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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Gi-GrandNews.com

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We’re not alone

Fixing the damn roads is not as easy as you think BILL STEVENSON Grosse Ile Grand

Michigan’s primary highway revenue sharing program for state and local road agencies.

“The law created the Michigan Transportation Fund which is funded by a state-raised gas tax and vehicle registration fees, not solely by our property taxes.

“Once the revenues are deposited in the Transportation Fund, it’s divided up based on fixed percentages: 39 percent goes to the state highway department. 39 percent goes to county road commissions and 22 percent goes to municipalities (cities and villages.) Zero (0) goes to townships throughout the state.

“As a Michigan township, all our primary roads, side streets, and bridges are owned by Wayne County.

We do not receive money directly to the township from the Transportation Fund, but have to rely on Wayne County for funding,” said Thiel. “Or, we can go to the voters for a locally, voter approved millage.

“With the County expected to pay millions of dollars for repairs on the Free Bridge, the question becomes how much money will be coming forth to redoing our primary roads,” Thiel said.

As a matter of civic record, the Township did place on the ballot a property tax millage specifically for

Editor’s Note: This story is the first installment exploring road repairs on Grosse Ile.

“Yeah, keep your eyes on the road, your hand upon the wheel” ~ Roadhouse Blues by the Doors As ones who venture out on patched and pockmarked Michigan thoroughfares, we know all too well the challenges and pitfalls of driving on Grosse Ile roadways.

With the County Bridge closed, funneling high traffic on an already distressed Meridian Road, drivers may be forced to face the harsh reality that relief and repairs on our roads will be later, rather than sooner.

A recent headline read, “Whitmer: I still plan to ‘fix the damn roads’ Well, Amen to that. But, for Island residents, it’s a little more complicated.

Grosse Ile Department of Public Services and Community Development Director Derek Thiel, explains, “We are governed by P.A.51 which is

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Page 2 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

In 2021 Leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list Forbes: “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list

February 2021.

2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 3

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Open Meetings Act regulates meeting township’s meetings Hello Grosse Ile. My name is David Nadeau and I am the newly elected Grosse Ile Township Treasurer. I have been asked to provide this month’s article as part of the Township Board’s efforts to keep you informed on a variety of topics.

Before I begin talking about the topic du jour, I want to just say a few words about the efforts David being made by Wayne Nadeau County to facilitate the repairs to the Parkway Bridge.

We all know that this closure is a major inconvenience for the residents of Grosse Ile and the surrounding communities. Since I have been a part of the Wayne County work group on the bridge, I have been very pleased with the county’s efforts and desire to see that the bridge is repaired and open by the end of 2021.

They have gone to great lengths to secure the funding, engineering, and contractors to complete this project in a safe and timely fashion. There will be more information forthcoming when the Wayne County Board of Commissioners give their final approval for the project.

In this column, I want to comment

ROADS

on the types of meetings typically held by the Township Board. These comments also apply to meetings held by the various commissions (Recreation, Airport, Public Services, Police, Fire, etc.) that are a large part of the governance and operations of this Township. The laws of the state of Michigan concerning township meetings apply to both Commissions and Boards of Trustees.

As most residents are aware, the Township Board generally meets twice per month and commissions usually meet once per month. Commissions meet to discuss their specific responsibilities and the Board meets to conduct general township operations and to act on issues brought forth by the commissions.

These meetings are structured as to their format in order to comply with the State’s Open Meeting Act (OMA).

The OMA requires that notices be posted in advance of the meeting and specify the date, time, and place of each meeting. Generally, all meetings of a governmental body must be open to members of the public and must provide an opportunity for individuals to comment on any item on the agenda for that meeting.

Continued from page 1 primary road improvements on two separate occasions.

In 2015, a 2.2 mill levy was requested for 20 years and lost by 286 votes—1,361 No to 1,075 Yes. In 2018, a 2 mill levy was requested for 12 years and lost by 348 votes—3,391 No to 3,043 Yes. (A mill is $1 per $1000 of assessed value. Based on the Township tax roll value of $623,000,000, a one mill tax levy would generate $623,000.)

Just this past November election, Grosse Ile voters approved the .4 tenths of a mill street maintenance reauthorization, originally approved by voters in 2010.

The proposal passed by a vote of 5,410 Yes to 1,762 No. This maintenance fund raises approximately $240,000 per year, but is mainly spent on dust control, roadside mowing, and additional snow and ice control on residential streets. After maintaining those types of street issues, about $125,000 is left for roadway surface repairs, like replacing small sections of concrete, or crack and chip seal.

A further analysis of the “State of the Roads on Grosse Ile,” was conducted early last year by DPS Commission Chair Bill Costick and presented to the

The OMA requires that there be at least one public comment period during the meeting and that comment period can be provided at the beginning of the meeting or at the end of the meeting.

On occasion, the board (or commission) can schedule a “study session” to allow members to discuss the details of a particular issue without the constraints of a formal meeting.

Sometimes these study sessions will give the board members an idea of whether to proceed with a particular issue.

These sessions are also subject to the OMA with a slight twist.

Study sessions must be open to the public although there is no requirement that there be any public comment period. The purpose is not to gather public opinion, but to allow the board to have a free flow of information and ideas before an issue is forwarded to the board for further action.

The last type of meeting is called a “closed session.” This session takes place within an open meeting and is closed to the public allowing the board to have a discussion on certain issues that are sensitive in nature. The actual vote on the issue, if one is required, must be made in an open meeting.

Commission and Township Board.

According to his memo, Costick laid out an assessment regarding the condition of Township primary roads: Three miles of Meridian are in terrible condition and at least another mile is failing.

Three miles of East River Road are in terrible condition with two additional miles failing quickly.

One mile each of Church Road, Ferry Road, Bellevue and West River Road are in terrible condition.”

To undertake a road improvement project and plane off the top layer of asphalt and make needed road base repairs and resurface a mile of two lane roadway costs roughly $700,000, according to the report.

Based on the miles of bad Grosse Ile roads, we can do the math.

“Wayne County road improvements are prioritized based on three main factors: how bad the road surface is, the number of accidents occurring on the road, and the high traffic volumes and subsequent traffic congestion,” said Costick.

Costick added, “Each year, a twenty member Wayne County Public Services Task Force publishes a list of its top 100 primary road projects based on the most serious cases. Every year, the County is able to

Some of these reasons for closed sessions include: Negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement; consideration the purchase or lease of real property; consulting with legal counsel regarding pending litigation; reviewing an application for employment or appointment to public office; considering the dismissal or disciplining of a public officer, employee, or staff member; considering material exempt from discussion or disclosure under any state or federal statute.

Sometimes you may see a reference to “executive session” as a type of meeting. That reference is not valid as the term “executive session” does not exist under the OMA. When used, the actual intent is to indicate a “closed session”.

In closing, I want to remind residents that they should refer to GI Connect, the Township’s website (grosseile.com), and the Township’s FaceBook page for information related to Township activities.

They can also reach their elected officials by telephone or email. This information can also be found on the Township’s website.

undertake 15 to 20 of these projects. This is basically a five- or six-year priority list. Of all these terrible roads, Grosse Ile has no road project that shows up on the 2020 road repair priority list. Not even Meridian Road.

“The fact of the matter is, before Grosse Ile can get a road project approved, we must compete with projects like Jefferson in Riverview or the Grosse Pointes, Seven Mile in Livonia, Middlebelt in Westland, Ford Road in Canton, Eureka Road in Romulus and Telegraph Road in Brownstown,” said Costick.

Supervisor James Budny and the Grosse Ile 2020 slate of candidates were elected to the Township Board pledging to put well-maintained roads, bridges and other public infrastructure as a top priority.

“There is no money in the general fund to take care of the roads,” Budny said. “And any funds from the County might come in dribs and drabs. Any real response would have to come from a local millage to do the roads.

“In the very near future we will be asking the DPS Commission to put together a program for road repairs and resurfacing our primary roads. After much study and discussion, we would put the issue before Grosse Ile voters, possibly the earliest in August, 2022,” said Budny.

Page 4 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

CHOCOLATE MONTH CELEBRATION RECIPE 2-1/4 cups unsifted flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 scant teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup dark chocolate chips 1 cup white chocolate chips Heat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat butter with sugars at medium speed until creamy and light in color. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Mix on low speed until blended. Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop tablespoonfuls onto parchment-lined or ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

ITALIAN FOOD DAY TORTELLINI SOUP 12-ounces refrigerated Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini 3 or 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons olive oil 48-ounce carton chicken broth 14.5-ounce can small diced tomatoes Half or whole package frozen chopped spinach, thawed Salt and pepper to taste 3 drops Tabasco sauce Grated Parmesan cheese Boil tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Lightly brown the garlic in oil; do not allow the garlic to darken. Add the broth, tomatoes, spinach, salt, pepper and Tabasco. Simmer 10 or 26 minutes.

Spoon over cooked tortellini in soup bowls and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.

Note: Tortellini can be boiled in the soup, but will absorb some of the broth.

QUICK AND AWESOME MARRY ME CHICKEN 1 tablespoon olive oil 6 to 8 chicken tenderloins Salt and pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced (I used jarred minced in oil) 1 teaspoon oregano 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more or less, as desired 3/4 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup bottled sundried tomatoes, sliced and chopped (I used scissors for this step) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Angel hair or other pasta, rice or mashed potatoes Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish Set oven at 375 degrees. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add oil. Add chicken tenderloins and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brown chicken on both sides until golden.

Transfer tenderloins to a plate. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, then stir in oregano, red pepper flakes, chicken broth and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Stir in sundried tomatoes and cheese. Return tenderloins to skillet and spoon sauce over chicken. Bake until fork-tender.

Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

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The first is for America’s favorite, most popular and best-loved EVELYN cookie: chocolate chip, CAIRNS or course. The second Grosse Ile Grand recipe is for a supersimple, delicious Italian tortellini soup.

And lastly, a gourmet-quality recipe for an Italian dish that was named Marry Me Chicken at a Delish magazine tasting for editors when one of the tasters cried out, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” There are numerous other versions of the dish on the web, but I combined a few and added my own twist, as I did with the recipes for the soup and cookies.

The Delish recipe calls for skin-on chicken thighs, others for skin-off, or large or smaller chicken breasts.

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Here are a few resolutions to consider as we embark on 2021 together: 1. Eat more whole foods. You’ll be making trips to the supermarket in the new year as you always would - on your trips, simply aim to fill your cart with more fresh, organic foods instead of processed goods.

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Page 6 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Duck Factory keeps going through three generations

Keep on quackin’

PAULA NEUMAN

Grosse Ile Grand

can have a Moose Factory, we can have a Duck Factory.’”

On the Duck Factory’s maiden voyage — the trip to bring the boat home from Bolles Harbor to Grosse Ile — a valve broke.

“But we made it, and we had more fun that day!” Milkins said.

head.”

Over the years, the men, their friends and their families have made many trips, long and short, aboard the Duck Factory, including many summer jaunts to Duffy’s Tavern (leveled in 2017) in Amherstburg, Ontario, a mecca for Michigan boaters for decades.

“She’s been a great assist to all the things we’ve done on the boat,” Milkins said. “One year we had a cruise to Put-In-Bay (an Ohio resort town on South Bass Island) and we called it Martha Stewart’s Amazing Sea Adventure. We decorated the boat real nice — linens and all — and we dressed up in

Over the last 45 years, the 38-foot Duck Factory has sailed into local legend.

She’s a trap net fishing boat built in 1953 in Cleveland, Ohio. Trap net boats, used for commercial fishing, have low sides and wide, flat decks.

When Grosse Ile resident and Wyandotte business owner Bruce Milkins and his buddies John Perry and Wally Merritt first laid eyes on the boat in 1976, they thought its “low profile,” as Milkins put it, would make it perfect for duck hunting.

“We could get in and out of the boat real easy,” he said.

Since then, the Duck Factory’s reputation has been anything but “low profile.’’ But back to 1976.

“I found it at Bolles Harbor,” Milkins said. “It had been laid up for years. We talked about it, and decided if it would still run, we’d buy it.”

Luckily, Perry — whom Milkins dubs “a mechanical genius” — after a couple of hours of work, was able to get the boat’s engine to turn over.

The boat’s original name was the Harvey K, and when Bruce and Diane Milkins and Ryan Rozycki are owners of the infamous Duck Factory. the three young men found it languishing in 1976, the boat was called Zigeuner. That’s Since then, the Duck Factory And then there were those white shirts. We’d paint the tie Greek for wandering gypsy, crew has spent countless hours storied stag events. on the white shirt with Magic Milkins said. She cost the three and dollars fixing her up — and “We’d always have a Markers.” men about $7,500. enjoyed countless hours of fun. summer prom with the boys,” Some of the trips to Put“Then we said we’ve got to The first improvements took Milkins said. “We’d flip a coin.

In-Bay during the early years come up with a new name,” he place right away.

Heads we go north and tails perhaps went a little overboard, said, “and I suggested the Duck “She looked like she had a we go south. We’ve been as far he admitted.

Factory. We had just gotten Winnebago trailer on the back as Port Huron and Goderich “Many times at Put-In-Bay back from a goose-hunting trip of her, so we tore it all apart and (Ontario) and as far south as we’d have typical problems in James Bay in Canada, and I rebuilt it,” Milkins said. “Now Cleveland and Erie.” like everybody has problems remembered that we’d stayed there’s a galley, bar, dinette — His wife, Diane, and her down there — boaters acting a in a little town up there called that’s all open — and inside friends decorated the Duck little crazy and having too much Moose Factory. I said, ‘If they are bunks, a workroom and a Factory for some of its voyages. fun,” Milkins said. “One year,

they permanently banned us. It was 1988. But after four or five years, they welcomed us back with open arms.

“There are some things we can’t print, of course,” he added with a laugh.

But the Duck Factory has meant a lot more to the men and to the region than just fall

duck hunting and crazy summer fun over the years.

“We’ve done a lot of charitable things with Ducks Unlimited,” Milkins said.

“We’re life members with the Monroe DU. And with the Rotary Club, we’d have some of our festivities aboard the Factory.”

And once a year, with the SEE QUACKIN’ Page 7

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Continued from page 6 addition of a tugboat and barge provided

by Grosse Ile residents Warren and Bridget Hurst of Hurst Marine, the Duck Factory takes handicapped children for a boat ride and then to lunch at the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, where Milkins is a past commodore.

“The boat has never been for hire, but we do a lot of charity work for the churches and the various fundraisers,” Milkins said. “We’ve had three weddings on the boat and a number of funerals. We’ve taken high school kids out for prom trips and had class reunion parties. One of the times I remember was when the Trenton Rotary Club was doing an exchange with the Rotary Club in Trenton, Canada, and they brought their high school band kids. They all played bagpipes, so I asked them to do ‘Amazing Grace’ on the bagpipes.”

As the Duck Factory cruised through Crystal Bay in the Detroit River’s Canadian waters, the plaintive pipes wailed the time-honored hymn. The sound seemed amplified and somehow magical as it traveled over the cool, calm water.

“There was a wedding going on there, and all the boats were honking,” Milkins said. “It was amazing.”

He still remembers getting goosebumps that day from the sound of the pipes on the water.

Repairs have been ongoing, as with any boat. The Duck Factory has sunk three times over the last 45 years and each time has been floated anew.

“Only at the dock,” Milkins said.

“It was probably because of a lack of maintenance on the bottom. Sometimes the water will go real low and it would lean over on its side and water would splash in. Nobody was ever aboard.”

Over the years, the Duck Factory has continued to serve its prime objective as a duck hunting boat.

“We call it the mother ship,” Milkins said. “We anchor the boat and then put the sneak boats out in the water.

Then we could come back and fish, play cards, watch football games, and cook up the fish and ducks we caught right there. We spend the whole day out there.”

Each fall, a group of youngsters climb aboard the Duck Factory to go duck hunting.

One of those kids was Ryan Rozycki of Newport, who, at one of the annual so-called Duck Factory Poachers

Delight Dinners, was awarded as Rookie of the Year. He was 14 then.

Now he’s 28 and the Duck Factory’s newest partner.

A few years ago, Merritt and Perry decided to end their partnership in the boat’s ownership.

“They didn’t have time for it and weren’t able to get out,” Milkins said.

“They had other things in their lives they were doing. So I bought them out, but I told them, ‘You can check out but you can never leave.’”

Then he pulled the boat out of the water — one of the first times he’s ever done that — to rebuild its bottom and the back deck to make sure the Duck Factory was in good condition for its new partner.

Enter Rozycki.

“Bruce has been a long-standing family friend,” he said. “Over the years, I started hunting with Bruce a little bit here and there. One morning, Bruce said, ‘I want to make you a partner.’

That was September 2014.”

Rozycki was all for it.

“I’ve had so many good times on that boat,” he said. “The boat was where my brother’s wedding was held. It’s been a big part of my life, my brother’s life and my girlfriend’s life. So many walks of life have come onto that boat — second and third generations of families.

It’s been through a lot, but it’s never stopped. It keeps going and we never give up.”

For him as well as for Milkins, the Duck Factory is more than a place to have fun. Rozycki talked about some of the fundraisers — and also about “duck tipping.”

That’s when swings are attached to the tall outriggers aboard the boat, which are then swung over sideways.

Then the engines rev up and she goes full tilt so riders on the swings get a splashing, crashing ride through the water.

“My girlfriend (Colleen Abair of Woodhaven) brings her friends and we go duck tipping,” Rozycki said.

“She hates the boat during duck season because we’re never there, but she loves it in the summer.”

Rozycki considers himself part of the Duck Factory’s ongoing legacy.

“I own the boat, but I don’t have as many rights as the guys who’ve been doing this with Bruce for more than 40 years,” he said. “A big thing about the boat has always been the people.

“The boat has always been about the friendships.”

Page 8 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 9

AAUW offers $2,500 academic scholarship

The Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering a scholarship in 2021 through its foundation for all eligible applicants. The foundation arm of the organization was established in 2010, and is classified as a 501(c)3 entity.

The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support, including tuition, fees, books and supplies.

The $2,500.00 award will be paid directly to the chosen college or university on behalf of the student.

The scholarship is for the Fall Semester 2021.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in any of the following communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven or Wyandotte.

The applicants must have earned a minimum of 12 college credits and

must be currently enrolled as a fulltime student.

All interested students who wish to apply for this scholarship should send an email with the subject: “Scholarships” to aauwwd@gmail. com to receive the application form and guidelines.

The completed application, required essay and a copy of the applicant’s transcript must be sent to AAUW-WDF, P.O. Box 127, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 or via email to scholarship committee chair Bebe Hartman at: sharkhart31@gmail.com.

The application deadline is March 15, 2021.

AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver supports leadership, education, equity and economic security for women through scholarships, training and political advocacy. Information about the branch and our activities can be found at https://downriver-mi. aauw.net/ and or by calling Sheila Blair at 734-674-2246 or Sue Stoll at 737-692-4919. Address email to aauwwd@gmail.com

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 11

New fitness center open

Island Athletics offers tennis and many other opportunities BILL STEVENSON Grosse Ile Grand

Looking to get back on track or finally commit to your New Year’s fitness resolution? Or, perhaps you are looking to shed the COVID nineteen pounds you have put on since last March. Maybe, you want to up your game in tennis, or try something new like pickleball or get your kids off the couch and physically fit.

Well, there’s a new game in town that can get you moving in the right direction.

Island Athletics held their grand opening on January 15th, occupying the space formerly known as the Grosse Ile Tennis Center at 9251 Groh Road, adjacent to the airport.

The new owners, Bobbie Haidy and Bobbi Parsons are excited about providing fitness and recreation activities, not only for Islanders, but for Downriver residents looking for new challenges.

Haidy is the varsity competitive cheer coach at Wyandotte Roosevelt, who brings that same drive and energy to Island Athletics, as she has for the past twelve years coaching the high school sport.

“We are excited to be here! Our idea is to work with families throughout the area and offer a diverse selection of fitness activities. The 40,000 square foot facility used to be the old Navy Base airplane hangar and since the ‘70s served as a tennis facility and health club. We offer a full service experience, staffed by dedicated, client-focused professionals,” said Haidy.

Co-owner Bobbi Parsons brings twenty-five years of management experience in the banquet, food service, and catering industry to the new business.

Parsons said, “We have been so busy since signing our lease with the Township. Since last November, our families have been busy renovating and redoing the whole place. We redid the lobby entrance and have completed

work on the men’s and women’s locker rooms. The former fitness center is now our “spin room” and we are developing a full service fitness area to be open soon.”

With the rebranding and remodeling, Island Athletics still offers five indoor tennis courts, with year-round court time for both adults and young players.

Group clinics and private or semiprivate lessons are available.

Other portions of the expansive area are dedicated to four new pickleball courts which have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Veteran players may find new competition and opportunities for improving their pickleball prowess.

Novice players can enroll in a four week program teaching the basics, proper play, and game strategies.

A vast array of cardio fitness classes are available seven days a week, starting as early as 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Spin classes, cardio drumming, Zumba, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training),

quick burst Tabata training - designed for greater impact on both aerobic and anaerobic systems, Barre Fusion, Slow Flow Yoga, and Senior Chair Aerobics are just some of the offerings. Island Athletics is running a 50% discount off single class visits for the month of February.

Personal training is also offered for 1-on-1 instruction or a 1-to-2 teacherstudent ratio.

Additionally, Island Athletics offers programs targeted specifically to children’s fitness. Parent and child sessions for toddlers as young as 18 months to 2 ½ year olds are designed for development of gross motor skills and quality playtime with mom or dad.

Other children’s sessions involve ages 3-5 which include tumbling, yoga, team games and healthy eating.

For kids 6-8 and 9-12 there are advanced programs to improve children’s strength, agility, focus, and self-esteem.

The ultimate goal is to develop a

strong foundational base to enhance the joy of physical fitness, improve athletic performance, and build lifelong skills for better health.

Further, both Haidy and Parsons also add, “To our knowledge, we are the only rental place on Grosse Ile for parents to have a sports-themed celebration for their child’s birthday party.”

The Island Athletics birthday package includes two hours of rental space in a private room, personal party organizer, and one hour of athletic activity like fowling, ladder ball, corn hole or basketball. Pizza, drinks and chips, table set-up is included. Additional food items are also able to be purchased.

Through all the programs and activities, Island Athletics follows the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For further information, for membership or individual activity sign-up, call 734-752-6802 or visit their website at island-athletics.com.

Page 12 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 13

GI pets

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This is Ellie. She is a two-year-old SpringerDoodle. She lives on Grosse Ile with her humans Mama Mary and Papa Guido.

Would you like to see your pet pictured in one of our monthly community publications? If so, simply send a photo of your pet, the pet’s name, your name and the community in which you live to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com and we will take care of the rest.

Riverpointe Realty celebrates award winners

Recognizing the extraordinary sales efforts of her sales associates in 2020, E. Ann Redfield, Broker/ Owner recently announced Century 21 Riverpointe’s Top Producers.

“Our agents have displayed a tremendous commitment to providing an exemplary level of service to our clients and I would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their success.” she said. “Our mission at Century 21 Riverpointe is to defy the mediocrity that has become all too common in real estate today. Others may focus on simply facilitating a transaction, but we believe in delivering an Redfield extraordinary experience to our clients.”

Rose Koval was presented with the coveted Centurion award from the CENTURY 21 System for the 25th consecutive year and was also named Century 21 Riverpointe’s Top Producer again for 2020.

“Rose is a leader and innovator in delivering powerful home buying and Koval selling choices to her clients because she knows the community she serves,” said Redfield.

“Rose is a valued and trusted real estate resource for her community and a major contributor to the overall success of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe.”

Special recognition was given to Jennifer Kish and Kristina Miller for their exceptional Multi-Million Dollar production. Both Jennifer and Kristina far exceeded the goals they set at the beginning of the year.

“Even in the midst of a pandemic they both surpassed expectations

they set for themselves in 2020,” said Redfield.

Niki Grigg, Lorie Polgar and Judy Cemer received awards for their MultiMillion Dollar production.

Other awards presented for outstanding sales were received by Susie Harrison, Rob Pizzimenti, Glorian Wilson, Tim Wojtala, Maria Chirco, Jason Klein, Tom Medick and Kathy Kish Zubor.

Redfield congratulated and thanked the award-winners as well as the rest of her sales associates and entire staff on their success in 2020.

“It’s been a year like no other, but together we rose to the challenge of a global pandemic and helped our clients achieve their dreams,” she said.

Ann also announced that the company, as well Miller as sales associates Judy Cemer, Niki Grigg, Jennifer Kish, Kristina Miller and Tim Wojtala received the Quality Service Award.

“This award is very important to us because it is given by the CENTURY 21 System based on the results of surveys sent to our clients. Our goal has always been to receive this award every year based on the fact that our clients took the time to complete the survey and said that they were very satisfied with the service they received and the experience we provided,” said Redfield.

While CENTURY 21 Riverpointe celebrates their successes in 2020, they remain focused on servicing the real estate needs of their marketplace and delivering an extraordinary experience to their clients.

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 15

A look at how a year of COVID has affected retailers

I

Peter Rose

Grosse Ile Grand

remember being at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago about a year ago. It is the only menswear trade show that we attend.

The Chicago Collective is an excellent snapshot of brand names in our industry that prepare their offerings for the review of retailers like Chelsea Menswear across the nation to consider for future seasons.

The same building is home to the women’s version of a fantastic seasonal show called STYLEMAX, which was cancelled.

These trade shows serve as a vital keel and rudder, and we have been without them. This doesn’t hurt big companies, it hurts small, like us.

At the men’s show, conversations about a virus abroad were just on the

edge of awareness of most of us, just becoming top-of-mind awareness, but still not coalescing into the realization of how serious the threat was.

I had heard of a virus out there, but it simply hadn’t become something to be nervous about.

As we went about our job for those three days of considering our options for Fall 2020, we had no governors in place creating caution and defensive measures. We went about at this threeday show with the same engagement of the minds that provides us with all the fuel to recharge energies with new ideas and products for the coming seasons ahead.

Retailing for vendors and retailers alike thrives on the energy of these shows. Vendors learn what retailers like so as to make their buys for 6-8 months out. Retailers find new possible solutions to adjust course, correct areas of underperformance of the season just ended for next year’s version of the same season.

There is a sense of optimism, always, a sense of capacity for change and improvement and excitement and,

well, fuel to move forward.

After going to these shows since the beginning of my 48 years in this industry, there is no abatement in my enthusiasm for the vital functions these events provide that pull us forward to act out our passions for what we do.

In three days we see enough merchandise to fill our store many times over. We take our notes and come back to work, where the real work begins. Stores like ours do not buy products for faceless, unknown people. We try to consider the tastes and interests of our specific customers.

It is not a scientific analysis, but a personal evaluation.

It’s a constant challenge, a neverending chess match. It is what we do.

The exact same thing happens for all indie stores, with trade shows for the niches they fill.

We’re not always accurate. There are pitfalls, there are mistakes, most of the seasons I have had to read the tea leaves. But nothing I learned over all of these years prepared me or any of us for COVID-19. In a flash, so much

of what I know about apparel retailing became almost irrelevant.

When I hear that anything related to home improvement, or home décor is on fire, I am relieved to know that money is still circulating. Tradesmen of all sorts are booked solid. But the demand for clothing has dropped dramatically, and the type of clothing has changed so much in so short a time frame….it is mind numbing.

I’m telling you this as representatives of our industry, not to paint a gloomy picture, but to illustrate the effect on a very large swath of the American economy.

The vaccines are being distributed.

It seems possible now that there is an end in sight, but it is going to be a real slog.

As you know, I am appalled by what was allowed to happen to retail square footage in this nation, overbuilding supply to beyond the point of absurdity. Last year, records were set for bankruptcies and store closures. It was a good start, and sure enough, industry analysts are predicting another 10,000 stores to close in America in 2021.

I remind you that this is a good thing. Right sizing the industry is crucial to providing air and space for the independent stores to come closer to actually thriving, so as to serve communities better.

The assets that are being written down are staggering. But not my problem, not my concern. They built a house of straw and we are finding out now that the house is highly susceptible to winds of economic duress.

Meanwhile, independent stores are not thinned in ranks anywhere near like we all feared might happen.

We are more nimble, more capable of reacting, maneuvering, hunkering down and surviving for a new day, which is coming.

The new year is going to be no cakewalk, but I predict a gradually normalizing state of affairs over the first three quarters of this year.

Restaurants will mostly recover, too, which also brings cities back to life. By October, friends, I think we may be looking at COVID-19 receding in the rear view mirror as America regains its footing.

Page 16 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 17

TELESCOPING THE TOWNSHIP

Land conservancy can always use a financial hand

ARE THERE RESIDENTS INTERESTED IN FINANCIALLY SUPPORTING THE GIN&LC’S LAND ACQUISITION? The Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy has set aside a certain amount of their treasury for land acquisition so that along with development, there will be easements and lots that will forever be green.

If you have some money that you’d like to contribute toward preserving trees and open areas rather than seeing vacant lots with PAMELA A. more houses, contact FRUCCI the GIN&LC treasurer Grosse Ile Grand John Leon to make that donation. He would be happy to work with interested Islanders who visualize maintaining Grosse Ile’s natural areas to offset future overdevelopment.

Got a household problem? Grosse Ile Hardware can help We’re lucky to have the Grosse Ile Hardware on the Island.

I think of it as a general store where the helpful owner Ray Biddle, his family and employees can solve just about any household problem you bring to their attention.

My problem was I needed to match some paint to touch up a maple wood piano with a lot of scratches.

I ran out of the color of paint I needed to do the touch-up, so I took a piece of paper and dabbed a bit of my almost used-up paint that needed matching.

When I took it to Ray, he used a computer in the paint department to exactly match the paint, mix it, A tree planted in memory of the late Jill Ryan and handed me a quart of perfectly matching paint.

Now my piano looks like a brand-new piano, In 2020 women celebrated 100th anniversary nowhere like the give-away used piano I adopted of getting the right to vote from the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church.

A little known fact was revealed to me reading an old Readers Digest.

Pat Andrews made her mark and will be Here’s the fact: After the passage of the 19th missed amendment in 1919 to give women the right to There have been a lot of tributes to Pat Andrews vote, the measure needed to be ratified by 36 who passed away in December. states to become law. By the summer of 1920, the She was a journalist extraordinaire and active in amendment’s advocates were one state from victory. the Downriver area.

Unfortunately, almost all the southern states My favorite memory of Pat was when we were opposed the amendment and Tennessee was poised sitting together at a table at Crystal Gardens for a to join them because of a 48-48 tie in its state reception that George Bush, Sr. appeared at when he legislature. was running for a second term as president.

A 24-year-old man named Harry Burn, the I happened to be wearing a presidential scarf with youngest representative in the state, was expected all the presidents’ names on it. I leaned over and to be among those to vote “nay”- he was even asked Pat if I should stand in the reception line and wearing a red rose in his lapel, the symbol of the ask President Bush if he would sign my scarf. I had anti-suffragists. a marking pen with me. Pat said, “Go for it.” and I However, on the morning of the Tennessee roll did. When I got up to him with pen in hand, I asked call, Burn received a letter from his mother. She if he would sign my scarf and he did. I thank Pat for implored him to “be a good boy” and support the giving me the push I needed to ask for his signature! measure.

When Burn’s name was called, he voted ”aye” in a voice that was barely audible and yet shocking.

He later declared, “I believe we had a moral and legal right to ratify” the amendment.

He quickly fessed up to his mother’s influence on his vote.

“I know that a mother’s advice is always safest for her boy to follow,” he said, “and my mother wanted me to vote for ratification.”

Revitalizing Islanders theater group is a reality After several preliminary meetings by a group of residents, many with ties to the former Islanders theater that existed for 80 plus years but folded in 2007, it was decided to revive live theater on Grosse Ile. Meeting at the VFW on Macomb, the group led by Pam Frucci, had several meetings prompted by newcomer Fred Watson. (Fred had also sparked an interest in the popular classic car shows at the VFW this past summer and fall by approaching VFW commandant Barry VanEngelen with his idea.)

At the Jan. 23 meeting of the planning group, auditions were held for a future talent show to be scheduled when things open up hopefully in May. Already lined up is a 10-yearold songstress, a baritone singer, a recitation, and by video, a song sung by a 105-year-old friend of Jack and Pam Frucci’s daughter in NYC, who sang and danced with Bob Hope when he entertained the troops during WWII. The planning group is looking for more talent to appear in a showcase of Grosse Ile talent whether it be dance, song, stand-up comedian or a serious reading from a Shakespearean play.

Interested future performers are asked to come to the next meeting at the VFW on Sat., Feb.20 at 11 a.m. to audition. To be considered, you are asked to call Pam Frucci at (734) 671-0170 or email her at jpfrucci@yahoo.com.

The planning committee decided to dedicate the revival of the Islanders to Jill Ryan, who was not only active in the Islanders but headed the Boar’s Head Festival for many years and always wowed the audience with her appearance as the Partridge in a Pear Tree.

We lost Jill in 2020, but her memory lives on.

An active member of the Rotary Club, where she also served as president, the club honored her service and her long association with the Boar’s Head Festival by planting a pear tree on the Sacred Heart Church grounds.

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Page 22 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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Business offers new fitness option for Islanders

Two women with a strong interest in sports and fitness have joined forces to open Island Athletics in the former Grosse Ile Tennis Center building, 9251 Groh Road.

The new business in the 40,000-square-foot building will offer five indoor tennis courts; tennis clinics; four pickleball courts; half-court basketball; a fitness center; cardio classes; personal training; space to rent for team practices, birthday parties or whathave-you; and much more.

“We have a spin room with 10 spin bikes ready to launch as soon as the governor allows group fitness to come back,” co-owner Bobbie Haidy said.

Haidy is the varsity competitive cheerleading coach at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, and her partner in the business, Bobbi Parsons of Wyandotte, is a friend and mother of one of Haidy’s cheerleaders.

“We were looking for a small building to do space rental for practices, and then we landed this,” Haidy said with a laugh.

The large Grosse Ile facility, owned by the township, was built in 1942 to house military aircraft, and converted into a tennis facility in 1972, then majorly renovated in 2003.

According to Island Athletic’s website: “The capital improvements initiated in fall 2003 were funded through the efforts of private donors. With these funds Phase I of the redevelopment of the Tennis Center has transpired. Phase I focused upon reopening the tennis courts and limited amenities. Phase II will initiate the construction of new infrastructure, new locker rooms and the development of a full service fitness area.”

Island Athletics has done a lot of renovating and refreshing since the women started working in November, including remodeling the building’s lobby.

“We’ve repainted the whole building, put in new floors, new trim, a new ceiling and renovated the men’s and women’s locker rooms,” Haidy said.

Both women’s husbands have done a lot of work on the facility, too, as have Haidy’s parents.

“They’ve been a huge help,” she said. “This is two families coming together to better Grosse Ile and the surrounding communities. When we made the commitment, we didn’t just want to bring tennis back. We wanted to bring in as much as we could. The idea is to work with the community and give them a diverse selection of fitness. This 40,000-quare-foot building can be utilized for just about any sport, fitness activities or personal use.”

Memberships, to begin after Covid restrictions are lifted, are available for purchase, as are one-time uses for all aspects of the facility. For prices and more information, visit www.island-athletics.com.

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 23

Jack is enjoying his 91st birthday present In our former home on Hickory Circle, my husband Jack had a deep-soaking bathtub.

With all the pluses we’ve been enjoying in our home on East River Road we’re renting from our daughter, it only had a shallow tub.

So for his 91st birthday, which was Jan. 29, the family hired Zubke Plumbing to install a deep soaking PAMELA A. bathtub to replace the shallow tub.

FRUCCI It took them all week but the result Grosse Ile Grand is a “work of art” with marble tile and bars on all sides for stepping in and out.

As a joke, Jack also got for his birthday three rubber duckies to join him in his new tub!

Book reading spree a source of info and pleasure With all the down time preventing going places and doing things, I have been able to spend a lot of time reading.

A recent book I just finished was a fascinating history by Ted Widmer titled “Lincoln on the Verge,” which told in great detail the 13-day trip by train from Springfield, IL to Washington D.C. in 1861.

Lincoln and his family were on their way for his inauguration. It was a treacherous journey since the southern states were violently anti-Lincoln. They knew he planned to abolish slavery, a main stay in

the South and under the leadership of Jefferson Davis they not only were going to secede from the union but were going to prevent Lincoln’s inauguration, even assassinating him.

Despite throngs of well wishers along the route of his train in the northern states where he gave multiple speeches, Pinkerton detectives hired to protect the president, discovered plots along the way to kill him before he reached Washington.

Even a grenade was thrown through a window of his railroad car. Luckily, Lincoln arrived safely in Washington and was inaugurated in front of the not quite completed capitol building.

When our daughter arrived back in NYC after supervising the installation of her dad’s “birthday tub,” she called to tell us she had arrived safely after her flight and that from our front door to hers it was a 4½ hour trip. I told her it had taken Lincoln 13 days to take the train from Springfield to Washington, D.C. What a difference 160 years later!

A notable fact: When Lincoln’s train arrived in Philadelphia, he did as he had done all along the route from Springfield, IL to Washington, D.C. He either spoke to the crowds who had gathered to wish him well from the back of the train or when he overnighted along the way at a hotel, he would speak to the crowds until his hands were sore shaking hands or his voice became hoarse

Holiday chicken cheer Some folks are dog people, others prefer cats. There are happy parrot owners and lizard owners, too. You’ll find ferrets and hamsters and bunnies and fish, but few people keep chickens as pets. Well, say hello to Jenny Handrinos and her pet chickens Ruby (the golden one) and Rosie (the black one). Jenny dressed up her fowl friends for the recent Christmas holidays and shared her family photos with us.

from all the talks he gave.

One special stop was at Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Washington was Lincoln’s hero and hung on the wall was a copy of Washington Crossing the Delaware during the Revolutionary War by the German painter Emanuel Leutze.

The original painting was on display in a museum in Germany, but during WWII, American bombers destroyed the museum along with the painting.

New bench graces piano I missed having a piano in our home so I volunteered to take one of the givea-way pianos the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church was offering.

Two Men and a Truck picked it up at church and delivered it a month ago.

It will be tuned this week but was lacking a bench.

I bought two cheap chairs from the Salvation Army store and painted one to go with the maple wood on the piano.

When our daughter thought the cheap plastic chair looked out of place, she bought me an elegant upholstered bench that matches perfectly with the piano.

Our granddaughter Katie assembled the bench and I returned the plastic chairs to the Salvation Army.

Hopefully someone will find they’ll fit with their décor.

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Page 24 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

Wayne County: Bridge pier work to begin in April and MDOT officials about this project, and they are supportive of the County’s plan for the bridge repairs. Improving infrastructure remains our top priority.”

Wayne County Department of Public Services closed the bridge to traffic in May 2020 to allow for rehabilitation and maintenance of the bridge’s superstructure. County engineers conducted a routine inspection of the underwater bridge piers last fall and discovered accelerated deterioration of the bridge’s footings, requiring all work to be stopped in November.

“It is our priority to get the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge open to traffic as soon as physically possible, but our first priority is to ensure the safety of all who would use it,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.

“This needed rehabilitation project will increase the use of the bridge for years to come.”

The bridge will reopen to traffic once both the superstructure and underwater piers projects are complete, and it is safe to do so.

Wayne County announced on Feb. 4 that it has chosen a company to work on the deteriorated piers of the closed Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge and also announced that work on the piers will begin in April The county further said it expects work to be completed by fall 2021, barring inclement weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Wayne County Commission has chosen the J. F. Brennan Company, Inc. to begin the underwater pier restoration work. The price tag is $8.9 million.

J. F. Brennan is a Wisconsin-based marine construction company that specializes in bridge and underwater engineering. “(The) Commission vote allows us to continue with progress toward the overall rehabilitation of the bridge, which is essential for safe, efficient commuting for Grosse Ile residents,” said Beverly Watts, Director of the Wayne County Department of Public Services. “We have had regular discussions with Grosse Ile Township

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 25

The Wall that Heals coming to Downriver he Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial along with a mobile Education Center, is coming to the city of Riverview, Aug. 13-14, 2021.

The exhibit will be on display at Young Patriots Park and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public.

Ceaser Capital Management, the city of Riverview and Riverview American Legion Post 389 are leading the effort that will bring the exhibit to the city.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the 58,276 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Riverview to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall.

“We will work carefully with the host to provide a safe opportunity for the community to experience the healing and educational aspects of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers will be required to wear masks. Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing to safeguard the staff, volunteers and other visitors.

“Nothing is more important to VVMF than the health and well-being of our Vietnam veterans and their families. We will work closely with the host to make certain that all health and safety protocols are met in order to provide the best visitor experience while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors at top of mind,” said Knotts.

The Wall That Heals is transported from

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Apply to honor your veteran by the March 5th deadline and their photo will be included as part of the mobile Education Center when The Wall That Heals is on display in Riverview, MI from August 12th - August 15th.

For more information, visit www.VVMF.org/InMemory

F O U N D E R S O F T H E WA L L

community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.

The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point.

Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.

The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died as a result of their service; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told

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through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

The 2021 national The Wall That Heals tour is generously sponsored by USAA. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country. The local presenting sponsor for The City of Riverview is Ceaser Capital Management.

Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 700 U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005.

The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982.

The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C. and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More information can be found at: About VVMF The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation’s Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF’s mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era through programs, ceremonies and education materials.

To learn more about VVMF, visit vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 26 • February 10 — March 9, 2021

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Listening to each other is the best way forward In the Downriver community, we are blessed with so much potential and individuality.

Unfortunately, IKE outside of our BOLTON peaceful and beautiful Grosse Ile Grand slice of Michigan things are a little different.

The world is a cold, mean and unforgiving place - or at least that is how it can seem. Recent events in history have led to a disturbance of our normal way of life. People have lost their lives and have turned against each other.

Racial inequality is still causing distress in our nation even though it has existed for hundreds of years.

Politicians wage endless wars against each other creating chaos in our government. The world is messed up and it is the responsibility of future generations to help repair the damage done.

We, the youth and adults of today,

need to recognize the events and changes around us so that we can help build a new and bright future for generations to come.

The first way that we can help the world be a better place is to have understanding for one another. We don’t have to agree, but we have a choice to agree to disagree.

The world needs everyone to have unity during these hardships we have been put through. Unity is hard but it is possible and certainly achievable if we can have courage to walk in each other’s shoes no matter the cost.

In school, I learned one of the greatest ways to have an understanding is to look at both sides of the story.

Looking at the media today, it can be difficult to avoid misplaced or incorrect information. Once people find a source they can trust, that source can sometimes become their only source.

This could be avoidable by use of constant fact checking between sites

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and asking the opinions of people around you especially those who don’t agree with.

Helping sort out the fake information from the real information can help people have a greater understanding with each other.

By paying attention to the news and learning to agree to disagree with each other as neighbors and friends,

we can help make the world a better place one person at a time. Things do seem bleak and terrible sometimes but it’s up to us to make a difference, take notice, and understand each other.

The world can be a better place if we can set aside our differences and through Listening and understanding learn to respect and love each other as neighbors and friends.

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 27

The puck stops here Owen Bonham ready to backstop Devils when season begins HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand

If it weren’t for an injury to a teammate when he was 8 years old, Grosse Ile hockey player Owen Bonham might be spending his high school career scoring goals rather than trying to prevent them.

When Bonham was a peewee, his team’s goalie suffered a concussion. The coach asked for volunteers to fill in for him and young Owen answered the call.

The rest - as they say - is history.

Bonham found he liked being the last line of defense and by the time he was 9 years old, he was a full time netminder.

Fast forward to high school and another injury played a role in his career.

At the start of the 2019-2020 season, Bonham was slated to be the back-up to senior Carter Pattenaude. That setup lasted only a short amount of time as Pattenaude suffered an injury and

Bonham was thrust into the role as the team’s starting goalie - with no back-up.

“At first, I was really nervous,” Bonham said, “especially playing with no back-up. But after about two games, I found my groove.

“From a mental standpoint, I knew I was capable, I knew I had trained to be in that position. I knew I had to take care of business and get the job done. So, I just focused in.”

Bonham helped the Red Devils to a successful, if unspectacular season, which ended with a 4-3 loss to archrival Riverview in the Division 3 regional semifinals.

Bonham has fond memories of last year and that team.

“That was a great group of guys,” he said. “We had a lot of leaders and role models and it was an easy team chemistry,” With the school shutdowns, a delayed season and the isolation of the pandemic, team chemistry this year is something now-senior Bonham worries about.

He said missing out on team dinners

and hanging out as a group makes it hard to jell as a unit.

Grosse Ile coach Jason Durbin agrees with his netminder.

“Even in the locker room, we’re all spread out,” he said. “We can’t even huddle on the ice like we usually do. This is going to be an interesting year because there has not been a lot of time for team bonding. We’re going to have to see what teams can best come together and what coaches can teach their teams in a limited amount of time.”

Bonham has to think more about these things than his teammates as he was named captain this season, a first for a Durbin-coached team.

“I have never had a goalie as captain before. I have always said I would not have a goalie as a captain because it is not practical; they can’t really talk to the

refs like you need a captain to, but Owen changed my mind,” Durbin said.

“He’s not one to look out for personal stats. He’s a real team-first kind of a guy.

His work ethic is tremendous and he’s gotten better and better every year he has been here. He is the consummate teammate and that’s why he’s our captain.”

Bonham spent the majority of his youth career in the Grosse Ile Islanders organization and got a lot of instruction from coach Matt Wierzba of Great Lakes Goaltending.

He said he also looks up to a former fellow student of Great Lakes Goaltending named Peyton Grainer, who last year was picked to play with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.

SEE BONHAM, Page 29

I have never had a goalie as captain before. I have always said I would not have a goalie as a captain because it is not practical; they can’t really talk to the refs like you need a captain to, but Owen changed my mind. ~ Grosse Ile coach Jason Durbin

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After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

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February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 29

State clears the way, all winter sports to begin Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released an updated emergency order that went into effect on Monday, Feb. 8, which will allow full practices in winter contact sports to begin with competition to follow.

Here is the updated listing of the winter contact sports tournament dates with new “first contest” dates.

Girls Basketball - First contest: Feb. 8, Districts: March 22, 24, 26, Regionals: March 29, 31, Quarterfinals: April 5, Semifinals: April 7, Finals: April 9 Boys Basketball - First contest: Feb. 8, Districts: March 23, 25, 27, Regionals: March 30, April 1, Quarterfinals: April 6. Semifinals: April 8, Finals: April 10 Competitive Cheer - First contest: Feb. 12, Districts: March 17-20, Regionals: March 23-24, Finals: March 26-27 Ice Hockey - First contest: Feb. 8, Regionals: March 1520, Quarterfinals: March 23-24, Semifinals: March. 25-26 Finals: March 27 Wrestling - First contest: Feb. 12, Districts: Team- Mar. 17-18; Individual- Mar. 20 Regionals: Team Mar. 24; Individual- Mar. 27, Team Finals: March 30, Individual Finals: April 2-3 In ice hockey, teams may play two games on one non-school day a maximum of two times during the season. When the two games/ one day option is used, ice hockey teams could play four games (on three dates) in those two weeks.

For high school wrestling, teams and individuals are allowed two days of competition in a week.

Remember that all regular-season wrestling competition is limited to four teams at a site (three matches per student per day of competition).

For middle school wrestling, one day of competition in a week is allowed.

Mask Requirements and Testing Options: Basketball and Ice Hockey: Schools, teams and individuals must wear a mask at all times, including during active participation (while “in the game”) during all practices and competition. For schools, teams and individuals that are “masked” at all times during practices and games, there is no COVID rapid testing requirement for practice and play.

We are waiting on further guidance and details from MDHHS relative to testing requirements should teams/individuals in these two sports wish to use the testing option.

Wrestling: To be eligible to compete, all wrestlers must complete a negative rapid antigen test on the day of all meets with no exceptions.

All individuals would also be subject to contact tracing and close contact requirements when positive cases or tests exist. Those tested wrestlers would be able to compete without wearing a mask during the match but masks would be required of all individuals at all other times during meets and practices.

Competitive Cheer: Masks are required for all participants when not in active participation on the mat. While in active participation on the mat, athletes may wear face masks but are not required to do so given this sport is always conducted with the same teammates, and opponents are never in physical contact or within physical proximity of each other.

Face masks are required during practices; however, the mask may be removed while stunting and tumbling.

Led by Erika Pietras, Red Devils 12th at D3 state finals

Led by a pair of all-state swims by star Erika Pietras, the Grosse Ile swim team scored 66 points and finished 12th at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state meet held at Lake Orion High School Jan 15-16.

Pietras was second in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5 minutes and 11:28 seconds and she took fourth in the 200 freestyle (1:56.45). It marked her third consecutive all-state finish in the 500 freestyle and the second year in a row that she was all-state in the 200 freestyle.

The junior star also teamed up with senior Zoe Neilson and juniors Natalie Christnagel and Grace Mans for two impressive relay finishes. The group just missed all-state honors in the 200 medley relay (1:53.54), placing ninth, and they took 12th in the 200 freestyle relay (1:44.37).

Neilson was also 11th in the breaststroke (1:10.73) and Christnagel finished 20th in the backstroke (1:02.92).

In diving, which was held a day earlier, Grosse Ile sophomore Abigail Lauth (184.05) reached the semifinals and placed 18th overall and her freshman teammate Kaitlyn Molnar (116.55) tied for 24th place. At diving regionals, back in November, Lauth qualified for states with a third-place finish and sophomore teammate Evelina Hovis qualified with an 11th-place finish. Hovis didn’t compete at the state meet and was replaced by Molnar, who had finished 13th at regionals.

The state swimming finals were delayed nearly two months by the pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of high school sports.

Originally set for Nov. 20-21, this year’s state finals were held Jan. 15-16, with diving held the first day and swim the following afternoon.

The MHSAA had suspended all activities on Nov. 15, following a state order that came down in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases.

A rapid testing program, set forth by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, allowed for fall sports tournaments to eventually resume.

Swimmers and divers were able to start practicing again on Jan. 4.

Trenton was also at the D3 meet in Lake Orion and the Red Devils topped their cross-river rivals, who finished in 14th place with 63 points.

BONHAM

Continued from page 27 Grainer was one of just two Americans on the team.

“I’ll ask him for advice about workouts and watch his routines,” Bonham said. “He’s doing great and I really look up to him.”

With no games to play for likely the longest stretch of his playing career, Bonham has looked for ways to stay sharp.

When the state shut down the high school hockey season last spring, Bonham headed to Tempe, Arizona and spent two week with an uncle there.

Hockey rinks were still open then in Arizona and Bohman said three or four times a week he skated with a group of former pro and semi pro players.

“It was just drop-in, but skating with them was great and helped me stay in shape,” the goalie said.

Bonham said that when this year’s Red Devils finally hit the ice for actual game, they will need to depend on

production from throughout the roster “The talent on this team is evenly spread out among all four grades,” he said. “We will need production from all of them.”

One teammate Bonham said he knows he can rely on is junior defenseman Ben Carter.

“Defensively, he kind of an anchor for us, someone we all rally around,” Bonham said.

Bonham, who is a good student, said college is in his future, where he may study mechanical or chemical engineering, but the pandemic and the current state of education has prevented him from making firm decisions.

“If college is still all online, I may decide to try and play junior hockey and put off college for a while,” he said.

Whatever path he chooses, his current coach has faith in his charge.

“Owen started out late for a goalie and for him to have come as far as he has is pretty exceptional,” Durbin said. “He’s a very intelligent guy and he has a real positive attitude. I am sure he will be very successful.”

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Smoke Alarms

at Home

Smoke alarmS are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

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Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

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Test all smoke alarms at least once a month.

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A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.

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People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

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Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

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Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.

Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 31

First of its kind

Downriver United offers high school hockey to girls Thanks to a group of dedicated coaches, the future of girls high school hockey Downriver is looking brighter.

The Downriver United girls hockey team, now in the midst of its first season, features a roster of 15 players from communities throughout the region, and even a little beyond.

Coach Ken McMullen had been thinking of putting a team together for some years before starting the Trenton Girls Hockey Association three years ago, which then led to the effort to grow the game at local high schools.

“Several of us got together to do this,” he said. “We’re trying to build a youth program from the ground up.”

Like other youth sports, Downriver United’s first official season has had to work around restrictions created by the pandemic, and despite some slowdowns have been at it pretty much all year. DRU started with 19 girls before some moved, bringing the number of players down to 15.

Girls hockey is sanctioned by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. DRU is an affiliate member of the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League, which has existed since the 1990s.

Downriver United 2020-21 roster

Adyson Brake, freshman, Carlson High School Aivree Shaw, freshman Andie Martin, captain, senior, Huron High School Ava Renaud, Trenton Bridget Waddell, assistant captain, Allen Park High School Emily Bruce, junior, Trenton High School Erin Banasiak, freshman, Garden City High School Jailyn Cotter, sophomore, Allen Park High School Kaeli Kopytko, sophomore, Flat Rock High School Kylie Drys, sophomore, Huron High School Maddie Pemberton, freshman, Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Maya Sinclair, freshman, Grosse Ile High School Meg Cahalan, assistant captain, freshman,Wyandotte Roosevelt High School Mia McMullen, sophomore, Huron High School Reese Dale, freshman, Flat Rock High School Coaches: Head Coach: Ken McMullen Assistant Coach: Dan Renaud Assistant Coach: Mike Cahalan Assistant Coach: Gordan Dale Goalie Coach: Matt Wierzba: Great Lakes Goaltending Student Assistant Coach: Brooke Spiegel Team Manager: Wade Lau

League teams usually are formed according to student ratios, but DRU was allowed in because it’s their first year, and draws from a lot of schools, but not necessarily ones with large student bodies.

There are 18 teams in the MGHL. Affiliate status allows DRU to play league teams, but the games don’t count on those teams’ records. Many Downriver United players drive up to an hour a day to practice.

“It gets the girls used to it,” McMullen said. “There are some extremely solid hockey players in this league and people don’t know it.”

But good competition isn’t the only reason he started DRU; 1 in 3 girls hockey players can use the game to go to college.

“Our team gets their feet wet,” McMullen said, “The league approved us to draw from multiple schools and we’ve told every girl who wanted to play that they could play. We took one girl from Garden City who’s a hard worker and great student. “We weren’t going to just shut the door.”

There are still well over 100 Downriver girls with nowhere to play, and he’s sure that DRU will pave the way for more local high schools to form teams. The program may not be ready to break off to one or two schools next year, but in the future might include branches in Southgate or Wyandotte, where Roosevelt High School Athletic Director Tom DeSana has supported the program’s efforts. “”If this keeps moving there will be enough girls for as many solid high SEE FIRST, Page 32

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Downriver United offers a chance for girls to experience high school hockey.

The squad is looking for players.

FIRST

Continued from page 31 school teams Downriver as we can get,” McMullen said. “For now, our girls have had an opportunity to do something they never thought they’d get to do and they’re running with it.”

DRU won three of its first four league

games and one out of league, but four other games were canceled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“We’re going out and skating three days a week now,” McMullen said.

“That’s better than it was a few weeks ago. But the adversity has made our team stronger. If we can pull this off, then pretty much anything’s possible.”

McMullen is quick to credit those

around him for getting DRU off the ground, including assistant coaches Dan Renaud, Mike Cahalan and Gordan Dale; goalie coach Matt Wierzba of Great Lakes Goaltending; student assistant coach Brooke Spiegel and team manager Wade Lau, who has had to negotiate “an absolute roller coaster ride” of scheduling.

“Everyone’s positive energy has been

keeping us moving forward,” McMullen said. “It is great to have a great group of coaches all from the Downriver area with one vision: to grow the game of girls ice hockey Downriver. We are always looking to add future student athletes.

“Giving them the opportunity is the whole plan. We just do what’s best for the girls.”

February 10 — March 9, 2021 • Page 33

Citizen scientists help DNR track osprey populations Julie Oakes

wildlife biologist Michigan Department of Natural Resources

O

spreys are magnificent fish-hunting birds with striking brown and white plumage. They are among the group of birds of prey called “raptors,” which includes hawks, owls, falcons and eagles.

These large birds – which possess widely spread wingtip feathers in flight and a distinguishing brown stripe leading from the back of their yellow eyes to A close-up the nape – are often seen along shallow view of an fish-filled waters of Michigan, including osprey in rivers, lakes, reservoirs and marshes. flight is shown But that wasn’t always the case. from southern Michigan.

Once commonplace in the Great Lakes region, osprey populations were suppressed in the post-World War An adult osprey, left, and a young bird are II years as the use pictured at a nest. of DDT and other pesticides caused thinning of the birds’ eggshells.

Only 51 osprey nests were recorded in Michigan in 1965.

After a 1972 ban on the use of DDT, osprey numbers began to rebound in northern Michigan. By 1975, 81 nests were identified, and by 1988, there were 166 nests. However, in southern returned throughout the Lower Peninsula Michigan, osprey numbers remained low. and can be seen diving for fish even in From 1998 to 2007 a multi-partner unexpected areas. team worked cooperatively to bring Downriver and particularly Lake Erie ospreys back to southern Michigan.

Metropark are prime habitat and there The team consisted of the Michigan are more than 200 osprey nests across the Department of Natural Resources, the state, including about 125 in the northern Detroit Zoological Society, Audubon parts of the state and 65 in the southern Great Lakes, MI Birds, Huron Clinton Lower Peninsula.

Metropark Authority, U.S. Department The first wild chick was hatched of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health in 2002 at Kensington Metropark in Inspection Service, Michigan Osprey Oakland County. volunteer group, various Audubon The osprey that fathered the chick, chapters and a magnitude of volunteers. named “C09” for his bird band number, This program to rear and release had been reared and released at ospreys was a huge success.

Kensington in 1999. That bird is still Today, these “fish hawks” have alive and well and living in Brighton in

Livingston County. He is now 21 years old, which is on the higher end of wild osprey life expectancy.

Once the birds were well established, the program monitored their migration routes by fitting osprey with backpack telemetry units, funded by corporate sponsors and volunteers.

This phase of the program was spearheaded by Michigan Osprey, whose volunteers tracked the location of the birds on their website from 2013 to 2017.

The GPS tracking devices provided information on the location of the birds as they migrated to and from Central and South America.

The ospreys made such a comeback

Photos courtesy Michigan DNR

that the DNR needed help and turned to the public to help track the birds’ reproduction and success.

The Adopt-A-Nest Osprey Monitoring Program created a request for citizen scientist volunteers to monitor osprey nests in their area. This marked the third phase of the osprey reintroduction program in Michigan.

MI Birds – an outreach and engagement program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR to increase awareness of Michigan birds and the places they rely on – made a public call for volunteers.

The call was shared through the program’s network of followers on social media and through a widely shared blog post.

“The response from the MI Birds community was amazing,” said Tom Schneider of the Detroit Zoological Society.

During the summer of 2019, 318 people participated in the “Adopt-ANest” program and submitted a total of 834 individual osprey observations.

Volunteers submitted reports from 35 counties and reported on 143 active nests throughout Michigan.

Participation in this program requires little effort: All ages and experience levels are welcome.

A minimum commitment of three 30-minute nest visits between the end of March and early July is all it takes to determine if there is a nesting attempt, if birds are actively nesting and if there are any chicks in the nest.

“You can visit your nest more often if you’d like,” according to the MI Birds website. “Binoculars are adequate for most observations, but a spotting scope is useful to determine the number of chicks.

Most nests are located on cellphone towers and are easily viewable from SEE OSPREY, Page 34

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Awarded attorney has your interests in mind

An adult osprey and young are pictured at a nest in June 2020

OSPREY

Continued from page 33 public roads.”

This year, despite a late start to the program due to coronavirus stay-athome orders, 68 dedicated volunteers submitted 679 reports. Volunteers submitted reports from 39 counties and reported on 114 active nests. Volunteers even identified 23 new osprey nests the DNR had not previously been aware of.

“Without the help of our citizen scientists, we would not have this valuable information,” said Erin Rowan,

MI Birds program associate with Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. “We look forward to working with volunteers again during the 2021 osprey nesting season.”

Anyone interested in being a part of the osprey nest monitoring program should contact Julie Oakes at OakesJ@ Michigan.gov or Erin Rowan at Erin.

Rowan@Audubon.org.

To learn more about other community science opportunities near you, follow MI Birds on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit the Audubon Great Lakes website.

Catch Osprey other raptors at Lake Erie Metropark Just a short drive or boat ride from Grosse Ile, behold three miles of captivating Lake Erie shoreline and sweeping vistas that you can only get with a Great Lake and great river at the 1,607-acre Lake Erie Metropark.

Follow the path of lake freighters moving up and down along the Detroit River against exceptional views of Sugar Island, Grosse Ile and Celeron Island.

Then scan the sky of this popular bird-watching site, with more than 300 species recorded, and you just might spot an osprey or a migrating broad-wing hawk or bald eagle flying above.

This designated “Important Bird Area” is one of the premier hawk-watching sites in North America.

Lake Erie Metropark is host to migrating waterfowl in the spring and fall, and birds of prey in the fall. Typically, tens of thousands of migrating birds of prey, composed of 16 species, are recorded during the autumn months.

Hawkfest, an annual festival, celebrates the birds of prey migration in September.

Interpreters maintain a park bird species list with more than 300 recorded in this diverse habitat.

Resident bald eagles and long-eared owls are regular features. Common wetland and big water species include red-winged blackbird, long-billed marsh wrens, common and caspian terns, cormorants, and wood ducks.

The spring migration season typically features a healthy warbler and passerine population, while the fall season hosts awe-inspiring numbers of migrant raptors.

Visitors are occasionally treated to rare appearances from non-indigenous species like a white pelican or glossy ibis from Florida.

Contact the Lake Erie Marshland Museum at (734) 379-5020 for more information.

When you walk through the door at Forrester Law Offices you will find several things: A cordial atmosphere in a clean and comfortable office environment and a no nonsense attorney ready to take your case and guide you through every step of the legal process.

As a Ford Motor Company early retiree and an experienced 20-plus year attorney, Jeffrey Forrester brings practical, hands-on experience to his cases.

Forrester has been a Grosse Ile resident for 30 years and was named Attorney of the Year by the Michigan Community Resources group in 2012. He received that honor after he negotiated - pro bono - a beneficial deal for SafeHouse Center, a nonprofit organization in Ann Arbor that shelters battered and abused women and children.

He is a past Grosse Ile Township Trustee and a two-time commodore of Elba Mar Boat Club.

Forrester has worked with attorneys from both Michigan and Florida as many of his clients have homes in both states, so he has a firm grasp on the working of regional legal machinery in both states.

“I have had the opportunity to work with some of the best attorneys in southeastern Michigan,” said Forrester. “In Southfield, where I had my first office, I met and worked with the best in the business. I enjoy that network of fellow attorneys, and if I choose not to deal with your legal issue, I can hook you up with the absolute best.

Either way – you win.”

And hiring Forrester will not break the bank. His local knowledge, legal experience and his far-reaching network come with a reasonable price tag.

“I can offer the best results for the best price - period,” said Forrester. “I can guide a client through an otherwise difficult experience and share with them openly and honestly what they are dealing with.

“I develop cost options and offer overviews of rewards as well as potential risks. I do not want just one job from you – I want to become your family’s Legal Counsel. I know if I relentlessly take care of my client base, everything else will take care of itself.”

When you hire Attorney Forrester, your legal emergency becomes his emergency.

Forrester said getting the best results for a client’s legal matter and watching clients learn to trust and appreciate the work that I do for them is the most gratifying part of my job.

Compassion, confidentiality, and great results are what makes Forrester Law Office stand out in an otherwise crowded field.

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