August 28,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings

The 10th Annual St. Baldrick's Shave-A-Thon
Be a hero for kids with cancer!
In ten years $1 million raised in Livonia. $111,000 this year alone.
Another hometown good news story. Let's take a look at a few.
Let's just face it. We need more good news stories and actually when I think about it August has been filled with Livonia good news. In a minute, the typewriter will share yet another one, St. Baldrick's shave-a-thon. But first. . .

How about $52,000 donation from Livonia Kids & Family to purchase new computers for teachers in Clarenceville Public Schools. How about the successful school supply give-away last Saturday coordinated by Tracey Stevenson with 900 students getting a backpack filled with school supplies.
Remember the Kiwanis Early Risers visiting six graduating seniors, picture to the left, and providing each with a $1,000 scholarship? Smiles all around. Livonia Parks and Recreation sponsored a Unity Project and invited residents to be a part of creating a human connection, an appreciation of diversity and a realization that we all have something in common.

The Livonia Lions passed the gavel to new officers. Chris Crawford of the Livonia Jaycees is seeking a statewide office to energize the organization with new members. Arc of Northwest Wayne County held a successful golf outing to raise funds for their mission of community inclusion.

Plans are underway, see article below, for the annual Seedlings On-line Auction. One of the largest fund raisers each year. The key is that even in a pandemic plans can be made.
While we are at it Livonia's own Debra Bonde, is selected as an Esteemed Woman of Michigan. Check out the article below. The key is that we can still stand tall and thank community leaders for their work in bettering the hometown.

How about the 2020 Graduation Banners, shown right) that decorated Five/Farmington and whose idea came from Councilman Rob Donovic and sponsored by Dan MacIver.

So many good news stories in our hometown. And now let's turn to this weekend and some major, happy, good news.
As the headline says this is the 10th annual St. Baldrick's Foundation charity event. This year the event shifts to a socially distanced outdoor venue next to 1-Under from 12-5pm this coming Sunday. Shaving heads and auctions help fuel donations to battle childhood cancers. This event has been led by Robb Drzewicki and a determined, dedicated crew for a decade. Friends, family and neighbors are welcome and donations will be accepted throughout the day.

Join this St. Baldrick's event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you'll be a part of the excitement! Excitment it is. Just look at the smiles last year on Maureen Miller Brosnan and Laura Toy. Opponents in a campaign but supporters of the shave-a-thon, working together.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-powered charity that funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Get involved and you'll be giving hope to infants, children, teens and young adults fighting childhood cancers!

Brandon McCullough, Livonia city councilman, made a commitment to have his family shave his head this Sunday. Amanda Walworth, Past President of the Livonia Jaycees says she would like to cut most, but not all of her hair, so she has been growing it and growing it and is now ready. You can help one or both with a donation. Amanda has reached her goal of $250 but certainly will not turn down additional support. Brandon has barely gotten started and he really needs the help. But most importantly you can help in the fight to defeat pediatric cancer.

See you Sunday at 1 Under for another Livonia Good News Story.

"HEY LIVONIA! I'm shaving my head with St. Baldrick's to raise money and help conquer kids' cancers! Please consider making a donation! I will be allowing my beautiful wife Kacie and our Little Miss Harper, pictured here, to man the clippers on August 30th at 1-Under. 

Help Brandon McCullough in his challenge match against Tom Matheson. The kids win. With your help pediatric cancer can be defeated.
"My hair hasn't been this long since at least Logan was born (10 years), maybe even high school (18 years) and this is definitely the longest I've gone without dying my hair since freshman year of college. So why? Because about 15 months ago I committed to participating in the 10th annual St. Baldrick's Shave-a-thon in Livonia by cutting my hair for charity.

So who wants to help me reach my goal?


Livonia Parks and Recreation has re-scheduled the Drive-In showing of
Spies In Disguise to Sept. 12.

Pre-registration is required,
one per car.
If It's Friday
Livonia's Gotta Smile
Another pandemic day on the patio for David McKillop. Saw this picture and the typewriter immediately turned off the computer and headed out to the Musings Estate patio with my Surface to read the conclusion of Dan Silva.

Thanks David for the inspiration.
ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT!!!
Sunday is the 10th Annual St Baldricks Day !!

Matthew Kulacki, pictured left, co-chair of the big, bigger, biggest, Shave-a-thon with Robb Drzewicki, pictured below, says it better than anyone. So follow along:

"We will be doing things a little different this year as the world kinda sucks... So we are doing a PARKING LOT PARTY! #SHAVEGATE2020 !

"We are taking over the parking lot on the banquet side of One Under in Livonia from 12-5pm on Sunday the 30th! We will be having the safest celebration possible with barbers and stylists taking the necessaary precautions so that we can still do what we do... SHAVE A BUNCH OF HEADS TO RAISE MONEY FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER AWARENESS!!
"We will have spots blocked off for cars and people to safely socially distance while enjoying this awesome day! There will be a bar set up as well as servers taking food orders. Cornhole and fowling will be set up for games. 50/50 raffle as well as multiple other raffle prizes! And MULTIPLE sanitation stations. If you plan on bringing a group to the event, let me know asap so we can block off some space for you!

"CAN'T WAIT TO CUT THIS MOP!!

"OUR EVENT HAS ALREADY RAISED OVER $111,000 THIS YEAR! DURING A FREAKING PANDEMIC!! I truly couldn't be more proud of all of our volunteers, shavees, and fundraisers!

"HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU SUNDAY 8/30 12-5pm!"

Debra Bonde, founder of Seedlings, being honored as an Esteemed Woman of Michign
Michigan's largest free clinic, the Dr. Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic (GBCHC) is hosting its 11th annual, Esteemed Women of Michigan event on September 21st, 2020.
 
This is a class of extraordinary women who have become inspirational figures by excelling in their professional and personal work. They are setting examples for future generations.
 
These women will be honored in a video presentation on September 21st.
 
This event celebrates the achievements of women who work to make their communities a better place. All proceeds from the event support the availability of high-quality free medical, dental, and pharmaceutical care for the thousands of Michigan residents who do not have insurance coverage.

Numerous community organizations, businesses have come together to support this event including headlining sponsor United Shore.

"What makes this event so special is that it highlights the achievements of women who work to improve the world around them while benefiting an organization that was started because of an unmet need in the community. The event makes you realize how important people who seek positive change are to the world"
 
- Dana Burnstein, member of the host committee and GBCHC board member.
It may not be until November 10 but good planning makes this the best online auction.



FridayMusings loves this online fundraiser for Seedlings. Absolutely loves it. Except that every year I bid, sit by the computer, get out bid, bid again, get out bid again. And then the time runs out.

But I am willing to help out by encouraging donations. Prizes, like gift cards, services, trips. Endless possibilities. How about you? Check in with Seedlings at info@seedlings.org or 800-777-8552.

What's already been donated. $200 Meijer gift card, gift cards to Busch, Costco, ACE, Kings Island, Cedar Point, 2 nights at the Grand Hotel. So much more.


Okay Livonia. Enough Talk. Let's Just do it
How about Livonia taking charge, have some fun, stand on our front porch, play some songs, enjoy some music.

The typewriter plays no instrument but I do have a boom box and the bodyguard does have a guitar and is willing to give it a try.

Let's look for 100 porch musicians tomorrow. How great would that be if 100 porches have music playing. Are you ready?

It works very simply. At some point on Saturday, August 29th, go out to your front porch and start playing an instrument. Could be noon. 3:00. 7:00. Surprise your neighbors and showcase your musical abilities on the front porch.
Gotta love it when Livonian's share their thoughts
Cory Jacobson, Owner Phoenix Theatre: Nice to see my check for Livonia property taxes is getting used to put on drive-in movie performances while my business is in forced closure. How absolutely thrilling. Can this get any worse? 

Erica Robertson, Author: Hi Bill!, I saw the amazing posts on FB! Thank you kindly.
Candidates continue to speak out on suffrage
In a recent issue of Musings the typewriter shared comments from Martha Ptashnik and Nancy Darga on women suffrage. In keeping with our policy here is a statement issued by Laurie Pohutski:


Laurie Pohutsky, candidate for re-election, State Representative:

"I have been filled with gratitude for the women whose shoulders I stand on today, who paved the way so that I can exercise my right to make my voice heard."
FridayMusings working with you in the community
And your help is needed.
Graduation Banners still available

There are still a few graduation banners available as a keepsake for that 2020 graduate. Sure to put a smile on their face. A smile this year and again in 10 years and again in 20 years. Email the typewriter at rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com to get your reservation in before they are gone.

In the meantime if you have ordered a banner you can pick it up from Dan MacIver at his office 15855 Farmington Rd.