Livonia 250

Our two Livonia Rotary clubs (Livonia AM – 12 members; Livonia Noon – 9 members), including Mayor Maureen, State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, City Council member Robin Persiconi, and Event MC Wayne Kinney, delivered outstanding service during the City Hall celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Four Rotarians wore warm Revolutionary War attire on a hot evening, and many members assisted with hot‑dog grilling (with distribution by our Lions friends), financial support, and passing out scrolled copies of the Declaration of Independence to the crowd. Music was provided by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra Brass, the Livonia Civic Chorus, and familiar Revolutionary War songs such as Yankee Doodle. Some welcome shade was found near the woods behind City Hall.

Kudos to Wayne Kinney, who stepped in as MC for the ailing Bill Joyner, who attended but was not dressed in his Benjamin Franklin attire, and to our Livonia Historical Society for their partnership. It was a memorable evening honoring our City of Livonia and our nation, the United States of America. A special highlight: Nancy Darga's grandsons helped hand out copies of the Declaration, adding a wonderful family touch to the celebration. Mike Ladwig, Peter Dale, and Dave Stechholz appeared as costumed signers of the original Declaration, bringing history to life. Victoria Halton, Marlene Katafias, Susan Paluchniak, and many others enjoyed the free hot dogs, sodas, and icy treats provided by both Rotary clubs and the Livonia Lions.

Nancy Darga and David Stechholz