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CLASS OF 2008 BILL LAPINE
Almost immediately upon moving to Livonia in 1955, Bill LaPine became actively involved, committed and dedicated to his community. He began serving as an appointed official in 1962, when he was appointed to the Livonia Zoning Board of Appeals, a position he held under Mayors Bill Brashear, Harvey Moelke, Livonia Mayor Bob Bennett appointed Bill to serve on the Livonia Planning Commission, an appointment that continued under Mayors Jack Kirksey and Jack Engebretson. With planning commission packet in hand, Bill would diligently visit developers prior to their appearance before the Commission, doing his homework to make the right decisions not only for current Livonia residents, but for future generations as well. Councilman Don Knapp describes Bill as “one who knows and shares so much making the work of the Council that much easier.” In all, Bill’s service spans the terms of seven Livonia mayors and 46 members of the Livonia City Council. For the 53 years he has lived in Livonia, he has exemplified the true spirit of giving back to one’s community.
Mary Lou Andrew recieving recognition on behalf of her late husband Dan Andrew and introduced by Terry Godfroid Marecki All of Livonia benefits today from Dan Andrew’s strength as an industrial coordinator and love for his hometown. His foresight in community planning and industrial development was instrumental in bringing corporations into our town—encouraging the industrial growth that is such a key component As a member of the Livonia Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals for 21 years, Dan provided the professional expertise that helped form, shape and maintain a community based on solid master planning. As Industrial Coordinator from 1963-1970, he helped develop the industrial corridor that runs the length of the city between Plymouth and Schoolcraft Roads, while maintaining a separation between residential and commercial. The corridor encouraged a strong tax base and paved the way for Livonia to establish and maintain one of the lowest residential tax bases in all of Wayne County.
Livonia-born Sheila Christine Taormina is an American athlete and the first female athlete to qualify for the Olympics in three different sports. After graduating from Stevenson High School, Sheila swam for the Georgia Bulldogs while earning a BBA and an MBA from the University of Georgia. At the 1996 Summer Olympics, she earned a gold medal as a member of the women's 4x200 meter freestyle relay team. In 2000, she placed sixth in the Olympic triathlon. Her appearance in the modern pentathlon in Bejing in 2008 led her to be considered by many as the most versatile athlete in the world. Over the years, Sheila kept her Olympic dreams alive, even while waiting tables at a Waffle House to pay for her MBA and working for an auto supplier in Detroit during her training. Her spirit, determination and can-do attitude make her a positive role model. On the world stage, Sheila has always expressed pride in her hometown. We, in turn, are proud to have her as a true Ambassador for Livonia.
Like so many young families that moved into Livonia in the 1950’s, Joe and Jane Soltesz raised a family while helping to raise their hometown, Thanks to their involvement with Greenmead and the Livonia Historical Commission, Livonia residents today can look back on the city’s history—before fields and farms stretching from the farmer’s market in Detroit to Plymouth Township to the west gave way to roads, homes, schools and businesses. Joe and Jane recognized years ago the important role history plays in defining a community. In the early 1980’s, just after Livonia made a commitment to purchase Greenmead, they became key volunteers in developing this historic oasis for current and future Livonia residents to enjoy. Joe, a retired Detroit school teacher, and Jane, who taught kindergarten, were active in the community in scouts, the PTA and volunteer work. We are indebted to them for their love of and commitment to
Appointed the attorney for the township of Livonia in 1948, William Brashear was instrumental in effecting the incorporation of the city in 1950 and drafting its charter. He subsequently served as the city of Livonia's first city William and his brother Lonnie formed the law practice, Brashear and Brashear, with a main office in Detroit and, eventually, a branch on Five Mile Road west of Farmington Road—in a building that is now part of the city of Livonia's Greenmead historical park. The firm grew, adding partners such as James Mies, who subsequently became a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge. Eventually, William’s son, William R. Brashear, joined the practice and today remains of counsel with the firm, whose present name is Brashear Tangora PLC. Another former partner, Patrick Duggan, is currently a United States District Judge. The general objective of the Brashear brothers has remained constant over the years: to engage in the general practice of civil law, providing services to both individuals and businesses in Livonia and surrounding communities. The firm is proud of its history of donating services to civic and community groups and organizations, including incorporating the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary's Hospital and Nursing School and the Livonia and Canton Goodfellows. As a resident of Livonia from the 1870’s through the early 1900’s, John Vroman played a significant role in the city’s formative years. As a farmer, Vroman was typical of Livonia’s population; but his leadership skills and dedication to the community led him to assume additional responsibilities. John served his home township in numerous capacities. From 1881 through 1882, he was Livonia Township Supervisor. He was one of three superintendents at Eloise from 1883 through 1885, during which time heat, light and water were introduced to this property. In 1887, he was elected as a representative of the county to the state legislature. John is among Livonia’s early leaders, whom we honor for their commitment and their struggles in taking us from township to fully developed community.
From the day he moved to Livonia, Conrad started his involvement with Livonia, underscoring why our city is such a great place to live. Conrad has made it a point to give back as much as he takes away from a town he has come He gives meaning to the concept of volunteerism. Whether working on the Arts Commission, at the Livonia Spree and Library, or helping neighbors and friends get elected, if it needs to be done and done right, Conrad is there. He sees himself as helping to provide a platform of service to Livonia institutions that makes it possible for other residents to live, work and play in our community. Conrad and his wife, Sue, moved here when Livonia was in its infancy. They have helped shape and define a town that has become the envy One of the amazing aspects of this great city is people like Conrad. He has never stopped being involved. He wants to know what makes the city come alive and then goes out and does it. His energy and spirit have added real value to the landscape and Livonia is a better hometown because of his efforts.
Harry Greenleaf understood the important role education—from K-12 through college—plays in developing a hometown and in providing trained workers Not long after becoming moving to Livonia with his wife Audrey in the early 1960’s, Harry became an active leader in the development of Schoolcraft Community College. For 18 years, he played a key role in the development and success of the College. During his tenure on the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees, he worked to establish lease agreements for the unused portion of the campus, in order to enhance funds for the operating budget. The Schoolcraft Development Authority, spearheaded through his efforts, was enacted in March 1986. Today, Schoolcraft College is a cornerstone of our hometown. Harry’s community involvement did not stop with Schoolcraft College. During Mayor Ed McNamara’s tenure, he led a number of community projects for a fast-growing Livonia. He played a key role in providing and maintaining civility in the political process, encouraging people to be active and involved. His interest in education extended beyond the borders of his hometown. He helped establish the Advanced Technology Academy in Dearborn. The Academy’s mission is to provide students with high-quality interdisciplinary learning experiences that challenge them academically and develop their We honor Harry, a true gentleman and early pioneer in educational excellence and community leadership.
Paul Kadish moved to Livonia in 1962 and, like so many others, sought an opportunity to become involved in the new hometown in which he would raise his family. Before long, he came to play an integral role in shaping one of the institutions we now consider a landmark of excellence in Livonia. First, he became active in the Livonia Citizens for Better Human Relations. He then also became involved in the formation and early years of Schoolcraft College, serving on the Schoolcraft College Board of Trustees over a 15 year period. In this capacity, he worked alongside others to build what has become known as one of the best community colleges in the state of Michigan. Along the way, he served as President of the Board and helped establish the Schoolcraft Development Authority for long-term financial stability, providing a framework for future controlled growth of the college. In 1970, he started an insurance agency in Livonia, Associated Group Underwriters. In 1986, he formed Associated Risk Management, which represented 20 of the 28 community colleges in Michigan. Over the years, Paul mentored and cultivated a sense of community in young people who would become elected officials in their own right, including City Council members Mike McGee and Laura Toy, and Schoolcraft Trustee More recently, he has served on the Board of Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit and on the Board of the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link.
Key to the success of any community during its infancy is the need to form consensus, communicating programs, needs and solutions to the newly formed hometown. Paul Chandler recognized this and through the involvement of The Livonian helped communicate and then shape the news about the young Livonia. His acceptance by the community was evident in his election to Unfortunately Paul Chandler died during his first term. But there is no question that his legacy as a newspaper publisher and his commitment to hometown news will always be with us. His wife Myra took over the paper and eventually Photos: Kelsey Futrell
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SHEILA TAORMINA
PAUL KADISH
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