FridayMusings February 7, 2025

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FridayMusings sharing Livonia happenings since 2003.

Friday, February 7, 2025

For 65 of Livonia's 75 years the Joyner family has called Livonia home

Exclusive Early Access---Paddington In Peru---Exclusive Early Access

Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 PM at the Livonia Phoenix Theatre

The original Paddington movie was a charmingly funny adaptation of the popular children's book series flawlessly delivering a film that equally delighted children and parents. It sure did this typewriter.

Paddington in Peru is set to run at the Livonia Phoenix Theatre starting February 14th. But to the delight of many theatregoers and thanks to the folks at the Phoenix we will have a chance to see the new movie Paddington in Peru this Saturday, February 8th at 1:00 PM. Can't wait a week for the roll out? See you Saturday.

Full of Paddington’s signature blend of wit, charm, and laugh-out-loud humor, Paddington in Peru finds the beloved, marmalade-loving bear lost in the jungle on an exciting, high-stakes adventure.

It is time for all of Livonia to get on board and support the visionary plan for Five Mile and Farmington. A transformative vision whose time has come.

With the new senior wellness center being built and with construction expected to be completed by the end of the year, our hometown is ready to move on toward the next step-- a mixed-use development site at Five and Farmington that leaders and residents have talked about for years.

Livonia's previous Mayors have moved our community forward in several ways--each had a vision with determined goals:

Harvey Moelke brought in first class department heads--Harry Tatigian--legal, Dan Andrew--planning, John Dufour--recreation. That was part of his legacy.

Ed McNamara brought in the implementation of open space--the purchase of Greenmead, the land swap to allow for preservation of the Wilson Barn, the Bicentennial Park. That was part of his legacy.

Bob Bennett became a strong advocate for resident engagement and the voter approval for a new central park library. That was part of his legacy.

Jack Kirksey took to the voters the construction of the Recreation Center. That was part of his legacy.

And now all the talk of a downtown Livonia is being set aside. Mayor Brosnan says that it is time for the action step. This typewriter agrees with her that we must move ahead and make it a become a reality. The plan is in place and the time for talk is over. This Mayor is going to get it done and with the support of residents, business leaders, and elected officials it will happen.

Finishing the senior center is the first of four phases she is working to create-- a walkable and bikeable community area that will include shopping, housing, dining, and office space along Five Mile and Farmington Roads.

In an interview with Channel Seven two weeks ago, Brosnan confirms that the city is "in the process right now of designing a City Hall. The next step will be getting the community to support a property tax millage to pay for demolishing the police station and creating a new one. That could be on the ballot this August. We’ve looked to our savings, we’ve looked to outside funding, now we do have to turn to residents and we do have to ask for their investment.”

Details of the millage proposal are being finalized and expected to be introduced in February. At that time the city will also share with residents the master plan concept for residents to review with a proposal set to be voted on.

This is an ambitious plan for sure, but one that to this typewriter is vital if we are to continue the progressive transformation that has for 75 years established Livonia as the Western Wayne County community others look to for leadership and positive change that defines quality of life, and that other communities look to simulate:

Phase One (2025) - New Livonia Senior Wellness Center northeast of Kirksey Recreation Center.

Phase Two (2026) - New City Hall east of current City Hall.

Phase Three (2028) - New police station, renovations to all fire stations, creation of a central gathering area/park.

Phase Four (2029) - New multi-family residential units, retail, and restaurants on the site of the southeast corner of Five Mile/Farmington Roads.

As Livonia moves throughout the year to celebrate our 75th Anniversary since we became a city there can be no greater goal than to have our hometown rally around these plans, give our full support, and realize that in 25 years when we celebrate Livonia 100, we will look back on this year with smiles and be happy with what we have set up for future generations. Generations that will see our children returning home to the community we helped build.

Thank you Mayor Brosnan for setting out this vision. I can't wait to see the community rally around the success when it is implemented.

Our Livonia Spree, an1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee, Continues to Give Back to the Livonia Community. Thank you. Look forward to the 2025 Spree Celebrating the 75th Anniversary since the Founding of the City of Livonia.

The Livonia Spree is committed to supporting local organizations that contribute to the community's growth and development. The Spree board and committee is delighted to announce they awarded in the previous year $30,131.02 to local community organizations:

Livonia Clarenceville Community BBQ, DO it for Denny, Livonia FRC Robotics

Rosedale Presbyterian Blessings Bags, Seedlings Braille Books for Children,

The Share Kindness Project, Livonia Hockey, Wilson Barn - Farmer’s Markets

Clarenceville High School Bowling Team, Botsford Elementary Agriculture Project

Livonia Cardio Drumming Project, Livonia Symphony Orchestra, Community Opportunity Center

Akenebashi Foundation - After school Japanese language program

Foster Closet of Western Wayne County, Livonia United Girls Hockey Team

Garfield Agriculture - Butterfly Garden, Livonia Lacrosse, Livonia Senior Center

Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers, Halfway Home Wildlife Rehab, Livonia Police Reserves

Stevenson, Churchill, Franklin and Clarenceville High Schools Senior All Night Parties

The Arc of NW Wayne, Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee House

Livonia is home to service clubs contributing

to the community while instilling a

foundation of volunteerism that helps

define hometown quality of life. Pick one. Join one.

Here are a few notable Livonia service clubs, plus one historical factoid, making an impact on our hometown. With apologies if a service club has been inadvertently left out:

83 Years--Livonia Rotary Noon Founded in 1942

1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee

This Rotary club is part of Rotary International and is dedicated to promoting peace, fighting disease, and supporting education and community development.

President: Laurie Pohutsky. Meetings: Senate Coney Island, Plymouth Road, Monday, 12:00

72 Years--Livonia Lions Club Founded in 1953

The club has been actively involved in serving the community, especially focusing on supporting the blind and visually impaired, the deaf and hard of hearing, and special needs children

President: Dave Zarek. Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7:00 PM.

72 Years--Livonia Jaycees Founded in 1953

1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee

A chapter of the United States Junior Chamber, the Livonia Jaycees focus on developing young leaders and contributing to community projects and charitable causes.

President: Amoreena Crawford. Meetings: Chamber of Commerce, 3rd Tuesday, 7:00 PM

51 Years since the recognition of service club importance--1974

R. William Joyner in 1973 joined the Livonia Optimist Club and in 1974 joined the Livonia Jaycees. Over the next five years, he became Executive Vice President of the Michigan Jaycees when the membership reached 20,000, traveling and speaking in one year at 180 chapters across Michigan, while also becoming Lt. Governor of Michigan District Optimist International. A promise he made to himself was to never forget the role our service clubs play in building community. Still kept today.

43 Years--Kiwanis Club of Livonia Founded in 1982

1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee

This volunteer organization has been serving the needs of children and young adults in Livonia since 1982. They create programs like a special needs bowling league, scholarships, and support for mental health initiatives.

President: Brian Weiss. Meeting location: Chamber of Commerce, 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 5:30

42 Years--Livonia Rotary AM Founded in 1983

1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame Inductee

The members of this Club have been actively involved in serving the community through various initiatives and projects, like Touch-a-Truck.

President: Dave Stechholz. Meetings: Livonia Senior Center, Wednesday, 7:30 AM

22 Years--Zonta Club of Northwest Wayne County Founded in 2003

This club is part of Zonta International, a worldwide service organization dedicated to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy.

President: Leigh Moroz. Meetings: Bennett Public Library, last Wednesday of month, 7:00 PM

Let's have a hometown civil discussion about DEI, without rancor and ad hominem attacks.

This meme has been circulating on social media and while it drew my attention I regret that I do not have the original sourcing. It puts in a graphic format better than any amount of words that I write.

One front-running candidate for Governor this week posted on social media that "DEI is an ideology with all the credibility of those who think the world is flat."

This typewriter is not a "flat earther." I see the benefits of a positive discussion that sets out the benefits, and yes, even includes the drawbacks of DEI. Any time. Anywhere.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are crucial for creating environments where everyone can succeed. They offer many benefits beyond just being the right thing to do, providing real advantages to organizations and communities.

Firstly, DEI encourages innovation and creativity. When people from different backgrounds work together, they bring unique perspectives and ideas. This variety of thoughts leads to more creative solutions and a wider range of ideas, which is essential in today's fast-changing world.

Secondly, DEI improves employee satisfaction and retention. When people feel valued and included, they are happier with their work and stay with the organization longer. This positive work environment builds loyalty and reduces turnover, saving the organization the costs of hiring and training new employees.

Moreover, DEI enhances decision-making and problem-solving. Diverse teams are better at understanding and meeting the needs of different customers, leading to better decisions and overall results for the organization.

DEI also strengthens an organization's reputation. Companies that prioritize DEI are often seen more favorably by customers, investors, and potential employees. This positive image can lead to increased customer loyalty, investment, and the ability to attract top talent.

Lastly, DEI contributes to social impact. By promoting a culture of equality and respect, DEI initiatives help create more inclusive communities. This social responsibility is important to consumers and employees who want to support organizations that align with their values.

In conclusion, DEI is not just a moral or ethical obligation; it is a strategic advantage that drives innovation, improves employee satisfaction, enhances decision-making, bolsters reputation, and contributes to social good. Embracing DEI is vital for any community striving for excellence and sustainability.

Join Madonna University for a discussion of, for and about women--February 27

Livonia 1835 to 1950: A Tale of Seven Villages

Marlene Katafias has pulled together a brief overview of how Livonia made the transition from a Township founded in 1835 to a city in 1950.

As we enter the second month of celebrating our Livonia 75 Musings wants to share with our readers a part of our hometown history realizing that The Present is the Past.

Part Three

The Village of Rough and Ready, later known as Stark, began in the 1840s and was located at the intersection of Plymouth and Stark Roads next to a “Toll Gate” for Plymouth Road. It most likely got its name from an inn and tavern nearby that David MacFarlane built; who’s hero happened to be Zachary Taylor, “Old Rough and Ready”. It was popular back then to have a mural of a well known person on a sign hanging at the front of public buildings, so that was the name given to the little community. The village boasted 2 blacksmith shops, a cooperage, and a cabinet shop. Union army recruits used the nearby fields for drill practice during the Civil War. Later on, the hotel was known as a station on the underground railroad.

When the Detroit, Lansing & Northern (D.L.& N) Railroad added its Detroit to Lansing line through Livonia in 1871, Livonia Station was built at the Stark Road crossing. As businesses left Rough and Ready to move closer to the railroad, the older community disappeared and the new community became known as Stark. By the turn of the century, it had a sawmill, a general store and a post office. Livonia agricultural products were shipped out of the Village of Stark.

The Village of Elm was originally Hamlet of Elmwood on Plymouth Road near Middlebelt, dating back to the 1840s and was relatively small. But the population continued to expand, and by 1858, the little Hamlet was allowed to have its own post office called Elm.

When the railroad came through in the 1870s, 2 train stations were built in the area, McKinney Station at the Merriman Road crossing and Elm Station at the Middlebelt Road crossing. The Elm Station area started growing and became the new Village of Elm, eventually overtaking and causing Elmwood to vanish. The village was actually located in the middle of the Wilson family farmlands. Ora Wilson, the founder of Wilson Dairy, was very involved in the community and in 1869 built Elm School on Middlebelt, south of the railroad tracks. It was considered the “ideal” schoolhouse and very advanced for its time.

The 7th and least known of the Villages was Gilt Edge located on Seven Mile near Gill Road. It was established in the 1890s and really began as a cheese factory in 1870, producing the “highest quality” cheese or “gilt edge” as it was called. Eventually that settlement grew enough to have a post office also. By the turn of the century, the little Village of Gilt Edge was still an active community and in 1901, the Governor of Michigan bought the cheese factory to add to his holdings. By World War I the Village of Gilt Edge faded into oblivion.

(On Friday we take a look at the rest of the Story)

Library is Calling creative folks

Ronald Reagan on reducing trade barriers

It is a local issue as well as national so we are sharing it

Reagan is widely regarded as a proponent of free trade, advocating for the reduction of trade barriers and promoting open markets.

Reagan's rhetoric emphasized the benefits of free trade, arguing that it leads to economic prosperity and peace among nations. He believed that protectionism, such as high tariffs, could lead to economic downturns and job losses, citing the Great Depression as an example of the negative impact of protectionist policies.

This five minute radio talk has Reagan addressing specifically the dangers of what this typewriter feels needs to be confronted by citizens today in response to the protectionist policies of this administration.

And yes, he relates it to the impact on local communities and workers--places like Livonia.

See you at the Library

February 7-9

February 16

Celebrating the LSO and the Felician Sisters

May 10 @ 4:00

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

Archive--Bill Joyner's FridayMusings