FridayMusings since 2003

Friday, February 9, 2024 Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life

20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion

Mayor Brosnan networking with Japanese Consul General Shindo

This past weekend Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan was honored to be a guest of Japanese Consul General Shindo at his home where he and his wife hosted a delightful Scallops & Sake tasting.

Livonia as we entered the third decade of this century, 2020, was home to 32 Japanese facilities with 383 employees, ranking third in southeast Michigan for the number of Japanese companies calling Livonia home.

Michigan and southeast Michigan is home to significant Japanese industries, so much so that 4 months ago Governor Gretchen Whitmer embarked on a seven-day investment mission in Japan. During the trip, the governor focused on securing investments in key industries like mobility, automotive, and advanced manufacturing that she hopes will create good-paying jobs and bring critical supply chains back home to Michigan. This was the first business trip made by a Michigan governor to Japan since 2017.

Brosnan did not travel to Japan but she took advantage of some local networking.

Hardies Family Trust is Reaching out in support of Art and Culture with a $15,000 donation to Friends of Livonia Arts

The Livonia community is lucky to have the support of the Hardies Family Trust, which has been giving generously to various organizations that make a positive impact. Musings reported that the HFT has given about a million bucks in the last three years. How awesome is that?

One of the latest recipients of the HFT's kindness is the Friends of Livonia Arts, a group that brings together different arts and culture organizations in Livonia. They got a check for $15,000 from the HFT. Way to go!

The president of FOLA is Michelle Nixon, pictured here with Dan MacIver, representing HFT. FOLA is where art lovers can network, promote their events, get support, and collaborate on cool projects. If you're into the arts, you should definitely join them!

You only have one more day to get your raffle ticket!

Proceeds benefit the Livonia First Responder Foundation!

You only have one more day to get your raffle ticket! Proceeds benefit the Livonia First Responder Foundation!

Have you ever dreamed of owning your very own golf cart? Here is your chance. Tickets are only $20. You can purchase raffle tickets at:

- Livonia Fire & Rescue Station #1 - 14910 Farmington Road

- Livonia Police Department - 15050 Farmington Road

- City of Livonia Treasurer's Office - 33000 Civic Center Drive

- Livonia Chamber of Commerce - 33300 Five Mile Road, Suite 212

- Kirksey Recreation Center - 15100 Hubbard

- Roush Museum - 11851 Market Street

The drawing will be held on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. at Livonia Fire & Rescue Station #3, 35000 Seven Mile Road.

Livonia Fine Arts Gallery Presents - The Detroit Camera Club

Come and see the world through the eyes of the Detroit Camera Club throughout the month of February.

The Livonia Arts Commission is delighted to host an exhibition featuring the amazing work of the Detroit Camera Club members. For the whole month of February, you can visit the Fine Arts Gallery at the Bennett Civic Center Library and enjoy a variety of stunning photographs.

What you'll see: Gorgeous scenery and urban views: Experience the beauty of Michigan and beyond with breathtaking nature shots and city adventures. Creative angles and stories: Find new ways of looking at everyday moments as photographers play with themes and narratives through their lenses. A range of techniques: From classic film photography to modern digital editing, admire the skill and artistry of the club members.

This event is great for: Photography fans of all levels; Art lovers looking for inspiration; Anyone who wants to explore the world from a different perspective.

Livonia Moose 1317 leads the way in supporting the Michigan Special Olympics raising over $8,000 at the Polar Plunge. Brrrr!

Steve Alexander, who took part in the Polar Plunge, shares the good news that the Livonia Moose Club had a cold morning at the Polar Plunge in Fenton.

"Thrilled to be part of the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan at the 2024 Fenton Polar Plunge!! Our group from Livonia Moose 1317 won 'most money raised by a community team!'

"Last year we met our goal of $5000, this year we shattered our goal of $8000. The Fenton campaign goal was $90,000 but brought in over $150,000.

"This campaign result is enough to fund our Michigan area of Special Olympics for 2024!

"THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this possible!"

Musings will keep you informed as to how students can reach out for recently announced scholarships

Community Financial Credit Union to award

a total of 18 scholarships

For more information check in here

Lions Club offers scholarships for

Livonia and Redford students

The link for the LivoniaLions.org is not live yet so keep it bookmarked for when it is

Livonia/Westland Chamber offers scholarships to Wayne, Westland

and Livonia students

Seedlings shares that the American Foundation for the Blind offers scholarships for those with vision loss

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in partnership with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), provides financial support each year to students who have vision loss. There are multiple scholarship opportunities available to college and graduate school students attending a post-secondary educational institution.

The application deadline is February 14, 2024.

Click to learn more: https://shorturl.at/uxQSW

Bentley Historic Marker receives Lansing approval

The Michigan Historic Commission meeting on Thursday, February 8th, approved the Bentley High School Marker. Making the presentation to the Commission was Jim McConnell, President of the Livonia Historic Society, and Steve Spreitzer, a member of the writing team that provided research and wording for the submission.

The marker, paid for with funding provided by Livonia residents and coordinated by the Livonia Historic Society, now will be submitted for production with expected arrival in Livonia this August.

The tentative date for the dedication is September 15th. Details to follow.

Watch or listen to Debra Bonde, founder of Seedlings, as she promotes National Braille Literacy Month on The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Reader Opinions

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

Yes 80.6 %

No 19.4 %

This information has been provided to Cory Jacobson, owner of the Phoenix Theatre, and a meeting will be held soon to discuss what happens next and what needs to be done to start a Mystery Movie Night in Livonia.

Another reason to visit the Bennett Civic Center Library this weekend

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.

A perfect setting for a celebration of culture, love and entertainment

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

Concert sponsored by:

Hardies Family Trust

Livonia Town Hall

Check out the special, 2/14 Valentine's Issue, with 20 guest authors describing their love for Livonia. The most read and circulated Musings of the Year.

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

Joe Johnston, Laura Toy,

Brandon McCullough,

Delisha Upshaw, Carrie Budzinski,

Michele Nixon, Steve Alexander, Kathy Ventittelli, Laurie Pohutsky, Sami McKay, Dan MacIver

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

[email protected]

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.

Commissioners Terry Marecki and Glenn Anderson file for re-election

"I stopped by the Wayne County Clerk’s Election Division today to file my affidavit of identity to get my name on this year’s ballot.

It has been such an honor to represent the citizens of District 9 on the county commission for the last five terms, and I look forward to continuing to be the voice for the people of Livonia, Northville Twp, Northville City, and Plymouth Twp for another term."

"On Thursday I filed the affidavit of identity with the Wayne County Clerk for election to another term on the Wayne County Commission.

"I’m deeply appreciative of the support I’ve received from the citizens over the years. I look forward to continue being the voice of our residents on the commission."

Senator Cavanagh speaks out for intgegrity and transparency in Michigan elections

Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp. Livonia, Detroit, Farmington) introduced a bill to combat election disinformation, Senate Bill 707. This legislation will amend the Michigan election law to prohibit false statements or misrepresentations concerning elections, considering these actions as offenses. Any individual in violation of this law would have to pay a civil fine of not more than $1,000, and entities employing individuals in violation for election purposes would be subject to a civil fine of not more than $10,000.

“As a lawmaker and a citizen, I firmly believe we must honor our state’s electoral process as it stands while ensuring integrity and transparency are upheld at all times,” said Sen. Cavanagh, lead sponsor of the bill.

“In recent years, we have witnessed targeted disinformation campaigns with the intent of impeding individuals’ vote. In 2023, the Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments on a case in which bad actors used robocalls to disinform and intimidate voters to dissuade them from voting. It is critical that there are protections in place to ensure all Michiganders are heard and seen at the ballot box.

"As a previous election volunteer, I witnessed firsthand the effects of disinformation and statements intended to drive people away from the polls. This important policy is a step in the right direction — sending a clear message to Michiganders everywhere that the Legislature is committed to maintaining a fair and honest democratic process.”