|
FridayMusings sharing Livonia happenings since 2003.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
| |
| | |
|
You Gotta Love it when there is a community confluence of faith traditions joining together to enhance Livonia as a welcoming hometown
| |
|
Judaism
How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity. Psalm 133:1
This verse celebrates the beauty and goodness of unity among people, emphasizing that peaceful coexistence is something to be cherished.
| |
Christianity
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34-35
This teaching emphasizes the importance of love as the central principle of unity and peace among humanity.
| |
|
Sikhism
There is one God, and He is the same for all. He is in all and unites all. Guru Granth Sahib
This verse highlights the oneness of humanity, reflecting the core belief in unity through the divine presence in all beings.
| |
Islam
The believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers. Surah Al-Hujurat 49:10
This verse emphasizes the unity of believers, urging reconciliation and peace among people.
| |
|
Hinduism
Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and wisdom, and also compassion, truth, and unity—all of these are qualities of those who possess divinity. Bhagavad Gita 16:3
This verse lists qualities that promote peace, unity, and harmony, with a focus on compassion and truth.
| |
|
For over a decade, FridayMusings has championed a Day of Unity, bringing together our hometown faith traditions in a program that fosters prayer and togetherness—Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, and all who recognize Livonia as a welcoming community.
Over the past three months, representatives of hometown faith groups have come together to move forward with a Day of Unity---a Day of Prayer celebrating Livonia's inclusiveness for all faiths and ethnicities.
| |
|
The committee representing a cross-section of faiths represented in our city also recognizes those who are seeking to be spiritually or philosophically whole outside of established religions, which could include Native Americans, Skeptics, Agnostics, Humanists, or Atheists, all of whom can be found in our hometown.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 1st, and join your neighbors at the beautiful Madonna University Welcome Center, pictured here, to share this special time with faith leaders, friends, and neighbors. Arrive anytime between 6:00 and 7:00 to explore displays from six to eight faiths practiced in Livonia. Then, at 7:00, join in for a joyous celebration of prayer and unity represented by each faith tradition practiced in Livonia.
| |
|
Expect scripture readings from several faith leaders and musical interludes showcasing the beautiful sounds of multiple faiths. It's all about showcasing Livonia as a welcoming community that embraces and accepts everyone who calls it home.
Tickets for the Day of Prayer/Unity are only $10 and will include beverages and desserts after the program. Arrangements are being made to include other light fares perhaps. Watch these pages of Musings for ticket information and more details regarding the program and where and how to purchase tickets.
| |
|
May 1st. 6:00: Sharing conversation. 7:00: Sharing prayer.
Madonna University Welcome Center.
In our 75th Year Livonia continues moving forward while
working to bring neighbors together.
| |
Madison Bjertness Named Housing Commission Exec. Director | |
|
Following the approval by the board of the Livonia Housing Commission, Madison Bjertness was appointed Executive Director of the Livonia Housing Commission. The appointment became effective Feb. 3, 2025.
Bjertness moves up from the role of Deputy Director, a role she has filled since July of 2024. She has worked for the Housing Commission since 2021, serving in a variety of roles, including Community Development Block Grant Administrator and Division Director.
Bjertness replaces Jim Inglis, who has filled in as Director since June of 2023, reprising the leadership role he filled from 1977-2019.
“Madison has quickly proven her qualifications for this leadership role,” said Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan. “She is well-organized, a fast learner and she brings a passion for helping deliver services to our community, especially through the various ways the Housing team serves people in need.”
The Livonia Housing Commission provides housing and community development assistance, serving low- and moderate-income families. The department also administers the housing voucher program; senior housing at Silver Village and Newburgh Village; public housing at McNamara Towers; and support services for low income, homeless, foreclosure prevention and emergency food assistance; and Liv&Go, a transportation service for Livonia residents. The Housing commission has 18 full-time and 18 part-time employees.
A Livonia native and Stevenson High School graduate, Bjertness earned a degree in political science and criminal justice from Wayne State University.
“The Livonia Housing Commission serves thousands of people every year through its broad range of programs, including affordable housing for seniors, food assistance, public transit, and community development initiatives,” Bjertness said. “I am so proud of our dedicated and hardworking team, and I look forward to building on our legacy of service to this great community.”
| |
Jim Inglis: 50 years working for the residents of Livonia. Retiring with a national reputation supporting vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for all.
Inglis will remain as a contract employee to shepherd three important projects for the Housing Commission – the sale of scattered site housing owned by the Commission; construction of affordable senior living apartments on the Felician Sisters campus called Villa St. Clare; and the construction of the new Newburgh Village II senior apartments.
“Jim helped establish the Housing Commission from the ground-up,” Mayor Brosnan said. “He is a national expert and his leadership role in these significant initiatives will be critical for the future of our community.”
James (Jim) Inglis was the Executive Director of the Livonia Housing Commission, LHC (Michigan) from 1977 to 2019. As the executive director, Mr. Inglis served 1,500 families and has an annual operating budget of over $11 million. Prior to his tenure at the Housing Commission, Mr. Inglis was an Administrative Assistant to the Mayor of the City of Livonia (1975), following the former Assistant R. William Joyner, and the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Livonia (1976-1977).
Jim served as the National President of NAHRO from 2003-2005, President of North Central Regional Council of NAHRO from 1989-1991, and as the President of the Michigan Chapter of NAHRO from 1985-1987. He has prepared and presented testimony before the U.S. Congress and non-profit organizations. He is also a NAHRO Certified Management Executive and a NAHRO Fellow.
Mr. Inglis holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Ferris State University and a Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University.
| |
|
Livonia continues to provide leadership that goes beyond our hometown borders, from Mayor Brosnan at the Conference of Western Wayne to Skip Nairne at the DTW Freedom Center. Livonia reaching out.
| |
|
On Friday, Jan. 10, Mayor Brosnan was sworn in as the Chairperson of the Conference of Western Wayne Representing 700,000 residents and 100,000 businesses across 18 communities in Western Wayne County.
CWW plays a crucial role in addressing important local issues like legislation, transportation, public safety, substance abuse prevention, and economic development.
Mayor Brosnan’s leadership will ensure that Livonia and its residents are strongly represented in these vital conversations.
| |
|
Those in Livonia who see Skip Nairne regularly volunteering at Meals on Wheels may also know he spends many hours each week at the Metropolitan Airport assisting the Freedom Center.
Last week, after 12 years, the Freedom Center honored its one-millionth guest.
Thanks, Skip for your help in greeting our service men and women traveling through the airport, providing them a place to sit, relax, and have a cup of coffee.
| | |
|
SPN Survivors 3rd Annual Movin' with Moose Fundraiser set for March 1st
Livonia--join in strengthening mental health while working to prevent suicide
| |
Movin’ with Moose is the 3rd Annual Winter event that promotes movement as a healthy coping skill while raising funds to support the outreach efforts of SPN Survivors.
Did you know? It only takes 10-15 minutes each day to improve your mood and overall health with movement! Karla Truxall invites you to join her in strengthening mental health and preventing suicide, March 1st - March 31st!
Whether you are a casual walker, avid runner, swimmer, or roll-on wheels of any kind, YOU can make a difference in the mental health of yourself and others near and far.
So let’s get Movin' with Moose and ‘Build a Healthy You’!
Join Karla Truxall founder of SPN Survivors on Saturday, March 1st to kick off their 3rd Annual Movin’ with Moose Fundraiser and walk your first mile(s) with them. One lap around the inside of the mall is approx .92 miles.
The event runs from 10:00 to noon at Laurel Park Place Mall, with meet-up and registration at the Food Court Fireplace. There will be a check in table where you can register and join a walking team.
| |
|
Mail Address
19514 Bainbridge 48152
| |
|
|
Cell address
734-674-5871
| |
Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings | | | | |
