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FridayMusings since 2003
Monday, June 17, 2024
Helping define Livonia's Quality of Life
Archive – Bill Joyner's Friday Musings
20 years publishing FridayMusings without bias but not without opinion
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Schoolcraft College Trustee Carol and husband Cal Strom | |
Aging Commissioner Theresa Goodrich and Greenleaf Commissioner Nikki Mehelich | |
School Trustee Madeline Acosta and County Commissioner Terry Marecki | |
Ice Cream, socialization, conversation and a Pops Concert | |
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The queue quickly formed, conversations sparked, and smiles radiated enjoyment at the annual event where Commissioners and elected officials dished out ice cream, sprinkles, and whipped cream to everyone at the Kirksey Recreation Center.
Mingling among the crowd were administrative leaders Mayor Maureen Brosnan and Susan Nash, as well as Council members Martha Ptashnik, Jim Jolly, and Carrie Budzinski,Trustees Liz Jarvis, Karen Bradford, Madeline Acosta, Colleen Burton.
It was amusing to see Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki, a nutritionist by profession, manning the whipped cream station to top off the ice cream, sprinkles, and chocolate sauce.
As the social gathering wound down, attendees made their way to the gym for an hour-long Pops Concert by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra. An annual event enjoyed by many.
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Livonia holds Mies Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony last week! | |
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This award-winning and ADA-compliant park at Mies Park, across the street from Rosedale Presbyterian Church and adjacent to what was once Whitman Jr. High School, would not be possible without multiple hands helping to support Livonia, including Ted Davis, the superintendent of Livonia Parks and Recreation; Lori Miller, the City Clerk for Livonia; Assad Turfe, the Deputy County Commissioner; Maureen Miller Brosnan, the Mayor of Livonia; Glenn Anderson, Wayne County Commissioner.
Judge Mies' grandson and great-grandson were on hand to cut the ribbon as Livonia celebrated a new accessible park!
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Investigation into allegations of harassment by Joan Gebhardt
at Schoolcraft College soon to be released
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Word on the street would suggest that the awaited report from Schoolcraft College on the investigation into former Trustee Joan Gebhardt has been completed and will be released shortly.
The investigation addressed allegations of harassment by college staff against Gebhardt, initially filed in March 2023. These allegations reportedly led to her resignation from the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees. However, the investigation which was stopped upon her resignation was reopened when Gebhardt declared her candidacy for election to the board less than one year after she quit.
Updates on allegations and findings of the investigation will be in upcoming FridayMusings editions.
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A few of the smiles sharing Pride in the Day | |
Pride Celebration Year Three
Three years ago, Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, while hoisting the Pride Flag, proclaimed Livonia as a welcoming community. Hundreds congregated on City Hall's front porch to applaud the declaration.
This year, hundreds gathered at the Civic Center Campus to bolster Livonia's commitment to inclusivity, with Brosnan's message resonating in Councilwoman Martha Ptashnik's opening remarks, which highlighted Livonia as a town that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or race.
The Pride Celebration this year coincided with Pride Month, thanks to a collaboration between the Livonia Human Relations Commission, the Livonia Democratic Club, and the Livonia Republican Club.
With each year, Livonia reaffirms its commitment to Pride celebrations, transcending mere parades and parties. The city is embracing a promise of equality, diversity, and the well-being of all its residents.
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It was a day to chat up groups, and learn what they do and stand for. Talking with ministers from Emanuel Lutheran Church, Newburgh Methodist Church, and Unity Church among others.
Being reminded that PFLAG is hosting their annual Rainbow Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, June 22, 11a-1p, Newburg United Methodist Church parking lot.
Madonna University and Schoolcraft College showing their support for inclusivity.
Being told that Moms for Hugs also includes grandfathers. Watching the energy around the Livonia Kids & Families table for the Tour de Livonia.
Save Alfred Noble seems to be everywhere continuing their education campaign on maintaining Livonia's historic library. Enjoyed talking with the moms who say they are out "making good trouble."
Just missed Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib arriving shortly after the bodyguard and I left. But did get a chance to visit with Representative Matt Koleszar.
A day for chatting up so many friends and making many more. Smiles all around. Wish there was room to acknowledge all who helped make the day a success who was a speaker as was School Trustee Liz Jarvis.
Brandon McCullough, an advocate for Livonia hosting a Pride Celebration was in a plane over the Atlantic but landed in time to make the Celebration.
A tradition started with the Pride Flag being flown for one day at City Hall and now in year three with a community gathering showcasing Livonia's support for diversity, and equality for all our neighbors.
Thank you Mayor Brosnan for standing up and supporting a welcoming Livonia. Thank you, Livonia for embracing the Pride Celebration.
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Two Important County Proposals on Primary Election Ballot
Voters will not be voting only on candidates but will also have two
Wayne County Ballot Proposals for consideration
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Proposals affecting county property taxes and amending the county charter will be on the ballot in all Wayne County communities on Tuesday, August 6.
Voters asked to renew county parks millage
Voters will be asked to consider renewing a tax commonly referred to as the park's millage. It was first authorized by county voters in 1996 and then renewed for five-year periods on five occasions since.
The proposal would continue the millage through 2030. The parks levy is just under one-quarter of a mill and appears on winter tax bills.
In very approximate terms, the tax would cost $24.42 per year on a home that is worth $100,000. A mill is $1 of tax for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. Taxable value is listed on tax bills and on assessment notices.
To determine how much one pays on the park's millage, their home’s taxable value can be multiplied by .0002442. If passed, it is expected to generate about $14.47 million in 2026.
The park's millage would provide funding for park improvements in county and local municipalities.
Endorsed by: Wayne County Commissioners Terry Marecki and Glenn Anderson, former Wayne County Commissioner R. William Joyner
Voters asked to amend the Auditor selection process in charter
Voters will be asked to amend the County charter to allow any qualified audit firm to be awarded the contract for independent external auditor services when the County competitively bids audit services.
The current requirement that limits the services of an independent external auditor to 8 years would be eliminated. The County would be permitted to select the best-qualified audit firm.
Endorsed by: Wayne County Commissioners Terry Marecki and Glenn Anderson, former Wayne County Commissioner R. William Joyner
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Rotary Park Damage Update
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The Department of Public Works in Livonia has been commendably cleaning up Rotary Park following the damage from last week's tornado. The park began reopening partially to the public on the past Saturday, June 15, with pavilions 3, 4, and 5, tennis courts, the east playground, the nature preserve, and diamonds 1-4 now accessible.
The southwest section of the park, including pavilions 1 and 2 and the accessible playground, will remain closed until further notice due to uneven ground, stumps, and the need for additional clearing. The restrooms and office at Rotary Park are also closed until further notice.
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Mail Address
19514 Bainbridge 48152
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Cell address
734-674-5871
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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.
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