FridayMusings sharing Livonia happenings since 2003.
Friday, January 31, 2025
For 65 of Livonia's 75 years the Joyner family has called Livonia home
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February is about to arrive and Musings starts the month off with a series of
Gotta Love Livonia themes designating Livonia 75 as The Present is the Past.
Livonia is made from a fabric woven of diverse leadership voices and open minds – Inviting Everyone to Engage in Our Collective Community.
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Livonia over our 75 years was woven from a fabric of diverse leadership voices and open minds means that our community thrives on the inclusion and collaboration of people from all walks of life. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where every voice is heard, we create a stronger, more resilient city. Inviting everyone to engage and participate ensures that our community remains vibrant and dynamic.
We believe that every resident has something valuable to contribute, whether it's through volunteering, sharing ideas, or participating in local events. This collective effort not only enhances the quality of life for all but also reinforces the sense of unity and belonging. In Livonia, we recognize that it is our diversity and willingness to listen and learn from one another that truly defines us.
By working together and supporting each other, we can continue to build a community that is inclusive, innovative, and welcoming to all. This town is collectively our town, and it is up to all of us to shape its future.
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Michigan in 1987 posted a First Day of Issue, first-class stamp at 22 cents and envelope to celebrate the founding of the State of Michigan
In 1987 Michigan celebrated the 150th Anniversary since the founding of the State of Michigan in 1837. Activities were held all across the State, in classrooms, public speeches, and parties.
One way that the State celebrated was to issue a January 25th First Day of Issue to Celebrate the Magic of Michigan.
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Jim McConnell, who at that time was involved in the 150 Celebration, just as he is active in pursuing the 75th Livonia Birthday this year, saved a handful of mint condition envelopes, with a Lansing postmark and first-class stamp.
McConnell has provided some to Friday Musings, of which we have seven left, and the first seven readers of Musings to drop a dime to the typewriter will receive one of these mint condition special first-day-of-issue envelopes and a Love Livonia bumper sticker free.
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Since 1956 the LHS has been preserving Livonia History
The LHS is looking for 75 new members in this the 75th Anniversary since the founding of Livonia. With the Present being the Past become a part: Link here for the membership form.
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Schoolcraft College Installs New Officers and Newly Elected Board Members
Continuing an Incredible Journey started in 1961
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I had the honor to join former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, and Wayne County Undersheriff Mike Jaafar in swearing in the three newly elected members of the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, Candy Little, Dillon Breen, and Angela Jaafar.
Immediately after the swearing-in, pictured below the Board elected new officials for the coming term. Board Chair Brett Gierak, Vice Chair Carol Strom, Secretary Dillon Breen, Treasurer Angela Jaafar.
Congratulations to the newly elected Trustees and also to the newly elected leaders for the upcoming term.
As this leadership team was elected and three Trustees were sworn in, I flashed back to the early cycle of Schoolcraft College leaders when several strong women helped guide the College through its first two decades while laying the groundwork for the success of what many consider the finest Community College in Michigan. Women like Jane Moehle of Plymouth City, a member of the founding Board of Trustees serving from 1961-1971, and Rosina Raymond of Livonia, serving from 1971-1989.
This string of dedicated women has continued throughout the history of the School and Wednesday night brought this past into the present as Brandy Johnson of the Michigan Community College Association was on hand to thank Carol Strom, former President of the Livonia Board of Education, for her 30 years as a Trustee on the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees.
First, with her tenure on the Livonia Board of Education followed by 30 years as a Schoolcraft Trustee, she has certainly bridged the past with the present, bringing the history, remembering the struggles of growth in the expansion of education beyond K-12 and into the future of K-14 and K-16.
Well done Carol Strom and well deserved. You have a solid Board of Trustees with three newly returning Trustees to once again benefit from your institutional knowledge.
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Dillon Breen sworn in
by former Michigan
Attorney General Mike Cox
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Candy Little sworn in
by former Wayne County Commissioner Bill Joyner
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Angela Jaafar sworn in
by Wayne County Undersheriff
and Husband, Mike Jaafar
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Schoolcraft College embarked on this incredible journey in 1961 | |
On October 24, 1961, the residents of the Livonia, Plymouth-Canton, Garden City, and Clarenceville school districts came together with a shared vision to establish a community college. Their aim was to create an environment that would foster intellectual growth and strengthen economic independence. In 1963, the Northville Public Schools joined this ambitious venture.
This picture taken at the first Board of Trustee Meeting, on November 11, 1961. As identified in the Schoolcraft College Digital Archive Collection: From L2R Front Row: Ward McCain (Board of Trustee from 1961-1962), Jane Moehle (Board of Trustee from 1961-1971), Harold Fischer (Board of Trustee from 1961-1969), Charles Kirkpatrick (Board of Trustee from 1961-1964). Standing: Unknown, Unknown, Paul Mutnick (Board of Trustee from 1961-1971), James O'Neil (Board of Trustee from 1961-1963), L. Clarke Oldenburg (Board of Trustee from 1961-1971)
Initially named Northwest Wayne Community College to honor the communities it served, the college was renamed Schoolcraft College in February 1963. The new name paid tribute to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, a 19th-century explorer, scholar, and Indian agent who played a significant role in Michigan's early development.
Construction of the original three buildings on the main campus in Livonia began in June 1963. By August 31, 1964, the doors opened to welcome the first group of students, marking the beginning of Schoolcraft College's journey in providing exceptional education and opportunities.
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Motor City Youth Theatre partners
with Natalie Deneweth, Troop 777,
for her Eagle Project
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A huge shout out to Natalie Deneweth, her Mom, Dad and Scout Troup 777.
Nancy Florkowski acknowledges the Motor City Youth Theatre was very fortunate to have Natalie select them for her Eagle Scout project. Under Natalie's directions and leadership, her crew re-sided the shed at the rear of the Theatre building and rebuilt the fence around the HVAC unit on a very cold weekend.
What an amazing transformation. Florkowski says "Thank you to all of the participants. MCYT is truly grateful for your hard work and dedication.
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The Brutalist with 10 Oscar Nominations showing at Livonia's original Art in the Park
deserves a Four Typewriter ranking
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Nestled in the plush comfort of the Phoenix Theatre's reclining, cushioned, and heated chairs, sipping on my sweet tea and indulging in the "bad to the bone" nachos, I found myself uncertain of what to expect. It had been years since I'd experienced a movie with an intermission, and one that ran 3.5 hours.
As the film unfolded, it felt like I was immersed in a captivating novel, with intricate themes weaving throughout the narrative, reminiscent of a Toni Morrison work, where personal and collective histories intertwine, examining how the past influences the present. Or a Margaret Atwood masterpiece, provoking deep thought and reflection.
One of the many aspects that make Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” so essential, and a must-watch despite its 3.5-hour runtime, is its resistance to easy categorization. The film seamlessly intertwines multiple storylines without explicitly highlighting any single one. It offers a profound commentary on capitalism, while also delving into stories of immigration, addiction, Zionism, and architecture. The audience is drawn into the characters' lives, with the film's themes subtly enveloping them. Throughout the movie, I felt as though I were reading a richly layered book.
Adrien Brody delivers an award-worthy performance as László Tóth. Both the film and Brody's portrayal are deserving of four Typewriters, making them strong contenders for best film and actor.
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Livonia Community Theatre looking for Volunteers
to assist at Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)
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It's that time again! The Livonia Community Theatre is preparing for its Winter production and is in need of volunteers to usher and work the front of the house for The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!). They'd love you to sign up and join the fun!
You would get to welcome patrons, hand out programs, work concessions, sell 50/50 tickets - it's a fun way to get involved in the show for free.
If you are interested, sign up for a spot before they fill up! For more details and to sign up to volunteer, click here.
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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 | | | | |