Office 248-844-8888 Cell 248-310-2514 Exterior Painting
We painted your neighborʻs house.
Christine Crawford, DC CFMP
7780 Macomb Street
Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Phone: 734-672-7121
ChristineCrawford.com
January 16 — February 14, 2025 • Gi-GrandNews.com
RITA COLE Agent
The greatest compliment you can give is a referral.
8146 Macomb St. Grosse Ile, MI 48138-1574
Bus: 734-675-6870
Fax: 734-675-0492
rita@ritacole.com
BY ASHLEI DANG
The power of community and charity comes alive in the unique efforts of Eagles for Children (EFC), a non-profit organization that combines the love of golf with the mission of uplifting disadvantaged children. Operating through private golf clubs, EFC uses a fresh and engaging program to raise funds for local children’s charities.
At the heart of this program is a simple yet inspirational concept: for every eagle scored during the golf season, participating members donate $2 or $5. Members scoring an eagle can contribute any amount they choose, but those who commit to donating $5 per eagle earn the honorary title of “Golden Eagle.”
With the involvement of 20 country clubs nationwide, EFC has raised over $7.5 million since its start in 2012.
Remarkably, every penny raised is distributed directly to children’s charities, a rare distinction among charitable organizations.
Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club (GIGCC) joined the EFC program in 2023, thanks to the efforts of Dan Welch, an EFC Ambassador, and the support of its board and members, such as Denny Levko. In just two years, GIGCC has made an
SEE EAGLES, Page 9
BY CHAR STELLINI GITS STEM TEACHER & ELEMENTARY HEAD ROBOTICS COACH
At the Fall ‘24 Regional Submerged FIRST LEGO League Challenge in Allen Park, Michigan, our 5thgrade GI G-Force robotics team from Meridian Elementary School achieved an impressive second-place finish in the Robot Design category. This accomplishment is a testament to their perseverance, creativity, and technical skills. As their coach, I have had the privilege of witnessing their creativity and teamwork truly make waves, setting them apart in the competition. The judges were captivated by the team’s engineering and coding expertise, creative problem-solving, and dynamic presentation skills. At the center of the challenge was a LEGO robot built to navigate a series of ocean-themed simulated game missions, such as returning a shark to its natural habitat and securing coral structures to help grow a reef nursery. Through the iterative design process, which involved creating a variety of models and conducting extensive testing, the students were able to select the most effective design and develop a strategy to optimize their performance in completing the challenge. With sustained testing, further modifications were made to ensure the robot performed at its peak potential, demonstrating both precision and versatility. Their ingenuity and expertise in both engineering and coding led them to a
well-deserved second-place finish.
Simultaneously, our team developed a LEGO representation of the ocean’s layers and a submarine prototype designed to assist oceanographers in retrieving artifacts from the abyssal zone, the deepest and most challenging part of the ocean to explore. The model submarine was engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of this remote underwater world, incorporating a variety of carefully designed safety features to ensure successful operations. A robotic claw was a critical component of the design to facilitate the recovery of valuable historical and scientific artifacts, which could provide crucial data for environmental and archaeological studies. The team engaged in extensive research to select the top-performing materials, followed by a series of water trials to confirm that the submarine functioned as intended and to allow for further refinement.
It was not just their technical skills that impressed the judges; it was their embodiment of core values such as inclusion and teamwork as well as their ongoing display of gracious professionalism that truly stood out. Throughout the competition, every team member was encouraged to contribute their ideas and support one another. This collaborative and supportive spirit left a lasting impression on the judges. They were particularly impressed by the students’ ability to create a dynamic solution for the innovation project, demonstrating both creativity and the inclusion of all
team members.
Our team was generously supported by the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation Kristen A. Connors Endowment. This support provided the essential materials, equipment, and technology that enabled us to bring our ambitious project to life, giving our students the tools they needed to tackle such a complex challenge. We are deeply grateful for the support, which has not only inspired but also empowered the next generation of innovators in our community. This partnership has made a lasting impact on our efforts, allowing us to make a meaningful difference and enhancing our continued growth and success.
An important aspect in our achievement was the generous mentorship provided by Jamieson and Katie Cihak, along with Assistant Coach Andrew Johnson. Their guidance, encouragement, and expertise were invaluable to the team. They not only helped refine the students’ technical skills but also fostered a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone was able to thrive. We are sincerely grateful for their contributions, which empowered the students to demonstrate exceptional creativity and teamwork.
GI G-Force’s commendable performance at the competition highlights the power of creativity, collaboration, and dedication. With the continued support of our community and mentors, I know these young innovators are well on their
way to future success in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Their ability to combine technical excellence with the core values of teamwork and inclusion sets them apart as leaders, motivating others to follow in their footsteps. This notable achievement not only celebrates the hard work of our students but also highlights the impact of community support and mentorship in shaping the next generation of STEM leaders. As we look to the future, I have no doubt these students will continue to innovate, inspire, and make waves.
BY ASHLEI DANG
For over 40 years, the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union has been spreading holiday joy with its beloved Santa Photo Event, featuring the same jolly Santa who has now delighted generations of families.
The event, which was completely free and open to both credit union members and non-members, provided a heartwarming holiday experience. Children had the opportunity to meet Santa, share their Christmas wish lists, and receive a beautiful printed photo of their visit in a festive holiday photo mount. Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, the children also received a gift bag filled with goodies such as jumbo coloring books, crayons, and candy canes courtesy of the credit union.
This year’s event had an extra dose of holiday magic: DCFCU’s team went above and beyond by purchasing 175 toys to distribute during the event. Samantha Rakestraw, Marketing Specialist and the organizer of this year’s festivities, shared the team’s experience shopping for the toys: “We received a lot of strange looks from shoppers as we navigated the aisles with our three carts overflowing with toys. Even the cashier, when he found out what we were doing, brought his family out to see Santa!”
After their visit with Santa, children got to choose a special toy from Santa’s sack in addition to their gift bag, making the moment even more memorable.
Parents weren’t left out of the festivities either. Each received a complimentary 2025 Downriver Community Calendar, featuring stunning local scenes from the Downriver area as well as Wayne and Monroe counties. Held during the first week of December, the event drew over 150 children over two days this year.
“As part of Downriver Credit Union’s commitment to supporting our community, it’s a joy to see the smiles on the faces of children as they visit Santa and receive toys,” said Robert LaPalme, President and CEO of Downriver Credit Union. “Giving back during the holiday season is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do here.”
With decades of tradition and a mission to give back, the Santa Photo Event continues to be a cherished holiday highlight for families across Downriver, spreading joy and holiday spirit to all.
The Michigan Lacrosse Officials Association (MichLOA) is proud to announce Grosse Ile High School as the recipient of the 2024 MichLOA Sportsmanship Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the boy’s high school lacrosse program that exemplifies the highest standards of sportsmanship, fairness, and character during the season.
While the pressure to succeed can be intense, the association believes that the desire to win should never come at the expense of integrity and respect. Good sportsmanship is the cornerstone of the game, yet it often goes unrecognized.
For 2024, Grosse Ile High School has set itself apart by demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the values of fairness, respect, and teamwork.
“This award is not just about wins or losses,” said Coach Greg Meyring, “it’s about honoring a game that upholds the principles the make lacrosse more than just a game. Grosse Ile High School has shown us all what true sportsmanship looks like.”
MichLOA extends its gratitude to the players, coaches, and everyone involved with the Grosse Ile boy’s lacrosse program for their dedication to creating a positive and respectful environment. Your efforts have set a standard for others to follow and are a testament to the best qualities of the sport.
Congratulations to Coach Meyring and the following 2024 team members: Nolan Barron, Joshua Berwald, Zachary Berwald, Christopher Budziak, Marino Concessi, Aaron DeAngelis, Jack Fellwock, Garrett Floyd, Keegan Flynn, Michael Gall, Christos Gargasoulas, Brody Hoover, Henry Johnson, Kayden Johnson, Brenden Kapala, Cole Kasiborski, Brock Marlatt, Brody Marlatt, Andrew Matzo, Jake Mendoza, Ian Miller, Brendan Pace, Carson Pace, Andrew Podczervinski, Hunter Podczervinski, Evan Raithal, Aaron Stachak, Rocco Stoney, Gavin Swan, Wyatt Thompson, Daniel Vecchioni, and Anderson Young.
This special Christmas Kitty, Opal, is pictured patiently waiting to open all of her presents from Santa Paws! How many toy mice do you think she got?
It is obvious that Bob Arzadon of Trenton spoils his favorite feline!
Does she know she’s cute? Sure does! Willow will be turning 2 on January 26th! She’s ready to celebrate!! She thinks she needs a frozen blueberry every time she potties outside and follows Mom EVERYWHERE she goes, but her owners, the Santiago’s, wouldn’t change a thing.
Would you like to see your pet become “Downriver Famous” in our Go Big Multi-Media empire?
Send a photo and a blurb to Sherry@ gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest.
Continued from page 1
extraordinary impact, raising over $57,000 and allocating funds to local charities that make a tangible difference in the lives of children.
In 2024, GIGCC recorded 36 eagles and donated $30,000 to six Downriver charities:
• Penrickton Center for the Blind
• Downriver Guidance Center
• Golf Association of Michigan (Children’s Fund)
• Mimi’s Mission
• St. Vincent Pallotti (Cookie Project)
• Families Against Narcotics
For GIGCC members, the annual EFC Awards Ceremony in Southfield is a standout experience. The event showcases the collective impact of EFC, with 190 charities receiving $1.37 million in 2024 alone. Attendees hear firsthand accounts from charity representatives about how these funds have transformed the lives of children. According to Denny Levko, “It’s impossible not to be moved when you see the gratitude and hear the stories of lives changed by these donations.”
EFC’s influence extends far beyond the fairways. Each participating country club selects the charities they wish to support, ensuring that funds address
the specific needs of their community. For example, Mimi’s Mission used its 2024 donation to fund sensory-friendly outings for young adults, benefiting over 1,000 individuals.
“Mimi’s Mission was very fortunate to be a 2024 recipient of the Eagles for Children organization,” shared Lisa Viella, the President of the organization. “The awarded donation will go to outings such as a bowling day, a sensory-friendly movie, and a day of mini-golf and go-karts. It’s a great honor to receive these donations that will help so many.”
GIGCC’s committee, led by dedicated members like Doug and Cathy Booker, Dave Weidenbach,
and Brian Bartholomew, with help from Carol Machuga and Clair Waters from the front office, aims to increase donations in 2025, setting a goal of $40,000. With 83% of GIGCC’s membership participating, there is hope that even more members will be inspired by the program’s mission and contribute to this remarkable cause.
Eagles for Children continues to prove that small actions, like scoring an eagle on the golf course, can lead to huge changes in the lives of children. With every eagle recorded, gratitude fills the air, and hope shines even brighter, so let’s get those golf balls flying!
For more information on Eagles for Children, visit their website: eaglesforchildren.org
The girls basketball teams from Grosse Ile and Carlson opened the 2025 portion of their season on January 6th when they met on the court at Grosse Ile High School.
The teams had been away from live action since before Christmas and it showed. Each team showed considerable rust on the offensive end of the court, but Carlson was able to shake off enough of the rust to earn a 44-33 victory,
Grosse Ile came out and grabbed a 6-3 lead early in the game, but Carlson’s pressure defense stopped the Red Devils cold and they did not score another point in the quarter. It was 8-6 at the end of the first.
Grosse Ile’s offensive woes continued for much of the second quarter as Carlson –sputtering offense and all – managed a few buckets and moved out to a 15-6 advantage.
But Grosse Ile suddenly sprang to life and scored on its final three possessions of the half and went into the locker room trailing just 1712.
Grosse Ile started the second half playing its best basketball of the night. The Devils notched the first three points of the half and drew to within 17-15. Grosse Ile then had two chances to tie the game, but two missed free throws and a missed lay-up stalled the comeback.
Carlson scored on back-to-back possessions and it quickly settled back down into a 5-6 point-type of game. Carlson outscored Grosse Ile 10-9 in the third quarter and carried a 27-21 lead into the fourth.
The final turning point in the game came midway through the final quarter.
Hanging onto a four-point lead, Carlson –whose three-point shooting had been atrocious to that point – came down and scored threepoint shots on three straight possessions, sending its lead from 29-25 to 38-27 and the writing was on the wall.
Mallory Botton led the Devils in scoring with 10 points, Lorelei Troeger had eight points, and Aubree Korody had seven.
The loss halted a modest two-game winning streak the Red Devil had built just before the holiday break.
After dropping their first four games of the new season, Grosse Ile bounced back to beat Huron League rival Monroe Jefferson 52-46 on
2025 Schedule
Jan. 13 Airport
Jan. 15 at Milan
Jan. 21 Dundee
Jan. 23 Monroe SMCC
Jan. 27 at Huron
Jan. 31 Riverview
Feb. 3 Jefferson
Feb. 6 Flat Rock
Feb. 10 at Airport
Feb. 13 Milan
Feb, 17 at Monroe SMCC
Feb. 20 Summerfield
Feb. 25 Cabrini
March 3-6 Districts
December 16th and neighboring non-league Gabriel Richard 46-33 on December 19th. Those games were Grosse Ile’s highest scoring games of the year.
In addition to losing to Carlson, Grosse Ile has posted losses against Roosevelt, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Huron, and Riverview.
Grosse Ile returns to the home court January 13th to face Carleton Airport. On January 15th, the Red Devils hit the road for a game at Milan.
At the end of the regular season the Red Devils will head off into a new and unusual district to begin the state tournament. While Huron League teams Jefferson, Airport, Flat Rock, and Huron are all headed to the Division 2 district hosted by Huron High School, Grosse Ile is being sent north and will play in the district at Dearborn Heights Annapolis. Also at Annapolis will be the host school, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Romulus, and Summit Academy.
2024-25 Roster
1
Ava Deakin, so
3 Avery Dilsizian, sr
4 Sophia Kronell, sr
5 Ella Gatti, jr
10 Alexandra Stephan, sr
11 Mallory Botton, jr
12 Olivia Zuccaro, jr
13 Kylee Wright, sr
15 Aubree Korody, jr
21 Abrielle Kulik-Heim, sr
22 Katherine Gilroy, sr
23 Payton Harp. jr
24 Lorolei Troeger, jr
25 Monica Arndt, jr
The Grosse Ile hockey team has been scorching the competition this season.
The Red Devils moved to 13-1 on the year with a 10-4 domination of archrival Riverview on January 8th.
Grosse Ile actually led 2-0 and 5-3 in that game, but Carlson scored four unanswered goals in the third period to post the victory. The Marauders, who are 9-3 this season, will face off against the Red Devils again on February 4th with the Islanders looking for a little redemption and revenge.
The Devils, who finished the 2024 portion of the campaign with an 11-1 record, started 2025 right with smashing victories against Woodhaven and Riverview.
On January 7th, the coach Jason Durbin’s Red Devils smashed Woodhaven 8-2 and one night later Riverview-Cabrini fell 10-4.
The win over Woodhaven was a real team effort as seven different players scored and 11 had at least a goal of an assist. Evan Raithel had two goals to lead the way. Colton Dwarzski, Xavier Donoghue, Jake Oliver, Max Myers, Adalar Hovis, and Mike Soave had the other Grosse Ile goals. It was a four-point night for Hovis, who had three assists and a three-point night for Oliver, who had two helpers.
The game against Riverview was surprisingly close as the Bucs stayed with the Red Devils for the entire first period.
It was 4-4 after one period, but the Devils ran away with it in periods two and three.
Oliver was the lynchpin for the winning team as he scored an amazing six times. He also assisted on two other goals and finished the night with eight points.
Dwarzski had a goal and four assists for five points and Myers had five assists.
Also netting goals for the league-leading Grosse Ile team were Hovis, Raithel, and Mike Olenchak. Grosse Ile peppered the Riverview cage with 55 shots and 10 of them found their mark.
Some of Grosse Ile’s victims this year like Huron, Woodhaven, and Riverview, are not very strong this year, but the Devils have beaten good teams, too. Among them are Dearborn Divine Child, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, Ann Arbor Pioneer, and Gaylord.
The Red Devils will go to Ann Arbor for a rematch with Pioneers on January 17th and they will host Downriver Unified (Southgate) on January 18th before heading off to the Chelsea Showcase on January 24th-25th where they will face Marysville and Chelsea.
ead ce t gs your neighbors had to say about us in their 5-Star Google reviews!
Didn’t the Inflation Reduction Act lower the cost of our drugs? While the IRA provides relief for some, most carriers adjusted formularies, copays, coinsurance and deductibles. This may lead to a huge pharmacy bill!
If you missed your chance to review your plan with us during the annual enrollment period, we may still be able to help.
See us Monday to Friday 11am to 5pm
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!
She sees the beauty in all things, and expresses it through her art. She draws on her love of nature in its finest details and magnificent glory. She displayed an artistic talent early on, and balances it with multiple passions.
These are just some of the accolades given to Grosse Ile resident, Hayden Kobiljak as she recently unveiled a multiple panel mural at Grosse Ile High School, created to honor of “the love that my family and I have for nature conservancy and national parks throughout the United States.”
The eight paneled polyptych depicts colorful, vivid images of scenes from Isle Royale, the Redwood National Forest, Sequoia National Park, Weeping Rock at Zion National Park, Yosemite Valley Vista, Crater Lake at Yellowstone, Sunset in the Shenandoah Valley, and Katmai National Park and Preserve.
What’s even more remarkable is that the exquisite works are acrylics painted on wooden surfaces, a technique begun in the First Century, A.D. through the 16th Century Renaissance, and obviously still used today.
Kobiljak explains the process behind the panels, “The technique I used started from a computer. I have always liked color-blocking and vectorization. While doing that on my computer, I had the idea to do it with pictures of places that mean a lot to me. I chose the image, vectorized it, picked the number of colors I wanted to use (all have six except Redwood which has three), and went in and changed or added colors where I thought were needed to enhance the image. I then painted the image freehand on the corresponding board. I enjoyed using that technique and still do because it mirrors the organic style of everything in nature.”
“In total, it took about seven months to complete. For example, Sequoia and Isle Royale took the longest because of the intricacy of the water or trees in one or the other. Redwood took a shorter amount of time because it was one of my favorites to paint and
it had the least amount of colors.”
She continues, “I had the honor of displaying my other pieces of art at the Art & All That Jazz show this summer at Birchwood Farms in Harbor Springs. Through this art show, I had multiple people commission me for birthday and Christmas presents—I had to complete eleven before Christmas!”
Balancing her passion for art, with her studies as a full time college student, and her continued quest for tennis greatness— she was an all-State player who also played collegiately at Hope College, makes Hayden Kobiljak a busy young
lady. But, it also adds to the depth of her work.
“My creative process comes from wherever I find inspiration. Once I find it, and have established what I want to do, I move as freely as possible to let the image and idea come out in the best way it can. Once it’s completed, I look to make sure it’s something I would want others
to love. That is what made the eight piece mural such an inspiration to me.”
“Any way I can showcase how beautiful our Earth is, while instilling the importance of the National Parks and conservation will always be the leading factor in the art I have created.”
BY BILL STEVENSON
On December 19th, 2024, a capacity crowd packed the Joseph P. Berkey post of the VFW to witness the induction of five new Eagle Scouts from Grosse Ile Troop 1261. The Court of Honor ceremony awarded the Boy Scouts’ highest rank to Vincenzo Bonomo, Mitchell Caldwell, Nino Dioso, Cole Gilbert, and Griffin Wilcox.
Each of the young men completed all the requirements of the esteemed achievement by moving through the ranks of Scouting and “demonstrating Scout spirit by living the Scout oath and Scout law.” They have been active in their troop for more than six months as a Life Scout, having earned a total of 21 merit badges (10 more than a Life Scout) including Personal Fitness, Citizenship in the Community, and First Aid.
Additionally, they demonstrated leadership responsibility throughout their scouting careers, and gave back to the community through their Eagle
Scout service project. From planning, development, raising funds, and successful execution of their service project involving other community assets, all five of the newest Eagle Scouts have helped make their community a better place to live.
The service projects were as follows. Vincenzo Bonomo built a wildlife observation deck on
Open Space property overlooking the Thorofare Canal. Cole Gilbert completed a kiosk and interpretive signs for native trees in the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy’s Bruce Jones Preserve. Griffin Wilcox constructed a Detroit River observation platform in the Jones Preserve. Mitchell Caldwell installed a bike repair stand with bench and
seating area near the West Road parking lot, adjacent to the Martenson Funeral Home in Trenton. Nino Dioso completed a habitat restoration project at the GINLC’s Hennepin Marsh by planting more than fifty native plants and shrubs in transforming the landscape.
Kudos also go to the adult leaders of Troop 1261: Bryan Mahon, Scoutmaster; Tony Dioso, Assistant Scoutmaster; Patrick Quinlan, Assistant Scoutmaster; Y-Chia Schmaeman, Committee Chairperson; Becki Dioso, Advancement Coordinator; Nikki Bonomo, Membership Coordinator; and James Bonomo, Treasurer.
As families and friends exited the ceremony, a local resident overheard, summed it up best, “This restores my faith in the future and represents ‘what’s right with America’s kids today.’”
Congratulations, Eagle Scouts!
