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FridayMusings sharing Livonia happenings since 2003.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
For 65 of Livonia's 75 years the Joyner family has called Livonia home
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You Gotta Love it When We Celebrate Women's History Month in Livonia
With a Confluence of Art and Contemporary Issues
Women’s History Month celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture, and society and has been observed each March in the United States since 1987.
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See you March 5th, 7:00 PM, at the Phoenix Theatre. | |
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Terry has recently published a memoir, Keeping The Dream Alive: My Quest For Peace and Justice, that tells her story of growing up as a Palestinian Catholic under Israeli occupation. She was born in Ramallah and lived under Israeli occupation until 1972, when as a teenager, she was sent to Detroit to live with her maternal grandparents who immigrated to the US in 1948.
She graduated from Franklin High School, '78. Was a Livonia Police Reserve Officer and as the saying goes "the rest is history."
For more than thirty years Terry held various leadership positions throughout southeast Michigan. She worked for more than fifteen years in the Wayne County government, where she rose to become an assistant county executive.
She also worked as the Director of Development at Madonna University and Vice President of Development at the Detroit Medical Center. She has broad experience in comprehensive fund development and has served on more than twenty national and local campaigns.
Terry has extensive volunteer experience in the United States and abroad. She is a former president of Habitat of Humanity in Detroit, and vice president of the YMCA in Livonia.
She has authored many Op-Eds for local and national publications and hiked Kilimanjaro in 2021 when she was 64 years old.
| Mayor Maureen Brosnan will introduce Terry Ahwal and the film. After the film Steve Spreitzer, Steve Alexander, and Representative Stephanie Young will lead a brief panel discussion with Terry. | |
A reservation is not necessary but it helps us with planning for the evening.
Drop a dime to FridayMusings if you would like to attend this kick-off to Women's History Month.
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Join us for a free exclusive showing of Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, on March 5, 7:00, at the Phoenix Theatre. That night meet Terry Ahwal, a former Assistant Wayne County Executive working with Executive Ed McNamara, one of the three women who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Pearlette, Tammy and Terry are Three (Extra)Ordinary Women of color who collectively have overcome poverty, abuse, systemic racism, and political occupation. The film will explore their life stories and how the parallels between the Palestinian occupation and Jim Crow in the United States have equally disenfranchised people of color. Braving their biggest physical obstacle yet – climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro– will show women can accomplish anything.
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The feature documentary and social impact film, Three (Extra)Ordinary Women, tells the story of three middle-aged women of color who were brought together through friendship and a desire to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! Taghrid (Terry), a Palestinian American, Tammy an African American, and Pearlette, an Afro Latina, are determined to push themselves to any extreme necessary to change the mainstream narrative by example—and prove that women can do anything they set their minds to.
Each woman endured childhood trauma and poverty which gave birth to a fierce resilience they’ve used to claim their power and place in creating social change. The spirit and tenacity of each woman will be used as a creative catalyst for transforming feelings of worthlessness and doubt into leading with confidence.
These women have dedicated their lives to breaking cycles of female disenfranchisement in the US and abroad. Climbing “Kili” presents a powerful metaphor for overcoming difficulties in life. By embracing their most authentic selves, in the dogged pursuit of their dreams and passions, the documentary will demonstrate how each woman is ‘cut from the same cloth’—the same cloth that all women weave into the essence of their being: The power to transform their lives and change their communities.
The three women model what is possible for others who have experienced trauma as they candidly share their pain and pathway to overcoming, giving back and creating social change as they reflect on, “What is my personal Kilimanjaro?” and “What is our Kilimanjaro?”–to spur inner reflection and community dialogue on overcoming challenging personal and gender and racial discrimination.
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Livonia Community Theatre Shines:
Uniting Talented Locals for a Magical Hometown Experience
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The Livonia Community Theatre, a dedicated non-profit organization, is committed to enriching the Livonia community through the magic of theatre. Their mission to provide quality arts entertainment and education shines through in every production, offering community members meaningful and creative experiences. The theatre’s performances highlight the incredible local talent, celebrating diversity, fostering collaboration, and promoting personal growth.
When arriving for this Saturday matinee, it was good to see a full house, including former Livonia residents who recently moved to Fox Run but still return to the community that offers such entertaining, hometown theatre productions. It was good to see you, Gail and Dave McKillop.
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This typewriter wasn't sure what to expect as a full house eagerly awaited the show. Paul Abbott, a Livonia resident and music teacher at Divine Child, set an impressive tone with his masterful keyboarding. As the ensemble took the stage, it quickly became clear that this Saturday afternoon at the theatre would be anything but ordinary.
Under the skilled direction and choreography of AnnaMaria Hart, who brings global stage experience to the table, the cast delivered an unforgettable performance. Her expert actor-blocking and precise movements complemented the pithy, humorous lines that elicited laughter, chuckles, and smiles throughout the audience.
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With twelve actors changing costumes seemingly every few minutes, it felt like experiencing five short stories set to music, all infused with vibrant energy. Between scenes, actors engaged the audience by requesting applause for the set changes. Actors used expressive facial gestures that invited the crowd to appreciate the shared joy between patrons and performers.
While it would be fitting to highlight a few standout characters and their remarkable portrayals, in this instance, I prefer to emphasize the ensemble's synergy. Each actor relied on their peers to convey
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the message, enhance the story and envelop the audience in good-natured humor. The cast worked together seamlessly, creating a truly immersive and delightful experience for everyone.
You can get your tickets here for The Musical of Musicals for this weekend's performances, February 28 and March 1.
You will not be disappointed.
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Livonia has many clubs and organizations making a difference within our borders and beyond.
The Michigan Woodworkers Guild has been making a difference for 54 years-- since 1981.
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Examples of wood toy cars
and trucks donated to Children's Hospital
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Contact info:
michiganwoodworkersguild.com
Ron Ross-Board member and chair of the toy/box program
rross1508@gmail.com
734-812-5531
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The Dynamic Story of the Michigan Woodworkers' Guild
Founded in 1981 by a group of passionate professional woodworkers and officially incorporated as a Michigan tax-exempt organization in 1982, the Michigan Woodworkers' Guild has been a cornerstone of craftsmanship and community spirit.
These experienced artisans believed in sharing their wealth of knowledge and sparking interest among those eager to hone their skills and express their creativity through woodworking.
Today, the guild boasts over 200 active members and runs the heartwarming annual Toys for Tots program for the Detroit Children’s Hospital. Just this past December, they delighted young patients with 478 handmade wooden toy cars and trucks and 30 plain boxes for decorating and storing belongings during their hospital stay.
Beyond this, they craft memory boxes from exotic woods, providing a touching keepsake for families when a child doesn’t return home.
Meeting on the second Sunday of every month (except July and December) at the Livonia Senior Center, the Michigan Woodworkers' Guild continues to nurture a thriving community.
And like many other groups, they host a lively membership picnic in August, celebrating their shared passion and commitment to making a difference.
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Livonia Leads the Charge:
Empowering Women in Leadership Across Our City and in Our Schools
Livonia continues to be at the forefront of electing women to leadership positions in both our city and schools. Women's leadership has made a profound difference, and we honor all their contributions and dedication.
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Women City Council Members Elected since 1950
Nettie Carey-1st Woman elected to Council 1950
Joan McCotter-1st Woman Council President
Maureen Miller Brosnan-1st Woman Mayor
Alice Gundersen
Laura M. Toy-currently on Council
Valda I. Vandersloot
Terry Marecki
Linda Dolan
Lynda Scheel-currently on Council
Susan Nash-currently Treasurer
Kathleen MacIntyre
Cathy White
Carrie Budzinski-currently on Council
Martha Ptashnik-currently on Council
Did not serve on the City Council:
Marie Clark- 1st Woman City Clerk
Elaine Tuttle- 1st Woman Treasurer
| Livonia extends heartfelt thanks to these outstanding women trailblazers on both the City Council and Board of Education, as well as those who have followed in their footsteps. | |
The Team Working for children in the Livonia Public Schools
Superintendent Andrea Oquist
School Trustee Karen Bradford
School Trustee Colleen Burton
School Trustee Madeline Acosta
School Trustee Liz Jarvis
School Trustee Crystal Frank
Livonia Public Schools 14,000 students
City of Livonia 92,185 residents (2023)
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Board of Education Trustees
Elected since 1950
Strelsa Schreiber-1st Woman Appointed
Geraldine Joyner-1st Woman Elected
Madeline Acosta-currently on School Board
Tammy Bonifield
Karen Bradford-currently on School Board
Colleen Burton-currently on School Board
Suzanne Clulow
Crystal Frank-currently on School Board
Kirsten Galka
Constance Hierta
Liz Jarvis-currently on School Board
Dianne Laura (Nay)
Patrice Mang
Terry Marecki
Cynthia Markarian
Eileen McDonnell
Joanne Morgan
Julie Robinson
Patricia Sari
Lynda Scheel
Carol Strom
Diane Tancill
Susan Thompson
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The Team Working for Livonia in Washington, Lansing, Wayne County and Livonia
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib
Senator Dayna Polehanki
Senator Mary Cavanagh
Representative Laurie Pohutsky
Representative Stephanie Young
Commissioner Terry Marecki
Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan
Clerk Lori Miller Treasurer Susan Nash
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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 | | | | |
