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Ramadan Mubarak to our Muslim friends

Ramadan Mubarak is an Arabic phrase that translates to "blessed Ramadan," a greeting used during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer that lasts for 30 days.

Ramadan refers to the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims observe fasting, engage in prayer, and reflect on their faith. It’s a sacred period focused on worship, self-discipline, and spiritual growth.

For those who might not be familiar with the religious holiday, here are some details:

When is Ramadan?: Ramadan begins at sundown on Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. The month-long fast concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan?: Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sundown. This practice helps them focus on what truly matters, increase self-discipline, renew their faith, and seek forgiveness. Each evening, the fast is broken with a prayer and a meal called iftar.

FridayMusings endorses and encourages support for

John Larkin for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge

John Larkin is a candidate running for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge. He brings extensive experience and a commitment to justice, impartiality, and fairness to his campaign. When taking a look at his background and seeing him across Livonia at many of our hometown events there are many reasons FridayMusings is endorsing John Larkin for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge.

This race should not be confused with the campaign for Livonia District Court in which Musings will later make an endorsement.

John Larkin is a lifelong resident of Wayne County. His core values of justice, fairness, and empathy were shaped during this time.

With 33 years of legal practice, John has focused on helping people during their most challenging times. Whether dealing with legal, financial, injury, or employment issues, he has been an advocate for those in need.

Beyond the legal realm, John has been an active contributor to the community. He has offered legal services at the Most Holy Trinity Legal Clinic for over 20 years and held leadership positions on the Livonia Bar Association. Additionally, he has volunteered at a myriad of organizations, including the Ark Food Bank, Trumbull Soup Kitchen, and Livonia Rotary.

John’s family fully supports his campaign. His wife, Soraya, is also an attorney, and their three children are pursuing legal and business careers.

In talking with John you can see in him his commitment to fairness: When elected as a judge, Musings believes that he will administer the law with fairness, justice, reason, and respect for everyone.

FridayMusings is endorsing and encouraging your support for John Larkin as a new Wayne County Circuit Court Judge in the primary election on August 6th.

Musings. . .random thoughts, or rather rambling thoughts

Monday morning musings. . .Friday took in Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips. So comfortable sitting in an old corner restaurant in Brightmore. I loved the food but was so disappointed in the continued deterioration of the once-vibrant neighborhood. The week before it was the new Archie's Tavern with the favorite fish & Chips. Welcome back Archie's. Next week off to St. Edith's. . . .

. . . .18 years ago a Pontiac Vibe came into the typewriter family. 18 years before that it was a Mercury Capri. So now after 36 years of owning only 2 cars, I took the plunge. I met up with salesman Jose Villarreal at Feldman Chevrolet-Livonia, driving home with my Equinox just in time for Spring. Jose tried to show me the entertainment center to no avail, still working on it. Heck, the last two cars the only decision I had to make was if I wanted a radio.

Thanks, Jose Villarreal, good working with you. . . .

. . . .this week was procedure number two in the last 6 months on my back at Henry Ford. That followed the spinal implant and three surgeries, also on the back. Not complaining, but it does limit me from getting to all the events at night I want to attend. Also, I have discovered several emails that I have not responded to asking for help. I answered them but then let them sit in the draft bin to review. My bad. Used this weekend to get caught up. . . . If you were one, accept my apologies. . . .

. . . .smiling at the new generation of unelected hometown volunteer leaders stepping up to the plate making us proud of our hometown. including but not limited to Dan MacIver, Veronica Cruz, Robb Drzewicki, Holli Kerkof, Sami McKay, Michelle Leigh, Emily Keith, Drew Buhati, Brian Weiss, Steve Alexander, and so many others. All initiating projects, following through. It's a bit overwhelming for this typewriter to keep up with. But it sure is fun watching these generational leaders grow while making an impact. . .

. . . .my new favorites to watch, are Carrie Budzinski and Martha Ptashnik. It used to be watching Karen Bradford and Crystal Frank at every event in town. If one showed up there was the other. Active, fun-loving elected officials. Now the fun is watching Carrie and Martha at so many events together. Active, fun-loving elected officials. One close to my political views, one not so much. One I endorsed. One I did not. Both are showcasing the role of elected officials that sets them apart. Following in the footsteps of the new paradigm of Brandon McCullough and Jim Jolly, engaging the community while taking advantage of what we have to offer. . .

. . .later. . . .Thanks for helping FridayMusings grow in service to our hometown. So many new subscribers. You make my day always while keeping me young enjoying the town that the Joyners have called home since December 1959, moving here from Decatur Georgia.

Rotary AM Club member Bob Carris reaches out to Cameroon. helping rebuild a Village destroyed in an attack by a neighboring village

Thanks to the Rotary AM Club for posting this spotlight on one of their members:

Bob Carris grew up in upstate New York where he attended the University of Buffalo. Bob was in ROTC and wanted to attend grad school studying hospital administration, but the Air Force also wanted him. It was decided he could complete his schooling since it was a field the Air Force needed. He graduated and then was assigned to Scott Air Force Base where he checked the credentials of incoming medical service people. It was there that he met his wife, Teri, when Bob made a signal to the secretary that he wanted to talk to Teri. The rest is history, as they say.

In 1977 the Carris's moved to Michigan where Bob oversaw an operating room. He noticed the surgeon having great difficulty putting in a stint for a heart patient. The stint would pull off so Bob showed the doctor a trick he used from auto repair by putting a little suture in the tube they could pull the tube through. Bob's procedure is still used today.

When Bob moved to Livonia he worked for Edward Jones for 5 years. It was the custom of Edward Jones that their employees go to service clubs and pass out literature. This gave Bob a broad overview of the service clubs in the area.

He joined the Rotary AM Club and served as president of the club 6 times.

Dr Stanley Ngeyi was also a member of our club with family in Cameroon. The two men formed a friendship in part due to their medical backgrounds. When Dr. Stanley's village in Cameroon was attacked by a neighboring village, buildings were destroyed. The police said there was nothing they could do but would build a police station there. If the village was attacked again it would be against the government. 

The village felt safe that it wasn't going to be attacked again. Dr. Stanley would travel back to his village to help rebuild. Bob traveled to Cameroon to help with the rebuilding of two schools and a maternity hospital. The villagers treated Bob so well that they named him the prince of the village. They even gave him a cow which he regifted back to the village.

Bob was able to obtain an ultrasound machine that he's trying to get back to Cameroon along with someone who can train the villagers on its use.

From Livonia and Rotarians with love. Gotta be proud.

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.