September 9,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
Change begins with each and every one of us. Together let's use our collective voices to change the narrative to one that clearly depicts all the amazing work that happens in our hometown community. Paraphrased from Eric Sheninger in Reflections on Leadership
Let's change the Livonia narrative with vision, transformation, leadership
It was 1965 and discussions were taking place between Dr. Don Friedrichs, Livonia Public Schools, and Dan Andrew, Livonia Planning Director on ways to attract young families to this growing suburban community of 19,000.

Within a year over 100 families had been enlisted to visit neighbors and businesses. Their goal? To build a recreation facility, a YMCA, that would be the cornerstone of bringing young families to town.
The culmination was a fundraising dinner featuring Dennis McClain of the Detroit Tigers, at the peak of his pitching skillset, and Phil Power, the young owner of the Livonia Observer newspaper.

It transformed Livonia as at the same time two other transformational ideas were being implemented. Superintendent Ben Yates spearheaded a bond issue to purchase school property to prepare for the influx of young families by obtaining property when it was still inexpensive.

The second project was one spearheaded by the Superintendent of Parks and Recreation John Dufour, former football player in the Canadian football league, to purchase vacant land for future park sites. Property that would only increase in value over the year and which became the cornerstone for the 65 parks of which Livonia currently is the home to.

Vision. Transformation. Leadership.
It was 2020 and the downtown Livonia leadership was still raising the question of where and when can a downtown Livonia be built.

Discussions on line continued to look at the benefit that it would bring to Livonia.

While not giving up on the concept of downtown Livonia Councilman Brandon McCullough, began talking about another project that might also serve as a transformative idea to attract young families, that would serve as a catalyst generating excitement and potentially, depending on the location, create a new found buzz for an area of Livonia that would serve as a destination location from throughout southeast Michigan.
Just as the community rallied around a recreation center in the 1960"s, bringing families together in forming a coalition for a better Livonia, the idea of an amphitheatre/band shell/pavillion could unite Livonia in creating a positive attribute once again showcasing Livonia as a transformational community and the ability to act on a vision with the leadership to make it happen.
Picture a committee divided into action groups: structure, finance, location. 100 families working for the transformation that creates a future.

McCullough says next year not 10 years.

Vision. Transformation. Leadership.
Livonia Parks and Recreation offers up a variety of classes and programs
Adult and youth crochet
Our Livonia Parks and Recreation is offering youth and adult crochet classes this fall.

Start a new hobby, re-start a project or take the class to craft with friends. Sign up today.

 Classes will be small for social distancing and held at the Kirksey Recreation Center. https://secure.rec1.com/MI/livonia-mi/catalog
Let's learn to be a lifeguard
Let's play some softball this fall
Let's learn to swim
This Fall, Livonia Parks and Recreation will offer Indoor Swim Lessons at the Kirksey Recreation Center.

Group lessons will be available on Monday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.

A full schedule can be found in the L Magazine and through our online registration at www.LivoniaParks.org
Learn to paint like Bob Ross
This fall explore your creative side with an art class, Joy of Painting the Bob Ross Way.

Complete a painting in only one session. The class size will be limited and masks are required to be worn during class. Sign up for Friday, Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m. today!
He travels the state. Now hometown musician is right next door in Northville Friday
Support hometown news
Taking a look at what is going on in local campaigns
Congresswoman Haley Stevens endorsed by the
United States Chamber of Commerce
In keeping up with candidates and campaigns affecting Livonia FridayMusings is sharing that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has Endorsed Congresswoman Haley Stevens For Re-election.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

“I am delighted to have the support of the United States Chamber of Commerce,” said Haley Stevens. “In Congress, I have been laser-focused on a pro-growth agenda: passing bipartisan legislation to strengthen our manufacturing economy, expanding economic opportunity for middle-class families, and renegotiating trade deals to give Michigan workers and businesses a level playing field. As we rebuild our economy, I look forward to working with the U.S. Chamber to pass policies that help Michigan small businesses get back on their feet from this unprecedented economic crisis.”

“The U.S. Chamber is pleased to work with bipartisan coalitions in Congress to advance vital legislation like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Rep. Haley Stevens’ leadership as a part of this effort, helps workers and manufacturers have full access to export markets and a restored sense of certainty for years to come," said Kenneth Johnson, Executive Director, Congressional and Public Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier this year, Haley Stevens received the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for her bipartisan leadership and support of pro-growth policies in Congress. Stevens earned the third-highest “bipartisanship score” in the Michigan delegation.
Meeting candidates for Livonia Board of Education:
This week, Karen Bradford
We have in the last week introduced Madeline Acosta, Crystal Frank and Nicole Hoskins-Goudreau. Today we are pleased to introduce incumbent Karen Bradford:

It is with great pleasure that I am announcing my campaign for re-election as Trustee on the Livonia Public School Board. With our recent health crisis and Lansing's public school funding challenges, we need strong leadership and experience more than ever to continue Livonia's legacy of excellence in education. There is work to be done and difficult decisions to be made. I continue to be the right candidate for this position.

 My husband John and I are the proud parents of Justin (SHS '14), Nolan (SHS '15), Natalie (SHS '17), and Evan (SHS '20); all four are LPS exclusive students, pre-school through high school.

Since 1999, I have proudly served in past PTA/PTSA leadership roles at Jackson Center, Hoover, Riley, Holmes, Stevenson and have served as volunteer coordinator for Stevenson High School Senior All Night Party.

 I have also worked as a substitute teacher in many different LPS buildings, from Kindergarten through 12th grade. I see busy classrooms, engaged learners and best of all, smiling faces. It has been a privilege to work alongside hardworking and talented teachers and staff. I have witnessed different perspectives by working in various roles and locations within the district.

 I support Livonia Public Schools. As a current trustee, I have established myself as a solid board member, being recognized as an Award of Merit recipient from the Michigan Association of School Boards. I listen, learn and work collaboratively with my fellow trustees and attend and participate in all meetings.

I am and always will be an advocate for ALL students. Students deserve a school district which promotes excellence in learning and demands high expectations for achievement. LPS provides these opportunities. I am proud of my work on the board and look forward to continuing in my role as trustee.

Maintaining quality programming while remaining fiscally responsible will demand due diligence on my part. I will continue to educate myself on current and upcoming issues, and pledge to work collaboratively and respectfully with the Board to help ensure an outstanding educational experience for ALL students.

For additional information, please refer to the website or email: livoniaschoolboardreelection.com or livoniaschoolboardreelection@gmail.com

Although I am running independently, I also support Tammy Bonifield, Dan Centers, and Crystal Frank.

My endorsements include the following:
Maureen Brosnan, Mayor of Livonia, Dennis Wright, Former Mayor of Livonia
Lynda Scheel, Livonia City Treasurer, Kathleen McIntyre, Livonia City Council President, Jim Jolly, Livonia City Council Vice President, Brandon Kritzman, former Livonia City Council, Brandon McCullough, Livonia City Council, Cathy White, Livonia City Council

Mark Johnson, Livonia School Board President, Colleen Burton, Livonia School Board Vice President, Liz Jarvis, Livonia School Board, Terry Marecki, Wayne County Commissioner, Dayna Polehanki, Michigan Senator, Dr. Randy Liepa, Superintendent, Wayne County RESA

Diane Laura, Former Livonia School Board, Randy Roulier, Former Livonia School Board
Brian Broderick, Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees,Chairman

Livonia Democratic Club, Livonia Republican Club, FridayMusings
Its lawn sign time. Speak up and speak out
in support for your candidate of choice.
Terry Marecki for Wayne County Commissioner
Republican

Save the Date!

As chair of the Committee on Public Services, I am pleased to announce that on September 16th at 6 pm there will be a zoom meeting held by the Wayne County Parks Division.

They will discuss the Hines Park framework that so many people have been working on.

This will be an interesting discussion for citizens who are interested in future improvements in Hines Park!

Do you have your lawn sign yet? Sign up for one at Terry's website at: https://www.terrymarecki.com/volunteer
Nancy Darga for Wayne County Commissioner
Democrat

Wayne County deserves a Commissioner for District 9 that:
* Protects our parks and our environment
* Looks for ways to creatively structure funds and fundraising
* Is committed to providing true representation and leadership for ALL constituents
* Is a fighter for you, not a follower of others.

Donate by clicking here, to my campaign so I can get to work FOR you and WITH you to keep Northville, Northville Township and Livonia the greatest jewel in Wayne County!
Madeline Acosta for Livonia School Board
Non-partisan

As we process the final decision from the Livonia School Board regarding Return to Learn, I hope that we are taking the time to consider how this decision will impact ALL families and not just our own--recognizing that what is best for one family may be to the detriment of another. I feel for the students who rely on our schools to be their safe haven. May we be a beacon of light for our community and speak from a place of empathy.

COVID has already taken so much away from us. Let's not allow for it to completely wreak havoc on our sense of community as well. As a family, we are choosing the Face to Face option because that is what's best for our family. As the African proverb goes, "It takes a village." I hope that whatever option you choose, that you are able to find your own village to ensure your student's success this year.
Tammy Bonifield, Karen Bradford, Dan Centers, and Crystal Frank for Livonia School Board (non-partisan)
 
√ Advocate for all LPS students to receive the highest standard of education

√ Ensure a course of fiscal responsibility, seeking additional costs savings and revenue sources

√ Strive to continuously improve communication and transparency for all LPS stakeholders

√ Represent the community in protecting and upholding the future of our Livonia Public Schools

For more information: http://livoniaschoolsreelection.com/