September 27, 2019 Your source for Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
10,269 Absentee Ballots delivered to the United State Post Office Wednesday,
the largest single
mailing to date for any Election in Livonia.
Election Day is November 5.
Look for FridayMusings endorsements on Friday, October 4th.
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| You are invited to attend the 15th Annual 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame |
     
1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame
Class of 2019
Induction Ceremony
October 3rd @ 7:00
Rosedale Gardens
Presbyterian Church
Join Master of Ceremonies Alan Helmkamp, Commissioner Terry Marecki, R. William Joyner, Founder, in honoring our 15th Annual Class for Induction
Paul Soucy, Robert Hardies, Chuck Dardas, Dominic Paris, Seedlings, Denise King
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Brosnan receives Sierra Club endorsement for her commitment to protecting Livonia's environment
Pledges to be an advocate for the Alden Village community |
FridayMusings will continue the policy of sharing information to our readers that is received from the campaigns.
When information is sent it is being shared.
The Sierra Club Michigan Chapter has endorsed Maureen Miller Brosnan's campaign for Mayor of Livonia. Brosnan commented  upon learning of the endorsement, "As mayor, I will nurture a healthier Livonia by protecting our environment, parks, and public health".
The full statement of endorsement from the Sierra Club: "Maureen Brosnan earned the Sierra Club's endorsement because she embodies the Club's motto of "explore, enjoy, and protect", said Tim Minotas, Legislative and Political Coordinator of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. We share Marueen's commitment to protect Livonia's environment, invest in complete streets, expand outdoor recreation opportunities, and enhance the overall health of the city's residents. The Sierra Club and its members look forward to working with her in making Livonia the healthiest city in the nation."
Brosnan has made public and environmental health a major platform of her candidacy and is the only candidate to address the vinyl chloride release from the Ford Transmission Plant, she did so on your campaign website, while "serving as an advocate for the Alden Village community."
The full statement appearing on her website dealing with public health: "The Healthy Livonia program, a partnership between St. Mary Mercy Hospital and a number of Livonia institutions, sets out with the goal to make Livonia the healthiest city in the nation. I believe that should be our next mayor's goal as well. As mayor, I will deepen our city's commitment to this program, bringing my passion for healthy living to the community by building coalitions to get things done. I will nurture a healthier city by protecting our environment, parks, and public health. And I will work with community leaders to address the vinyl chloride release from the Ford Transmission Plant, serving as an advocate for the Alden Village community to keep our residents safe and informed."
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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 Mayor Dennis Wright
Councilman Jim Jolly,
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
Westland Mayor Bill Wild
Congresswoman Haley Stevens
State Senator Dayna Polehanki
County Executive Warren Evans
County Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Sierra Club Michigan Chapter
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,
Karen Bradford, Livonia School Board Trustee
Tim Klisz, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
Gretchen Alaniz, Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick, Schoolcraft College Board Chair
Schoolcraft College Treasurer Terry Gilligan
Janice Centers, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
Citizens Roads Advisory Committee Member Brett Gierak
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
Bruce Tenniswood
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,
Former Livonia School Trustee Steve King
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
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
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
Friends 25th: The One With The Anniversary
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 Every day in October
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
November in Livonia
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Are we about to segue from one election season to the next
with little to no break? |
We are on the verge of a city election that will shape how our community views the future. Status quo or change. But as you and I start receiving literature along with our
absentee ballots some are working behind the scenes in preparation for the 2020 state legislative campaigns. Democrats are motivated coming off the 2018 success to elect enough State Representatives to gain control of the Michigan House. Republicans are eyeing the districts they want to take back to help them retain control of the Michigan House.
One of the districts shaping up to be listed as a battleground district is Livonia. State Representative Laurie Pohutsky who in 2018 upset the Republican candidate City Councilman Brian Meakin has already announced her campaign for re-election. Way early as she is taking steps to ward off any potential challengers, both republican and democrat. She has held two known fundraisers and continues every week to knock doors, both as a candidate and as an elected representative seeking views from residents on a number of issues.
Pohutsky, a visible legislator who takes her job of communicating seriously, takes an additional step of not endorsing any of the
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Is Meakin considering another run?
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candidates seeking local office saying that it is her policy not to endorse especially in races in which another candidate might win and she will have to work with whoever does win. Admirable on the face of it although it is raising eyebrows among many who do not ever remember our legislative leaders not becoming involved by endorsing in local races.
Whereas she is gearing up for re-election the republican party is in the words of one local official, who happens to be a republican, "talking with a number of republicans seeking to find a candidate" to run against Pohutsky. Some word on the street has Meakin interested in running again, perhaps to reverse his narrow defeat in 2018.
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Pohutsky walking to discuss legislative issues. Balancing that as many incumbents have to do with an upcoming campaign.
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Another name mentioned increasingly is Councilwoman Kathleen McIntyre who says she is not prepared to consider a run for State Representative just that she is not saying yes or no. That is an honest answer as she is running for re-election for City Council and could very well receive the most number of votes and be elected as Council President.
A new name being mentioned, at least being encouraged by her husband, is Penny Crider. But with 84 likes and 20 comments on his facebook page promoting her possible run for State Representative this candidacy might be one in its infancy stage.
So hold on. As soon as the Livonia campaign is over we will have to start gearing up for the Gary Peters v John James, Donald Trump v ?, Haley Stevens v ?, Terry Marecki v ?, Laurie Pohutsky v ?.
Campaigns never stop. From Washington to Livonia it seems non-stop.
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| This campaign season takes a turn for the unexpected |
How and why does a candidate who did basically no campaigning in the August City primary election decide to now throw a $150 fund raiser. Why so late in the game especially when he finished last in the August primary and by most accounts was assumed to be out of the running for a seat in the November general election.
Brian Duggan is starting to campaign with 5 weeks left before the election date. He attended no candidate nights this summer. Printed and mailed no campaign literature. Answered no candidate questionnaires. He barely edged out Steve King for the 8th and final spot advancing to the general election. King also little campaigning so the battle for last place was between two vying to win based solely on name recognition.
A campaign fundraiser is now scheduled for October 2nd at Burton Manor. It is being hosted by Laura Toy, Jim McCann, Joe Laura, Steve King and the Livonia Police Officers Association. The cost? $150.
One interesting side-note on the fundraiser is that this makes six the number of city council candidates being supported by Councilwoman Laura Toy. One  has to wonder what Rob Donovic, Scott Bahr, Kathleen McIntyre, Greg Coppola, Jim Davis think about yet another candidate being endorsed by Toy. These candidates list Councilwoman Laura Toy as an endorsement.
Having already endorsed five candidates why is she adding her name to this late entry. Six endorsements for 4 positions. A little hard to understand.
In the primary campaign this typewriter wrote that it would have been good had Duggan campaigned. As a realtor he could offer insight into what new residents were seeking and the impact the demographic of younger families would have on Livonia. I also wrote that he was doing a disservice to place his name on the ballot and do virtually no campaigning. I feel the same way now. Six months after filing is not the time to start the campaign when seven other candidates for Council have raised the money, drafted the literature, knocked the doors, met the voters, engaged at candidate nights, practiced retail politics.
Livonia residents should seriously consider the late entry of Duggan into the campaign and ask yourself if he really deserves your vote. Please consider one of the seven candidates who have campaigned. We should thank them for helping make democracy work.
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Ackowledge the life that was with Guns and Gowns at Greenmead
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Come to Greenmead this weekend. Experience life during the Civil War with the 17th Michigan Company E.
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Why leave home for a pumpkin !!!
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Join us for Pumpkin fest at the Wilson Barn! Every day in October. EVERY DAY.
No admission charged,
however fees for some activities apply.
WEEKDAY ACTIVITIES (Monday-Friday), 12noon-7pm
-Pumpkins, Gourds and cornstalk sales
-Pony Rides (3-7pm)
-Hayrides (By appointment only and weather permitting)
** Call 313-909-1870 for an appointment
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES (Saturday and Sunday) 11am-7pm
-Cider, Donuts, Refreshments
-Pumpkins, gourds and Cornstalk sales
-Pony Rides and Hayrides (12-7), weather permitting
- Art and Craft Show
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Annual Fire Safety Open House October 12
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Mark your calendars for the Livonia Fire & Rescue Fall Open House on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at Fire Station #3, 35000 Seven Mile Road at Bicentennial Park. Join your Livonia firefighters for games, fun with water hoses, cooking demonstrations, fire safety information, fire truck tours and much more!
Bring the whole family and don't forget your camera!
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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, [email protected] 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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Livonia Community Foundation sets their annual Beer/Wine Tasting
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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
Livonia Democratic Club Trivia Night 9/27
Maureen Miller Brosnan Breakfast of Champions 10/10
Rob Donovic Pizza and Pasta 10/11
Jim Davis coffee and conversation 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29
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.
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