September 6, 2019 
The Source for Livonia News and Opinions   
Musings masthead website

Brosnan now endorsed by all Livonia first responder associations 
Firefighters and police also endorsed Donovic, McCullough, McIntyre for City Council. 
Karen Smith and Maureen Brosnan The race for Mayor

Maureen Miller Brosnan made it a clean sweep of the Livonia first responders with  her endorsement Wednesday by the Livonia Firefighters. Previously, in the August Primary, the Livonia Police Officers Association and the Police Officers Association of Michigan had endorsed Brosnan.

In making the endorsement Nathan Lee, President of the Firefighters Local 1164 wrote. "On behalf of the Livonia Professional Fire Fighters Union, IAFF Local #1164, I take great pleasure in announcing our endorsement of your 2019 political campaign for Mayor. Y ou have a proven history of being a reliable and trusted leader when it comes to Livonia's public safety. We thank you for your dedication to the men and woman of the Livonia Fire Department, who have made it their lives work to protect the lives and property of our great citizens. We know you will continue to serve the citizens of Livonia honorably as our Mayor." 


The race for City Council

Rob Donovic, Kathleen McIntyre and Brandon McCullough have received the endorsement of both the Livonia Police Officers Associaton and the Livonia Firefighters. 

Donovic responded to the endorsement by saying that he "knows how important of a job it is to be a first responder and how hard our men and women at both departments work. These folks go to work, everyday, ready to protect our city knowing that they may never make it back home because they love Livonia and have dedicated their lives to the safety of our city."

McCullough responded to the endorsement with " Having the trust and support of our brave Women and Men that protect our city means the world.  I have always been a huge advocate for our Police and Fire and will prove that in a leadership role on City Council.  Strong Public Safety is a prerequisite for a strong community, not a supplement. I will be a champion to create a much needed bridge in terms of a long-term retention solution."

McIntyre commented that she is "very proud to have the endorsement of the Livonia Police Officers Association (LPOA) as I seek re-election to City Council. The men and women of the LPOA strive to provide its members and the community it serves with professional service through integrity, honesty, equality and fairness, and our city is a much better place because of them."

With the City of Livonia down 30 police officers and 5 firefighters these endorsements indicate that there is strong support among the candidates 
for working on  policies to  enhance the hiring and retention of Livonia's first responders.
Corn Roast plans continue to be unrolled. See you on the 15th of September.  1:00 - 4:00
Corn sponsorship lined up with support of 
Council President Laura Toy
What would a good old fashioned corn roast be without the corn? Not much at all. With the Livonia Lions under the leadership of Matt Collins are for the 3rd year providing the roasting of hundreds of ears of fresh picked corn from Westborn Market. Toy is partnering with the picnic organizations to sponsor the corn so the Lions can roast and the picnic goers can enjoy. Thank you Laura Toy.

You ever wonder how that delicious corn arrives ready for you to eat? First it is picked up at Westborn Market at 8:00 by Rob Donovic and dropped off at the picnic site. 10 high school students then take the corn and remove the husks which takes from 1.5 to 2 hours. From there it goes through a unique process with the Livonia Lions before being taken to the corn wagon and distributed by our honorary corn roasters.

Some interesting facts you might enjoy knowing and sharing with your neighbors when you invite them to the corn roast
An ear or cob of corn is actually part of the flower and an individual kernel is a seed.
On average an ear of corn has 800 kernels in 16 rows.
Corn will always have an even number of rows on each cob.
With the exception of Antarctica, corn is produced on every continent in the world.
Juices and soft drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain corn sweeteners. A bushel of corn can sweeten 400 cans of soft drink.
In the days of the early settlers to North America corn was so valuable that it was used as money and traded for other products such as meat and furs.
80% of Michigan's farmland, 10 million acres, is in the lower half of the Lower Peninsula, where the soil and climate are favorable. Most of Michigan's fruit production takes place in the counties bordering Lake Michigan, while many of the central and southern counties of the Lower Peninsula grow heartier crops like corn, soy and beans.


Livonia Community Good Old Fashioned Corn Roast thanks the community sponsors for joining the Livonia YMCA,  Livonia Parks and Recreation and FridayMusings in bringing Livonia another fun event

   ' F&PA

 

Absentee Ballots ready to be mailed in three weeks. September 25th.
Time to take a look at our eight candidates running for City Council. 
Eileen McDonnell
On November 5th we will select from these eight the next four members of the Livonia City Counci l

Scott Bahr
was born in Livonia, educated in Livonia Public Schools, and has specifically chosen Livonia as home for his family, so he is deeply vested in Livonia's long-term success. Livonia has long been recognized as a top place to raise a family, and Scott intends to keep it that way. Amidst a remarkable stretch of growth and redevelopment, Scott believes Livonia is showing the region how a proud, well-planned community continually renews itself. The priorities that have always made Livonia attractive - exceptional public safety, excellent services, beautiful parks, and low taxes - are still in place and attracting a new generation of families, as evidenced by Livonia's recent ranking as the country's second hottest real estate market for millennials.

Greg Coppola's 
decision to run for Livonia City Council in 2019 can be summarized in one brief thought:  I love Livonia.  My family chose to move to Livonia over 20 years ago, due to the plethora of educational, cultural, entertainment, athletic, and career opportunities available. My wife and I raised our four children in Livonia, and we have appreciated all of the opportunities the city has afforded us. I have had the pleasure of serving my community through various channels including the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Economic Development Corporation, and I find no greater reward than being able to serve the community I call home.  As a City Council member, my promise to the people of Livonia is that I will continue to keep Livonia a wonderful and safe place for families for many years to come.

Jim Davis 
takes great joy in educating and talking to young adults about the importance of public service. I have been an educator at Wayne State University for the past 10 years sharing my experience as a public service leader with criminal justice and political science students.  I have resided in Livonia for more than 20 years with my wife, Elaine, and children, Ryan and Kaitlyn, who both attend Eastern Michigan University. We are active members of the Livonia community, including Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church.  If elected, I will use my knowledge, skill, and ability accumulated over the years to serve my fellow citizens, friends, neighbors, and business owners as a Livonia City Council member.

Rob Donovic 
is a member of the Army, an Infantry Soldier, a Reserve Police Officer, and the son to immigrant parents who came to Michigan in the 1980's. Rob's family went on to start a family business where he would work when he wasn't playing little league football for the Livonia Orioles or for the Churchill Chargers. Rob attended Livonia Public Schools since he was a student at Johnson Elementary through Schoolcraft College. He currently serves on the city Arts Commission and is the Vice President of Community Development for the Livonia Jaycees. Rob is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary AM, and the Lions Club.

Brian Duggan 
has done no campaigning and did not attend any of the three candidate nights in the primary. FridayMusings does not consider his candidacy as one that is serious. As chair of the Livonia Arts Commission and a member of the real estate profession he would have brought a significance experience had he been serious about running. He decided not to be a serious candidate. I am sorry but that is a shame.

Eileen McDonnell
I'm am running for City Council to represent all! Professionally I am a contract and proposal administrator managing multi millions worth of government bids and contracts annually. I'm a former Livonia Public Schools Trustee. I'm experienced and understand what is required of a council member. I will be your voice. I will represent you.  I believe that the people want leaders who are not only strong but also have their citizens best interests at heart. I will lead with the facts and with my heart.  I will lead for you! I am running for Livonia City Council to represent citizens and business owners of this city. I learned a long time ago as a school board member that not all people have the ability to put themselves forward in the public view. I believe that as an elected official my job is to listen to constituent's concerns and base my decision on their issues along with the facts and to make a decision and vote accordingly. If elected I will continue this position as a city council member.

Kathleen McIntyre 
loves Livonia and the people, businesses and organizations that make our city exceptional. Many of you know that I am a tireless cheerleader for our community, but I am not naive nor do I overlook the challenges that we face. We must be excellent stewards of our financial resources and remain committed to fiscal stability and taxpayer accountability. We must also remain committed to good and transparent government.   I have the skills, experience and integrity required to move Livonia forward by making the best use of our resources and taxpayers' money. I know how government works and how essential collaboration is - whether it is among our city council members, between our council and the mayor, or between Livonia and Wayne County or the State of Michigan. I am positive and optimistic and absolutely committed to this great city.

Brandon McCullough 
is running to serve on the Livonia City Council to ensure that Livonia remains the premier destination suburb in Metro Detroit. The City was master planned perfectly; two lane roads, easy access to I-96 and I-275, an isolated industrial corridor, great schools and most importantly beautiful neighborhoods. I take a great deal of pride in being a lifelong Livonia resident and now feel it is my duty to use my knowledge and skills to be a true asset to the place that has given me so much. My local government management experience coupled with the passion I have to make our City the best it possibly can be is unmatched. As someone who is raising his family here, the City's motto of "Families First" couldn't be more important. Livonia is the very best place for families and I want to make sure it stays that way for years to come. I've never been the type to grow complacent, and firmly believe this is a pivotal time for Livonia to take that next step.

The above statements from the city council candidates were taken from their public records on facebook or website

Vote
Tuesday November 5

Absentee Ballots out September 25

City of Livonia  Mayoral Race
Vote for one candidate in November

Maureen Miller Brosnan 
 https://www.maureenformayor.com/

Laura Toy 

City of Livonia Council Race
Vote for up to four candidates in November 

Scott Bahr  
Mayors Dennis Wright, Jack Engebretson, Jack Kirksey
Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly
Brandon Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre, Cathy White
Brian Meakin
Former Council members Jim McCann, Joe Taylor
John Pastor, Treasurer Lynda Scheel
Commissioner Terry Marecki
Livonia Public School Trustees Mark Johnson
Colleen Burton, Karen Bradford, Crystal Frank
Former LPS Superintendent Randy Liepa
Former Representatives John Walsh, Laura Cox
Former Senator Patrick Colbeck
Former Fire Chief Shadd Whitehead
Livonia Firefighters Union 1164
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
ZBA Members Chris Boloven, Joel Turbiak,
Jim Baringhaus
Planning Commissioners Sam Caramagno
Carol Smiley
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Right to Life of Michigan

Gregory Coppola
Councilmembers Laura Toy,  Brian Meakin,
Brandon M. Kritzman, Kathleen McIntyre
County Commissioner Terry Marecki
Former Councilmen  John Walsh and  John Pastor
Jim McCann and Joe Laura
Zoning Board of Appeals Jim Baringhaus and Tim Kliz
Schoolcraft Trustee Dillon Breen
Right to Life of Michigan

            
Robert Donovic
  Schoolcraft Trustees Gretchen Alaniz, Dillon Breen, Mayor Dennis Wright, 
Councilwoman Laura Toy, Councilman Brian Meakin, 
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors, 
County Commissioner Diane Webb,
State Representative Jewell Jones, 
Former State Senator Patrick Colbeck
Right to Life of Michigan

Brian Duggan
 
B randon McCullough
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Mayor Dennis Wright,  Former City Councilwoman Maureen Miller Brosnan,  Councilmen Jim Jolly, Brandon Kritzman,  Great Detroit Building & Construction Trades Council,  Sheet Metal Workers' Local 80,
 Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, 
County Commissioner Diane Webb
   
Eileen McDonnell
County Commissioners  Glenn S. Anderson Diane Webb former LPS School Board  Dianne Laura
former Livonia City Council member Joe Laura, 
Schoolcraft College Trustee  Gretchen Alaniz

Kathleen McIntyre 
Mayor Dennis Wright,  Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson,  John Grzebik, Greenleaf Commission,      
Zoning Board of Appeals Tim Klisz and  Jim Baringhaus
Arts Commissioner Lindsay Spence
Recreation Commissioner Katie Jolly
Livonia Police Officers Association 
Treasurer Lynda Scheel,  Council members Laura Toy, Jim Jolly,Brian Meakin,  Cathy White, Brandon Kritzman
 Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, 
Schoolcraft Trustee Gretchen Alaniz
Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events 
at the Phoenix Theatre
Placido Domingo Gala
September 7 - 12:55pm
Margaret Atwood: Live in Cinemas
September 10 - 7:00pm
You Are Here 
September 11 - 7:00pm
Blink of an Eye
September 12 - 7:00pm
Star Trek: The Motion Picture - 
40th Anniversary (1979) 
September 15 - 1:00pm
September 15 - 4:00pm
September 18 - 4:00pm
September 18 - 7:00pm
The Game Changers
September 16 - 7:00pm
Rob Zombies 3 From Hell
September 16 - 7:00pm (Night 1)
September 17 - 7:00pm (Night 2)
September 18 - 7:00pm (Night 3)
Promare
September 17 - 7:00pm (DUB)
September 19 - 7:00pm (SUB)
The Shawshank Redemption - 
25th Anniversary (1994)
September 22- 4:00pm
September 22- 7:00pm
September 24 - 7:00pm
September 25 - 7:00pm
Friends 25th: The One With The Anniversary
September 23 - 7:00pm (Night 1)
September 28 - 7:00pm (Night 2)
October 2 - 7:00pm (Night 3)
The Secret World of Arrietty - 
Studio Ghibli Fest 2019
September 29 - 12:55pm (DUB)
September 30 - 7:00pm (SUB)

Click on this image for all movie times
Senior 
Fit 
Classes

St. Mary Mercy Livonia will host   Senior Fit classes this fall, beginning in September.  Senior Fit is a FREE exercise program for people age 55 and over that encourages senior adults to exercise their way to a healthier lifestyle.  The program features standing and chair exercises that build strength and flexibility, as well as improve balance and cardiovascular fitness.
 
Location Schedule & Registration Information

Livonia Civic Park Senior Center
15218 Farmington Road
Mondays, 3 to 4 p.m.
Session 1: September 9 - October 28
Session 2: November 11 - January 6 
Session 3: January 13 - March 2
Session 4: March 9 - April 27
Session 5: May 4 - June 22
Session 6: June 29 - August 17

St. Mary Mercy Livonia  Wellness Center
36475 Five Mile Road
(Classes will run continuously from September 2019 through September 2020)
Mondays, 12 - 1 p.m.
Thursdays, 12 - 1 p.m.

To register, please call 734-655-1310

Villa Marie
15131 Newburgh Road
  (Classes will run continuously from September 2019 through September 2020)
Wednesdays, 3 - 4 p.m.
Thursdays, 9 - 10 a.m.

To register, please call 734-655-1310
Send your calendar notices to  [email protected]
 
September in Livonia
Fine Arts Gallery the entire month of September
Bennett Civic Center Library

September 6 @ 11:30
Chamber of Commerce @ Vista-Tech Center
Emerging Entrepreneurs Luncheon

September 8 @ 9:00
September 8 @ 10:00 - 4:00
September 10 @ 6:30

September 13 @ 1:00 - 2:00

September 14 @ 8:30
2nd Annual Cruisin' 4 Critters
Ride starts at Freedom Power Sports

September 15 @ 1:00 - 4:00
Livonia's Good Old Fashioned 
Neighborhood Corn Roast

September 18 @ 9:00 - 1:00
VistaTaTech Schoolcraft College

September 20 @ 8:00-9:30
A Little Night of Music featuring Alexander Zonjic
Greenmead Historical Village for only $25
Tickets available at Livonia City Hall

September 20
Emily Ann Griffin Golf Classic
Fox Creek Golf Course
Dinner at  Sacred Heart Banquet Center

September 21

September 28
September 28 @ 10:00 - 6:00
Guns and Gowns @ Greenmead

October in Livonia
October 3 @ 7:00
Historic Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church
 
Presenting Sponsor
Financial & Portfolio Advisors

October 12 @ 4:00
Old World-New Season
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville High School
Louis Schmidt Auditorium

October 14 @ 4:00 - 7:00
Seedlings Annual Open House
Piano prodigy Avett Ray Maness/American Idol fame

October 24 @ 5:00 - 7:00
Rotary Community Spaghetti Dinner
Help Eradicate Polio
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church

November in Livonia
Seedling' online auction open Nov. 1-14 on  biddingforgood.com
November 1
November 5
City of Livonia election
Clarenceville Education Foundation nails it with the Golf Outing
Clarenceville Education Foundation knows how to network for the benefit of our historic Clarenceville Public Schools--the first public school district in Michigan.

The 4th Annual Golf Outing starts off on the right footing by nailing it with over 50 hole sponsors, each of whom wanted to be a part in supporting the Foundation which in turn benefits our students.



2019 Clarenceville Education Foundation Annual Golf Outing
Wade Trim and Associates            Renee Valentine and Family           Maureen Miller Brosnan
James Davis          
Greg Coppola          
Marzolo Family          
Diane Webb  Wayne County Commisioner
         
Adira Salon and Spa, LLC          
Financial & Portfolio Advisors, Ltd.          The UPS Store          Creighton, McLean & Shea PLC           Four-M Associates/Charlie Mahoney
Lis, McCallion, Raymor & Co.           Looney Baker           Clark Hill PLC            Clarenceville Special Services           
Livonia Chamber of Commerce           Mayor Dennis Wright           Livonia Treasurer Lynda Scheel
Gutters Only             King Brothers Collision            D & H Quick Lube                   The Shepich Family
Dan and Veronica MacIver Family           Plante Moran           The "Principal Group"           AlphaUSA

John & Cindy Immonen Family           Kathy McIntyre, Livonia City Council           Cardinal Barber Shop
Cathy White Livonia City Council                      Janel Barber - Remerica Hometown One
Clarenceville Athletics                      Clarenceville Board of Education
Community Alliance Credit Union           Masri Orthodontics           Community Financial Credit Union
Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union           Little Caesars           Chris Sheperd - Meemic Insurance

Kopmeyer & Talty           Livonia Trophy           Downtown Livonia Partnership
Up North Craft Bar           Laura Toy           Brett Gierak - Proud Suporter & Clarenceville Graduate
The Brooks Family/ Mark & Pamela Brooks-1989/Brittany Brooks-2009/Cortney Brooks-2012
First Centennial Title Agency            Cheryl Dozier - Remerica Hometown III           ProCam         
The Joe & Renee Sanchez Family           Foresite Design           Farmington Hills Collision
The Krazel Family/ Seth Krazel- 2017/ Alyssa Krazel-2021          

Thoughts from some of your neighbors.
Bruce Tenniswood: Hi everybody! I just want to address everyone who took an interest in my campaign and has followed this page. I feel so appreciative of the encouragement throug hout the campaign that made it such a wonderful experience.

I have remained quiet up until now, as I needed to step away for a bit to reflect on the campaign, assess my future plans, and get some personal issues finalized. As many of you know, my Mom passed away the morning after the Primary election. Although her passing was very much expected, and indeed a blessing for her to be released from the bonds of her illness, it is still pretty rough to let go of Mom. I'm happy that I've had some time for my Dad, helping him deal with his loss. Perhaps the timing wasn't right for a campaign, as I know I wouldn't have been able to dedicate myself full time to a political race this past month.

Needless to say, I'm back and ready to get back to business. I believe I owe my supporters, friends, donors, and voters the guidance that they entrusted to me through their actions. I will be doing my homework on the candidates and will be releasing a public statement of endorsement prior to the absentee ballots being mailed.

I am also working to migrate my website and Facebook pages to a new name and mission. As the pages evolve, I would ask that you please help me promote them by inviting your friends to the page.
I am not done, Livonia! I got involved in politics because I have something to offer, and I'm not even the least bit discouraged. Together, we put up a great fight, we established a wonderful group of friends who understood the message, and we learned a lot about campaigning. We got the first campaign out of the way. Let's see where this goes from here!

Thanks again for everything! You, the people, are my reason for wanting to serve. Thank you for making me feel that way!

Cyndi Pierzynski Thank you for promoting all mayoral candidates!!

Cole, Newton & Duran continues to provide readers of Musings 
with tips on taxes and on tax scams

Taxpayers should watch for new versions of two tax-related scams. One involves Social Security numbers related to tax issues. The other threatens taxpayers with a tax bill from a fictional government agency. Here are some details about these scams to help taxpayers recognize them:


The SSN Scheme
The latest twist includes scammers claiming to be able to suspend or cancel the victim's Social Security number. This scam is similar to and often associated with the IRS impersonation scam.
Scammers may mention overdue taxes in addition to threatening to cancel the taxpayer's SSN.

Fake Tax Agency
This scheme involves a letter threatening an IRS lien or levy.
The scammer mails the letter to the taxpayer.
The lien or levy is based on bogus overdue taxes owed to a non-existent agency.
The fake agency is called the "Bureau of Tax Enforcement." There is no such agency.
The lien notification scam also likely references the IRS to confuse potential victims into thinking the letter is from a legitimate agency.

Both these schemes show classic signs of being scams. The IRS and its Security Summit partners - the state tax agencies and the tax industry - remind everyone to stay alert to scams that use the IRS or reference taxes. Being alert is especially important in late spring and early summer as tax bills and refunds arrive.
Livonia excels in music. Check out Alexander Zonjic.

Culinary Art

The  official 
artisan chocolate of FridayMusings.

 Designed and created right here in hometown Livonia by 
Joe Gilligan.


It is his mission to deliver high quality chocolates made with 100% organic butter and cream with the finest chocolates available with his flavors varying season to season.
For more information check this out: https://www.facebook.com/DoughJoesChocolates/
Helping our teachers with stuff they may need

Click on this graphic to be taken to The Supply Closet for Livonia Public Schools



Update on the November general election
Jim Davis 9/10, 9/17, 9/24
Scott Bahr 9/17
Brandon McCullough 9/18
Jim Davis 9/22
Livonia Chamber of Commerce Candidate Night 9/26


FridayMusings will continue to post information about the 8 candidates running for City Council and the 2 candidates running for Mayor. When we receive notification of an event and as was done in the primary we will post announcements 
without editing.





Mayoral candidates, Maureen Miller Brosnan and Laura Toy, as well as the eight city council candidates will be invited to appear at the Livonia Chamber of Commerce candidate forums on Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m. at the Livonia City Hall auditorium.