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Once again the community came together for a hometown spaghetti dinner sponsored by our Livonia Rotary Noon and AM Clubs.

This annual dinner finds Rotarians on site early in the morning preparing the room, organizing the kitchen, and making sure that all the right ingredients are being stirred into the spaghetti sauce.

By the time the doors opened at 5:00, all was ready for the 3rd Annual Community Spaghetti Dinner.

From the time this typewriter entered the hall with Kathy's sister Teri and brother-in-law Joe, the smiles were flowing, first with the Rotary Interact students greeting us as we parked our car and headed to the door. It was "Enjoy your spaghetti." And yes indeed we did. But first, we were greeted by Bob Carris, Bill Fried, Dave Stechholz, and Bill Friske. Smile. "Good to see you." "Thanks for coming."

Jonathan Wennstrom, President of the Noon Club, making sure you were greeted.

Greeted? Heck, he was the 10th greeting we got and we were only 40 feet into the room.

There was Dave Stecholz, Past President of the Rotary Noon Club serving up spaghetti. Mike Ladwig was at the salad table. And desserts. So much to eat. And I did. Three plates of spaghetti and two pieces of cake.

There was Jonathan Wennstrom and Robb Drzewicki leading the 150 folks enjoying the evening in a rendition of Happy Birthday to Nancy Darga, a polio survivor, former Nothville Councilperson and member of the Rotary AM Club, and Kathy Vententittelli, the Bodyguard.

It was a small town feel with a fun community gathering. Deanna Gaffney on the sauce patrol. School Trustee Tammy Bonnfield greeting everyone, working the crowd like a former Rotary President should.

Deanna gave me an update on her husband Ron, 180 days after his transplant, and 200 days left before he can be in public again. All the best. We are a small town and can always take the time to offer our best to those under the weather.

Past District 6400 Rotary Governors Paul and Traci Sincock. Livonia Mayor Maureen Brosnan, Councilfolks Brandon McCullough, Kathleen McIntyre, and Laura Toy, school trustee Madeline Acosta, City Clerk Susan Nash, City Treasurer Lynda Scheel. Candidates for Council Martha Ptashnik and Robb Drzewicki and candidate for Treasurer Andy Lendrum.

This typewriter is thinking that close to 200 enjoyed the evening. But it does not matter the number. What matters is that the community came together, young and old, to raise levels of consciousness on the fight to eradicate polio, and to celebrate a hometown with smiles and volunteer service.

And the Rotary Interact students were everywhere. What a great help, from the salad, to the desserts, to the welcoming, to the clearing of tables. They added so much.

There is so much to share but let me say thank you Rotary Clubs. If my mom was still alive she would be the first to stand tall and say how proud she was and is of the work done in Livonia by our service clubs.

In her absence let me say it loud and clear. Livonia is so proud of all that you do. This community gathering is a tradition that showcases our hometown in the best possible light.

Schoolcraft College is the home to one of Michigan’s newest brewpubs. 

Schoolcraft College recently opened The Craft Grille at Vistatech, a brand-new concept serving up beers created by students in the Brewing and Distillation Technology program. The Craft Grille at Vistatech is a dedicated space for the brewing students’ creations, serving up several beers on tap and a dedicated brewpub menu designed by the college’s Culinary Operations. 

The new brewpub operates separately from the American Harvest restaurant, which is run by the Culinary Arts Department. The Craft Grille’s new space is part of the $11 million Vistatech Center renovation that recently wrapped. The Brewing and Distillation Technology program at Schoolcraft College has existed since 2015. 

“We’re so excited to welcome our guests into The Craft Grille at Vistatech to fully experience the beers our students create,” said Tom Block, director of brewing and distillation technology. “This is a great opportunity for the public to come and check out the new space and find their new favorite hangout spot.”

The brewpub has eight beers on tap, all brews created by Schoolcraft College students. The grill also offers a range of pub fare, including appetizers, salads, burgers and more. For those who aren’t beer drinkers, the menu also includes a selection of wines, as well as several mocktails.

With its opening, The Craft Grille joins just a handful of other brewpubs run by institutions of higher education in Michigan. No reservations are required; guests are invited to drop in, place an order and relax at the bar or one of several tables. 

“The Craft Grille at Vistatech continues Schoolcraft College’s culinary excellence with another great offering to the community,” said Chef Heather Moore, a Culinary Arts faculty member. “We’re hoping beer enthusiasts and foodies alike discover our great options and make The Craft Grille their hangout for years to come.”

The Craft Grille is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, as well as 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information, including a menu, visit schoolcraft.edu/dining/the-craft-grille.

Holiday Craft Shows are set for November

47th Annual Arts and Crafts Show at Frost, $4.00 admission

Annual Clarenceville Holiday Craft Show, $2.00 admission

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.