August 12,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
Livonia School Board to start school year virtual followed by a hybrid--Dan Centers explains support
Monday evening the Livonia School Board voted 7-0 to start the school year virtual, followed by a transition hybrid program, before ultimately returning to in person instruction for those students who choose that option. If a family would like to remain virtual there is an option for that as well:

Below are School board trustee Dan Centers comments from the meeting:

First, I want to take a moment to thank our Livonia Public Schools’ Return to Learn Committee for all of their hard work. Each of the school board members served on the committee as well. We know first hand the tremendous amount of effort everyone put in, and how difficult it is to piece out a plan in these unprecedented and unpredictable circumstances. It is impossible to accurately predict how the start of the new school year will play out, but this group has done their very best to develop a plan to return.

What is clear, is how greatly varied the opinions are in regards to sending our students back to school.The magnitude and high stakes of this decision has our community extremely divided. While this board needs to make a decision, due to the fast approaching deadline, we do not take this decision lightly.

I have received an impressive amount of feedback from people on both sides of this issue. I have read every email, taken many calls, and had impromptu conversations with neighbors.

Personally, this is a very difficult decision to make. I believe there is no substitute for in-person education, but I also acknowledge the significant impact the virus has had on our State’s public health. I know that parents have been struggling to find childcare since March, and by starting the year virtually, this extends this challenge longer. However, we cannot ignore the need to be cautious in an effort to keep our community healthy. I personally know two people who have passed from COVID-19, one of whom was only 45 years old.

Last week, I proposed starting the first three weeks of the school year in a virtual manner. We are considering a tweaked version of that plan today. Livonia Public Schools has never opened schools during a pandemic. Therefore, I believe we would benefit from avoiding in-person learning for while observing and learning from places across the country who do begin in-person classes, and making any necessary adjustments prior to the return of students. Many of our neighboring districts have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, similar virtual-start return to learn plans. Therefore, I support the plan shared here today, fully aware that it too has its challenges.

Everyone wants some certainty. We want certainty that school can return to something resembling normal, and we want certainty that COVID-19 will not spread in our community. After months of struggling, we all have grown weary and frustrated with restricted life.

This will be a challenging year for everyone. We will need to be agile and make adjustments, while doing everything we possibly can to support students, families, and our staff. We are one community, and we are going to need one another in these challenging times.
Local Businesses receive Wayne County Covid-19 grants.
Wayne County’s Economic Development staff and Commissioner Terry Marecki visited Livonia Trophy, Burn Fitness, North Center Brewing Company, and Genitti’s Bar Monday afternoon to talk with these small business owners and award them grants to help them survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
These businesses have long served our communities and made sacrifices during this difficult time so we can stay safe. With our continued support, they’ll survive and thrive for years to come.
Marecki says there "were many varied emotions shown by owners at each business we visited.

"Very touching.

"All these places are hurting, through no fault of their own.

"So wonderful Wayne County can help. What a team we have! There is still time to apply to receive these small business grants."
U.S. Chamber honors Stevens
Today, August 12th, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) will receive the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in a virtual ceremony co-hosted by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. The award is given annually to Members of Congress based on bipartisan leadership and support for pro-growth policies.

“I am a big believer in the ability of the government and private sector to come together for the best results, to create jobs, spur investments, and take advantage of global opportunities,” said Congresswoman Stevens. “This is what we do every day in Michigan’s 11th District, as a hub of manufacturing talent and ability, with the largest collection of automotive suppliers in the country. It is an honor to be recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
If It's Wednesday
Livonia's Gotta Smile
August in Livonia

15, 22, 29 Wilson Barn Farmers Market

11 Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center

11 PFLG Monthly Meeting @ 7:00
9435 Henry Ruff Rd, Livonia, MI 48150

17 2020 Golf Outing Benefitting MiWorkMatters @ Idyl Wyld Golf Course

17 & 19 School Supply Drive
@ Journey Church, 31100 Plymouth Road

21 Summer Fun Series @ 6:30
@ Kirksey Recreation Center

22 Grab and Go Backpack and Supplies

30 The ARC NW 2020 Golf Outing
Fox Creek Golf Course

30 St. Baldrick's 10th Annual Shave-a-thon
@ 12:00 -- 5:00 One Under

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
Musings reader survey response for
Congress, State Rep, County Commissioner
Musings readers and followers selected their early preferences for Congress, State Representative, and County Commissioner. This is only a snapshot in time. We will take our next survey the week absentee ballots are mailed in mid-September.

United States Congress
(D-I)Haley Stevens 63.2%
(R) Eric Esshaki 35.1%
Undecided 1.8%

State Representative
(D-I)Laurie Pohutsky 54.3%
(R)Martha Ptashnik 40.7%
Undecided 4.9%

County Commissioner
(R-I)Terry Marecki 53.4%
(D) Nancy Darga 44.8%
Undecided 1.7%
Commission candidate Nancy Darga endorsed by former Commissioner Diane Webb

In making the announcement of her endorsement by former Commissioner Diane Webb, Nancy Darga, who is running against incumbent Commissioner Terry Marecki, offered that "From the start of my journey to become the next Commissioner for District 9, Diane has been in my corner.

"I appreciate her so much for her support and her wisdom and her endorsement of my campaign means I'm doing something right."
Don't avert your eyes.
This is a significantly important request.
The 2020 Census is in full swing, and your participation helps Livonia compete for federal funding for our schools, roads, first responders and hospitals.

For the first time, the Census can be completed online and is easier than ever. It only takes about 10 minutes! Join your neighbors in supporting Livonia by completing your census today.

Let's take it a step further then simply completing the census. In the coming week let's ask every person we meet if they have completed the census. If yes, then a pretend high five. If no, ask them why not and encourage them to do it that day.
Still time to get Graduation banners
and help our non-profits at the same time
Still time to get your official Livonia "Congratulations Class of 2020" banner.

Send a check made out to one of three non-profits: Friends of Greenmead, Clarenceville Education Foundation, Livonia Kids and Family.

Mail your check to Bill Joyner, 19514 Bainbridge, 48152.

Checks will be bundled, presented by Dan MacIver and Councilman Rob Donovic.
Statewide gathering restriction causes postponement of Listening Tour
Due to the statewide indoor gathering restriction of no more than 10 people the August 13 Inkster Partnership for Progress event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

The intent of the Conference of Western Wayne is for the rescheduled date to be in person, however if the restriction continues they will have a virtual event.

Updates will continue on Facebook and at c-w-w.org. A new date will be announced shortly.