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Art is alive in Livonia, Enriching and uniting the community.

It might be time to insert "A" and create STEAM not just STEM. We need the ARTS in there.

Last Thursday, over 80 Livonia artists, ranging from aspiring to professional, hobbyists, and art enthusiasts, convened at Mama Mia's Restaurant for an evening of conversation, networking, and, of course, delectable cuisine.

The event was hosted by Claude Kendrick President of the Livonia Rotary AM Club in partnership with Michelle Nixon, President of the Friends of Livonia Arts. Notable attendees included Trustee Liz Jarvis, an esteemed calligrapher; Councilwoman Carrie Budzinski, a graphic artist and writer; Councilman Jim Jolly; Clerk Lori Miller; County Commissioner Terry Marecki, who is also a recognized photographer; master of the art of networking, Robb Drzewicki, Director of Government Affairs; former President Livonia School Board Patrice Mang; Magistrate Attorney Roger Spence; Steve Alexander; President, Civic Circle Civic Association. And that is just the beginning.

The evening began with a surprise performance by renowned guitarist and Livonia resident Robert Johnson, setting a delightful tone for the night.

Liz Jarvis says it was "A great turnout! So many folks who share art. And Robert Johnson's music set it all off so nicely."

Paul Van De Ven, President of the Livonia Arts Commission chatted up Patrice Mange, Livonia Arts Commissioner; Bob Legel, Past President of Livonia Historic Society;, Christy Scoonover, Secretary of Friends of Livonia Arts.

Samantha Lewis described the event as an "inspirational evening," extending gratitude to Friday Musings, Friends of Livonia Arts, and Livonia AM Rotary for orchestrating such a wonderful event and providing an opportunity to engage in discussions about art in Livonia.

Claude Kendrick, president of the Rotary AM Club attended the event with Rotarians Mike Ladwig, Nancy Darga, Erin Dobbins and presented a donation to Friends of Livonia Arts to help further their outreach in Livonia, appreciated the evening, highlighting the connection fostered between the Livonia AM Rotary Club and the Arts Community. He echoed sentiments shared throughout the night, affirming that "the arts enrich and unite a community. The arts repeatedly bring people together, bridging our differences and filling the voids." He conveyed his gratitude for being part of this vision.

Michelle Nixon, President of the Friends of Livonia Arts, described the evening as a special one that made her "really excited for the future of the arts in our city."

The event featured networking between Trinity House and Motor City Youth Theatre. Kelly and Jeff Rockwell of Anastasia and Katie's, Erin Dobbins of the Erin Taylor Conservatory, members of the Livonia Symphony Orchestra, Livonia Civic Chorus, and Livonia Youth Symphony. Richard Gaskill, the official photographer for the Michigan Marching Band since 1956, Found Penny Studio.

April Barrett, a performance artist specializing in clown art, was also present. It was a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old ones, even if all the delightful artists and patrons are not listed here. You were so appreciated. Everyone of you.

Painter/artist Susan Parker Stewart sums it up best as she writes "It was a fun night! I was amazed and pleased at the turnout! Also, the food was delicious and so were the conversations!"

The Neighborhood Grant Program has supported over

200 projects since creation by our City Council

The Livonia City Council launched the Neighborhood Grant Program to encourage residents to work together and enhance their community's welfare. The program provides neighborhood grants of up to $500 to support projects or events that foster community involvement and positively showcase the city.

Qualifying projects include community art initiatives, local events, one-time neighborhood gatherings, subdivision parades, beautification of public areas, upkeep of local parks and shared spaces, and youth programs such as the Beverly Soccer League and Clements Circle Boy Scouts.

For application procedures and more information, please refer to the link below:

https://www.livonia.gov/240/Neighborhood-Grants

The saying goes that a single person with a single idea can realize projects for the community they represent. Councilman Jim Jolly, soon after being elected, introduced the Neighborhood Grant Program to boost engagement and foster partnerships between the municipal government and community-driven projects and organizations. To date, the program has successfully backed over 200 projects.

A wonderful evening at Ladies' Night Out with Aspire at Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church

Recently, Rosedale Gardens Presbyterian Church was the setting for a vibrant evening filled with music and laughter. This event was part of a national tour spanning 42 cities, showcasing a trio of women on stage: a Bible Teacher, a Comedian, and a Musician.

The occasion was celebrated as an exceptional ladies' night out.

Aspire was born from the wish to offer women a night of camaraderie and spiritual enrichment.

The first Aspire event took place in September 2014 in Arizona and has continued as a one-night, three-hour gathering that combines music, comedy, and teaching to resonate with and energize women.



A heartfelt thank you to Aspire for visiting Livonia and to Rosedale Presbyterian Church for hosting an evening that was, by all accounts, heartening.

Thank you to Sunflower Productions LLC for capturing the evening for Rosedale Presbyterian Church

Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion

to honor Livonia's Delisha Upshaw May 9th

The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion will host its 74th Annual Tribute at the Corner Ballpark on May 9th at 6:00 PM, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Reuben Miller, author of "Halfway Home." This event offers a significant opportunity to reinforce community bonds.

Orlando Bailey, from the Authentically Detroit Podcast and Bridge Detroit, will serve as the evening's host.

The gathering serves as a platform to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary individuals and esteemed corporate partners in our community who have exhibited exceptional leadership, fervent passion, and unwavering commitment to creating hopeful avenues that sustain cherished and equitable communities.

This year, Delisha Upshaw of Livonia will receive the Roundtable's Racial and Social Justice Champion of the Year Award, a distinction well-deserved. Throughout the Roundtable's 83-year history, they have met individuals throughout the state who courageously tackle inequality. Steve Spreitzer, Co-Executive Director of the Roundtable, notes, "They are catalysts for change, challenging entrenched norms and pervasive unawareness."

Other honorees include:

Just Community Organization of the Year Award: Fifth Third Bank

Delores Bennett Community Service Award: Danielle Atkinson of Mothering Justice

Ava Jo Silent Hero Award: Sartouri Shakoor of Twisted Story Tellers

Youth Leader Award: Vijay Das and Ayisha Ashford

For more details, visit https://www.miroundtable.org/tribute or contact Steve via email at sspreitzer@miroundtable.org.

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.