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April 12 — May 12, 2021 • Gi-GrandNews.com
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Making connections Grosse Ile Historical Society looks forward BILL STEVENSON Grosse Ile Grand
A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” ~ Marcus Garvey In a tumultuous year not seen in American history for more than a century, the Grosse Ile Historical Society undoubtedly will chronicle the events that impacted our lives in 2020 and beyond. Like many businesses and non-profit organizations, the Historical Society has had to reinvent itself and adapt to changing times, and like Sir Francis Bacon’s story, “if the mountain will not come to us, we will go to the mountain.” And even though the doors of the Historical Society’s Depot Museum remain closed, the members decided to reach out to the schools and community members to keep the
connections to Grosse Ile’s history alive. According to Historical Society President Tony Krukowski, “One of the goals of the Society is to increase our appeal with young families. Unfortunately, the pandemic put on hold the youth programs we had in the works. So, we had to get creative. “We decided for March is Reading Month to reach out to the schools by writing and publishing a storybook called, Digging Up an Island’s Past— Piecing Together Our History and creating another way for families to enjoy Grosse Ile history with the Grosse Ile Activity Book.” Additionally, the Historical Society gave a flash drive to every elementary teacher in the school district that provides a video preview of Digging Up an Island’s Past targeted for younger students, and for older students, an explanation of the process SEE HISTORICAL, Page 3
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 3
FROM THE TOWNSHIP
Solar, our environment and the future of Grosse Ile By Jamison Yager I recently sat on a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting, listening to a resident make the case for putting solar panels on his south facing, road oriented, roof. While listening to the resident ask for an ordinance variance, it occurred to me that maybe our Alternative Energy Systems Ordinance [285-19.23, added 6-282010] was not in line with our current citizen’s attitude towards these systems. The ordinance covers a variety of topics, including wind and solar, and makes a strong effort to allow these alternative energy sources, while also preserving the residential character of our island home. The only place I think this ordinance falls short is disallowing solar panels that are not integrated into the roof system (no profile), on a road facing roof. Unfortunately, this means every resident with a south facing house, would require a costly, and time consuming variance from the ZBA. Grosse Ile is located at 42 degrees north latitude, and all it takes is a sunny day and your own shadow to rapidly realize north facing solar panels just wouldn’t work on Grosse Ile, especially in winter when we are furthest from the sun. Moreover, placing solar panels behind a South facing house, on the ground, would only put them in
HISTORICAL Continued from page 1
used for writing the storybook. Sponsored with the support of the Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile, Digging Up an Island’s Past is coauthored by Karin Grӧnlund Cozzi and Jeanne Hartwell Krukowski, with editing and educational collaboration provided by Claire Krukowski. Digging Up an Island’s Past tells the story of a grandfather who shows his two grandchildren the unearthed treasure chest he had buried when he was a kid with twelve different artifacts detailing events and happenings from Grosse Ile’s past. Each item pulled from the box is attractively linked to real-life people and places who “made” Grosse Ile history. The Grosse Ile Activity Book, intersperses fun facts about Grosse Ile history with mazes, crossword puzzles, word searches, and drawing tutorials. Both Parke Lane and Meridian Elementary Principals, Joe Reimann and Nicole Garza were grateful for the
the home’s own shadow. I think it’s time we take a look at this ordinance and consider the great strides in efficiency, function, and appearance in renewables we’ve seen over the past decade. These thoughts and concerns bring me on to other environmental issues facing Grosse Ile - the most obvious one being our deer population. Trustee Michael Jurecki recently oversaw our annual deer count, which revealed we have approximately 400 deer on Grosse Ile. During the cull executed by our police department this winter, based on the plans of the Chief Warnick administration, they took approximately 200 deer, 50 of which came after the Township’s count. That means, before the spring fawns were born, we had approximately 350 deer on the island. According to Wayne County Economic Development Corporation and AccessWayne.Org, Grosse Ile is approximately 18 square miles, but nine of those miles are water. That leaves us nine square miles of actual land. Not even accounting for new fawns, that’s approximately 39 deer per mile, when we should be much closer to six to eight. Unfortunately, this much overpopulation is bad for the deer and for the ecology of the island, as the overpopulation of one species can cascade across other fauna and flora.
outreach by the Historical Society. “I am pleased to report that our teachers have been using the resources provided (by the Historical Society) and it’s been a nice ‘close to home’ connection in the classroom,” said Reimann. “Parke Lane Social Studies curriculum has a strong focus on communities.” Principal Garza agreed, “My staff showed the video presentation this month as part of reading month, and were excited by the student interest and response in learning more about their Grosse Ile history. The response was so positive, our Parent and Teachers organization informed us that they ordered 45 story books and 45 activity books—one for each of all our elementary classrooms.” In addition to the outreach efforts, the Historical Society is looking to
The management team at the police department, along with the police commission and township board are continuing to work on this issue, but it will take more than just repeating past efforts. I hope to present some alternative solutions in the near future. Finally, I must tip my hat to Dr. John Hartig, who back in December wrote a great piece regarding the future of Downriver and the old McLouth Steel Site. I won’t regurgitate his musings, I won’t do them real justice, but he points out, and provides examples of several coastal, industrial municipalities that have pushed back heavy industry and found an equilibrium between reclaiming their shorelines and strong economic development. I would recommend every islander read the article, “Great Lakes Moment: A new vision for the former McLouth Steel site in Trenton.” With our unique position in the Detroit River and our bountiful natural splendor, Grosse Ile is uniquely positioned to thrive - or suffer - based on the economic and environmental health of our upriver and adjacent neighbors. But we can start right here at home by making alternative energy sources equally available to all residents, managing our deer populations properly and advocating for a more robust, mixed-use nautical economy.
upgrade the Depot Museum, bringing the curations into the 21st century. Tony Krukowski explains, “The Historical Society has been meeting with consultants and museum specialists on how to revamp our displays and exhibits. We are looking to make them more “hands on,” and user-friendly. We are in the process of developing a plan to help us bring Grosse Ile’s history alive, and to increase our appeal with the greater community. “We hope to partner with other nonprofit organizations to help fund some of the changes going forward.” And, when post-pandemically possible, the Historical Society hopes to reopen the Depot Museum, inviting all to learn and enjoy Grosse Ile’s rich and storied past.
In the meantime, memberships in the Grosse Ile Historical Society are offered for $20 for an individual or $40 for a family membership of two adults and children under 18. Memberships include a 10 percent discount on Society swag items including books and time capsules, a quarterly newsletter—the Island Times, special privileges in over 300 Time Travelers museums, and reduced pricing on admissions to Society events. Membership dues, memorials, and private donations help the Society to maintain not only the Depot Museum, but also the Customs House, Township Hall museum, the Grosse Ile Lighthouse, and historical markers throughout the Island. Digging Up an Island’s Past Piecing Together Our History and The Grosse Ile Activity Book can also be purchased from the Historical Society. Orders and memberships can be made by emailing gihistsoc@gmail.com, or mailing your check to the Grosse Ile Historical Society P.O. Box 131 Grosse Ile, MI 48138. All other inquiries, call 734-675-6152.
Page 4 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 5
Virtual and outdoor adventures await
Nature and Land Conservancy plans nature events In keeping with their mission “to promote for public benefit the preservation, stewardship, and understanding of the natural resources in the Township of Grosse Ile and surrounding area,” the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy BILL STEVENSON is planning some more educational events to Grosse Ile Grand celebrate the Rites of Spring, and the 51st anniversary of Earth Day. On April 11, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., the public is invited to a nature walk through the Gibraltar Bay Wildlife Refuge, 28820 East River Road by the airport. Led by naturalist expert, Erin Parker, the program will explore different ways that nature has let us know that spring has arrived and is flourishing in our backyard. The focus will be on early sights and sounds of spring in bloom - the flora and fauna, early spring birds and native amphibians. Even though the event is outdoors, COVID-19 protocols will be enforced including the wearing of masks and social distancing. On Earth Day, Thursday April 22, 2021 at 7 p.m., the GIN&LC is offering a virtual event for all those interested, entitled “Climate Change in Your Backyard.” The Zoom presentation will highlight climate change impacts in the Great Lakes region. For Zoom call information contact the Nature Conservancy at GINLC.education@gmail.com Zoom meeting ID: 844 0054 2725. Passcode: 068271 All educational programs offered are free to the public, but memberships and donations keep them coming. Information on programming, volunteer opportunities, land or memorial donations, and membership can be found at: www.ginlc.org. We can all do our part in making our little corner of the world a better place to live. Photo contest The Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy invites students to participate in the 2020-2021 Nature & Wildlife Photo Contest. Entries will be judged by category with winners receiving: $50 for first place, $40 for second place and $25 for third place in each category. A single Grand Prize overall winner will receive $100. The contest ends May 6, 2021 at 5 p.m. Winning entries will be exhibited and submitted for local publication. See ginlc.org for more information. About the Nature & Land Conservancy The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy is a group of hardworking community contributors who love and appreciate the natural world and its
We are the only private organization in the Township of Grosse Ile that can legally protect property either by direct ownership of land or by holding conservation easements on it. influence on our quality of life. Our mission and common vision have two primary objectives. The first is the protection and stewardship of the diverse natural resources found in and around the Township of Grosse Ile and the resulting high quality of life they provide our community. The second, not as obvious but equally important, is to provide environmental knowledge to all ages that is so necessary to understand our complex ecosystems and how intimately our human welfare is related to the health of them. Our philosophy is to work quietly, wisely, scientifically and imaginatively. The Conservancy is an independent, 501C3, nonprofit organization incorporated under the Michigan Department of Commerce and with no affiliation or obligation to any other organization. We were formed in 1993 and are governed by an unpaid Board of Directors elected by our membership at our annual meeting. Our financial support comes entirely from voluntary contributions from community residents. Our tax-exempt status forbids any political activity unless our stated mission is in jeopardy. It also provides for tax deductions for all contributed money, materials, and land and conservation easements. We are the only private organization in the Township of Grosse Ile that can legally protect property either by direct ownership of land or by holding conservation easements on it. In turn, we are legally obligated to manage our properties with best land management practices that are balanced by public benefit. We are a corporation of the residents, by the residents and for the residents of Grosse Ile. Each year the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy accomplishes a great deal to enhance the environment and quality of life on Grosse Ile and in the Downriver area. The work is completed by a dedicated group of board members and a number of hard working volunteers. There are no paid positions in the GINLC and all member donations are used directly on projects. For GINLC members who want to help the conservancy beyond their annual membership dues, here is a list of other possible ways to support the GINLC: Join the GINLC Board of Directors. We are always looking for conservation minded individuals who would like to become more involved and help set priorities for the Conservancy. Volunteer your time and energy. We have
seven committees actively working on a variety of projects. They can always use additional help. The list of committees and the contact information for the Committee Chairpersons are listed on our website, www.ginlc.org so you can contact them to offer assistance. The specific area and amount of time you spend is completely up to you. Donate land to the Conservancy. This is truly one of the finest legacies someone can leave to future generations. Donation of land will relieve you of the responsibility of taking care of the property and can offer you substantial income tax deductions and estate tax benefits. Most important, if the land is donated because of its conservation value, it will be protected. Establish a conservation easement on a land parcel, which has a high conservation value. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and GINLC that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. It allows the owner to continue to own and use their land and to sell it or pass it on to their heirs. A conservation easement can qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. For income tax purposes, the value of the donation is the difference between the value of the land’s value with the easement and its value without the easement. Donate land or assets to the conservancy through a will. This will allow you to control the land or assets during your lifetime, but assure its protection or use after your death. In regards to properties, the Conservancy should evaluate the property to ensure it meets the Conservancy’s criteria for protection prior to including it in your will for donation to the GINLC. Make a targeted donation. In addition to the regular membership donation, individuals may designate a donation for one or more projects of their choice. This will ensure that your donation is used on only the designated projects. Donate equipment or other items. The conservancy always welcomes specific equipment or other items that would assist with various projects. Some examples would be chainsaws, weed whips, shovels, rakes, office space or furniture, etc. The GINLC Newsletter often lists equipment and other items which are needed. If you are pleased with our efforts to improve the quality of life on Grosse Ile, pass on the word about the Conservancy to neighbors and friends. We are always looking for new members and would be happy to have an informational meeting at your home to talk about our many projects.
Page 6 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?
New Member Open House April 25, 2021 1:00-4:00 Pm
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case. ■ will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go. ■ living will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes. ■ trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate. ■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family. ■ ladybird deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 7
Legacy of B&D Vacuum goes all the way back to 1955 When you first start a business, you only vacuums, but radios, blenders, Joe DiMaggio was the spokesman for worry about day-to-day operations. electric razors and other items. Back Mr. Coffee and as a high volume seller, You worry about paying your bills, then, the store carried as many as 60 LeFervre got to meet him. hiring employees and making ends different brands of vacuum cleaners. Another time, Mark “The Bird” meet. The store became strictly a vacuum Fidrych, the Tigers pitching sensation That’s what Betty and Dick LeFevre sales and service store about 1994 and who lived Downriver for a while, came were thinking about when they opened today they carry about 10 brands of to the store to sign autographs and B&D Vacuum in 1955. vacuum cleaners. caused a sensation. The last thing Bill LeFervre came home from Bill said things have changed from the couple was Central Michigan University and the old days when spring cleaning and thinking about was decided that working at a strong local vacuums clogged with Christmas tree their legacy. business looked good, so he bought his pine needles used to send customers But here, 66 father out. streaming through the door for repairs years later, it is “My dad and mom never had a and accessories. a generational vacation, so I said, ‘get out and enjoy In addition to his duties at the store, legacy we are yourself,’” Bill said. Bill LeFevre has been a constant talking about. If you have ever met Bill LeFevre, contributor to his community. Betty and you know a more gregarious man has A graduate of Southgate High Bill LeFevre Dick’s son, Bill, never been born and his nature is what School, LeFevre and his wife Linda took over the business in 1975 and drew him to becoming a behind-themoved to Trenton in 1971, where Bill’s son, Matt, who has worked at the counter small businessman. they raised Matt and his sister Andrea shop for 27 years, will one day take “I wanted to do this because I got (Segedi). over from Bill. In addition to Bill and Matt, B&D Vacuum, which has stores in Southgate and Trenton, has four other employees, all of whom have been with the company for more than 30 years. The senior LeFevre did not start out to be a shopkeep. Dick LeFevre was an artist. He submitted some work to the Disney Company and they were impressed enough to offer him a job. The only stipulation was that he would have to get to California on his own. Lacking the funds to do that, Dick began selling vacuums to earn money to travel. One thing led to another and before long he and his wife opened B&D on Fort Street in Wyandotte. The company prospered and outgrew its first location, so in 1967 the couple moved across the Betty and Dick LeFevre opened their shop in 1955. street to the location the Southgate store still occupies today. to meet people every day,” he said. “I Bill was elected to the City Council The couple then opened another found it to be fun. I still find it to be in 1991 and still serves today. store in Downtown Trenton, which fun.” “I feel like I make a difference,” he later moved to a shop on West Road And there certainly were fun times. said. and then in 1994 to its current location At one point, when the store still had He is a member of the Trenton on West near Fort Street. small appliances, B&D was the third Rotary, has worked tirelessly for the Through the first 40 year or so of largest retailer of Mr. Coffee machines Trenton Hockey Association and is a operation, B&D sold and serviced not in the country. Back then baseball great past member of Jaycees.
Bill’s son Matt never had any doubts about what he wanted to do. “When I was in high school my parents asked me what I planned to do and I said, “I want to work at the vacuum store,” said Matt. “They said fine, but that I needed to go to college.” So Matt went off to Ferris State University when he earned a degree in small business administration before returning to work at the store. When the store first opened in 1955, it was on the cutting edge of retail. Going to a store for a vacuum or other small appliance was a new experience. Things have changed through the years, but B&D’s business has remained strong. There is one reason, according to Matt. “Customer service,” he said. As he is talking, a woman walks into the store looking for bags for her vacuum, a model you are not likely to find at Meijer or Lowe’s. Matt smiles, jokes with her, assures her that the six bags in the box he hands her are made specifically for her machine. “If they don’t work, you can come back and throw them at me,” he cracks. The lady laughs, hands over her 20 bucks and walks out the door, smiling behind her mask. Matt and Bill are cut out of the same cloth: Big personalities, who make you feel comfortable and at home even if they’ve just met you. Customer service. “We are still a fix-it-first shop,” said Matt. “Fortypercent of our business is repairs.” If you’ve got a machine that needs fixing, B&D will be happy to have a look and give you a free estimate. If it can’t be fixed or it is cost prohibitive, they’ll be happy to sell you a new one. You can be sure they know what they’re talking about, after all, they’ve been doing it for nearly 70 years.
Page 8 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Rules of the road
Reminders about Spring and Summer safe driving
Editor’s Note: This story is the third and final installment exploring road repairs on Grosse Ile. By now, for the vast majority of us, we are all resigned to the fact that driving on or off Grosse Ile entails travelling on Meridian Road. As warmer weather is upon us, and with BILL school soon out for STEVENSON the summer (as if it Grosse Ile Grand hadn’t been in and out since 2020), drivers need to pay closer attention to the increased activity of pedestrians and bikers on the bike paths. Pedestrians and bikers, too, need to be increasingly aware of the rules of the road to assure everyone’s safety.
This alert grows out of a heated discussion on Grosse Ile social media over the proper safety precautions and traffic law enforcement regarding the bike path crosswalks along Meridian Road. The question becomes: Does traffic have to stop and allow cyclists or pedestrians the right of way if they are waiting to enter the crosswalk? The answer is not that easy. Michigan does not have a specific law governing the use of crosswalks, like Florida, Oregon or the state of Washington. Most municipalities abide by the Michigan Uniform Traffic Code of 1949, which states: “When traffic-control signals are not in place, or are not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is
on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is travelling.” According to the Sam Bernstein Law Firm website, “this law means that drivers are required to yield to pedestrians when the pedestrians and the vehicle are on the same side of the street, and when people are walking lawfully in the crosswalk.” Bernstein continues, “The statue does not require drivers to come to a full stop for pedestrians, or to yield to pedestrians elsewhere in a crosswalk or street, or to stop for pedestrians waiting on the curb of a crosswalk.” By extension, this would also apply to bikers or wheelers trying to cross the street. According to Interim Police Chief Brent Hardin, “Our roads are governed by Wayne County, and the crosswalks from the bike path across Meridian have been marked and identified as bike or school crossings. The flashing lights are added at multiple crossings to additionally warn drivers to be extra cautious. At 35 miles per hour, and with a heavy volume of traffic, vehicles do not have to stop as bikers or people wait at the side of the road to cross.” Cities like Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City have passed their own local ordinances which require motorists to stop for pedestrians within a crosswalk as well as those standing on the curb. Meridian Road has five crosswalks connecting the bike path as it meanders to allow for east-west, west-east crossings. Horsemill Road has two crosswalks at the Bird Sanctuary on Thorofare, and Groh Road has two bike path exchanges towards the edge of the airport property. Safety also applies to bicyclists, walkers, joggers, parents pushing strollers, roller-bladers, wheelchair riders, and people walking their pets along the bike path, sharing the road. Pedestrians and bikers are urged by the Public Safety Commission to communicate with others when on the bike path passing on the left by saying “on your left”. Obey all traffic signals. That also means the stop signs need to be obeyed along the bike path as it crosses main streets and roadways. The old simple common sense adage: Stop, Look and Listen, does not only apply to railroad tracks, but also to crossing the street, wherever you are. The Grosse Ile Police Department reminds us that the posted speed on Meridian Road is 35 miles per hour. And even though year after year, Grosse Ile is ranked among the “Best Cities for Fit Lifestyles” and the No. 1 “Safest Community in Michigan,” there are still issues with traffic accidents in the SEE RULES, Page 9
GROSSE ILE GRAND
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 9
Secretary of State offers guidelines for sharing the road Drivers should: Remember that Michigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing. If this is impractical, pass at a safe distance and at a safe speed. Look for bicyclists riding from behind on the road shoulder or in a bike lane before turning right at an intersection, into a driveway or pulling off the road. As appropriate, yield and allow them to pass before turning. Stop fully before turning at driveways and intersections to make sure you do not cut off pedestrians or approaching bicyclists with right of way. After passing, don’t return to your lane until well clear of the bicycle or other vulnerable roadway users. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians. This includes people walking, jogging, hiking, skateboarding, pushing strollers, etc. Watch for pedestrians when entering a street from a driveway or alley, at stop signs, traffic signals, roundabouts, crosswalks and intersections. Be aware that pedestrians may also cross in the middle of a block, even if there is a crosswalk nearby. Keep an eye out for pedestrians on both sides of the road. Never attempt to pass another vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian. Pay close attention around parked cars, near school zones, playgrounds and parks where children are likely to be present. Watch for surprising changes in direction, especially by children or cyclists avoiding road hazards.
Pedestrians are reminded to: Walk on the side of the road as far to the left as possible or on a paved shoulder against oncoming traffic where there are no sidewalks. Cross the street at an intersection or
RULES
Continued from page 8 Township. Chief Hardin explains, “In 2019 there were 102 vehicle accidents reported. In 2020, that number was down to 85; in the first three months of 2021 there have been 20 accidents. Car-deer accidents accounted for 37 in 2019, in 2020 there were 24, and this year, there have been nine to date.” “Citizens should also be aware that
the Township will be working on a water main project along Meridian in the near future.” With that revelation, one could hear a collective howl and sense the rising blood pressures of the body politic. Department of Public Services Director Derek Thiel said, “Starting in mid-April to August, the Township will be working on a $3.7 million project to replace the larger water lines with most of the work between Grosse Ile Parkway to Ferry Road.
designated crosswalk when possible and always stop, look left, right, and left again before crossing. Do not rely solely on pedestrian traffic signals. Come to the edge of a parked vehicle, stop and look both ways if it’s blocking the view of the street before entering the street. This is also recommended before crossing in front of a stopped vehicle at an intersection if there are additional lanes traveling in the same direction. Try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them and do not assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Be vigilant in parking lots, especially when accompanying small children. Increase visibility at night by carrying a flashlight when walking and by wearing light-colored or reflective clothing that highlights body movements. Bicyclists should: Always ride with other traffic. Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing or stopping. Wear bicycle helmets and reflective clothing. Stay as far to the right as practical when riding in traffic lanes. Not ride more than two abreast in a single lane, so long as it does not interfere with the normal flow of vehicular traffic. Avoid entering the roadway without first stopping to look for vehicles. Ride predictably and defensively, and do not ride while drunk or distracted. Always yield to pedestrians. Have a white front headlight and a red rear reflector if riding after dark or in low light conditions.
“This work will be at the side of Meridian Road, and there will be minimal excavation impacting the roadway. “The contractors will be using a “pipe bursting,” technique which installs the new water lines inside the old ones. The excavation points will not be a continuous trench, but rather insertion pit openings at the front and rear of the replacement lines.” Thiel said again, “There will be limited disruptions to traffic, and may
be temporary lane restrictions in the construction area. As we get closer to the project, the Township will notify citizens about the construction zone and possible delays.” Ah, the joys of living on an island. Indeed, in the upcoming months, whatever your mode of travel, we all need to embrace the idea that “Safety is Everybody’s Business.” So, “Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel ... ”
Page 10 • April 12— May 12, 2021
“Smiley” Sells! When Lisa LaRowe was a little girl working in a restaurant with her mom, people called her “Smiley.” “I still get that type of reaction today,” she said. “Yesterday, someone said, ‘Oh, you’re Lisa, the one that’s always happy.’ It feels nice to have that kind of response from people I meet.” LaRowe recently became an associate broker with eXp and opened the Grosse Ile branch eXp office on Macomb Street. Lisa and her daughter, who is attending college, are also Grosse Ile residents. “I actively sell real estate, train new agents, and help develop experienced agents by helping them build their business,” LaRowe said. In a way, her life has come full circle since she was attending Henry Ford Community College to become a teacher about 20 years ago. “I had friends that were opening a new brokerage, and I decided to put my college education on hold and give it a try,” she said. “I never looked back! It’s funny that my original calling was to teach, and here I am doing my absolute dream job — selling real estate and teaching others to do the same. I am currently training 15 new agents within our Trenton and Grosse Ile offices.” After many years with other firms, she joined eXp in 2018, and she’s glad she did. “We are a technology company, so we have all the tools we need to stay ahead of the web-based future of real estate,” LaRowe said. “Real estate is a way of life for me. I love what I do and love my clients. It’s addicting. I think my favorite part of being a real estate agent is when I see my clients get so excited about a home they are about to own. I love being a part of helping make their dreams come true.” She is a 2-time cancer survivor and has learned from that experience. “I think others can learn from me to keep going despite life struggles, health issues, family struggles, market conditions,” she said. “Do not give up! Keep your goals in front of you!” To keep that happy outlook, LaRowe has learned to start each day with positive affirmations about herself and the day ahead. “I focus on being very thankful for my life and the people in it,” she said. “It’s imperative to take care of yourself and have fun every day. If you are not happy, it’s difficult to give your clients the best of you.” She serves as a bellringer for the Salvation Army every holiday season, and also enjoys almost anything that brings her outside and into nature. And she has advice for people who want to buy or sell a home. For sellers, she advises having someone professional look around the house for defects that can be easily fixed before an inspection. For buyers, she advises preparation. “Be ready to go,” LaRowe said. “Be preapproved with a trusted lender, have proof of funds, and take the advice of your experienced real estate agent.”
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Best Service, Best Rates Jacque Gorris loves being able to help people buy a home for the first time. And he loves being able to help someone struggling financially to leverage their home to ease that burden. Gorris is a senior loan officer with Supreme Lending. He has an office in Trenton and recently opened a satellite office on Grosse Ile, where he also lives. The part of the job he’s not so crazy about is when he has to tell someone no. “When I have to say, ‘Sorry, I can’t help you,’ that’s hard,” he said. “You see the heartbreak of those people sometimes — the first-time home buyer, the newly divorced mom or dad.” A former Marine, he’s direct and up-front if he has to deliver bad news. “I don’t sugar-coat a lot of things,” Gorris said. “I’m just a straight shooter when it comes to business, and I do everything by the book.” He likes working for Supreme, a top mortgage banking company that is privately owned, handles only residential loans and is licensed in 40 states, because he can have a “personal touch” with his clients that a different firm might not allow. “Right now, I’m there from start to finish — from the first hello to sitting at the closing table,” he said. “I’m always available to them seven days a week.” Gorris grew up in Brownstown Township and attended Gibraltar schools, where he played a lot of sports. He started working at the age of 13 at South Winds Golf Course in Southgate, and has worked ever since. In his junior year of high school, he signed up to the join the Marine Corps. “Literally 10 days after high school graduation, I was in the Marines,” he said. Gorris served for eight years. He left the military at the end of his contract after he had recently returned from Iraq and learned that the Corps planned to send him back for another deployment of 13 months. His first son was 7 months old at the time, and he decided it was time to move on to something else. He studied finance at the University of Michigan and never looked back. Today, he’s a single dad of two sons, ages 15 and 10. Gorris coached freshman Junior Devils football for two years until the pandemic pulled the plug on the sport, and hopes to coach again someday. And he wants to help put more people into more homes or help them out financially whenever he possibly can.
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 11
stAy At home heALthcAre Stay at Home Care LLC has been helping the elderly and disabled in the privacy of their own homes for 7 years. The business started as a result of both co-owners Brenda Rademan and Diana Cain having Diana Cain & Brenda Rademan difficulty finding the means to care for their own parents at home. “You speak with the owners; we aren’t a franchise like the rest of them.” said co-owners Brenda and Diana. When talking about your loved ones, there is nothing worse than dealing with impersonal care. At Stay at Home Care you can expect the friendly service of hand picked employees, and a care plan that revolves around your needs. In fact they are known for their 2 hour minimum for services. This minimum insures that they can provide you with care that works for your schedule. Stay at Home Care is proud to keep people in the homes they love, as long as possible. Written by Cameron Colwell, Business Profile Writer
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CULINARY CAPERS Not that I need an excuse to bake one, but because April 20 is National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day, I have decided to celebrate the holiday with one of my favorite cakes. Thank you, Dole, for your part in making pineapple upside-down cake one of the easiest and most delicious desserts of all to bake with little more than a can of sliced pineapple, a jar of maraschino EVELYN cherries and a box CAIRNS Grosse Ile of cake mix. It was Grand pineapple-plantationowner James Dole who developed a method of canning the fruit in the early1900s that eventually led to Pineapple Upside-Down Cake and other pineapple delectables. While browsing the internet recently, I stumbled on a spicy variation of the cake that was declared Indiana’s Number One on Taste of Home magazine’s 2018 list of the Best Cakes in every state. I could hardly wait to try it, and I was not disappointed. Also on the Best Cakes list was a recipe from former Allen Park resident Patty LaNoue Stearns of Traverse City, whose Pistachio Cake with Walnuts, was named Michigan’s Best. I remember baking Pistachio Cake, also called Watergate Cake, in the 1970s, and it’s as awesome today as it was then. The latter was said to have been inspired by the Nixon Watergate scandal. Make it today, for old-time’s sake, if you’re not too young to remember it! All of the Best Cakes on the list are in color and include recipes. SPICED PINEAPPLE- UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE (Indiana’s Best) 1-1/3 cups butter, softened, divided 1 cup packed brown sugar 20-ounce can pineapple slices, drained 10 to 12 maraschino cherries ½ cup chopped pecans 1½ cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup buttermilk
(Note: I recommend using a skillet because it’s hard to flip the baking pan without leaving some pineapple slices behind. They can be replaced with a spatula.) Set oven at 350 degrees. In a saucepan, melt 2/3 cup of the butter; stir in brown sugar. Spread in ungreased heavy 12-inch oven-proof skillet or 13x9-inch baking pan. Arrange pineapple in single layer over sugar mixture and place a cherry in the center. Sprinkle with pecans and set aside. In a large bowl, cream sugar and remaining butter until light and fluffy, 5 to 7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; add alternately to batter with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Carefully pour over pineapple and bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 minutes for skillet, or 50 to 60 for baking pan. Immediately invert on a serving platter. PISTACHIO CAKE WITH WALNUTS (Michigan’s Best) For Cake: 15.25-ounce box white cake mix 3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix 3 large eggs 1 cup club soda ¾ cup canola oil 1 cup chopped walnuts For Frosting: 3.4-ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix 1 cup 2% percent milk 8-ounce carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour, or spray, a 10-inch fluted tube pan. In a large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes. Fold in walnuts. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 20 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely. For frosting, in large bowl, combine, pudding mix and milk; beat on low speed 1 minute. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over cake and enjoy. HAPPY BAKING! (Contact me at Evycairns@aol.com)
Page 12 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Try these simple stretches for stress relief of your feet? Shift your weight so that the majority is held on the ball of the foot. 3. Visit us. As spinal experts, we can help you strengthen weak muscles that may be to blame for bad posture and keep you properly aligned—all without the need for drugs or surgery.
Sometimes, the best thing to do when we’re feeling stressed is to stop and take a breather as we give our body time to relax. Stretching is a known stress-reliever that can also calm your headspace. The next time you’re feeling stressed, give these stretches a try: Child’s pose: Release tension in your lower back by kneeling on the floor and bringing your feet together. Open your legs at the knees. Sit back and walk your arms forward on the floor as your chest lowers to the ground. Take a few deep breaths as needed. Forward fold: Stretch your upper and lower body by standing with your feet a few feet apart. Slightly bend your knees. Bend forward at the hips with your arms stretched toward the ground. Chest opener: Standing straight, hold your hands together behind your back and squeeze your upper shoulder blades toward one another. Three ways to improve your posture Having good posture isn’t just important for feeling confident, it’s actually a necessity for good health. If you find yourself slouching too much, here are a few ways you can improve your posture naturally. 1. Did you know our abdominal muscles play an important role in posture? When you stand, be
conscious of pulling your stomach in—this will help you “straighten up.” 2. When you’re standing, stop and notice where you’re carrying your weight. Is it in the front or back
What’s that pain in my leg? Do you ever find yourself dealing with lower back or leg pain that tingles, goes numb and is just outright annoying? You might be dealing with sciatica. Sciatic pain happens when our sciatic nerve becomes pinched, irritated or inflamed. Sometimes a slipped or herniated disc can be the culprit. Located in the lower back, the sciatic nerve runs down the leg, which can make the entire area painful during a flare up. You might find relief with over the counter pain relievers or alternating hot and cold therapy, but that won’t correct the issue at its source. If sciatic pain is a problem in your life, we’re here for you. Contact our practice today to restore balance to your nervous system and remove pressure from compressed nerves. From Cousineau Chiropractic
GROSSE ILE GRAND
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 13
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Page 14 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Kiwanis plans 2021 All-Island Clean-Up
Spring is around the corner, and our Island needs help. Every year for the past 20 years or so, The Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile has hosted the All-Island Clean-Up, where volunteers and community service groups come together to beautify our island once winter has gone away. Sadly, last year we were not able to host the event due to COVID restrictions. Now here we are again, winter is fading and our island needs to get clean. Please join us on Saturday, April 24 in our modified All Island Clean-Up, where we will scour the streets of Grosse Ile to remove trash from our roadways. You can volunteer by either signing up on the event page on the Grosse Ile Kiwanis Facebook
page or meet us in front of the VFW on April 24 from 10 am until 1 pm to sign up and be assigned a zone and given thrash bags. Due to the pandemic, we will not be able to provide gloves or safety vests this year. The zones will be along the main streets of Grosse Ile that Kiwanis club members will be driving around picking up full bags and delivering empty ones. If you would like a no contact approach, then sign up on our Facebook Event page and a zone will be assigned to you, but you will have to begin with your own bags. If it rains on April 24, then the event will be moved to May 1. Please watch our event page for updates.
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 15
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Page 16 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 17
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Grosse Ile Kiwanis offers Hometown Hero banners The Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile is proud to bring the Hometown Heroes program to our community. We are offering military tribute banners which are to be displayed along Macomb Street during November for two years. The banners are 18 x 36 inches and will be displayed on the green light poles. The cost is $125 for the banner and two months of display. After the first two years, you can either have it redisplayed for $25 the following year or the banner will be returned to you.
If you do not have a specific veteran to honor but would still like to support the program, please visit our webpage GrosseIleKiwanis.com and click on the “Donate to Hometown Heroes Program” button. These donations will be used to support the program and provide funding to supply banners honoring veterans selected by VFW Post 7310 or families without the financial means of purchasing a banner. To order a banner, please visit militarytributebanners.org/currentprograms/michigan/grosse-ile-mi
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Page 18 • April 12— May 12, 2021
Earth Day 2021: Restore our Earth
On April 22, join the world as it celebrates Earth Day. This year’s theme is: Restore Our Earth. On Earth Day 2021, running parallel to the Biden Administration’s global climate summit, Earthday.org will have its second Earth Day Live digital event, right here. The global show begins at 12 p.m. Eastern Time. Workshops, panel discussions, and special performances will focus on Restore Our Earth™ — we’ll cover natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems. n More topics will include: n Climate and environmental literacy n Climate restoration technologies n Reforestation efforts n Regenerative agriculture n Equity and environmental justice n Citizen science n Cleanups, and more. World climate leaders, grassroots activists, nonprofit innovators, thought leaders, industry leaders, artists, musicians, influencers, and the leaders of tomorrow will come to push us towards a better world.
The history of Arbor day Arbor Day 2021 is April 30. Here is a quick look at how it all bergan, As pioneers began moving into the Nebraska Territory, the lack of trees was felt deeply. Not only did the new residents miss the trees they left behind, they were also left without the trees they needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel and building materials, and for shade from the hot sun. Nebraska newspaper editor — and resident of Nebraska City, NE — J. Sterling Morton had an enthusiasm for trees and advocated strongly for individuals and civic groups to plant them. Once he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory, he further spread his message of the value of trees. And on Jan, 4, 1872, Morton first proposed a tree planting holiday to be called “Arbor Day” at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture. The celebration date was set for April 10, 1872. Prizes were offered to counties and individuals for the largest number of properly planted trees on that day. It was estimated that more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska on the first Arbor Day. Arbor Day was officially proclaimed in 1874 by Nebraska’s Governor, Robert W. Furnas, and the day was observed April 10 that year. In 1885, Arbor Day was named a legal state holiday in Nebraska, and April 22 was selected as the date for its permanent annual observance. Many other states also passed legislation to observe Arbor Day each year. By 1920, more than 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day. And the tree planting tradition became prominent in schools across the nation in 1882, with school children learning about the importance of trees as well as receiving a tree to plant in their own yard. Today Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states. The most common date for the state observance is the last Friday in April — National Arbor Day — but a number of state Arbor Days are at other times to coincide with the best tree planting weather, from January and February in the south to May in the far north. And while Nebraska City, NE, is the official birthplace of the Arbor Day holiday, communities around the globe gather every year to celebrate trees and plant for a greener tomorrow.
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 19
LISTENING IN ON THE ISLAND
Knights of Columbus’ ‘Souperman’ has other talents Back in 1989 Terry Eifert and his wife were looking for a place to raise their kids where they would have lots of space around them and good schools. After a five-year search, they found the ideal location on Voigt Street. Terry, who grew up on an island in Maine, has skills in building since he helped his dad build their home there. He also has a green thumb and has turned his back yard into a lush garden growing both flowers and PAMELA A. FRUCCI vegetables. Grosse Ile Grand Unfortunately, Terry lost his wife to a rare disease, but has found a companion in Trish Lukasik, another Islander with a green thumb. Terry is best known for his famous and tasty lobster bisque, a favorite of those who enjoyed the Knights of Columbus fish fries pre-pandemic. Once located at the VFW on Macomb, the venue was moved to the
recreation building of Sacred Heart where the annual Lenten fish fries brought out hundreds of customers, who enjoyed the food, music by local entertainers, an art show, and a fancy atmosphere thanks to the market-ing skills of George Honer and Gregg Zuccker. Trish Lukasik adds to the ambiance of the fish fries by decorating the place according to the holiday cele- brated that evening. Soup was an added feature of the fish fries. At the VFW, canned soup was served along with the fish. Once his colleagues in the Knights of Columbus tasted Terry’s homemade lobster bisque and vegetable soups, Terry got a green light to prepare gallons of the soups for the diners. Terry earned the title of
“Souperman” when he made 10 gallons of fish chowder and five gallons of vegetable soup at past fish fries. He says his “secret” ingredient is the love he puts into his soup making! The fish fries have proven so profitable that new and updated kitchen equipment have been purchased. More than 50 helpers keep the diners happy with their quick service and the children at Sacred Heart are willing helpers to clear the tables. Terry Eifert’s green thumb shows through in the “victory garden” on the grounds of Sacred Heart. Originated by Art Koester, Terry took it over and now plants a variety of vegetables in a deer-proof enclosure. A couple of Eagle Scouts also helped create the victory garden and Terry even added a compost pile on the premises. Excess crops are distributed to food banks and Terry suggests there’s room in the garden for Grosse Ile residents who want to grow their own
vegetables. Contact him to secure a bed of your own at 578-7523. Terry has another skill besides growing veggies and cooking soup. From his maple trees in his backyard, he’s made a batch of maple syrup. A retiree from Ford Motor Co., Terry has not been idle in his retirement. A member of the Island Beautification Committee, now inactive, he did a lot of the work in the beds the IBC maintained on the Island.
BRRRR ... APRIL! How could the weatherman be so wrong? We Michiganians have waited all winter long For sunny skies and warmer days. April’s here but not sun’s rays. So, weatherman, turn up the heat, Send chilly weather in retreat! By Pamela A. Frucci, April, 2016 (I hope the poem is not correct in 2021)
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Page 20 • April 12— May 12, 2021 GROSSE ILE GRAND
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Page 22 • April 12— May 12, 2021 GROSSE ILE GRAND
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Page 24 • April 12— May 12, 2021
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 25
TELESCOPING THE TOWNSHIP
Grosse Ile should recreate original grand opening of free bridge
All of us Island residents plus off-Islanders, complaining there was “nothing to do on Grosse Ile Grosse Ile, there may be one of Michigan’s biggest businesses and visitors miss the county bridge in the summer.” trees. which gave free access to Grosse Ile. Heine Hoch, then church editor of The Detroit ReLeaf Michigan is sponsoring the Michigan Big We have to wait until fall of this year before the News, said, “Why not start a newspaper?” Tree Hunt and asking for help to discover eligible bridge on Parkway is repaired and open for traffic. Pat and I went with Heine to Detroit and he trees for the National Register of Big Trees which is Here follows some history of the county bridge, bought us a small printing press plus type and we updated every spring and fall by American Forests. thanks to a clipping in the archives of the Grosse Ile had a relic of a typewriter. In 2012, Michigan had 23 registered champion Historical Society and my own personal story. For two years we wrote, printed and sold The Ile trees but today there is only one registered. In September 1931, Wayne County opened the bridge for automobile traffic. Since 1824 it had been a bridge bringing locomotives, stock and passengers to Grosse Ile, who were dropped off at the depot still in use as a historical museum at the foot PAMELA A. of Parkway. FRUCCI Stock went through the customs Grosse Ile Grand house, now housing a rental apartment and an annex to the museum before going over a bridge, (long gone,) and being ferried to Canada from Stony Island. According to the clipping, it was a big deal for Grosse Ile when the former bridge carrying trains was converted to a bridge handling automobiles. So big a deal, that Michigan’s Governor Bruckner was there to give a speech of inauguration and Capt. C.V. Burnett from the airport on the Island swooped over the bridge in an airplane and cut a ribbon. The newspaper reports that 10,000 spectators at the grand opening “gave vent to a mighty cheer!” That September in 1931, my mother Bernie Marsh was there in that crowd since my mother and dad had just moved to Grosse Ile. When she told me an airplane had flown over the bridge and cut a ribbon, I never believed her until I saw the newspaper clipping many years later. She said there were 4,000 spectators, a much smaller crowd than reported in the Detroit News. As an 88-year resident and a member of the board of the Grosse Ile Historical Society, I plan to propose to supervisor Jim Budny and the township ReLeaf Michigan is seeking champion tree nominations board that we recreate a “big deal” for the reopening of the county bridge. Camera, “by and for kids.” Details and an entry form are available online at Invite Governor Whitmer, or the lieutenant When Pat and I got into high school, we got bigtreehunt.com. The search ends on Aug. 19, 2022. governor Garlin Gilcrest to officiate at the busier and quit the newspaper business. For questions email bigtreehunt @releafmichigan. reopening. The Hochs took over The Ile Camera as a org or call (800) 642-7353. Invite all of us thankful residents to attend community newspaper for 25 years until it got sold the ceremony and maybe we even might have a and sold again. Historical Society looking for stories about “daredevil” pilot to re-create flying over the bridge The last Ile Camera was published in 2015 and living on Grosse Ile and cutting a ribbon! went out of print after 70 years. If you are a long-time Island resident or even When the Grosse Ile Grand took over in 2017 short term, the Grosse Ile Historical Society is April 16, 1945, the first 1ssue of The Ile covering Grosse Ile news and views, I was asked to collecting short stories from residents old and new Camera was sold write two columns for it. that tell of an interesting or unusual event that’s I have in my files, the very first issue of the Ile I figure, adding up all those years, I’ve been happened to you or your family while living here. Camera that was written and printed on an ancient writing for a newspaper for 76 years! They are compiling a booklet of stories to printing press in the basement of Heine and Dorothy I thank Heine Hoch for mentoring me as a preserve for the future. Hoch on April 16, 1945. It sold for three cents. teenager and a beginning journalist. Either mail your story to the Grosse Ile Historical The Camera came about when I was 13-yearsSociety, P.O. Box 131 or email it to gihistsoc@ old and my neighbor and friend Pat Pittman, age Look around and help fine champion trees gmail.com. 14, were sitting in the Hochs’ living room and In yards and open spaces on our wooded island of
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Page 26 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 27
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Kiwanis-backed summit to fight teen suicide A joint initiative between the Michigan District of Kiwanis and Embracing Imperfections is presenting a youth summit on suicide. The summit will be live streamed on May 19-20 and is open to middle and high school students and the school’s mental health support staff. The May 19 session is designated for high school students and will run from 11a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The May 20 session will be from 8-10 a.m. and is for middle school students. The school’s mental health support staff is required to attend in order for their students to attend. At this summit, students will find great presenters and a youth panel addressing the topic no one wants to talk about, yet we all know we need to: Suicide. We’ll focus not only on suicide prevention and mental health but also give the attendee insights and tools to implement at their school. Also, if the student happens to have lost a loved one or friend to suicide, we will have a breakout session just for them. Among those aged 10 through 24, suicide is the second-leading cause of death, and for every person who succeeds at suicide, an estimated 25 others attempt it. The founder of Embracing Imperfections, Shandy Longcore, attempted suicide at age 10, and her mission is to eradicate suicide and provide mental health education to students and anyone that will listen. The first 500 registrations for each day of the summit are free; once the daily limit is reached, there is a charge of $1 per teacher or student registration and $10 for adults. Deadline to register is Shandy Longcore May 5. All information and registration details can be found at: mikiwanis.org/Page/49749. There are also opportunities to sponsor the event or make a donation to support the summit. For more information, contact Shandy Longcore at 616516-8281 or shandy@embracingimperfections.org If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to “741741” Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. More information about Kiwanis can be found at www.mikiwanis.org. Embracing Imperfections’ mission is suicide awareness and prevention partnering with mental health professionals at the middle and high school level. Their website is: embracingimperfections.org
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Page 28 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 29
The drumbeat gets louder, antitrust sentiment is growing Small Business Rising - That’s the name of the new initiative begun by The Institute for Local Self Reliance (ILSR). The initiative is designed to allow the group to apply its formidable investigative skills to keep Congress Peter aware of Rose Grosse Ile injustice and Grand to bring an end to the thinking that has led us to the here and now. Small business owners like me are being asked to contribute time, energy and the power of our passion to protect and advocate for small and locally-owned. Whatever they need from me, I am in and eager to help them make changes that will set the USA back on a course of broaderbased winning. ILSR is tackling the topic of Antitrust law in the United States. Focusing also on the abdication of responsibility and collusion with those that do their best to get what they want through campaign contributions, donations to both parties, and promises of highly lucrative job offers after our government leaders leave office. Since the early 1980s, both parties have stupidly tilted the playing field away from small businesses, directing the transfer of wealth and market share to big business. This propensity to enable and enrich Big in the world of retail of all sorts is precisely the problem that needs to be addressed and fixed permanently. One of the ways to make these course corrections is putting teeth back into the enforcement of laws pertaining to the control of monopolies and price fixing between such entities. Their focus is currently Big
Tech, but there is far more work to do than that. One good example of price fixing is the pact between FedEx and UPS to make sure that their shipping rates are identical to the penny for every weight and size box that they ship. It’s not coincidence; it’s carefully planned and executed with zero fear of being fined and sanctioned for such a modus operandi. It’s illegal, and nobody cares. Why is that? Government enacts laws that are designed to keep Big growing at the expense of Small, and has ignored the very thing they are supposedly regulating. Small is damaged, often to the point of failure. I sound so paranoid, I know. But backing away from being so pointed and direct is exactly the wrong thing to do. I have to get louder, not come to terms with things just being the way they are.
I have written many times in these columns about the exhilaration of finding independent retail stores with quirky, insane energy in towns all around. Some of them are right here in Wyandotte. They provide character and definitions of the towns they serve. The town bustles, people enjoy it, money flows in and out of these local stores, benefitting the communities repeatedly. Busy towns mean prosperous towns, and that helps everyone that does business there and everyone that lives there. Monopolies (or, in the case of Amazon, PANopolies) weaken independent operators and the towns they populate. Devastated towns cannot possibly be the intent of the government that enables monopolies to do exactly that, but what else are we to think if they never change, never wake up and say, “what have we done?” I’m starting to realize that
serious, organized energy is coalescing and growing that will tackle this topic head on. The House and Senate are seemingly more aware. The problem is becoming more of a thing that more people are noticing and that gives me energy. I become more urgent, more confident about my own obsessive compulsion to push back as hard as I can against the collusion between developers and national retail chains and local, regional, state and federal governments. After writing for this many years - and advocating so much before that - I am feeling relief and warmth that people are telling me what I keep talking about. The concept of localism is being touted by dozens of marketers and businesses, working independently to regain the connectivity of community. The topic of retail is my only real realm of authority. Nearly 50 years in the
game and I’ve experienced the vastly different world of multiple stores (23 at our peak between Willow Tree and Chelsea) and single locations. The world of farming has changed due to big agra. Indie farmers are still making a living, but there are far fewer. Fishing is different, same thing. Independent bankers are so far fewer it’s astounding. There once were three in Wyandotte alone, now none. Capitalism has a natural path toward big, and then far bigger. Doesn’t matter what field, it simply has to grow. Government has to understand that, and control it all. But it doesn’t. So while I am immensely encouraged that there is real action towards reigning it all in a bit (if not a lot), habits of a nation are not easy to change. Still, it has to start somewhere, and it has begun. Finally.
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Page 30 • April 12— May 12, 2021
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April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 31
A new Heart and Vascular Institute suite opened Feb. 15 at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital as the first of a three-phase, $3 million project to expand the medical mall for subspecialty areas including Heart and Vascular, Oncology and Urology. Expanded examination rooms are part of the new suite as well as a procedure room, physician offices and staff work areas. “We are very excited about the expansion and the addition of these specialty areas to Wyandotte,” said Ann Marie Creed, vice president of operations at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. “This project will allow for growth in service and expand the outpatient presence of those services in the Downriver region.” For patients, that means easier access to subspecialty services within the Downriver area. Henry Ford Medical Group physicians practicing in the new HVI suite include: • Paul Corcoran, M.D., vascular surgery • Loay Kabbani, M.D., vascular and thoracic surgery • Arfaat Khan, M.D., cardiology and electrophysiology • Farah Mohammad, M.D., vascular surgery • James Mohyi, M.D., cardiology • Andi Peshkepija, M.D., vascular surgery • Krishna Sawhney, M.D., general surgery • Frederic Sulak, M.D., cardiology “This will allow us as a vascular department to be fully engaged at Wyandotte with four surgeons, a vascular surgery nurse manager and a physician assistant,” Dr. Kabbani said. “We are now available 24/7 to help with any vascular patients at Wyandotte. “We have a new state-of- the-art procedure room for our vein clinic, where we can treat varicose veins as an outpatient procedure. In the future, we hopefully will be able to expand these services to simple outpatient catheter-based procedures like fistulagrams and venograms for dialysis access patients. ” With vascular surgeons rotating on a weekly basis, most vascular procedures, including angioplasties and arterial bypasses, will be performed geographically at Wyandotte. “As we
continue to promote vascular services inclusive of a new stateof-the-art angiography suite, we hope to be able to continue to expand our services to include more complex procedures like endovascular aortic surgery,” Dr. Kabbani said. Dr. Kabbani added that the HVI clinic’s location in the hospital’s main lobby provides visibility and ease of access for patients. “There are a lot of patients who need our help and now we have the opportunity to grow HVI suite: A new Heart & Vascular Institute suite opened Feb. 15 at Henry and provide excellent Ford Wyandotte Hospital as the first of a three-phase, $3 million project to care at Wyandotte,” he expand the medical mall for subspecialty areas including Heart & Vascular, Oncology and Urology. said. Cardiologist James Mohyi, M.D., said the opportunity to offer new, non-invasive diagnostic technology is an exciting prospect. “We have acquired new echocardiogram machines that are state of the art measuring ventricles and atrial,” Dr. Mohyi said. “This equipment can obtain precise measurement of a patient’s heart function, including the left side, right side and upper chambers. This precise measurement Photos courtesy of Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital helps us treat heart Cardiologist James Mohyi, M.D., one of several cardiologists and vascular failure and advance surgeons practicing in the new HVI suite at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, treatment of heart said the opportunity to offer new, non-invasive diagnostic technology is an valves.” exciting prospect for Downriver patients. While vascular problems are prevalent in the Downriver area, there of endourology at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, has been a lack of vascular surgeons, according and urologist Amit Patel, M.D., at the back of the to Dr. Mohyi. “Now we will be able to help when medical mall. That work is expected to last through it’s very complicated,” he said. “We will be doing early April. the majority of surgeries here, utilizing the cath The third and final phase is two-fold – consisting lab and OR, and will also have a procedure lab for of doubling the size of the first-floor outpatient lab vascular surgery in the new suite. There is a lot of as well as adding six infusion chairs and four exam improvement here.” rooms to the oncology clinic – and is expected to be The second phase of the medical mall project complete in June. involves expanding the Urology Clinic with the addition of Naveen Kachroo, M.D., Ph.D., director
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New blood clot dissolving treatment works in Downriver man
Henry Ford staff saves a life
With a history of blood clots, Matthew Godfrey didn’t waste any time getting to the emergency room at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital when he awoke one December morning with excruciating pain above his knee. He previously had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on his right leg and immediately knew this latest pain could be deadly serious. “They got me right in after I told them I was a previous DVT patient,” he said. “Immediately they found that a clot had traveled to my groin area.” A CT scan then revealed a pulmonary embolism in both of his lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a clot blocks a lung artery and restricts blood flow to the heart. In many cases, PE is caused by a clot forming in the legs (known as a deep vein thrombosis) and then traveling to the lungs. Cardiologist Qaiser Shafiq, M.D. told the 50-yearold father of three boys that he needed an immediate procedure. “He told me I was in bad shape, and I started to realize how serious this was,” Godfrey said. “At that point, I was kind of in a panic, but Dr. Shafiq was very relaxed and calm. That made me feel better.” New targeted therapy dissolves clots faster Godfrey was one of the first patients to undergo EKOS therapy, the latest minimally invasive treatment offered at Henry Ford Wyandotte, after the two massive clots were discovered. With the Ekosonic Endovascular System (EKOS), targeted drug therapy and ultrasound are delivered simultaneously through a catheter, which is equipped with ultrasound ports, and inserted into the clot. Ultrasound energy is used to spray the clotbusting medication. The procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes after which the patient goes to the ICU for six to 10 hours. The EKOS procedure reduces drug dosage, dissolves clots faster and lowers the risk of bleeding and other complications. For patients diagnosed with massive or submassive clots in the lung, EKOS has successfully eliminated clots in hours instead of days using less than one-fourth the amount of medication. Previously, the only option was to deliver clotdissolving medication through an IV that not only went to the lungs but also other organs, increasing the risk of bleeding. EKOS delivers targeted therapy to the clots, avoiding other bleeding risks. “They told me about the new EKOS procedure and I was very glad to be one of the first patients, especially when they said the other option was not as good,” Godfrey said. “I gained a sense of trust through Dr. Shafiq’s calm explanation.”
Matthew Godfrey of Flat Rock is returning to his position as an assistant coach for the Flat Rock High School boys’ varsity basketball team after undergoing EKOS therapy, the latest minimally invasive treatment offered at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital to treat lifethreatening blood clots in his lungs. Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health System
Minimally invasive treatment lessens recovery time In less than 30 minutes, Godfrey was out of the catheterization lab and in the ICU where the EKOS catheter broke up the clots in a matter of hours. He was home by mid-afternoon the following day. “Between the Lord upstairs, the new technology and having the right doctor on call, it put me back to just about 100 percent really quick,” he said. “With more research I did after the fact, I realized I could’ve been in the ICU for a few weeks with a lot more risk if I had it done the old-fashioned way.” Godfrey also was diagnosed with May-Thurner Syndrome, a rarely diagnosed condition that affects blood flow in two blood vessels going to the legs, making those affected more susceptible to massive clotting. Dr. Shafiq performed a venous thrombectomy to remove clots from Matthew’s knee to his pelvis. A stent also was inserted into a vein in Matthew’s leg to improve blood flow. He said he’s extremely grateful for the advanced, lifesaving care he received at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. “It’s a partnership that I’ll remember forever,” he said. “I couldn’t have had better care. While I was in a bad condition, I would never have wanted it to be done anywhere else. Everyone from the people who gave me the tests to the nurses and doctors could not have been kinder and more compassionate.” Now he looks forward to returning to his assistant coaching role for the boys’ varsity basketball team at Flat Rock High School. “My lungs are markedly improved and clear,” he said. “Soon I’ll be able to get off blood thinners and be a normal human being. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that it was meant for me to still be here.”
About Henry Ford Health System Founded in 1915 by Henry Ford himself, Henry Ford Health System is a non-profit, integrated health system committed to improving people’s lives through excellence in the science and art of healthcare and healing. Henry Ford Health System includes Henry Ford Medical Group, with more than 1,900 physicians and researchers practicing in more than 50 specialties at locations throughout Southeast and Central Michigan. Acute care hospitals include Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI and Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, MI – both Magnet® hospitals; Henry Ford Macomb Hospital; Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital; and Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. The largest of these is Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, a quaternary care research and teaching hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center recognized for clinical excellence in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, neurology, neurosurgery, and multi-organ transplants. The health system also provides comprehensive, best-in-class care for cancer at the Brigitte Harris Cancer Pavilion, and orthopedics and sports medicine at the William Clay Ford Center for Athletic Medicine – both in Detroit. As one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, Henry Ford Health System annually trains more than 3,000 medical students, residents, and fellows in more than 50 accredited programs, and has trained nearly 40 percent of the state’s physicians.
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 33
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Legendary Mary Lou Jansen, Natalie Christnagel lead the way
Cinderella Red Devils win Division 2 district championship One of the things most people love about sports is the “Cinderella” story. This year, the Grosse Ile girls basketball team wore the glass slipper. It was not a good regular season for the Red Devils, who lost more than they won and lost a head coach along the way. Heading into the state tournament, the Devils were riding a six-game losing streak and were missing four players - thee who chose spring break and one who was injured. It was not a good situation, especially considering the fact that Grosse Ile district also included a good Ecorse team and a Flat Rock team that was Huron League runnerup. Grosse Ile limped into the tournament under the direction of Mary Lou Jansen, the high school’s assistant principal who was pressed into duty late in the season. Staying with the zone defense that the Grosse Ile girls were accustomed to, Grosse Ile continued it’s losing ways. Jansen, who is not just your average assistant principal, decided to install her favored man-to-man defense. It did not pay immediate dividends, but the Red Devils became immediately more competitive. In its final game of the regular season, Grosse Ile took undefeated Downriver League champion Trenton to overtime before falling Jansen is a Catholic legend after leading Dearborn Divine Child two two state championships and is also a former college coach at Madonna University. Some of that state title and college magic apparently rubbed off on the Red Devils as they opened district play with a surprising 48-38 win over Ecorse, the Michigan Metro Athletic Conference runner-up, in the district semifinals. The victory, while satisfying, sent the Red Devils into the district championship game against Flat Rock, which finished second in the Huron League this season, one game behind champ Riverview. Of course, few gave the Devils any chance. After all, Flat Rock has been one of
the Huron League’s top teams the past few years and the Rams dominated the Devils in two regular season contests. When Flat Rock jumped out to a 15-5 lead in the game, it looked like it was going to be more of the same. But these new, resilient Red Devils responded and at halftime, Flat Rock’s lead was just 20-16. Natalie Christnagel, Grosse Ile’s scoring leader most games, did her thing against the Rams. She had a game-high 24 points, including 14 points (four three-pointers) in the third quarter. Flat Rock can contend that it was without 6-foot-2 junior Kayla Giroux, who is already a 1,000-point career scorer. That’s true. Giroux was injured in the 35-33 district semifinal win over host Summit Academy and was not available for the district final game. It’s also true that Flat Rock had a fourpoint lead with less than a minute to play in regulation time and the Red Devil still overcame them. Grosse Ile’s Ashlyn Weatherly made a bucket to trim the Flat Rock lead to two points and then Christnagel came up with a steal and a basket to tie the game and force the extra period. The extra was a low-scoring affair, but Emma Johnson scored all three of Grosse Ile’s points and clinched an improbable 48-47 victory and handed the Red Devils the district championship trophy. Johnson finished behind only Christnagel on the Grosse Ile score sheet with 10 points in the game. The clock struck midnight for the spunky Red Devils on their next visit to the floor, however, as they lost to Huron League rival Milan 51-33 in the first round of the regionals. The district champion Red Devils are, Cailey O’Farrell, Melanie Ferguson, Emma Johnson, Alyssa Naso, Emmi Pinkowski, Photo by Larry Caruso Sotiria Gargasoulas, Katherine Frucci, Reanna Wludyka, Brea Asher, Lindsey Grosse Ile junior Natalie Christnagel has six triples and 24 points Miller, Natalie Christlagel, Natalee Kirk, in all during her team’s upset win over Flat Rock in a Division 2 Samantha Justusson and Ashlyn Weatherly. district championship game.
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Grosse Ile boys fall in basketball district semifinal Tom Tigani Grosse Ile Grand
An up-and-down stretch in its last few games of the season didn’t stop the Grosse Ile High School boys’ basketball team from tying for first place in the Huron League for 2021. “We tied for the league title, so I will have to say we did good,” Coach Mohamed Elhaj said. The Red Devils entered districts after losing a close game to Riverview March 19 (57-53) in the regular season finale. “They came out ready to play, as we expected,” Elhaj said. “The first time we played them we beat them; we shot the ball very well. We knew they wanted revenge on us. The game was tight, but we couldn’t pull off another win. “We didn’t end the regular season as we wanted, but we knew what our team was capable of doing. The Red Devils beat Flat Rock 55-42 in the first district game March 23. “We played very well against them and got the win,” Elhaj said. “Flat Rock is a young team in a rebuilding stage. They will be good the next few years.” Grosse Ile exited district play with a 73-34 to Summit Academy North in the semifinals March 25. “We did not play to our potential and Summit flat-out destroyed us,” Elhaj said. “They were big and played well together. They pushed the ball up the court and beat us off the transition. “We got outworked and outplayed. I was disappointed by that loss because we did not give them everything we’ve got. Our team was well prepared for that game, but we did not come with the right mind-set.” Still, Elhaj said there was a lot to like about his team this year. Keegan Mott and junior guard Michael Madrigal played very well throughout the season, Elhaj said, and Trey Swick was a great leader. “He held the team together,” Elhaj said. “I couldn’t ask for a better leader than Trey.” With a 7-4 Huron League record and a spot in the districts, Elhaj said the Red Devils have a lot to build on going forward. “Our goal was to win the league and we tied,” Elhaj said. “We lost a few games that we should have won. I told the team that we cannot lose any games we are supposed to win, and that we must play every game like it’s our last.” He said he is very proud of his team’s effort for 2021. “These guys played so well together,” Elhaj said. “They worked hard in practice and, most importantly, had respect for one another. Cannon Kawadri during an early season game for the Devils, who went 7-4 in league play. “This was a very good group.”
Photo by Larry Caruso
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 37
Grosse Ile’s playoff win a real thriller Hank Minckiewicz Grosse Ile Grand
overtime. Both teams had plenty of chances to end it, but Bonham and Jordan each played well. The Bears actually got one past Bonham when he mishandled a shot and it fell out of his glove and trickled into the net, but a quick whistle cost Roosevelt the goal. Grosse Ile ended the game 2:19 into the fourth overtime when Eric Ellis dug the puck loose from the side boards and fired it out front to freshman Tate Hubler, who redirected it past Jordan for the win.
teams causing them to forfeit. Because of the forfeits, Carlson and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central played in the other semifinal game. Carlson beat SMCC to reach the finals, where it was a 2-0 loser to regional champ Gabriel Richard. Richard’s season ended at the next level as the Pioneers lost 4-1 to Chelsea in the Division 3 state quarterfinals. Grosse Ile’s season did not begin this year until Feb. 9 and along the way the Red Devils lost games against Carlson, Cabrini, Riverview and Dearborn
One of the best games of the recently finished MHSAA hockey playoffs was also one of the first games of the playoffs. Grosse Ilke faced host Wyandotte Roosevelt in a weird 2 p.m. game on March 16. Because of COVID-19 restrictions and the time of day, there were few people in the stands and the strange effect of natural sunlight streaming through the windows and onto portions of the ice made it feel a little like a session of “open skating.” But the Red Devils and Bears did not see it that way and they engaged in a long and thrilling battle. It took three regular periods, three eight-minute overtimes and part of a fourth, but Grosse Ile finally scored the gamewinner and took a 3-2 victory over the Bears. The Bears found themselves in an early hole in the game as Grosse Ile’s Pat Karn scored just 2:53 into the game. Near the end of the first period, Grosse Ile’s Ben Carter scored four seconds into a Red Devils power play as Grosse Ile padded its lead. The game stayed 2-0 throughout the remainder of the first period, the second period and throughout part of the third. It wasn’t that the Bears were not getting scoring Photo by Larry Caruso chances - they were - but Grosse Ile celebrated a playoff win over Wyandotte, but lost 5-4 to Richard in the next round. Grosse Ile goalie Own Bonham kept knocking them aside or smothering The victory sent Grosse Ile on to the regional Divine Child because of COVID-19 quarantines. them. Roosevelt had 36 shots in regulation time and semifinals against defending regional champion Unlike last year when the Michigan High outshot Grosse Ile 56-44 for the game. Gabriel Richard. The loss ended Wyandotte’s season. School hockey season was cancelled before state The Bears cut the deficit to one six minutes into The Bears finished 7-10 overall. quarterfinal games could be played, the MHSAA the third period when William Heskett picked up a The semifinal game against Richard was a close did crown three state champs this year and all three loose puck at center ice, swooped into the Grosse Ile hard-fought battle just like the Wyandotte game, came from the Michigan Interscholastic Hockey zone and beat Bonham on the stick side with a hard, but this time Grosse Ile’s opponent got the better League. rising shot. outcome as the Pioneers out-scored the Red Devils Calumet, which beat Chelsea to reach the Division The game returned to its back-and-forth rhythm 2-1 in the third period and claimed a 5-4 victory. 3 state finals, fell to 18-time state champ Cranbrook, until time grew short. Carter, Nolan Karn, Adam Kargenian and Travis Birmingham Brother Rice beat Byron Center 2-1 to With 1:41 to play, Wyandotte pulled goalie Symons scored for the Red Devils, who finished the win the Division 2 title and Novi Detroit Catholic Aiden Jordan and just over a minute later Jason contracted season with a 7-3-2 record. Central beat Rockford 5-1 to win the Division 1 Cuppari made the strategy work when he scored on The regional got a little wacky when COVID-19 crown. a shot through a crowd to knot the game and force reared its head, infecting the Riverview and Bedford
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Grosse Ile High School Spring schedule Baseball April 10 at Bedford (DH) April 14 at Airport April 16 Milan April 19 at Flat Rock April 21 at Huron April 24 at Carlson April 26 Riverview April 28 St. Mary CC May 3 at Jefferson May 5 Airport May 7 Taylor May 8 Allen Park (DH) May 10 at Milan May 12 Flat Rock May 15 at Woodhaven (DH) May 17 Huron May 19 at Riverview May 22 at Skyline (DH) May 24 at St. Mary’s Prep May 26 Jefferson May 27 at Livonia Franklin June 1 at Districts June 4 at Districts ) June 6 at Districts
11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA
Softball April 14 Airport April 16 at Milan April 19 Flat Rock April 20 Western Internat. April 21 New Boston Huron April 24 at Troy Athens April 26 at Riverview April 28 at St. Mary CC May 3 Jefferson May 5 at Airport May 7 Taylor May 8 at Grosse Pointe South May 10 Milan MAY 12 at Flat Rock May 13 Dundee (DH) May 15 at at Canton May 16 at Canton May 17 at New Boston Huron May 19 Riverview May 20 at ND Preparatory May 22 at Belleville May 24 St. Mary CC May 26 at Jefferson June 1 at Districts June 4 at Districts June 6 at Districts
4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA
Golf April 12 at Brother Rice April 16 Jamboree 1 April 16 at Ida April 21 at Milan April 28 St. Mary CC May 3 at Flat Rock May 5 Airport May 10 at Huron May 12 at Jefferson May 19 Riverview May 26 at League tourney
noon 9 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 3 p.m, 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 9 a.m.
Soccer April 8 at Country Day April 14 Riverview April 16 Airport April 17 at Marshall April 19 at Flat Rock April 21 at St. Mary CC April 23 Milan April 28 at Huron April 30 Jefferson May 5 Riverview May 7 at Airport May 12 Flat Rock May 14 St. Mary CC May 15 at Trenton May 19 Milan May 21 Huron HS May 24 at Jefferson
6 p.m. 4 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
Crew May 1 at Hebda Cup May 8 at Norview May 15 at WY-HI May 22 at SRAM States May 23 at SRAM States
TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Lacrosse April 9 at Divine Child April 12 at St. Mary CC April 16 at University Liggett April 19 at Lincoln April 23 Brighton April 28 at Gabriel Richard April 30 RO Shrine May 3 St. Mary CC May 5 Bishop Foley May 7 Gabriel Richard
TBA 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA 6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Track April 10 at Frosh/Soph Relay April 13 Flat Rock April 17 at Jefferson Inv. April 20 Airport April 27 at Jefferson/Milan April 29 Huron April 30 at Marauder Inv. May 4 Riverview May 7 at Ram Relays May 11 St. Mary CC May 15 at Metro Classic May 20 at Regionals May 21 at Regionals
9:30 a.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m. TBA TBA
Tennis April 13 St. Mary CC April 16 TC St. Francis April 17 at Rochester April 20 at Huron April 24 GI Invitational April 27 Milan April 29 AA Gabriel Richard May 4 at Airport May 6 Greenhills May 8 at Ann Arbor Pioneer May 11 Riverview May 13 University Liggett May 18 GI Spring Invite May 20 at Regionals May 21 at Regionals May 22 at Regionals May 25 League Meet home
4 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA 4 p.m. 8 a.m. 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA 4 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA 8:30 a.m.
April 12— May 12, 2021 • Page 39
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• Comfortable Waterfall Back • Plush Chaise Seating • Steel Seat Box • Durable Woven Velvet Fabric • 350 lb. Weight Capacity SALE PRICE
Smoke
HEAT & MASSAGE
$919
Wine
$669 Reclining Sofa
✮
Reclining Loveseat
In stock as shown as of the printing of this ad Other colors can be special ordered
✮
Englander Mattress Model Changeover Sale All remaining stock and floor models marked down on discontinued models
$649
In stock as shown as of the printing of this ad Other colors can be special ordered
✮
✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮ ✮
$899
$599
Reclining Sofa w/drop down table In stock as shown as of the printing of this ad
R E C L I N E R
S A L E
✮
Rocker Recliner
In stock as shown as of the printing of this ad
✮
✮
WITH POWER HEADREST
Power Recliner
Sale Price $749
Leather Recliner
Sale Price $599
Rocker Recliner
Sale Price $549
Rocker Recliner
Sale Price $499
Leather Recliner
Sale Price $599
Rocker Recliner
Sale Price $499
HOURS:
WHITE FURNITURE 3025 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-282-2155
monday : 9:00- 8:30 Tuesday : 9:00- 5:30 Wednesday : 9:00- 5:30 Thursday : 9:00- 5:30 Friday : 9:00- 8:30 Saturday : 9:00- 5:30
www.whitefurniture.com
A local family business serving southeast Michigan since 1946
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
Page 40 • April 12— May 12, 2021
GROSSE ILE GRAND
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ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792
70
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ECRWSS EDDM POSTAL CUSTOMER
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734-282-3939
CORE SERVICES n Smoke & Tobacco Removal
n Mold Remediation n Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning n Commercial Carpet Cleaning n Flood Restoration
10%
n Fire Restoration n Tile and Grout Cleaning
Discount on carpet & upholstery cleaning Expires 4/30/2021
18271 FORT STREET • RIVERVIEW • 734-282-3939 office@gobigmultimedia.com
Will Evans Publisher
734-782-5389
FULLY INSURED SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
WWW.THEFSRTEAM.COM
Sherry Evans Publisher
Hank Minckiewicz Editor-In-Chief
Blair Temple Director of Graphics
Charisse Halko Marketing Manager
Pat McComb Graphic Designer
Paula Neuman Writer
Larry Caruso Writer/Photos
Peter Rose Writer
Pamela Frucci Writer
Bill Stevenson Writer
Evelyn Cairns Writer
Dave Gorgon Writer/Photos
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Knowledge. Caring. Integrity ... ALWAYS.
ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS
PRST STD
U.S. POSTAGE
Serving Downriver Since 1975
734.479.1880 www.CousineauChiropractic.com
E. Ann Redfield Broker / Owner