Grosse Ile Grand, January 17 – February 9, 2023

STEVENSON

Newly elected representative to the Michigan legislature, Jaime Churches was ceremonially sworn-in during a Dec. 21 gathering at the Meridian Elementary School gymnasium.

A sizable crowd of family, friends, and local dignitaries were on hand to witness the event and show their continued support.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel performed the ceremony for the local teacher duly elected to the Michigan House of Representatives (D-27th District),

Meridian Elementary Principal Nicole Garza welcomed the crowd, and praised Churches saying, “Jaime Churches is an outstanding teacher, known for her dedication to her students, her ability to rise to the toughest challenges, and her passion for teaching and learning. We will truly miss her here at Meridian, but know that she will be a strong voice in Lansing, working with all sides to get the

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SWORN

Veteran teacher Nadia Khan will take over Churches’ classes until the end of the school year.

job done. We are thankful that we have been a part of her dream.”

Churches’ fifth-grade students read short speeches encouraging their teacher to continue to “do great things.”

Besides words of thanks and encouragement, students commented: “You were always there for us. . . . You’re the best teacher I’ve had so far. . . You and I share something in common—beautiful long hair. . . Could you please fix the roads? . . . I liked knocking on doors for you, and the slushies we had at the end of the day. . . You always had the best shoes.”

Before the swearing in ceremony, Attorney General Dana Nessel joked that as an experienced elementary teacher, Jaime Churches is highly qualified to work with the members of the Michigan legislature.

“All kidding aside,” said Nessel, “when I look at my own state representative and state senator, they’re both former teachers. Teachers make great legislators. I am very proud that Jaime was elected, both as a woman and great teacher to the Michigan House of Representatives and know that she will be successful as she has been in her career.”

And, at that Nessel delivered the oath, repeated by Jaime Churches:

“I do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Representative to the Michigan Legislature, according to the best of my ability. So help me, God.”

Then Representative Churches took the stage and said, “I want to thank all my family, friends, and supporters. It’s fitting that this ceremony was here in the place that I love.

I will miss my students and colleagues, but I’ve always cared about politics and making things better.

“My whole idea of running for

the state legislature grew out of an assignment I gave to my students. I asked them to write down three dreams that they had for their lives. I joined them in writing down my three dreams. My number one was to become a state representative.

“I wanted to have a bigger impact and go to Lansing to work for lasting, positive change for all families.”

Jaime Churches represents the newly drawn 27th Michigan House district. She is replacing Representative Darrin Camilleri, who was term-limited, and was elected to the Michigan 4th Senate district, serving Grosse Ile, southern Downriver and western Wayne County.

Pen’ contest

Joshua Berwald, an eighth-grader at Grosse Ile Middle School, has pledged to “show gratitude and honor” military veterans who fought for the U.S. military.

Berwald’s essay, “My Pledge to Our Veterans,” took third place in the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Fourth District Patriots Pen competition. He earned $100 and a trophy for his efforts.

The essay quotes former presidents John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln about the importance of respecting members of the military – and Berwald agrees, saying “I pledge to respect and honor those brave men and women who have returned home valiantly from battle, and to not disrespect a veteran, especially not our fallen heroes. It is vitally important for us to honor our veterans for the simple reason that they risked their lives just to protect us. Because of them, we are safe at home and can continue to live the life we want to live.”

The 13-year-old son of Heather and Kevin Berwald of Grosse Ile wrote the essay last October for submission to the annual VFW contest under the direction of English teacher Kimberly Linton. His sponsor was Grosse Ile VFW Post 7310.

There were three prize recipients on the Wayne County level. Only Sydney Christie, a seventh-

grader at Inter-City Baptist in Allen Park, and Amelia Doshoian, an eighth-grader at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton, finished ahead of Josh.

“It was a wonderful experience,” said his mother Heather. “The VFW did a wonderful job of celebrating veterans and kids.”

Students received the essay-writing assignment in English class. Three winners from the middle school were recognized at a Grosse Ile Board of Education meeting and by the Grosse Ile VFW. Finalists, including Josh, were invited to the awards banquet

on Jan. 7 in Southgate.

“Josh is a bright, kind-hearted young man,” Heather said. “We are very proud of him.”

Josh is a member of Boy Scout Troop 1261, the youth group at Christ the Way Church and Math Club at school. His mother said he enjoys cooking, baking, playing piano and saxophone, scuba diving, boating, swimming, football and wrestling.

Josh’s family has a military history. His great grandfather, Sam Snider, was in World War II. His grandfather, Gary Ogden, was in the Vietnam War.

DAVE GORGON

Josh Berwald accepting Patriot’s Pen honors from Fourth District officials with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary.

Remembering Dr. Bettie Kay McGowan

JOHN HARTIG

On October 4, 2022, Dr. Bettie Kay McGowan passed away at the age of 79 after an amazing life of advocacy for human rights, academic scholarship, and generosity and kindness to all.

Kay and her twin sister –Fay Givens – were born in Ripley, Mississippi in 1942 to Francis Jewell Lockhart and Herman H. Givens. The family, including the twins’ older sister Mary Murphy, moved north to Detroit in her childhood.

Kay was an American Indian of Choctaw/Cherokee heritage and a social activist her entire life.

Early in her career she worked as a lobbyist for the poor, helped found the Michigan Citizens Lobby which successfully repealed the sales tax on groceries and medicine in Michigan, helped pass generic drug and auto repair legislation, helped establish the Friend of the Court Reform Act, and championed other pivotal initiatives. She cofounded First Step in 1981, a domestic violence shelter in southeast Michigan, and tirelessly advocated for the underrepresented.

While raising five children, Kay obtained her doctorate in anthropology from Wayne State University in 1994. She later taught courses in anthropology, native studies, and women’s studies at the University of Toledo, Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, and Marygrove College for two decades.

In 1995, Kay was a delegate to the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.

In the late 1990s, Kay and her sister Fay were involved in the Downriver fight to save Humbug Marsh – the last mile

of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River.

They provided a critical Native voice on how the First Peoples long recognized Humbug Marsh as sacred grounds and called on all to protect these lands and waters where Council Ring ceremonies were held.

She then wrote a “Native American History of the International Wildlife Refuge” in 2004 to help guide future education, outreach, and stewardship efforts of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Kay also served as vice-chair of the National Indian Youth Council in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Kay and her sister Fay represented American Indians at the United Nations over a 10-year span, resulting in a United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Their advocacy work focused, in part, on water as

a human right. In 2008, Kay addressed the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Clearly, Kay and Fay made an impact on a national and international level.

In 2010, Kay and Fay –longtime director of American Indian Services in Lincoln Park, Michigan – produced a documentary film titled Indian School: A Survivor’s Story that detailed some of

the many cases of abuse in American Indian Boarding Schools in the United States. This documentary arose from a talking circle of survivors at American Indian Services.

Kay was also an accomplished writer who loved to share her knowledge.

For example, she contributed a chapter on Native Americans and the river to a book titled Honoring Our Detroit River,

Caring for Our Home (2003), contributed an essay to the book Make a Beautiful Way: The Wisdom of Native American Women (2008), and most recently contributed a chapter on First Peoples of the river to the book titled Rouge River Revived: How People are Bringing Their River Back to Life (2022).

Kay received numerous awards, including being inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame in 2009. She is survived by her children, Thomas Campbell (Ronda), Patrick Campbell (Dawn), Katie McGowan (Goran), Dan McGowan (Anne), and Michael McGowan (Andrea), her grandchildren, Steve, Leo, Mary, Owen, Liam, Nika, and Bruce, and her sisters, nieces, and nephews. Kay’s love, kindness, and generosity will live on in her family and all who were privileged to work with her and call her a friend.

Hello. Meet Kirbee! He is our 1.5 year old Australian Shepherd/Poodle Mix. He was adopted as a pup from the Woodhaven shelter. Now he resides with his human parents & three brothers in Grosse Ile. He loves walking the trails & is the biggest sweetheart!

Harlei is our new fur baby. She comes from Erie, PA and currently resides in Grosse Ile, MI

Award-winning, one-person drama to benefit Historical Society

Downriver theater goers will have an opportunity to attend the awardwinning Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, a poignant onewoman play written and performed by Michigan author Breeda Kelly Miller, at the Trenton Village Theater on Sunday, Feb. 5, 7 pm.

In doing so, not only will they be immersed in an historical drama, but will be helping to benefit the Grosse Ile Historical Society.

According to a performance advance delivered by Historical Society President Karin Cozzi and past president Tony Krukowski, “Michigan author Breeda Kelly Miller has created a live love letter to her late mother in her new one-woman play, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, a touching theatrical tribute in which Miller portrays her mom, Mary Kelly, through Mrs. Kelly’s immigration from Ireland to America, matriarchal role raising her family, and struggle with dementia late in life.

“Named winner of the Wilde Award for the best one-person show of 202122 by EncoreMichigan, Michigan’s leading theater news organization, ‘Breeda Kelly Miller brings to life a funny and often profound look at

her mother’s journey from her native Ireland through the end of her life, charting the type of experiences felt by generations of immigrants and adults caring for their aged parents.

“This is a theatrical memoir filled with humor and poignant moments, with Breeda performing each role, introducing us to her parents, their families, and friends. Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home will keep audiences riveted from the opening line to the closing blessing. It is a moving, joyous exploration of love, roots, and family.’

“After caring for her mother for six years until her death in 2011, Miller became a nationally known speaker, raising awareness and supporting the importance of self-care for caregivers.

She is the author of the book, The Caregiver Coffeebreak, a skilled storyteller whose ‘Ticket to Heaven’ tale was on NPR’s ‘The Moth Radio Hour’.”

Directed by Brian Cox, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home will make its Downriver premiere at the Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson, Trenton.

General admission tickets are $25 and VIP seating at $40 can be purchased online at Eventbrite or by calling 734-675-1250.

BILL STEVENSON

Claus took some time to plan a few visits into his busy schedule to the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club this holiday season. On Dec. 3 Santa joined our members for a Santa dinner with a reappearance the next morning for our annual Santa Brunch. Kids were able to let Santa know what they wanted for Christmas while also being able to leave him a letter in which Santa responded to. This year Santa brought with him his sleigh which was used for our Santa dinner, brunch, and Club Christmas party. Santa’s village had a display of the elves checking on the naughty and nice list to make sure the gifts were being loaded onto the sleigh. The other side of the village displayed some of Santa’s reindeer gearing up for their trip for Christmas Eve. At our Club Christmas Party, Santa made sure to pay a visit to our members as they enjoyed the club festivities. Santa ended his last trip to the Club by making sure that members got a chance to take pictures with him outside of the club in his sleigh. Santa brought lots of Christmas cheer to not only the kids, but our members, and even some pets. Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club wishes everyone a Happy Holiday Season and healthy New Year!

Township receives grant for Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades

Funding anticipated to reduce Township taxpayer’s contribution

During the August 2022 primary election, Grosse Ile Residents were asked by the Township to pass a millage to finance improvements to the Township’s Wastewater Treatment Plant.

These upgrades, which were mandated by the State of Michigan, were estimated to cost approximately $10,000,000. To finance this project, a request to levy .95 mills ($.95 per $1,000 of taxable value of a property) for 20 years was placed before the voters. Ultimately, this millage passed by almost a two- toone margin.

During the financial planning for this project, affordability was a high

priority in both the millage design but also the project timing and scope. Residents were told that regardless of an affirmative vote, the Township would continue to pursue alternative sources of funding for these mandated improvements.

To satisfy this edict, a variety of efforts were undertaken by the Township to seek alternative financing to help support this project.

One of these efforts was an application to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for a federal grant. Specifically, this application was for a federal appropriation to be earmarked for this specific project. This application required the development and submittal of numerous

engineering, budgeting, and regulatory information to justify the project.

In addition, supporting statements from the Grosse Ile Township Board, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and our 23rd District House Representative, Mr. Darrin Camilleri were necessary. This application was passed to the Township’s Federal Representative, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. The Congresswoman steered the Township’s application through the required federal appropriations processes to ultimately secure $3,452,972 for our community.

The significance of these funds cannot be understated

as this federal allocation has a direct impact on your tax bill.

The August ballot initiative authorized funding for the entire project, anticipating a bond of $10,000,000. The award of these dollars means that the Township can use these funds to help offset the project cost by $3,452,972.

Because the project now requires a smaller bond to be taken out by the Township, a smaller millage amount that previously anticipated can be levied. A smaller millage amount means Grosse Ile taxpayers will pay less than previously anticipated.

The total discount resulting from this federal allocation will be dependent on a number of factors that

have yet to be determined (total actual project cost, etc.) but residents can rest assured the Township will work to maximize the millage discount.

Once completed, the upgrades to our plant will assist to minimize the risk of partially treated sanitary sewer discharges. These discharges occur directly into Detroit River and Lake Erie and impact the bodies of water that we all use to provide clean drinking water, boat, swim, and recreate in. Fortunately, these upgrades and compliance with State mandates have been made a little more affordable for the average homeowner due to the allocations recently received.

Oddfellow Concert Lounge to feature local performers

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge is a not for profit / fundraising music venue brought to you by The Downriver Council for the Arts and the charity ‘Be Well My Friends’. The purpose of the venue is to cultivate local original music.

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge is a very cool and unique room in Wyandotte.

Imagine your band on the stage performing for hundreds of live music fans. The venue is booking now for 2023 dates. Visit our Facebook page and send us a message.

The plan is to have concerts featuring area acts on the last Saturday of each month throughout 2023. Organizers expect to feature four bands at each concert.

Concerts begin January 28.

The Oddfellow Concert Lounge is located inside The Downriver Council for the Arts building located at 81 Chestnut in Wyandotte.

Come and see Ray Street Park, along with three special guests at the initial show on Saturday, Jan 28.

Proceeds raised from bar sales will go to Be Well My Friends and donated to varying people, organizations and charities in Downriver. Be Well My Friends is the charity behind the popular annual Zombie Pub Crawl through the streets of Wyandotte each fall.

The venue is a non-profit venture where all the bar sales go to Be Well My Friends and the cover goes to the bands! The cost is $10 at the door; cash, credit and Venmo.

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Credit Union receives approval for charter expansion

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union was granted approval by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to expand its charter, and therefore its fieldof-membership, to include those individuals who live, work, worship, or go to school in any part of Wayne or Monroe Counties.

“We are excited about the opportunity that this expansion brings,” says Robert LaPalme, Downriver CU’s President and CEO, “and our whole team is eager to serve the individuals and businesses in both counties in the Downriver Detroit region.

“A federally-chartered credit union has a field-of-membership that is limited to specific persons, organizations, and other entities. Under Downriver CU’s previous field-ofmembership, individuals and businesses who were not located directly within one of the specific 18 cities outlined in the Credit Union’s charter were unable to join.

“Under our previous field-of-

membership, many of our friends and family members who live in adjacent communities did not have the opportunity to utilize the full range of financial services that the Credit Union could provide,” LaPalme explains, “so this not only allows us to expand into new areas, but also makes the account opening process less complicated for those who would like to join. This action is directly tied to fulfilling our mission of ‘providing simple access to resources that help our members accomplish great things!’”

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution founded in 1942 and is owned and controlled by over 13,000 members with three office locations, including Ecorse, Southgate and Woodhaven.

Services are available to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Wayne or Monroe Counties. Businesses or other legal entities located in these counties can maintain accounts at the credit union, as well.

Downriver Community announces promotion of Karen Blade

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Blade to Branch Services Manager.

“This well-deserved promotion is a direct result of Karen’s demonstrated commitment and dedication to both our organization and to our members,” according to Robert LaPalme, Downriver CU’s President & CEO.

“Her passion for member service and many years of experience has strongly contributed to the success of the Credit Union, making her a natural choice as we continue to focus on providing simple access to financial services within our communities.”

Blade has been with Downriver CU for more than 40 years.

She started as a part-time clerk through the Student Co-Op Program while at

Ecorse Public High School. Over the years, she has moved up through several positions learning various aspects of retail banking.

Most recently, she held the position of Cash Leader, and was instrumental in the opening of the Credit Union’s Southgate office in 2020.

Blade has served for many years as the Financial Secretary of the United Steelworkers Local 2659 and holds a number of financial training certifications. In 2022, she added to her list of qualifications by completing The Dynamic Leader Program, a 7-month leadership program presented by Tom Borg Consulting, LLC.

She was born and raised in the Downriver area. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and has been an active member of the United Steelworker’s Women of Steel.

For more information about joining the Credit Union, please contact a Member Services Representative at (313) 3862200 or visit www.DownriverCU.com

Karen Blade

New staff member at the International Refuge

Hello, my name is Ryan Wulf. I was born and raised in Colorado. I am a new maintenance worker at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Much of my career has been in the maintenance field. I started my career at Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand Lake, Colorado, and even earlier as a helper for my dad as he was a general contractor. As a Maintenance worker, I look forward to and strive to have a safe, efficient and as convenient a workplace as possible.

Before moving to Michigan in September I spent time in my home state of Colorado after leaving my last post at Glacier Bay National Park in Gustavus, Alaska. I worked at Glacier Bay National Park for four seasons 2018-2021.

Some of my favorite things to experience were the stillness, exploring remote areas, and utilizing the resources nature provided to the largest extent I could.

When I am not at work most of the activities and things I enjoy take place outdoors. I love hunting, fishing, foraging and processing everything I harvest from nature. I am a recurve bow hunter, and love to take my kayak on fishing adventures.

In addition to outdoor recreation, music, food and comfort are my other main interests.

I play the bassoon, baritone sax, and aspire to practice my fiddle.

I thrive off trying new recipes, finding new flavors, and exploring different ingredients. It is the little things in life such as ice water, a warm blanket, a hot shower after a long day amongst other things that I cherish most.

This area is amazing, and I am very excited to join the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge team as a maintenance worker. I look forward to getting to know everyone and having some fun here in Michigan.

New store manager at Dingell Visitor Center

I’m Michelle Sorensen and I’m the new Store Manager at the Canvasback Nature Store inside the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center.

I’m a lifelong downriver resident and a recently retired teacher after 30 years in Trenton Public Schools.

If I’m not out on my bike or walking the trails all over Michigan, you will

most likely find me with a book in my hand, traveling, baking, or crosscountry skiing.

I’m excited to bring my love of learning and passion for the environment to the store. Stop in to say hello and see the great items we have in stock.

I hope to meet all of you soon!

Congra Draper

KimDraperHomes@gmail

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!

Neoliberalism is not a good thing

Folks, thank you to a lot of readers that took the time to express condolences and personal sadness about the loss of my parents to another dimensional realm we cannot see or sense at all.

No, I do not really think that. But, well, you know…. it feels really bad to me that I have lost the direct link to the past, for they were time machines whose general knowledge and wisdom dates to 1932 and 1935.

Think about it. Think about what was just about to change dramatically at that point in history.

When I began writing for Go Big (which meant the inaugural issue of The Grosse Ile Grand), my opportunity was to share what I knew about buying locally. This topic has been an obsession of mine long before that, but I thought I might reach a few more by taking Mr. Evans up on his request to write a monthly column.

I am going to repeat myself here, now, from prior writings.

I knew quite a bit about my topic then. But the truth is, through what I have learned since then, if I started today the columns would be very different.

The words below came to me today, from one of my hero organizations called The Institute of Local Self Reliance (ILSR). This was going to be what I addressed, but suddenly, serendipitously, I am better equipped to write.

Evidence is mounting that

“neoliberalism” — the paradigm that has long dominated policymaking and brought us runaway corporate consolidation and globalization — is losing its hold.

A recent conference hosted by Columbia Law School and the Financial Times, “Rethinking Globalization, Intermediation, and Efficiency,” gathered academics, journalists, and others to explore the elements of a new paradigm.

Creating strong local communities should be the guiding principle of a new approach, ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell argued as part of a panel discussion. “Community is a deeply held biological and spiritual need,” she noted. “Neoliberalism has actively demeaned and destroyed communities as self-conscious and self-governing places. It has stripped places of their economic and political power and rendered them subservient to distant entities,” namely powerful corporations.

These are ideas I strongly urge you to explore. The site Rethinking Globalization, Intermediation, and

Efficiency takes you to materials that explain a lot.

I was reading and learning from ILSR 5 ½ years ago as I started writing. (I’ll supply the written links: find them at the end of this column. Be like Peter: Subscribe to ILSR, support them, read their work, and piece it all together yourself!).

The name Neoliberalism was coined that way to counteract the words and support of those that seek to get all the money, no matter the cost to the bottom 95 percent of us here in America. They named it something clever by using the word Liberal in their name to fuzz it up just a little. But Neoliberalism serves in the same way that all doublespeak works. Lie relentlessly, blame the “liberals” and blame you for not being a good enough citizen, all the while shoveling as much money to the businesses that lobby Washington for advantageous bills (written by companies that seek more money and more power).

I am perpetually interested in conversation, especially when we are talking about things that we disagree with politically. If we don’t understand each other, we all remain just “assholes on the other side.”

Precisely as it is, and precisely as it has been designed to do: Divide and conquer the American people, see what awaits you.

We do that in part by diminishing the communities of towns everywhere across the nation. By getting people to not pay attention to what malls, big boxes, and internet sites actually are. They are all efforts by “big money” to move wealth and influence away from

towns that serve each community.

It is by design. A 50-year plan.

It is brilliant, it is evil.

There are no companies within our readership here that play any role in this plan. There are no people that benefit from such actions and schemes. Yet local people towards the upper income tiers have been taught to perceive people like me as Socialists, as people that weaken the resolve of those that want to believe that somehow, this path that has been laid upon us will result in staggering wealth for all. Less taxes for the wealthy, more taxes for the masses (the 95 percent of us, of which my debaters all belong.

When we bash anything that talks about paying more in taxes as redistributive against the industries that lobby so hard to maintain the redistributive policies that have already been levied against small for the sake of “big”, we are deliberately calling for what we’re getting.

My company prevailed against these alien invaders. We’re still here. Most failed, to be replaced by corporate versions that send as much money as possible to shareholders and executives elsewhere.

We’ve seen firsthand on the battlefield that killed thousands of smaller local companies that once served their communities.

More light to shed next month. Here are your links. Sorry you have to type them in!

Written article: ilsr.org/communityis-central/

Podcast: ilsr.org/blp-shifting-theparadigm/

PETER ROSE

Grosse Ile skaters enjoying a banner year

It has been a great first half of the season for the Grosse Ile hockey team.

Coach Jason Durbin’s squad reached double-digits in wins on Jan. 4 with a 7-3 decision over Bedford and they sit atop the Metro League West Division standings.

Through the first 10 days of the new year, Grosse ile found itself with an 11-2 record and wins over numerous local teams, including Allen Park, Dearborn Divine Child, Wyandotte and Riverview.

Both of Grosse Ile’s losses, however, have come against Carlson. The most recent a 5-3 setback in the finals of the Woodhaven Tournament on Jan. 7. Back in late November, the Marauders had beaten the Devils 4-2.

In the finals of the Woodhaven Tournament, it was a 3-3 game heading into the final period, but the Marauders scored twice in the third to post the win and claim the big trophy.

Grosse Ile got goals from Travis Symons, Mark Roman and Gavin Worlsey in that game. Tate Hubler had two assists.

Prior to that loss, Grosse Ile had won nine games in a row, including a 4-0 white washing of Riverview in the first round of the Woodhaven Tournament on Jan. 6.

After a scoreless first period, Grosse Ile scored three times in the middle period to take control. A Grosse Ile goal in the third period capped the game scoring.

Grosse Ile’s Wyatt Thompson stopped all 15 shots he faced to record the shutout win.

Worsley, Hubler, Symons and Fisher Gurney all scored for the winning Devils.

Gurney, Hubler, Symons and Nolan Karn have led the charge this season for the Devils and all four have recorded more than 25 points this season. Hubler and Symons lead the team in goals and Gurney leads in assists.

In goal, Thompson is 8-1 with two shutouts and a 2.57 goals against average. His back-up, Braden Chessor, is 3-1 with a shutout and a 2.64 average.

Grosse Ile’s closest pursuer in the league standings is Ann Arbor Gabiel Richard, a team Grosse Ile beat 3-1 back

in Dec. 14.

Grosse Ile scored single goals in the first and second periods and when the team’s traded goals in the third, it was enough for the Devils to skate off with the important victory.

Worsley had two goals and Gurney one in the victory. Wyatt stopped 22 of 23 shots for the win.

Grosse Ile will face Richard in an important rematch at Ann Arbor’s Ice Cube on Jan. 25. Before that, Grosse Ile faces Pioneer (Jan. 12). Livonia Franklin

(Jan. 14), Riverview (Jan. 18) and Southgate (Jan. 21).

Other highlights through the first half of the 2022-23 season include a seasonopening 5-4 win over Allen Park, 5-0 win over Divine Child, a 6-4 win over Wyandotte Roosevelt and a two-game sweep of Gaylord and Tri-Valley Titans during a December trip to the Division 3 Showcase in Gaylord.

After the Richard game on Jan. 25, Grosse Ile faces just seven remaining regular season games, including

rematches with Divine Child, Allen Park and Wyandotte.

Michigan High School Athletic Association regionals begin Feb. 20 and Grosse Ile will find itself at the Gabriel Richard-hosted tournament at Wyandotte’s Yack Arena to begin the tournament. Also at that tournament with be Richard, Riverview, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Divine Child.

out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 1,300 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

Girls start 2023 with win over Jefferson

The Grosse Ile girls basketball team started the 2023 portion of its schedule with a hard-fought 37-29 win over Monroe Jefferson at Grosse Ile on Jan. 9.

The win did not come easily as the Red Devils had to fight back from a halftime deficit to knock off their Huron League foe. The win moved Grosse Ile’s season record to 6-3 at the time.

The Red Devils own victories this season over Trenton, Wyandotte, Carlson, Cabrini, Huron and Jefferson. They’ve lost to Gabriel Richard, Northville and defending Huron League champion Riverview.

Against Jefferson the Devils, who had not played a game since Dec. 22, showed a little rust. Jefferson sputtered, too, as the teams struggled to find a rhythm.

Grosse Ile grabbed a 7-0 lead, but led just 7-4 after the first quarter.

Jefferson tied the game midway through the second quarter and outscored Grosse Ile 11-6 in the stanza to take a 15-13 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Bears maintained the advantage through much of the third quarter, but with 3:38 to play, Cailey O’Farrell hit a bucket to tie the game at 19-all.

That basket was part of an 11-0 Grosse Ile run that gave the Devils the lead they would never relinquish.

Grosse Ile led 26-19 as the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter, but a foul far from the basket gave

Jefferson three free throws with no time on the clock and the Bear shooter made all three to bring the score to 26-22 heading into the final eight-minute period.

Jefferson scored the first four points of the fourth quarter to tie the game, but Grosse Ile quickly righted the ship and retook control.

Grosse Ile outscored Jefferson 11-7 in the final quarter, led by Natalee Kirk’s seven points, Kirk and 14 in the game before fouling out with just under two minutes left to play in the game. O’Farrell finished with eight points and Katherine Gilroy and Alexandra Stefan had five each.

Both teams launched a lot of three-point shots and only a few of them fell. Grosse Ile got two triples from Kirk and one from Stefan.

Grosse Ile has shown a tendency to play well in close games this season and they have the victories to prove it. In addition to the tough-it-out win over Jefferson, the Devils have beaten Cabrini by two points, beaten Huron in overtime by four, beaten Trenton by five and Wyandotte by seven. They did drop a two-pointer to Richard, but you can’t win them all.

Grosse Ile put it 2-1 Huron League record on the live on Jan. 12 at home against Flat Rock and the Red Devils will return to league action on Jan. 16 at Airport.

Cassidy Eblin (3) blows past the Jefferson defense.

Senior Natalee Kirk (11) led Grosse Ile in scoring against Jefferson despite fouling out late in the game.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Cailey O’Farrell (1) rises for a jump shot against Monroe Jefferson.

Catholic Schools Week is Around the Corner

By: Lily Paschke, GR Senior

Catholic Schools Week, a tradition started in 1973, is dedicated to the celebration of Catholic Education in the United States. While it is celebrated differently throughout the country, it is one of the students’ favorite weeks of the school year at Gabriel Richard Catholic. Throughout the week there are a multitude of activities promoting school spirit while also reminding students the value of their Catholic education and the sacrifices made to make it a reality. Gabriel Richard begins Catholic Schools Week with a spirit week for students. This spirit week has themes that are voted on by the student government. Every day includes competitions between students to win points for their grade. These competitions have winners for best spirit apparel for the day as well as matches between those winners in mini-games related to the theme. The week is always concluded in one of two ways, either one of the most anticipated events of the year, the annual volleybuff game, where each grade has a team of boys who play volleyball against other grades, similar to powderpuff, or a prep rally that includes more competitive minigames. Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful way to raise morale in the students at Gabriel Richard, and it is something that is eagerly anticipated as soon as students return from Christmas break. It is a great opportunity to reward such hard-working students.

Devils cagers return to beat Jefferson

After an 18-day lay-off from competition, the Grosse Ile basketball team returned to action on its home floor on Jan. 10 and beat a determined Monroe Jefferson team 61-48.

The win was Grosse Ile’s fifth of the season. Afterward, the Red Devils found themselves 5-2 overall and 2-1 in Huron League play.

The Jefferson game may not have been the cleanest and most well-played game you’ll see this season, but it was exciting.

The team’s came out scoring and they combined for 31 first-quarter points with Grosse Ile holding a slender 16-15 lead after eight minutes.

Jefferson scored the first four points of the second quarter to grab a 19-16 lead, but the Devils recovered quickly.

The second quarter was just as close as the first.

Grosse Ile scored the final four points of the period and went into the locker room at halftime nursing a 29-27 advantage.

Grosse Ile put the defensive clamps on the Bears in

the third quarter, holding the Monroe team to just eight points and building the Red Devil advantage to 42-35 heading into the final period.

That seven-point advantage eventually reached 10 when Dominic Cappeline scored baskets on back-toback Grosse Ile possessions early in the fourth. The Bears never really recovered after that. Grosse Ile won the fourth quarter 19-13 and the game 61-48.

The night was kind of a three-man show for coach Cory Bammer’s Red Devils as Cappelino, Joe Molnar and Tyler Swick scored 50 of their team’s 61 points.

Molnar, who scored six points in the first quarter and eight in the decisive fourth, finished the night with a team-high 20 points. Cappelino had 16 and Swick added 14.

The win gave the RedDevils some momentum heading into a big league showdown against first-place Flat Rock in a game that was played Jan. 13 after the Grosse Ile Grand’s deadline.

The Flat Rock game was essentially the halfway point of the league season for the Devils who will

finish the first half with road games against Airport (Jan. 20), Milan (Jan. 24) and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (Jan. 27).

The first seven games of 2022-23 were pretty good to the Devils, who beat Wyandotte, Carlson and Cabrini in non-league games and Huron and Jefferson in Huron League games.

Grosse Ile’s losses came against opponents from Riverview – Riverview and non-league Gabriel Richard.

When the regular season comes to a conclusion on March 2 with a non-league game at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, the Red Devils will ready themselves for the state tournament.

Grosse Ile will open the Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason in a district tournament hosted by Huron. The teams at the Huron district are Grosse Ile, Huron, Flat Rock, Riverview and Summit Academy.

Districts begin March 6.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

St. James hosts Christmas Event

McPherson explores Charles Dickens’ ‘secret’

BILL STEVENSON

“It was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well. . . May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!”

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, of Scrooge

“Magical. Awe-inspiring. Transformative. It’s as if Charles Dickens came to life.”

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BILL STEVENSON

These are just a few of the comments overheard at “the little brown church in the vale,” in mid-December, as St. James Episcopal Church and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) of Grosse Ile presented actor and literary cognoscente , Mark McPherson in “A Dickens CHRISTmas.”

McPherson has spent more than 30 years conducting historical research and doing detective work in searching for the answers to such mysteries as the Loch Ness monster, the Great Sphinx of Egypt, the Lost City of Atlantis, King Arthur’s Camelot, as well as ghost hunting throughout the world.

He is best known for his dramatic presentations, immersed in the varied personas of historical figures such as Charles Dickens, C.S. Lewis, Wyatt Earp, Teddy Roosevelt and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

It was Doyle’s creation of Sherlock Holmes that sparked McPherson to a life of solving mysteries. So much so that he was inducted into the Baker Street Irregulars, the oldest literary society dedicated to the study of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Victorian world.

On this particular night, classically trained vocalist, Suzanne [Bussell] Bell and harpist, Michael Mullen set the historic stage and 19th century ambiance with beautiful renditions of Christmas carols, and original seasonal music. Erica Chappuis provided dramatic, and at times comedic

assistance to further enhance the mood.

In a two part presentation, McPherson took the chapel stage, first as his present self to provide background information on Charles Dickens, then later as the author himself, personified.

The task: To reveal a literary secret kept for 126 years involving the “other Christmas book,” Dickens did not want published in his lifetime.

Regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Dickens was best known for such novels as Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations, among a vast body of work from 1836 until his death in 1870.

Of course, at this time of year most recall the seasonal parable, A Christmas Carol.

But, McPherson, er . . . Dickens revealed it was his handwritten “The

Life of Our Lord”, written expressly for his children that serves as a tribute to his personal thoughts, his humanity, and his devotion to Christianity in action.

In Dickens’ own words, “One of my most earnest endeavors has been to exhibit in all my good people some faint reflections of the teachings of our great Master, and unostentatiously to lead the reader up to those teachings as the great source of moral goodness.”

Dickens wrote The Life of Our Lord over the course of three years, from 1846 to 1849, adapting the gospel versions of a very human Jesus to teach his young children about religion and faith.

Dickens refused to allow its publication, and for years the secret manuscript was handed down from generation to generation within the family.

It was not until 1934 that the last living child of Dickens died—Sir Henry Fielding Dickens that bequeathed his heirs the right to publish the book if a majority of the family approved. They did.

In further analysis, Mark McPherson explains, “The Life of our Lord showcases the man’s inner heart and soul. The book written only for his children was to afford them an orientation to their faith, and his still rather youthful quest to make sense of what he chose to believe.

“Dickens had known the lash of his critics and the cold chill of not being adulated for his next opus. Therefore, when he wrote A Christmas Carol (in six weeks) it was intended as a sort of milk cow during the Yuletide season,” said McPherson.

“I believe the clandestine aspect [of The Life of Our Lord] considered his perception of himself as a publicized professional writer, but also his innermost faith quest to make sense of what had been germinating for nearly three decades. Odd, isn’t it, that it took that long to come to the means of reaffirming the place of Jesus in Christmas?

“When I chose to portray Charles Dickens, perhaps he was tapping me on the shoulder, and saying ‘perhaps there’s something you should know.’”

And, after a wonderful evening of Victorian entertainment, we now do, too.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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No more climate doom!

The task is not too daunting for us to undertake

Susan Pinkowski

Nothing ruins a friendly conversation quicker than someone bringing up climate change. It’s even worse than religion or politics!

If you can find someone who is willing to talk, it’s usually just a recap of the depressing current and future state of affairs.

Many, many people are choosing avoidance because frankly, climate change is downright scary, according to Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, psychotherapist and a steering committee member of Climate Psychology Alliance North America.

She stated that there’s “no doubt avoidance works as a short-term strategy, offering temporary comfort or solace while keeping gritty emotions at bay. Compartmentalizing allows us to function. But suppressing our gut responses eventually catches up to us; the “dis-ease” can cause irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, loneliness, and anxiety. It can even lead to chronic autoimmune conditions.” It can also make you crabby!

Have you noticed more crabby people out there? Avoidance is not healthy.

In her article published in August of 2021 on www.grist.org she indicated

that the “problem with avoidance is that we don’t engage or take action. Instead of walking or biking, we keep driving gas-guzzlers. Instead of buying second-hand clothing or furniture, we keep ordering overly packaged things online.

And groundswell calls for government action can’t occur if we won’t address what we don’t allow ourselves to see. Our defense mechanisms become our own worst enemies, particularly when we need to act on the collective level, and fast.”

But isn’t there always another side to everything?

What if we instead turn away from the ‘doom and gloom’ and choose

to seek out what is happening on the positive side? You will be amazed with just how much good news is out there. When we are aware of solutions, we can engage and feel like anything is possible. Then we can indeed ‘act on the collective level, and fast!’

Let’s take a look at what some Michigan moms are doing, how some teachers in Chicago are making a difference, and even what grandparents are doing to get into the positive mindset. Then we’ll briefly look at how you can get your employer to help, or how you can find a green job or create a company that

recycles tons of used solar panels and corner the market.

But wait. There’s more.

There are improvements worth mentioning in mini-wind turbines for rooftops, there’s an untapped source of power right in our Detroit River, and strangely enough, our roads can be put to better use by charging electric vehicles as they drive.

We’ll wind up with how successful we were in tackling the ozone problem, how a major bank is planning to cut emissions tied to loans, and how Texas saved their consumers $7.4 billion in reduced costs in eight months due to their solar and wind energy initiatives. And we’re only getting started. So let us start with what’s most important to almost all of us – our children. Moms Clean Air Force: Fighting Air Pollution & Climate Change has a Michigan chapter which can be found at Michigan - Moms Clean Air Force. Their website states that they “are working in Michigan to fight for clean air and a stable climate. We host events, share information about what’s going on, and create opportunities for mothers to talk to their legislators about their concerns” and priorities.

If you’ve wanted to get involved but didn’t know how, this appears to be an easy way to get through to your representatives. They also focus on toxic chemicals and environmental justice, all with keeping children healthy in mind. Nationwide, they’re over a million members strong, and dads are welcomed, too!

Chicago’s teachers took a different route to make their voices heard and protect their children. They voted to use the power of their pension and retirement fund to stop investing in fossil fuels. Their plan will reach fruition by the end of 2027. Almost five percent of that $11.5 billion fund won’t be available to fossil fuel (FF) companies. What is your pension/retirement fund investing in? Might be interesting to find out what your money is supporting.

Even grandparents, aunts and uncles have mobilized and got involved.

Elders Climate Action is a project of the Elders Action Network. Their mission is “to mobilize elders throughout the United States to address climate change while there is still time to protect the well-being of our grandchildren and future generations. You can all learn together the ways you can help make sure the planet is habitable in their future. There’s a local chapter in Ann Arbor and you may contact Joe Oren at info@ eldersclimateaction.org for more information.

Taking action at work is a good step forward, too. Form a green initiative committee at your place of employment to brainstorm on effective ways of reducing the company’s footprint. Investigate areas where costs can be reduced using renewable energy and then research sustainable sources for recurring supply orders.

Instill an owner-mindset in all the employees for

an effective way of reducing costs and expenditures. For more suggestions for employers, check out 10 Ways Companies Can do More to Fight Climate Change (hotjar.com). Another good source is Climate Solutions at Work | Project Drawdown. Better yet, get a green job!

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network defines green careers as “. . .any occupation that is affected by activities such as conserving energy, developing alternative energy, reducing pollution, or recycling.” If you’re past your college years or even past mid-life, environmental volunteering is an excellent way to help and see the world. If you want to stay local, AmeriCorps Seniors has a lot to offer.

If you’re game for starting a new business at this stage of your life, there’s a market that’s practically wide open for exploring. Solar panels have been around for a number of years (since 1883!) and many of them have already been decommissioned.

Instead of trashing them, only one American firm is saving them from landfills and turning them back into valuable raw materials, to make more solar panels. Solar Cycle is harvesting all the copper, aluminum, silver and silicon from old panels.

Within the next 10 years, millions of metric tons of solar panels will be in the same situation, just ripe for harvesting.

Improvements in existing technology are also giving us hope for the future.

Wind turbines have come a long way, from being as tall as the Statue of Liberty to now a small bladeless box that outdoes 15 solar panels on a good day. Andy Corbley reported recently that ‘[t]hey are designed for small-scale, commercial use, as they’re noise free, and incapable of killing birds. Because they sit on the edge of roofs, they pair well with solar panels. If a building also has batteries to store the energy, it could be near to total self-sufficiency.”

They’re made by a company called Aeromine who is running a pilot project on the roof of a BASF factory near Detroit. They’re only for commercial use right now, but that could expand into residential use in the future.

While the rudimentary technology has existed for a while, more attention is being given to the power that can be utilized by tides, rivers, and ocean currents.

“The U.S. Department of Energy last week unveiled a major investment in renewable energy generated by ocean tides and river currents. Some $35 million from the federal infrastructure legislation that passed last year will be deployed to drive further research into the scalability of these technologies . . . Although ocean tides and river currents only generate a small fraction of the U.S.’s electricity today, the agency says they have the potential to account for nearly eight percent of the country’s annual power generation.”

For more information on this interesting topic, go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2137118/.

Another experiment is going on locally between Ford Motor, DTE, and Electreon Wireless of Tel Aviv, Israel. Electreon has already been successful in Sweden, Italy and Israel and now they’re partnering to create an electrified road almost a mile long down at the Ford ‘mobility innovation district’ (the old train station on Michigan Avenue in Corktown). This road will charge electric vehicles as they’re in motion over the road and even just stopped on the road. The process is inductive charging, “which uses a magnetic frequency to transfer power from metal coils that are buried under the road to a special receiver on the underside of the EV.

The road will operate normally for all gas cars and EVs that are not equipped with the receiver.

The magnetic frequency method is not the only game in town. Researchers at Cornell University have been working on making a wireless charging process for US highways that would use electric fields instead of magnetic ones — a switch that lead researcher Khurram Afridi said would make the process cheaper and provide more energy.

We came together to solve the ozone problem years ago and we can do that again for the climate crisis.

The next round of global climate talks is in Egypt this month, and the push to transition to a lowcarbon economy must take center stage.

If you’re having a tough time seeing the positive side, there is additional help available at the Good Grief Network. They have a wide variety of articles, videos, quotes, poems, courses, music, and organizations all to help you and your family in this tumultuous time. Yale Climate Connections has an awesome quiz that you can take online that will funnel you right down to where you can do the most good.

For more good news, check out The Daily Climate - Good News.

The challenge is to pick at least one of these ideas and others mentioned in ‘Climate Mitigation: What Can I Possibly Do?’ previously published in this paper and available online at www.PinkowskiBytes. com under Published Articles, and run with it!

Our children and the world are counting on us.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Winter pruning tips

Snip or saw your way to healthier trees

RACHEL COALE FOREST RESOURCES DIVISION MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

With frost curling sparkles across the windows and fuzzy socks adorning your feet, gardening season is a warm, summer memory put to bed under a blanket of snow.

Or is it?

It’s easy to think that yard work is over during snow season, but there’s a perfect winter task waiting if you’re itching to get outdoors – pruning.

Pruning is more than just giving your trees and shrubs a trim. Sure, whacking branch ends off will make a tree neater, but a bit of technique will help ensure its health and vitality. Pruning removes damaged or sick parts of trees and can stimulate new growth and fruit production.

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“The best time to prune most trees is in late winter to early spring before growth starts,” said Kevin Sayers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program leader. “That’s January to March in Michigan.”

During this time, trees are dormant, and sap is not flowing, which minimizes the impact of cuts from pruning. You can also see the shape of broadleaf, or deciduous, trees best when branches are not obscured by leaves.

The potential for transfer of diseases by insects is also at its lowest in winter since it’s too cold for beetles and flies to move about. This is important for oak trees that can be infected fatally with oak wilt disease in warmer months when beetles move from tree to tree.

Most trees and shrubs should be pruned in winter, except springflowering plants like hydrangeas and dogwoods. Prune them after they flower.

How to prune

Specific pruning techniques can vary by plant species, blooming time and whether the tree produces fruit, but the basics remain the same.

To prune your tree, look at its overall branch structure and shape.

First, remove diseased, dead or broken branches. Then cut any branches that cross and rub together, as well as any that make the tree grow lopsided. Work around the tree, not just from one side, so the shape is even. Prune away suckers sprouting from

the base of single-stem trees and trim off low-hanging branches. If unsure, ask yourself, “will I be whacked in the face when I mow the lawn?”

When you prune away twigs and branches, find the sweet spot: don’t leave long stubs that can slow healing, but don’t make flush cuts that remove the branch collar, the slight swelling where the branch meets the stem.

Wounds created by cuts too close to the trunk can injure the tree. Always make pruning cuts on the outside of the natural branch collar.

Pruning should improve airflow in your tree or shrub by opening up the crown but avoid removing more than 25 percent of the tree in any single year so it can recover more easily.

The “less is more” rule applies to

pruning.

Good pruning is not measured by the quantity of material removed, but rather by the quality.

Remove heavy or long limbs using the “three-cut method” to prevent damage to your tree. First, cut the end third of the branch off. Then remove the middle third, and finally, cut the remaining third above the branch collar. This prevents a heavy branch from tearing off a strip of bark as it falls.

To finish, do you need to use pruning spray? Tree care professionals say no.

“Trees are able to naturally repair and seal themselves after pruning, so treatment is not necessary,” said Lawrence Sobson, DNR urban forester and partnership coordinator.

Equipment

Having the right tool for the job will make pruning quicker and easier. Depending on the size and type of plant you’re growing, here are a few options to consider investing in:

· Handheld pruning shears – use for small trees and shrubs, roses and

detail work.

· Long-handled loppers – best for shrubs, hedges and larger fruit trees.

· Pruning saw or long-handled pole saw – used to remove low-hanging overhead limbs, large branches or brush.

Maintain your tools by keeping a sharp edge, which will help neatly cut twigs instead of crushing them with dull blades. Keep them clean by wiping them with alcohol or a cleaning wipe after use to prevent the transfer of diseases between plants. A bit of oil before storing tools can help keep blades and moving parts from rusting.

When to DIY and when to call in a professional

Some pruning tasks are manageable at home, while others are best left to experts.

If you are dealing with large, heavy branches or tall trees, especially those located near a building or electrical wires, don’t take risks. Tree care can be dangerous, so have tough jobs handled by a professional tree service

company.

Find a landscaping company accredited with the Tree Care Industry Association or a certified arborist with the Michigan chapter of the International Society of Arborculture. If your pruning project is do-ityourself sized, gather your gear and size up the scene before starting. Work gloves are a must for pruning, especially if you’ll be dealing with a thorny plant. If you’re working on a particularly overgrown or dense tree, also consider putting on a pair of safety glasses or goggles before diving in to avoid getting poked in the eye.

When trimming low-hanging branches, a long-handled pole saw is your friend, allowing you to work from the ground. Be aware that branches can swing and strike you if only partially cut through, so make decisive cuts, work in small sections at a time and be aware of your surroundings.

When dealing with anything taller than you can reach with a pole saw, thoughtfully evaluate your abilities and safety.

“Ladders are useful for changing light bulbs and cleaning gutters, but are not usually appropriate for pruning tree limbs,” said Sayers.

Ladders are unstable and usually aren’t large enough to reach desired branches for pruning mature trees, which can be anywhere from 20 to 100 feet tall. In most cases, if you think you need a ladder to accomplish your work, you probably need a professional instead.

From homes for birds to tasty fruit to cooling shade in the summertime, trees and shrubs provide an array of natural benefits. With the right knowledge, tools and care, your trees and shrubs will be happier, healthier and thriving.

Once your winter pruning is accomplished, it’s time to start planning for the spring planting season. Get ready with tips from Michigan DNR’s Mi Trees resources and add your new trees to the community planting map.

Florida Keys Vacation!

Beautiful Two Bedroom Luxury Condo in Key Largo

Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.  The perfect start in paradise.

After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach.  There is always something for everyone!

Paradise isn’t over yet as you walk through your own private courtyard, a bricked patio garden with relaxing furniture, then up just one flight of stairs, your private oasis awaits you…where you can unwind from a fun filled day.  You can cook your fresh day’s catch in your fully equipped new kitchen with lots of natural light glistening off the solid surface countertops and the stunning stainless steel appliances and eat in comfort.  Or go “out on the town” and relax in some of the best restaurants in the area where you are pampered as your fresh catch is being prepared to your specifications as you relax drinking a glass of wine watching the beautiful Florida Bay Sunset.  The perfect end to a wonderful day in paradise.

After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14’ vaulted ceilings.  Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65” HDTV in the great room.

Now time for a perfect night’s rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees.  A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night’s sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48” flat screen TV.  An en suite bath features a corner spa tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

Welcome to 901 Mariners Club!

We are glad to have you here!

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...Since 2007 the Kiwanis of Riverview have provided every third grader in the district with their very own dictionary. Because of the increase in cost of these dictionaries, the Kiwanis starting selling sponsorships to fund this well received project.

RCSD picks

Care Solace for mental health care services

Riverview Community Schools selected Care Solace, an organization determined to calm the chaos of mental health care coordination, to expand access to community mental health and substance use treatment providers for students, staff, and their families.

Care Solace provides a Care Companion™ team who can quickly and confidently find available providers in the community. Care Solace also equips school systems with a customized online tool that gives community members a way to anonymously search for community-based providers matched to their needs.

“When a student and a family are reaching out for support, they are vulnerable and may need help quickly. Care Solace provides timely and reliable services to families to connect them with local mental health service providers in our community. Care Solace’s “concierge” approach is unique as they will assign a staff member who will research various providers so families have options for mental health care...

On page 7

The Dictionary Project: The goal of this program is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come.

Letters are sent to local area businesses, parent clubs and politicians asking for support of the effort to provide these knowledge hungry students with a dictionary they can call their own...

On page 15

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Tony Garcia dies at age 92

...A native of Mexico, Mr. Garcia traveled to his homeland to watch the Mexican national championship to determine which team would play in Taylor. World Series officials called him their Mexico ambassador.

transformed the former St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and school into the 2nd Street Performing Arts Center in Wyandotte.

The center – touted as “the premier performing arts community gathering space” in the Downriver area –is a place for performing arts, dance, music and visual arts. It’s home to the Downriver Actors Guild, the Downriver Dance Academy, 2nd Street Sound (an A Capella group) and the podcast “Curtain Call.”

Located at 1123 2nd Street, the new facility opened on Oct. 14 after a more than $500,000 investment to transform the former church and attached school into a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art theater with room for more than 250 seats and stage, plus an attached studio complex.

Housed in the studio complex are a dance studio, costume shop, scene shop, rehearsal space and storage for props, costumes and set pieces...

On page 20

During World Series week, he served as an interpreter for any Spanish-speaking team that qualified for the international tournament. And in the earlier years of the series, Mr. Garcia and his family housed players from Mexico while they were in town to play for the world championship.

World Series officials called Mr. Garcia indispensable and one of the real legends of the 42-year-old tournament...

On page 11

2nd Street Performing Arts Center

Former church is new home to Downriver Actors Guild

A more than half-million-dollar investment has

Riverview Kiwanis complete another Dictionary Project

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Students attend MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit

For more than 20 years the MHSAA has provided a Sportsmanship Summit experience to students across Michigan.

This year new breakout topics, more interaction within the sessions, and additional time was provided for students to present ideas to other students...

the fights he got in.

A sold out crowd laughed and cried to his amazing stories...

On page 26

After the opener, five 27-minute breakout sessions followed that covered the following topics: Social media, Athletic Director’s perspectives, respect for officials, student sections and parental support and etiquette at events.

On page 7

Trenton

Recreation looking forward to 2023

We’ve been focused on expanding our senior and youth programming, as well as opening our facilities back up for rentals. If you are interested in renting out the Westfield Center or Cultural Center for a family or organizational event or if you’d like rent ice for a party at the Kennedy Recreation Center, please give us a call at 734-675-7300.

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

City honors junior football champs

...City of Wyandotte officials have honored the Wyandotte Indians freshman football team for earning the “Peanut Bowl” championship of the Downriver Junior Football League.

With players, cheerleaders, coaches and family members gathered in the City Council chambers, Mayor Robert DeSana read a certificate of

And stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and get moving! With everything from park builds to holiday events to jamborees and showcases, there will be something for everyone. We’re truly approaching 2023 with a renewed appreciation for the good times – which we can’t wait to host and celebrate with you...

On page 10

Former Red Wing McCarty wows at veteran event

...Former Detroit Red Wings standout and fan favorite Darren McCarty was our featured guest speaker and he rocked Crystal Gardens with his stories of his four Stanley Cup winning teams and

recognition, which praised the squad for “bringing home the Peanut Bowl Championship Trophy for the first time in 19 years.”...

On page 18

Art exhibits in the works

The Downriver Council for the Arts is seeking artists’ contributions for the “About Face” exhibit scheduled for January 19-16, 2023, at the DCA, 81 Chestnut Street. The deadline for artwork is January 17. An opening reception will be held January 19. The exhibit focuses on the portrait theme. Artists are free to apply their own interpretation in representing the overall theme.

Artwork may include any work related to a single person, a group, a self-portrait, non-human and/ or animals. A variety of interpretations can be submitted in all media.

The exhibit “Resolutions & Regrets” continued through January 14.

The DCA hosts an online portion for all exhibits. To view the creative works, visit the website www.downriverarts.org and click on the exhibit....

On page 19

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Fire Chief Russell Bodrie retires

Assistant John Camilleri is acting Chief

BILL STEVENSON

At a special meeting of the Grosse Ile Township Board of Trustees, the Board accepted the retirement of Russell Bodrie from the position of Fire Chief, effective Dec. 5, 2022.

Assistant Chief John Camilleri is the acting chief until a permanent replacement is hired.

At that same meeting, the Township Board authorized the posting of the Fire Chief position for both internal and external candidates through Jan. 11, 2023.

Bodrie took over the Fire Chief position in April, 2020 upon the retirement of Duncan Murdock. He has been a firefighter for more than 26 years, serving 11 years as Fire Marshal, and six years as Deputy Chief.

Most recently, Bodrie oversaw the successful millage campaign to maintain the current Fire Department operations. The proposal was supported by 71.8 percent of the

voters, putting the department in a stronger financial position.

Township Clerk Ute O’Connor thanked Bodrie for “his years of service to the community. Russ Bodrie, even as chief, made 90 percent of the calls for emergencies, and all for fires.

He has been an asset to this community. His professional accomplishments and dedication are truly appreciated.”

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What’s happening Grosse Ile ...

Scholarship

Grosse Ile High School seniors can apply for this scholarship by writing about their experiences working to protect our natural environment. Graduating seniors should contact the GIHS Counseling Office for information and to apply.

Now is the perfect time for your high school student to complete some community service hours to protect our natural environment and then write about the experiences on the scholarship application. Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy. ginlc.org/bruce-jonesscholarship

Take it outside Photo Contest

Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. Entry deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2022 at 5 p.m. Open to high school students within Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe Counties. We are searching

for photos captured locally (within Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe Counties) that inspire us to appreciate and steward our environment: air, water, land, wildlife, resources, and ecosystems. Categories are Dawn to Dusk; Fur and Feathers; Bark and Blooms. Total of $445 in prize money. For more information, visit see https:// www.ginlc.org/photo-contest

AAUW scholarships

The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more

information, contact rjhart720@ yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi. aauw.net.

Architectural Historian

The Downriver Genealogical Society Meeting will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth St., Wyandotte. Tyler Moll’s talk is entitled “How to date your historic house/building.” For more information, visit downrivergenealogy. org or call 734-365-9815 or 313-3823229.

Free Matter of Balance Exercise Workshops

Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.Each workshop includes step-by-step instruction, which is helpful for those who have not exercised before or in a long time. The eight-week virtual workshop, which is open to any adult 65 and older, meets weekly over Zoom.

The class requires a computer or other device with internet access and a camera. A meeting link will be sent to registered participants. There is no cost to participate but donations are always welcome.

Workshop 1: Information Session, Thursday, Jan. 19, from 1-2 p.m. Eight sessions, Thursdays, from 1-3 p.m., from Jan. 26 to March 16. Workshop

2: Info Session: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2-3 p.m. Eight sessions, Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m., from Feb. 8 to March 29.

Pre-registration is required. If you need special assistance to participate in A Matter of Balance, let us know at least 10 days in advance of the first class when you register. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program. To register or for more information, call LaShawn Griffin at 800-482-1455, Ext. 2140 or email mobprogram@nkfm.org. To learn more about A Matter of Balance, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance.

Dr. Bruce Jones Memorial