View as Webpage

Livonia since 1950 has been made from a fabric woven of diverse leadership voices and open minds – Inviting Everyone to Engage in Our Collective Community.

Gotta love and appreciate it when your hometown childhood memories

come flooding back in a positive way, bringing a smile from ear to ear

Bill Joyner

Resilience and spirit sets Livonia apart

On Valentine Day Musings will bring our readers a special Love Livonia edition with 16 expressions including a special message from Mayor Brosnan, Council President McCullough, and Congresswoman Tlaib, answering the question, "Why Love Livonia."

Today I offer my own reasons for Loving Livonia.

My hometown, where I received my elementary, middle, and high school education, has played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Livonia blends traditional values with modern progress. Through the guidance of my parents, church, schools, and neighborhood, I learned the importance of unity, respect for diversity, and hard work.

Though I spent 10 years of schooling in Decatur, Georgia, and living 25 years in Plymouth, Livonia's resilience and spirit have continually inspired me for over 40 of my 75 years.

There are many reasons to love Livonia. It is where I grew up and enjoyed numerous recreational opportunities—from football to baseball to basketball. From earning my Eagle Scout rank to being one of eight Americans representing the United States in Venezuela at a hemispheric gathering over one high school summer, Livonia has been a foundation for many cherished experiences.

I know the streets, the people, and the culture. Livonia holds a wealth of powerful memories for me, and not a day goes by without feeling some connection to this special place.

Everyone who wishes to be part of our hometown community can find a place here. This sense of community is vital, making us feel connected and valued. With our local traditions, restaurants, music, art, and culture, countless opportunities are just a step away. Simply open the door, step off the porch, and you'll discover the unique experiences that define the town we proudly call home.

All of these are a source of pride and help with that sense of connectedness.

Gotta Love and appreciate it when public service is actually service to the public

Carol Strom, an 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee, and former President of the Livonia Board of Education, was honored for her 30 years of service as a Schoolcraft College Trustee

Last week, at the Schoolcraft College board meeting, MCCA President Brandy Johnson honored Trustee Carol Strom for her incredible 30 years of service. She was celebrated for her unwavering dedication to higher education and received a signed tribute from Governor Whitmer.



Trustee Strom, your commitment to the students and community has been nothing short of remarkable. From your impactful work on the Livonia School Board to your distinguished tenure at Schoolcraft College, you've set a standard of excellence for others to follow. Your dedication and service have paved the way for a brighter future, and we all owe you a debt of gratitude.

Gotta Love and Appreciate it when Art defines quality of life

Again our art community is making a difference. Visit the Bennett Civic Center Library Fine Art Gallery, 2nd Floor in February. Then get your tickets for our hometown Livonia Community Theatre Musical of Musicals. The Musical.

Don't miss the art exhibition featuring the "Artwork of Anne Pritchard" at the Livonia Civic Center Library this February! I visited on Monday and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Anne Pritchard's paintings, from her early 20s into her 80s.

With over 80 pieces spanning seven decades, this exhibition highlights the incredible talent of a local artist and founding member of the Livonia Arts Commission. I'm sharing three of her works here, but there were so many more to admire and enjoy especially if you pay attention to the year each was painted--seeing her growth a an artist.

Livonia Community Theatre presents The Musical of Musicals: The Musical, a lovingly hilarious send-up of your favorite classic musical styles. 

Dress rehearsals showcase preparation for five performances over 2 weekends.

Our Livonia Community Theatre is proud to present The Musical of Musicals: The Musical! as the second production of its 2024-2025 season performed at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church, located at 9601 Hubbard Street. General admission tickets are $15, and available for purchase today at bit.ly/MusicalOfMusicals or of course, cash is accepted at the door.  

This typewriter and bodyguard have our tickets and are looking forward to another homegrown, hometown, home talent production. Saturday matinee. Can't wait.

Directed and choreographed by AnnaMaria Hart and produced by Kelly Boczek-Petrie, pictured left, the production will run for five performances the last two weekends in February: Fridays and Saturdays, February 21st, 22nd, 28th, and March 1st at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, February 21st, at 2:00 pm. 

In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five delightful mini-musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form. You’ll hear hints (broad hints!) of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Jerry Herman.

Corn! is set in the style of the musicals of Rodgers & Hammerstein, featuring parodies of and references to Oklahoma!, Carousel, The Sound of Music, The King and I, Cinderella, Flower Drum Song, and South Pacific. 

A Little Complex is based upon the musicals of Stephen Sondheim, including Into the Woods, Company, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park with George.

Dear Abby parodies the work of Jerry Herman, especially Mame, Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles. 

Aspects of Junita plays upon the work of Andrew Lloyd Webber, including The Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Speakeasy reflects the work of Kander and Ebb, chiefly Chicago, Cabaret, and Liza with a Z. 

Director and choreographer AnnaMaria Hart, pictured here, says that "The Musical of Musicals: The Musical! is a delightful and energetic celebration of musical theater. Each scene gives us a chance to dive into a different musical world while blending both tribute and playful parodies of the iconic styles of legendary creators. 

"It’s an amusing exploration of musical theater history wrapped up in catchy tunes, clever writing, and plenty of laughs!"

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings