GIG October 2020

RITA COLE

Giving our resident’s the independence they desire with the assistance they need

Agent

The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.

■ 24-hour staffing ■ Bathing, dressing & grooming assistance ■ Medication Administration ■ Three freshly prepared meals with special attention to dietary needs ■ Housekeeping & Laundry services 18533 Quarry Street • Riverview

734-283-6000

www.michiganhouseseniorliving.com

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Gi-GrandNews.com

8146 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI 48138-1574 Bus: 734-675-6870 Fax: 734-675-0492 rita@ritacole.com

Long-awaited Refuge opening becomes a reality

From vision to fruition BILL STEVENSON Grosse Ile Grand

Wow! Finally, a good news story for 2020! And, it’s been a long time comin’.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2020 the Detroit River International Refuge Gateway and portions of the Humbug Marsh Unit, located at 5475 W. Jefferson Trenton, MI 48183 will be open to the public every Thursday through Saturday, for limited daytime use.

The announcement came in conjunction with Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, Sept. 29, the date designated by the Secretary of Interior recognizing the special importance of urban refuges enhancing the quality of life in their local communities.

Of the 568 wildlife refuges in the United States, 101 of them are urban refuges, which includes the Detroit River International Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh Unit.

The Refuge Gateway area was owned

by Chrysler Corporation and operated as an automotive brake pad adhesive and paint facility from 1946 to 1990.

The plant was closed in 1990 and remediated to the State of Michigan

industrial/commercial standards. It lay in decommissioned status until 2002, when Wayne County purchased the 44 acre parcel with the vision of restoring the area to its natural state, and making it accessible for public use.

In a unique partnership, most of the Gateway is still owned by Wayne County, which administers it as a part of its Parks and Recreation Division of Public Services, while the federal government, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service owns the Dingell Visitor Center.

The county and federal government work collaboratively to manage the site.

Together, with citizens, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and local communities—all entities seek to build and sustain the capacity of the Refuge.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said, “Wayne County residents have unparalleled access to a diversity of parks and recreational activities outdoors. The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is an important addition to the cultural, environmental, and educational SEE FRUITION, Page 5

T A W T N

O FR

ER

9105 Macomb St.

28041 Elba Drive, Grosse Ile • Updated waterfront home with gorgeous views.

• Kitchen with granite counters & Viking Appliances.

• Mature landscaping, seawall and docks with lifts.

• 4535 Sq. Ft. – 5 Bedrooms – 4 Full & 1 Half Baths

S. Brooke MacNee

734-671-6611

brooke@mbamail.com

20521 Meridian, Grosse Ile • Beautifully Maintained Brick Ranch.

• The Largest Parcel on Grosse Ile, Sitting on almost 8 Acres.

• Dual Master Suites with Beautiful Fireplaces • 2,312 Sq. Ft - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Full Bathrooms

Page 2 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

In 2020 Leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list Forbes: “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list

2020.

2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 3

WANTED

OLD VACUUMS 7 DAYS ONLY Top Dollar Paid for Trade-In Towards Purchase of New Shark, Hoover, Dirt Devil, Royal, Simplicity or Sanitaire

SHARK VACUUM Coverts to Hand Vac, Lightweight, Maneuverable $ 99

Reg. 199

159

Only $

With Trade-In HV320 REF W/SSM COUPON

SHARK VACUUM

Powerful, Traps 99.9% of Dust, 30 Foot Cord $ 99

Reg. 249

169

Only $

With Trade-In

B&D VACUUM

NV360 REF W/SSM COUPON

14222 FORT, SOUTHGATE (Next to Radio Shack) 734-282-9869 1900 WEST RD, TRENTON 734-671-8900

Trade-In Accepted in ANY Condition

DEAD OR ALIVE

Serving Downriver since 1975

734.479.1880 CousineauChiropractic.com

In a workout slump? Two easy ways to get motivated Finding it hard to stick to your workout routine?

Losing motivation to exercise at home?

Here are a couple of ideas to get you back in the groove: Use a digital device to track your steps and set a daily goal. Whether it’s an Apple watch, a FitBit, or an app on your phone, there are a lot of ways to count your steps. Set a daily steps goal, write it down, and post it somewhere visible. You just might find yourself getting up and moving more often.

Set up a “family challenge” and get everyone in your house involved! It can be as simple as creating a chart with each family member’s name. You get a sticker for every 30 minutes of exercise you do. At the end of the month, anyone with 20 stickers gets a reward.

(Think non-food rewards to reinforce the healthy habits you’re trying to establish.)

Low impact exercises for achy joints When your joints hurt, the last thing you feel like doing is exercising. But, often, it’s one of the best things you can do.

Strengthening your muscles provides stability around your joints and moderate exercise can actually help lessen your pain.

In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep are important in managing joint pain – two things exercise can help with.

Five of the best low impact exercises for those with joint and arthritis

pain are: swimming, water aerobics, walking, cycling, and using an elliptical machine.

Remember, you’re not looking to be an Olympic-level athlete. Take it slow and focus on getting several days of moderate, low-impact exercise in each week.

Your joints will thank you. You may also find relief with a chiropractic adjustment.

Healthy late night snacks We all have those days. You’re about to go to bed, but you just can’t ignore that pang in your stomach. It’s 10 p.m.

What can you eat that will satisfy you until morning, but not wreck your diet or keep you awake?

Here are a few healthy late-night snacking options: Apple with nut butter – Dipping apple slices in a tablespoon of a natural nut butter provides a good combination of fiber and healthy fat that will keep you satisfied until breakfast.

Handful of almonds – The fiber and protein in almonds is filling, and some suggest that the magnesium in almonds may actually help you fall asleep.

Eggs – A hard-boiled egg is an easy, protein-packed snack to grab late at night.

Oats – We typically think of oats as a breakfast food, but it’s a great choice at night. The complex carbs will break down slowly and help regulate your blood sugar. Cook up some oats with your favorite milk – a warm bowl will get you in a cozy, ready-for-bed state.

Page 4 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

GROSSE ILE GRAND

FRUITION

Continued from page 1 attributes of the Downriver area.”

Susan White, Refuge Gateway Manager, expresses a collective excitement, “It’s been a long time coming, and we are indebted to and appreciate the work, support and patience of our partners and our communities to make this controlled opening happen.

“We can’t wait to see you here enjoying your public lands, and enjoying the great outdoors that this special place has to offer. Due to the concerns related to public safety and COVID-19, we are not having a ‘grand opening’ that would bring a large crowd gathering.

Nor are we conducting educational programming at this time.

“The John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center is still under construction and remains closed at this time.” said White.

“The original opening was scheduled for May 9, and we said, ‘Come hell or high water, we would be opening.’ At the end of March, our staff said, ‘we have high water.’ And as April, then May approached, hell also was here.

“We are so happy to welcome folks to the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh!”

Visitors are able to enjoy self-guided hiking, fishing, bird-watching, or simply basking in all the physical or mental health benefits of being close to nature and out-of-doors.

In order to expand the recreational opportunities and expedite greater access, visitors are encouraged to adhere to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines throughout the Gateway and Humbug Marsh sites.

Areas open to the public include parking area for 120 vehicles; biking and walking pathways from the Downriver Linked Greenways Trails to paved trails within the Gateway (bikes are not allowed in the Humbug Marsh Unit); the stunning 700-foot fishing pier—architecturally rendered to be a treefall in the river with “dragonfly” canopies: the Monguagon Boardwalk around the pond closest to Jefferson Avenue; native flora and fauna; reclaimed industrial brownfields which now offer commanding vistas of the river, islands, and marshland.

When you stand on the hill overlooking the river, a mystic sense of nature’s power and awe overcomes you.

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 5

You instantly realize this place is good for your mind and body, heart and soul.

Southward, a footbridge provides access to the adjacent Humbug Marsh Unit, a 410-acre preserve that contains the last mile of natural shoreline along the U.S. portion of the Detroit River.

Humbug Marsh was designated as Michigan’s first “Wetlands of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention in 2010. It contains a vast biodiversity of habitats, and is a significant stopover for many migratory birds, and a great hotspot for thriving fish populations. Portions of the Orange Trail, near the river are closed due to flooding. The western Green Trail is open for travel.

In late July, the Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Aurelia Skipwith, visited the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Unit. She, along with a Congressional delegation, which included Congresswomen Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) toured the progress made on reclaiming the former industrial brownfield site.

Federal Director Skipwith, a native of Indianapolis, was most impressed with the restoration work of the Refuge Gateway, and the history behind Saving Humbug Marsh.

“It is exciting the progress that has been made to get us to this point,” she said. “This urban refuge is truly a little oasis where people will be able to take part in local outdoor activities that will bring them closer to nature.”

Skipwith continued, “The Trump Administration and Secretary [of the

Interior] Bernhardt have made access to public lands for hunting and fishing and other outdoor recreation a priority beginning day one. The lands belong to the people.”

Indeed, on August 4, 2020, President Trump signed into law with bipartisan support, the Great American Outdoors Act, originally introduced by the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA). The landmark legislation will use revenues to provide up to $1.9 billion a year for deferred maintenance for infrastructure projects in national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests.

It also uses royalties from offshore oil and gas to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund up to $900 million per year for conservation and expanded access to natural areas throughout the United States.

In the controlled opening of the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh, Skipwith asserted, “After careful analysis, every decision we make is based on sound science, the rule of law, and common sense.”

Joann Van Aken, Executive Director of the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance concurred.

“This is the realization of a dream held by many people for a long time,” she said. “Thanks are given to the more than 300 partnerships and the hundreds of people who have worked and supported the vision of restoring an industrial brownfield to a public green space, offering recreational and educational access in an urban setting.”

“IWRA is grateful to all of you and to have had the opportunity to work with both John and Debbie Dingell in their dedicated efforts to ensure Wayne County and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are able to open these lands for the public to enjoy.”

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) said, “I’m thrilled the day is here and now the whole community can take advantage of this very special place.

“The Refuge is a critical service to the Downriver community and a place for all to appreciate the outdoors.

This refuge was John’s dream and his footprints are all over. After decades, and the incredibly hard work of many, his vision is now reality and a place to gather, learn, and protect the wildlife and natural resources that make our region unique.”

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t forget what your mother told you—“Go outside and play!” This time, bring your kids.

More Good News for Humbug After visiting the Refuge Gateway and the Humbug Marsh Unit in July, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aurelia Skipwith must have really liked what she saw.

In recognition of September 29, 2020, Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, the Trump Administration announced that both the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and the Twin Cities Minnesota Valley Refuge have been awarded $1 million in additional funding annually to bolster their urban refuge programs.

Director Skipwith said, “Meeting people where they live and providing opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and take part in wildlife habitat conservation has been a Trump Administration priority and is a win-win for everybody. The Detroit River and Minnesota Refuges offer unparalleled recreational opportunities for the millions of Americans who live close by.”

Refuge Manager Susan White is ecstatic.

“This is huge,” she said. “It is extremely gratifying that after all this time, the Refuge Gateway and the Humbug Marsh Unit have been recognized as the epitome of an urban wildlife refuge. We look forward to even greater opportunities for our partners and the community.”

Even before the exciting announcement of additional funding, visitors could expect a future opening of the John D. Dingell Visitor Center. The center is a 12,000 square foot Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum design.

Inside is a wildlife observation room, two classrooms for educational programs for all ages, a multi-purpose room, and areas devoted to hands-on activities and informative displays.

Also planned for the spring of 2021, is a barrier-free designed kayak launch near the southwest shoreline between Humbug Island and the mainland.

Additional access will be provided as SMART has designated the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge an official bus stop in its transportation route.

Page 6 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

An eye-popping place The John Dingell Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is finally open. The site, just across the Trenton Channel from Grosse Ile, is home to nature trails through the Humbug Marsh as well as a 700-foot fishing pier out into the Detroit River near the mouth of Lake Erie. This is the only International Wildlife Refuge in North America.

Although the interpretive center and indoor bathrooms remain closed because of the pandemic, Humbug Marsh Orange and Green Trails, the Humbug Observation deck, the Monguagon Boardwalk, picnic tables, bike trails and porta potties are available to visitors. Downriver residesident are invited to come out and enjoy nature.

Photos by Larry Caruso

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 7

Page 8 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Dingell asks for answers on polluted site clean up While most of the area’s recent attention has been focused on the dismantling and renovation of the old McLouth Steel site, there are other polluted parcels Downriver, some that have gone unremediated for years or even decades.

One of those is the Arkema site, located near the foot of the Grosse Ile free bridge on the mainland side.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell recently brought the Akrema site back to the front burner with a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, asking the EPA to get moving on a long-overdue clean up.

Here is her letter: Dear Administrator Wheeler, This letter is being sent to express my frustration that after 31 years the Arkema property located in Wyandotte and Riverview, Michigan has not been cleaned up, and there is still public no decisions or schedule to finalize cleanup of the site to protect the long-term the health and safety of the surrounding environment and my constituents.

Chemical operations at the Arkema East Site ceased in 1985 and at the Arkema West Site in 2008. In 1989, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Arkema signed a Consent Order for Corrective Action under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for investigation and remedy study. In 2017, EPA provided a presentation to the City of Wyandotte that said remedies would be available for public comment in 2018.

To this day, no clean-up plan has been presented.

It is also my understanding that a final decision and schedule for soil cleanup and offshore impacted sediment remediation is contingent on the voluntary participation of Arkema in a Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) project, known as the Detroit River-Upper Trenton Channel dredging project.

This is unacceptable.

A RCRA Corrective Action Enforcement Order should never be contingent on the voluntary actions of a company—EPA should be enforcing the order.

In a 2017 EPA presentation, the Agency said a recovery system is containing the Halowax oil on the northern end of the property. Offshore there

are 66,868 cubic yards of sediments contaminated with historical releases of chloronaphthalenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyl compounds and oil.

This clean-up cannot continue to languish or the surrounding communities will be in continued danger. It is a hazard to public health and the environment. Please provide complete answers in writing to the following questions and concerns: 1. Why, after 31 years working with the company, has the property still not been cleaned up? What is a reliable schedule to clean-up the property moving forward.

2. EPA’s policy is enforcement first, and polluter pays. Why is the RCRA order taking a backseat to the voluntary GLLA project in the Detroit RiverUpper Trenton Channel?

3. Through correspondents between my office and EPA, we have learned that the remedial design phase of the Arkema site has not yet been completed.

What is the current status and what has been the reason for the continued delay?

4. Additionally, EPA Region 5 has told my office it plans to issue a proposed final remedy for public comment on the entire site, both the East Site and West Site, in 2021. Is EPA still committed to finalizing a proposal in 2021 and once it is public what are the next steps?

5. Portions of the property are within the 100-year FEMA flood zone (listed as Zone AE on the map). What contingency is in place in the event this area experiences any harmful flooding?

6. The RCRA program has been woefully inadequate for addressing the site or even explaining a process for cleanup. EPA should consider listing the site on the National Priorities List. Will EPA evaluate this option by conducting a Pre-CERCLA Screening of the property?

The Arkema property straddles the cities of Wyandotte and Riverview and sits along the Detroit River. These communities deserve better than waiting another 5, 10, or 31 years for clean-up of this heavily contaminated property.

We are celebrating the spirit of fall at

SHOP OUR LARGE SELECTION OF • Mums • Cornstalks • Pumpkins • Gourds • Straw

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO GET INTO THE FALL SPIRIT LARGE SELECTION of Grosse Ile Spirit Wear EED 8943 Macomb St. • Grosse Ile FR LAN IS

RY! DELIVE

734-675-1671

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Island Family Owned Since 1985

LIKE US ON

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 9

LISTENING IN ON THE ISLAND

Son writes tribute to his mother, Diane Batch 8420 Macomb, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 www.islandrealtyinc.com Providing Exceptional Service to S.E. Michigan since 1985

Congratulations!

AGENT OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2020

ELS FERGUSON 24195 WEST RIVER RD • GROSSE ILE $479,000 • ENJOY SENSATIONAL SUNSET VIEWS ALL YEAR ROUND! • MID CENTURY MODERN RANCH ACROSS FROM ELIZABETH PARK • 4 BEDS, 2 BATHS • ABUNDANT NATURAL LIGHT THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE HOME • UPDATED KITCHEN WITH WATER VIEWS & STAINLESS APPLIANCES • 2 FIREPLACES, 4 OUTDOOR PATIO AREAS INCLUDING A SEMI-PRIVATE PATIO AT THE WATERFRONT

9865 HAWTHORNE GLEN DR • GROSSE ILE USE M $200,000 N HO H, 1-4P OPE T T 18

, OC

SUN

• ENJOY SERENE VIEWS OF LAKE RAYMOND FROM YOUR OWN GI TOWNHOUSE • BRIGHT AND AIRY KITCHEN OPENS TO LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE • 2 BEDS, 2.5 BATHS • BALCONY OFF DINING ROOM • FINISHED BASEMENT ON LOWER LEVEL HAS 2ND FIREPLACE, FULL BATH & EXTRA STORAGE AREA • IT ALSO HAS A DOORWALL WHICH LEADS TO A SCREENED PATIO AREA AND DECK

1740 N. TRENTON DRIVE • TRENTON $274,899 • STUNNING BRICK QUAD-LEVEL HOME IN A VERY DESIRABLE TRENTON NEIGHBORHOOD • SPACIOUS OPEN KITCHEN WITH LARGE DINING AREA • 4 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHS • CARPETED FAMILY ROOM WITH NATURAL FIREPLACE • NATURAL HARDWOOD FLOORS ON 2 LEVELS • 3 SEASON PORCH-LARGE FENCED BACKYARD WITH FIRE PIT AREA

Call for a FREE Market Analysis 734-671-2280

I’d known Gibson Batch as a kid growing up on the Island and got reacquainted when he and his sister invited friends to a get together at the TV Grand in Trenton after their mother Dianne Batch’s funeral service last year.

Just recently I had contact with Gib again when he sent me a copy of the book he had written about both his now PAMELA A. FRUCCI deceased parents, Grosse Ile Grand Mel and Dianne Batch. Mel’s book is called The Three Beginnings and the one about Dianne is Categories and Cats since, as a librarian, she loved categorizing every collection she had and she loved her several cats.

Since Dianne was so active in the Wyandotte branch of the AAUW, members who fondly remember Dianne might want to buy the book.

Gib will honor requests for the book at $20 for one or $30 for two. His address is 2176 Bayard, St. Paul, MN 55116 and his phone number is (651) 890-9753.

Uprooted southern lady now a Grosse Ile resident I had the pleasure of meeting a charming southern lady, the mother of Greg Genter, who has recently moved in with her son and daughter-in-law Shannon on East River Road.

She shares living quarters with her Island family but misses her lady friends down south.

Widowed from Greg’s father, her name is Elaine Parker. At our home for the Sept. 7 Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church’s choir party for the singers to say a fond farewell to our longtime director Dr. Jim Parker, the newcomer Elaine Parker was in the company of Jim’s wife Elaine.

I had just gotten a beautiful turquoise brooch from our daughter’s 104-year-old friend in New York city who performed in a singing and dancing chorus with Bob Hope when he entertained the troops in Europe on the front lines in WWII. It didn’t go

with anything in my wardrobe, so I offered it to Elaine.

She has worn it several times since she remembers as a younger lady modeling clothes for a women’s shop and the owner would have her wear a brooch on her shoulder. Also, she knew who Bob Hope was not like some younger folks I’ve mentioned his name to.

So when you see Elaine out and about, say a friendly hello to welcome her and try to make up for her missing her friends down south!

Spaghetti and meatballs take second flip on the floor It wasn’t too laughable when it happened, but the other day I reached for a container of spaghetti and meatballs I’d placed on the top shelf of our refrigerator. Unfortunately, it wasn’t secure on the shelf and the container fell out spilling its contents all over the floor.

What hadn’t hit the floor got picked up and replaced on the top shelf. The next day, I reached for it again and again it fell and flipped over on the floor. What made me laugh was a little pillow our daughter gave me several years ago. I keep it on my dresser and it reads: M.O.M. Manager Of Messes.

Is there value in our Navajo blanket?

When we moved from our apartment on East River Road in 1972 after our landlady died and the house was sold, we were told we could have anything her nephew didn’t want from the home.

A lot of her fine furniture ended up in the Fireplace Room at St. James Chapel but we kept a patio table, a tea cart, a couple small tables and a Navajo blanket. We just discovered an item about a down-and-out guy who had a Navajo blanket he’d heard sold for a million bucks on the Antiques RoadShow. He sold his and now he’s on “Easy Street.” We’re wondering what our Navajo blanket is worth?

Page 10 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

See your pet in print

GO BIG MULTI - MEDIA 18271 FORT STREET • RIVERVIEW • 734-282-3939 office@gobigmultimedia.com

Will Evans Publisher

Pat McComb Graphic Designer

Would you like to see your pet’s picture published in the Grosse Ile Grand?

We can make it happen. Just email us a photo of your pet, along with the pet’s name, your name and the community in which you live. We’ll take care of the rest. Please email information to: Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com.

River Oaks REALTY 8679 CADILLAC Circle, Grosse Ile Twp

Sherry Evans Publisher

Paula Neuman Writer

David Dyer Writer

Grosse Ile 7825 BELLEVUE Road Grosse Ile Twp

Hank Minckiewicz Editor-In-Chief

Larry Caruso Writer/Photos

Pamela Frucci Writer

Bill Stevenson Writer

Blair Temple Graphic Designer

Peter Rose Writer

Dave Gorgon Writer/Photos

Evelyn Cairns Writer

Conveniently located across from the Post Office on Macomb!

17125 SMITH Street, Riverview

Exquisite custom built full brick home on the largest lot (1.2 acres) in one of the premier subdivisions on Grosse Ile! Impeccable attention to detail. Main floor offers vaulted ceiling great room w/ Pella floor to ceiling corner window design, open to spacious dining room w/ bay window, beautiful white kitchen with high grade granite. FR has new stacked stone fireplace, 8’ doorwall for expansive views of beautiful backyard.

Great Riverview colonial with 2 full bathrooms and 2 generous size bedrooms with bonus room. Updated kitchen and bathrooms make it easy to move in and make the house your own. In home alarm system, New steel entrance door and Inside home has New six panel doors, Carpet has has just been professionally cleaned, Kitchen has plenty of cabinet storage and all appliances in house are included in the sale.

5872 N DIXIE HWY, Frenchtown Twp

23211 GLENBROOK ST, St. Clair Shores

This solid 3 bedroom brick ranch is situated on 3 beautiful acres of land. The house has an open concept from the kitchen to the living area. Full basement is partially finished with a bonus room. House has municipal water and there’s an isolated well for outside use. Attached 2.5 car garage with side entry. Partially fenced yard with a deck.

STUNNING HOME IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE LOCATION PLUS WATERFRONT PARCEL INCLUDED! OVER 4000 SQ FT, 5 BR, 3.5 BATHS — LOVINGLY PLANNED AND DEVELOPED USING QUALITY MATERIALS & STATE OF THE ART MECHANICALS - COMPLETE RENOVATION IN RECENT YEARS WITH FRESH PAINT, CARPET, HW FLOOR REFINISHING IN 2020! HIGH END FINISHES THROUGHOUT THIS HIGH STYLE DESIGN INTERIOR WITH TONS OF BUILT-IN CABINETS

734-752-6140

Curb appeal Abundance in this Rare find, 1400+sq’ Meticulously Maintained Brick Ranch with Lg Side Entry Garage. Features: Open Floor Plan, Updated Kitchen w/lots of Natural Light from the Custom Sky-Light. Spacious Dining Rm & Living Rm, Natural Fireplace and Roomy Foyer. Pamper yourself in the Striking Bath Rm w/Sunk-in Jet Tub, double vanity, shower & heat lamp.

8804 Macomb, Grosse Ile

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 11

Trip to Refuge sparks fond John Dingell memory I went recently and took some photos at the newly opened International Wildlife Refuge.

It’s a great place to get with nature.

Right on the Detroit River just south of the Trenton Edison plant on Jefferson. There are lots of trails and fishing!

As I was leaving, LARRY CARUSO a young lady Grosse Ile Grand conservationist who works there was walking on the same trail that I was on and we stopped to chat for about half an hour.

I told her I remember shooting the groundbreaking for the site and was glad the Refuge was finally finished.

I mentioned I talked to the late Congressman John Dingell before the groundbreaking ceremonies began.

The very nice young lady looked at me with surprise and said: “You talked to John Dingell?”

She was surprised that I had talked to the legendary Congressman, who in her eyes was a rock star.

“Yes,” I said, When I and that leads arrived at me to a story. his office, he I used to greeted me photograph with a box of Dingell at least Whitman’s a dozen times chocolates in a year. Once I hand and asked was assigned me if I wanted to meet up some. We then with the sat down in his office, which Congressman was decorated at his Dearborn Photo by Mark Messer with hunting headquarters Debbie and John Dingell related items and take a such as a few photos moose’s head mounted on the wall, for a story on his lifelong service in a stuffed pheasant and other hunting Congress. He was in Congress for memorabilia. years and was highly connected in We were talking about hunting for a D.C. while when there was a knock on the It was a Thursday morning and door. It was his secretary who said, earlier that week at a cocktail party in “Excuse me,” to me and then looked Washington, Dingell had fainted and at Congressman Dingell and said: was rushed to the hospital. He was “Congressman, the Vice President’s on treated overnight and released.

Anyway, the Congressman was back the phone.”

Dingell said to me, “Please excuse home in Dearborn and ready for the the interruption,” as he prepared to photo shoot.

take the call.

I asked if I could stay and take some shots during the phone call and he laughed and said “Sure.”

He picked up the phone, leaned back on his reclining chair, put his feet up on the desk and said, “Hello Al.” I started taking photos while trying not to be intrusive as Dingell went about his phone call. He told the Vice President of the United States, Al Gore, that he was feeling better and wouldn’t have fainted if he had only drunk a few more champagnes.

After 10 minutes or so, Congressman Dingell finished the phone call by telling the Vice President, “I hope to be calling you Mr. President soon.”

Wow. As I made the drive back Downriver I had a smile on my face while thinking what I had just witnessed. I had been listening to two of the most powerful men in the United States, just friends having a casual phone conversation.

I remember it like it was yesterday.

RECEIVE A Are you ready for a new place to do your banking?

Our new Southgate Office — located at 15261 Trenton Road — is now open for business!

Our mission is to help you accomplish great things by providing simple access to save money for your future goals, borrow money when you don’t seem to have enough, access your money wherever and whenever you need to, and get the resources you need to grow!

15261 Trenton Road, Southgate, MI 48195

|

313.386.2200 |

100 BONUS

$

when you open a checking account with direct deposit.* *Subject to membership eligibility requirements.

Coupon must be presented when opening account to be eligible to receive bonus. Bonus will be deposited to your account within 30 days of receipt of your first direct deposit. Restrictions may apply. Offer expires November 30, 2020.

www.DownriverCU.com

Page 12 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

TELESCOPING THE TOWNSHIP

Grosse Ile Citizens for Justice and Change stages second rally PAMELA A. FRUCCI

Grosse Ile Grand

A rally in support of Black Lives Matter on Sunday, Sept. 27 didn’t attract as large a crowd as their first rally, but a large number of residents gathered at the Commons on the corner of Meridian and Macomb to hear speakers advocate for better race relations.

Organizer Judy Maiga introduced the main speaker resident Megan Autosh, mother of four, who brought along her daughter. Mrs. Autosh, who holds degrees from both the University of Michigan and Wayne State University and now is involved in social work, spoke how important it is to bring up children who are welcoming and comfortable with children of other races.

She advocated having that “uncomfortable conversation” with your children about taking a stand against racism.

Also speaking were Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, state senator Stephanie Chang, and representative Darrin Camilleri, all in support of Black Lives Matter.

Concluding the rally with a word of prayer was Pastor Jack Eggleston of the Unity Lutheran Church in Southgate.

Power outage brings four DTE trucks to north East River Road On Sept. 30, I was typing this column and suddenly we lost power.

The computer died, and lights went out, and the refrigerator went dark.

Then five large DTE trucks appeared on the street in front of our house and in two hours the repairmen had the power back on.

During the black-out, my husband Jack and I ate our Chinese take-out dinner from Hoy Pan in candle light and I had to retype this column.

The Plemmons put in seawall to prevent erosion When the high water and constant wave action were eroding their waterfront property, Jaime and Beth Plemmons, 21208 East River, spent

New DDA Director Trish Eblin.

the money to put in a seawall.

They’re concerned that other waterfront property owners are losing frontage to erosion and that eventually, high water will work its way to the road bed of East River Road.

They not only had a seawall installed but ordered extra top soil to build up to the wall which will be seeded to give it a finished touch.

Fond memories of riding in the parade in Dr. Taylor’s 1970s Eldorado When I was honored to be named Citizen of the Year in 2013 by the Rotary Club, I was lucky to be able to ride in Dr. William Taylor’s pretty blue 1970s Eldorado convertible with him at the wheel.

Dr. Taylor is now deceased, but the Eldorado has been taken over and further restored by his daughter in Indiana and has been driven in parades in that state as a classic car.

Work party planned to weed and plant mums at NE Corner Now that the Island Beautification

Committee is down to only four members and can’t keep up with their usual volunteer effort to maintain and plant the NE, SW, and NW corners of Four Corners, a work party was planned for Saturday, Oct. 3 to remove the weeds that have taken over the NE corner and plant mums to try to match the well cared for and planted SE corner maintained by the Grosse Ile Garden Club.

Bright and early Saturday morning Oct. 3, a volunteer work crew showed up at the NE corner of Four Corners and in four hours pulled most of the weeds and planted 20 colorful mums.

The workers were Trish Eblin, DDA director; Irma Slimko, former member of the Island Beautification Committee, who in the past had single handedly maintained and planted the corner; Dona Depo, DPS employee, who lives near the corner; Betsy Kantz, Pam Frucci and Fred Watson, current members of the IBC. Thanks to Karl Moehr, of Moehr Landscaping, all the weed debris was hauled away and the appearance of the NE corner much improved.

There is a movement to rename the

Four Corners other than the utilitarian name of Four Corners. According to the Garden Club member who suggested it, Pat Nielsen says when all four corners are cared for and blooming, it’s a delightful first impression to the natural beauty of Grosse Ile. The Beautification Committee thought it was a good enough idea that they’re donating $100 as prize money to the name which best describes the corners.

Send your entry to the IBC at the township address, P.O. Box 300, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 by Dec. 1 to be in the running for the prize.

New DDA Director Trish Eblin takes the reins When the Downtown Development Authority needed to replace its director, Trish Eblin took over the position in August and has been kept busy with the many jobs the position entails. (Trish says there needs to be more hours in a day!)

With degrees in business and SEE RALLY, Page 13

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 13

DTE trucks out making repairs on East River

RALLY

organizing Paint the Town Red, which took place on Macomb Street Oct. 10.

marketing, Mrs. Eblin spends some time in her office at the township, but a lot of time doing her job which involves being a liaison with the businesses along Macomb Street whose taxes provide the income for the DDA. The DDA also has a grant program to help businesses.

Having become Islanders after her family moved here from Ohio in 2013, Trish says her part time job with the township is very time consuming but she still has time to devote to her other part time job as a travel agent.

Her DDA job has her working with the company hired to do a master plan to enhance our one business street which will kick into gear next spring. She was very involved in planning and

GINLC clean-up crew clears away debris at Sunrise Park Since the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy stewards Sunrise Park at the foot of Parkway, on Saturday, Sept. 26 a crew of volunteers along with president Peter Kantz spent several hours clearing away debris and pulling weeds to spruce up the waterfront park.

It’s well used as a launching spot for kayakers and for those who enjoy being close to the water. I joined Peter’s wife Betsy to pull out multiple dandelions which had taken over the grassy areas.

My gardening tool was a trowel and she had what she called a “cobra.” It was so effective in getting to the roots of the dandelions that

Continued from page 12

I ordered one for myself that afternoon. Amazingly, it arrived the next day.

In my September column I wrote about John Jackson’s generous contribution to the GINLC to build a retainer wall at Sunrise Park.

However, I mistakenly called it Sunset Park, which doesn’t exist.

I’m hoping one day the GINLC will be able to offer residents a waterfront park on the west side of the Island which would mirror Sunrise Park and there actually will be a Sunset Park in the future.

The Book Club has a membership meeting at the pavilion While practicing social distancing, a good turn out of members of the Book Club, which has been an active organization on the Island since 1934, held their annual meeting on Sept. 18 at the pavilion at Centennial

Farm. The main event was a discussion led by Robin Brown of the book Educated that members had read.

Dump the Junk had a good turnout despite pandemic Organized by the Open Space Committee as an annual event, Dump the Junk brought out 416 cars and pick-ups to the DPS yard on Groh Road on Sept. 12 at the DPS yard. The cars filled 30 dumpsters with trash and yard debris.

Heading the event was Open Space member Dan Jaster who heartily thanked the 16 volunteers who showed up to help. He also thanked the managers Todd and Ken at Kroger, who willingly donated pop, water, and ice to those volunteers and Chris, the owner of Hungry Howies, who donated four large pizzas.

Although the popular “Find the Treasure” portion

of the event was not part of the plan this time, Mr. Jaster said it was an “amazing” day with such a good turnout of residents who took the time to dump their junk in dumpsters rather than disposing of trash in our open spaces.

Seagulls take over boathouse rooftop on East River In the August/September Grand, I wrote about the Warren Hursts having their maple tree trunk sculptured into their favorite water bird the pelican. This item is about another water bird: The seagull.

A neighbor of ours on East River Road has a boathouse which is a favorite landing spot for a bevy of seagulls.

The other day I counted 43 roosting on the boathouse roof. As soon as I got close enough to take a photo, all 43 took off in 43 different directions.

Jamie and Beth Plemmons’ new seawall.

Page 14 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

White Furniture’s

bEST RECLINER Wall Hugger or Rocker Recliner

FALL SALE FREE DELIVERY! White Furniture 3025 Biddle Ave. Wyandotte

734-282-2155

Lifetime Fabric Protection Plan Covers stain, puncture, rip or cigarette burn

$99

30 colors available

$349

24 MONTHS SAME AS CASH White Furniture 3025 Biddle Ave. Wyandotte

Covers all fabric furniture on an order White Furniture 3025 Biddle Ave. Wyandotte

Valid October 2020 Valid on any item in the store or any special order with a minimum $300 purchase. Free delivery within 20 miles.

Valid October 2020 As always some exclusions apply, see warranty for full details.

734-282-2155

Valid October 2020 With credit approval by Wells Fargo. No minimum purchase. Monthly payments required. Special orders require a deposit.

CUSTOM SECTIONaL, SOFaS, LOVESEaT, CHaIR & OTTOMaN Lifetime warranty frame and seat springs • 10 year warranty seat cushions • Choose from 4 arm styles (shown at left) • Choose attached or loose backs • Choose welt or stitching style • Choose your depth on sofa, loveseat or chair • Choose from 1000 fabrics or leather

• 34 different pieces available to fit any room • Some pieces available reclining 100” x 100” Sectional $1,999 Sofa $999 Loveseat $949 Chair $669 All prices are grade 3 fabric.

Sectional consists of item #55 & #32.

FIRM MaTTRESS Twin $369 • Full $449 • Queen $469 • King $649

800 SERIES POCKETED COIL® DUALCOOLTM TECHNOLOGY FIRM COMFORT FOAM GEL MEMORY FOAM LUMBAR SUPPORT

$2299

$849 CaTNaPPER LIFT RECLINER with heat & massage 2 colors in stock 350 pound lift capacity

aMISH 42” X 60” TaBLE

PLUSH HyBRID MaTTRESS Twin $819 • Full $869 • Queen $899 • King $1199

1000 SERIES POCKETED COIL® GELTOUCH® FOAM BEAUTYREST® GEL MEMORY FOAM

WITH LEaVES aND 4 CHaIRS. MaDE FROM SOLID GREy ELM & SOLID MaPLE. Available in your choice of color on oak, maple, cherry, quarter sawn oak or quarter sawn elm. Choose your size. Price may vary

3025 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-282-2155

Mon & Fri: 9:00am - 8:30 Tues, Wed, Thur & Sat: 9:00am - 5:30pm Closed Sunday

See us on Facebook at: facebook.com/whitefurniture

A local family business serving southeast Michigan since 1946

HOURS:

whitefurniture.com

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 15

Golfer scores three holes-in-one

The thrills of a lifetime Every golfer dreams of one—from the most precise pro to the weekend duffer. And anyone who has ever picked up a Big Bertha, a mashie or a niblick envisions that perfect shot that leads to a hole-in-one.

But for Downriver resident, Jim Kinard, the dream has been amplified. Not only has he made one holein-one, but has aced a second hole and then shot a “1” an unbelievable third time.

What makes his story even more BILL remarkable is that he STEVENSON has accomplished this Grosse Ile Grand phenomenal milestone with what one may characterize as three different hearts.

Jim Kinard explains: “I was the mayor of Melvindale in 2000 and was asked by the late Congressman John Dingell to host a Downriver Forum on Water Quality at Crystal Gardens. As master of ceremonies, I had the most embarrassing situation where I never had a chance to explain to my audience why I had to abruptly remove myself from the event. As I took the podium, my heart rate soared to 220 beats per minute. The adrenalin never shut off.

“People thought it was just nerves. But the EMTs did an EKG, and they had never seen one so high.

I spent seven days in Oakwood Hospital, and the doctors diagnosed me with cardiomyopathy—what 20 years ago used to be called congestive heart failure.

“It’s a heart condition that cardiologists look for in high school athletes who die suddenly. It was the reason why Red Wing hockey player, Jiri Fischer, collapsed in the middle of a game.”

According to the American Heart Association, cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to become enlarged, thick, or rigid. The heart becomes weaker and weaker, less able to pump blood, rendering the heart incapable of maintaining a normal electrical rhythm.

Physicians are able to treat cardiomyopathy, but increasingly patients would eventually require a left ventricular assist device (LVAD)—a heart pump that can serve as a bridge to transplant therapy.

Kinard continued: “My nephew was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy six weeks before I was. Come to find out, the University of Michigan researchers identified seven members of my family who carry what is known as the Titin gene which is the major source of familial cardiomyopathies. Our family is part of an ongoing study at Florida State, Oregon State, and Ohio State.”

So, flashback to the golf game.

On June 14, 2001, after being diagnosed and treated for heart failure, Jim Kinard was playing in Marriot-Toledo tournament at the Legacy Golf Club in Ottawa Lake, Michigan.

As he approached the (lucky) 13th hole, 181 yard, Par 3 with the tee facing east, his foursome was staring directly into the sun. Using a three iron, he lofted the perfect shot over the hill to the valley green below. There was a female spotter reading a book in a chair off to the side of the green. He and

his neighbor, Tom Marshall drove down the path. As they approached, they asked if the spotter had seen Jim’s golf ball. Briefly pausing to look up from her book, she said, “one went into that hole over there.”

Oh, a hole-in-one.

“As it turned out, this was a gimmick hole that I won. Marriot was giving away a trip for two to anywhere in Germany if someone shot a hole-in-one.

SEE THRILLS, Page 19

Page 16 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Made-in-America shouldn’t be a political football Peter Rose

Grosse Ile Grand

HBO did a documentary on the clothing business in this country called “Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags.”

It was focused on the New York garment district over the 50 year span of 1960 through 2010, and it illustrates decline in the only business sector I can really weigh in on with any knowledge.

The schmatta business is the rag business, slang for clothing business, which I joined in 1971.

There are many tangents I could explore with that opening paragraph, but the point I wish to amplify today is the statistics that were shared in this documentary, specific to clothing but illustrative of a broader trendline in America: In 1965, 95 percent of all the apparel bought in this country was made in this country.

By 2005 - just 40 years - 95 percent had become 5 percent. That’s impossible, and true.

If you had visited the garment district when I did for the first time (1975), you would still remember the incredible bee hive of activity that defined that area of New York, and the very industry that caused all the action.

In forty years of my life, one industry (mine) was nearly entirely off-shored, virtually eliminating a wellspring of jobs that until that trend developed, never ran dry.

You have to allow yourself to consider all the manufacturing capacity that was shuttered, machinery sold or abandoned, jobs erased in city after city.

These were solid, working class jobs centered squarely in the middle

class of America. These companies were nearly all local and independent, family-owned businesses that took pride and pleasure in looking after the “family” of workers that made their “Made-in-America” products that rang the registers of countless independent merchants across the nation.

If this was the only industry that had been abandoned in our country, it would be depressingly devastating, but such is not the case.

When I consider the state of the steel industry here over the same pe-

I am heartened to hear the sentiments being shared about buying American, but the scope of our problem makes those sentiments simply sad whimpers of bewildered loss that could have been avoided completely.

I am not xenophobic by any measure; not even close. But I am also not so stupid as to simply hand over the jobs, boasting that as-yet unknown jobs would arise to replace those lost.

The truth behind this calamitous mis-step in policy regarding the protection of American jobs is not a

riod, or shoes, or electronics, or drugs, or frankly just about everything, my conclusions are not very flattering to the leadership of the United States.

Neither party had any vision whatsoever regarding the unintended consequences of truly unfettered, unregulated market force policy.

I distinctly remember the public debate of “what will WE make, then?” The shockingly flippant attitude of those in charge was essentially one that said market forces will determine the outcomes, and free market policy was the paramount umbrella under which we all would sink or swim.

mystery. I concede that there are more facets of the balance of trade problem than what I am boiling it down to, but I have yet to hear anything, from anyone or any source that convinces me that we were right in actively pursuing this destruction of American industry.

Dereliction of duty is not an overstatement.

Why did it happen? Because we erected virtually no barriers to protect our jobs from the onslaught of world-wide (mainly Asian) suppliers, manufactured by people who got paid far less than American workers.

Obviously, this strategy directed more of the pie to the American companies

that built that capacity overseas.

There was no determination to keep American jobs, there were no penalties for pursuing this path. There were no rewards that served as disincentives to abandon those workers and the incomes that fed their families.

My stores buy a great deal of apparel from Canadian makers, mainly Montreal, which still has an absolutely thriving apparel industry, and it is so because Quebec and Canada want it to be so. They have tried far harder to protect that gross national product and the jobs that derive from the manufacture of tangible goods.

I don’t purport to be well versed in import/export policy. When confronted with macro issues like this, I am quickly proven to be decidedly uneducated. But it doesn’t take genius to see what happened right before the eyes of my generation.

As debates take place now, consider that neither political party can lay claim to having done the right thing along the way since American economic policy went off the rails.

Both parties have been beholden to forces that bought elections and prevented them from advocating for Americans they serve.

The topic is not so simple as this, but: Blaming China for USA capitalistic endeavors is folly.

Capitalists right here in America built that foreign infrastructure that would serve their own aims, raise their share prices, and enrich themselves. It is that brutally simple.

Fixing it, now, is a difficult, daunting hill to climb. Even beginning to think about the scope of the task is headache-inducing.

It happens, but pointing fingers across the aisle and blaming opponents is embarrassingly specious and frankly stupid. Serious minds need to dig into this and figure out how to dig America out of this hole.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 17

Gabriel Richard Catholic High School ■ GR offers more Advanced Placement/Honors level classes than any other area school (28 total) ■ GR is the only school in the area to offer American Sign Language (ASL) on site ■ More than $7.3 million awarded in college scholarships for the Class of 2019 (100 students strong) ■ More than 8000 hours of service to those in need were provided by the Gabriel Richard community in 2018-19 ■ DECA program ■ Dynamic ART program with 3 AP classes ■ 1:1 technology program. Every student has a Chromebook ■ 2 full-time counselors ■ 30+ sports teams including lacrosse ■ Turf athletic field and state-of-the-art gymnasium ■ Christ-centered academically excellent education to help students unleash their full potential ■ A community built on faith, service, knowledge and growth ■ Daily prayer with celebrating Mass every Tuesday ■ Average class size of 18 students ■ 100% graduation and college acceptance rate

now accepting appLications for the 2020-21 schooL year!

734.284.3636 15325 PENNSYLVANIA • RIVERVIEW

GabrielRichard.org

Are you ready to be a Pioneer?

The SERVICE You Deserve — The EXPERTS You Need No One Sells More Grosse Ile Real Estate.

9784 Hawthorne Glen, Grosse Ile Wonderful Opportunity!

2 Bedrooms - 2 Full & 1 Half Baths

9801 Hawthorne Glen, Grosse Ile Fantastic First Floor Ranch Style Condo 3 Bedrooms - 2 Full Bathrooms

(new constrUction) 9781 Hawthorne Glen, Grosse Ile Fantastic First Floor Ranch Style Condo 3 Bedrooms - 2 Bathrooms

8480 Grays, Grosse Ile Huge! Contemporary Colonial 3 Bedrooms - 2 Full & 1 Half Baths

8999 Potowatomi, Grosse Ile Huge Lot, Great Location Multiple Floor Plans Or Bring your own!

7520 Macomb Unit 6A, Grosse Ile Great Waterfront Views!

2 Bedrooms - 2 Full Bathrooms

Want Your Home Sold?

Call (734) 671-6611 TODAY!

To view all Downriver listings, visit us at mbarealty.com MBA REALTY GROUP, INC. • 9015 MACOMB (734) 671-6611

Page 18 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Council for the Arts Walk is a success DAVE GORGON Grosse Ile Grand

The Downriver Council for the Arts presented “Walk for the Love of Art (and Culture)” at Taylor’s Heritage Park on Sept.

26.

The event was a way to display the artwork, music and dance skills of the area, along with souvenirs typically available at the DCA headquarters at 81 Chestnut in Wyandotte.

“Heritage Park has a beautiful walking trail and you’ll see artists and performers along the route,” the arts council website said. “It’s a fun way to raise money, increase membership, and make new friends, all in support of the Downriver Council for the Arts.”

The Downriver Council for the Arts serves 21 communities - Grosse Ile, Allen Park, Belleville, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Huron, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Sumpter Twp, Taylor, Trenton, Van Buren, Woodhaven and Wyandotte - and area of more than 400,000 people.

The Wyandotte facility includes lower and main level amenities such as artist studios, classroom areas for children and adult art workshops, two large art galleries, a commercial kitchen, and a well-stocked artisan gift shop.

The upper level auditorium is the ultimate venue for events such as: DJ/live music concerts, vendor art shows, club meetings, ballroom dancing, and yoga/ meditation classes, just to name a few! The DCA also hosts special indoor and outdoor community events throughout the year.

Artists on hand at the Walk for Art event included Tim Porter, an acrylic painter from Southgate, who painted one of the historic trains in the park, and Jenny Vaughn, a watercolor painter from Trenton, who created a painting of the Coan Lake Bridge.

Musicians performing were the Riverside Jazz Combo, singer-songwriter Jason O’Dea, the Divine Shimmies belly dancers and acoustic guitarist Doug Mullion.

There was a raffle and free art kits for children. Jan Dunbar, president of the DCA Board of Directors was among those running the show at Pavilion B in the park.

For more information on the Downriver Council for the Arts, check out the Facebook page facebook.com/DC4arts.

Photos Dave Gorgon

GROSSE ILE GRAND

THRILLS

Continued from page 15 My wife, Mary and I were planning on going, and then 911 hit. We couldn’t go.

“Actually, I wished I had aced the next hole. There was a $20,000 prize for that one.”

As time went by, Jim kept active and golfing, but after several years of experimental treatment and continuous monitoring, his heart started failing. On April 1, 2014, he underwent open heart surgery at the University of Michigan to insert an LVAD heart pump, which sidelined him for six weeks in the hospital.

According to U of M, the LVAD works by pulling blood from the left ventricle into a pump. The pump then sends blood to the aorta. The pump is placed in the upper part of the abdomen, while another tube exits to the outside of the body, and is attached to the pump’s battery and controls.

“The device weighs six pounds,” said Kinard, “And is the size of an 8 x 10 picture frame, that is enclosed and

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 19

connected to an external battery pack.

You can carry it as a shoulder bag, or wear them on your belt with a loop.” ”My doctor, Dr. Francis Pagani, told me to live as normal a life as possible.

They want you to move around. The LVAD literally keeps you alive. In my case, I was “healthy” enough to be placed on the heart transplant list. The LVAD serves as a transitional device until you need a new heart.”

Living with an LVAD requires 24/7 trained care to be on-call or ready at a moment’s notice.

Kinard’s wife, Mary said, “Every day the dressings needed to be changed, the batteries charged, the care given.

“Working with Kevin Knott of the LVAD clinic at U of M, Jim needed training and certified assistants who could respond immediately if there was a failure, complication, or if he passed out and couldn’t help himself.

“Besides our family, we had the largest LVAD support team at U of M numbering 17, which included Jim’s golfing crew and his friends.”

If you count Jim, that’s 18, like the number of holes in a round of golf.

And so, with LVAD attached, and

ANY EXCUSE S UP, TO DRES

E T A R B E L CE !

SAVINGS

$5 OFF ANY $40 PURCHASE

OFFER GOOD EXCLUSIVELY AT WOODHAVEN, SOUTHGATE, TAYLOR AND DEARBORN STORES. ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD PLEASE. NO CASH VALUE. MAY NOT BE USED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. OFFER VALID THROUGH 10/31/2020

WOODHAVEN 19295 West Rd. 734.671.6936

SOUTHGATE

15060 Eureka Rd. 734.720.9797 Grooming Available

TAYLOR

22124 Ecorse Rd. 313.295.6500 Grooming Available

PLU #89364

DEARBORN

2621 Telegraph Rd. 313.278.4799

his heart beating away, on August 19, 2017, golfing with Dr. John Nicklas, from U of M, Jim teed one up on the first hole at Water’s Edge, a 142 yard par 3. Using a seven iron, with the golf gods of Bok, Bingo, and Bango looking down, Jim Kinard stroked his second hole in one. Much to the excitement and cheers of the dining crowd watching from the outside patio.

The LVAD which kept Jim alive, and served as his “second heart” lasted exactly four years, 38 days. With the LVAD failing, on May 8, 2018, Jim got a new heart. The local donor had been on life support and U of M requires only four hours to keep the heart alive for a transplant.

“I don’t know if you’re religious at all, but I can only say that God was with me, and is with me today. I was so lucky to receive my new heart in May because by July of 2018, the criteria for a heart transplant was changing. Had it been past July 1st of that year, I would not be here today.”

And after lengthy recovery and rehab after his transplant, there was a 14-month period where his cardiology team of specialists at U of M performed 21 cardiac catheterizations

and several biopsies to test and monitor the success of the operation. Through it all, Jim was able to live as normal life as possible, which, of course, included one of his favorite pastimes—golf.

Which brings us to golf in the COVID-19 era.

Jim Kinard has a strong, healthy, happy heart. Some would say his “third heart.” On July 14, 2020 at Water’s Edge Country Club, 71 year old Jim Kinard, golfing again with his buddy Tom Marshall, addressed the ball on the seventh hole, a 130 yard, par 3.

Using an 8 iron with a little English, Kinard dropped another hole-in-one.

Unbelievable. But then again, so is his life story.

“I hope somewhere in the future that we will be able to do something, perhaps in the fetus, to eradicate cardiomyopathies, that is the ultimate goal,” Kinard said. “I just want to draw attention to and thank my wife and family and all caregivers. All my golfing buddies. Great homage goes to donors of all kinds and the doctors we are so blessed with. They all saved my life.”

i’m excited to announce that i have found my new home!

I would like to invite my friends and family to come see me at

for all of your automotive needs. If we don’t have the car you are looking for we can find it for you!

JOHN BRADBURY

13801 S. Telegraph, Taylor • 734.287.2600 johnb@taylorchevy.com

• 2.0L TURBO 4 CYL • 9-SPEED AUTO TRANS • FLOOR LINER PKG • 20” GLOSS BLACK PAINTED WHEELS • CONVENIENCE & DRIVER CONFIDENCE PKG • APPLE CAR PLAY • ONSTAR • 4G LTE WIFI • BACKUP CAMERA • HEATED SIDE MIRRORS & SEATS • POWER LIFT GATE

2020 BLAZER 2LT

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

• 1.2 ECOTEC TURBO ENGINE • DEEP TINTED GLASS • 4G LTE WI-FI • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS • REAR BACKUP CAMERA • DRIVER CONVENIENCE AND CRUISE PKG • WHEEL LOCKS • REAR PARK ASSIST • REAR CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT • LANE CHANGE ALERT • APPLE CARPLAY Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

2021 TRAILBLAZER LS

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

• 1.4 ECOTEC TURBO ENGINE • DEEP TINTED GLASS • 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION • 4G LTE WI-FI • REAR BACKUP CAMERA • REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY • CRUISE CONTROL • AUX 12 VOLT POWER OUTLET • APPLE CARPLAY & MORE! Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

2020 TRAX LS

STK #06372

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

139* $

LEASE FOR

STK #15027

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

*

119

$

LEASE FOR

STK #06386

• 1.5L TURBO ENGINE • PUSH-BUTTON START • KEYLESS ENTRY • APPLE CARPLAY • 4G LTE WIFI • ALUMINUM WHEELS • WHEEL LOCKS • LS CONVENIENCE PKG • FLOOR LINER PKG • BACKUP CAMERA & MORE!

2020 EQUINOX LS

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

• 3.6L-DI-DOHC-V6 • 8 SPD AUTO TRANSMISSION • REMOTE START • EZ LIFT LOWER TAILGATE • WHEEL LOCKS • THEFT DETERENT SYSTEM • ONSTAR WITH 4G LTE WIFI • PERFORMANCE SKID PLATE PKG • CHROME RECOVERY HOOKS • TRAILING EQUIP PKG • INFOTAINMENT PKG • APPLE CARPLAY • BACKUP CAMERA • CRUISE CONTROL

STK #06248

24 MONTH LEASE

209* $

LEASE FOR

PER MONTH

24 MONTH LEASE

STK #15042

PER MONTH

STK #15141

*

299 $

LEASE FOR

2021 COLORADO EXT CAB Z71 4X4

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

• 2.7L TURBO 4-CYL ENGINE • 8 SPEED AUTO TRANS • 18” ALUMINUM WHEELS • ALL WEATHER FLOOR LINERS • WHEEL LOCKS • APPLE CAR PLAY • ONSTAR WITH 4G LTE WIFI • REMOTE ENGINE START • HEATED SEATS • HEATED STEERING WHEEL • HEATED POWER SIDE MIRRORS

2021 SILVERADO LT DBL CAB 4X4

FOR WELL-QUALIFIED BUYERS WHEN YOU FINANCE WITH GM FINANCIAL

120 DAYS

NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR

COME ON DOWN TO TELEGRAPH ROAD!

Page 20 • October 10 — November 11, 2020 GROSSE ILE GRAND

Sales Manager jodylee@taylorchevy.com

Jody Lee Smith

General Manager markm1@taylorchevy.com

Mark Montante

Sales Professional mkennedy@taylorchevy.com

Mike Kennedy

Sales Assistant Bryans@taylorchevy.com

Bryan Silvestre

Sales Professional johnb@taylorchevy.com

John Bradbury

READ AND SAVE AT WWW.GI-GRANDNEWS.COM

Bankruptcy • Repossession •Foreclosure • Slow Pay ... NO APPLICATION WILL BE DENIED

APPLY ONLINE AT TAYLORCHEVY.COM

Guaranteed Acceptance of ALL Credit Applications ... Get Pre-Approved in Seconds ...

*24 mo. Lease, 20,000 miles allowed at lease maturity, additional mileage may be purchased for .25 cents per mile, must be well qualified and lease through GM Financial Leasing, mileage on most courtesy transportation program vehicles range from 3000 to 4000, GMEPP provisions apply, requires current select lease in household on all models, requires Costco member discount on Traverse, Colorado, Blazer, Trailblazer and Silverado, all rebates to dealer, title fee, license fee, acquisition and documentation fees, first payment due at signing unless noted, no security deposit required on B1 tiers and higher, tax extra, MSRP Trax $23,165, Equinox $28,550, Traverse $34,565, Malibu $24,405, Colorado $39,055, Blazer $38,825, Trailblazer $23,075, Silverado $43,080 Residency restriction apply, File photos depicted, offers expire on 11-2-2020.

734.287.2600

Sales Professional carmanl@taylorchevy.com

Carmen Lowman

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

*

199 $

LEASE FOR

STK #06717

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

*

169

$

LEASE FOR

QUESTIONS? EMAIL US 24/7/365 WESAYYES@TAYLORCHEVY.COM

Business Manager davep@taylorchevy.com

Dave Pohlod

Sales Professional jasenr@taylorchevy.com

Jasen Raby

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

• 3.6L V6, 9SPD TRANSMISSION • FLOOR LINER PKG • 8’ TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY • APPLE CARPLAY • 4GLTE WIFI • WHEEL LOCKS • AND MORE ...

Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

2020 TRAVERSE LS

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Select Lessees

$0 DOWN

Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

13801 S. Telegraph Taylor, MI 48180 • North of Eureka Road

Sales Professional andreaf@taylorchevy.com

Andrea Foucher

Sales Professional lisal@taylorchevy.com

Lisa Legarski

Dan O’Malley

Sales Professional domalley@taylorchevy.com

Sales Professional brianc@taylorchevy.com

Sales Professional shawnr@taylorchevy.com

Shawn Range

Brian Conover

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

*

159

$

LEASE FOR

STK #00065

24 MONTH LEASE

PER MONTH

*

199

$

LEASE FOR

Sales Professional chrisj@taylorsaysyes.com

Chris Jones

HURRY, OFFER ENDS 11-2-2020

Sales Professional msalim@taylorchevy.com

Moe Salim

Sales Professional ronc@taylorchevy.com

Ron Curtis

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

• 1.5L TURBO 4 CYL • CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANS • FLOOR LINER PKG • APPLE CAR PLAY • ONSTAR • 4GLTE WIFI • BACKUP CAMERA •WHEEL LOCKS

2020 MALIBU LS

FREE oil changes, tire rotations & multi-point inspections.

Current Lessees

$0 DOWN

Courtesy Transportation Program Vehicle

GROSSE ILE GRAND October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 21

$20,988*

STK#P5439 19729 MILES

2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU LT

STK#P5433 9159 MILES

$44,995* STK#06613A 35728 MILES

$29,544*

STK#15114A 11720 MILES

2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO LT CREW CAB Z71

$42,995*

2019 CHEVROLET TAHOE LS

2018 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE LT

STK#15137A 35152 MILES

$38,995*

$10,995* STK# 06354A

2019 GMC SIERRA 2500HD CREW CAB

2013 BUICK LACROSSE CXL

SALES EVENT

Tent Sale

COME ON DOWN TO TELEGRAPH ROAD!

Page 22 • October 10 — November 11, 2020 GROSSE ILE GRAND

Sales

ANDY D Sales

UNCLE FRANK

$45.995*

Asst. Used Car Manager

KURT ASMUS

Business Manager

JASON LILLY

13801 S. Telegraph Taylor, MI 48180 North of Eureka Rd.

Internet Manager

DENNIS SMITH

*Plus tax, title, license, doc fees. File photos depicted.

Used Car Manager

JIMMY MARSHALL

Sales

MARK MONTANTE JR.

734.287.2600

QUESTIONS? EMAIL US 24/7/365 WESAYYES@TAYLORCHEVY.COM

Sales

FLO ARMSTRONG

$41,559*

STK#P5408 68050 MILES

$29,885* STK#P5421 35650 MILES

2017 CHEVROLET CREW CAB HIGH COUNTRY

2019 DODGE CHARGER GT

STK#P5428 5389 MILES

$26,995* STK#P5424 34073 MILES

2020 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE PREMIER

2020 CHEVROLET IMPALA PREMIER

HAVE AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER? LET US KNOW AT 734-282-3939

• Bankruptcy • Repossession • Foreclosure • Slow Pay ... NO APPLICATION WILL BE DENIED

APPLY ONLINE AT TAYLORCHEVY.COM

Guaranteed Acceptance of ALL Credit Applications ... Get Pre-Approved in Seconds

HURRY, OFFER ENDS 11-2-2020

Sales

ED LAZETTE

$20,595* STK#P5417 27495 MILES

2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

$9,855* STK#P5425 71054 MILES

2009 FORD EDGE SE GROSSE ILE GRAND October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 23

Page 24 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

FROM THE SUPERVISOR

Summer reflections and community plans Wow – summer ended as if shut off like someone turned off a light switch!

On the positive side, however, for the past two weeks I have had brian loftus windows open during the day and have not had to run either heating or cooling in my house.

As a wiser person once warned me – if the weather were like this all year the tourists would be terrible!

Summer may be over, but the political bickering season is just heating up.

My last article merited me a scathing email suggesting, without evidence, that my concern with the spoiled ballots in the August Primary was based on my disappointment in the outcome.

Had he really read and understood the actual verbiage of the article he would have reached no such conclusion; my concern remains the same - voting absentee presents some limitations that do not exist when voting at the polls. Voting by mail, which I admittedly did numerous times while in the service and away from Michigan, now presents even more potential for catastrophe due to the expected volumes of mail.

One would have to live under a rock not to be aware of the failures demonstrated by the United States Postal Service, along with the nationwide attempts at outright election tampering. After years of downsizing due to the switch from ‘snail mail’ to electronic communications and increased reliance on private express delivery services, the Postal Service is ill equipped to handle additional millions of ballots for a three or four week period without problems. This is not an editorial opinion, just reality.

Plan accordingly.

On to more pleasant topics - our Downtown Development Authority director has been very busy in her new position; with input from two productive DDA meetings she is moving our Business District forward.

She now has several activities planned, either colluding or conspiring with our Recreation Director to bring some fun back to Macomb Street as we emerge from the pandemic lockdown.

Paint The Town Red was normally held in conjunction with Grosse Ile High School’s Homecoming Game.

Since very little is normal these days, and the Homecoming Game was played without the ‘Homecoming’ festivities, we tried to have a celebration of sorts – remember, I’m writing this over a week ago – so I hope all went well and a success for Trish and Kim and the entire community.

Hooray for Halloween will be held on Oct. 24 with Trick-or-Treat on Macomb Street. Parents, please use your best judgment as to what you consider safe in regards to contact and distancing.

Actual Trick-or-Treating is scheduled for 6-8p.m. on Oct. 31.

Again, parents please use your best judgment and if you suspect anything unsafe in the goody bags either discard or contact dispatch. Speaking for our Fire and Rescue folks, they would much rather inspect a bag than make a rescue run.

Drivers, sunset comes earlier and earlier and it is well past dark before 8 p.m., so please be extra cautious on the 31st, there may be some tiny goblins about, even along Meridian.

Recreation will be a hot topic as we begin the process of renewing our Recreation Master Plan. Our community needs a Master Plan to be eligible for the grants that enable us to provide services we could not otherwise afford, and the plan provides guidance for the Recreation Commission and the Director as to the expectations of the community.

Several public hearings will be held so make an effort to attend and have your desires heard.

The Recreation Master Plan is important for many reasons. Recently, when the Township considered selling a parcel of property near a recreation SEE PLANS, Page 25

Congratulations!

Els Ferguson

Agent of the Month • September 2020 734.341.9265 8420 Macomb, Grosse Ile, MI 48138 www.islandrealtyinc.com

we are open!

need aUto repairs?

70 YEARS in business

Family Owned and Operated since 1947

We service all mechanical auto repairs including, but not limited to: • Shocks & Struts • Computer Diagnostics • Engine Diagnostics, Repairs & Replacements • Air Conditioning Recharging & Repairs • Brakes & ABS System Repairs • Suspension & Steering Repairs • Brake & Line Repairs • Batteries, Starters, Alternators • And More!

20% OFF LABOR & ALL SERVICES Excludes Towing • Must present before service • Exp 10/31/20

WE OFFER 24 HOUR EMERGENCY TOWING HOURS OF OPERATION: monday - friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • impoUnd hoUrs: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

1466 Eureka Road ❖ Wyandotte 734-284-6232 ❖ groatbrothers.com

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 25

District champ equestrian team wins qualifies for states

Accepting New Patients

Michael J Vilag DDS 24201 Meridian Rd, Grosse Ile

734-692-0102 islandSMILESdentist.com

We Are Proud to Serve You in Our NEW BUILDING!

After 21 years of serving your business and personal insurance needs from our Taylor office, we have returned to Allen Park where our family began caring for our customers 3 generations ago.

We are committed to providing real service, from real people. to help you get through your time of need.

6736 Allen Road Allen Park

734-287-2400

GLAinsurance.com • Info@GLAinsurance.com

Grosse Ile High School’s Varsity Equestrian Team is on to the state championship competition Oct. 14-18 after winning a district title and being named Reserve Champion at regionals earlier this month.

Team members are Ava Abrahamson, Makenzie Hooker and Cecelia Lind, and their coaches are Ricki and Rob Luton from the island’s Luton Riding Academy.

The team competes in Division C (out of four divisions) based on the number of riders, and the state has five regions for the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association competitions.

Each region has four districts.

Competitions involve a number of different events.

State competition will take place at the Midland County Fairgrounds.

“Rob and I are so proud of our all star team of young ladies that have been riding at Luton Performance Horses since the Ava Abrahamson, Makenzie Hooker start of their riding career,” Ricki and Cecelia Lind make up the Grosse Luton posted on Facebook after the Ile equestrian team, which won a regional win. “These athletes have Division C district and were regional reserve champions to qualify for the worked hard and it paid off this state finals Oct.14-18 in Midland. season!”

PLANS

Continued from page 24 area but not included in any recreation plan the outcry was bewildering.

Many, many residents were inflamed by the insinuations in a Facebook post that was deliberately and shamefully misleading but, of course, anonymous.

Disappointing!

Why would anyone put any credibility in an anonymous social media post when even the credited material is often of questionable value?

Please put your faith in those you can hold accountable. The purchase offer was withdrawn but your Board must seriously consider how many parcels that are not open to the public should be publicly owned.

On a more positive recreation note, the Humbug Marsh Unit of the International Wildlife Refuge is, at last, open - mostly.

While the Visitors Center remains closed due to COVID, the trails and fishing pier are open and are well worth visiting. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to stay a while.

Unlike the more natural access at the Gibraltar Bay Unit, almost all the trails at Humbug are universally accessible and wheelchairs will find few obstacles to restrict their visit.

The leaves will be changing and waterfowl will begin migrating over the next few weeks so add the Refuge to your “to-do” list.

It was especially fun with a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old. Their little brother will be joining them soon.

John Dingell would be pleased. And so am I. This is a wonderful place to live and it’s getting better.

Let’s enjoy autumn in Michigan, winter will be here soon enough and we’ll get through it just fine.

HAVE AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER? LET US KNOW AT 734-282-3939

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 26 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

$5.00

OFF

25253 Telegraph

A $30 Food Purchase

Brownstown ••••••

See our menu at: BigBearLodge.org Wood-Fired Black Angus Steak • Wood Fired Pizzas Bison • Wood Fried Rotisserie Chicken Burgers & Sandwiches • Signature Fresh Salads

734-782-6600

2 Beverage Purchase Required. Valid Sunday-Thursday. Not Valid with Dining certificates, Special Events, Winey Wednesdays, In-House Promotions, or on Holidays. Expires 11-30-20

Downriver’s Favorite Italian Steakhouse

For it is Always Fair Weather

When Good Fellows Get Together

Dining Room

NOW OPEN!

Since 1935

Lunch & Dinner Specials Daily LUNCH: MON-FRI 11-4 DINNER SERVED MON-SAT Starting @ 4:00 CLOSED SUNDAY

dining room now open!

734-285-1707 www.sibleygardens.com

No reservw taking holida ations for y part ies!

TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR SWEETEST DAY! Saturday, Oct 17, 2020

of Grosse Ile Dining || Cocktails

FULL MENU • ASK ABOUT OUR WEEKLY SPECIALS

EVERYDAY SPECIAL FOR

MONTH OF OCT.

ALASKAN KING CRAB LEGS!

DINING IN OPEN! Reservations recommended

NOW TAKING

THANKSGIVING DAY RESERVATIONS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26 NOON - 7PM

WE ARE OPEN FOR CARRY-OUTS 7 DAYS A WEEK!

8575 Macomb Grosse Ile

BANQUET FACILITIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS!

734-676-8100

NASHVILLE HOT CHICKEN

734-288-3051

18283 Fort Street • Riverview, MI 48193

$2 OFF

aNy SaNDWICH OR CHICKEN & WaFFLE COMBO With SSM Coupon • One per customer EXPIRES 11-30-2020

ORDER ON OUR WEBSITE

fatdaddys-chicken.com ORDER ON THE GO

Text FaTDaDDyS to 33733

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 27

The lifetime barbecue expertise of three brothers has come to Grosse Ile. Marvin, Darrell and Steve Sullivan recently opened Sully’s BBQ at 8537 Macomb, and despite limitations resulting from a worldwide pandemic, islanders are eating it up.

“The community has really welcomed us with open arms,” Darrell said. “Of course, we’ve been backyard barbecue experts all our life, but this is our first restaurant venture.”

It’s a natural evolution, he said, noting that the three have hosted events and private parties featuring their favorite foods.

“Everyone tells you how good it is, and then maybe they ask you to make them sauce,” Darrell said. “One day you just jump in.”

Before that jump, the Sullivans, who all hail from Downriver, toured the area looking for the right place to set up shop.

“Grosse Ile just seemed like the perfect storm,” Darrell said. “It’s a quiet community where I didn’t see anything like what we wanted to do. The location is great. There wasn’t a formula. One day we were just driving and said, ‘Hey, that’s the perfect location.’”

The Sullivans opened just two weeks before the coronavirus situation hit and they had to change their whole menu to accommodate carryout. Because of the newness, however customers didn’t notice it much.

“It wasn’t a big shock for them,” Darrell said. “That worked out in our favor, I believe.”

A sitdown opening could happen as soon as August, allowing patrons to experience the 1,700-square-foot dining space and full bar.

Whatever happens, the Sullivans will continue striving to be the best at what they do, a commitment they all share.

Sully’s is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information call (734) 672-6106 or go to www.sullygotsauce.com.

CALL AHEAD FOR CURBSIDE SERVICE

BBQ

• Pulled Pork • Ribs • Corned Beef • Chicken • Wing Dings & More!

8537 Macomb • Grosse Ile

734-672-6106 Tuesday to Saturday 11am — 6pm

CULINARY CAPERS Whether you call them whoopie pies or gobs, they are a delicious treat traditionally consisting of two small chocolate cookies with a fluffy marshmallow filling in between.

According to Amish legend, the cookies got the name from Amish children, who shouted, EVELYN CAIRNS “Whoopie,” when they Grosse Ile found them in their lunch Grand boxes.

A Pennsylvania researcher believes gobs were given the moniker by coal miners, who named them after the lumps of coal refuse in gob piles. The cookies fit in the miners’ lunch buckets and were easy to eat, the researcher said.

Whoopie festivals are held in Maine, New York and Pennsylvania, with the next Oct. 17 at the Hershey Farm and Inn in Strasburg, Penn. Tasting of 100 pies, a whoopie-pie-eating contest and the coronation of a whoopie-pie queen will be held. For more information, call 1-800-827-8635.

Because October is National Pumpkin Month, I’m celebrating with a delicious, easy recipe for a pumpkin version of whoopie pies I made using a recipe from the Farmer’s Almanac, and my favorite recipe for a pumpkin bread with cranberries and pecans. The bread is really simple: two bowls, a whisk and no mixer required. Dry ingredients go in one bowl, wet in another; stir in the cranberries and nuts, bake and enjoy!

PUMPKIN WHOOPIE PIES 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 cup packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) 2 teaspoons cinnamon 2 teaspoons ginger 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In the bowl of a standing mixer, mix together butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With

a spatula, fold in flour. With a small ice-cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop mounds of batter, evenly spaced, onto the baking sheets. Bake until springy to the touch, but a bit firm, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool.

CREAM CHEESE FILLING FOR WHOOPIE PIES 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons maple syrup 3/4 cup powdered sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt In bowl of a standing mixer, or with a hand-held electric beater, cream together cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla, maple syrup, powdered sugar and salt. Mix on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Spread flat sides of half of cookies with cream cheese filling and top each with flat sides of remaining cookies.

CRANBERRY PECAN PUMPKIN BREAD 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1 cup canola oil 3 eggs at room temperature, lightly beaten 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup dried cranberries 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted Preheat oven to 350 degree. Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans and line with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda and pumpkin pie spice. In another large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar. oil, eggs and vanilla. Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened and combined. Fold in cranberries and pecans, reserving a small amount of pecans for topping, if desired. Pour half of batter into each prepared pan and bake 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire rack to finish cooling.

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

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK — GROSSE ILE GRAND

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 28 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

8840 Macomb Grosse Ile ~~~ 14012 Eureka Rd. Southgate

To learn more about

Paws With A Cause

and to find out how you can help, just download this simple app & watch this story come to life:

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication and the Association of Free Community Publications

IN T S LI EW

Enjoy Beautiful Sunsets from your front porch! Quality Waterfront Ranch Home with Open Concept Great Room/Kitchen, Steel/Cement Dock with Hoist, new seawall.

Attached garage and Additional Garage Space.

G

22247 W River Rd.

N

EW

LI

S

T

IN

G

The Market is HOT! N

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

Nemo gives me the confidence that the future will be ok, no matter what, I know he has my back.

7825 Bellevue Rd.

Stunning home with all you could ask for! Over 4000 sq ft, 5 BR, 3.5 Baths, 2 garages, Complete Renovation in recent years.

Includes Waterfront Parcel w/ Seawall at Bellevue & E River to keep your boat.

Maria Starkey 8804 Macomb Grosse Ile, MI 48138

734-552-3344 mariastarkey@gmail.com

GROSSE ILE MARINE WORKS Sea Walls • Docks • Pilings • Hoists Jet Ski Lifts • Welding • Salvage • Repairs

Chris Paquette

734-231-9413 PO Box 672 • Grosse Ile, MI 48138 marineworks5200@gmail.com

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 29

SPORTS Grosse Ile gridders looking strong again 2020 Grosse Ile varsity football HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand

High school football is an annual rollercoaster and if you need proof you need look no further than your own backyard.

In 2018 the Grosse Ile football team put together a historic season, winning a Huron League championship and finishing an unbeaten 9-0 regular season. Last year the Red Devils fell to 2-7, but now the team is back on the rise.

Through the first three games of this weird and truncated season, Grosse Ile finds itself among the league leaders with a 2-1 record.

As the calendar turned to October, the Devils traveled to Flat Rock on Oct. 1 and laid a 40-0 beating on the host Rams. The game was played on Thursday instead of the traditional Friday night because the Flat Rock administration had trouble finding a refereeing crew for Friday.

The victory followed a 35-14 win over Monroe Jefferson on opening night and a 28-14 loss to New Boston Huron on the second week of the season. All three games were played on the road.

Against Flat Rock, the Devils were an unstoppable force. After fumbling the ball away on its first possession, Grosse Ile ran up and down the field and scored six touchdowns. Grosse Ile led 12-0 after one quarter and 33-0 at halftime before settling for the 40-0 victory, The final period was played with a running clock.

Versatile senior Joe Pizzo had another big night for the Red Devils.

He scored two touchdowns and kicked four extra points. He rushed for 144 yards on just seven carries. He scored on a tackle-busting 42-yard gallop to get the Grosse Ile scoring started and

2 Zach Luh, junior 3 Tyler Swick, soph 4 Keegan Mott, senior 5. Will Davis, senior 6 Tony McMahon, senior 7 Nate Brown, senior 8 Nick Esordi, senior 9 Hunter Proctor, soph 10 Trey Swick, senior 11 Travis Symons, soph 12 Luke Taulbee, senior 15 Brent Chaszar, senior 20 Colin Howard, junior 21 Joe Pizzo, senior 22 Tyler Fraczek, soph 27 Timmy Hack, junior 40 Curtis Heard, senior 50 Ethan Bammer, senior 51 Eian Rush, soph 52 Matt Payette, senior 58 Aiden Pullen, junior 60 Jacob Brown, soph 67 Jack Weise, senior 71 Braylon Szokola, soph 72 Mitch Lewis, senior 74 Jake Reno, junior he scored on a 20-yard run midway through the second quarter. He also had 56 kick return yards and kept the Rams backed up with his booming kickoffs.

Nate Brown, the team’s left-handed senior quarterback threw only 11 passes in the game, but he completed five, including touchdown throws to sophomore Tyler Swick and senior Keegan Mott. The Swick TD covered nine yards, the Mott TD seven.

Brown also had a three-yard rushing touchdown just before halftime. That score was set up by a good punt return

by Pizzo and a personal foul penalty at the end of the return.

Grosse Ile’s other touchdown in the

Photo by Larry Caruso

game came on a strange play when senior lineman Jack Weise intercepted a Flat Rock pass and took off for the end zone. The Flat Rock players caught up with Weise around the 30yard line, but despite there being six or more Rmas there, Weise would not be stopped. He dragged the pile to the 20-yard line and then handed off to senior Trey Swick, who raced into the endzone unmolested.

The Flat Rock sideline complained bitterly that Weise’s handoff was

forward and therefore illegal, but no official threw a flag.

Flat Rock’s best scoring chance came late in the final quarter but was thwarted by a pass interception in the end zone by Will Davis.

The Red Devils played the fourth quarter with the reserves in the game and fans got to see a glimpse of the future as sophomore running back Tyler Fracek made the most of his SEE STRONG, Page 32

HAVE AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER? LET US KNOW AT 734-282-3939

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 30 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS? WE ARE LISTENING AT 734-282-3939

Playoff changes for cross country, swimming From MHSAA

(or heat), with teams that qualified second or first at Regionals in a second section. Two divisions – four girls and four boys races total The Michigan High School Athletic – will be run each day of the Lower Peninsula Association has announced a series of finals. modifications for this fall’s cross country and All swimming will be competed Saturday, girls swimming & diving tournaments as part Nov. 21, with timed championship races of efforts to reduce the possible opportunity in every event instead of the traditional for spread of COVID-19. preliminaries and finals. Scores from the The organization also approved an swimming and diving portions will be expanded field for Lower Peninsula Girls Golf combined to determine final team finish.

Finals made possible by a recent Executive The fields for the four Lower Peninsula Order announced by Governor Gretchen girls golf finals will expand to their traditional Whitmer. sizes after the MHSAA previously approved This season’s Lower Peninsula Cross a proposal to limit the fields due to outdoor Country Tournament will begin with an There will be noi preliminaries at this year’s Nov. 21 girls state gathering restrictions.

With those gathering additional pre-regional round, which will swimming championships, just timed finals in each event. limitations eased Sept. 25 by Executive Order divide traditional regionals into smaller groups 183, regionals will again qualify the top three in order to limit field sizes per race site. teams and top three individuals not on those teams to finals.

A total of 18 pre-regional races per each of four division playoffs will qualify As previously announced, the girls golf finals will be contested this season with the four top-placing teams and seven top individuals not on those teams to nine one 18-hole round instead of the traditional two rounds to eliminate any necessity regionals per division. From regionals, the top three teams and seven individuals of overnight trips. not on those teams will advance to each of the state finals, which will be run The four girls golf finals will be played over Oct. 16-17 at the Forest Akers golf Friday (Division 1-2) and Saturday (Division 3-4), Nov. 6-7, at Michigan courses at Michigan State University.

International Speedway.

Further details for all tournaments will be available on their respective sport To again limit field size and mixing of schools, each division of the Lower pages of the MHSAA Website: mhsaa.com/sports.

Peninsula finals for both girls and boys will be run over two races – teams qualifying third from regionals and all individual qualifiers will be in one section

BUSINESS OWNERS GET RESULTS! WITH THE HUGE SUCCESS OF THE GROSSE ILE GRAND AND THE RIVERVIEW REGISTER, WE ARE PROUD TO PUBLISH THE NEW WYANDOTTE WARRIOR AND SOUTGATE STAR .

IN OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS ADVERTISERS ARE SO HAPPY WITH THEIR RESULTS THAT

80% Renewed

ANOTHER 6 MONTH AGREEMENT. OF THE OTHER 20%, MANY ARE SEASONAL BUSINESSES THAT SAID THEY WOULD BE BACK! THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES AS TO THE RESULT OF THEIR RETURN ON INVESTMENT.

Very Happy Clients!

ADS FROM

98

$

PER MONTH

FIVE MULTI-MEDIA DISTRIBUTION METHODS!

1 2 3

ONLINE NEWS MAGAZINE, READ IT ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME!

100% DIRECT MAILED TO ALL OF HOMES! 100% DIRECT MAILED TO BUSINESSES!

4 5

SOCIAL MEDIA, CONSISTENT POSTS! NEWS RACKS IN HIGH TRAFFIC STORES!

$

Avg Per Hour

20

MULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING SALES

Go Big Multi-Media is growing and has immediate outside advertising sales consultant positions available!

IF YOU...

• Have strong presentation skills • Enjoy Working outside the office • Have great communication & organization skills • Enjoy meeting new people

WE OFFER...

• Mon - Fri 9:30am - 4pm • Bonus Commissions • Residual Income • Ongoing Training • A lot of fun at work & ...

MAKE A LOT OF MONEY! GO BIG MULTIMEDIA FAMILY OF COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINES

734-282-3939

734-282-3939

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 31

INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE

STROIAGROUP.COM

Nicholas J Stroia, AIF®

Anthony Naso won a pair of natchez at the 2020 Trenton Honor and Glory meet. The Red Devils were MHSAA district hosts this year, welcoming teams from Plymouth Christian, SMCC and Brooklyn Columbia Central.

Wealth Management Consultant

734-283-8780

nstroia@sigmarep.com 13260 Dix-Toledo Rd. • Southgate, MI 48195 All securities offered through Sigma Financial Corporation Member, FINRA/SIPC Stroia Securities Services, Inc. is independent of Sigma Financial Corporation

Riverview

FREE CAR WASH & SAFETY CHECK

COME SEE NICK

19.95

$

Car Care 18982 Fort Street • Riverview

734-479-7777

Photo by Larry Caruso

(+ tax) Includes Premium Oil and Filter

Most vehicles Up to 5 quarts: 5W20 • 5W30 • 10W30 With RR coupon • While Offer Lasts

Financing Available Ask for Details

with a full service oil change

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

(at the corner of Fort st. & Sibley)

Open: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat 8AM-6pm

29.99

$

most cars

With WW coupon While Supplies Lasts

COOLANT FLUSH OIL CHANGE TIRE ROTATION

59.95

$

most cars

With WW coupon While Supplies Lasts

Home Starts Here Annette Hovious 734-767-6160

8804 Macomb • Grosse Ile

MHSAA tennis tournament undergoes changes It has been a strange year for everyone and boys tennis is no exception.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has approved a oneseason switch in postseason format that will match full teams in head-tohead competition. The format switch was made to limit the numbers of teams playing together at a single site.

The postseason began with team district one-day tournaments played during Oct. 7-10 at 16 sites per division.

The district champions will advance to the team finals in Divisions 1-4 to be played over two days during Oct. 15-17. For each division’s finals, the first rounds will be played out at four sites before semifinalists converge for the last two rounds.

The following week, during a one-day tournament to be scheduled during Oct. 22-24, 32 No. 1 singles players will compete in bracketed play for the championships in four divisions (eight finalists per division).

Grosse Ile found itself hosting a team district with Plymouth Christian, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Brooklyn Columbia Central.

The Devils prepped for the state

2020 Grosse Ile boys tennis Trent Chlebek, Freshman Luke Hargrove, Sophomore Caleb Johnson, Sophomore Landon Johnson, Senior Benjamin Lazorka, Junior Harrison Lee, Junior Divum Mittal, Senior Anthony Naso, Junior Ben Percha, Senior Robert Standen, Senior Alexander Stewart, Senior Henry Vergowven, Senior tournament by finishing second at the 74th annual Trenton Honor and Glory Tournament the first weekend in October.

Grosse Ile scored 13 points and finished behind only Chelsea, which ran away with the meet with 24 points.

Individually, Grosse Ile got two match wins each from No. 1 player Robert Standen, No. 2 Anthony Naso, No. 3 Ben Bercha and the No. 3 doubles team of Ben Lazorka and Luke Hargrove.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK — GROSSE ILE GRAND

STROIA SECURITIES, INC.

Page 32 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

GIGCC member Bonamici wins GAM Senior title From Golf Association of Michigan

Gregg Bonamici of Grosse Ile made a 25-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole and won the 34th GAM Senior Championship presented by Sullivan Golf Travel at Belvedere Golf Club last month.

The 62-year-old Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club member turned back John Barbour of Grand Rapids in the sudden-death playoff.

Bonamici had closed with a 1-under 71 in regulation play for 145, and Barbour shot a final 73 to force the playoff.

Due to fading light Bonamici conditions the twosome played the par 5 No. 9 hole twice in the playoff. They each made bogey 6 the first time they played it, and then Bonamici made his long putt and Barbour missed a 15-foot birdie attempt.

Defending champion Steve Maddalena of Jackson missed a five-foot par putt on No. 18 in regulation to shoot 72 and just missed the playoff at 146. Gary Rymiszewski of Oxford also shot 72 for 146.

STRONG

Continued from page 29 time in the lineup. He rushed for 62 yards on six carries, including a 53-yard dazzler.

Grosse Ile played its first home game when it hosted defending Division 6 state champion Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central on Oct. 9.

Results of that game came after the Grand’s deadline.

The Red Devils host Riverview Oct. 16 and nonleague Clintondale on Oct. 23.

Huron 28, Grosse Ile 14 Pizzo had more than 200 rushing and receiving yards in the game, but it was not enough to get the Red Devils past the Chiefs. He had 110 rushing yards and 96 receiving yards and scored both his team’s touchdowns, one on the ground and one on a pass from Brown.

Jerry Gunthorpe of Ovid shot a final 74 for 147 to round out the top five.

A champion was also determined in the Super Senior Division. Rick Herpich won his second Super Senior title of the summer with a closing 79 for 149.

Three golfers finished second at 153 among the over age 65 set – Ron Perrine of Holt, John Armstrong of Grosse Ile, and Terry Westbrook of Grand Rapids.

Defending Super Senior champion Mark Ochsankehl of Caledonia shot 78 for 154, as did Bay City’s Roy Schultheiss.

“It’s my first GAM title, and after 62 years, so it feels awesome,” Bonamici said after the playoff that finished as the sun was setting.

“I really enjoyed my two days here at Belvedere.

It’s a great golf course. Today we certainly had challenges with the 30 mile per hour winds. It was hard, hard, hard, but fortunately worked out for me.”

Bonamici said he had a great read on the winning putt in the playoff, but he wasn’t especially confident after missing a two-foot putt for his 6 the first time around in the playoff.

“I had no idea I was going to make it, and I was pretty shocked it went in,” he said. “It went in a little bit swift, too. I feel fortunate, very fortunate.”

Bonamici said the last thing he won was the Senior Club Championship at Grosse Ile about five

Brown was 17-of-34 for 191 yards, with the score and one interception.

Defensively, Tyler Swick and senior Nick Esordi each had pass interceptions.

years ago.

“Winning this is great, and yesterday was my birthday,” he said. “We all grew up playing here at Belvedere in the Michigan Amateur all those years, so having an opportunity to spend two days playing this great course was enough. Certainly winning is icing on the cake.”

Bonamici made three consecutive pars on the closing holes in regulation – Nos. 16, 17 and 18 – where others chasing his posted score faltered.

“I hit three really good second shots on all three of them and almost birdied all three of them,” he said. “Easy pars. I think that is what got me in the playoffs.”

Bonamici said being paired with Mitch Wilson of Portage in the final round inspiring.

“He was my college golf teammate (Central Michigan University) and he’s accomplished so much and won everything,” he said. “I set out to try and play my best to impress him because I haven’t seen him for 40 years. I think I did it.”

Super Senior winner Herpich said playing in the wind made his closing 79 feel like a 1-under score.

Herpich, 67, also won the GAM Senior Championship’s Super Senior Division for the second time. He won the same division two years ago at Battle Creek Country Club.

Senior quarterback Nate Brown

Grosse Ile 35, Jefferson 14 The Red Devils opened the delayed 2020 season with a resounding win over the host Bears. Grosse Ile scored two first-quarter touchdowns and led 28-7 at halftime.

Brown completed 7-of-16 passes for 162 yards and threw two touchdowns to Tyler Swick and one to Trey Swick. Tyler finished the game with three catches for 105 yards and Trey caught four balls for 52 yards.

Tyler also has two pass interceptions and Trey had one.

Pizzo carried the ball 17 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Photo by Larry Caruso

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 33

A devilish kind of night The Grosse Ile football team went to Flat Rock on Thursday, Oct. 1 and demolished the host Rams 40-0. The win left the Islanders with a 2-1 record at the time. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown, the 2020 MHSAA football regular season is just six games this year instead of the traditional nine. All teams will make the state playoffs this season. Grosse Ile played Monroe St.Mary Catholic Central on Oct. 9 and will finish the regular season with home games against Riverview on Oct. 16 and Clintondale on Oct. 23.

Photos by Larry Caruso

HAVE AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER? LET US KNOW AT 734-282-3939

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 34 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

FORT ST. DOWNRIVER 12554 Southgate, MI

3

$ .00

AUTO DETAILING 734-285-8770

OFF Off

Your Next Oil Change

Ask for Coupon - DISCOUNT EVERY VISIT

21901 ALLEN RD I WOODHAVEN, MI 48183

Fort St. (85)

Goddard Dix Toledo

SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS? WE ARE LISTENING AT 734-282-3939

RADIATOR FLUSH I TRANSMISSION FLUSH

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Northline

Paintless Dent Repair

N

LEASE TURN IN? Detail starting

MON - FRI 8 AM - 6PM I SUN 10AM - 3PM

at $59.99

“BEST PRICES IN THE DOWNRIVER AREA!” Interior Repair • Cigarrette Burns • Torn Seats • Carpet Repair

Interior Sanitizer with Detail!

Window Tint Complete Vehicle

194

$

734-676-5630 GROSSE ILE HOME & PET SITTING SERVICE We are here when you are ready to travel

This

ro m

Daily, weekly, monthly visits available Now offering overnight care in your home Over 20 years of combined experience in veterinary and pet sitting care

Bumper to Bumper, Inside and Out Includes Clay Bar!!!

With coupon. Not valid with any other offer. SSM

With coupon. Not valid with any other offer. SSM

HEADLIGHT RENEWAL

24

$

95

10% OFF

FABRIC PROTECTANT starting at $49.95

DOWNRIVER 734-285-8770 DOWNRIVER 734-285-8770 AUTO DETAILING AUTO DETAILING Rainbow & Stella

Servicing all of Downriver

starting at $140.00

Includes 4 Side Windows & Rear Window Any Shade of Tint

Each Light • Regular $45.00

Mary Beth Cada and Family

734-341-1201

COMPLETE DETAIL

DOWNRIVER 734-285-8770 DOWNRIVER 734-285-8770 AUTO DETAILING AUTO DETAILING

Since 1974

Happy Reference is Month’s f

95

10% OFF

With coupon. Not valid with any other offer. SSM

With coupon. Not valid with any other offer. SSM

FloorLiner™ DigitalFit® Bridge have you staying on GI? Shop my Stella & Dot Boutique. Text 734 516-8099 to shop safely in my home alone.

Bring this ad for

20% OFF

your $100 order.

Chris Mathews STAR STYLIST

Let me answer your questions.

cmmathewssd@gmail.com

734-516-8099

stelladot.com/chrismathews facebook.com/chrismathews.98434

In the quest for the most advanced concept in floor protection, the talented designers and engineers at MacNeil Automotive have worked tirelessly to develop the most advanced DigitalFit® floor protection available today!

UP TO 40% OFF! Excellent Customer Service

Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm • Sat by appointment

GROSSE ILE GRAND

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 35

HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand

The Grosse Ile girls cross country team, after being the immovable object for the past half decade, has some work to do this year to get back to the level it usually enjoys.

Summer training was curtailed because of COVID concerns on the Island and so the usual amount of miles logged was down.

“The pandemic definitely had an affect on us,” said veteran coach Larry Swick.

But the Devils coach is optimistic that his team can “train while racing,” and get back onto very competitive footing.

Swick said the New Boston Huron, which won the first Huron League jamboree, seems to be the class of the field this year, but he added that there is a solid group of teams behind the Chiefs and the Red Devils hope to lead that pack.

Huron won the first jamboree with a score of 63 points and Riverview and Milan tied for second with 78. Grosse Ile was a highly competitive fourth with 79 points “This is a great team,” Swick said. “It’s a little smaller than usual, but they are working very hard.”

Caitlyn Korte, a junior, who was a state-meet qualifier last year as a 10th-grader, is Grosse Ile’s No. 1 runner and Swick said she is getting stronger as the season wears on. She finished seventh at the first Huron League jamboree.

Junior Ciara Armstrong,

who was 11th at the jamboree, is another solid Grosse Ile scorer.

“She has looked good,” said Swick. “You can tell she worked hard because she looks a lot stronger.”

Sisters Nicole and Michelle Roque are another pair of

Kalata, junior Cecilia Vesperman and senior Katie Keim.

Swick especially singled out Keim, who does not often score, but adds a huge amount to the team in other ways.

“She has sort of assumed the leadership role and that is

better.

“The boys are working hard,” he said.

Seniors Griffin Mihalko and Luke Porter, junior Joey Gall and sophomores Nick Griffin, Rylan Armstrong and Aiden Cooksen are runners the Devils will be counting on this season. Sophomore Griffin led the Red Devils in their first two outings, the league jamboree and the Monroe Jefferson Invitational.

Huron League Jamboree 1 Grosse Ile’s girls team was fourth in the season’s first league jamboree, but the Devils finished just two points out of second place and just 16 points behind meet champ New Boston Huron.

Caitlyn Korte was seventh and Ciara Armstrong 11th to lead the Devils, Cecilia Vesperman, Carolyn Kalata and Nichole Roque were the other Red Devils to score. Korte ran 21:20, Armstrong ran 21:53, Vesperman ran 22:52, Kalata ran 23:09 and Roque clocked 23:11.

Asa team, the boys were last in the race.

Griffin Mahalko’s 19:29, 35th-place finish paced the Grosse Ile effort.

potential scorers and Swick said that their competitiveness helps them both.

“They are really, really good kids and they work with each other and help each other,” Swick said.

The Grosse Ile coach also mentioned contributions from first-year senior Carolyn

very, very important,” Swick said. “Actually, we are looking for all six of our seniors to step up and be leaders.”

The boys team struggled last year and they were last at the initial league jamboree this season, but Swick said he is not disheartened because the team is still pushing to get

Jefferson Invitational The Grosse Ile girls finished fourth with 100 points, which was 24 points behind league rival New Boston Huron.

The Devils did finish ahead of other league teams, Milan, Jefferson and Airport.

Caitlyn Korte finished ninth in 21:37, followed by Nicole

2020 Grosse Ile cross country Seniors Emma Griffin Carolyn Kalata Katie Keim Griffin Mihalko Luke Porter Marina Rensi Juniors Ciara Armstrong Olivia Barnard Joey Gall Ahmad Kanso Caitlin Korte Anna Malonson Nicole Roque Hayden Swan Cecilia Vesperman Ashlyn Weatherly Sophomores Rylan Armstrong Avery Brooks Aiden Cookson Nicholas Griffin James Malonson Freshmen Mallory Dieball Noelle Gall Riley Kerr James Quinlan Michelle Roque Arnev Verma Roque in 23rd (23:09), Marina Rensi in 34th (23:37), Mallory Dieball in 37th (23:46), Michelle Roque in 40th (24:05), Cecilia Vesperman in 41st (24:29) and Katie Keim in 43rd (24:56).

The boys team finished seventh, beating out only Airport.

Nicholas Griffin, Joey Gall, Luke Porter, Griffin Mahalko and James Malonson did the Grosse Ile scoring.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK — GROSSE ILE GRAND

Devils runners hope to improve as season progresses

Page 36 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

COVID-19 - I really don’t know what to think HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand

I generally have opinions. I hope they are reasoned and thoughtful and I am not usually afraid to share them.

But I have to admit that when it comes to this pandemic, I have thoughts and ideas, but I am woefully short on opinions, especially when it comes to in-class school versus online learning and playing sports, especially indoor sports and football.

I know the arguments for and against and I understand them. To me it’s like that old cartoon with the devil sitting on one shoulder and an angel on the other, each whispering into my ears.

I am not sure which side is the angel and which is the devil, but here is what they are saying: In-person learning is the gold standard. I agree with this.

Kids learn better in a face-to-face environment, they benefit from the structure of a school day and there is no better form of socialization than going to school with a group of other children.

In school kids also learn about social systems and about the fact that they have to follow rules set by someone other than mom and dad - something that comes in handy when they one day get a job.

I think how hard this must be for families. If I was 20 years younger right now, I would have an 11th-grader, an 8th-grader, a sixth-grader and a third-grader in school.

Yeah, right. How in the world would I have managed that? I worked full time and my wife, a registered nurse, worked part time. Where would we find time to help educate the kids?

How would we? I went to college and all that, but do you really think I remember and can help teach high school chemistry?

Then there’s the issue of computers for everyone and quiet spaces for them to work, not to mention the fact that a couple of them were not really fond of school anyway.

I think about people who are in the situation I would have been in and I shake my head - how in the world are

they expected to do it?

Then it comes to sports. Again, I put myself in other people’s shoes. From the time my oldest son (all four of my kids are boys) was 7- or 8-years-old, it was sports, sports, sports.

My oldest played baseball, football and hockey and his three younger brothers followed him. The younger three also threw in some wrestling in middle school and as high school freshmen.

Summer vacation weekends were

seniors missed their spring athletic season and it’s a shame that the 2020 seniors are playing shortened fall season and playing before sparse crowds with no bands and little cheering.

But then the other shoulder pipes up.

The last few paragraphs I have talked about me 20 years ago, but I am not that man anymore. Today, I am over 60. I am overweight. I’ve had a stroke - that’s what unchecked high

I feel the risk goes higher. Volleyball players are nose-to-nose at the net, breathing hard in each other’s faces.

And have you ever paid attention to how close offensive and defensive linemen are on a football field? Yeah, yeah, there is a shield or a mask, but as one coach who was against getting back to playing said to me, “those guys are literally swapping snot on every play.”

Graphic and gross, I know. But true.

There is no grand, prophetic end

While the stands have not been completely empty, Michigan high school football teams have been playing before sparse crowds that contain few students and no bands.

spent in campgrounds following travel team baseball tournaments.

In the winter we travelled to hockey tournaments. I once cooked an entire Thanksgiving dinner the day before Thanksgiving, packed it in Tupperware, and we ate it in a hotel room in Indianapolis on Thanksgiving evening.

So I know how much time and effort people spend on kids’ athletic events.

I know high school is even more intense. My four sons won 35 varsity letters. That combined with the fact that for 36 years I was a sportswriter or the sports editor for the News-Herald, means that I have seen more high school athletic events than probably 99 percent of the people you know. I know how important it is to players, parents and grandparents.

To this day my oldest son says there is nothing like the feeling of running out onto a football field under the lights on a Friday night.

It’s tragic that the 2019 class of

blood pressure can do to you. I have had triple bypass surgery - that’s what coronary artery disease can do to you.

In short, I am a fat, old guy with coronary artery disease and blood sugar levels that doctors have been “keeping an eye on,” for the past four or so years. I am, to be frank, the type of person COVID-19 stalks.

I look around at my peers and I realize that I am not unique and I worry about us all.

Only a small percentage of people who contract this disease die, but the older and the less healthy you are, the greater the odds against you.

I fear this thing and I think if our kids and grandkids go to school and get face-to-face with other kids, there is a greater chance of them bringing it home.

Is their missing year of face-toface learning worth the lives of a few parents or grandparents? Is it worth some teacher’s lives?

When they hit the field or the court,

to this column. As I said at the start, I really don’t have an opinion to share.

I see both sides of this issue and understand both. I am thankful that I do not have to make these decisions for my family.

My wife and I have four grandchildren, the oldest is five. He’s just started kindergarten this fall and his parents, who have taken great precautions since March, have chosen to have him school online. It was a pretty easy decision because it is just kindergarten.

I know a lot of you have had to make much, much tougher choices.

I wish I had facts or figures or some grand scheme that would help make your decisions easier. I don’t. The best I can do is wish you well and hope you make the best choices for you and your loved ones.

Hopefully this is the last school year that will be compromised by this coronavirus.

SOUTHGATE 14405 Dix Rd. | 734-285-5454 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm • Closed on Wed.

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 37

NOVI 42200 Grand River Ave. | 248-344-2551 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm

UTICA 45490 Utica Park Blvd. | 586-803-8108 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm

HAVE AN EVENT OR FUNDRAISER? LET US KNOW AT 734-282-3939

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 38 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

SUGGESTIONS OR COMMENTS? WE ARE LISTENING AT 734-282-3939

Red Devil kickers back in the thick of things 2020 Grosse Ile soccer

Photo by Larry Caruso

HANK MINCKIEWICZ Grosse Ile Grand

For the first time in many, many years, the Grosse Ile soccer team is not in first place in the Huron League. The Red Devils fell earlier this season - on a disputed goal - to Riverview and the Bucs are still unbeaten.

But take heart, the defending Division 3 Red Devils are far from out of the league chase and still looking forward to another long state playoff run.

“Riverview scored after what was clearly a hand ball,” said Grosse Ile coach Jon Evans, “but, it is what it is. We did not take advantage of our opportunities in that game.”

The loss was Grosse Ile’s first in league play since September of 2015.

That loss also against Riverview and, coincidentally, Evans was an assistant coach on the Riverview team.

Evans said that Grosse Ile has

to take care of business in its final league games and hope that Riverview stumbles in one of its final games, which include contests with some of the better Huron League teams.

But while the Devils have lost a league game and are in a struggle to retain the league title, the reason is because Riverview has gotten better, not that the Devils have fallen off.

Despite having just three seniors and starting five sophomores and a freshman, Grosse Ile posted a 9-11 record in its first 11 games and allowed a scant four goals.

Grosse Ile has not scored at it’s usual high clip this season, but the team is as stout defensively as ever.

The defense is keyed by sophomore co-captain Cannon Kawadri, who heads a defensive squad of Tyler Slowik, Clayton Lafayette, Drake Rossi, Lucas Centlivre and Lucas Marinkovich.

That group plays in front of keeper

Hayden Watson and James Duke and makes life easy for those guys.

Up front, Grosse Ile is led by senior attacker Bosh Tanyi. Tanyi, who scored in both the semifinals and finals of last year’s state tournament as the Red Devils beat first Macomb Lutheran North 1-0 and then Grand Rapids South Christian 2-1 in a shootout in the title game, had 18 goals and 26 points through Grosse Ile’s first 11 games.

Joining Tanyi on the attack are senior twin brothers Zach and Ethan Bast, juniors Ty Garza and Anthony Shaheen and sophomores Drew Cardinal and Joe Molnar Grosse Ile’s midfield is made up of juniors Jon Duke and Spencer Polgar and freshman Ali Kahled. Evans said Kahled is one of the top ninth-graders in the state, if not the midwest.

Soccer teams in the Lower Peninsula got off to a slow start this season because Gov. Gretchen

1 Watson, Hayden So 2 Lafayette, Clayton Jr 3 Khaled, Ali Fr 4 Duke, Jonathan Jr 5 Slowik, Tyler So 6 Shaheen, Anthony Jr 7 Garza, Tyler Jr 8 Kawadri, Cannon So 9 Bast, Zachary Sr 10 Tanyi, Miklos Sr 11 Polgar, Spencer Jr 12 Rossi, Drake So 13 Bast, Ethan Sr 14 Lowery, William Jr 15 Molnar, Joseph So 16 Gilbert, Luke Jr 17 Ziberi, Krenar Jr 18 Marinkovich, Lucas Jr 19 Sawicki, Evan Jr 20 Aller, Wade Fr 20 Cardinal, Drew So 21 Pizzo, Giuseppe Sr 22 Pizzo, Matthew Fr 23 Centlivre, Lucas Jr 24 Skehan, Caden Jr 25 Duke, James Fr Whitmer’s orders did not allow the sport to start at its normal time.

Because of that, Grosse Ile lost six regular season games.

Grosse Ile is a MHSAA district tournament host this year and because a number of Division 3 teams dropped out of the season because of the pandemic, the district is very small, with just four teams, The tournament semifinals are Oct. 12 and the finals are Oct. 14.

Joining the Red Devils in the district are Dearborn Henry Ford Academy, Detroit Christo Rey and Taylor Prep.

The district champ will move on to play the winner of the Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard district on Oct. 27.

“Our expectations are always high,” said Evans. “We know that as defending champs, we not only have an X on our backs, but we have three or four.”

October 10 — November 11, 2020 • Page 39

HOME FURNISHING DESIGNS

A family-owned business serving metro Detroit for over 67 years.

Featuring American Built. Solid Wood. Custom Amish Finished Home Furnishings

25-50% OFF STOREWIDE! We Pay Your 6% Sales Tax On All Purchases

SOUTHGATE 14405 Dix Rd. | 734-285-5454 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm • Closed on Wed.

NOVI 42200 Grand River Ave. | 248-344-2551 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm

UTICA 45490 Utica Park Blvd. | 586-803-8108 Mon - Sat: 10 am to 5 pm Sun: Noon to 5 pm

Cannot be combined with any other offers. Certain restrictions apply. See store for details. Discounts off MSRP. Prior sales excluded. Excludes iComfort from Serta. Sale ends 11/26/2020

READ AND SAVE AT WWW.GI-GRANDNEWS.COM

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 40 • October 10 — November 11, 2020

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Call me at 734-341-9265

8420 Macomb, Grosse Ile www.islandrealtyinc.com

Knowledge. Caring. Integrity ... ALWAYS.

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

ELS SELLS

PRST STD

U.S. POSTAGE

3$,'

ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

70

AF KL& ;D 9AJ E9JQKNADD= 18271 FORT ST. • RIVERVIEW, MI 48193

ECRWSS EDDM POSTAL CUSTOMER

Lg 9\n]jlak] ;Ydd 0)(%-++%*-+)

734-282-3939

ELS FERGUSON

Providing Exceptional Service to S.E. Michigan since 1985

Call one of our

TRUSTED REaL ESTaTE aDVISORS to find out

Why Selling This Fall May Be Your Best Move

Call 734.671.3020

E. Ann Redfield

century21riverpointe.com

Best Prices on Automotive Batteries Starting at... $ 95

109.

With Free Installation

We’ll Get You Started!

Broker / Owner

Best Prices on AC-Delco Batteries Manufactured By

$

129.

Starting at...

95

With Free Installation

Get A FREE Duracell Pro Procell 4 Pak Double A or Triple A With Purchase • Brownstown Store (734) 561-3761

• Lincoln Park Store (313) 451-8471

3295 Dix Hwy. 22775 Telegraph Rd. Brownstown Charter Twp. MI 48183 Lincoln Park MI 48146 Visit Us On The Web... WWW.MOTORCITYBATTERYCOMPANY.COM

At Wholesale Club Prices!