The Trenton Police Department is excited to announce the graduation of Chief Mike Hawkins from the 291st session of the FBI National Academy. The ceremony took place on September 12th at the academy’s prestigious campus in Quantico, Virginia. Chief Hawkins joins an elite group as only the eighth officer in the department’s history to complete this renowned program, which is attended by fewer than one percent of law enforcement officers nationwide.
Known for its high academic standards, the FBI National Academy offers ten weeks of intensive training focused on communication, leadership, and physical fitness. Participants are selected based on their exemplary records in law
enforcement, and on average, they bring 21 years of experience to the program. Graduates often return to their agencies in executive positions, equipped with advanced skills to lead effectively.
The 291st session featured a diverse cohort of 254 law enforcement professionals from 46 states and the District of Columbia, alongside international participants from 24 countries, five military branches, and six federal civilian organizations.
Chief Hawkins has dedicated his career to the Trenton Police Department since 2001. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University and is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s Staff and Command for Executive Leadership program.
Trenton police chief achieves milestone
Hawkins
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
THS crowns Brooke Buttson
2024 Homecoming Queen
On a memorable night for the Trenton High School community, Brooke Buttson was crowned the 2024 Homecoming Queen. Brooke, a senior, proudly represented the Student Council as one of five candidates on the Homecoming Court, showcasing student groups from across the school.
The rest of the 2024 Homecoming Court consisted of Giana Qualls, also representing Student Council; Katie Havenman, representing Link Crew; Agape Lialios, representing the Senior Class; and Lilly Milford, also representing the Senior Class.
Congratulations to Brooke and the entire Homecoming Court!
A new “Mr. Hockey” teaches kids in Downriver “Hockeytown”
By JERRY J. CARDUCCI
The Grosse Ile hockey instructional program, also known as the “I’ program, is run by director Burdett Milkins, and is held at the Trenton Kennedy Center’s ice arena. This foundational program has been key in producing champions in the entire Downriver area, especially Trenton and Grosse Ile.
Milkins definitely knows how to do it. Coaching since 1999 and playing hockey since the age of three, Milkins brings decades of hard-won hockey knowledge to the “I” program. His “hands-on” approach has him skating with the kids and leading them through drills by example, moving up and down the ice and around the circles, guiding them to skate each way—a critical hockey skill.
The “I” program starts with as young as two years old, but the average age on the ice is four. Older kids and teens, boys or girls, are all welcome whether they know how to skate yet or not. Practices are held twice a week from September through
before the Red Wings claimed the title
established in Ecorse since 1959. The early success of Ecorse hockey was largely thanks to the Great Lakes Steel Corporation, which offered a coveted “drive-in” pass for any Canadian employee willing to assist the hockey association. The Canadians, as expected, brought a wealth of hockey experience to the Ecorse program, quickly helping to produce Downriver’s first hockey stars, some of whom went on to play Division 1 hockey at Big Ten schools. In the 1960s, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes attended the annual Ecorse hockey banquet in search of prospects, as hockey was rare in Ohio and many kids didn’t know how to play, let alone skate.
Hockey, more than any other sport, captures the spirit of Downriver. The boys and girls who grow up in these programs may have different futures ahead as it relates to hockey, but you will find that many come from Milkins’ I Program, which has been a cornerstone of the Downriver community for over 30 years and continues to flourish.
the three rinks at the Trenton Kennedy
TRENTON PARKS AND RECREATION . . .
UPCOMING FUN COMMUNITY EVENTS!
Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ scholarship awards
The Soroptimist Prime Award recognizes young women who are engaged in volunteer activities within their communities or schools. High school girls residing in Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, Riverview, River Rouge, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte are eligible. Two $1,000 awards. Deadline to apply: 11-15-24. Contact Pat Bryan at soroptimistprime@yahoo.com.
The Live Your Dream Award assists women who have the primary financial responsibility for their families to obtain the skills/training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their families. Judging is based on effort toward education, scholarship, extracurricular activities, and financial need. First place: $2,500; second place: $1,500. Deadline to apply: 11-15-24. Applicants are encouraged to apply through the Soroptimist International portal: http://bit.ly/LYDA-apply. For questions, contact Nancy Nagle at 734-558-7942 or nagle.nancy6@gmail.com.
The Virginia Wagner Award - Women who are attending a college or university in pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree are eligible to apply. Judging is based on effort toward education, scholarship, extracurricular activities, and financial need. $2,500 award. Deadline to apply: 1-15-25. Contact Fallon Donovan at 734-308-5466 or fdonovan811@gmail.com.
The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, contact us at sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com or check out our page on Facebook @ Soroptimist International Of Trenton And Downriver Area.
Join Edward Jones in the fight against Alzheimer's
Since Edward Jones signed on to be the Alzheimer's A s sociation's fir st Walk to End Alzheimer's National Presenting Sponsor in 2016 more than 10 0,000 Edward Jones colleagues, clients, friends and families have par ticipated on Edward Jones Walk teams. We are ready, but we need you to join our Edward Jones team in this fight. Will you walk with us?
Please consider signing up today at alz.org /edwardjones
November 2, 2024 | 9:00 a.m.
FOR SALE: 8601 Bridge Road, Grosse Ile 4 Beds/ 2.5 Baths / 3 Car Garage on 1.5 Acres! Are you searching for Peace and Quiet? Your own Tranquil Oasis surrounded by Nature and Wildlife? Then search no more! Here it is: Nestled on 1.5 Acres this Two Story Colonial has so much to offer! Some features include: Hardwood Floors and New Carpet on the Main Floor, Large Kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage. A First Floor Laundry adds to the Amenities! The large Family Room is the perfect location to watch wildlife in the Backyard, your favorite movie or cozy up to the Fireplace and read a book! Dining Room and Living Room offer additional
LEASE: 3540 Biddle, Wyandotte Here it is! An amazing opportunity to grow your business in a thriving Downtown Wyandotte location! Currently set up as multi-use floorpan that includes a Reception Area, Boardroom, Kitchen/Break room and 6 Office Suites. See Floor Plan pictures for current design. Lessor is willing to adjust the build out to suite your needs! This is a Gross Lease.
and
offers Privacy and Seclusion!
Managing obesity often involves making lifestyle changes, and in many cases, medical treatments or surgery are required.
At the Downriver Clinics in Grosse Ile and Trenton, we recognize the importance of addressing all all the factors contributing to obesity.
NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024
CITY OF TRENTON, MICHIGAN
To the Qualified Electors of the City of Trenton, County of Wayne, State of Michigan:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a General Election will be held in the City of Trenton, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. prevailing Eastern Time to elect the following:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE In said General Election, candidates for the following offices are to be voted upon: United States President and Vice-President; United States Senator; Representative in Congress – 6th District; State Representative – 27th District; State Board of Education (2); University of Michigan Regents (2); Michigan State University Trustees (2); Wayne State University Governors (2); County Prosecuting Attorney; County Sheriff; County Clerk; County Treasurer; County Register of Deeds; County Commissioner 15th District; Justice of Supreme Court Non-Incumbent; Justice of Supreme Court Incumbent, Partial Term; Judge of Court of Appeals 1st District Incumbent (2); Judge of Circuit Court 3rd Circuit Incumbent (18); Judge of Circuit Court 3rd Circuit Non-Incumbent; Judge of Circuit Court 3rd Circuit Incumbent Partial Term (2); Judge of Probate Court Incumbent; Judge of Probate Court Non-Incumbent (2); Judge of District Court 33rd District Incumbent; Local School Board Members – Riverview Community Schools (4), Trenton Public Schools (2).
In addition, the following County and City proposals are to be voted upon: Riverview School District: Operating Millage Renewal Proposal.
County: Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency Renewal of Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal.
Full text of the ballot may be obtained at the City of Trenton Clerk’s Office located at 2800 Third Street, Trenton, MI 48183. A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/ vote.
Further, all persons voting in this election must provide appropriate photo identification or complete an affidavit in order to vote. Any person voting in this election must be: a citizen of the United States of America over eighteen years and a registered elector of the City of Trenton. Voting precincts will be held in the following locations:
Precinct #1 Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street
Precinct #2, 3, 4 Westfield Center, 2700 Westfield Road
All polling place locations are handicap accessible. To obtain election instructions in an alternative format (audio or Braille), contact the Clerk’s Office at 734-6758600 prior to Election Day. This public notice is given in accordance with Section 168.653(a) of the Michigan Election Law as amended.
Early Voting: Voters now have the right to vote in-person at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street, for nine (9) consecutive days prior to Election Day, beginning Saturday, October 26, 2024 and ending on Sunday, November 3, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Absentee voter ballots for the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, are available. The City Clerk’s office will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, for the above purpose. Deadline for obtaining absentee voter ballots to be mailed via first class mail is Friday, November 1, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Persons qualified to vote absentee in the election may vote in person in the City Clerk’s office up to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024. Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absentee voter ballot in person in the Clerk’s office. Absentee ballots may be brought in and tabulated during Early Voting and Election Day.
ELECTION NOTICE - PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST
Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test will be conducted for the purpose of certifying the program and scanning devices used to process voter ballots for the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in the City of Trenton, Wayne County, Michigan. Said Test is open to the public and any concerned parties may witness the test on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street, Trenton, Michigan, 48183.
Debra R. Devitt, City Clerk • Publish: October 20, 2024
We Provide Peace of Mind
Robert (Rob) Bovitz, CPA, President, Member AICPA, MICPA 1651 Kingsway Court • P.O. Box 445 • Trenton, MI 48183-0445
Phone: 734-671-5300 • Fax: 734-671-6504
Website: bovitzcpa.com • Email: bovitz@bovitzcpa.com Business Accounting and Tax, Individual Tax and Retirement Planning Eldercare Advisory Services
Rob Bovitz CPA
Connecting the Community through Networking Opportunities
BY ASHLEI DANG
On September 26th, the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce (SWCRC) had its latest ABO (After Business, Ours) meeting hosted by the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union. These bi-monthly events are designed to provide local business owners with a free networking opportunity to make valuable connections and learn about the benefits of Chamber membership. Any business, regardless of industry, is welcome to attend, and guests are always encouraged to join.
The evening started with the usual SWCRC Board of Directors, which included a mini-expo showcasing displays from several chamber members. However, this meeting featured a wide range of activities. Attendees enjoyed food catered by Mission BBQ, refreshing drinks served by Roaming Spirits Mobile Bar, and live entertainment from the Gratitude Steel Drum Band. The event also included some friendly cornhole competition and an exciting Electric Vehicle Drive Event, facilitated by DTE Energy, where guests had the chance to test drive electric vehicle models like the Ford F-150 Lightening and the Chevy Silverado. Nearly 100 people attended, making it a vibrant and successful evening.
For anyone looking to join future networking opportunities, the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union will host The Morning Spark on Friday, November 1st, from 8:00am to 9:00am—another free event open to the public. Additionally, the Chamber Connections Networking Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday, as well as the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month, and welcome anyone who wants to learn more about growing their business through the Chamber.
These events are excellent ways for local business owners to build relationships and explore the benefits of becoming a SWCRC member Don’t miss out on the chance to expand your network and support the Downriver Community!
To learn more about the upcoming events: The Morning Spark: swcrc.com/events/novmspark24 • The Chamber Connections Networking Groups: swcrc.com/chamber-connections
Rompin’
Trenton football team stuns both Carlson and Allen Park
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
The Trenton football team giveth and the Trenton football team taketh away.
On October 4th, the Trojans took their 3-2 record to Gibraltar for a crucial contest against the undefeated Downriver League-leading Carlson Marauders.
Trenton stunned the state that night, beating the Marauders 28-14 on their home field and knocking the Gibraltar team out of first place in the league.
One week later, Trenton hosted Allen Park, the new undefeated league-leader, and the Trojans pulled another whopper, beating the Jaguars 13-6 to throw open the door to the race for the championship.
Carlson and Allen Park faced each other October 18th with the title on the line.
For Trenton, the wins were great validation after the team lost its first two league games of the year – to Southgate and Woodhaven – by a total of four points. Anderson won 28-27 and Woodhaven won 24-21.
But after starting 0-2, Trenton has been on a roll.
Trenton beat Lincoln Park 21-7 on the third week of the season and then crushed Dearborn Edsel Ford and Wyandotte Roosevelt on back-to-back weeks. Edsel Ford fell 42-0 and Wyandotte was defeated
42-7.
Those victories brought Trenton’s record to 3-2 and set the stage for the dramatic back-to-back victories over the Downriver League’s top two teams.
Carlson is a team with many offensive weapons and it is hard to contain them all, so Trenton concentrated on the running backs. Avery Oritz and Izaiah Wright have had monster seasons out of the Carlson backfield this year, but against the Trojans, the terrific tandem had just 55 yards on a combined 17 carries.
Of course, that left dual-threat quarterback Joe Krolak free to operate and he had a big night, but his effort alone was not enough to get his team past the fired-up Trojans.
Krolak passed for 151 yards and rushed for 176, but the 327 yards and two TDs were not enough.
Trenton led virtually from the outset and even carried a commanding 28-7 lead into the fourth quarter.
Like the Detroit Lions, the Trojans have settled into a great two-back approach in the backfield with seniors Ashton Rooney and Drew Carson taking turns pounding opposing defensive lines.
Against Carlson, Rooney had 116 yards and two touchdowns and Carson had 109 yards and one touchdown. Each back carried the ball 21 times and each averaged more than five yards per tote.
Four Trojans – Drew Conrad, Brock Culpepper, Niko Beaudrie, and Luke Michels – all had 10 or more total tackles. The defense also got two tackles for a loss from Culpepper, and one each from Beaudry, Zach Pauley, and Cody Hartwig.
The win over Allen Park had far less scoring than the win over Carlson, but the formula was pretty much the same.
Trenton had 282 total yards in the game and all but eight of it came on the legs of Rooney and Carson. Rooney rushed 17 times for 152 yards and his team’s two scores and Carlson rushed 21 times for 129 yards.
Trenton scored a touchdown in the first quarter and another in the fourth, while limiting Allen Park to just six points, all coming in the third quarter.
Ansel Fater, Michels, and Conrad keyed a defense that limited the Jags to single digits in the scoring column. Allen Park had come into the game averaging more than 25 points per contest, but the Trojans shut them down.
The Trojans stepped out of Downriver League play on October 18th when they hosted the Chelsea Bulldogs. Trenton concludes the regular season on October 25th on the road at winless Taylor.
The Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoff brackets will be announced on Sunday Afternoon, October 27th. The playoffs start the week of November 1st.
Photo by Dave Chapman
Trenton runners win Richard’s Downriver meet
The Trenton girls cross country team ran second to Woodhaven at each of the first two Downriver League Jamborees this season, but on October 12th, the Trojans got more than a measure of revenge – they got a full victory.
Not only did Trenton beat league rival Woodhaven at the Gabriel Richard Downriver meet, the Trojans also beat everyone else and took home the top trophy with 49 points, which was five better than runner-up Carlson. Grosse Ile, Wyandotte, Allen Park, and Woodhaven finished the scoring.
Trenton pulled off the win by placing three runners among the top seven finishers.
Trojan ace Marisa Chuey topped the field, coming home first in 19:49. She was eight full seconds ahead of second-place finisher Adrianna Zub of Allen Park.
Tennis team third at regionals, earns Division 2 state berth
The Trenton varsity tennis team finished third at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 regional tennis tournament hosted by Allen Park High School, and that finish was good enough to boost the Trojans into the state finals.
Regional newcomers Birmingham Groves and Birmingham Seaholm tied for the regional championship, each with 28 points. Trenton was third with 14. With the new regional configuration instituted this year, the top three teams from each region – not just two as in the past – earn berths in the state finals. The Trojans beat out Carlson, which was the 2024 Downriver League tennis champion. The Marauders scored just 11 points.
The Division 2 state finals were held over the weekend in Kalamazoo and completed after the Times’ press deadline.
The regional was really an allBirmingham affair as Groves and Seaholm met in the finals of all eight flights.
Trenton went 1-1 in all eight flights at the tourney. In six of the eight flights, the Trojans earned two points after their representative won their
first match following a first-round bye. MHSAA rules state that “a player must win the second-round match before they receive a point for the bye.”
Two Trenton singles players — Sam Bono (No. 2) and Jack Skinner (No. 4) — each made it to the semifinals before losing to their Seaholm counterparts. Both those Seaholm players went on to win individual regional championships. For Trenton’s Bono, the loss was only his third of the season.
Elsewhere in the singles brackets, both Brendan Wright (No. 1) and Jaxon Crooks (No. 3) also each went 1-1 on the day.
All four doubles pairings for Trenton had first-round byes before following it up with wins in the second round to earn the full two points. That included Grant Riley and Sean McKee at No. 1, Adrian Santoro and Ty Popowicz at No. 2, Dane Summers and Camden DeAngelis at No. 3, and Isaac Anderson and Eli Stackpool at No. 4.
All four Trenton doubles teams have won at least 20 matches on the season and Santoro and Popowicz currently sit at 22-2 overall.
Trenton’s Devyn Dorey (21:14) was sixth and freshman Jamie Glatfelter (21:26) was seventh. Avalina Williamson and Audrey Fallone-Gerou finished the Trenton scoring.
The Trojan boys did not have the same kind of success at the meet, finishing ninth in the 11-team race.
Senior Owen Hassett cracked the top 15 by finishing 14th in 18:27.
Trenton ran in the Downriver League Championship, which was October 17th after the Trenton Times’ press deadline.
Trenton will compete in a MHSAA Division 2 state regional hosted by Wyandotte Roosevelt at Lake Erie Metropark on October 26th. Qualifiers from the regional advance to the state finals at Michigan International Speedway on November 2nd.
Trenton resident opens Taylor Chick-fil-A
In Taylor, local Owner-Operator
Anthony Sautter will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the business, serving Guests, cultivating relationships with local organizations and businesses, and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet the Taylor community’s needs.
A Downriver native, Anthony feels especially honored to be opening Chickfil-A Taylor in a community that is close to his heart. Anthony grew up as a loyal fan of the restaurant company, even crossing state lines just to enjoy Chick-filA’s delicious food before the brand came to the Mitten State.
“The Downriver community has always been home to me and my family, and it feels surreal to be afforded this opportunity to own and operate the first Chick-fil-A in Taylor,” said Anthony. “Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know other local OwnerOperators around the country and I can honestly say that they are now some of my best friends and greatest mentors. The connections that I have made through Chick-fil-A over the years inspire me to ensure that the Guests feel that same sense of connection and community in our restaurant.”
New inductees chosen for the Trenton Educational Foundation’s Wall
Since 2011, the Trenton Educational Foundation’s (TEF) Wall of Fame Volunteer Selection Committee has met to choose deserving candidates to add to the prestigious display prominently featured inside of Trenton High School. A total of 35 people (and one organization) has been selected in the past.
The TEF is proud to induct three new members this year, each of whom will be honored at the foundation’s annual Signature Event fundraising dinner – featuring a “Back to the 80’s” theme – on Friday, November 15th, at the Grecian Center in Southgate, beginning at 6PM.
Joining the esteemed group are the late Jean Pendell, along with Max Monas, and Dr. Noel and Debbie Jackson.
Pendell, who passed away last year, taught elementary art in the Trenton Public Schools (TPS) system for more than 25 years. She was a devoted and active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Trenton for almost 50 years, and was a dedicated volunteer for the Community Garden at the Cultural Center, where she specifically focused on developing the Children’s Garden – efforts which led her to be recognized as “Trentonite of the Year” in 2016.
Monas, a longtime educator and swim coach, began his career with TPS in 1970. Admired and respected for his work both in and out of the classroom, he won a State Championship for girls
swimming and diving in 1995. He also coached baseball, hockey, and soccer for the Trenton Parks and Recreation department, serving as a positive role model to all the student athletes he taught along the way. In 2000, he was inducted into the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame.
Dr. Noel and Debbie Jackson have been immersed in the Trenton community for decades. In 1998, they founded the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC) and along with other volunteers, have offered theatrical education and experiences to thousands of Downriver children while providing quality entertainment. Additionally, they have served in leadership positions with a wide range of community groups, including the Rotary Club of Trenton, the Downtown Development Authority, the Trenton Business Association, and
Kiwanis Club just to name a few. Along the way they’ve been recognized for their dedication by numerous groups, both civic and professional.
The TEF invites you to participate in the formal induction of these community servants by purchasing sponsorships or tickets to the “Back to the 80’s” Signature Event. The evening will feature great food, raffle and auction items, and plenty of fun.
Information can be found online at trentonedfoundation.org/events, or by calling the TEF at 734-365-0672. You can also stop by the Board of Education office during normal business hours. All proceeds go to supporting the TEF and its grant and scholarship programs.
Jean Pendell Max Monas
Debbie Jackson and Dr. Noel
The Seaway Chorale and Orchestra is thrilled to announce its upcoming Christmas show, showcasing the growth of its youth group with the recent induction of ten new Choral members. This exciting addition reflects the community’s enthusiasm for music and the vibrant future of the Chorale.
Rehearsals are now underway and performances are set for the first weekend of December at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium on December 6th and 7th. The Friday night show will begin at 7:30PM, followed by a special matinee on Saturday, December 7th, at 4 PM.
This year’s theme, “Let There Be Peace,” promises a delightful selection of classic Christmas pieces designed to please all concertgoers. Highlights
include a captivating piece featuring lyrics by William Shakespeare, alongside contemporary favorites that capture the spirit of the season.
The Chorale is also proud to present the “Voices of the Young,” a talented youth group directed by Vanessa ElZein Lai, who will perform charming children’s Christmas songs. Under the guidance of masterful director and composer Anthony Lai, along with accompanist Jeremy St. Martin, the Seaway Chorale continues to achieve a harmonious blend of voices that resonates beautifully.
Tickets for the Christmas show are available online at seawaychorale. org or from any chorale member. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this festive celebration of music and community.
Seaway Chorale New Members: Back Row L to R: Vanessa El-Zein Lai, Michael Christman, Sabrina Wright, Muriel Wonderly, Adam Carey, Callie Robillard, and David Stratford; Front Row L to R: Dorothy Baker, Kelli Finger, Cara Phillips, Joyce Mitchell, Karen Wolak, and Shelley Wilson
Seaway Voices of the Young (L to R): Emeline Searles, Lucy Hurst, Norah Rennie, Avery Hawkins, Annika Kung, Delia Henderson, Autumn Herm, Lilliana Reed, Fiona Oliverio, Chelsea Sauve, and Director Vanessa El-Zein Lai at the piano
EXCHANGE CLUB OF TRENTON
Blue Ribbon Bike, Run Walk Says “Thank You” for supporting A.C.E. Scholarships & Programs of Service
Diamond Cosgrove Family • ENTECH Solutions
Platinum
Anonymous • Sandbear Express
Gold
Ceasar Capital Mgt. • Miracle-Ear Trenton • Mighty Molly & 5K Katie Petri Bikes • Total Runner • Willow Tree Stables
Silver
Aggie the Gnome Lady • Amereprise Financial - Bill Bynum
Anonymous • Athens Podiatry • Anthony’s Hair Inc.
Booker Family Dentistry • Cheryl & Janice • Discount Drinks
E.W. Smith Agy. - Scott Roberts • Joe & Jan Connors
In Memory of Joe Wilson • Islandview Neighbors • King Lawns LLC
Karnak Creative Learnng Center • Paul & Jan McShane
Poppe Family • Premier Realty - Linda Andrew • Sibley Gardens
Ramsey’s Family Restaurant • Steve & Rose Femminineo
The Visionary • Trentwood Farm Market • Ultmate Dental
Vic’s Casual Dining • Women of Prayer OLA
Bronze
Anonymous • Joanne Campion • Karen Roberts
Wild Birds Unlimited
• Computer Diagnostics
• Engine Diagnostics, Repairs & Replacements
• Air Conditioning Recharging & Repairs
• Brakes & ABS System Repairs
• Suspension & Steering Repairs
• Brake & Line Repairs
• Batteries, Starters, Alternators
• And More!
Great Lakes Moment
Mink thriving along the Detroit River
From a distance, I caught a glimpse of a relatively small elongated furry animal moving along the shoreline of the Detroit River. What caught my eye was its bounding gate. A bound is when the animal pushes off its hind feet and does a short leap landing on its front feet. When it was not bounding, this inquisitive animal kept its nose to the ground, poking it into crevices, under boulders, and down any hole it found — apparently looking for food. As it got closer to me, I was treated with a surprise. It was a mink! Yes, the mammal best known for its fur, including mink coats.
Mink are semiaquatic predators that hunt in and around rivers, catching prey that other predators cannot easily catch. They are often described as the cutest member of the weasel family. But do not let their looks fool you. Mink are voracious predators well known for taking down prey larger than themselves, including muskrats, rabbits, snakes, frogs, fish, and even birds.
Mink are excellent swimmers with partially webbed feet that help them paddle through water and dive underwater to explore nooks and crannies. You often see them alone because they are solitary, except during the mating season in spring. Scientists call mink a keystone species because their predatory behavior can have a big impact on their ecosystems. For example, mink are adept at hunting muskrats. This, in turn, can help regulate muskrat populations and help balance marsh ecology. For example, when their populations get too high, the muskrats eat so much vegetation that the marsh changes and provides fewer benefits to other species.
Difficulty in monitoring mink trends We do not know much about how Great Lakes mink populations have changed over time because no reliable long-term trend data exist. Trapping data are often not reliable in estimating population size because trapping effort is often limited in scope, resulting in a high proportion of the population not being accessed by trappers using traditional access roads. Further, mink are difficult to trap as they are nocturnal and solitary. Despite these limitations, natural resource managers still keep track of trapping trends to aid in management.
“Based on statewide mink trapping data collected by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from 1986-2020, it appears that mink harvest has been relatively stable over this period,” said D. Cody Norton. Norton is the bear, furbearer, and small game specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
CONTAMINANT STRESSORS
However, we do know a fair amount about threats to mink survival, particularly contaminant stressors that can negatively impact their health. Mink sit at the top of the top of the aquatic food web and therefore accumulate many chemical compounds and heavy metals in their tissue, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins — another persistent toxic organic compound — and mercury. This is through a process of biomagnification. Biomagnification is the cumulative increase in the concentration of persistent toxic substances in successively higher levels of the food web — from algae to zooplankton, from zooplankton to fish, from fish to birds, from birds to other larger mammals.
1990s, scientists reported that mink populations had declined in many areas of the world. These declines were linked to exposures to the environmental contaminants identified above. These scientists went on to report that mink were fewer in areas along the shores of the Great Lakes and their tributaries where mink had access to contaminated fish from the Great Lakes.
LIMITATIONS OF USING MINK AS A SENTINEL SPECIES
Mink have a storied past because of this biomagnification of contaminants which threatens their survival. In the 1970s, mink were first discovered to be extremely sensitive to environmental contaminants. Following die-offs in the commercial mink ranching operations in the 1980s, laboratory experiments showed that environmental contaminants were the likely cause. Some of these contaminants are pesticides, like DDT and toxaphene, that have been banned. Some were other human-made chemicals, like PCBs that were used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment and in paints, plastics, inks, and more. The element mercury was a byproduct of the production of chlorine and caustic soda and was used in thermometers and dental fillings.
During the 1980s and 1990s, research studies found that a mink diet made up of as little as 20-40% fish contaminated with toxic substances, would result in reproductive problems. In the
Sentinel species are organisms, often animals, used to detect risks to ecosystem health by providing advance warning of danger. Mink have long been considered a sentinel of environmental contamination. However, mink do not always satisfy an important criterion of being a good sentinel species. To be a good sentinel species for environmental contamination it should be a lifetime resident of the ecosystem being monitored. Researchers found out that domestic mink commonly escape from mink farms, biasing any mink sampling to assess environmental health. Furthermore, escaped domestic mink may mate with wild mink, leading to domestic–wild hybrids.
The bottom line is that domestic mink and domestic-wild hybrids could well have contaminant burdens that reflect farm environments rather than natural ecosystems, leading to biased estimates of ecosystem health. Therefore, researchers recommend that steps be taken to exclude domestic mink from free-ranging mink samples in studies of environmental health.
Indirect evidence of reduced contaminant stressors
Although mink are often nocturnal and can be reclusive, they are regularly seen in and along the Detroit River. This is good news, but does not provide evidence of a population revival. There is, however, indirect evidence of reduced contaminant stressors that can negatively impact the health of aquatic animals, like mink. For example, mercury concentrations in Lake St. Clair walleye have decreased by more than 80% since 1970. Detroit
By John Hartig
River and Lake St. Clair share the same fish community so similar decreases would likely be found in Detroit River walleye.
PCB concentrations in herring gull eggs from Fighting Island in the Detroit River have decreased by 90% since 1978. Finally, PCB concentrations in snapping turtles in the Detroit River have decreased, with good hatching success and no deformities. Based on this weight of evidence, it can be concluded that there have likely been decreases in contaminant stressors affecting mink in the Detroit River.
MINK STATUS
“A good way of thinking about mink survival requirements in the Detroit River is as a three-legged stool — they need adequate habitat, sufficient prey as food, and safe food that is not contaminated with toxic substances,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, ecotoxicologist specializing in contaminant impacts in the Great Lakes. “All three requirements must be met for mink to flourish.”
There is no doubt that there have been improvements in Detroit River ecosystem health that are helping meet mink survival requirements. For example, many habitat rehabilitation and enhancement projects have been completed in the Detroit River, meaning that food availability is relatively high, and, as noted above, there have been reductions in contaminant exposure.
“Mink are now a fairly common sighting along the shoreline of the Detroit River and its islands, and in Pointe Mouillee State Game Area,” said Joe Robison, southeast regional supervisor for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “We believe that diminished contaminant exposure, habitat enhancements, and fewer trappers are contributing to a thriving population.”
So, the next time you are on or along the Detroit River, keep an eye peeled for a mink and reflect on how they are thriving in this once-polluted river.
John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research. This article was originally published by Detroit Public Television’s Great Lakes Now.
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Riverview hanging with the league’s elite
It has been a wild and turbulent soccer season in the Huron League with the top teams winning and tying games at a far greater pace than they are losing.
The Riverview Pirates, fourth in the league, have lost just three games this season (all of them in league play), while winning eight and tying five times.
The Pirates are 5-3-2 in league play.
Milan leads the division with a 7-0-4 mark (there are those ties, again) and alway powerful Grosse Ile is second with a 7-1-3 record. Huron is 6-3-1, followed by Riverview and 6-4-0 Carleton Airport. Riverview was 4-1-2 heading into the Huron League plaintiff round, but the Bucs suffered backto-back league playoff shutout losses to the leagueleaders – Grosse Ile and Milan. Riverview fell 3-0 to Milan and 5-0 to Grosse Ile. The Bucs had tied each the Big Reds and Red Devils earlier in the season.
The squad bounced back on Sept. 26 with – what else? – a tie. The Pirates played to a 0-0 draw with non-league Allen Park.
PAGE 9
Grosse Ile drops competitive playoff tune-up game
Sure, Grosse Ile would have loved to have beaten Dearborn Heights Crestwood in its non-league match-up on Sept. 30, but the whole point of the match was to play a strong opponent to get ready for the upcoming Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs.
The game was lost 3-2. But the mission was accomplished.
“We came out soft and slow, and maybe we didn’t expect them to be good, but I definitely did,” Grosse Ile coach Jon Evans said. “That is why we scheduled this game. We obviously had to get tougher in the last 40 minutes and we fought back hard, but one mistake really cost us today.
“At this point in the year, you can’t have that mistake,” Evans added. “But we still have 16 days to correct that.”
Grosse Ile fell behind 2-0 in the first half and then came back to pretty much dominate the second half.
PAGE 18
Shaking up wellness: Southgate Nutrition marks five years
On September 23rd, Southgate Nutrition proudly celebrated five years of serving the Downriver community with nutritious shakes and teas. Owners Lisa Craig and Kyrra Wojtuniecki and their team commemorated this milestone with a week-long celebration, featuring special shakes, teas, and local vendors, all designed to honor the loyal customers who have supported them throughout their journey. When Lisa and Kyrra opened Southgate Nutrition, they identified a significant lapse in the community
for healthy, convenient choices. “We saw a huge gap in the Downriver community for nutritious
and quick options,” Lisa shared, emphasizing their mission from day one.
PAGE 9
WPD’s first Trunk or Treat is a spooktacular success
On October 11th, the Wyandotte Police Department celebrated a successful inaugural Trunk or Treat event, drawing a remarkable turnout from the community. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm as every trunk ran out of candy, highlighting the event’s popularity and community spirit.
COVER
Medicaare Annual Enrollment Is Oc tober 15 to December 7
The Inflation Reduction Act and rising utilization of health care will mean big changes for Medicare beneficiaries:
• Increased copays and maximum-out-of-pocket
• New deductibles for prescription drug coverage
• Many plans dropped coverage for several medications
• Double-digit premium increases for Medigap plans
• Cuts to Supplemental Benefits (i.e. Dental, OTC)
Do not wait (or let mom or dad wait) until January to get a huge bill at the pharmacy or find out an important drug is no longer covered. It could be too late to fix it.
Many companies introduced exciting new plans for 2025. Our office is open weekdays from 10am -5pm. It is best to call ahead for an appointment during our busy season.
We are proud recipients of the 2024 Wyandotte
Our clients never pay us directly for our services and having an agent will not increase the cost of your
Supporting your local independent agency helps us maintain this valuable resource in your community.
