July 31,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
|
|
The challenge has been issued -- will you join in?
Michigan's oldest school district (1837) has received a grant of $52,000
Clarenceville partners with Livonia Kids and Family for technology innovation
|
|
At breakfast one week ago the typewriter set down with Veronica Cruz, AlphaUSA, who is working closely with Livonia Kids and Family, to talk about the history of Kids and Family and what is next for this Livonia non-profit. Having started a food pantry at Emerson Middle School which now has moved to Franklin High School and serves the Franklin Triad they are looking to expand and develop another food pantry serving more students.
Excited to learn that since moving the food pantry to Franklin the
pantry now serves a dual purpose in that it also provides a job shell program for moderately cognitively impaired students (MOCI students). These marvelous students take the responsibility of warehousing, sorting and packaging the pantry goods.
LKF has wonderful partners that are very generous in their contributing to their efforts. These partners include Masco, 3M Corporation, Livonia AM Rotary, Kiwanis Early Risers, St. Mary's Hospital Staff, Marsh McLennan, Strumbos Family (founders of AlphaUSA), Livonia Community Foundation, Fausone Bohn Law Firm, Level One Bank, Community Choice Credit Union, Kroger,
Livonia Jaycees
and so many great individual partners that have brought LKF to life.
|
|
In the course of the conversation the discussion shifted to the new school year, whether there would be on-line or in class learning or a blend of the two. A concern was raised about students not having computers and how difficult it might be for some families to obtain one or in the case with multiple students, two or more.
It was not a major part of the breakfast as the bulk of the conversation centered around the growth of Kids and Family, the role played by AlphaUSA and its affiliates and what the next step could and should be. Well, little did the typewriter know what would come next.
|
|
After breakfast the typewriter started reaching out to see how $50,000 could be used if a school district was able to purchase additional computers. One call to Dan MacIver who is active with the Clarenceville district, which is the oldest school district in Michigan, 1837, and suddenly a plan was being discussed, developed, considered and now implemented.
Livonia Friends and Family has committed to write a check for $52,000 as part of a three step approach to make sure that every student in Clarenceville has a computer. Every student would have a computer and every teacher would have an upgrade expanding their reach and capabilities in teaching students.
Superintendent Paul Shepich and business manager David Bergeron were brought into the discussion with MacIver and the typewriter. And within 24 hours of the first approach there was agreement that the donation would be presented to the School Board at their Monday night meeting, that the new computers would be ordered, that the Oakland County Intermediate School District would be ready with their IT department to configure the computers and that the three step program was on its way:
|
|
Step one.
The funding from Livonia Friends and Family will provide each teacher with a new upgraded computer that will enable them to have all that is necessary to access resources, prepare plans and share those instructional materials with the students in their classes. The $52,0000 funding from Livonia Kids and Families will provide the computers to 76 teachers and the Clarenceville District will provide the additional 24 at a cost of $16,320.
Step two.
The current Chromebooks currently used by the teachers will now be available to give to additional students (100 teacher Chromebooks) bringing the total number of students with a computer to approximately .9 (point nine) computers per student. Real close to the 1 to 1 which is the goal.
Step three:
A challenge is being issued to the community, residents, parents, grandparents, businesses to help donate an additional $22,000 to purchase the final 100 Chromebooks so that Clarenceville reaches one computer for every student.
This article in Musings is to exclaim and share the excitement of this partnership, of the continued commitment of Livonia Kids and Families, and to challenge our hometown to help us all raise the final $22,000 to purchase the last 100 Chromebooks.
|
|
As Dan Maciver said as the plan was being put in place, "$52,000, computers. I am going to cry. This is unbelievable." Superintendent Paul Shepich, pictured left, added that he
wanted to offer thanks "for bringing this opportunity to our school district. It means a great deal to our students and staff."
As Veronica Cruz explained when making the commitment to donate the $52,000 that this is a " part of our mission to further influence others in creating a culture of a community of people who care. So I am hoping that we have done that with this program which is one way we can reach out and let our students in Livonia know that the community does care. And now we would like to expand and raise an additional $22,000 to finish the project."
To make a donation you can log onto the Livonia Kids and Family website by
clicking here
and using the easy donation button in the upper left corner which will direct you to the donation page for use for either a Pay Pal donation or a credit card of your choice.
Our goal is $22,000. Will you help us. By doing so you will have been a part of a $74,000 technology grant to the oldest school district in Michigan right here in Livonia. The Clarenceville Public School District. And add in the $16,000 matching from the schools and wow, $90,000. Damn impressive for one week.
|
|
It just seems like yesterday that the Class of 2020 graduated and the City of Livonia placed congratulatory banners along Five and Farmington
And now these banners can be yours in partnership with three non-profits
|
|
When Councilman Rob Donovic called Dan MacIver about an idea he had to congratulate the Class of 2020 MacIver was all over it, agreeing to sponsor all the banners. And within two weeks 32 banners were placed by the Livonia DPW along the intersection of Five and Farmington congratulating Churchill, Franklin, Stevenson and Clarenceville.
In just a couple of weeks these banners will be coming down as the city prepares for the opening in September of another school year.
With that in mind MacIver and Donovic thought it would be a good idea to partner with three non-profits in Livonia while giving parents and students an opportunity to have as a keepsake one of the banners.
Would you like to have one of these banners as a keep sake, a memory, a reminder of what a year it was and that when the school year was over your hometown expressed their pride in you.
Here is how it works.
Make a $50 donation to one of three non-profits,
Livonia Kids and Families, Friends of Greenmead, or the Clarenceville Education Foundation
. Mail that check to the attention of Bill Joyner, 19514 Bainbridge, 48152. These checks will be bundled and presented to the non-profits by Donovic and MacIver.
Simple as 1, 2, 3.
1. Pick a non-profit,
Livonia Kids and Families, Friends of Greenmead, Clarenceville Education Foundation
2.write the check to one of those three charities
3.mail the check to Bill Joyner, 19514 Bainbridge, 48152 which will be bundled for Rob Donovic and Dan MacIver to present to the non-profits
Well, okay maybe 4 steps. The banners will be available for pick up at the office of Dan MacIver, Financial & Portfolio Advisors, 15855 Farmington Road, after August 15. Details will be provided to those making a donation.
"These are one of a kind," MacIver says. "This just adds to the memories of a year chock full of unique memories. Add to that helping three non-profits in a year that is seeing their donations reduced."
|
|
Livonia City Council, Board and Commission Meetings
will Continue Virtually on Zoom
|
|
On July 29, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-160, which states “Any work that is capable of being performed remotely (i.e., without the worker leaving his or her home or place of residence) must be performed remotely.” In addition, the order states that it is a violation to hold any organized indoor event among persons not part of the same household if that event exceeds 10 people.
In a legal opinion reviewing the Executive Order, Paul Bernier, pictured left, the Livonia City Attorney, interpreted the new order to direct all public meetings to be conducted virtually, writing “It appears that the new order restricts our ability to have in-person public meetings. Any public meeting should be anticipated to have many more than 10 people in attendance, including board or commission members. This precludes in-person public meetings such as City Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, or any other Board or Commission. These meetings must be conducted remotely until such time as the order is amended, rescinded or clarified.”
In compliance with the order, Livonia City Council regular and study meetings scheduled for Wednesday, August 5 will be conducted via Zoom.
On July 21, Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan directed all Livonia boards and commissions to continue to meet virtually through at least September 8, 2020.
Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-154, signed on July 27, allows for virtual meetings of public bodies to be held for 28 days beyond the expiration of the still active state of emergency in Michigan.
The Zoom information for the August 5 meeting of the Livonia City Council can be found below.
Phone: (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 822 419 226
|
|
Livonia has so many art organizations. Some counts put it at over 23. Wow.
Count on a new one. Trinity House Open Stage Gang. Robert Johnson asked me to join their Face Book page and now every day I get to listen to new songs, cover songs, hit songs by a wonderful array of acoustic musicians. Try it out and see how these musicians are communicating in this pandemic society.
Art Rules.
To find out more and to hear some outstanding acoustic music
click here
|
All Summer long enjoy the culture of Livonia
|
August in Livonia
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Wilson Barn Farmers Market
4
Primary Election--vote early and often by taking a neighbor to the polls
4
Summer Fun Series @ 6:30 w/ Guy Lewis
@ Kirksey Recreation Center
6
Sinjon Smith
Music from the Heart
11
Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center
13
Devin Scillian and Arizona Sun
Music from the Heart
17
2020 Golf Outing Benefitting MiWorkMatters @ Idyl Wyld Golf Course
17 & 19
School Supply Drive
@ Journey Church, 31100 Plymouth Road
20
Jupiter of Cruz
Music from the Heart
21
Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center
22
Grab and Go Backpack and Supplies
Details coming up in Musings August 3
27
Cosmic Groove Band
Music from the Heart
30
The ARC NW 2020 Golf Outing
Fox Creek Golf Course
30
St. Baldrick's 10th Annual Shave-a-thon
September in Livonia
5, 12, 19, 26
Wilson Barn Farmers Market
12
Thomas A. Dooley Knights of Columbus Golf Classic @ Fox Hills $100 includes dinner and prizes. To sign up call John Glennon 734-968-2286 or Lou Fiorentino 248-808-3834
|
|
Another slice of Livonia history
|
Livonia Jaycee makes the move to share leadership skills with the Michigan Jaycees
|
Immediate Past President of the Livonia Jaycees Chris Crawford is running for the office of Membership Vice President of JCI Michigan. He has held several roles on the local and state level of what many of us remember as the Jaycees but which now go by JCI, Jaycee International.
He has served Livonia as Community Vice President, Individual Development Vice President, President and now Chairman of the Board. He has served as District Director providing assistant to several area chapters. Additionally he has run trainings on the local, state and national level and has won national awards for debate.
Livonia wishes Chris Crawford all the best as he moves on to sharing his leadership skills with the state of Michigan Jaycee organization.
|
Back to School Backpack Distribution
|
Tracey Stevenson Educational Ministry Leader & NPAAS Founder says it is time to get ready for school. She is sharing a program for the distribution of backpacks and supplies:
It’s that time again! Time for our future medical professionals, safety and law enforcement officers, firemen, scientists, educators, etc.. to return to the classrooms for the 2020-2021 school year.
Given the economic challenges facing our families, our community and the Michigan public school system today, the El Bethel Baptist Church, Northville Parents of African American Students (NPAAS), and Parents of African American Students in Novi (PAASN) are working together to provide assistance to our future leaders and prepare them for a successful learning experience.
As a coalition of partners, we are preparing to launch our Annual Project Get Ready - Back to School Rally. Activities for this year’s event are limited due to the impacts of COVID-19 on our society. This year, we will be sponsoring a Grab ‘N Go service for students to receive book bags filled with school supplies and accessories that adequately prepares our school-aged children for successful learning throughout the upcoming academic school year, regardless of the format in which it may be presented. In addition to physically preparing our children for learning, we will provide resourceful information for our families and community.
Project Get Ready is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 2020 (alternate date: Saturday, August 29, 2020) simultaneously at three locations to achieve the greatest community reach and accommodation. The three locations are: El Bethel Baptist Church, Redford, MI, Northville High School, Northville, MI, and Novi United Methodist Church, Novi, MI.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
