September 30, 2019 Your source for Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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| Livonia lost a good one. No. Livonia lost a great one with the passing of Janet Bennett. |
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The names were inexplicably linked. Bob and Janet Bennett.
You couldn't say one without the other.
Bob and Janet Bennett.
Pictures inevitably had the two side by side.
Bob and Janet Bennett.
In her own way Janet Bennett did it her way. Yes, and her legacy as part of the Bob and Janet Bennett story also included a story of Janet Bennett. A woman who played a pivotal role in so much that we enjoy in Livonia. So much of what we have come to take for granted. So much that brought a smile to her face as she saw the results of the volunteerism, the hard work and the ability to network to make things happen.
When she passed away September 29th she may have left us but her work will always be a part of us. A part of what we have come to call our hometown Livonia. A part of what was made because of her vision, her partnership and her belief that the arts, that history, that reading can define quality of life.
In 1958 Janet and her husband Bob moved to Livonia where she became involved in community organizations like the Children;s Theatre Guild, the Jackson School PTA, the Girl Scouts. She became a member of the Livonia Town Hall and the Livonia chapter of the AAUW. She was a founding member of the Friends of the Livonia Library.
Janet Bennett played a key role in the development and construction of the Livonia Civic Center Library. There was no doubt that one day this significant addition to our Livonia landscape would be called the Bob and Janet Bennett Civic Center Library.
She served as President of the Friends for the Development of Greenmead for over 20 years. Ironically, in November 2003, with the Blue House renovation completed the first event held there was the fiftieth wedding anniversary celebration of Bob and Janet Bennett.
Mrs. Bennett was an avid lover of history and reading as evidenced by her vast collection of books on world history, the sciences and fine arts, as well as fiction. Her collection of books numbers in the thousands and it was her wish that her prized collection be donated to the Livonia Public Libraries upon her passing.
Mrs. Bennett was a lifelong supporter of the arts. She, herself, was an artist and she instilled a love of art and music in not only her children, but her grandchildren as well. Few things brought her more joy than attending a performance by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra or various performances at the Detroit Opera House. She loved to sing and rarely did a day go by that she couldn't be heard singing to herself or her children when they were young and later, her grandchildren.
But Janet was always a team player, especially when it came to supporting Bob when he ran for City Council. She was his campaign manager. She was a driving force in his election as Mayor.
Livonia lost a good one on Sunday. Wait. Livonia lost a great one on Sunday. As you drive past Greenmead or down Five Mile and see the Library. Maybe attending a Symphony Concert. Smile. Wave. Say thank you. Maybe pull over. Close your eyes and picture that Livonia would be without the arts, without Greenmead, with the Library. We are better because of Janet Bennett.
Services for Mrs. Bennett will be handled by G.R. and R.G. Harris Funeral Home. As details are worked out the typewriter will be sure to let you know. But first I need to get in my car and visit Greenmead and the Library to say thank you.
Thank you Janet Bennett.
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| Meet Dan MacIver. Continuing and building on the legacy of Bob Hardies. |
   When I answered the phone on a Monday morning my first thought was that Dan MacIver was at work a little early. But as soon as I heard his voice I knew that something was wrong.
Bob Hardies had died. Dan was calling to let me know.
After I hung up my thoughts drifted to all that Bob had done in the 30 years that his business F&PA, a financial advising company, had contributed to the non-profits in Livonia, his adopted hometown.
Donations in the thousands to the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, Livonia Civic Chorus, Livonia Youth Symphony Orchestra. Add to that Seedlings Braille Books for Children, Greenmead. His involvement with Rotary.
His love of pickles. Which irritated me to no end. He would tease me unmercifully. Strange, the things you remember about a person when you hear that they had died.
But now the company was in the hands of Dan MacIver with continued assistance from Deborah and Gina. What would happen to the company? What would happen to the charitable giving that many of our art organizations had come to rely on?
With these questions in mind I set down with MacIver to find out how he was doing, as he had worked for Bob for 25 years since he signed on as a co-op student while attending Clarenceville High School at the age of 17. He is proud to say that he has worked in only two jobs, Taco Bell and F&PA.
How are you, Deborah and Gina doing.
It was hard to realize that as I walked into the office that he would not be at work today. Deborah and Gina are doing an amazing job of picking up the slack, contacting all of our clients, answering all the questions about Bob. They are just amazing.
I asked how you are doing as well.
A month ago I was working for Bob and now I am putting my leadership style to work. What I have been training for over the past 25 years. Bob gave me so much responsibility and made sure that I had all the necessary training and certificates for financial advising. I am ready. I just did not want it to happen like it did. Bob was there one day and gone the next. He is missed.
I am sure that you are getting lots of questions about how the commitment of F&PA to Livonia will be continued.
Livonia can be assured that the commitment to Livonia is as strong today as it was a month ago. I have already been in touch with the Chorus and they know that F&PA will continue to be a headline sponsor of their 55th year, of the Symphony, that we will continue to be the main sponsor of the Robert Bennett Golf Outing in the Spring, that we will continue to help the Youth Symphony continue year 60 as the oldest youth symphony in Michigan. Bob was a big booster of Seedlings and I will be there for them as well. We believe in Seedlings and we will continue Bob's legacy.
You also have a track record of giving back to the community. Clarenceville Athletic Boosters, Clarenceville Education Foundation and their roll down raffle and golf outing.
As a graduate of Clarenceville High School and with my 3 children either having graduated or planning on graduating it is important to our family that we stay involved in their schooling and in the community. I enjoy working the concession stand at football games, helping out where needed.
Best Kept Secrets?
That is one project that Bob felt really good about and had a lot of pride in publishing 4 volumes. We still have a few of Volumes 2-3 available. We are out of Volume 1 and still have Volume 4, the Best Kept Secrets of Livonia Parks, maybe 500. If people want a copy all they have to do is stop by our office at 15855 Farmington Rd between 9 and 5 to pick one up. I just could not believe how popular these books are. The parks book was done in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department.
How would you sum up your philosophy regarding the business and the community?
F&PA will continue the track record of quality service to our clients and an outlook of giving back to the community that we call home and have for over 30 years. The legacy of networking and giving back that Bob created is not one that we will turn our back on. We will build on that legacy as he meant a lot to our hometown and I am determined to build on it. That is what Bob would expect and one that I will continue.
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At that point Bob Modes the owner of the Blue Plate stopped by and without any hesitation Dan asked about a fundraiser for the Clarenceville All Night Senior Party. That showed me that things would not be changing too much. The Hardies template of service to the community through networking is underway with a new chief networker.
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You are invited to attend the 15th Annual 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame
this Thursday @ 7:00 @ Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church |
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Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events
at the Phoenix Theatre
Elvis Unleashed
October 7 - 7:00pm
October 10 - 7:00pm
Turandot - The Met Opera Live in HD
October 12 - 12:55pm
October 16 - 1:00pm (Encore)
October 16 - 6:30pm (Encore)
Alien - 40th Anniversary (1979)
October 13- 1:00pm
October 13- 4:00pm
October 15 - 7:00pm
October 16 - 7:00pm
Rob Zombie's 3 From Hell - Encore
October 14 - 7:00pm
Jay & Silent Bob Reboot
October 15 - 7:00pm
October 17 - 7:00pm (Double Feature)
QT8: The First Eight
October 21 - 7:00pm
The Reliant
October 24 - 7:00pm
Manon - The Met Opera Live in HD
October 26 - 12:55pm
October 30 - 1:00pm (Encore)
October 30 - 6:30pm (Encore)
Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli Fest 2019
October 27 - 12:55pm (DUB)
October 28 - 7:00pm (SUB)
Raymonda - The Bolshoi Ballet
October 27 - 12:55pm
Faustina: Love and Mercy
October 28 - 7:00pm
LUZIA - Cirque de Soleil
October 29 - 7:00pm
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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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
Laura Toy, Joe Laura, Jim McCann, Steve King
Livonia Police Officers Association
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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September in Livonia
Fine Arts Gallery the entire month of September
Bennett Civic Center Library
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 7:00 - 9:00
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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| The Livonia Youth Symphony Orchestra is calling all Livonia youth |
Opinion from Senator Dayna Polehanki:
The Republican school budget hurts Michigan students
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Senator Polehanki with Representative Laurie Pohutsky and Clerk Susan Nash at the dedication of the
Tatigian Park and Nature Preserve
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Senator Dayna Polehanki represents the 7th Senate District, which includes the townships of Canton, Northville, and Plymouth, as well as the cities of Livonia, Northville, Plymouth and Wayne. She spent almost 20 years in the classroom. This article first appeared in Bridge-Michigan's nonpartisan, nonprofit news source:
This is a classic case of smoke and mirrors. By the same standard, the GOP is feeding a scrawny, underfed dog a few extra kibbles and boasting they provided it with a "historic amount of dog food." However, the dog is still starving.
It is also notable the GOP's graphic touting annual increases to the foundation allowance only began with the 2011-12 school year - the same time
a massive cut of $470 per pupil occurred. Had their graphic included previous years back to 2008-09, it would show that schools are just now reaching the same level of funding they had a decade ago. To begin a graph in the year of a truly historic funding cut in order to show incremental growth from that point forward is not just deceptive, it's dishonest.
The
budget proposal being sent to the governor does not do enough for special education and at-risk students, the Great Start Readiness Program, or pre-kindergarten programs. These children have vastly suffered under Proposal A, and unfortunately, will continue to suffer from the previous administration's one-size-fits-all approach to third-grade reading.
It is both immoral and irresponsible to make schools a place where children, especially our most vulnerable, are made winners or losers because elected officials refuse to come to terms with the shortfalls in our education funding or provide real, tangible solutions. Every student deserves an opportunity to gain the skills they need to thrive, make ends meet, find and keep a good-paying job, and earn job security.
Further, as Republicans continue to publish hand-picked numbers, the fact is not all of that money goes into the classroom.
That is why we must ensure School Aid dollars are directed only to K-12 schools, and it is time to support a weighted funding system that acknowledges the cost of providing a world-class education isn't the same in every district or even every classroom.
To fail our students is to fail our state. We must make sure every student has multiple paths to a good-paying job. As it currently stands, the GOP's budget proposal for K-12 funding falls well short and amounts more to a shrug of the shoulders to say "we did something" rather than truly DOING something.
It's time to stop playing political games with our children and our state's future, and instead make a meaningful, comprehensive investment in our schools and our children.
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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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| Scary Fun at the Livonioa YMCA and you are invited October 25 |
We are SCARY excited for our biggest event of the year!! Join us Friday October 25th from 5:30pm - 8pm for community, fun, games, spooky stories, crafts, and even a costume contest
This is a free community event, and membership is not required to attend!
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Why leave home for a pumpkin !!!
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest every October day
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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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| Halloween and history. Together. October 25. |
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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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
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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