FridayMusings since 2003

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life

20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion

Improving DTE service and reliability in Livonia

What's Happening to address the needs of our Hometown?

Since Mayor Maureen Brosnan last year, wanting answers, called DTE management to City Hall after a power outage swept the entire state of Michigan DTE has been increasing their line of communications detailing what it is they are actually doing in Livonia.

There was a promise made by the utility company to increase work and effort on Livonia's electric reliability.

FridayMusings wrote at the time that as information becomes available from DTE we would share the progress being made. Here is the 3rd update provided to our readers from DTE:

Since last fall, DTE Energy has been engaged in advancing electric reliability work on several key circuits in Livonia.

They analyzed the data and chose eight circuits that had performed lower than their standards, setting a work plan in motion to make critical improvements on all these circuits to improve electric reliability for Livonia customers.

These focused areas serve a wide variety of customers in the city, from a circuit in and around the municipal complex, including city hall, first responders, and the heating/cooling centers, to circuits that are tied to many other local businesses and thousands of residential customers.

To date, all eight circuits have received upgrades and, in many cases, that work has been extensive.

Some system improvement work over dozens of miles on these circuits is already complete. These improvements always include a full circuit patrol by our Engineering and Operations team, along with replacement and equipment upgrades like power poles, pole top equipment, animal guards, and much more, as needed. There is more to come.

They have also engaged in targeted tree trimming in most areas and will have more maintenance tree trimming to come through the rest of 2024. Trees and their branches contacting our equipment account for half of the time customers spend without power. Trimming the trees away from electric equipment will have a positive impact on improving your overall electric reliability, especially during extreme weather events.

A perfect setting for a celebration of culture, love and entertainment brought to us by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra

Another Valentine Month opportunity to show love for Livonia-February 24

For 50 years the Livonia Symphony Orchestra has played a vital role in enriching our hometown while providing:

Cultural Enrichment: Orchestras contribute to the cultural fabric of our town. Their performances expose us to classical music, contemporary compositions, and diverse musical traditions. Through this exposure, we gain a deeper appreciation for the arts and the human spirit.
Shared Experience: Attending an orchestra concert is a communal experience. People from various backgrounds come together to listen, feel, and be moved by the music. It’s a moment of unity where individual differences fade, and everyone becomes part of something larger.
Exploration and Learning: Orchestras introduce audiences to different musical styles, historical contexts, and global influences. They provide a safe space for exploration, allowing listeners to learn about various cultures and traditions through music.
Inspiration and Aspiration: Musicians in an orchestra inspire others to reach for their own potential. Their dedication, virtuosity, and creativity encourage people to dream, strive, and believe in the boundless possibilities of human achievement.
Neutral Leadership: Orchestras serve as a voice of leadership without explicitly stating anything. They remain neutral, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Whether you’re a seasoned concertgoer or a first-time listener, the orchestra invites you to share in the beauty of music.
Safe Haven: Within the concert hall, people find solace and emotional connection. Personal memories, reflections, and contemplations occur while sharing the experience with fellow community members.
Youth Development: Orchestras nurture young talent through youth programs, providing opportunities for aspiring musicians to learn, perform, and grow. These programs instill discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong love for music.

Our Livonia Symphony Orchestra is more than just a group of musicians. It is a catalyst for creative energy, a bridge between cultures, and a beacon of inspiration to all living in our hometown.

What do you think of an addition to the Livonia art scene?

Mystery Movie Night at the Phoenix Theatre

I love going to the movies. It's one of my favorite past times. I always find something interesting or inspiring to watch, even when the world seems crazy. I like to arrive early, get some popcorn and iced tea, and relax with a good book before the show starts.

I remember the first movie I ever saw. It was Godzilla, in Decatur, Georgia, in 1954. They had a yo-yo contest before the movie, and I almost won it twice. The first movie I saw in Michigan was Around the World in 80 Days, at the Penn Theatre in Plymouth, in 1961.

I've seen some amazing movies over the years. I was at Lawrence of Arabia when we landed on the Moon, in 1969. I waited for 3 hours to see Star Wars at the Mai Kai, but the film broke near the end. They gave me a free pass to see it again, though.

With the Main Theatre in Royal Oak now an apartment building and the Maple Theatre in Birmingham shuttering their doors it might be time to set up Livonia as the go-to home for the cultural offerings of film.

That's why I'm excited about the idea of a Mystery Movie Night at the Phoenix Theatre. Cory Jacobson, the owner, is willing to let us choose a movie once a month, or maybe every two months, and watch it together. Then we can talk about it afterwards and share our thoughts and feelings.

What do you think? Would you like to join me for a Mystery Movie Night? If so, please take this poll below and let me know if you're interested. If you have any suggestions for movies that would be fun or meaningful to watch and discuss, please let me know. I'm open to any genre or style.

Local Cardiologist, Dr. Paul Nona, Discusses Prevention Strategies for Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Paul Nona, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. To promote Heart Health Month, Dr. Nona spoke with Friday Musings to discuss common heart ailments and strategies people can take to live longer, heart healthy lives.

Q: Why did you choose cardiology as your specialty, and why do you think it is important for everyone to have a cardiologist?

Dr. Nona: Cardiology combines a lot of my passions – particularly when it comes to the new medications, interventions and technology that are now available to us. Cardiology is also exciting because it allows me to work with patients of all ages.

And that last point goes into why having a cardiologist is so important – it affects a large portion of the human population, regardless of how old you are. The heart is one of the most vital organs in the human body and keeping it as healthy as possible for as long as possible is crucial.

Q: How do you help younger patients as opposed to older patients?

Dr. Nona: As you age, maintaining your health is harder to deal with, and the heart is no exception. That is why a lot of the work I do with patients in their 20s or 30s has to do with prevention. When I am meeting with a patient in that age range and they have concerns about their long-term heart health, we perform a risk assessment which includes looking at their cholesterol levels and compiling other data. After that, we will discuss treatment management, if applicable, and go from there to set them up with a success plan.

Q: What are some other ways to prevent heart disease?

Dr. Nona: If you're at risk for heart disease, making immediate lifestyle changes should be first on the to-do list. These changes include having a healthier diet and increasing your physical activity on a per week basis. Be sure to limit the amount of red meat, carbohydrates and processed foods you consume, and instead, eat more lean protein like chicken and fish, and incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Another big one is to avoid tobacco products, and to stop altogether if you use them already. Whether it’s cigarettes, vapes or something in between, these products have major negative implications for heart disease. In fact, 25 percent of deaths related to cardiovascular disease is directly related to smoking. Tobacco products are a huge detriment when it comes to one’s overall health, but especially their heart health.

Q: How big a role does family history play in one’s heart health?

Dr. Nona: It definitely plays a factor in someone potentially developing heart problems. I have a good number of patients that see me and discuss their concerns about a close relative’s heart issues, and how it can correlate to their own future health. With those patients, we perform tests to get a better understanding of their likelihood for having heart issues. One of the tests we do evaluates the amount of lipoprotein (a) in the patient’s blood, which are particles that distribute unhealthy cholesterol through your blood and into your cells. The more lipoprotein (a) they have, the greater chance they have at developing heart disease or suffering a stroke. We have other testing – such as imaging – readily available for our patients as well in the event they are needed.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like patients to know?

Dr. Nona: As I always say, it's easier to be proactive than reactive, because there are times when you can't even react until something catastrophic happens. Having a trustworthy cardiologist is essential to not just living a long life, but to living a healthy life as well. At Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, we are here for you every step of the way. From the initial consultation to wherever else your health journey takes you, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care possible for each one of our patients.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please visit ihacares.com/specialties/cardiology.

Check out the special, 2/14 Valentine's Issue, with 20 guest authors describing their love for Livonia.

Conrad Schwartz, Martha Ptashnik, Stephanie Young, Kellie Whitlock, Brian Weiss, Karen Bradford, Liz Jarvis,

Brandon McCullough, Delisha Upshaw, Carrie Budzinski, Michele Nixon, Steve Alexander, Kathy Ventittelli,

Laurie Pohutsky, Laura Toy, Sami McKay, Dan MacIver

Do you think a Mystery Movie Night would be of interest.

Would you think a Mystery Movie Night would be of interest?

Yes

Reader Opinions

On the cusp of celebrating Livonia City 75th Anniversary since being founded in 1950 who do you think is the best Mayor in 75 years?

Ed McNamara

1970-1986 28.6

Dennis Wright

2016-2019 16.7

Bob Bennett

1988-1995 16.7

Jack Kirksey

1996-2003 2008-2015 9.5

Jack Engebretson

2004-2007 7.1

Bob McCann

1986-1987 4.8

Jesse Ziegler

1950-1954 4.8

Bill Brashear

1956-1961 4.8

Harvey Moelke

1962-1970 4.8

Elbert Hartom

1955-1956 2.4

Will the Detroit Red Wings

make the Playoffs?

Yes 60.0

No 40.0

Will the Detroit Tigers make the Playoffs?

Yes 31.3

No 68.8

Another reason to visit the Bennett Civic Center Library this weekend

Madelyn Porter has been a professional actor for over 40 years. She has performed with the Michigan Opera Theatre Touring Company and is a drama instructor for the Michigan Opera Theatre’s Create and Perform and Youth Arts Alliance.

She has received numerous awards such as the 2019 Kresge Arts in Detroit-Literacy Award and Special Achievement Award for her portrayal of Sojourner Truth.

This typewriter was there at the Bennett Library when she portrayed Sojourner Truth and vowed that when she returned I would make it a point to be there again. It was so good, entertaining and historically captivating.

Currently she performs Historical Reenactments and Storyliving at the Detroit Historical Museum, The Henry Ford, and many others.

Join us in the Auditorium of the Bennett Civic Center Library.

Refreshments served afterwards in the Michigan Room.

City Hall Art Gallery Presents

Kathleen Woodhouse O'Connell

Did you know that Livonia has TWO locations to see great art?!?? On the first floor of Livonia City Hall, you can enjoy great works by local artists. The gallery changes every month. Make some time this month to come in and check it out!!

This month the Livonia City Hall Lobby will display works by local artist Kathleen Woodhouse O'Connell. O’Connell grew up in Detroit and Grosse Pointe. After living for a time on both the East and West coasts, she now lives and works in Dearborn. She started drawing and painting in early childhood and the habit continues. Kathy graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and took additional classes at the California College of Arts and Crafts. She then worked as a graphic designer and illustrator for many years. In her spare time, Kathy painted in watercolors, and colored pencil, and did commissioned paintings, including portraits of horses and pets.

She enjoys varying her subject matter and paints figuratively, animals, plein-air landscapes, still life, and the occasional horse or pet portrait. Kathy’s art has been juried into both local and national exhibitions and she has been the grateful recipient of many awards. Kathy is currently president of the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and is an active board member of the Artists’ Society of Dearborn.

To see more of her work check out Kathy’s website at: www.kwoconnell.com

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.