September 23, 2019 Your source for Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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It was a birthday 70 years in the making. Details to follow on Wednesday if I fully recover.
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Livonia Chamber of Commerce to hold candidate forum September 26
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 The candidates for Livonia mayor and city council are expected to attend a forum held by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 26.
Livonia voters will elect a new mayor to a four-year term and four people to the Livonia City Council in the Nov. 5 election.
The candidate forum will be held at the Livonia City Hall Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The city council forum will run for about 70 minutes, and the mayor's forum will run about 45 minutes. The public is invited to attend the forum. Admission is free. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions. Chamber President Dan West will be the moderator.
Livonia City Council President Laura Toy and former Livonia City Council member Maureen Miller Brosnan are vying to become the city's chief executive officer. Incumbent Mayor Dennis Wright is retiring at the end of the year.
Incumbent city council members Scott Bahr and Kathleen McIntyre are being challenged by Brandon McCullough, Rob Donovic, Eileen McDonnell, Jim Davis, Greg Coppolla, and Brian Duggan. The top three vote-getters will earn four-year terms on the seven-member city council, and the fourth-place finisher will earn a two-year term.
Leo Weber has announced that he is running as a write-in candidate for Livonia City Council. "
Please keep your readers updated in that they have a 9th choice to pick from
amid the other candidates. They have to simply write in my name on the ballot,
Leo Weber. The Chamber forum doesn't invite write-ins so I won't be on stage there."
The forum will be recorded and rebroadcast on Livonia City Channel 8 in the weeks leading up to the election.
The Livonia Chamber of Commerce is a nonpartisan, nonprofit trade organization that represents more than 1,000 members. The chamber holds information forums but does not make endorse individual candidates.
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The Epic Movie Camino Voyage coming to Livonia's Art in the Park -- Phoenix Theatres -- October 1st
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| The Camino Voyage | Trailer |
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We are thrilled to share the news that
THE CAMINO VOYAGE
is coming to
The Phoenix Theatre. They are playing "The Camino
Voyage" which will be shown exclusively at Laurel Park on October 1 at 7:00pm.
The movie shares the story of a crew including a writer, two musicians, an artist and a stonemason who embark
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Glen Hansard - "Leave A Light" (from 'The Camino Voyage' Documentary) |
on an inspiring and dangerous 2,500 kilometre modern-day Celtic odyssey from Ireland to Spain. Inspired by the great sea voyages of early Irish history and mythology, the crew sets out on an audacious journey of their own in a traditional Irish boat they built themselves.
The Camino voyagers are no longer at an young age but they bring courage, determination and love of life proving that it is never too late to embark on an adventure.
Check out the music of Glen Hansard and picture this balladeer on the 2,500 kilometre odyssey. After you check out his music and the trailer of the movie make plans to join the typewriter at the exclusive showing only at the Phoenix Theatre October 1st.
Art in the Park -- Phoenix Theatre -- at Laurel Park.
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Blessings in a Backpack-Livonia
Bowling for the Future of America
Because Hunger . . . Doesn't Take a Break on Weekends
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 You are invited to support and attend the 6th Annual Bowling for Backpacks Fundraiser on Saturday November 23, from 2-4 pm at Merri-Bowl Lanes in Livonia. The funds we raise will allow us to continue to send food-filled weekend backpacks home with at-risk children.
They are now serving over 500 students at Eleven of the Livonia Public Schools. They assist children attending Webster, Kennedy, Cleveland, Cooper, Hayes, Grant, Garfield, Grant, Johnson, Rosedale, and Roosevelt Schools. This year, they will add additional students, and hope to expand to additional schools.
Your sponsorship, donation and/or participation in this event will help ensure that they can meet this goal.
This exciting event, which will include 2 hours of bowling, pizza and beverages, Silent Auction, various items for raffle and a  50/50 raffle, will be held from 2-4 pm, with registration beginning at 1 pm. Tickets for bowling are $20, while the cost for non-bowlers is $10. There are also many opportunities for sponsorships, as well as a need for donations to the Silent Auction and raffle.
You can visit their webpage at https://www.biablivonia.org/ to learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities.
All funds raised in Livonia stay here the community to support Blessings in a Backpack. On behalf of the children who will benefit by your contribution, they thank you in advance for your support and look forward to partnering with you in this very worthwhile event.
Their Mission
"Blessings in a Backpack-Livonia" is part of the national Blessings in a Backpack program that addresses the problem of childhood hunger.
Each week backpacks are packed by volunteers and distributed to the participating Livonia Public School children who are considered "food insecure".
Although these "at-risk" students are eligible for free or reduced-fee lunches during the school week, many of the children do not receive sufficient meals or nutrition on the weekends.
The unfortunate result is that large numbers of these students return to school on Mondays tired and hungry.
It is very difficult to concentrate or care about your studies when you are worried about where your next meal is coming from.
Please contact one of the members of our Steering Committee for further information:
Jan Wilson, wilsonjm101@gmail.com or 248-505-3778
Blessings in a Backpack is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3). All donations are tax deductible. Blessings in a Backpack Livonia P.O. Box 51603 Livonia MI 48151
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Vote
November 5
Absentee Ballots out September 25
City of Livonia
Mayoral Race
Vote for one candidate in November
Maureen Miller Brosnan
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
AFSCME, UAW, Teamsters Local 299
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters,
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
Dan Centers, Livonia School Board Trustee,
Tim Klisz, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
Gretchen Alaniz, Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick, Schoolcraft College Board Chair
Janice Centers, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
Former Livonia City Council Members Mike McGee,
Joe Taylor, and Dale Jurcisin
https://www.maureenformayor.com/
Laura Toy
Mayor Dennis Wright ,
Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson
Councilwomen Kathleen McIntyre and Cathy White
Councilman Brian Meakin
Right to Life of Michigan
City of Livonia Council Race
Vote for up to four candidates in November
Scott Bahr
Mayors Dennis Wright, Jack Engebretson, Jack Kirksey
Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly
Brandon Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre, Cathy White
Brian Meakin
Former Council members Jim McCann, Joe Taylor
John Pastor, Treasurer Lynda Scheel
Commissioner Terry Marecki
Livonia Public School Trustees Mark Johnson
Colleen Burton, Karen Bradford, Crystal Frank
Former LPS Superintendent Randy Liepa
Former Representatives John Walsh, Laura Cox
Former Senator Patrick Colbeck
Former Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead
Livonia Firefighters Union 1164
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
ZBA Members Chris Boloven, Joel Turbiak,
Jim Baringhaus
Planning Commissioners Sam Caramagno
Carol Smiley
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Right to Life of Michigan
Gregory Coppola
Councilmembers Laura Toy,
Brian Meakin,
Brandon M. Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre
County Commissioner Terry Marecki
Former Councilmen
John Walsh and
John Pastor
Jim McCann and Joe Laura
Zoning Board of Appeals Jim Baringhaus and Tim Kliz
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
Right to Life of Michigan
Robert Donovic
Livonia Police Officers Association
Livonia Fire Fighters Local 1164
Police
Officers Association of Michigan
Park Commissioner Paul Condon
Schoolcraft Trustees Gretchen Alaniz, Dillon Breen,
Mayor Dennis Wright,
Councilwoman Laura Toy, Councilman Brian Meakin,
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors,
County Commissioner Diane Webb,
State Representative Jewell Jones,
Right to Life of Michigan
Brian Duggan
B
randon McCullough
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
Mayor Dennis Wright,
Wayne County Commissioner Glenn Anderson
Former City Councilwoman Maureen Miller Brosnan
Councilmen Jim Jolly, Brandon Kritzman,
Great Detroit Building & Construction Trades Council,
Sheet Metal Workers' Local 80,
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers,
County Commissioner Diane Webb
Eileen McDonnell
former Livonia City Council member Joe Laura,
Kathleen McIntyre
Mayor Dennis Wright,
Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson,
John Grzebik, Greenleaf Commission,
Zoning Board of Appeals Tim Klisz and
Jim Baringhaus
Arts Commissioner Lindsay Spence
Recreation Commissioner Katie Jolly
Livonia Police Officers Association
Treasurer Lynda Scheel,
Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly,Brian Meakin,
Cathy White, Brandon Kritzman
Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki,
Schoolcraft Trustee Gretchen Alaniz
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Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events
at the Phoenix Theatre
The Shawshank Redemption -
25th Anniversary (1994)
September 22- 4:00pm
September 22- 7:00pm
September 24 - 7:00pm
September 25 - 7:00pm
Friends 25th: The One With The Anniversary
September 23 - 7:00pm (Night 1)
September 28 - 7:00pm (Night 2)
October 2 - 7:00pm (Night 3)
The Secret World of Arrietty -
Studio Ghibli Fest 2019
September 29 - 12:55pm (DUB)
September 30 - 7:00pm (SUB)
Click on this image for all movie times
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Senior
Fit
Classes
Senior Fit is a FREE exercise program for people age 55 and over that encourages senior adults to exercise their way to a healthier lifestyle. The program features standing and chair exercises that build strength and flexibility, as well as improve balance and cardiovascular fitness.
Location Schedule & Registration Information
Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
15218 Farmington Road
Mondays, 3 to 4 p.m.
Session 1: September 9 - October 28
Session 2: November 11 - January 6
Session 3: January 13 - March 2
Session 4: March 9 - April 27
Session 5: May 4 - June 22
Session 6: June 29 - August 17
St. Mary Mercy Livonia
Wellness Center
36475 Five Mile Road
(Classes will run continuously from September 2019 through September 2020)
Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m.
Thursdays, 12 - 1 p.m.
To register, please call 734-655-1310
Villa Marie
15131 Newburgh Road
(Classes will run continuously from September 2019 through September 2020)
Wednesdays, 3 - 4 p.m.
Thursdays, 9 - 10 a.m.
To register, please call 734-655-1310
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September in Livonia
Fine Arts Gallery the entire month of September
Bennett Civic Center Library
September 27
September 27 @ 6:00 - 10:00
September 28 @ 11:00 - 1:00
Butter bear Shop Marvel Day
September 28
@ 10:00 - 6:00
Guns and Gowns @ Greenmead
October in Livonia
October 1 - 30
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest
October 19 - 31
Pumpkin Place fundraiser for Livonia Cares
October 3 @ 7:00
Historic Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church
Presenting Sponsor: Financial & Portfolio Advisors
October 4, 5, 6
October 12 @ 4:00
Old World-New Season
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville High School
Louis Schmidt Auditorium
October 14 @ 4:00 - 7:00
Seedlings Annual Open House
Piano prodigy Avett Ray Maness/American Idol fame
Greeters: The typewriter and Bodyguard
October 21
Wayne 11th Congressional District Republican Club
Dinner Dance @ Italian Club Livonia
October 24 @ 5:00 - 7:00
Rotary Community Spaghetti Dinner
Help Eradicate Polio
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
October 28 @ 5:00 - 7:00
Flemings support for the ARC
People with Disabilities
tickets @ TheARCNW.org
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Zonjic does not disappoint. An evening of jazz. Wow.
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 Canadian flutist Alexander Zonjic has called Detroit home for over 30 years. He has taken on the role of recording artist, drive time radio personality, restaurateur and concert promoter. Detroit has taken to calling him their own and for one night he called Livonia his home.
The Livonia Arts Commission hosted a "Little Night Music" with Alexander Zonjic and Friends with special guest 12 year old Justin Schultz on the keyboard. His friends playing with him were Kris Kurzawa, James
Simonson and Jeff Canady.
The evening was sponsored by AlphaUSA with donations provided by Busch's, Councilwoman Cathy White and Livonia Spree.
He did not disappoint as he continued his mission of elevating the flute to a front row seat as a voice in the idiom of smooth and pop-jazz.
Zonjic has long felt and spoken out that the flute should be considered  on the same level as a guitar and piano. Friday night the flute was front and center with solo's, sharing the stage as the lead without taking a back seat to any other instrument.
12-year-old Justin Schultz had the audience of 100 in the intimate setting of the Alexander Blue House at Livonia's historic Greenmead Village wide eyed in appreciation of the skill set he brought to the evening.
 This young South African born talent on the keyboard is amazing. He plays normally in a band with his father on bass guitar and his sister on the drums. Friday his sister joined in for a set.
Kudo's to the Livonia Arts Commission and the driving force behind this series, Virginia Bosak. The evening was filled with energy and appreciation for this opening night of a three part jazz series and hope by many attending that the second and third in a series scheduled for Winter and Spring will be as exciting and accomplished.
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One Livonia neighbor, Mike Testa, wants us to take action
to transform education funding
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Mike Testa: Thank you for including comments from Sen. Dayna Polehanki and Rep. Laurie Pohutsky regarding School Funding in the 9/20 edition. It is refreshing to have Representatives in Lansing that view this a priority and are willing to publicly advocate.
School Funding is important, but in recent years, Lansing has not made it a priority to adequately fund our schools. This past March, I attended Michigan PTA Advocacy Day in Lansing; Members from across the State had meetings with Legislators to discuss improving School Funding - adequate and equitable.
Late last week the State House and Senate approved the 2019-2020 School Aid Budget - it includes increased Funding for our Schools; an increase compared to last year.
This is a step in the right direction, however, it does not fix the overall problem. This should not be a political issue. Funding for our Schools should be viewed as an INVESTMENT and not as a burden. Strong Schools are necessary to protect our home values, to attract young families to Michigan and Livonia, and to build our future. I would like to encourage community members to contact Lansing - request them to continue working together on long-term solutions.
For your convenience, the following is contact information for key-players. Because Musings reaches beyond the Livonia boarder I am adding the general link to find out who your representative and senator are:
It is also important to let those on the Education Committee know how you feel, even if they are not your representative.
Senate Education Committee:
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Youth Choir sets audition dates, 9/23 and 9/30
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Do you like to sing?
Do you like to make new friends?
Do your Mondays need music?
Come check out the Livonia Youth Choir!
For Grades 2-8 on Monday nights.
Auditions will be held on
September 23 and 30 at 5:30-6:30 pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church @
39020 Five Mile Road
LYC is a great preparation program for singing in high school choirs
and the CAPA program at Churchill
LYC is a tuition based non-profit organization.
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Livonia Community Foundation sets their annual Beer/Wine Tasting
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Have you ever been swimming in a floating pumpkin patch?
This is the year to start that tradition.
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Spooktacular Halloween fun! Join us Friday, Oct. 25 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Kirksey Recreation Center Leisure Pool. Spooky Swim features creepy crafts, pumpkin games and a floating pumpkin patch!
Pre-registration is required to participate in floating pumpkin patch.
Members $5 Residents $10 Non-Residents $15
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It's time to talk some turkey
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Join your friends and neighbors at the 14th Annual Healthy Livonia Turkey Trot 5K at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, as we walk/run to help those less fortunate. Profits and canned food donations will benefit the Livonia Goodfellows organization and Blessings in a Backpack Livonia.
Register online at www.livoniaparks.org or at the Kirksey Recreation Center, 15100 Hubbard. The $15 per person fee includes a Turkey Trot t-shirt, if registered by Oct. 21.
Last year the Turkey Trot had over 460 participants and resulted in hundreds of cans of food and raised approximately $3,000 to assist the Livonia Goodfellows in providing holiday meals for local families.
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Our Livonia Chamber invites you to lunch with
Congresswoman Haley Stevens
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For information on this Chamber of Commerce sponsored luncheon click here.
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Culinary Art
The
official
artisan chocolate of FridayMusings.
Designed and created right here in hometown Livonia by
Joe Gilligan.
It is his mission to deliver high quality chocolates made with 100% organic butter and cream with the finest chocolates available with his flavors varying season to season.
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Update on the November general election
Jim Davis coffee and conversation 9/24
Livonia Democratic Club Trivia Night 9/27
Maureen Miller Brosnan knock doors 9/28
Wayne 11th Republican dinner/dance 10/21
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FridayMusings will continue to post information about the 8 candidates running for City Council and the 2 candidates running for Mayor. When we receive notification of an event and as was done in the primary we will post announcements
without editing.
Maureen Miller Brosnan invites
you to join her
Join Maureen and special guest Senator Dayna Polehanki as they knock doors in Livonia to help get Maureen elected mayor! Saturday, September 28, 12:00 - 3:00.
Please bring a charged phone, comfortable shoes for walking, and dress for the weather. They will start at 37609 Five Mile, southwest corner of Five and Newburgh.
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