September 11, 2019 
The Source for Livonia News and Opinions   
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               Get your tickets today at the Livonia City Hall for a Little Night Music
               set for The Alexander Blue House at our historic Greenmead Village
 A week in the life of one candidate. Retail politics at work in Livonia.
Sometimes the typewriter is out and about and sees a trend or something unique or a series of events that add up to the sum being greater than the whole 
I feel compelled to share it with readers of Musings. In this case it was the retail politics, near and dear to me, of one candidate.
Take a look at Jim Davis and how he is campaigning. I enjoyed it, See what you think.

Jim Davis campaigned in the past five days with one stop including the Clarenceville  Education Foundation 4th Annual Golf Outing where he volunteered to help with the registration. He worked with Shari Krazel, member of the Clarenceville Board of Education.

On Tuesday he held his weekly Coffee and Conversation at the Blue Plate Diner where he had an interesting mix of people who stopped by including Livonia historian Kathy Bilger, owner Bob Modes, Gary Selesko, school trustee Liz Jarvis, President of the Friends of the Wilson Barn Ken Stempien, City Councilwoman Kathleen McIntyre and the typewriter. There was even a few smiles as Livonia resident and Chief Judge of the Wayne County Circuit Court Tim Kinney stopped by to see what was happening in his hometown.

One other candidate not to be outdone texted his apology to Davis for not being able to attend. Brandon McCullough texted, "sorry couldn't make the coffee and conversation. Busy building municipal buildings in Novi." He included a picture at work. Yes, with a cup of coffee in his hand. The internet version of coffee and conversation. 

Sunday was another successful year for the Healthy Livonia 5K run.  Davis came in first in his age group!  He gave a shout out to the organizers of the run, "Thank you to Healthy Livonia and St. Mary Mercy Hospital!"

He added yet another event this past week when he joined his wife and a group of friends from his home church, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian, at the Music From the Heart on the backporch of Livonia City Hall. 

Now the question is whether or not Davis can take his running prowess from the  healthy Livonia 5K and transfer it to his ability to run for Livonia City Council.

Jim Davis is taking the definition of retail politics to a new level, reaching out to different groups by participating as with the Healthy Livonia 5K, volunteering as at the Clarenceville Education Foundation Golf Outing and listening as with the Coffee and Conversation at the Blue Plate. And fun while listening to solid musical entertainment in his hometown.

This candidate seems to be cut from a different cloth as he kicked off his primary campaign with an announcement party at the Wilson Barn instead of at a bar, of which there is nothing wrong with a bar, just that having it at a Livonia historic site is refreshing.

He is returning to the Wilson Barn on September 22nd from 12:00 - 3:00 for his general election kick off, just three days before absentee ballots are to be mailed. 

Davis is concerned that he will not be able to raise the money necessary to mail what may very well be a large number of absentee ballots. A number that may break a city general election record.

But without the money he is working hard to meet the voters one-on-one. And hopefully raise the necessary funding.

You gotta love retail politics. Especially gotta love it on the local level. As Kathy Bilger put it "great conversation today." One of several. With more to come I am sure.
 LIVONIA PARKS AND RECREATION TO HOST FALL PARK CLEAN-UP DAY

Ted Davis
The Livonia Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Fall Park Clean-Up Saturday, September 21 beginning at 9 a.m.  This special day is designed to spruce up neighborhood parks with the assistance of organizations, families and school groups. 

Individual groups choose a park and recruit volunteers to clean that park.  Each group will be given trash bags, gloves and encouraged to bring rakes and brooms.  After the clean-up, all volunteers are invited to Rotary Park, Six Mile at Hubbard, for a picnic hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Livonia Rotary Club.

"The Fall Park Clean-Up is a great opportunity to preserve the parks in our community.  Additionally, the event builds a sense of community by bringing together area residents and organizations," commented Ted Davis, Superintendent, Livonia Parks and Recreation.

 For more information, contact Livonia Parks and Recreation at (734) 466-2900 or at  www.livoniaparks.org.
Corn Roast plans continue to be unrolled. See you on the 15th of September.  1:00 - 4:00
Two pictures says it all. Volunteers helping out. Neighbors out for a soon to be Fall afternoon. Meeting new friends. Saying hello to old friends. Enjoying corn on the cob, pulled pork sandwiches, Kona Ice Cream, soda pop. And the best part? Meeting over 25 community groups while enjoying the spontaneous music by the Livonia Civic Chorus and the Livonia Youth Symphony.







'

 
Cinematic Art expands in Livonia with the introduction of Fathom Events 
at the Phoenix Theatre
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

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 13 @ 1:00 - 2:00

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

September 15 @ 1:00 -3:00
Bennett Civic Center Library

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

September 18 @ 9:00 - 1:00
VistaTaTech Schoolcraft College
Veterans' Health Summit
Register at 734-495-1200
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 27 @ 6:00 - 10:00

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
Greeters: The typewriter and Bodyguard
October 21
Wayne 11th Congressional District Republican Club

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

Vote
Tuesday November 5
Absentee Ballots out September 25


City of Livonia  Mayoral Race
Vote for one candidate in November

Maureen Miller Brosnan
Councilman Jim Jolly,
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonnia Firefighters Local 1164 
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, 
UAW
Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council
Teamsters Local 299, 
Dan Centers, Livonia School Board Trustee, 
Tim Klisz, Zoning Board of Appeals Member 
Gretchen Alaniz, Schoolcraft College Trustee
Brian Broderick, Schoolcraft College Board Chair
Janice Centers, Zoning Board of Appeals Member
 Former Livonia City Council Members Mike McGee,
 Joe Taylor, and Dale Jurcisin
 https://www.maureenformayor.com/

Laura Toy
Mayor Dennis Wright , 
Former Mayors Jack Kirksey, Jack Engebretson
Councilwomen Kathleen McIntyre and Cathy White 
Councilman Brian Meakin
Right to Life of Michigan  

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, 
Right to Life of Michigan

Brian Duggan
 
B randon McCullough
Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors
Livonia Police Officers Association
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Livonia Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association
Livonia Firefighters Local 1164
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 Trusteew  Gretchen Alaniz and Joan Gebhardt

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

Scott Bahr, Rob Donovic and Chris Last 
offer up some thoughts this week
Scott Bahr, Livonia City Council, candidate for re-election: As a matter of clarification, I have a long record of supporting Livonia Public Schools.  I'm a proud LPS graduate, maintain excellent relationships with the LPS Superintendent and School Board, and continue to volunteer my time in our schools, as I have for the last 15 years.  Most importantly, I entrust the education of my children to Livonia Public Schools.  As a city councilman, I recognize the vital role that our schools play in the fabric of our community, so naturally I want the best possible educational experience for all the children of Livonia.  

(The typewriter: This letter is responding to an article Monday in which Rob Donovic, candidate for city council brought out that former Senator Patrick Colbeck had withdrawn his support because Donovic supported the two recent school funding issues which left Bahr as the only candidate publicly  using
the Colbeck endorsement. A conclusion was drawn and appreciation is extended to Bahr for his letter.)

Rob Donovic, Livonia City Council Candidate:  As  an infantry solider and a reserve police officer I joined  friends participated in the Win for Warriors Patriot Ruck March in downtown Detroit Sunday, helping raise money for military and first responders in memory of the victims of 9/11. Rucking, or walking, is with a weighted pack on your back. The activity gets its name from "ruck sacks," which is military speak for "backpack." "Rucking" is marching or walking while wearing your ruck sack which is always loaded down with gear. This was the 3rd Annual Patriot Ruck, and Detroit's premier urban ruck, which went throughout Downtown Detroit last Sunday.


Chris Last, urban forester:  do you think Wilson Barn would welcome a Gazebo built by students of the Livonia Vocational School, made from Urban lumber just like they did when the barn was built?

(The typewriter: A great idea. Let's ask the Friends of the Wilson Barn and the City of Livonia what they think.)
Our Livonia Youth Choir getting ready for Fall auditions
Children in grades 2-8 are invited to audition for Livonia Youth Choir! Girls and boys, no experience necessary, just a love for singing!

 They are non-profit and tuition-based. Rehearsals are Monday evenings. For more information please contact [email protected] or just come to auditions and they will be happy to answer your questions! 
  
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23/30 AT 5:30Holy Trinity Lutheran Church  

Ready, set, RUN on over to the Y to get signed up for Girls on the Run!

Girls on the Run is a 10 week program for girls in the 3rd - 5th grades to make friends, increase their physical activity, and learn life skills. Program participants will engage in running activities and interactive lessons with trained coaches, and celebrate with a non-competitive 5K at the end of the program!

Registration is open NOW!!! Contact the welcome desk at 734-261-2161 to  get signed up, registration ends September 15th
.
Financial Assistance is available!!
History can and will talk. To you. At you. About you.
On September 22nd come out and hear the amazing stories of a small town called South Lyon and the area that surrounds it. Hear about the adventure into the wilderness by a woman and her children in their search for a new life, and the ghost town of Kensington and how the Metro Park got its name.

Published historian and Greenfield Village master historical presenter Jennifer Redfern-Seiler shares these stories and more.
Tickets are $10 (cash or check) at the door.

And mark your calendar for the rest of the History Talks productions at Barefoot Productions.


Blessings in a Backpack invites you to the
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6th Annual Bowling for Backpacks


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/
It's back. Livonia's #1 project in 2018. 
A community spaghetti Dinner

 

Update on the November general election
Jim Davis 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.