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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Gi-GrandNews.com

When every second counts

Island residents benefit from nearby Primary Stroke Center This past spring, Beaumont Hospital, Trenton (formerly Oakwood Southshore), received an honor whose timeliness is of the utmost importance to residents of Southeastern Michigan.

By Bill Stevenson The Stroke Program at Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, was certified by the Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Checkmark for Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center.

The Joint Commission accredits more than 20,500 organizations worldwide and focuses on continually improving health care by setting the highest standards for health care quality throughout the world. Such accreditation is considered the gold

Our goal is to continually improve our practices and procedures to respond to patients that manifest stroke symptoms, but also to educate our community in healthy living to control the stroke risk factors for brain health.

~ Dr. Christopher Whitty standard in health care.

The Stroke Program at Beaumont Health, Trenton, under the direction of neurology specialist, Dr. Christopher Whitty, M.D. and Dawn Rote, Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator, has made tremendous progress in reducing what the American Stroke Association calls the “door to needle” times for eligible patients being treated with tPA (tissue Plasminogen Activator) or clot buster

for acute ischemic strokes.

When it comes to a stroke, time is more than of the essence, it is a matter of life or death: tPA intervention can only be administered up to three hours upon onset of a stroke.

More than 80 percent of strokes are called ischemic strokes caused by a blood clot or plaque that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The faster physicians can dissolve or remove this

blockage, the less damage is done to the brain tissue.

When one is having an ischemic SEE COUNTS, Page 33

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Page 2 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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IN 2019, Leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list Forbes “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” *Source: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, February 2019. The ranking for this list by SHOOK Research is based on due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Forbes/SHOOK Research are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 3

FROM THE SUPERVISOR

Recent repairs to the free bridge - what really happened As I am writing this article, I am still in somewhat a state of disbelief at the loss of Kyle Stack, Trenton’s Mayor and a good friend.

She was always working to improve her city and all of Downriver, she will be sorely missed and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family. Rest in Peace, Madam Mayor.

Most residents are unhappy with the recent closure of the Grosse Ile Parkway bridge, which is

By Brian Loftus certainly the next hottest topic.

For the record, we were made aware of the 7 p.m. (Wednesday, Nov. 13) closure at 1:30 that afternoon. By 2:30 we had verified the closure and pushed out a notification to 6,000 residents. We also notified our Public Safety departments, the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge, Grosse Ile Schools, the city of Riverview, the city of Trenton, Wayne County Emergency Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and made numerous social media posts.

We sought and received additional information from Wayne County Department of Public Services, the Wyane County Executive’s office, Michigan Department of Transportation and DTE (regarding vessel schedules).

I still heard complaints about “last minute” and “some people do not have smart phones.” We did our best.

Contrary to what I read on one of the hundreds of social media posts, at no time did anyone from this Township ever state, “it’s Wayne County’s fault” as

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if we or they didn’t care.

The County does own and maintain the bridge, and this closure was the result of consultants’ evaluations and recommendations to Wayne County DPS. With the problems identified, the County’s Engineering Division immediately began the process of repair, which they completed in an exceptionally short time.

Within a week county crews had evaluated the situation, initiated disassembly, fabricated parts, prepped the existing structure for repair, installed the reinforcements, reassembled the decking and inspected the finished product, all the while communicating

Director Beverly Watts. My F-150 was the second vehicle to cross the reopened bridge.

As for the horrible traffic at the intersection of Bridge and Jefferson, we have voiced our concerns for better signage and lane improvements, hopefully they will be executed prior to the next closure – keep in mind we are talking about work on private property and in another municipality.

We preplanned with Riverview months ago and they did provide an officer which calmed traffic significantly (according to witnesses).

I wish I could correct inconsiderate behavior – if you know a way to enforce

Wayne County Officials at their offices downtown. A number of bridge-related topics were discussed, and, among other wish list items, we advocated for a concurrent repair of Phases 1 and 2 to the Parkway bridge rather than two separate closures a year apart – makes sense to me, anyway.

Funding remains the critical issue, and we should have much more information mid-December regarding the long term maintenance on this bridge and several others in need of repair.

We did add stop signs to convince drivers to cross the Meso Island bridge as slowly as possible – unfortunately the posted 5 MPH was generally ignored.

The County does own and maintain the bridge, and this closure was the result of consultants’ evaluations and recommendations to Wayne County DPS. with the consultants to ensure a safe return to the intended load rating.

I also read that some were concerned with the safety of the bridge after the expedited repairs. As the crews prepared to reopen the bridge, I wanted to be on-scene and see exactly what had been done.

The repairs involved reinforcing 10 of the floor beams that had suffered from corrosion. To return them to their expected structural integrity, 7/8” steel plates were mag drilled and thru bolted to both sides of beam webbing, in some cases top and bottom flanges of beams were also reinforced.

Actually seeing that the repairs were well executed, I intended to be the first to cross, but deferred to Commissioner Joe Palamara and Wayne County DPS

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common courtesy I will be glad to adopt it as Township policy.

What will help reduce traffic issues during the next closure is having a pass for the Toll Bridge (pretty sure I have been recommending this for the past year).

The Bridge Company did not want to sell the passes at Township Hall – it takes some time to complete the credit check and they want photo ID before they will release the pass. We do have the forms available to apply for the pass but you can also download your own from their website, grosseilebridge.com.

Please get your bridge pass, you‘ll be glad you did.

In the midst of the closure, a group of us from the Township attended a previously scheduled meeting with

Just an FYI – coming to a stop and crossing slowly will add 10 – 15 seconds to your travels, but it will extend the life of that bridge. You can make a difference!

Now that we are back to normal in terms of access, please take a moment to reflect on the fact that we all decided to live on an island and consider the many benefits along with the drawbacks.

I hope I have answered some of the lingering questions about our bridges and what happened on the 13th.

I especially hope everyone had a safe, meaningful Thanksgiving with family and friends and have plans for the Christmas holiday. Since my next article will not be published until early 2020, let me close by wishing everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

MAKE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Christmas in your new home.

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Page 4 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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Students Braydon Syrocki and Lucas Westerdale check in on the weather.

Teacher Jason Raupp wrote the grant that provided major funding for the Grosse Ile Middle School weather station.

GIMS weather station is for students, community

The island has its own weather station now, thanks to a Grosse Ile Middle School school science teacher Jason Raupp, his principal, and a generous grant from the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation.

Island residents (and everyone else) can get live weather updates from the station at http://wayne. weatherstem.com/grosseile. The website offers temperature, wind speed and direction, barometer readings, humidity levels, live cloud shots and whole lot of other

By Paula Neuman weather-related information.

“I have been looking for a weather station for the middle school for a few years,” teacher Jason Raupp said. “Last spring, I was looking up a storm coming our way and found this WeatherSTEM station by chance. It is exactly what I was looking for and has an educational aspect other stations did not offer for different subjects and grade levels. I wanted a station for the students to use, to get more accurate

storm readings for coaches, and so I could give the community local forecasts and weather conditions.”

Raupp brought his idea to Principal Clifton Whitehouse, who was immediately on board.

“We have weather units for eighth-grade students, including activities and specific lessons that go with the website,” Whitehouse said. “The high school and elementary teachers have access to it, too. It’s a very cool thing for everybody. It’s super cool!”

Whitehouse is so enthused about the school’s roofmounted weather station that he climbed up there himself to get photos of it.

Students are excited about it, too.

Seventh-grader Benjamin Rhodehouse said, “I really like how the station shows images, videos and a live cloud camera from the school. It’s really great to see weather patterns in my hometown.”

Seventh-grader Claire Coleman is another student excited about the station.

“It’s super cool to have a weather station at our own school!” she said. “It’s nice to be able to get

weather from a location we go to every day.”

“Aspen Hernandez, an eighth-grade student, asks almost every day to show the class the station’s page so we can see what the weather is going to be, and so we can see what the sky camera looked like yesterday,” Raupp said.

Raupp wrote the grant for the station, which cost $11,700, which included installation. A yearly maintenance fee for the station also was approved by GIEF. The foundation’s board approved the proposal quickly, Whitehouse said.

Once purchased, the station was installed on the school’s roof, which took one day, but it took another month or so to iron out all the online “hiccups” involved, Whitehouse said.

And that’s not all the foundation approved for the middle school recently.

The library now offers new comfortable, flexible seating, thanks to a grant from the GIEF. “Interest in the library has multiplied!”

Whitehouse said.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 5

Downriver mourns loss of Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack Kyle Stack, mayor of Trenton, a “visionary leader” for her community and for Downriver, died unexpectedly Nov. 29 after suffering two heart attacks. She was 62.

Stack lay is state at Trenton City Hall and her funeral service was Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, who

By Paula Neuman called Ms. Stack a “visionary leader,” gave the eulogy for Stack during the visitation and service at Trenton City Hall.

“Kyle leaves a deep hole in our community,” Dingell said. “Kyle was not just a close friend and advisor to me, she was a visionary leader of Downriver. She loved Trenton and devoted everything to see it through good times and bad. As a community we remember all she did and continue her work to make Trenton and Downriver a thriving community to live, work, and go to school.”

Other community leaders expressed shock at her death, and are mourning her loss and praising her life — a life that was dedicated to public service.

She served the city for 43 years — eight years working in the Parks and Recreation Department in Trenton, her lifelong home, 26 years as city clerk, and was elected mayor for the first time in 2011. City voters returned her to a third term in the four-year post in November.

Ms. Stack and her husband, William Jasman, were active in the Trenton Rotary and many other civic endeavors. She graduated from Trenton High School and attended Henry Ford Community College.

Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift said: “I was totally shocked and heart-broken when I heard Kyle had passed away. Of all the mayors Downriver, I’ve worked with Kyle the most. She had such a good heart and truly cared for residents. I will miss her conversations on a personal level and her input on a professional level. On behalf of our City Council, staff and residents, we offer our most sincere condolences to her husband, William, and her entire family. We also offer our best to her staff at City

“I’m going to miss her. I loved working with her. I learned a lot from her. She certainly had an impact on improving Downriver. She made all of Downriver a better place to live.” ~ Brian Loftus,

Grosse Ile Supervisor

Hall and to all the residents of the city of Trenton.”

Wyandotte Mayor Joseph Peterson said: “I am so shocked. She was such a wonderful lady, so hard-working.

She loved Trenton. She’s going to be missed terribly. She wasn’t just the mayor, she was Mrs. Trenton. She was doing a fantastic job. She finally got something moving on McLouth Steel. She put her heart into making something happen, and it’s finally happening.”

With other area leaders, Ms. Stack put countless hours into securing the ongoing demolition of the dilapidated McLouth Steel mill on Jefferson Avenue, its environmental cleanup and its future redevelopment.

Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa said: “The untimely death of Mayor Stack is truly sad for her family, her community and our Downriver area.

Kyle was a bold public servant who was not afraid to speak up for her constituency or the region that she cared so passionately about. Her advocacy, experience and strong voice will be deeply missed.”

Wayne County Commissioner Joseph Palamara of Grosse Ile, whose district includes Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte, said: “It’s hard to believe. She was such a personal and professional friend that I’m having a hard time

wrapping my mind around that she’s not going to be there championing her community.

“I have worked with a lot of local leaders over the years, and nobody was better than Kyle Stack at representing her community.

“She understood that there was a proper balance you need between economic development and a sound environmental stewardship.

There couldn’t be a more respected individual in public service. She loved life and her community so much.”

Grosse Ile Supervisor Brian Loftus said: “I’m going to miss her. I loved working with her. I learned a lot from her. She certainly had an impact on improving Downriver. She made all of Downriver a better place to live.”

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said: “The passing of Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack is a great loss for Wayne County. She and I worked closely together on the redevelopment of the long abandoned McLouth Steel plant as well as improvements to Elizabeth Park and the nature preserve to strengthen Trenton and Downriver.

“I knew her to be a tireless champion for Trenton residents. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones as we mourn her passing.”

State Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Browntown Twp., whose district

includes Trenton and Grosse Ile, posted on Facebook that he had had breakfast with Ms. Stack the week before her death. At the meeting, she talked with excitement about new projects in the works for Trenton, and tried to convince him to move to her city because “it’s the best city around,” she told him. He praised her leadership and her friendship.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit, whose district includes Trenton, Grosse Ile, Riverview and Wyandotte, also posted about Ms. Stack.

“She was a true public servant who was incredibly dedicated to the people of Trenton,” Chang wrote.

And Ron Hinrichs, president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, posted, as well.

“She was one of my closest friends and mentors,” he wrote. “What she means to our Downriver community and the phenomenal leadership she has demonstrated has truly left a positive and lasting impact on every single one of us.… She was not only an amazing visionary, but a true leader who rolled up her sleeve and got the job done….

Kyle always thought of our region as a big family, and it’s time for us to come together and mourn this loss, but also to honor the amazing legacy Kyle leaves for us all.”

Trenton Mayor Pro-Tem Steven Rzeppa will take over as interim mayor.

Page 6 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 7

Be prepared to stay safe and healthy in winter From the Center for Disease Control Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead.

Prepare your home and cars. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check on older adults.

Although winter comes as no surprise, many of us are not ready for its arrival. If you are prepared for the hazards of winter, you will be more likely to stay safe and healthy when temperatures start to fall.

Many people prefer to remain indoors during winter, but staying inside is no guarantee of safety.

Take these steps to keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.

Winterize your home n Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows. n Insulate water lines that run along exterior walls. n Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.

Check your heating systems n Have your heating system serviced professionally to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside. n Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. n Install a smoke detector. Test batteries monthly and replace them twice a year. n Have a safe alternate heating source and alternate fuels available. n Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) emergencies.

Install a CO detector to alert you of the presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check batteries when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.

Learn symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.

Get your car ready for cold weather use before winter arrives Service the radiator and maintain antifreeze level; check tire tread or, if necessary, replace tires with allweather or snow tires. n Keep gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. n Use a wintertime formula in your windshield washer. n Prepare a winter emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should include: cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries; blankets; food and water; booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction); compass and maps; flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries; first-aid kit; and plastic bags (for sanitation).

Equip in Advance for Emergencies Be prepared for weather-related emergencies, including power outages.

Stock food that needs no cooking or refrigeration and water stored in clean containers.

Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged.

When planning travel, be aware of current and forecast weather conditions.

Keep an up-to-date emergency kit, including: Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and lamps; extra batteries; first-aid kit and extra medicine; baby items; and cat litter or sand for icy walkways.

Protect your family from carbon monoxide n Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of the house, basement and garage. n Locate generators at least 20 feet from the house. n Leave your home immediately if the CO detector sounds, and call 911.

Take These Precautions Outdoors Many people spend time outdoors in the winter working, traveling, or enjoying winter sports.

Outdoor activities can expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare for them: n Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots. n Sprinkle cat litter or sand on icy patches. n Learn safety precautions to follow when outdoors: Work slowly when doing outside chores; Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are participating in outdoor recreation; Carry a cell phone; and be prepared to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards.

Do This When You Plan to Travel When planning travel, be aware of current and

forecast weather conditions.

Avoid traveling when the weather service has issued advisories.

If you must travel, inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of arrival.

Follow these safety rules if you become stranded in your car: Make your car visible to rescuers. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood of the car (if it is not snowing), and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running); Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area. Stay with your car unless safety is no more than 100 yards away; Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with other people if you can; Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer; Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Above all, be ready to check on family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards: young children, older adults, and the chronically ill. If you have pets, bring them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter and unfrozen water to drink.

No one can stop the onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready for it when it comes.

Be sure to visit CDC’s Winter Weather webpage for more winter weather safety tips.

Page 8 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 11

Judging by the number of smiling faces, the Downtown Development Authority’s Ladies’ Night Out event on Macomb Street on Nov. 15 was a great success. Numerous business stayed open late to make the evening special for dozens of shoppers who flooded the downtown area.

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Page 12 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

Culinary Capers You’re stressed out because Christmas and the New Year are just around the corner and you will be hosting a cocktail party or playoff get-together preceding the Super Bowl. If you need easy recipes so you can spend more time

By Evelyn Cairns with your guests, read on for some old and new ideas.

Two of the recipes appeared in the Grosse Ile Grand before it was joined by sister publications the Riverview Register, Southgate Star and Wyandotte Warrior. The first recipe is so simple it’s almost sinful if you buy the meatballs instead of making them yourself. And the hummus recipe is not only delicious but takes only minutes to put together.

Irresistible is the word for the Crabmeat Bites, which I adapted from one of the wonderful old recipes in “The Lincoln Park Historical Society Cooks.” Perfect fare for a football crowd would be the dill pickle and beer cheese recipes, super simple and favorites of beer drinkers. If you’re from Kentucky or Cincinnati, you have to know about Kentucky Beer Cheese, which originated there in the 1940s and has spread beyond.

PARTY MEATBALLS Combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 beaten egg, ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs and salt and pepper to taste. Form into walnut-size balls. Bake at 400 degrees 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine 12-ounce jar Heinz Chili Sauce and ½ cup grape jelly in a saucepan. Stir and heat until jelly is melted, then add meatballs and simmer 1 hour. Serve and enjoy.

TASTY ROASTED RED PEPPER HUMMUS In the bowl of a food processor, pulse 3 cloves garlic until minced. Add 2 15-ounce cans garbanzos, drained, reserving 1/3 cup liquid. Add liquid, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ¾ teaspoon salt, 1-2 teaspoons cumin and about half of a jarred roasted red pepper. Process until smooth. Chill before serving. \ADDICTIVE CHEESE/CRABMEAT BITES (Adapted) 5-ounce jar Kraft Old English Cheese

Spread, at room temperature ½ stick butter, at room temperature 1 pinch each onion powder and garlic powder Dash of Tabasco sauce 8-ounce can crabmeat, very well drained 6 English muffins, halved, sliced and cut into quarters Blend well the cheese, butter, powders and Tabasco. Mix in crabmeat, spread thickly on quarters and broil until puffy and golden brown. Can be frozen.

OVEN-FRIED DILL PICKLES 24-ounce jar Kosher dill pickle spears ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs ½ cup panko bread crumbs ½ cup yellow corn meal ¼ cup plain bread crumbs 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste ¼ teaspoon black pepper Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.

Drain pickles and place on a papertowel-lined plate. Pat with more paper towels until completely dry (or the breading won’t stick).

Add flour to a shallow bowl; in another bowl, add eggs and whisk. In a third bowl, combine panko, cornmeal, bread crumbs, cheese and peppers. Dip pickles in flour, then eggs, then crumb mixture, coating evenly and pressing to adhere crumbs. Place on baking sheet. Spray with canola oil spray. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, rotating halfway through; then spray other side. Be sure pickles are browned and crispy before removing from oven. Serve with a dip of buttermilk ranch dressing, adding dill weed to taste.

KENTUCKY BEER CHEESE Add to bowl of a food processor 2 peeled cloves garlic and ¼ small onion, thinly sliced, processing until minced. Add 12-ounce bottle flat lager beer, 1 ½ pounds shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1-2 teaspoons Tabasco and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste. Puree until very smooth. Add freshly ground black pepper and more Tabasco to taste, pulsing to incorporate.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! (Contact me at Evycairns@aol.com)

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A quiet family dinner on or around the holiday is what the Albin family enjoys.

I have come to enjoy quiet holidays with nearby family

By Gail Albin Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have often been celebrated on an alternate day in my family. Being a registered nurse, I often worked my share of the holidays.

Usually the head nurse would make sure that the workers worked some holidays but not all. There was rotation, we all understood that the hospital couldn’t just shut down for a holiday.

I didn’t mind working on a holiday.

I made more money and didn’t have to prepare a big meal and entertain all day and evening. We knew that the holiday can always be celebrated on an alternate day.

Even now that I have been retired for over 20 years, I tell my family to spend their holidays with their inlaws. We will always be able to have a nice celebration even after the big holiday.

I want my grandkids to get to know all of their cousins, aunts and uncles.

Often it is more calm and relaxing to celebrate on the Sunday before or even after the main holiday.

I don’t go out and buy gifts for the kids and grandkids. I am not sure what they would like. I imagine in many families the wonderful piece of

clothing that all seem to love ended up in the bottom drawer or back of the closet never to be seen again.

Yes, I give my three kids and their families a check.

Frank and family live in San Jose, CA., Tom and family live in Minneapolis, MN. and Jane and family live close to where I live.

I mail the out-of-town check to the parents of my grandkids. The local branch of the family comes to my condo, usually not on the actual holiday. I make them work for their check. I hide it and give them a list of hard clues. This takes up enough time, that hopefully they feel like it is a fun holiday.

My teen granddaughter knows where the check is hidden and she runs the gift hunt.

We have a nice meal and then usually play euchre for quite a while.

I know, it is a very quiet holiday compared to many other families. It is what we do and expect to do in the future.

The best Christmas gift for me is to have peace and love among all my family. I don’t need to unwrap a gift and try to find a place to store it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Page 14 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 15

Holiday Shopping Was Once a Far Warmer Thing

Do you “hate” Christtmas shopping? Step out of the mass produced rat race and return to the way shopping used to be: Local, warm, friendly.

At no time of year is the “disconnect” I worry about more obvious, more undeniable than during the holiday shopping season.

That’s the disconnect between citizens, their spending choices, and the impact on their local economy.

That disconnect has happened

By Peter Rose slowly but unrelentingly over the period of time that national retail went from minimal to massively dominant.

My objections to this thing that happened are not surprising. My clothing stores are just two of maybe a dozen stores still in business from those far better indie retail days of the 1970s and 1980s.

I remember those days with a sense of amazement. The crowds in our stores were surreal back then. The number of units we sold still startles me, makes me wonder how we did it.

What happened in our stores happened all throughout our indie retail community?

We were good at it, all of us.

See, I’m not trying to convey a singular experience in my writing. I feel a profound sense of loss for all the so-called competitors that are no longer here to compete.

Actually, there really wasn’t all that much direct competition. We all had our regions, our store locations that served our local shoppers. People came to us in droves and we helped them personally, with connection and warmth and shared concern about getting the recipient the perfect gift(s).

I think we all did a good job of this, even if I feel my stores were the best of the bunch.

That was then. Today, hardly any of us are left to be that connection.

Today, we are beset by a barrage of advertisement, advertorial and just plain straight out advocacy on the part of local media for all the best deals out there in “National land.”

When we get to those locations, genuine help is virtually non-existent.

Yes, I know there are exceptions to that overly simplified perception, but by and large, you have to agree that there really is no such thing as knowledgeable service at the national chain stores that have become the overwhelming majority of our options out there.

It’s appalling to me from a professional angle, to be sure. But the topic of this month’s column is the loss to the Detroit-area shoppers of real, warm, friendly, knowledgeable and caring sales people that made the process so much easier, and that actually talked to us and laughed with us as we shopped.

I know this from first-hand experience, having helped thousands of people over my career. It is not a hypothetical thing, nor a false memory. Most of the people reading this remember those days as well.

Many of you will recognize that the pleasure of shopping was long ago

relegated to the trash heap. A lot of people now hate to go shopping.

I submit to you that what the national chains now offer is the “why” in that equation. Special has been lost. Warm has been lost. Real and personal have been lost, and together, all those things that helped to make the Christmas shopping season seem so magical have been replaced by innocuous stuff that we are left to fend for ourselves about.

I say lost because all these local stores are far less prevalent. There are still lots of stores, though, that do exactly what I’m accusing national of taking away from us. Independent and locally owned businesses are still here to do our things to provide a benefit through our service. In doing so, we also serve to act as defenders of a Christmas spirit that otherwise feels all too corporatized here in 2019.

We occupy a far smaller niche than we once did. But the very service I have described as lost is, in fact, available on demand for those who make different decisions.

For many of you, I preach to the choir - you know this and you make sure this doesn’t go away, through supporting indie and enjoying what you get in return.

Mainly, of course, I write this to hopefully make a certain synapse snap to life. I hope to paint a picture that makes you realize that what you’re missing is available to you, yours for the asking.

I’m happy to tell you that the previous 30 columns I‘ve contributed to these papers has resulted in many folks saying, “thank you, I never thought of it that way.” Many of these people have “found” my stores, and that’s great.

I get almost as much pleasure thinking that my perspectives are to any extent the reason that another independent store and shopper have connected. Maybe it’s a new connection, maybe it’s a restored connection. Either way, both are happier. It means trying harder, yes.

The rewards, though, are worth it.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to you LL, my friends.

Here’s to a happier 2020 that we all bring about by ... you guessed it, shopping local!

Page 16 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign Bell ringers are collecting; $20 bill donations turn into $100 on Dec. 14

T

By Dave Gordon

he Salvation Army’s bell ringers are getting in place throughout the Downriver area for the holiday season.

However, anyone planning to donate at least $20 into a local Red Kettle may want to consider Dec, 14 as the day to do it.

On that Saturday, every $20 bill donated will be matched by four more $20 bills by members of the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club, turning each $20 donation into $100.

The venture is the first for the Wyandotte-based Downriver Salvation Army, which counts on donations throughout the holidays to provide services to the needy all year long.

Organizers said that the $20 donations must include $20 bills for the match to take place. The goal is to increase funds collected during the Red Kettle Campaign.

The Grosse Ile Country Club raised tens of thousands of dollars during a special fundraiser on Nov. 8 to provide funding for the match.

The partnership continues a connection between long-time club officer Leo Stevenson and The Salvation Army that has included fundraising, the creation of an endowment fund and the start of a soup kitchen.

Stevenson, a Wyandotte native and Grosse Ile resident, is managing director of wealth management at Merrill Lynch’s Wyandotte location.

The Salvation Army, founded in 1865 in England, is a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to serving people in need. During the past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit provided nearly 2.5 million meals and more than 570,000 nights of shelter for the homeless. The agency uses 87 cents of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need every day of the year.

The Wyandotte community center is located at 1258 Biddle Avenue.

The Red Kettle Campaign “is a major fundraiser for us for the season and throughout the year,” said Major Brian Reed, who operates the Wyandotte location with his wife,

Salvation Army Bell Ringer Locations Downriver

Major Heidi Reed.

Reed said the “local fundraising goal for the Red Kettles is $255,000” and he is hopeful that the Downriver residents will show their support, especially during the $20 challenge on Dec, 14.

“I’m praying it’s going to be very successful,” he said. “This is the first time we’re doing it. We’ve heard other Salvation Army officers have had tremendous success. We’re excited about doing it in the Downriver area.”

The services provided by The Salvation Army are wide-ranging.

Among them: ● The lunchtime soup kitchen feeds about 60 people daily. ● A before- and after-school latchkey program, which serves children attending Wyandotte Public Schools and their families. A bus transports students to and from school as a service to working parents. ● A food pantry ● Assistance with rent, paying utilities and medical and dental care, motor vehicle fuel and bus tickets. ● An archery class teaches the basics of bow-and-arrow use to children and

parents, including safety. ● Air-rifle safety. ● Meal sharing starting at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. ● Senior bingo from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Tuesdays. ● Youth groups from 4:30 to 6:30 Tuesdays. ● A Christmas Assistance program distributes food to families and gifts to children. Registrations for Christmas help are accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through December 12. Gifts also are delivered to 19 nursing homes in the area. ● Coats were distributed free of charge to people of all ages on November 15. ● Bible study and church services.

Sunday school takes place at 9:45 a.m.

Sundays. Church begins at 11 a.m.

Both Reeds are second-generation ordained ministers.

For more information about The Salvation Army, call (877) SAL-MICH or visit the website www.salmich.org.

The Salvation Army is seeking bell ringers. Anyone ringing a bell during the Red Kettle Campaign can qualify

Big Lots 14155 Eureka Road, Southgate 23351 Eureka Road, Taylor Hobby Lobby 23865 Eureka Road, Taylor JC Penney 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor Kroger 2060 Dix, Lincoln Park 20645 Gibraltar Road, Brownstown 23849 West Road, Brownstown 7000 Monroe, Taylor 8999 Macomb, Grosse Ile 16075 Fort Street, Southgate Macy’s 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor Sam’s Club 15700 Northline Road, Southgate Salvation Army 3004 Van Horn, Trenton Trentwood Farms 11055 Allen Road, Southgate Walgreens 15009 Telegraph Road, Taylor 1700 West Road, Trenton 17071 Fort Street, Riverview 1765 Fort Street, Lincoln Park 20030 Ecorse Road, Taylor 20090 Goddard Road, Taylor 23007 Telegraph Road, Brownstown 3221 Fort Street, Wyandotte 9100 Telegraph Road, Taylor Walmart 14900 Dix Toledo, Southgate 23800 Allen Road, Woodhaven 7555 Telegraph Road, Taylor West Grange Pharmacy 3390 West Road, Trenton There are also dozens of collection sites on counters at places throughout the region.

To register as a bell ringer, visit the website registertoring.com

for the “Ring for Bling” promotion.

Winners will receive one of six diamond and gold vertical bar pendant necklaces donated by Lucido Fine Jewelers. The promotion is sponsored by iHeartMedia, located in Farmington Hills.

To volunteer to become a bell ringer, visit the website registertoring.com.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 17

A three-quarter scale replica The Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be in Young Patriots Park in Riverview May 28-31. Volunteers are needed to set up and man the three-day exibit.

The Wall That Heals coming Downriver; volunteers needed

By Paula Neuman The Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, D.C., is called “The Wall That Heals.’’

A three-quarter scale replica of the wall, which is etched with the names of the more than 58,000 American soldiers killed in the war, is coming to Young Patriots Park in Riverview May 28-31. The exhibit will be open 24 hours a day and is free to the public The original wall was dedicated in 1982, seven years after the official end of the 20-year war that bitterly divided the nation in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Americans watched on TV as young soldiers in body bags were brought home for burial day after day after day.

The average age of those soldiers was 19. The wall honors those who were killed and the more than three million who served and came home to a public that sometimes received them with scorn and scant support.

The three-quarter scale replica of the wall tours the country now so those who can’t travel to Washington can still experience the memorial, offer their respect and trace the names of the dead. More than 300,000 people visited the traveling Wall That Heals in 2019.

American Legion Post 389 and the city of Riverview are among those sponsoring the effort to bring the wall Downriver.

“The city of Riverview is excited and proud to be the host of The Wall That Heals, and hopes the wall will bring pride and healing to all those who have served, and remembrance from all Downriver for those who gave their lives for our freedom,” said City Manager Doug Drysdale.

The original wall, designed by Maya Ling Lin, a 21-year-old college student, was built by the nonprofit Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, which also hosts the traveling wall.

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Riverview to allow local veterans and their families a change to experience the wall and honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of the fund. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity for healing and an educational experience for visitors on the impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

Community support is needed to bring the traveling wall to Riverview. More than 100 volunteers will be needed to set it up and take it

down, staff the exhibit and guide visitors. Donations also are needed. To volunteer, learn more or schedule a tour for school groups, contact Todd Dickman at 734-281-4219 or tdickman@cityofriverview.com, or visit the Riverview Recreation Department’s Facebook page or www.cityofriverview.com.

The wall replica is transported across the country in a 53-foot trailer, which, when parked, opens with exhibits built into its sides. The traveling wall itself is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet tall at its highest point.

The exhibit center offers digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” — soldiers from the local area whose names are engraved on the wall. The fund’s In Memory program also honors Vietnam veterans who came home and died later as a result of their service.

As on the wall in Washington, the names on the traveling wall are listed in chronological order by the day of casualty. The replica, made of synthetic granite, is in a chevron shape like the original wall.

Lighting allows the names of the fallen to be read or traced day and night. Two fund staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall That Heals.

Visit thewallthatheals.org to learn more.

Page 18 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

three stores in one!

David Dyer (left), Patriot’s Pen winner Christian Syrocki, Voice of Democracy winner Janie Ottenbreit and VFW Post 7310 Commander, Barry VanEngelen

Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners announced

By David L. Dyer It is my pleasure to announce the winners of this year’s VFW essay writing contests.

We have a repeat winner from the high school. A year ago Janie Ottenbreit won the Voice of Democracy contest as a sophomore and has repeated this year as a junior.

Janie also won the Patriot Pen contest twice at the middle school.

Her essay on “What makes America great” will be further judged at our district level where the winner will be announced at a banquet in honor of all the post winners in January.

From there the winner goes on to the state level and then to the nationals where the ultimate award of a $30,000

scholarship will be awarded.

Our Patriot Pen winner this year is eighth-grader Christian Syrocki.

The theme “What makes America great” is the same as the high school’s.

Christian’s essay will also be judged at the same district banquet. That winner will also go on to the state and then to the national competitions where that winner will receive a $5,000 cash award.

There are monetary and other prizes awarded at each level. Both Janie and Christian were awarded $100 from our Post 7310.

So Grosse Ile, I hope you will join me in wishing the best for Janie and Christian in the district judging.

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Ask Marie Pucak how she happened to become the owner of Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center and she will tell you that while owning a store such as this was not something she planned, it now appears undeniable that this is where she belongs.

After a high-profile and successful career in the corporate world of the Cleveland, Ohio area, Marie Pucak relocated to Grosse Ile when her husband Rick was offered a promotion in the Detroit area. Literally left on an Island where she didn’t know anyone, she accepted a part-time job working for the Grosse Ile Marketplace in 2014.

“They needed my help, and I needed them. God put me where I needed to be,” Marie quipped.

In May of 2016, Marie purchased the business from the previous owners and will be celebrating her second full year of ownership this month. “I never expected to fall in love with being a store owner, but now I can’t imagine my life any different”, she said.

Asked what sets her garden & pet supply apart from other comparable businesses, Marie was quick to say that their customer service is second to none. If we don’t carry an item that a customer wants, we will try to arrange to stock it. And my staff treats everyone who comes in here like family.

We really have three different businesses operating under the same roof. Our pet food and supply segment, our huge garden center and our recently expanded gift section.

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 19

VFW, students send Christmas packages to deployed troops

18271 Fort St., Riverview 734-282-3939 ofďŹ ce@gobigmultimedia.com

Will Evans Publisher

Tina Perry Marketing Manager

Sherry Evans Publisher

Paula Neuman Writer

Bill Stevenson Writer

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Shane Preston Writer

Gail Albin Writer

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Peter Rose Writer

David Dyer Writer

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By David L. Dyer A couple of months ago Susan Dusute asked me if I thought the VFW would assist her and her fifth grade class at Meridian Elementary School in sending Christmas packages to military personnel.

I told her we certainly would and when I brought up the subject our VFW meeting they certainly did. She was issued a very generous check that would cover the cost of mailing the packages.

The students began collecting items from home, family and neighbors.

The items included snacks, personal hygiene items, disposable razors, chapsticks, deodorant, sun screen, magazines, AA batteries, movies, music on thumb drives and cards and letters, etc.

I arrived at the school at 3 p.m. on Nov. 13. There were several tables loaded with those items. Susan and her students and several parents and school staff and a couple of my VFW

comrades set up a so-called assembly line and began packaging.

Exactly one hour later at 4 p.m., 46 boxes were filled, sealed and addressed and were ready for transport to the post office.

So on behalf of our VFW Post 7310, I thank you Susan Dusute and everyone who contributed to this project which is certain to bring at a minimum, a few smiles to the faces of many of our deployed troops who are serving thousands of miles from home in defense of our country and will not be home for the holidays.

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Miss Bennet continues at Open Book Theatre

F

ans of Downtown Abbey, Hallmark Christmas movies, or Jane Austen will delight in Open Book Theatre’s latest offering, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, running through Dec. 14 at their intimate space in Trenton, which will be transformed into a beautiful English Manor for this witty and fun holiday romp.

“The play draws upon the familiar characters of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, visiting them two years after the book ends as the family gathers for the holidays at Pemberley. It follows middle sister Mary Bennet as she meets and falls in love with bumbling Arthur de Bourgh. But, like any good romantic comedy, there are delightful obstacles to overcome before the pair can admit their affections,” explains director Sarah Hawkins.

Open Book audiences will recognize the smart, witty dialogue of playwright Lauren Gunderson (Ada and the Engine, Emilie, and Bauer), who teamed up with Margot Melcon for this play. Annie Dilworth plays Mary Bennet, the title character. “I grew up watching the five-hour A&E version with my mother and sister” she said, “and we’d always laugh at Mary, or say “poor Mary” when she was teased or laughed at or bullied. And now I get the chance to redeem her awkward years, and play a grown-up woman Mary. Still loves her Pianoforte

and books, but is finding how to be independent and individual, not just that middle Bennett sister.”

Dan Johnson plays the unlikely love interest, Arthur de Bourgh. “The thing I love most about playing Arthur is actually how, in many ways, he’s on a similar journey as Mary - he’s a young man, dealing with societal and familial expectations he doesn’t want (and is ill-equipped to handle), trying to figure out if there’s any way for him to be accepted in society for the person he is, rather than what the larger world expects him to be. The surprise, for him, is that he meets, in Mary, not only a kindred spirit, but someone who actually challenges him, in ways he’s never encountered.

Love, for Arthur, isn’t something he’s looking for (or maybe even something he believes is possible for him) - it’s something he discovers, and ultimately chooses to fight for. Which is a wonderful journey for an actor to take.”

You don’t need to know Pride and Prejudice to understand the plot, although Austen fans will certainly enjoy the nods to one of her most beloved books.

“Audiences will find familiarity and joy in Austen’s characters as they search for love, experience the blessings and frustrations of family, and celebrate the holiday spirit over the course of this show. The show is family friendly and a perfect

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Four of the five Bennet sisters makes an appearance. Lucianna Piazza plays Jane, another Bennet sister, who shows up in this play quite pregnant. “I think this play is interesting because it clearly shows the individuality of the sisters. Their personalities, where they currently are in life, and what their aspirations are for the future are fun to explore throughout the play. Audiences can find someone to connect/ resonate with within the first scene.” Jeremy Kucharek, who plays Fitzwilliam Darcy, adds that “the best part of the Gunderson play is access to the hearts of some of the other characters of the Austen book. What happens if we don’t look at Mary as the unappealing middle one? If we don’t look at Darcy as the stuffy tight one? If we don’t color Anne [de Bourgh] as the insecure simpleton?

Every character has passions and a drive for love; let’s breathe life into those parts of the story.”

Piazza channels Jane’s good spirit when she says “I hope that audiences will take away the beauty of the search for genuine happiness and finding love. It’s a feel good comedy that is all tied up in a Christmas rom-com sparkled bow. What could be better?!”

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By Pamela A. Frucci Trained by Living Waters, six members of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church spent from Nov. 4 through 12 in a town in Cuba to install a water filtration system.

Flying from Detroit to Havana were Robb Albrecht, Jim and Pam Becker, Steve and Kathy Benton, and Gene Swift. Their destination was Ciego de Abila, a 6 ½ hour ride in a van from Havana where they had installed a water filtration system previously.

Their first stop in Cuba was to visit the church where one year ago they provided a fresh water system and enjoy a celebration with the congregation and all who had benefited from their efforts.

The second system they installed in a Baptist church a long distance from the first was also a celebration.It was honoring its 25th year.

While the men were installing the system, Pam Becker and Kathy Benton met with members of the church for health and spiritual education that

emphasized water and how to conserve their new fresh water supply.

It was mainly for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and washing babies. The classes were taught in English with a Spanish interpreter.

The U.S. Embassy in Havana had gotten word of the good work provided by the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church and arrived for the celebration. A delegation from the embassy paid a 45-minute visit with the volunteers from America.

Once the filtration system was installed and local operators were trained in maintaining the fresh water supply, the GIPC volunteers left the scene to return to Havana to fly home.

The plan is to return twice to inspect the system and make sure all is A-OK. The funding for the project has been raised by the Grosse Ile. Presbyterian Church and by donations but will soon be depleted.

The hope is that generous future donors will realize the benefit to

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Pets. You’ve got them, we’ve got them, and we all love them. We also love looking at them. We love looking at our pets and your pets and all the pets we can see. If you have a pet that you’re proud of - a cat, a dog, a lizard, whatever - send a photo our way and we’ll do our best to publish it in our publications. Email photos to sherry@gobigmultimedia.com. Please include your name, the pet’s name and the community you live in.

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Page 24 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 25

What’s Happening Grosse Ile ...

Something special The Grosse Ile Holiday Boutique at the Custom House is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22.

Come browse the works of over 30 local artisans in a beautiful old-time Christmas setting.

The Boutique is open from 2-8 p.m. on Fridays and from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Come pick out a special gift for the people on your list.

Birthing Classes And More A range of birthing classes are offered at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, including breastfeeding; infant CPR; and Great Expectations, which teaches participants about labor, comfort techniques, Cesarean sections and baby care. A tour of the birthing unit is included.

Weekend, evening and online classes are available. Call 734-246-9601 for more information and to register.

Take it Outside High School Nature and Wildlife Photo Contest: Enter starting Oct 1, 2019. Deadline Thursday, May 7, 2020 Open to all high school students.

Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. Enter at www.ginlc. org.

AAUW scholarships The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District.

Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area.

An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo. com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.

Come and connect The annual Mother-Son Date Night will be Friday, Jan. 17 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Grosse Ile Middle School gym.

There will be inflatables, a photo station and a pizza and ice cream bar.

Contact the Recreation Dept. for more information.

Grosse Ile Senior Citizens Club Meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 11:30 p.m.

Refreshments followed by a short business meeting, programs, bingo. This is a social club for men and women 55 years and up living on Grosse Ile. The Colleen Herman Flute Choir The Colleen Herman Flute Choir will be performing at St. James Episcopal Church, 25150 East River Rd., Grosse Ile at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 in the Main Church.

The choir will share unique arrangements of the music of Christmas and the audience will have the opportunity to sing favorites carols and more. A reception and time for fellowship in Galloway Hall follows the program. All programs are free and open to the public, although free-will donations are accepted.

Saint James Campus is handicapped accessible. For more information, contact Music@saintjamesgi.net.

Yoga Tuesdays at the Downriver Council for the Arts, 81 Chestnut, Wyandotte from 5:30-6:30 p.m, every Tuesday.

Suitable for all levels, this Hatha Yoga Flow will focus on linking breath to movement, deep stretching, building core strength and improving balance and overall well-being.

Bring your own yoga mat. Drop-in for $10 a class or $35 for (4 classes).

For more information call 734-720-0671 or visit www.downriverarts.org.

2020 Annual Metroparks Passes Access to all 13 Metroparks for 2020. Cost is $40 but it’s only $35 if purchased before Dec. 31. For seniors (62 and older), a 2020 annual pass will cost $29, but you can purchase one now through Dec. 31 for only $24.

All you need is ID verification.

All senior passes must be purchased in person. Shop online or visit your favorite Metropark to purchase your 2020 annual pass today. www. metroparks.com

YMCA after school program: Kids attending the program and the Downriver Family YMCA will receive snacks, help with homework and the chance to explore literacy, STEM and arts enrichment programs; to learn more, contact Stefanie Patrico at spatrico@ ymcadetroit.org.

Van transportation Senior citizens, low income, disabled, essential errands. $5 on island, $6 offisland, round trips. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, two to four days preferred. Call (734) 675-2364 or (734) 216-2905.

Volunteers The Township is always on the lookout for volunteers.

Helpers are needed for community events like the Fall Festival, Halloween Parade, Island Winterfest, Winter Olympics and the Easter event.

Volunteers are also needed as golf course rangers and workers at summer events like Safety Town and youth camps.

And, as always, volunteers are needed to help plan, set up and clean up Island Fest.

To become involved call 734-6752364.

Library teen volunteers Interested in volunteering at the library?

If you’re 14-17 yrs old, take a look through our volunteering information and fill out our application. Follow this link to the Teen Volunteer Application, fill it in and drop it off at the library’s circulation desk or email it to Amalia Ash: ataash@trenton.lib.mi.us.

Once the completed application and work permit is given to library staff, you will be contacted within five days for a volunteering opportunity. Please note that as we have a limited number of volunteer opportunities and changing library needs, we cannot guarantee a certain number of volunteer hours or immediate placement.

Library Remember the Veteran’s Memorial Library in Trenton severs the community of Grosse Ile, as well at Trenton, Woodhaven and Brownstown.

The Library is committed to

providing services to all patrons. Adult services include a monthly Adult Book Discussion which meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

We also provide beginning computer classes. The library often has special speakers or presentations including author book signings, informative presentations, and genealogy help.

There are state publications and informative flyers on local non-profit , and educational opportunities.

We also offer access to databases and the internet through free wi-fi access and 34 public computers. Copy machines and fax services are also available. DVD movie rentals are $1 each. New movies rent for three days and regular movies rent for one week.

There is also a free family movie on the second Saturday of the month. The Trenton Historical Society meets here twice a month to assist patrons with genealogy research. Used books are for sale in an ongoing book sale as well as the Friends of the Library Used Book Extravaganza in April and October.

Located on West Road, the library is open 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays The library number is 734-676-9777.

Come and read Established in 1934 as a response to the lack of a library on the Island, The Book Club of Grosse Ile has developed a distinct, unique identity. This book club is composed of scholarly women, who are looking for the challenge and stimulation only quality literature can bring.

Books are rotated twice a month, which gives members the opportunity to read over 20 new books per year. There are three speakers during the year, most of whom are authors, who shine light on various subjects including the writing process.

In addition, two book discussions allow members to interact and reflect on current literature and topics. Coming together for various activities brings about joyful, spirited interaction among members. The Book Club of Grosse Ile supplies everything a book club promises, and more.

Contact the club at suepizzimenti@ hotmail.com.

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TELESCOPING THE TOWNSHIP A recent visitor of the Grosse Ile Historic Museum asked a question we volunteers didn’t have an immediate answer for but now we do! She knew that the Wayne Co. Board of Supervisors had voted to allow a split of Monguagon Township (Trenton) and designate Grosse Ile as a separate township. That happened on Oct. 27, 1914.

The three Island men who had petitioned the county board for the split were

By Pamela A. Frucci named to the new township board. They were George Thrall (who was made chair of the new township,) Richard M. Moore (named secretary,) and Archibald M. Alexander.

They met in the library of the old Central School (1911 building) on Nov. 23, 1914. Their first order of business was to name a clerk.

NOTE: Brian Friel, current deputy clerk, provided the document with the minutes of the first meeting of the township board.) | Deputy clerk Bryan Friel now has two Township jobs When former deputy clerk Sharon Gray retired in June 2018, the position was filled by her longtime assistant Bryan Friel. Bryan has been in the clerk’s office since 2000 when he served as a part-time elections inspector.

From 2008 to 2018 he was the elections coordinator and then in 2018 was named as deputy clerk.

That job was added to when Ted Fournier retired last August as cable administrator. Bryan was named to that job to handle the township website, its social media, and cable operation (the township board is deciding whether to hire a cable administrator). In the meantime, Bryan is handling two full time jobs.

From 2001 to 2015, Bryan coached basketball at Grosse Ile High School.

He spent seven years with the junior varsity and seven more with the varsity.

He and his wife live in Huron Township but he’s a 1994 graduate of Grosse Ile High School.

According to Bryan, these last three

months on the job have been “super busy.” That explains the photo of Bryan juggling two phones at his desk at the township.

Priority Waste haulers too over Island routes Nov. 18 With Island residents having to adjust to only two trash pick-up days when Priority Waste took over collecting garbage and recyclables on Nov. 18, those that recycle have been frustrated that many items are no longer picked up in the blue recycling bins.

Since at present there is no market for recycled glass, we recyclers have to throw glass containers in the trash. Gibraltar accepts glass at their drop-off center, but it’s only for their residents.

Priority Waste mailed out information sheets listing what they accept to be recycled, which helped residents know what they can put in the blue bins.

Some time ago I read an account of what materials make up the largest percentage of waste in landfills. It’s plastics and food waste.

I also once read that Americans throw away enough food in their garbage to feed Canada. (I wonder if it’s still true?)

As a longtime recycler (I founded the Downriver Recycling Center in 1985, which operated on land near the Detroit Edison plant until 1991) I have “waste-not” as my mantra. My advice to other recyclers is try not to buy items in non-recyclable containers.

ChristNet gives the homeless a warm and dry place to stay The week of Nov. 17-20 the Interfaith Council of Grosse Ile provided sleeping quarters and meals for homeless men and women.

Housed at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, all Island churches took part either cooking meals, washing laundry, and doing their best to make their “guests” feel at home.

Ever since the Interfaith Council took over the project in 2005 that Sacred Heart Church had been heading for 10 years, Jo-Anne Gronlund has coordinated ChristNet on the Island.

She tells me that Jeff Klein from

St. Thomas handles the meals and all the other Island churches take part in hosting the homeless. She particularly mentioned a Sacred Heart volunteer who wasn’t even on her list but who showed up on Sunday through Wednesday just because she “wanted to help.”

Jo-Anne said Lisa Valascho, a dental hygienist, was “delightful” and would be her choice as “volunteer of the week.” She did laundry, but most helpful was how friendly she was to the homeless guests. She would greet and chat with many of them.

A fundraising dinner was held on Nov. 22, chaired by Island resident Linda Cleaver, which is raising money to outfit a building off Island which would be a home base to get meals, do laundry, and provide services for the homeless to eventually get them into housing.

Linda and her husband Todd, who is on the ChristNet board, have been collecting furniture to outfit the homes that the homeless have moved into.

In addition to that Todd is supervising the renovation of the off-Island building which will be the home base for the homeless.

The Herb Society’s Little Library at Water’s Edge looks brand new What began as a doll house for Bob and Lorraine Wises’ daughter Loren

34 years ago is now a beautifully refurbished Little Library located at Water’s Edge.

Lorraine acts as librarian for the Herb Society’s Little Library and is looking for contributions of children’s books in good condition to be donated.

The original library was mounted several years ago but was beginning to look weather beaten.

The Herb Society thanks Doug Cryderman for making it look brand new again. He got help from his wife Julie, a member of the Herb Society.

St. James invites public to December music events To celebrate the Christmas season, Jim Johnson, music director at St. James, has posted two upcoming events for the public to enjoy.

On Sat., Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Colleen Herman will feature her flute students in “The Herman Flute Choir Christmas Special.” The audience will be invited to sing with the flute choir as they play favorite carols.

Colleen, an accomplished flutist, is also the church secretary at St. James.

Then on Tues., Dec. 24 at 4 and 11 p.m., musicians from the Brassworks in Ann Arbor will play special music at St. James Christmas Eve worship services. St. James’ choir and bell choir will also provide special music.

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November 23 should have been recognized as Grosse Ile Township first meeting

Page 28 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

Holidays got you worked up? Try these natural stress relievers With gifts to purchase, visiting family and meals to plan, for some, the holiday season can be full of stress. Enjoy these five helpful tips to help keep your cool in the coming weeks.

1. Seek sunshine. If it’s sunny, take a walk outdoors. If the weather is dreary meditate inside.

2. Set realistic goals. Say it with us—you can’t please everybody all the time. Weigh what you can actually accomplish with what you’d like to and make a plan from there.

3. Be conscious of what you’re eating. During the holidays we tend to eat a lot, and it’s not always the best types of food. Stay aware of what you’re putting into your body and be sure to get your fair share of fruits and veggies.

4. Don’t overdo it. Getting enough rest plays a key role in leading a happy and healthy life.

5. Take a break. Set aside time for yourself to regroup.

Healthy New Year Resolutions Consider setting these goals to make the transition easier than ever.

1. Add instead of subtracting. When it comes to resolutions, a lot of people start by promising to “give up” bad foods. Instead, try to focus on adding healthier options to your diet, including more glasses of water each day.

2. Eat the rainbow. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables of all varieties—you can even make a game out of it with your family by vowing not to leave the market until you’ve found food of 5 different hues.

3. Schedule time to exercise. If you actually pencil in a time to visit the gym or go for a walk, you’re more likely to accomplish it and continue the pattern going forward.

Wondering what else you can do to better yourself for the New Year? Consider making a chiropractic checkup to start the year at your best.

A Gift Guide for Your Spine Looking for the perfect gift for yourself or someone in your life that’s experiencing back pain?

Look no further. Consider these four thoughtful and spine-friendly presents.

A massage Back pain can also result from constantly tense muscles. Relieve them with a gentle, soothing massage.

A chiropractic checkup If you haven’t seen us lately and are experiencing back pain, give us a call to schedule a visit or two before the New Year so you’re able to fully enjoy the holiday season. Or, consider giving the gift of chiropractic to a loved one.

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A gym membership Back pain can sometimes be the result of weak muscles. Strengthening your back and body can help prevent future aches and pains.

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A helping hand with SATs

Grosse Ile Education Foundation President, Kurt Kobiljak presents Grosse Ile High School Principal, Paul Szumanski and GIHS students with a grant check for this year’s SAT Prep program. The GIEF is proud to support a program that is available to all GIHS students who are preparing to take their SATs, raising test scores and scholarship opportunities.

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Grosse Ile Rotary Club Diaper Drive The Grosse Ile Rotary’s Diaper Drive was a success. The group collected 3,500 diapers, enough diapers to allow 60 downriver families in need to diaper their babies for an entire month. The club sends special thanks to Kroger for hosting its collection box. In other club news, Sandra Cullen was recognized for her key role in the End Polio Now campaign, which, with matching funds, raised nearly $10,000.

Bill Heil was presented with the “Do the Right Thing” certificate of appreciation and dinner at Perdino’s was lovely and delicious, as always.

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COUNTS

stroke, it is estimated that two million brain cells die every minute until blood flow is restored to the brain.

The other main type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke that occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain causing blood to spill into or around the brain, creating swelling and pressure, also damaging cells and tissue in the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes make up about 13 percent of stroke cases. Critical in stroke care is knowing the symptoms and reacting in time.

“By adhering to a very specific set of national treatment guidelines, our team at Beaumont, Trenton have made it a priority to deliver high-quality care to all patients affected by stroke,” said Dawn Rote, Stroke Coordinator.

Beaumont Hospital, Trenton, met or exceeded all the standards established by the Joint Commission.

“We were able to reduce our response times by analyzing the process and the logistics by which we are treating stroke victims, with rapid interpretation of brain imaging, and a holistic team approach to care,” said Rote. “Part of my job is rapid performance data feedback with live chart auditing, working with the doctors and nurses in making the best determination of treatment for our patients.”

This past August, the Stroke Center Team celebrated four stroke cases that had a 20 minute door-to-care response.

Dr. Christopher Whitty said, “We are proud of our certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. Our excellent doctors, nurses, and technicians work hard to provide the finest medical care for our patients in a most professional and timely manner. Our goal is to continually improve our practices and procedures to respond to patients that manifest stroke symptoms, but also to educate our community in healthy living to control the stroke risk factors for brain health.

“The most effective way to reduce stroke mortality is to prevent a stroke from occurring, to begin with.”

With the holidays in full swing, it’s easy to get caught up in the mirth and merriment of the

Yuletide, which many times turns into busy, hectic, stressful hurrying to get “everything done.” More often than not we forget the reason for the season, and become immersed in rampant materialism and overindulgence.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can bring unexpected, or even tragic medical concerns, including increased risk for heart attacks and strokes.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “several studies have shown that the incident of heart attack and stroke increases in December and January, particularly on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.” Beaumont Nurse Manager for the Emergency Department, Bill Sweet acknowledges the holiday spike in strokes or heart attacks, but attributes it to patients with pre-existing medical conditions or people with undiagnosed morbidities.

“People with hypertension, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, with poor diet habits. . . for them, the extra sodium, or alcohol, or fat laden meal, pushes them over the brink, and closer to stroke or heart issues.

“The other problem we see is that people don’t want to ruin the holiday and they wait, which is one of the worst things they can do. Time is brain. Time is heart. Time is muscle.”

Beaumont Hospitals take the FAST acronym of the American Stroke Association, in knowing the signs if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke to a FASTER meaning: FACE—drooping or numbness on one side of the

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face; when asked to smile, person’s smile is uneven.

ARMS—one arm drifts down when raising both arms, or one arm is weaker and more numb.

STABILITY—dizziness, difficulty keeping balance or trouble walking, loss of coordination.

TALKING—slurred words, unable to speak, hard time being understood or understanding speech.

Eyes—difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes, double vision.

REACT—Call 911 immediately. Call if a person is experiencing any of these symptoms - even if they go away. Get to a hospital at once. Try to remember when the symptoms first began.

Perhaps, this holiday season will be the year that we slow down and savor the time spent and memories made with family and friends. Maybe, we all might find the time to take care of ourselves, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Hug your babies. Much Happiness and Love to you and your family. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed ‘Eid, Joyous Festivus, Happy Yule, Belated Diwali, Happy Bodhi Day, Bah Humbug! And have a healthy, happy New Year.

If you would like more information about identifying the warning signs of stroke, visit: youtube.com/watch?v=wkXJOUe5G60.

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Page 34 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

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LISTENING IN ON THE ISLAND

Grosse Ile couple owners/operators of restaurant atop RenCen You might think the couple who have taken over renovating and operating the former restaurant on the 71st floor of the RenCen would be a seasoned older couple.

Not so!

Shawn and Holly McClain, the new owners of the restaurants, are young, personable, and are putting in long hours to make dining at the top of the RenCen a destination for Detroiters and Downriverites.

The McClains met in Chicago where each attended Kendall College, a classy cooking school.

Holly, who grew up in Gibraltar, was drawn back to Michigan since her parents still live in Gibraltar and her two brothers live on the Island. So the McClains settled in a

By Pamela A. Frucci home on Cadillac Circle.

What drew them to Grosse Ile was the quiet living, the water and good schools. Their two daughters Cameryn, 11, and Kylie, 9, like the fact that they can see their parents’ restaurant atop the RenCen when they look towards the city skyline up the Detroit River.

Shawn, who’s the chef at their restaurants, doesn’t look like he’s picked up weight through the years of owning and operating restaurants. He’s trim and even does the cooking when he’s home.

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Shawn and Holly planned a grand opening of their two restaurants and bar and lounge a couple weeks ago.

The décor is well designed by a New York firm, the Rockwell Group.Their menus include the usual meat specialties but their goal is to keep their food fresh and well seasoned and include lots of vegetables.

While Shawn is in the kitchen overseeing the food preparation, Holly stays out front. They figure they put in 80-90 hours a week .

To promote their restaurants, the McClains plan to rely on social media and word of mouth. They even have partnered with Bread & Butter, an advertising firm to promote the restaurants.

When the opportunity to take over the vacant top floor of the RenCen came up two or three years ago, Shaun and Holly decided they could handle the challenge.

Now here they are ready to provide diners good food and a spectacular view of Detroit, Canada, and the Detroit River atop the tallest building in Michigan!

Jack Frucci to compete in Barbershop chorus event My husband Jack sings in a senior barbershop chorus that competed for points to see if they qualify to compete in Jacksonville, FL in January 2020. The state

competition was in Muskegon on Oct. 19.

The chorus won the right to compete in the international competition, so we get to enjoy a week of warmer weather come January.

Any budding pianists want a piano?

Our granddaughter Fabriana, who lives and New York city, had a piano when she was a lot younger.

Now that she’s 18 and a senior in high school, she no is longer playing her instrument.

She gave it to me to see if I knew a child interested in learning the piano who would like her child-sized piano. My plan is to ask any youngster interested in getting a free piano to write a paragraph telling me why they’d like the piano.

Mail your paragraph to me at 21190 East River by Dec. 29 and the writer who comes up with the most compelling reason to own the piano will get it at no charge. (The winner just has to play a tune that I can record and send to my granddaughter in New York!)

Flutist Carole Scott re-writing her booklet A booklet called “A Beginner’s Guide to an Orchestra,” written many years ago by flutist Carole Scott, will be revised to be used by the Dearborn Symphony for all the Dearborn fourth graders when they attend a concert next March.

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December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 35

SPORTS Mix of youth, experience to bolster Devil cagers

Grosse Ile Varsity Basketball Roster 0 - Keegan Mott 1 - Lucas Kopp 2 - Tyler Quade 3 - Luc Kawadri 5 - Tyler Garza 10 - Trey Swick 11 - Joey Cappellino 13 - Walter Hladchuk 14 - Ryan Driscoll 22 - Sam Lemerond 23 - Daniel Stevens 24 - Joey Brillhart 25 - Robert Standen 32 - John Blanzy

By Tom Tigani A mix of new and returning players bodes well for the upcoming Grosse Ile High School boys’ basketball season.

The Red Devils made it all the way to the district championship game last year before falling to River Rouge High School, and Coach Mohammed Elhaj believes his team can at least equal last year’s success and possibly advance even further in the postseason.

“Overall I expect this team to be really good,” Elhaj said. With my returners and the new guys, this is a group that really doesn’t have any go-to guys.

“We’ll be playing more of a team game with more options this year. And we have more than one player who can score.”

Walter Hladchuk is one of those, Elhaj said.

“He’s going to be one of the best point guards in the Huron League,” he said. “He does a great job and leads the team well.”

Elhaj said last year was a great learning experience for Keegan Mott, who he expects to make key contributions in 2019-20. The coach also is looking for big things from former junior varsity player Joey Cappellino, who he expects to be “a great part of our team.”

“He’s an all-around player from what I’ve seen so far,” Elhaj said. He can dribble and shoot well, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.”

Elhaj said his team got off to a slow start in a recent scrimmage against Wyandotte Roosevelt, but picked up the pace at a subsequent scrimmage at Livonia Franklin.

The Red Devils will need to continue improving if they hope to overcome Flat Rock, which is bringing back some of its better players.

“It’s been a real battle the past couple of years with them,” Elhaj said.

Because his team is no longer in the same district as River Rouge, he has “really high expectations” for success in league and district play this season.

“I think it will come down to a lot of hard work,” Elhaj said Photo by Dave Gorgon

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 36 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Grosse Ile girls hope to build on strong 2018 finish

READ AND SAVE AT WWW.GI-GRANDNEWS.COM

Last year was my first year as varsity coach, and they came together with me as a team. We got better as the season went on. ~Coach Bill Flemming

Grosse Ile Girls Varsity roster 23 - Hannah Kibble (Captain) 21 - Helana Formentin (Captain) 2 - Ami Yezman 11 - Brooke Snyder 4 - Melanie Ferguson 15 - Brea Asher 5 - Emmi Pinkowski 10 - Selena Gargasoulas 13 - Reanna Wludyka 3 - Emma Johnson 22 - Natalie Christnagel 1 - Ashlyn Weatherly

By Tom Tigani The Grosse Ile High School girls’ basketball team finished fifth in the Huron League last year, but wins in six of its last eight regular season games give Coach Bill Fleming hope that 2019-20 will be a strong season.

“We had a pretty strong senior class graduate last year,” he said, “but we’re really counting this year on a couple of key returning pieces and on our former junior varsity girls who are looking to shine on the varsity team.

Helana Formentin, who can play several positions but usually is a power forward, was the leading rebounder and scorer for the Red Devils last year, as well as an all-state tennis player.

“She’s going to be a force in our league,” Fleming said. “She will undoubtedly be my leading scorer.

Helana’s really good at driving to the basket. She has developed a good outside shot, but most of her points will come from driving and slashing and scoring inside.

Emma Johnson again will be a point guard, and Hannah Kibble, who will serve along with

Formentin as team captains, is another key returner.

“Hannah will play a lot of significant minutes,” Fleming said. “She’s knowledgeable about the game, makes no mistakes and can play any position. She can handle the ball, and she’s a good shooter, so she’ll move around a lot.”

Returning seniors Ami Yezman and Brooke Snyder also are expected to play bigger roles this year.

Neither got significant playing time last season, but Fleming is looking for them to be significant contributors this year. Shooting guard Yezman has really worked on her shot and has improved tremendously, he said. Snyder spent most of her time growing up as a post player, but has molded herself more into a forward.

After last year’s strong league finish the Red Devils lost to River Rouge in what Fleming called one of the strongest district final competitions in the state.

“Four district teams advanced to the regionals, and those that finished ahead of us will be strong again this year,” he said.

Fleming believes his team can return to the postseason, “but it’s going to take some contributions from our new people to help us get there.”

Newcomers include sophomores Emma Johnson and Natalie Christnagel (who moves up from junior varsity) along with transfer Ashlyn Weatherly from Louisiana, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and is “a really good post player.”

The Red Devils will need all the help they can get against league rivals, said Fleming, a lifelong island resident; Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, Flat Rock and Riverview all will be “really good” again this year. But he’s optimistic because of what’s happened since the end of last season.

“Last year was my first year as varsity coach, and they came together with me as a team. We got better as the season went on.

“They also took part in a lot of off-season activities. There were 22 girls who went to summer camp with us, and that really helps build your program for the future. We’re looking for a good year this year.”

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 37

Photos by Larry Caruso

By Hank Minckiewicz For the past few seasons the Grosse Ile hockey team has had a security blanket. His name was Chris Mihai.

The high scoring forward was always there to help jumpstart the Red Devil offense whenever Coach Jason Durbin needed him.

Mihai has graduated and the Grosse Ile team’s complexion has changed because of it.

“So we don’t have a guy like Chris Miha, who can go out and score 45 goals for us,” said Durbin. ‘This year we’re going to have to rely on the entire team, from the goalie on out.

We’re going to have to play smart, use our speed, go to the net and score some ugly goals, and that’s OK.” The Red Devils are a young team this season and that youth is magnified by the fact that the five seniors on the team did not play key roles last year.

“It’s going to take a lot of teaching,

a lot of coaching this year,” said Durbin. “In addition to our new guys, the juniors and seniors are adjusting to new roles, too. The last couple of years these guys have not played on the penalty kill and the power play, so they are learning and adjusting, too.”

Brennan Karn and Evan Lemerand are the senior captains on the team and Dylan Pattenaude, another 12-grader, is the alternate captain and all three will be looked to to help provide leadership and scoring punch.

Defensively, Ben Carter has grown in size and ability between his freshman and sophomore seasons and is an offensive and defensive threat and senior Joey Kosztowny and junior Eric Ellis help provide the heavy lifting.

“Again, defense is going to be a group effort,” said Durbin.

In goal, the Red Devils feature senior Carter Pattenaude and junior

Owen Bonham.

As they have the past few seasons, the Red Devils will play in both the Huron League and the Michigan Metro League’s West Division. Durbin said both leagues should be competitive this season and he hopes his team will be in the mix contending.

“From what I have seen and the scores I have seen, there does not seem to be a dominant team in either league,” the Grosse Ile coach said.

The Red Devils have already begun the season and they’ve posted a 2-2 record through four games. Among those games was an impressive 5-1 victory over Dearborn Divine Child.

“I did not see that coming,” Durbin admitted. “I thought it was going to be a 2-1 kind of a game.”

The Devils also beat Carlson and lost to Bedford and Ann Arbor Pioneer.

Against Ann Arbor, the Devils has a dozen more shots on goals than the Pioneers but the Ann Arbor goalie was the difference in a 3-1 loss.

Grosse Ile will travel to the Division 3 showcase in Gaylord the weekend of Dec. 14-15 where the Red Devils will face a pair of upper peninsula teams, Sault Ste. Marie and Painsdale-Jeffers.

Durbin said he expects to be back in the same Michigan High School

Athletic Association regional grouping come the end of the year, along with Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, Bedford, Riverview, Gabriel Richard, Wyandotte and Carlson. Richard won the regional last year, beating Grosse Ile in the final.

Grosse Ile 2019-20 Hockey roster

1 Owen Bonham, jr 2 Jack Cislo, so 4 Travis Symons, fr 5 Hunter Proctor, fr 6 Aidan Hennessey, fr 7 Patrick Karn, jr 8 Adam Kargenian, jr 10 Evan Lemerand, sr 11 Dylan Pattenaude, sr 13 Brennan Karn, sr 14 Jacob Czarnik, fr 15 Anthony Naso, so 16 Eric Ellis, jr 18 Luke Miller, jr 19 Presley Hubler, jr 21 Benjamin Carter, so 22 Joseph Kosztowny, sr 24 Benjamin Lazorka, so 26 Nolan Karn, jr 27 Luke Auger, so 31 Carter Pattenaude, sr

READ AND SAVE AT WWW.GI-GRANDNEWS.COM

Red Devils hope to get roster-wide production this year

Page 38 • December 12 - January 15, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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Grosse Ile swimmers finish with a flourish The Grosse Ile girls swim team finished the 2019 season in style, getting several tremendous swims and finishing 17th at the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Division 3 Meet at Oakland University Nov. 23.

The Red Devils finished ahead of two other Downriver squads at the event, topping perennial powerhouse Trenton and fellow Huron League member Riverview. Trenton was 21st with 31 points and Riverview failed to score.

The Red Devils were led

by Erika Pietras, who swam in four events and medaled in two. The Grosse Ile star was third in the 500 freestyle. Her time of 5:06.88 was less than a second out of second place.

She was also fourth in the 200 freestyle.

Pietras also swam on a pair

aPPly IN PERSON aT OUR ROMUlUS WaREHOUSE TUES-FRI FROM 8-3

67

of relays, the 200 medley and the 200 freestyle.

She was joined by Natalie Christnagel, Zoe Neilson and Grace Mans for a 14-place swim in the medley event and

by Christnagel, Alyssa Lauth and Mans in the freestyle race.

Neilson and Christnagel also swam individual events, with Neilson scoring in the 100 breaststroke and Christnagel swimming in the 100 butterfly.

Although they did not score, Grosse Ile was represented in diving at the state meet, as well, as freshman Abigail Lauth and sophomore Lucie Neilson each qualified and competed.

The Division 3 state meet was won by powerful East Grand Rapids, which scored 317 points. Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook was a close second with 306 and Bloomfield Hill Marian was third with 245.

December 12 - January 15, 2020 • Page 39

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