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FridayMusings providing Livonia happenings since 2003

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 

Community Theatre at its Best


Join your community for the riveting performance of "Ten November"!


On November 10, 1975, the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to a storm on Lake Superior, claiming the lives of 29 men. "Ten November," written by Steven Dietz with music and lyrics by Eric Peltoniemi, draws inspiration from Gordon Lightfoot's song "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." This docudrama offers a poignant exploration of the lingering mysteries surrounding the disaster.


Variety comments on Dietz's play: "Rather than confronting the question of fault directly, Dietz presents the tragedy as a prism, dispersing light through the perspectives of those involved—the captain, the crew, the widows, the owners. The interweaving of these narratives breathes unsettling life into what could have been mere dry facts."

Joe Johnston, Director, is thrilled to inaugurate LCT's new season with Steven Dietz's evocative play, Ten November. His recent directorial work includes LCT's Shakespeare in the Park rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and he is also a member of the Livonia Community Theatre’s Board of Directors.


Joe earned his bachelor's degree in theatre from Alma College and is skilled in repairing musical instruments at Cameron’s Music in Livonia. He extends profound gratitude to his family for their support of his theatrical pursuits.



Ten November opens November 1st and runs through November 10th.



Tickets available now at https://bit.ly/TenNovember.

Enjoy lunch for five with Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, or a dinner for two with Council President Brandon McCullough. Perhaps a lunch for two with the Typewriter and Bodyguard, accompanied by a feature in FridayMusings, is more to your liking. Historically, Mayor Brosnan has led the bids among these offerings, for three consecutive years. However, the Typewriter surpassed the Mayor last year, securing the highest bid at $250. The anticipation grows: who will secure the top spot this year and can we top the $600 raised by Brosnan, McCullough and Joyner.

You have the opportunity to bid on a variety of items: Zingerman's gift cards, a two-night stay at the Grand Hotel, or a tour of Granite City Brewery complete with appetizers, beer samples, and a refillable growler.


Join Seedlings in raising over $40,000 to distribute more than 4,000 braille books to children with vision loss! Starting November 7th, over 233 items will be available for bidding, with new additions arriving daily.

There comes a time when it is important to travel new pathways, carving out new directions, with someone who has given so much and deserves the happiness she has given others

The most recent four-day weekend was filled with personal activities, including a visit to Fox Run and catching up with Livonia expatriates Gail and Dave McKillop, who relocated from Livonia a year ago this week. 


For the bodyguard's birthday, we played bocce ball for the first time and toured Howell Alley, which was adorned with Halloween decorations.


This after a Fall Color tour, traveling NW on Grand River. On the way home the roadway was lined with police cars, and tents selling all kinds of Trump souvenirs as he was speaking in Novi.


We also managed to squeeze in time for a birthday cake, freshly baked and decorated at Heritage Bakery. And the Phoenix Theatre showing of Conclave. The review is shared below.


The birthday celebrations began with flu shots at our beloved local pharmacy, Ray's Drugs, and concluded with COVID shots, also administered at Ray's.


Deciding to enjoy a weekend free from computers and phones was challenging, especially as we had to miss the Culinary Extravaganza at Schoolcraft College, which Dawn Margretta invited us to. We also missed the Celebration of Life for Dennis Wright, organized by Eric Ladwig, the Livonia Symphony Orchestra's concert inaugurating their new season, courtesy of Charlie Mahoney, and the piano recital at Madonna University, to which Barbara Wiltsie had invited us.


The saying goes, "If you are too busy to enjoy quality time with your family, then you need to re-evaluate your priorities." Heeding this advice, we embraced the long weekend, foregoing the publication of Musings on Monday. It seems some noticed its absence. Nevertheless, we relished the personal time spent outdoors, embarking on new day trips, and rekindling longstanding friendships.

Last Call for You to Make Your Voice Heard by Taking the Livonia Community Survey



Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan seeks your feedback and ideas.


The City of Livonia has flourished because it prioritizes the community's needs, guided by the voices of its residents. Engaging with the people of Livonia to gather your opinions on city services, programs, and events is crucial for our continued success.


"I am pleased to present a new survey designed to gather residents' perspectives on the issues that are important to you. This brief survey will play a significant role in how we assess our efforts for our residents and businesses."


A large number of Livonia residents have already contributed to the survey, and now you have the opportunity to ensure your voice is heard as well.


Please visit the Livonia Community Survey page to share your input before it concludes on November 6.

"Conclave" establishes itself as a mature film from beginning to end, devoid of cartoons, car chases, or the acting missteps observed in "Joker." It is the film I've anticipated throughout the year.


Ralph Fiennes, portraying the dean of the College of Cardinals, delivers superb and resolute acting that is deserving of every award available at the end of the year.


He navigates the delicate balance between the traditionalist stance of Cardinal Tedesco, played by Sergio Castellitto, and the progressive approach of Cardinal Bellini, portrayed by Stanley Tucci, who resolutely refuses to revert to the church of old.


Conclave is likely to surprise some Catholic viewers, particularly with its twist ending. However, for others, it's a film to watch for the provocative nature of the script and the evolution of the characters.

After you vote head over and make it a point to donate blood


On Election Day, August 5th, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church is hosting its final blood drive of the year!


 Registration with this Link or by using the QR code on the left: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time


Important Reminders: Eat a hearty meal before your appointment and bring a photo ID to ensure a smooth donation process.


 Every drop of blood counts—

let's make them count together!

Every vote in our hometown counts---

let's make them count together!

Does money win an election? In the case of Livonia District Court Robin Persiconi v Jim Jolly we are 6 days until we find out.

Robin Persiconi candidate for District Judge


Robin Persiconi has raised $129,575 from 385 contributors while spending $118,428. The average contribution from her 385 supporters is $336.


Of the 385 contributions 115 are from Livonia representing 29% of her donations.


It is difficult to tell how the $129,575 is specifically being spent by Persiconi as $95,654 is being spent on one management firm from Novi, Impact Media Professionals, owned by Novi Councilman Dave Staudt.


Jim Jolly candidate for District Judge


Jim Jolly has raised $31,125 from 137 contributors while spending $30,125. The average contribution from his 137 supporters is $227.


Jolly's report lists specific expenditures instead of singular amounts being spent on a campaign management firm.


Of the 137 contributions 78 are from Livonia representing 56% of his donations.

A snapshot on the November 5th election.

Lets take a look, with 6 days until the November 5th election, how Livonia stands on the most talked about hometown campaigns: President, Congress, Schoolcraft College, District Court.


We are only including races that take it all of Livonia.


The only vote is the one you cast. The only poll that counts is the one after all the votes have been counted.

President

If the election was today which candidate for President would you vote for?
Kamala Harris
Donald Trump
None of the Above

Congress

Which candidate for Congress will you be voting for?
James Hooper
Rashida Tlaib
None of the Above

Schoolcraft College

Which candidate for Schoolcraft College will you be voting for?
Joan Gebhardt
Candice Little
None of the Above

Livonia District Court

Which candidate for Livonia District Court will you be voting for?
Jim Jolly
Robin Persiconi
None of the Above

Clerk Lori Miller announces extended Clerk Office Hours

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com


Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings

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.