FridayMusings published since 2003 View as Webpage Friday, February 14, 2025 | |
The Joyner family--Richard, Geraldine, Bill and Bob-- loving Livonia since December 1959 | | | |
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Maureen Miller Brosnan, Mayor, City of Livonia
As we mark Livonia’s 75th anniversary, we find ourselves celebrating not just the passage of time, but the remarkable community we've built and the bright future that lies ahead. This milestone is a “diamond anniversary” – a fitting symbol of strength, resilience, and brilliance. Like a diamond, our city has many facets, each one contributing to its beauty and character. And just like any precious gem, the journey to this moment has been shaped by those who’ve worked to make Livonia the wonderful place it is today.
Looking back, we can see how far we’ve come, from a small, rural township to the vibrant, thriving city we are now. But the heart of Livonia has always been its people – those who’ve built businesses, worked in schools and volunteered to improve the quality of life for all. The commitment to service, to kindness, and to growth is as strong now as it was in 1950, when Livonia first incorporated.
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One of the most exciting chapters of our city’s future is the ongoing development of our City Center, a key part of Livonia Vision 21. This initiative has become more than just a city project – it’s a mission of love for our community. It’s inspiring to witness so many Livonians coming together, each one contributing to this shared vision of a thriving, connected and vibrant center.
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As Mayor, I am honored to have a front-row seat to our community’s energizing power. Every day, I see acts of selflessness and dedication that fuel our community. It's not just the big initiatives that stand out, but the everyday moments – the neighbor helping neighbor, the small acts of kindness that remind us of the true meaning of community.
Together, let’s continue to invest in a Livonia that future generations will be proud of. We’ve come so far, and the best is yet to come. Here’s to the next 75 years – a future as bright and enduring as the diamond we’ve shaped together.
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Think it. Say it. Share it. Love Livonia.
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Kayleigh Reid
Director Livonia Spree
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Livonia holds a special place in my heart because it’s more than just a city – it’s a community that feels like home. From our beautiful parks and family-friendly neighborhoods to vibrant local businesses, Livonia offers an incredible quality of life.
I love how our community comes together to support one another, whether at local events, charitable efforts, or simply through friendly conversations at the Spree.
Livonia’s rich history and commitment to growth inspire me every day. I’m proud to live, work, and serve in a city that values tradition, progress, and the people who call it home.
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Laurie Pohutsky
State Representative
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Livonia is a city I’m honored to call home and to represent.
Livonia is a city that strives for greater inclusivity and diversity, despite the occasional condemnation of those goals.
The city's growing community of civically-minded residents stands as a testament to this transformation. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to support local initiatives like Breaking Barriers for Kids and Families, foster a sense of belonging through community events like LEARN’s annual MLK breakfast and brake light repair, and improve the quality of life for all.
Livonia is home to so many people who put in the work to make our city the best it can be, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
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Layal Boussi
University Learning Academy
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What I love most about living in Livonia is the genuine sense of community. It’s a place where families feel safe and supported, and it’s easy to build lasting connections.
The schools are excellent, and there’s always something for kids to do—whether it's sports, local events, or just enjoying the parks.
I love the peace of knowing my neighbors care about each other, and the safety that comes with living in a place like this.
Livonia has a way of feeling like home, offering the perfect balance of a welcoming, family-friendly environment and easy access to all the city offers.
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Rashida Tlaib, Member of Congress
I have been representing Livonia for a little over two years. From the beginning, I have been pulled in to buy mac & cheese boxes for our kids, helping support women who need feminine products, to bringing in items for annual yard sale fundraisers.
It has truly been a blast and a nice way of getting to know our Livonia families. The charity work is remarkable. Through it all, I have met some of the kindest people and even as they try to figure out this girl from southwest Detroit (me), there is a human connection that happens and friendships grow.
The grace that the majority of Livonia residents have given me is not something that is taught overnight, it is something that is the fabric of a community. So I wasn't surprised that this past Christmas when a Detroit mother of three little girls who lost everything in a fire a Livonia-based business stepped in to help.
The mother worked in Livonia and through word of mouth, someone found out about our work with Goodfellows in Westland. My team and I stepped in, but we fell short. The mom had bought two of her daughter's brand-new bikes, but they were destroyed in the fire. I took a shot and called Veronica from AlphaUSA. With no hesitation, she was on it and even bought a few more items for the girls.
This is how we show up for each other no matter what zip code we live in. Livonia keeps surprising me and I love that about the city. I tell everyone I can that Livonia shows up for people in need without all the hype. They do the work and it's done with all heart.
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Dave Veselenak
Marketing Coordinator
Schoolcraft College
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I was pretty adamant that I did not want to buy a house in Livonia when my wife and I were looking.
Growing up in Oakland County, I was comfortable there and wanted to stay on the north side of Eight Mile.
But fate led us to our home here in Livonia and since then, it's been nothing but great. Livonia has been a great place to raise our two children, who have known nothing but Livonia.
It's been a great experience living, working and having fun in Livonia all these years and I'm looking forward to many more!
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Drew Buatti
Youth Commissioner
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There are so many reasons why I love Livonia with the biggest reason why I love Livonia are opportunities for community involvement.
Because Livonia is a city full of opportunities there are a lot of involved and engaged citizens.
I love the fact that I am able to join with so many others in getting involved with so many different organizations with so many great people
Livonia has a spirit that is not matched anywhere else.
Simply put that is why I love the great city of Livonia
I look forward to my future in this great city that I am proud to call my home.
We all should say why it is that we love Livonia.
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Kathy Bilger
Livonia Historian
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A person once complained that I live in a cookie cutter city, all our houses look alike. She should have looked closer. I love the diversity of homes in our city, from the charm of Rosedale Gardens to large lot ranches.
Each neighborhood is unique in the look of the homes and the parks. Every neighborhood has its own special park. The post-war bungalows are my favorites, they are the homes of my childhood with the red brick, pretty porches and large trees.
Coventry Gardens has its winding streets that make it feel like the homes are in a park.
If you look close, you find some very old, historic homes nestled among the subdivision homes. Those old homes have a charm all their own that only a century of love and care brings.
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Brandon McCullough, President, Livonia City Council
I love Livonia because it's the perfect place for families! Kacie and I both grew up here and now we have the wonderful opportunity to raise our daughter, Harper, in the same beloved community.
With the best schools, outstanding service groups, top-notch public safety, and incredible hockey, Livonia truly stands out. I may be biased, but seeing the community come together over four years to raise over $50,000 for Breaking Barriers for Kids and Families is heartwarming. It truly shows how much our hometown cares.
Beyond these aspects, Livonia offers a vibrant and supportive environment, rich in traditions and community spirit. It's a place where neighbors look out for one another, and countless activities and events bring people together. From local festivals like Spree or the Good Old Fashioned Neighborhood Corn Roast to neighborhood gatherings, there's always something to celebrate.
Livonia's sense of unity and volunteerism makes it a special place. The friendly and generous residents continuously inspire me, as they tirelessly work to improve our amazing city every day. It's this giving spirit that truly defines Livonia, making it a place where lifelong connections are made and cherished.
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Kathy Ventittelli
The Bodyguard
Living in Livonia for the past eight years has shown me what a fantastic place it is to call home.
The city offers safety, stability, and a down-to-earth atmosphere. With its numerous trees, parks, affordable housing, excellent city services, and convenient access to freeways and shopping, Livonia has it all.
The community is vibrant and full of activities for residents of all ages—from sports and fitness to performing arts and senior programs.
What has impressed me the most is the way Livonians take care of each other. Whether it's individuals or members of community organizations, I've never seen more people willing to volunteer their time and energy to give back. When someone needs help, word spreads quickly, and soon, they receive a "helping hand" from their fellow residents.
To me, this giving spirit is what truly sets Livonia apart.
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Conrad Schwartz
Former Livonia City Councilman
I never thought about this question of "why?" before, but I was driving down my street the other day, returning from my trip to Kroger and CVS, and suddenly, I thought of Norman Rockwell, the artist whose many paintings reflected Middle America.
As I approached my house, my neighbor, a widow shoveling snow as she has done many times since her husband passed, waved at me. Another neighbor was walking back from the school bus pick-up location. She, too, waved at me.
I pulled into my driveway and suddenly there it was, the next cover of “Boys Life”, painted by Norman Rockwell, the magazine I read every month growing up.
Imagine, an easel, a canvas, and a painting of a simple street covered in snow, a bag of groceries, a school bus, and people waving to each other as they perform the most important of tasks - caring for others.
That’s why I love Livonia.
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Dan MacIver
Financial &
Portfolio Advisers
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I Love Livonia because it's been my hometown since birth. The schools and my experience as a small business owner have given me countless opportunities to give back to the community in ways I never imagined as a kid.
I love attending community events and seeing our leaders tirelessly work to improve our amazing city each and every day. The sense of togetherness and the spirit of volunteerism are truly inspiring.
Livonia is a place where neighbors become friends, and every corner of the city reflects the dedication and pride of its residents. From local festivals to charitable events, there's always something happening that brings people together.
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Cory Jacobson, Owner of The Phoenix Theatres
I LOVE Livonia because we have an active and dedicated citizenry embodying the spirit of community and engagement. For over 15 years, we have had the privilege of presenting the theatrical moviegoing experience to a dedicated and loyal audience, and it has been nothing short of remarkable.
In Livonia, the passion for the arts and culture is palpable. Residents not only attend events but actively participate and contribute to the vibrant cultural scene. From volunteer efforts to support local theaters to enthusiastic discussions about the latest films, the people of Livonia demonstrate a genuine love for the cinematic arts.
This dedication goes beyond just attending events; it's about creating lasting memories and experiences together. We've seen families bonding over their favorite movies, friends sharing the excitement of premieres, and individuals finding solace and inspiration within our theaters. The sense of belonging and camaraderie that our audience brings is truly heartwarming.
Livonia's commitment to the arts is evident in the countless ways our citizens support and uplift one another. Whether it's through community fundraisers, charity events, or simply sharing a kind word, the people of Livonia continuously show up for each other. This unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success and growth as a cultural hub.
As we look to the future, we are excited to continue this journey with our incredible Livonia family. With each passing year, we strive to enhance the moviegoing experience, introduce new and innovative programs, and foster an even deeper connection with our audience. Together, we will keep the arts thriving and ensure that Livonia remains a beacon of cultural excellence in Southeast Michigan.
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Alan Helmkamp
Livonia Attorney
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Livonia has been my cherished hometown since 1964 (except for a four-year stint in Ann Arbor), and it will remain so forever, with our family plots in Glen Eden Cemetery.
This city is a gem with its numerous parks and recreational amenities, outstanding school systems (I proudly graduated from Stevenson High School in 1970), solid housing that holds its value, relatively low property taxes, an effective city government, and a diversity of houses of worship.
Above all, what truly defines the quality of life in Livonia for me are the friendly and generous residents of our city with warmth and willingness to help one another make this place special.
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Carrie Budzinski
Livonia
Councilwoman
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As a proud LPS graduate one of the things I love best about Livonia is our schools - especially Niji-Iro Japanese Immersion School.
Dual-language public schools are rare and Japanese is even more unique, as there are only four in the country.
Njii offers my family a unique cultural experience that I know my boys will benefit from their entire lives.
The school is a gem. An amazing opportunity for Livonia families.
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Steve Alexander
President, Clement Circle
Homeowner Association
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Our vibrant community is full of opportunities to get involved and truly make a difference. When you volunteer regularly, you start to recognize familiar faces, and that’s when you realize you’re part of a passionate network dedicated to creating a stronger, more connected Livonia.
We know this is a big city with a small-town heart. With people who are very active.
But it’s the fact that people will stop what they are doing to help their neighbors, without question, that really makes Livonia be such a fantastic place to live.
Our neighbors, that is why I love Livonia.
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