Bill Joyner's FridayMusings 9/19/22

FridayMusings Monday, September 19, 2022 Helping define Livonia Quality of Life

The 5th Annual Good Old Fashioned Corn Roast combined with the Inaugural Tour de Livonia knocked it out of the park.

Outstanding day helping define Livonia Quality of Life

Trustees Dan Centers and Madeline Acosta, Fire Chief Robert Jennison, Clerk Susan Malone Nash

Senator Dayna Polehanki, Trustee Colleen Burton, Representative Matt Koleszar

Councilman Brandon McCullough, Trustee Liz Jarvis, Commissioner Terry Marecki, Councilman

Rob Donovic

Ruth Bader Ginsberg stopped by the Corn Roast and took time to chat up a few friends.

The typewriter enjoyed sharing thoughts with Mayor Brosnan about the great day in Livonia.

The smiles on the faces of children getting to be a part of the Tour de Livonia were priceless.

Honorary Chair for the 5th Annual Good Old Fashioned Neighborhood Corn Roast Laura Toy joined a band of intrepid volunteers to cut the ribbon officially kicking off the Corn Roast.

And with that the Livonia Lions were ready with the first batch of corn on the cob, picked that morning and served up that afternoon.

The pop and water was ready with the Jaycees, Rotary and Glenn Anderson providing the beverages.

With over 30 organizations participating this was truly a community event introducing some of our finest quality of life groups to neighbors and friends, new and old.

There was Dan MacIver picking up the corn with the bodyguard at 8:00 in the morning from Westborn, our 5th year of using them as our go-to corn supplier.

Just as he arrived so too did our shuckers, Volleyballer Marisa MacIver, the Clarenceville Basketball team, and the Franklin High School National Honor Society. And they worked straight through the morning getting the corn ready for the Lions, helping community groups set up their canopies and tables, and smiling as the typewriter challenged them to a one-on-one game at their first practice this Fall. They combined hard work with lots of smiles, laughter and asking "what else can we do."

Add to the student volunteers the staff from the Livonia Parks and Recreation, who were there all morning helping groups set up, working with the Lions to bring in water, and generally being great ambassadors for the city and parks and recreation.

There was St. Baldrick's fight to eradicate childhood cancer on site promoting their annual Shave-a-thon set for next weekend.

The Livonia Symphony introduced their new President of the LSO, Sister Mary Ann Smith. And they were passing out tickets to their October concert.

This event was made financially possible with the support of the Hardies Family Trust and Community Financial Credit Union and an anonymous community benefactor who provided the 5th Annual T-shirts with a special saying on back in Spanish encouraging people to be kind.

This was a special day for Livonia. People pitching in to share information about so many organizations. Defining quality of life.

It just doesn't get any better with the addition of the Tour de Livonia

With nearly 500 bikers ready for the 1st Annual Tour de Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan was joined by Chuck Dardas, President and CEO of AlphaUSA as they cut the ribbon for the start of the 1st Annual Tour de Livonia.

Appropriate that Dardas was on hand as two years ago he and Dave Spivey met up for breakfast to discuss a Tour de Livonia. After the pandemic the idea took hold and the implementation was ready.

Volunteers had started arriving at 6:30 led by the indefatigable Veronica Cruz who had spearheaded the details of the Tour for the past 6 months, working with our parks and recreation, police, and fire departments to make sure it all ran smoothly.

After the big group of riders headed out led by the police escort with sweepers at the front and back helping keep the riders in some sort of organized ride. They knew what they were doing as many of them ride events all the time. Their experience was invaluable.

An added special feeling was when the younger riders took off with mom and dad for the shorter ride. They looked so happy to be a part of something different.

This event is certain to create memories that will be talked about and shared many times throughout this generation and are guaranteed to be shared with their children years from now.

A powerful tradition has been inaugurated. Gotta love Livonia.

When the riders arrived back at the end of their Livonia tour and stopped in for corn they were effusive in their support of the ride, looking forward to next year and the one after that and the one, well you get the idea.

This was a special day for Livonia. People joining in, having fun, volunteering to help at the Tour, and riding the streets of Livonia. Waving to families at home who were out watching the riders. Defining quality of life.

Reactions to the day

Steve Spreitzer called the Tour de Livonia "A good first crack at a community slow roll. Was happy to ride with my younger brother Phil Spreitzer, his wife Beth Spreitzer, their son John and my colleague Bob Bruttell."

Cathy Lute Klockner, "Those corn hats are hysterical! Makes everyone smile. Great event."

Debra Stewart Bonde, "Thanks for organizing and hosting the 5th Annual Corn Roast, Bill. I think it was the best one yet! We met lots of great people and also got to catch up with so many good friends.

Jennifer Fleming, "Thanks for having Livonia Equity & Anti-Racism Network as part of the event!! We really enjoyed the day. It was fantastic to meet people and make connections!

Lorraine Runyan Paffenroth, A great day. Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church was happy to be a part of a great day.

Karen Handloser Bradford, It was a great event! Enjoyed the corn hat for the 2nd year! Thanks for all your hard work today!

Charlie Mahoney, What a beautiful site a bazillion or so bikers on the starting line, the beginnings of the other bazillion preparing for the best ever Community Corn Roast - what a weekend.

Corn Roast had music with some joining in with Robert Johnson for some sing along. Then the Livonia Civic Chorus took center stage to entertain.

The bodyguard added some humor with the Rocky III poster. Most just rolled their eyes.

Thank you Corn Roast sponsors

Robert Johnson got the day off right with some acoustic music. Took a few minutes to say hello to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib.

State Representative Mary Cavanagh shared time with the Lions after her shift as an Honorry Corn Roaster.

State Representative Stephanie Young was on hand to serve as an Honorary Corn Roaster.

Bob Modes stopped by to take in the Corn Roast and chatted up Brandon McCullough.

The Kona Ice was once again a bit hit. 5 years running sponsored by Jim Jolly.

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