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FridayMusings since 2003
Monday, October 7, 2024
Helping define Livonia's
Quality of Life
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The 20th anniversary of the establishment of the 1835 Livonia City Hall Hall of Fame celebrates a new distinguished class of inductees. | |
The Livonia Rotary AM Club was well represented
Introduced by Jonathan Wennstromm
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David Parr
Introduced by Maureen Brosnan and Dale Jurcisin
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James and Annette McConnell
Introduced by Laura Toy
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Sister Nancy Jamroz
Introduced by Jim Jolly
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Paul Shepich
Introduced by Andrea Oquist
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Kathleen McCann
Introduced by Susan Nash
| Kathy Ventittelli sorting out proclamations from the Lansing legislature, Wayne County and City of Livonia. | And finally, thank you to Dr. Kate Mackie for the hospitality at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church. | |
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In these tumultuous times, when respect for impactful individuals is often overlooked, and our nation seems mired in mediocrity, it was heartening to see a full house honoring six people who have not only made a difference but also established the foundation for a hometown that fills us all with pride.
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Twenty years on from the inaugural Class of Inductees in 2005, the untold stories, undiscovered leaders, and shared heritage continue to astonish.
The 20th Induction Celebration welcomed many alumni who returned to honor some extraordinary individuals. Present were Sue Rosiek, Class of 2009, Bill Bresler, Class of 2013, Charlie Mahoney, Class of 2011, Peggy Gaskill, Class of 2017, Richard Gaskill, Class of 2016, Dave Spivey, Class of 2016, Steve King, Class of 2014, Alan Helmkamp, Class of 2015, James McCann, Class of 2023, Steve Spreitzer, Class of 2022, Bob Nash representing his father Robert Nash, Class of 2013, Richard McDowell, Class of 2010, Jonathan Wennstrom representing Livonia Rotary Noon Club, Class of 2012 and Laura Toy, Class of 2015.
Pete Ventura attended in honor of his late father, Peter Ventura, Class of 2006, and Lindsey Spence represented her late father, Robert Bennett, Class of 2005.
|  | The event was attended by numerous Livonia elected officials who came to show their support and congratulations. This included Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, Treasurer Susan Nash, Council President Brandon McCullough, and Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski, along with State Senator Dayna Polehanki, Judge Sean Cavanagh, Judge Mark McConnell from Westland, former Councilman Mike McGee, pictured below, former Councilman Dale Jurcisin, and Councilman Jim Jolly. | Hall of Fame: A Conduit for Community Engagement | |
The Hall of Fame is not only crucial for fostering community connections that contribute to the vitality of a hometown, but it also acts as a powerful messaging tool. It can realign a community with its fundamental values.
Through consistent formal recognition, the impact of embodying these values is showcased, enhancing the overall culture of the community.
The Hall of Fame, along with its Class of Inductees, fosters a collective vision that continuously develops. It offers a platform to honor those who have worked diligently and with passion for their community, as well as those who have achieved competitive success.
This method does not imply that selection is open to just anyone; rather, it suggests that we have elevated the standard for all.
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The pictures accompanying the 20th Anniversary of the 1835 Livonia City Hall
of Fame were provided by Bill Bresler,
Class of 2013.
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In a first for the Hall of Fame, it took two guests to announce one of the inductees. In this case, Mayor Maureen Brosnan and former Councilman Dale Jurcisin introduced long time friend Dave Parr. | |
In keeping the Hall of Fame tradition alive a representative accepts the class of inductees on behalf of the business community, Haitham Fakhouri, Bold Media. | |
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The evening is full of smiles and laughter as friends old and new meet up and exchange stories
and memories. In this case
Judge Kathleen McCann and
Sr. Nancy Jamroz
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51 years and my goodness how requests for service from residents has changed. From squirrels to deer. | |
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In 1973, Mayor McNamara summoned me to his office and handed me a piece of paper with an address on it. "A lady has a dead squirrel in her driveway. She wants us to pick it up and dispose of it."
So, I set off, found a shovel and a paper bag, and went about removing the dead squirrel from her front yard.
There were no deer, dogs, or cats—just a single deceased squirrel.
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In 2024, as the afternoon waned, Robb Drzewicki received a phone call. A woman requested his assistance to remove a deceased deer from her backyard. It was too late for GPI to provide aid, so Robb procured a tarp, proceeded to the residence, and relocated the deer to the front for collection the following day.
There were no squirrels, dogs, or cats involved; it was solely a single expired deer.
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Deer In Livonia: an update from and in the words of Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski
In September, the City Council held a Committee of the Whole Meeting as a follow-up to a June 19, 2023 meeting. Jared Duquette, a Human-Wildlife Interactions Specialist from the State of Michigan attended to answer Council questions about what options are available to our community.
Duquette and the State of Michigan help communities identify whether or not they have a deer problem and create a definition of the problem (e.g., an increase in car accidents, loss of vegetation, disturbances in neighborhoods) so that if a population management plan is pursued, the State can follow up with after-action to ensure that initial objectives were met.
A motion was made to request a report and recommendation from the administration regarding what goals would be for controlling the population, tools for measuring success, and associated costs. It was emphasized that this should be done promptly and not deferred for another year.
I know that there are a lot of opinions and feelings on this topic and I want to be clear about two things in particular. No one on the Council wants to be cruel to animals; however, we do want to responsibly address a problem countless residents have mentioned for many years. Also, it has been asked many times and affirmed that if there were to be a cull, the meat would be donated.
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Livonia Symphony Orchestra invites you to Bewitching Spirits Arise | |
The Livonia Symphony Orchestra's 2024-2025 Season is set to begin.
See highlights and
more details at livoniasymphony.org
Purchase Season Tickets for all four concerts for $100 or Individual Tickets at $30 each
Purchase tickets livoniasymphony.org/tickets,
or by calling 734-421-1111, or at the Bennett Civic Center Library
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., at Clarenceville High's Louis Schmidt Auditorium.
Costumes are encouraged.
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Livonia Democrats hosting a Livonia rally Thursday, October 10, 6:00 - 8:00
| Madonna University is proud to host a piano recital by International Steinway Artist James Jelasic on Sunday, October 27 at 3:00 p.m. in Kresge Hall. | |
Mr. Jelasic, a Fulbright Scholar and recording artist originally from Dearborn, MI, will be playing works by Chopin and Scriabin on Madonna’s newly refurbished Steinway B Grand Piano. For more information, see the attached flyer or visit www.madonna.edu/piano
Tickets are $20/person for guests 18 and older and $5/person for guests younger than 18. Please register and purchase your tickets here.
The Steinway B Grand Piano was refurbished last year through a generous grant from the Hardies Family Trust Fund of Livonia. The Livonia Community Foundation has also agreed to provide matching funds of $3,000 to help us host Mr. Jelasic. At this time, we are seeking additional donations to assist in reaching our goal of $3,000 to cover our artist's expenses. You can give online here. If you prefer to donate via check, please send to Madonna University, Suite 2001, 36600 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI 48150 and write "Music - Steinway Recital Fund" in the memo line.
To find out more about Mr. Jelasic, you can see his biography: https://watersedgerecords.com/artists.htm
We hope you will join us for this exciting performance!
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After 20 years Alan Helmkamp and Bill Joyner enjoyed a congratulatory hug. | |
Budzinski is talking Youth Safety
October 12
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Young is talking Childcare
October 14
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Livonia Police partner with Trinity Health
@ Nehasil Park
October 12
| Join the Rotary Clubs for an annual community spaghetti dinner October 23rd | |
On October 23rd, a Wednesday, the Livonia community will once again unite for a communal dinner. From 5:00 to 7:00 PM, friends, family, and neighbors, both familiar and new, will come together for an event that holds a special place in the community's heart.
The combined efforts of the Noon and AM Rotary Clubs will not only provide delicious spaghetti amidst an atmosphere of joy, but all proceeds will contribute to the global campaign to eradicate polio.
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Mail Address
19514 Bainbridge 48152
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Cell address
734-674-5871
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Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings | |
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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.
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