave Varga, Mayor's Chief of Staff dropped a note that Mayor Brosnan had asked him "to share her thanks for coordinating this volunteer effort with Councilman McCullough. We are happy to approve your request and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the youth of our community. It’s gratifying to know that we have such generous civic partners!"
So, 16 yards of special infield dirt has been ordered and will hopefully be dropped off Thursday or Friday.
We need and that is the opening for me to say bring your shovels and rakes.
But we also need someone that can handle a hammer and saw to help put together benches for the teams, and someone to help us straighten the backstops and cement them in place.
Message or email Bill Joyner
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Mail Address
19514 Livonia 48152
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Cell address
734-674-5871
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Mayor Brosnan loved Spree 70
Happy Birthday Livonia! To all the marvelous volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring Spree 70 back to Livonia … you are the best! The food, festivities, rides (from coasters to merry-go-rounds), and of course the fireworks. We loved it all!
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50 years of Elephant Ears |
Gail Chamberlain McKillop & her husband David made their annual visit to Livonia Spree Sunday to get an Elephant Ear, it started in 1973, it probably cost about $1.00 back then. David comments that "Today it was $8.00, she’s worth every penny."
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Something for everyone at Spree like the Spree 5K. |
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Nessel to speak in Livonia. You are invited |
Join the Livonia Democratic Club for the July meeting when they present a very special guest, Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel.
AG Nessel will talk about the 2022 Election as well as what she has accomplished since taking office in January 2019.
Save the date and plan on joining the LDC on Thursday, July 21, 7:00, Livonia Senior Center!
They expect a full house so you’ll want to get there early to save your seat!
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Get ready for the inaugural Tour de Livonia Sunday, Sept. 18, at Bicentennial Park. |
Cycling enthusiasts can choose from the 17-mile course (ages 16+) at 8 a.m. or the 7-mile course (all ages) at 8:30 a.m. as they cycle through parks, golf courses, neighborhoods, and past notable Livonia landmarks. Helmets are highly recommended for all participants.
Proceeds will benefit Livonia Kids and Families.
Register by September 9 to secure your t-shirt
Cost is $30 per person for the 17-mile course and $20 for the 7-mile course.
Sponsored by AlphaUSA, Healthy Livonia, Livonia Parks and Recreation, Livonia Police, and Livonia Kids and Families.
Full route map:
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