GIEF grant promotes environmental education
Check out our new updated website gihardware.com free ship to store
High School dedicates new rain garden
By BILL STEVENSON
Cue the music: Let it rain, let it rain ... Grosse Ile High School students and community members can sing the refrain of the popular song after a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating a rain garden near the main entrance on Gray’s Drive. The student designed and constructed garden is the culmination of a grant, written by science teacher, Dr. Julia Roscoe, and funded by the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation.
In submitting the grant, Dr. Roscoe explains, “The rain garden encompasses the learning components of STEM and provides real world learning and application for our students. The rain garden acts as a natural filtration system to purify water, and captures storm water runoff which contains many pollutants.”
“The GIHS science department created a partnership, not only with the GIEF, but with the Friends of the Detroit River Stewardship Director, McKenzi Waliczek. This will be an ongoing three year project for our students. In year one, students will learn the impact of a rain garden, the problems the filtration system can solve, and literally build the rain garden. In year two, the garden will be selfsustaining and we would discuss how to extend our work
with green infrastructure into other spaces in our community and increase citizen involvement. Our vision for year three is to institutionalize and grow our rain garden project. We could create partnerships with Grosse Ile Township to find off-campus locations within the community for additional green stormwater infrastructure to ultimately improve water quality in our area rivers, creeks, streams, and ponds.”
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Dr. Roscoe’s biology students all took turns explaining the design and natural elements of their rain garden, “We chose a mix of greenery and flowers and made an equal amount of both.”
One by one, students explained the various plants and why they were suitable for a Grosse Ile rain garden. Among those planted were purple coneflowers, goldfinger potentilla, sensitive ferns, redbud, rose mallow, fox sledge, and ninebark. Students also selected an Indian Currant, a strong and resilient tree, and dedicated it to the Grosse Ile High School staff for all that they do for education.
GIEF grant coordinator, Andrea O’Donnell remarked, “We are so pleased to see the seeds of our partnerships with the schools and community come to fruition. This rain garden is a great example of putting knowledge into action. We look forward to watching it grow in the future.” Let it rain, Let it rain ...
Grosse Ile Township in final stages of master plan update
The Township has been hard at work updating its master plan for the first time in over twenty years. The plan will serve as a guiding policy for development, preservation and zoning regulation on the Island, while reflecting the community’s goals and visions for the future.
ROSS QUERRO Community Development Director
Since September of 2023, the Township has been collaborating with Smith Group, an award-winning design firm with over 170 years of experience, and CIB Planning, a community and economic development firm that specializes in local government planning. This project and partnership is made possible by grants provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan State Housing Development Authority. What is a master plan?
A Master Plan is a guidebook for Grosse Ile’s decision-makers based on the community’s vision of the future. The Master Plan provides actionable steps and helps officials decide how to direct township funding, what initiatives to take on, tangible goals, and milestones. This master plan is intended to be a usable reference document, easily readable and accessible to all residents.
Why is the Township updating the master plan?
A lot has changed in the Township since 2002. The median age of our community in 2002 was 43 years, wherein 2023 the average age is 52 years. As the Township continues to grow in age, we want to ensure that we address the needs of our community. Furthermore, the Island has seen a steady decrease in population of children aged 5 to 17, which indicates that the Township should find more creative ways to attract young families. The update will focus on similar data trends and create strategies from the input of the community to address current and future issues.
How is the master plan created?
The Master Plan was created alongside community members from the beginning. Extensive community engagement, a dedicated steering committee, sessions with staff, and meetings with regional stakeholders all helped inform the plan alongside rigorous research from topic experts.
How does this master plan impact our community members?
The Grosse Ile Master Plan impacts everyone in the township and will have different purposes depending on who is using it. Township Staff, Commissions, and Elected Officials use the plan to guide policy decisions, make informed decisions regarding township regulations, and achieve long-term goals for the community. Community members utilize the plan to find strategies on how to enhance parks and open spaces, township programs and services, and housing. Nonprofits and business owners may utilize the plan to identify locations to expand, start, or relocate a business, while developers and builders can utilize the plan to build projects that align with our community’s values. What main topics are being covered in the plan?
Land Use, Housing, Connectivity & Mobility, Economic Growth & Prosperity Open Space & Waterfronts, and Quality of Life
How has the Township reached out to the community for our input?
Throughout the past year, the Township has attracted 7,000 website visits, 1,000 email alert sign-ups, has sent 500 direct mailers, provided 300 handouts, 20 posters, 8 social media posts, and 4 mobile alerts. As a result, we’ve received 2,500 survey responses across three surveys, have met with 130 members from the public, and have hosted 11 public events, workshops, and public meetings. When will the update be completed?
The Township will look to approve the master plan update in January of 2025. To learn more about how you can participate in the final stages, feel free to contact me at (734) 676-4422 ext. 238.
Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?
Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.
■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.
■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.
■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.
■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.
■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.
Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.
To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!
Transforming the Community Grown Gardens, Together
By JACKIE BROMLEY
A special thank you goes out to each and every member of the GIPC Youth Group for the hard work they performed at the Community Grown Gardens in Grosse Ile.
The Youth Group visited the Garden on four different days, completing a variety of jobs. Cyndi Jenkins, Elder Youth Nurturer and Leader, and Grace Morton, Associate Christian Nurturer and Leader, worked alongside the students to make our Garden shine.
Janet Lyons, Garden Manager, Ken Rygwelski, Retired Engineer and Master Gardener, and Bob Johnson, Retired Riverview Teacher and Horticulturist, demonstrated techniques for using tools effectively. The students from grades 4, 6, and 8 then went to work, transforming the Garden into a vibrant and welcoming space.
Ken instructed the students on how to harvest garlic from the front
garden, explaining the process and its importance. After the garlic was harvested, the students spread it out on tables in House 4 to dry. Following, they removed the hay that had been covering the garlic beds
planted broccoli and kale seedlings. The students also tackled weeds in all four hoop houses. The smaller, more agile students managed to remove weeds from the narrow spaces inside House 4, where it’s challenging for
and prepared those beds for new plantings.
In House 3, the students prepared the beds by removing the roots of previously harvested cabbage plants. They then weeded the beds and
adults to reach. Additionally, they weeded both the front and back gardens, making several trips to haul the dead, wilted produce and weeds to the compost bins located in the back garden.
John Repp, Retired Engineer, demonstrated when and how to pick and sort the various types of tomatoes. After the demonstration, the students harvested tomatoes and green beans, which were then distributed through the Garden’s CSA program.
The students filled wheelbarrows with compost, wood chips, and pea gravel. They transferred the compost into black containers, which were then planted with ground cherries. The wood chips were spread between Houses 1 and 2, as well as between the thyme and purple basil beds in front of House 1. The pea gravel was placed and spread in front of each doorway of the hoop houses.
The students’ incredible efforts made the Community Grown Gardens shine for the Grosse Ile Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, July 20th. We received numerous compliments on how fabulous the Garden looked.
Job well done!
25894 East River, Grosse Ile
“My wife and I have purchased and sold multiple homes throughout the years, Kim was by far the best realtor we ’ ve worked with. She knew what was needed to get us a full price offer with a quick closing date. Her communication skills, attention to detail and dedication to her clients made our transition out of state from a home we ’ ve been in for over 30 years seamless.”
~Dr. Boonsiri
Opportunity knocks Schools to Tools program opens doors to careers
Even though the new school year has just begun, Grosse Ile High School and Middle School students were among the first Downriver to start the year thinking about their career pathways. The “Schools to Tools” mobile classroom paid a visit to the high school, and judging by the excitement of both students and teachers, was a huge success.
Schools to Tools is a program of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights designed to “provide students, parents, teachers, and school counselors the information, training, and hands-on experiences they need to make informed career decisions, aware of all their options.” Schools to Tools was developed in response to the dire shortage of skilled workers in many industries, including manufacturing and construction trades. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce report in August of 2024, “nearly every state is facing an unprecedented challenge finding skilled labor to fill open jobs. The Manufacturing Institute projects the industry will have
2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030, and the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) reported that the construction industry needs to attract about a half a million new workers in 2024.”
The Schools to Tools mobile field trip has been touring Michigan schools, and averages about four school visits per week. Set up outdoors in the Grosse Ile High School west lot and entrance plaza, students were able to learn about construction trades and millwrighting from apprentices and journeyman tradesmen. Students were able to compete in truly “hands-on” experiences like trying their hand at swinging a hammer or driving screws in the nail/screw drive challenge. The framing challenge had students reading blueprints to correctly assemble a scaled wood frame wall and truss system. Students also worked together to level and align an aluminum frame using high precision master levels. There was even a job site “selfie station” where students put on personal protective equipment and stepped into a simulated high rise job site.
Inside the Schools to Tools mobile unit, students were provided presentations by program leaders, Bryce Cobb and Edgar Romayor. Students could test their skills with an augmented reality welder to see how accurately they could lay a bead, or use an iPad or AR glasses to interact with construction site mock-ups exploring various aspects of construction trades. There was a trivia challenge where students could compete to answer questions about labor history and the trades. Most students were drawn to the Virtual Reality Jobsite Tour where they were standing on top of the Gordie Howe Bridge, inside Little Caesar’s Arena, at a mass timber construction site on Mackinac Island, or on the water’s edge of the Soo Locks.
really great and only reinforces my career choice to become a master carpenter.”
Braden Malik, a Construction Trades I student from Carlson High School, among teacher Jason Patterson’s class, said to a Schools to Tools apprentice, “I have been building things all my life. My grandmother owns a construction company, and I am excited to tell her about this program. This is
John Nasarzewski, director of the Downriver Career Technical Consortium, serving the schools districts of Airport, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron, Riverview, Southgate, Trenton, and WoodhavenBrownstown said, “This program from the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is an amazing example of an organization helping to solve the skilled trades’ gap in Michigan. Their selfless efforts are helping to introduce students to the high-skill, high-wage jobs that are the foundation of our country. Upon completion of their apprenticeships, these students earn slightly more than a college graduate with a four year degree, and have no college debt! Plus, they have been getting paid to learn while learning their trade!”
GIHS Assistant Principal, Andrea Dishon echoed Nasarzewski’s comments, “This was an exceptional program! The carpenters and millwrights and their apprentices offered highlevel engagement opportunities for our students. At Grosse Ile High, we strive to give students opportunities to explore their interests and broaden their perspectives through authentic learning experiences.”
Parents and students can learn more about skilled trades’ opportunities by contacting DCTC at
Also, it’s never too early to explore career pathways—contact your child’s school guidance counselor. Make an appointment today. Opportunity is knocking. You have to answer the door.
BILL STEVENSON
Open waters, open hearts The Find Your Way Home Swim
On September 14th, 2024, the Find Your Way Home event kicked off its second year from the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, inviting participants to embark on a challenging 10k swim through the open waters of Lake Erie to the Detroit Lighthouse. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about Veteran suicides and the effects of blast wave injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and post-traumatic stress.
The event was originally launched in 2023 by PJ Ramsey, a Navy SEAL veteran from Grosse Ile, in collaboration with the Step
but also highlighted the importance of community support.
Swimmers battled floating weeds and choppy waters, cheering each other on as they approached the lighthouse.
Emotions ran high, especially for Katie
is such a strong sense of community and camaraderie that makes for an incredibly uplifting day. The way we come together is part of what makes where we live so special. I think the athletes that participate are truly honored and grateful our Veterans.”
The day served as an allegorical lighthouse, guiding participants through the tumultuous waters of life and reminding them they were not alone in their struggles.
As the event unfolded, Ramsey, who opted not to swim this year to focus on coordinating, reflected on his journey as a veteran.
His experiences with posttraumatic stress disorder underscored the importance of seeking help, a lesson he was eager to share with others.
“We appreciate the support
camaraderie demonstrated that
A cinematic memory from the year 1962
A few Sundays ago, my wife, Janet, and I attended a wonderful production of Bye, Bye Birdie by the Downriver Actors Guild in Wyandotte. It stirred up a memory of the original movie. That unforgettable night was Saturday, November 23rd, 1962, at 7:00PM. You might wonder why I remember it so vividly—allow me to share.
From 1962 to 1965, I served in the Army, stationed in Mannheim, Germany. Life on base was simple; our main sources of entertainment were a theater and a bowling alley. In October 1962, the previews for Bye, Bye Birdie started running. I must have seen those previews four or five times, as they played every night for about a month. We eagerly anticipated the film’s release on Friday, November 22nd.
However, Fridays were not ideal for movie nights. Each week, we had a GI Party to clean the barracks in preparation for inspection. That
started at 6:00 PM. Determined to see the film, six of us banded together to tackle the cleaning early. We scrubbed like we had never been scrubbed before, and our Sergeant was so impressed that he released us at 6:15. By 6:30, we were on our way to the theater, a 20-minute walk ahead of us.
Halfway there, the lights went out.
For a moment, we thought we were under attack, taking cover as best we could. Then, a chilling announcement echoed over the loudspeaker:
“President Kennedy is dead, President Kennedy is dead.” There were no further explanations, and the entire base, including the theater, went dark.
Ultimately, we saw the movie the following night, November 23rd. In a time marked by uncertainty and grief, it was a musical we truly needed. It provided a brief escape, a chance to laugh and remember joy amid the sorrow.
Now, as I reflect on that moment, I ask you, if you’re old enough: Where were you when we were walking to that theater?
dump the junk, find a treasure
October 19, 2024 from 9am-4pm Department of Public Service Yard | 8555 Groh Rd.
The Open Space/Greenways Committee will be sponsoring the “Dump the Junk” event at the Department of Public Service Yard located at 8555 Groh Rd. *DUMPING DURING THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO ISLAND RESIDENTS ONLY AND EXCLUDES ANY COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS*
The dumpsters provided for this event are available for you to dispose of items that CANNOT be picked up through the normal curbside program in place with Priority Waste. THIS EXCLUDES COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS.
Dumpster Guidelines
unacceptable items acceptable items
MATTRESSES
TOILETS
ELECTRONICS
RAILROAD TIES
HAZARDOUS WASTE
SOILED - DAMAGED - UNUSABLE FURNITURE
YARD WASTE
LARGE LOGS, SHRUBS, WOOD
BUILDING MATERIAL
BRICKS, CEMENT BLOCKS, CONCRETE, TILE, MARBLE & DRYWALL
"TREASURES” - If you have GENTLY USED FURNITURE, bikes or other items, bring them along.
Apartment and Condo Residents who only have dumpster service will be allowed to bring mattresses & furniture for the junk dumpsters only!! NOTE: These are residents who do not have access to curbside pick-up through Priority Waste. You must be prepared to show PROOF OF RESIDENCY TO THE APARTMENT OR CONDO IN WHICH YOU RESIDE.
TIRES Off the rims will be accepted. NO SEMI-TRUCK OR COMMERCIAL TIRES. Rims can be placed in the scrap metal dumpster. This includes dishwashers, stoves, metal furniture etc. NO REFRIGERATORS OR FREEZERS-NO FREON BEARING APPLIANCES. THESE ARE CONSIDERED HAZARDOUS WASTE.
DAVID DYER
Grosse Ile drops competitive playoff tune-up game
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
Sure, Grosse Ile would have loved to have beaten Dearborn Heights Crestwood in its non-league match-up on September 30th, but the whole point of the match was to play a strong opponent to get ready for the upcoming Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs.
The game was lost 3-2. But the mission was accomplished.
“We came out soft and slow, and maybe we didn’t expect them to be good, but I definitely did,” Grosse Ile coach Jon Evans said. “That is why we scheduled this game. We obviously had to get tougher in the last 40 minutes and we fought back hard, but one mistake really cost us today.
“At this point in the year, you can’t have that mistake,” Evans added. “But we still have 16 days to correct that.”
Grosse Ile fell behind 2-0 in the first half and then came back to pretty much dominate the second half.
Ali Habhab opened the scoring for the Chargers, and moments later his teammate Ali Zaidan drilled a shot past Grosse Ile keeper Justin McKheen, giving Crestwood a 2-0 edge.
Despite several chances in the first half, Grosse Ile was unable to muster anything and they went into halftime with a two-goal deficit. But coming out of the intermission, the Devils looked like a different
team.
Grosse Ile cut the deficit in half almost right away.
Barely a minute into the second half, Landon Bourdage buried a 35 yard-plus free kick into the top right corner of the goal, cutting the Crestwood lead to 2-1.
Later, a run by Matteo Gatti to the right corner, where he managed to get off a kick that found its way into the bottom left corner of the net.
Grosse Ile continued to carry the action, but couldn’t get anything to break down the Chargers back line.
Instead, it was a counter by Crestwood that was the deciding factor.
Crestwood’s Habhab was fouled in the box, resulting in a penalty kick try with 12:49 remaining in the game.
McKheen got a hand on the penalty, but not enough to stop it and the ball sailed into the top of the net for what would turn out to be the game-winning goal.
Both coaches said they saw the value of their team’s playing a high level non-conference matchup ahead of districts and explained what they wanted to see from their team.
“The good part of today was being able to play from behind,” Evans explained. “We haven’t been down often this year, so we were able to move pieces around and to see what we need to do to get some
goals to get back in a game.
“If we are going to win a state title, we are going to have to find a way to come back from being down,” Evans added. “So I am happy we were able to find a way to get to work on things. We have to continue to work on playing a full 80 minutes, though.”
Grosse Ile followed up the loss to Crestwood with a 7-0 demolition of neighboring Trenton three nights later. The shutout of the Trojans was Grosse Ile’s 10th of the season.
Grosse Ile is currently ranked seventh in the latest high school soccer coaches Division 3 poll and the Red Devils have been a top 10 team for the past month.
The Devils, 9-3-4, have lost just three times this year. Those losses came to Troy Athen (first game of the year), Crestwood, and New Boston Huron, which is eighth-ranked in Division 2.
The Red Devil finish the regular season October 8th against Saline and they will face a five-team district tournament to start the postseason.
The teams in Grosse Ile’s district are Dundee, Flat Rock, Ida, Summit Academy, Milan, and Grosse Ile. Districts are usually kind of a walkover for the powerful Red Devils, but this year, Milan will pose a threat. The Big Reds tied Grosse Ile this year and finished ahead of the by a half-game in the final league standings.
Photos by Dave Chapman
Grosse Ile’s football struggles continue
The 2024 season has not been kind to the Grosse Ile football Red Devils. First, construction delays have kept the team off their new turf field for the entire season. Then, the losses started piling up. Grosse Ile is 0-5 this season and 0-4 in Huron League play. The team has been shut out in three of its five games and has scored just 12 points this season. So far in 2024, Grosse Ile has lost to Ida 48-6; Flat Rock 50-0; SMCC 49-0; Milan 27-0; and Airport 42-6. The Red Devils did tangle with winless Monroe Jefferson on October 4th, so someone was going to come out of that battle with a win. Grosse Ile finishes the season against Huron, league-leading Riverview, and Cabrini. The Riverview game is on October 18th and the Devils hope to be home that night to celebrate homecoming.
GROSSE ILE GRAND
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
A new “Mr. Hockey” teaches kids in Downriver “Hockeytown”
By JERRY J. CARDUCCI
The Grosse Ile hockey instructional program, also known as the “I’ program, is run by director Burdett Milkins, and is held at the Trenton Kennedy Center’s ice arena. This foundational program has been key in producing champions in the entire Downriver area, especially Trenton and Grosse Ile.
Milkins definitely knows how to do it. Coaching since 1999 and playing hockey since the age of three, Milkins brings decades of hard-won hockey knowledge to the “I” program. His “hands-on” approach has him skating with the kids and leading them through drills by example, moving up and down the ice and around the circles, guiding them to skate each way—a critical hockey skill.
The “I” program starts with as young as two years old, but the average age on the ice is four. Older kids and teens, boys or girls, are all welcome whether they know how to skate yet or not. Practices are held twice a week from September through
the
before the Red Wings claimed the title
established in Ecorse since 1959. The early success of Ecorse hockey was largely thanks to the Great Lakes Steel Corporation, which offered a coveted “drive-in” pass for any Canadian employee willing to assist the hockey association. The Canadians, as expected, brought a wealth of hockey experience to the Ecorse program, quickly helping to produce Downriver’s first hockey stars, some of whom went on to play Division 1 hockey at Big Ten schools. In the 1960s, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes attended the annual Ecorse hockey banquet in search of prospects, as hockey was rare in Ohio and many kids didn’t know how to play, let alone skate.
Hockey, more than any other sport, captures the spirit of Downriver. The boys and girls who grow up in these programs may have different futures ahead as it relates to hockey, but you will find that many come from Milkins’ I Program, which has been a cornerstone of the Downriver community for over 30 years and continues to flourish.
three rinks at the Trenton Kennedy
The Teller’s Room
GRAND
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
else? – a tie. The Pirates played to a 0-0 draw with non-league Allen Park.
PAGE 9
Richard wins again, remains undefeated
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
Riverview hanging with the league’s elite
It has been a wild and turbulent soccer season in the Huron League with the top teams winning and tying games at a far greater pace than they are losing.
The Riverview Pirates, fourth in the league, have lost just three games this season (all of them in league play), while winning eight and tying five times.
The Pirates are 5-3-2 in league play.
Milan leads the division with a 7-0-4 mark (there are those ties, again) and alway powerful Grosse Ile is second with a 7-1-3 record. Huron is 6-3-1, followed by Riverview and 6-4-0 Carleton Airport.
Riverview was 4-1-2 heading into the Huron League plaintiff round, but the Bucs suffered backto-back league playoff shutout losses to the leagueleaders – Grosse Ile and Milan. Riverview fell 3-0 to Milan and 5-0 to Grosse Ile. The Bucs had tied each the Big Reds and Red Devils earlier in the season. The squad bounced back on Sept. 26 with – what
The Gabriel Richard football team began the 2024 season with a hard-fought 15-10 victory over Montrose. Since then, the Pioneers have kind of been on cruise control, beating opponents by an average score 34-8.
Richard’s 29-8 victory over Detroit Loyola on September 27th improved the team’s league record to 2-0 and kept alive strong hopes of a berth in the Catholic League Championship at Ford Field later this season.
Richard’s other CHSL Intersectional 1 win came on September 19th when the Pioneers slapped around namesake Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 40-18. At one point in that game, Richard held a commanding 33-3 lead before the Irish scored a few late, meaningless touchdowns.
Richard faced off with league foe Grosse Pointe University Liggett on October 4th, a needed to win to set up an October 11th first-place showdown with Macomb Lutheran North. North and Richard are tied atop the league and the Mustangs faced Cranbrook on October 4th as they look to remain perfect ahead of their meeting with the Pioneers.
PAGE 9
Shaking
up wellness: Southgate Nutrition marks five years
On September 23rd, Southgate Nutrition proudly celebrated five years of serving the Downriver community with nutritious shakes and teas. Owners Lisa Craig and Kyrra Wojtuniecki and their team commemorated this milestone with a week-long celebration, featuring special shakes, teas, and local vendors, all designed to honor the loyal customers who have supported them throughout their journey.
When Lisa and Kyrra opened Southgate Nutrition, they identified a significant lapse in the community
for healthy, convenient choices. “We saw a huge gap in the Downriver community for nutritious and quick options,” Lisa shared, emphasizing their mission from day one.
Over the years, Southgate Nutrition has fostered a warm and welcoming environment, where customers are encouraged to explore and find products they love. The Southgate Nutrition team takes special care to help first-time visitors navigate the menu, ensuring they discover something that delights both their taste buds and their nutritional needs. Lisa expressed, “One of our goals is to have people walking out the door always feeling better than when they walked in!”
PAGE 9
Undefeated defending champs too much for Titans
So, with the 2024 Michigan High School Athletic Association football season just past its halfway point, it seems a good time to sit back and take stock in how the Southgate Anderson Titans are doing this year.
The Titans got clobbered 63-13 at home on Sept, 26 by the defending Downriver League champ, Cartlson. The Marauders are undefeated this season and came into the Southgate game winning their first four games by an averaged score of 46-7, so
while the loss likely felt bad to the Titans, in reality they are pretty much in the same boat as the rest of the Marauders’ opponents this year.
It’s also true that Southgate, which lost a 20-19 overtime heartbreaker at Allen Park in the second week of the season, has likely seen the two toughest league opponents it will this year
Carlson, meanwhile, has the toughest portion of its schedule ahead. The Marauders must still face unbeaten Allen Park, Woodhaven and Trenton, in addition to a resurgent Lincoln Park team which has won three of its five games this year.
There was not much to highlight about the Titans’ performance against Carlson. It was a very breezy night with the remnants of Hurricane Helene in the air, which took away some of Anderson’s vaunted passing attack, but even it the night had been calm, the Titans’ offense could not have kept up with the dominant, aggressive Carlson rushing attack that accounted for an astounding 518 yards. The Marauders had 651 yards worth of total offense.
The Marauders scored the first time they had the ball. It was 35-6 at halftime and the Gibraltar team kept pouring it on in the second half.
PAGE 12
Trojans finally find the winning path
After an opening two weeks of heartbreak, the Trenton football team cracked into the win column for the first time in 2024 with a 21-7 victory at Lincoln Park on Sept. 13.
The victory followed a one-point, opening-day loss to Southgate at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University and a three-point loss to Woodhaven a week later. The Trojans are 1-2 this season and all three of their games have been against
Downriver League opponents.
In the road win over Lincoln Park, Trenton got two rushing touchdowns from Drew Carson and another from bell cow running back Ashton Rooney and that was all the points the Trojans needed.
Trenton racked up 283 total yards on the game, all of it on the ground.
Rooney was the offensive leader with 157 yards on 18 carries. The smooth-running senior averaged nearly nine yards a carry and broke one for 48 yards. Leading scorer Carson added 55 yards on 14 carries, junior Brennan Gulliver had 30 rushing yards and a two-point conversion and Anthony Hawkins added 29 rushing yards.
The game was a close one with each team scoring one touchdown in the first half. The score was 7-all at halftime, but Trenton pitched a second-half shutout against the Railsplitters and scored a TD in each of the third and fourth quarters to pull away.
The week before the Trojans hosted their home opener and fell 24-21 to Woodhaven.
Woodhaven led 7-0 after the first period and the game was tied 14-all at half. Woodhaven then kicked its third-quarter field goal and the team traded touchdowns in the fourth.
PAGE 16
2024 “Save the Girls” final motorcycle charity run
The day was cold, cloudy, and blustery, but sixtythree hardy bikers and their riders came out for The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ 20th and final “Save the Girls” motorcycle rally. Motown Harley-Davidson in Taylor welcomed everyone to begin and end their ride at their dealership. A Wishbone chicken lunch was ready for them after
the outing.
The event concluded with several types of raffles: spin the prize wheel, 50/50, the grand prize, an outdoor fireplace donated by Linda Crisi, and a silent auction of several specialty items donated by local businesses and generous individuals.
The Soroptimists wish to extend gratitude to the volunteer reserve police and Motown H.O.G. Chapter who acted as escorts, as well as Motown Harley-Davidson for hosting this grand fundraiser. We would like to acknowledge our many sponsors: Sibley Gardens, Cathy Teifer, Michael Booth, Iron Bandogs LE/MC Central-The Roadhouse, Mercure Agency Insurance, Jackson, Snider, and Parker DDS, Arlene and Tracy Turner, Marty Evans, Nancy and John Colina, Kallas Restaurant Accounting, Splasher’s Auto Wash, Sharon Kelly, Chris Speedie, Linda Crisi, and an anonymous donor. Sincere appreciation goes to all the bikers and riders who rode to support the Soroptimists’ many charitable foundations. All proceeds of the ride will benefit the worthy causes of donating to and raising awareness of women’s health issues, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
PAGE 22
Artist unveils mural honoring community pillar, Gib Rose
If you walk along the bustling streets of Wyandotte and happen to pass the back side of River’s Edge Gallery, you’ll be greeted by a striking new mural. The mural, unveiled on August 29th, is a vibrant mix of bold colors and abstract patterns depicting a stoic Gilbert Rose standing front and center, framed by swirling colors and energetic brushstrokes surrounding him. His poised, nononsense expression, with his neatly combed white hair and glasses, is a beautiful contrast against the chaotic vibrancy of the background — a perfect representation of the man himself.
But who is the inspiration behind Jeremy Hansen’s colorful piece of art? If you asked anyone who knew Gib Rose, they’d tell you he was a man who left an unforgettable mark on his community. Owner of both Chelsea Menswear and Willow Tree Women’s Fashion, Gib was more than just a local business owner—he was a beloved mentor and a champion of Wyandotte, relentlessly bettering his city and those around him.
At the mural unveiling, friends, family, and community members gathered to honor the man who worked tirelessly to improve the city.
PAGE 6
