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Charlie Mahoney, Mayor Maureen Brosnan, Sister

Mary Ann Smith, Bill Joyner

50 years of cultural excellence enhancing Livonia quality of life

Ying-Li Pan

ConcertMaster

Violin I

Congratulations to the Livonia Symphony Orchestra

on Celebrating 50 years of Cultural Excellence

Burton Manor hosted a Gala Performance by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, marking 50 years of uniting the community through music's universal language, enriching lives, and nurturing a collective passion for the arts. Hundreds of community supporters convened for dinner, music, and dialogue to express gratitude to the LSO for its role as a cultural treasure with a storied past, contributing to defining Livonia's quality of life for the past 5 decades.

The evening began and was put in perspective as Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan stated, "This concert is the culmination of a year-long celebration of art's role in Livonia." Among the attendees were individuals who have brought symphonic music to Livonia, including Ken Kelsey, the first President, and Rose Kachnowski, a 37-year member of the Board of Directors. Also in attendance were Councilwoman Carrie and Dan Budzinski.

The concert was a spectacular event featuring seven pieces, including "The Golden Years" and "Blue Tango" led by Karen Danke, "George Gershwin in Concert" under the direction of Stephen McKenzie, a "Beach Boys Medley" conducted by Christian Sands, "Best of the Beatles" by Bruce Sole, and a "Michael Jackson Spectacular" with Timario Wilkins conducting. The grand finale was a stirring rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever" conducted by Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk.

A special guest was on hand to honor Shesiuk. Vasyl Perets (left), Honorary Consul from the Consulate of Ukraine in Detroit. He spoke of his appreciation for the friendship of Ukraine with America as he spoke highly of Shesiuk. An honor to have him join the dinner.

From start to finish Sr. Mary Ann Smith, President of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra. kept the celebration moving, introducing Board Members, Felician Sisters who have been instrumental in not only the formation of the LSO but also in the continuation of community support, and acknowledging special awards to Rose Kachnowski, 37 years on the Board and 10 as President, and Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk, starting his 31st year as Director of the LSO.

The Livonia Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has a rich history and has been a cultural gem in the Livonia community for many years.

The LSO was originally founded as the Oakway Symphony on June 4, 1973. Its mission was to serve the people of Oakland and Wayne Counties. In 1988, the orchestra was reincorporated under its present name, the Livonia Symphony Orchestra.

Throughout its history, the LSO has been led by only two music directors: Francesco DiBlasi: The founder of the orchestra, and Maestro Volodymyr Shesiuk who began as a violinist with the orchestra and later became the music director and conductor. Maestro Shesiuk has held this position for over 25 years.

Their purpose is to build a community through the universal language of music, enriching lives and fostering shared passion. The Livonia Symphony Orchestra has been an integral part of southeast Michigan’s musical landscape for 50 years, and its commitment to excellence continues to resonate with audiences and musicians alike.

There is now a campaign for Wayne County Commissioner as Carol Souchock set to run against incumbent Terry Marecki

Plymouth resident Carol Souchock, who retired as the Plymouth Library Director in 2021 after an eight-year tenure and a 25-year career in librarianship, has declared her candidacy for Wayne County Commissioner, a role presently occupied by Terry Godfroid Marecki.

It was anticipated that Steve King would file to run for County Commissioner. He intended to oppose Marecki, but upon learning that Souchock had already filed, he chose not to challenge her in the primary.

Souchock has served as a librarian since 1995. She earned a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in library science. Before her role as director at the Adrian Public Library, her position before being hired in Plymouth, she was the Adult Services Supervisor at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library in Midland, Assistant Technology Coordinator at the Southfield Public Library, a librarian at the Macomb County Library, and a Youth Services Librarian at the Troy Public Library.

In 2013, upon her appointment, the Plymouth-Canton Patch reported her saying "I was motivated to become a librarian because of my passion for the information field, technology, books, and working with the public."

“I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a ‘transformer’ in any situation, any organization." Stephen Covey

Livonia Kids and Families will initiate the delivery of "Sensory Boxes"

to restaurants across Livonia next week.

This week, volunteers assembled 120 sensory boxes at Clarenceville Public Schools' Grandview Elementary to provide children with hands-on experiences that foster cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth. The volunteer group included the Clarenceville School District, Sisters Soaring Together, an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., AlphaUSA, Julia and Mira from People Driven Credit Union, Mitsy Morris, Cheryl, among others. Veronica Cruz, the organizer, expressed her gratitude, stating, "I appreciate everyone's support and time! You will soon see these boxes throughout our community."

While returning from a pickleball tournament in the state's western region, Cruz stopped at a restaurant and observed sensory boxes being used by families to occupy their children. Inspired, she pondered, "Why can't we do that in Livonia?" Consequently, Livonia Kids and Families took initiative, procured the necessary items, and coordinated volunteer efforts to assemble the boxes.

Thus, a single idea from one individual led to its implementation by many, illustrating Livonia's unique character as a community rich in progressive, innovative ideas with so many change agents making a difference.

April is National Volunteer Month!

Seedlings wants to take a moment to celebrate and honor the incredible work of our dedicated volunteers at Seedlings' Braille Books for Children. Seedlings’ mission depends on the dedicated volunteers who have lent a helping hand over the years. They feel incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of volunteers who make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day!

Looking to volunteer? They are in search of a Post Office volunteer, bi-weekly on Fridays between 12 PM-2 PM. This role would be delivering shipments of packed boxes to the Post Office. Requires some heavy lifting, no greater than 30 lbs, and access to a large vehicle, such as a minivan or truck, which the volunteer will load and unload themselves.

If you're interested in learning about this volunteer opportunity, please reach out to our Community Care Specialist, Catherine, seedlingsshpg@gmail.com, Phone: 734-427-8552 (ext. 306)