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Bentley High School graduate

Terry Marecki

County Commissioner

Bentley High School graduate

Steve King

Steve King and the Dittilies

Bentley High School graduate

Steve Spreitzer

Michigan Roundtable

The Community talked about it for years. Now we are only five months away from joining the Livonia Historical Society in recognizing the role Bentley High School played in defining education in Livonia.

Echoes of the original Bentley High School linger in our midst, yet a tangible reminder has been absent since its demolition in 1985. On September 15th, the efforts of a committed group under the leadership of the Livonia Historical Society, those who researched and wrote the wording for a Historic Marker and those who raised the funding to pay for it, will culminate, with the Livonia community set to benefit greatly.

At 2:00 PM on September 15th, a historical marker, crafted by a committee of volunteers will be unveiled. Efforts are also underway to have the original school bell from Elm School, attended by George Bentley growing up, placed alongside the Marker.

The community is warmly invited to attend the ceremony at the southwest corner of the current Kirksey Recreation Center.

George N. Bentley Senior High School, commonly known as Bentley High School, served as the first public high school in the Livonia Public Schools from September 1947 until June 1985. Its inaugural graduating class in June 1950 comprised 95 students.

The dedication ceremony will feature remarks from Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan and Superintendent Andrea Oquist and proclamations from Wayne County presented by Bentley alumnus Terry Marecki, the State of Michigan presented by Representative Laurie Pohutsky, and the United States Congress. As the crowd gathers for the 2:00 PM dedication, which will include the State of Michigan Historical Commission, entertainment will begin at 1:30 PM with music performed by the Clarenceville High School Marching Band, the oldest school district in Michigan.

The national anthem will be led by Bentley alumnus Steve King, followed by an invocation from fellow alumnus Steve Spreitzer and introductory comments from James McConnell, the President of the Livonia Historical Society, established in 1956. Following the dedication, guests will enjoy refreshments and share memories of the original Livonia High School.

The Community stepped up to raise funding to cover the $7,000 cost to pay for the marker. Here we thank community members who helped make this possible:

Dale Jurcisin, Dorothy Avendt (65), Linda Beard, George Calder, Sue Daniel, Rose Dillon, Alan Helmkamp, Dan Maciver/Financial & Portfolio Advisors, Friess Family Investment Company, Gale Friess, Melissa Collar, George Friess, Sandra Khan (74), Livonia Historical Society, Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers, Madelyn & Marko Lulich, Charlie Mahoney, McCullough Family, Gerry Marecki, Robert (81) and Susan Nash, Allan & Katherine Rickert (64), Rotary Club of Livonia AM, Thomas Shipley, Mike Smykowski, Roger Springman, Jayne Steel (64), Michael & Lori Tabaka (75), Larry Teahan, Kathy Ventittelli, Laura Toy, Brian Weiss.

Senator Mary Cavanagh hosts Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist

I attended a 90-minute, fact-rich meeting with Senator Mary Cavanagh, Michigan's Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and twelve community leaders from the Cavanagh Senate District, including Brian Weiss and Delisha Upshaw (pictured left) from Livonia.

The roundtable discussion took place at Pages Bookstore on Grand River in Detroit, covering topics such as mass transit, Michigan's support for job creation in small business startups, human services, and mental health agencies.

Having never met the Lieutenant Governor, I was struck by his direct approach to answering questions, particularly his experience with using public transit to commute before his tenure as Lieutenant Governor. When questioned by Delisha Upshaw from Livonia, he acknowledged the necessity for expanded local transit initiatives, describing transit as a crucial element for job creation and enhancement, vital for a progressive state in attracting workers and providing access to employment across city lines.

This approach to retail governance outreach is an essential model that can be replicated across various levels. For example, Livonia benefits from monthly forums organized by Carrie Budzinski and Brandon McCullough, as well as the Non-profit Summit this week, orchestrated by Mayor Brosnan.

I must admit that I left with the impression that Gilchrist is attuned to critical issues, recognizes that mere discussion is insufficient, and believes that Michigan is advancing with decisive measures to implement numerous progressive programs. These initiatives aim to attract and retain workers, while also addressing mental health concerns, which have become a top priority since the Covid pandemic.

I extend gratitude to Mary Cavanagh for her hospitality in extending me an invitation to this event.

Mama Mia's is calling all artists April 25 for a You Gotta Have Art Party

FridayMusings, a staunch supporter of Livonia's vibrant arts and culture scene, has joined forces with the Livonia Rotary AM Club and Friends of Livonia Arts to extend an invitation to you. Whether your artistry is a profession or a hobby, whether you're a painter, writer, musician, photographer, actor, graphic designer, or dancer, you're welcomed to the Livonia Artists Meetup.

This casual meet-and-greet at Mama Mia's will offer mostaccioli, pizza, and possibly some adult beverages, all complimentary—your presence is the only requirement.

The art world is rich with inspiring stories of art movements, artist colonies, and groups whose members have achieved notable success. Some arose spontaneously, while others were deliberately created. 

Being part of an art movement suggests that artists, often perceived as isolated individuals laboring in their studios, detached from the external world, might choose a more cooperative path through an artist group or movement.

In Livonia, Carrie Budzinski and Laura Toy have established a quarterly Woman's Connection meeting for networking. Steve Alexander has initiated a Veteran's Connection to unite those who have served. Additionally, Friends of Livonia Arts has formed a coalition of art organizations to collaborate on promotion and scheduling.

Throughout history, artists have engaged in teaching and learning from each other, exchanging ideas, embracing a shared vision, or jointly defying the norms of art and society.

Within an artist group, there is an opportunity to share ideas, hone skills, and explore new methods. Artists are usually generous with their insights and advice, making peer feedback extremely valuable. Those who guard their techniques often remain solitary.

In these communities, camaraderie, friendship, and common objectives are found among fellow artists. Such a collective commands a more potent voice, possesses more resources, extends wider networks, and exerts more influence. It claims a more significant stance in the art world, frequently with enhanced confidence and assertiveness.

Art groups or collectives offer a vast array of knowledge and abilities to leverage. Hope to see many of you at the Gotta Have Art Meet and Greet April 25th starting at 6:00.

Mail Address

19514 Bainbridge 48152

E-mail address

rwilliamjoyner@gmail.com

Cell address

734-674-5871

The typewriter is not available for phone calls or emails Saturday and Sunday. Mental health and rehabilitation time. Out and about enjoying life.

What motivates FridayMusings:

We can't only define Livonia as taking small steps toward maintaining the way things were. That will give us mediocre outcomes. Our goal needs to be innovative and transformative.