Grosse Ile Grand, February 9 — March 9, 2023

BILL STEVENSON

Wow! Talk about continued commitment. At the first business meeting of the New Year, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. reviewed the successes of the past year, and looked forward to supporting new initiatives in 2023.

Completing its 28th year in operation, the Foundation has been committed to funding life-long educational experiences for the students and families of Grosse Ile. Since its inception in 1995, the Foundation has funded more than $1.6 million in community and school grants.

The GIEF was able to fulfill $98,955.56 for 27 grants in 2022. The funding for these resources are provided by the generosity of local businesses and individual donors, as well as

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Continued from page 1

sponsors and supporters of the annual fundraiser.

Over the years, the fundraising events have become one of “The” social events of the Island, providing not only a great party time, but serving an even greater cause. A “Bootleggers’ Bash,” ά la 1920s Grosse IIe is in the works as this year’s gala.

This coming year, the GIEF is continuing to fund educational grants for the schools, but also is linking up with the Grosse Ile Historical Society in their

efforts to “reimagine” the museum and educational programming for the immediate future.

Further, looking forward, in 2026 the GIEF and Historical Society will join the entire Island celebration of the 250th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the deeding of Grosse Ile by the Potawatomi Native Americans to Alexander and William Macomb on July 6, 1776. Talk about history!

President Kurt Kobiljak honored members who were retiring from the Board of Directors, and thanked them for their years of dedication and service in advancing

educational opportunities on Grosse Ile.

Members stepping off the Board are: Dennis Reno, Michael Georges, Tricia Mans, Katie Hagaman, and Amy Rossi. The Foundation welcomed new members to its Board of Directors. Officers currently serving are: Kurt Kobiljak, President; Andrea Stevenson, Treasurer; Joyce Leslie, Secretary. Members-at-large include: Sheila Boardman, Mary Booker, Dr. Alan Carter, Sarah Ford, Casey Hamelin, Joseph Hrabnicky, Dr. Michael Iverson, Sara Mello, Duncan Murdock, Andrea O’Donnell, Michael Paisley, Kelly Papp, Bill Stevenson, Sarah Szymaszek, Paul

Thrasher, and Maggie Wojtkowiak. The school liaisons are: Valerie Orr, Superintendent; Nicole Garza, Meridian Elementary Principal and Katie Cihak, School Board Member.

The Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501© 3 volunteer non-profit organization, P.O Box 34 Grosse Ile, MI 48138. At this time our website is under construction, but look for notifications and updates soon.

Exciting things are happening on Grosse Ile, and the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. is a big part of it!

Here are the recipients of recent GIEF grants

Congratulations to the following recipients who went “Above and Beyond” for our schools and community:

Hennepin Point Trail Restoration

Joseph Gall

Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1261

From the Farm to Your Table

Y5 and Kindergarten Students

Danielle West Community Grown Gardens

Nutcracker at the Whitney

Kim Meszaros and Gina Dudash

Southeastern Michigan Classical Ballet

Reading Comprehension Training

Michelle Barringer

Meridian Elementary School

Graphic Design Class

Technology Equipment

Laura Macintyre

Grosse Ile High School

Engineering in the Classroom

X-Carve CNC Machine

Riley Kilroy, Grosse Ile High School

Physical Education

Bowling Equipment

Brandon Bessette, Grosse Ile Middle School

Choice Library Leveled

Reading Books

Genevieve Ramirez

Meridian Elementary School

Supporting Academic Success and Personal Achievement

Andrea Dishon

Grosse Ile Middle School

Foreign Language Magazines for Differentiation

Melissa DeAngelis

Grosse Ile Middle School

Bookworm Vending Machines and books

Nicole Garza

Meridian Elementary School

Lindsey Parsons

Parke Lane Elementary School

Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Training

Lindsey Parsons, Shelby Rempel

Jennifer Oswald, Tina Kehoe

Parke Lane Elementary School

Biography Book Clubs

Amy Neilson and 4th grade teachers

Meridian Elementary School

Uncovering the Logic of English Book Study

Nicole Garza

Meridian Elementary School

Fifth-Grade Band Revamp Equipment

Audrie Kalisz, Nicole Garza, Nate Bearinger

Meridian Elementary School

Library Book Update

Michelle Barringer

Meridian Elementary School

Book Room Reboot

Kallie Davey

Parke Lane Elementary School

Scholastic Print/Digit Subscriptions for all K-2 Students

Larry Swick

Parke Lane Elementary School

Meet the Teacher Open House

Lindsey Parsons

Parke Lane Elementary School

GIEF Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship

Cam Finazzo

Grosse Ile High School

Freckle Pilot Program

Larissa Danz

Meridian Elementary School

Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Training for all teachers and administrators

Lindsey Parsons

Parke Lane Elementary School

Nicole Garza

Meridian Elementary School

Robotics Competition Teams

Yi-Chia Schmaeman

Meridian Elementary School

Robotics Team Technology Update

Yi-Chia Schmaeman

Grosse Ile High School

Clay and Glaze for Art Students

Jill Shannon

Meridian Elementary School

Clay and Glaze for Art Students

Jill Shannon

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Grosse Ile Recreation: Much planned for spring and summer

Summer is just around the corner and your Grosse Ile Recreation Department has developed a great menu of events and programs for our Residents for this spring and summer.

For 2023, the Grosse Ile Recreation Department is happy to announce a new partnership with the Grosse Ile Grand Publication and all recreation events and programs will now be publicized in the monthly newspaper.

This monthly publication is delivered to each Grosse Ile home allowing you to have a recurring reminder of the numerous Recreation offerings throughout the year. So, look for this valuable information starting this Spring!

During this winter, the Grosse Ile Recreation Department saw great participation from residents in its Evening with Santa, Elf Workshop, Kids Dances, Santa’s Mailbox and Daddy Daughter Dance events. Thank you all for attending and many smiles were had by all participants.

Residents should mark their calendars for the following upcoming events:

~ Mother & Son Bowling night - Friday, February, 24, 2023 from 6:30-8 p.m. Annual

~ Easter Event - Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Centennial Farm

~ 1st/2nd grade basketball Program - April 12May 3 from 7:10-8 p.m. at Parke Lane

~ Sign Language class for grades 3-5 - April 19May 24 from 3:15-4 p.m. at Meridian School

~ St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon - March 15 at 12:30 p.m.

~ Back by popular demand will be the annual Cinco de Mayo Senior Party- Details to follow at a later date.

~ Summer 2023 - Evening pool movies events and Christmas in July (currently being planned/details to follow).

~ Let’s not forget...ISLANDFEST, June 2, 3, 4.

The Recreation Department offers numerous fitness classes currently ongoing and include the following:

~ Open Table Tennis -M-W-F from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

~ Island Walkers- M-F 6:45-7:45 a.m.

~ Jazzercise- M-W-F- 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Grosse Ile Recreation offers numerous senior events including the following:

~ Senior Chair Yoga

~ Full Body Fit

~ Flow Yoga

~ Cardio Drumming

~ Senior Citizens Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. at Centennial Farm, come join the Club!

Punch cards are now available for fitness classes for those that wish to participate in more than one of these events.

Grosse Ile Recreation offers Senior Transportation Services as well! Eligible individuals can call 734216- 4905 if you need a ride to the grocery, hair or doctors’ appointments. Rates are $5/round trip on island, $6/round trip off island.

The Grosse Ile Recreation Department manages a number of Township facilities including the Water’s Edge Pool, Golf Course, and Centennial Farm. The following are significant dates associated with these facilities:

~ January 1, 2023- Summer boat slip rental requests starting being accepted

~ June 15th -Water’s Edge Pool Opens (a Last Day of School pool party is currently being planned) Early Spring- Water’s Edge Golf Course opens (Carts will be available starting April 24th)

~ June 22nd - 1st Water’s Edge Summer Concert Events (continues on Thursday nights throughout the summer)

~ All summer long- Centennial Farm Recreation Building rentals are available for your special event.

To enroll in any of the above classes or for more information regarding the available programs listed above, please view https://www.grosseile.com/ government/community recreation/index.php - or 734- 675-2364.

The Recreation Department is currently looking for qualified individuals for seasonal and part-time employment.

The Department is currently accepting applications for the following seasonal positions: Summer Day Camp Director, Summer Day Camp Counselor, Pro-Shop Attendant, Golf Course Ranger, Certified Lifeguards, and Maintenance staff. If you are interested, please submit a township application to Kim O’Farrell at kofarrell@grosseile.

com. All job descriptions can be found at www. grosseile.com under the Recreation Tab.

If you or someone you know would like to start a new program or have an event idea, the Recreation Department would love to hear about it. Recreation is currently building its summer program list and events calendar so please reach out with your idea. The Recreation Department would like to thank the Community Recreation Commission led by Chad Novak, Chairman, Ute O’Conner, Board Liaison, Stacy Damman, Vice-Chair, Wendy Kearney, Secretary, Ethel Yops, Keith Fusinski, Marisa Nicely, Kevin Naso and student liaison, Emma Batz, for all their hard work and dedication to our community.

A big thank you to our MS Builder’s Club and many of our community organizations, Gl Garden Club, Herb Society, Alliance for the Arts, Historical Society, GI Kiwanis, Rotary and Nature and Land Conservancy, for all they do to help and support the Recreation Department. A big thank you to Grosse Ile Schools for sharing space for programs and events. Last but not least thank you to all our volunteers out there, you know who you are!

Thank you all.......the Recreation Department couldn’t do it without you!

The Township’s Recreation Millage renewal will be on the ballot in August, and the Department hopes residents will get out and vote. Always remember... Parks and Recreation have three core values that make them essential services to the community:

Economic value, Health and Environment benefits, and Social importance.

Lots to look forward to, much to be thankful for. Grosse lle is a special place.

The Grosse lle Recreation Department looks forward to seeing everyone this summer. Follow us on Facebook/Instagram: Grosse Ile Recreation, and Islandfest.

KIM O’FARRELL

Will Closing My Credit Card Account Lower My Score?

By Robert P. LaPalme President/CEO of Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Whether or not your score will go down as a result of closing a credit card account is an important question that you need to consider when you’re paying off debt and working to improve your credit score. It is important because your credit score is a common method used by financial institutions during the loan approval process to evaluate your expected future performance and to determine the interest rate that you will pay on such loan.

Generally speaking, when we refer to a consumer’s credit score, we are referring to their FICO® Score, so named because it was developed by the data analytics company Fair Isaac Corporation.

As with most things relating to your credit, there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the question addressed by this article. In fact, despite the myriad of companies, individuals, and credit gurus claiming otherwise, only Fair Isaac knows the true algorithmic formula used in their closely-guarded, proprietary analytic models.

What we do know, however, is that there are two factors which are given an enormous amount of weight when calculating your score: (1) the timeliness of your payments, and (2) the percent of outstanding balances you owe in relation to your total credit limits. This

latter ratio of balances-to-limits is sometimes called your “percent of revolving debt utilization”.

Since closing a credit card eliminates your “limit”, you may inadvertently reduce your score by increasing the ratio of balances owed to remaining open credit limits.

For example: a person who owes $1,000 against total credit limits of $5,000, has a revolving utilization of 20%, and still has 80% of their remaining credit lines available to them. If that person closed half of their open credit limits, but still owed the $1,000, they have increased their utilization to 40%, and decreased the remaining credit available. In very general terms, this action is likely to be detrimental to their score, since the algorithm prefers to see less balances owed on higher open limits.

Although many consumers intuitively believe that having less available credit is good, we show in our example that oftentimes the measurements considered in score analytics are complex and the results may not be what they expected. Each person’s situation must be analyzed carefully to determine the best course of action necessary to enhance their score results, and many personal finance companies provide free access to insightful tactics that can help consumers improve their scores over time, resulting in more affordable rates and terms on financial instruments.

At Downriver Community FCU, we’re committed to providing simple access to resources that help you

accomplish great things, and helping people improve their credit is one of the service benefits we provide! Not only will one of our Member Service Representatives sit down with you to review your current credit situation, but we’ll also set you up with Credit Sense, a valuable feature of our Online and Mobile Banking that helps you monitor, access, and improve your credit.

If you’d like to receive a free credit review designed to help you improve your score, please give one of our Member Services Representatives a call at 313-3862200, Option 4.

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. Once a prime share account is opened with a minimum deposit of $5.00, the member may enjoy all of the Credit Union´s services, including accounts, lending services, and workshops.

For more information about joining the Credit Union, please contact a Member Services Representative at (313) 386-2200 or visit www.DownriverCU.com.

Want glass recycling? Let’s do it right!

BERT URBANI

In early January, my husband stopped by the Township Hall parking lot to drop off our holiday wine bottles (Happy New Year, everybody!). Priority Waste (the Township’s recycling vendor) was getting ready to haul away the full roll off dumpster.

When we went back later, the container was gone and hadn’t yet been returned, but the noncompliant stuff (a box of bottles, loose bottles, plastic jugs and a broken mirror) was still there, leaving a mess for our busy Public Services staff to clean up.

A little bit of history: In response to public demand, in 2020 the Township and Priority Waste began providing a container in the Township Hall parking lot where residents could drop off their glass bottles for recycling.

The man who wears many hats, Township Manager/Public Services Director Derek Thiel, explained, “The container is custom built so we only have one, and when it has been removed to be emptied, the service is temporarily unavailable (emptying takes approximately two hours). If you arrive to dispose of your items while it is being emptied, please do not leave your items for others to put in the container. Come back within the next 120 minutes and the container will likely have returned.

“When full, the Township calls the provider to empty the unit. Priority usually empties the container within 24 hours of being contacted by the Township. The Township contacts Priority when the unit is full to avoid the emptying of the unit when it’s not at capacity.

The Township is charged $250 every time the container is emptied so we try to ensure it is full. Scheduling a regular service may result in its getting emptied while not full, or having to contact them between service intervals for additional service, resulting in additional cost.”

Rules were established when the program was created, and signage on the container makes those clear. Only glass bottles and jars (corks and caps removed) and window glass panes are accepted. No mirrors, porcelain, light bulbs, plastic, cardboard, or trash.

It was made known that when the dumpster is full, bottles are not to be left on the ground. The container is specially outfitted with slots to accommodate the disposal of bottles and jars as a clear indication that noncompliant stuff should not be placed in the dumpster. (Window glass can be recycled but it has to fit through the slots. This can require breaking, which should be done safely at home to avoid injury and littering the area with broken glass.)

Thiel further explained why we do not have

curbside glass recycling.

“Glass recycling in a mixed waste stream (curbside) is not profitable for the recycler because of the cost of sorting out the glass,” he said. “Residents expressed interest in recycling glass anyway, so we were able to work out the partnership and provide the roll off container. We regularly remind residents of the rules, but eventually compliance breaks down and we see bottles left behind on the ground, as if people feel better thinking that their bottles will somehow be recycled. If noncompliance worsens, however, the program could be eliminated.”

Now I know that in many homes on Grosse Ile and elsewhere, the casually dropped dirty sock or wet towel (and even iPhones and tablets) somehow mysteriously appear in their proper places by morning, thanks to local fairies and elves. And after I talked with Derek and started this article, the container was back and the garbage was gone.

But, neighbors, if we keep screwing up, we will lose this service that we all value! Let’s do it right!

Red Devil skaters fighting for league title

The Grosse Ile hockey team has enjoyed a great 2022-23 season, winning 16 of its first 19 games and spending the entire season at or near the top of the Metro League West standings.

Despite that, the Devils find themselves in a dogfight with Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard for the league championship.

Heading into a Feb. 4 meeting against Wyandotte, Grosse Ile held a 6-1 league record. Gabriel Richard was 5-1 in league play.

The Red Devils beat the Fighting Irish in their first meeting in mid December, but the Grosse Ile team stumbled recently with a loss to Riverview, throwing the race into turmoil.

The Devils and Irish met on Feb. 6 at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor. The winner likely will claim the championship.

Grosse Ile bounced back from its first league loss of the season, a 4-1 setback to Riverview on Jan. 18, by beating Ann Arbor Pioneer for the second time this season on Jan. 31.

The Red Devils scored single goals in the first and second periods and two in the third to skater off with a 4-1 win. The Devils beat the Pioneers 6-1 in their first meeting.

Travis Symons and Hunter Proctor each scored two goals in the win. Tate Hubler drew two assists. Braden Chessor got the start in goal and he stopped 11 of 12 shots to earn the victory.

Prior to the league win over Pioneer, Grosse Ile knocked off non-league rivals Southgate Anderson 7-0 and Allen Park 5-4. The win over Allen Park came in overtime.

The Allen Park game was a pretty wild, back-andforth affair with the Jaguars leading 3-1 after one period and Grosse Ile leading 4-3 after two. Allen Park scored the only goal of the third period forcing

the game into extra time.

Grosse Ile outshot the Jags by a wide margin – 5733 – but Allen Park goalie Jack Miller held his team in the game. Wyatt Thompson manned the net for Grosse Ile and he stopped 29 of 33 Allen Park shots and earned the victory.

Nolan Karn (2), Symons, Gavin Worsley and Owen Hennessey had goals for the winning Devils.

The Southgate game was pretty much a walk in the park for the Devils, who, after leading just 1-0 at the first intermission, scored five times in the second period to ice the game.

Hubler and Fisher Gurney each had two goals against Southgate and Hennessey, Ashton Sobiechowski and Landon Swieniak had the other goals.

Chessor stopped all 14 shots for the win.

After facing AA Richard, the Red Devils have just four regular-season games left to play. They face SMCC at home on Feb. 8 and Dearborn Divine Child at home on Feb. 10. The team travels to Southgate to play Woodhaven on Feb. 15 and closes out the 2022-23 regular season against Huron at Mike Modano Arena in Westland on Feb.18.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association state tournament begins Feb. 20.

The Red Devil will play in a regional hosted by state-ranked Gabriel Richard at the Yack Arena in Wyandotte. Also in the tournament will be SMCC, Riverview and Divine Child.

Photo by Emily Caruso

Devils battle hard, but fall to Huron

The New Boston Huron basketball team showed up at Grosse Ile High School On Jan. 31 ready to play and it looked early on like it was going to be a rout for the visitors.

Throughout the first quarter of the game, the Chiefs were running the court and scoring at will. The Chiefs even had a 10-0 scoring run in the middle of the period that threatened to bury the home team before it even had a chance to get untracked.

At one point, Huron led by as many as 14 points.

Cam Driscoll made two three-point shots late in the period to help Grosse Ile keep its head above water, but even with his two important bombs, the Red Devils trailed 21-10 at the end of the first eight minutes of play.

Then, bam! The second quarter started and the roles were suddenly reversed and from the start of the second quarter on, it was a competitive and exciting ball game.

Grosse Ile’s Dominic Cappellino was unconscious as the second quarter started. He launched a deep three-ball and hit it, then another, and another and another. In all, the junior, who would finish with 16 points in the game, hit four three-pointers in the second quarter and none of them even hit the rim.

Cappellino shot his team back into the game and Grosse Ile and the Red Devils picked up the pace on defense, as well. The Red Devil closed out the second quarter on a 13-0 scoring run Grosse Ile outscored Huron 18-8 in the second quarter and at halftime Huron’s once-formidable lead was down to one – 2928.

And it was a back-and-forth game from that point on.

Driscoll scored the first basket of the second half and Grosse Ile finally led 30-29. Grosse Ile twice more took the lead in the second half, but the Chiefs responded each time.

Grosse Ile led 37-36 as the third quarter began to drain away, but the Chiefs scored six straight points at the end of the period and took a 41-37 lead into the final quarter.

Grosse Ile fired back and with 5:11 to play in the game, the Devils grabbed their final lead of the night 44-43.

Huron scored the next time down the court and never trailed again. The Chiefs scored 12 of the final 19 points of the night, including five free throws in the dying seconds and walked off with a 55-51 victory.

The loss ended a three-game winning streak for

coach Corey Bammer’s team.

Cappellino was the team’s leading scorer, followed by Driscoll with 14 and Tyler Swick with nine. Ethan Miller had five points and Joseph Molnar had four.

The loss left Grosse Ile with an 8-5 overall mark. They had 5-3in Huron League play and trail only first place Flat Rock (8-0) and second-place Riverview (71). With the win, Huron (5-6 overall) moved within a game of the Red devils in the league standings.

Grosse Ile faced Riverview on Feb. 3 and Monroe Jefferson on Feb. 7.

That leaves the club with four league games left: At Flat Rock Feb. 10, at Airport Feb, 14 and at Milan Feb. 17 and home against Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central on Feb. 22.

Grosse Ile will then close out the regular season with non-league games against Monroe, Dearborn Advanced Tech Academy and Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament begins March 6 and Grosse Ile will play in a loaded district at Huron. Also at that district will be state-ranked Summit Academy, Flat Rock, Riverview and the host Chiefs.

Coach Corey Bammer addresses his Red Devils.

Photo by Dave Chapman

League-leading Riverview snaps GI win streak

The Riverview Pirates girls basketball team – unbeaten in Huron League games this season – knocked off the Grosse Ile Red Devils 72-27

On Feb. 2.

The game was a key battle for league supremacy as the only team with a real chance to derail Riverview’s run to a potential league championship was Grosse Ile. The Bucs came into the game with an 8-0 league record, Grosse Ile was 7-4. Riverview is now 14-2 overall and Grosse Ile is 11-5.

The loss put an end to Grosse Ile’s three-game winning streak.

When the teams met earlier this season it was a much closer contest with the Pirates winning 51-41.

Coming into the Riverview game, Grosse Ile had beaten Huron 57-51, SMCC 51-47 and Airport 44-27 in consecutive games.

Grosse Ile now has six regularseason games remaining, five of them in the Huron League.

The remaining games are at Jefferson (Feb. 6), at Flat Rock (Feb. 10) and at Milan (Feb. 16; and home

against Airport (Feb. 13), SMCC (Feb. 21) and Monroe (Feb. 24).

When the Michigan High School Athletic Association state playoffs begin on Feb. 27, Grosse Ile will host a district tournament. Coming to Grosse Ile will be Flat Rock, Huron, Romulus and Summit Academy.

Senior Natalee Kirk (11) is ready to play some serious defense.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Junior Abrielle Heim (21) brings the ball up court.

Woodhaven & Trenton

What’s happening Grosse Ile ...

Creative Art Society

The Creative Art Society, formally the Downriver Arts and Crafts Guild, will be meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 6:30 pm at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library in the City of Southgate, 14680 Dix-Toledo Highway.

Creative Art Society meetings are free and open to the public.

After a short business meeting, our special guest for the evening will be Martine MacDonald.

Martine MacDonald is an award-winning multi-media artist working in a variety of media: oil paintings, drawing, printmaking, and construction of mixed media pieces.

Martine has considerable experience as a teacher, exhibition curator, and former arts columnist for a community newspaper.

A graduate of Wayne State University, Martine’s work can be seen in local galleries, exhibitions, and in private and corporate collections. Represented by River’s Edge Gallery, Martine maintains a studio practice in Dearborn, Michigan.

Creative Art Society members are invited to bring in two pieces of artwork to be displayed, one of which will be critiqued. Ms. MacDonald will award the Arti-Marti Award to best on display at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library.

Come and enjoy an evening of fun and meet new friends, we promote and serve artists of all mediums and we celebrate all arts and all levels of art. In addition, we offer opportunities to exhibit our work and we have workshops that are low-cost and educational. For the $25 membership fee, all of the above is included.

Where else can you enjoy a social evening of interesting art demonstrations with our local art community? There is something for everyone with a Creative Art Society membership.

If you are a new or experienced artist, news of innovative techniques and all the classes and workshops offered will give your ideas of what you can create next. There is always something new to learn.

Questions? Please check out our new website creativeartsociety.org. Facebook: Creative Art Society, or contact Maureen at 734-777-6109 or mkeast1@aol.com or Kris Stanek at 206-605-1987 or sea_kris@yahoo.com.

Academic Scholarships

The Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering a $2,500 scholarship in 2023, through its foundation, for all eligible applicants. The deadline to apply is March 31. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in any of the following communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven or Wyandotte. They also must have earned a minimum of 12 college credits and be currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. All interested students who wish to apply for this scholarship should send an email with the subject: “Academic Scholarship 2023” to aauwwd@gmail. com to receive the application form and guidelines. The completed application, required essay and a copy of the applicant’s transcript must be sent to AAUW-WDF, 12883 Plum, Southgate, MI 48195, or via email to scholarship committee chair, Sheila Blair, at: aauwwd@gmail.com by the deadline date of March 31.

Uncle

If that was the last time you walked through our doors, then it is an absolute must to come back! e completion of renovations in our whole restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities gives the whole place a brand new look. Ever since my wife and I took ownership in January of 2019, we have been striving to keep Mister Nicks at the heart and soul of our Trenton residents, as it has been since 1988.

SPECIAL FRI AND SAT

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1926 West Rd Trenton 734-671-0990

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Online Menu: www.misternickstrenton.com

Welcome Home to this Meticulously Maintained Brick Ranch situated on a quiet street in the heart of Grosse Ile! Features include but not limited to: 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath, First Floor Laundry, Attached 2 Car Garage. Beautiful Parquet Wood Floor through out, Cove Ceilings, Slate Foyer, Large Mature Trees sprinkle the Yard with a Deck perfect for Relaxing and the Finished Basement is ready for all your Entertaining needs! This Sprawling Ranch is just a short stroll to enjoy the beautiful views of the river, via East River Road! Original Owner! BONUS: New Roof Summer 2022 and Exterior Paint Summer 2022 .

Country in the City! Tucked away on a quiet Cul-de-Sac, this Farmhouse is Perched on 1 Acre of land with a White Picket Fence wrapped around it, boasting an In-Ground Pool, backs to Open Space and includes Peek-a-boo Water Views, which only add to the Charm of this Home! Highlights include 5 Bedrooms (First Floor Primary Suite!), 3 Full Bathrooms, Gas Fireplace and First Floor Laundry. This Homestead is waiting for you to make it your own!

The Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile is working to replace the Playscape on Macomb

The children of Grosse Ile can no longer use the playscape behind the Post Office since a recent inspection deemed it unsafe and it was therefore closed to the public. Kiwanis members and volunteers have worked for many years to maintain the Playscape, but we knew this time would eventually come.

The Kiwanis Club, Recreation Commission and hopefully other civic organizations are embarking on a campaign to replace the playscape with a new public playground in a new location. The cost of acquiring this site and new improved play equipment will be very expensive, probably in excess of $225,000. However, it is too early in the planning process to have specific cost estimates.

The Kiwanis Club is accepting donations to build a new playscape on Macomb or provide maintenance funds for a future playscape if the construction of one is covered by a grant (which the Recreation Department is currently applying for). Donations can be made to our Section 501c3 Charitable Trust.

We invite you to become a partner in the project to create a new public playground for the children of Grosse Ile. You can do this by writing a check to the “Kiwanis Charitable Trust of Grosse Ile”. Please mark the purpose as “Public Playground” on the check. You can also make a donation using our website at www.grosseilekiwanis.com. Checks can be mailed to Kiwanis Club of Grosse Ile, P.O. Box 31, Grosse Ile, MI 48138. Thank you for helping!

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E. Ann Redfield, Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe today announced that Jennifer Kish recently earned the CENTURY 21 President’s Centurion producer award following her 2022 sales success.

The President’s Centurion Producer award honors sales affiliates of the CENTURY 21 System that earn $320,000 in sales production or 71 closed transaction sides within a calendar year and the Quality Service Pinnacle award in the same year.

Jennifer Kish has 22 years of experience in the real estate industry and has been an independent sales affiliate of the Century 21 System for all 22 of those years.

“Jennifer is a leader and innovator in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to her clients because she knows the community she serves,” said Redfield. “Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Grosse Ile and an avid boater who is very familiar with the waters of our island. She is a valued and trusted real estate resource not only for Grosse Ile, but for all of Downriver, Monroe and

honors award-winning agents

a score of at least 95 percent. We want to give our clients the type of experience and service that will make our name the first name they think of when asked if they know a good Realtor. We want them to feel good about referring all of their family and friends to us for that same type of service.”

Other awards recipients at the Award Gala in Traverse City went to Judy Cemer and Niki Grigg, Platinum Award; Susie Harrison and Lorie Polgar, Silver Award; and Maria Chirco, Tom Medick and Tim Wojtala for the Bronze Award.

the Metro-Detroit communities, and a major contributor to the overall success of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe.”

“Achieving President’s Centurion Producer status is a great milestone and with a continued effort and focus on my clients I hope to continue on this path of success and am looking forward to working with many new and past clients in 2023.” said Kish.

CENTURY 21 Corporate also awarded the company, as well as realtors Judy Cemer, Maria Chirco, Niki Grigg, Susie

Harrison, Jennifer Kish, Linda Ann Halford, Tom Medick, Lorie Polgar and Tim Wojtala, with the Quality Service Pinnacle Award again in 2023.

“We are so very proud of this award,” said Redfield, “because it is given based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey, which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of their home.

“To earn the award, realtors must receive completed surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions and receive

“The power of CENTURY 21 Riverpointe and the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of our relentless sales professionals who always elevate and give 121 percent to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Redfield. “So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice.”

Providing hope to carry on Scholarship honors legacy of Maureen Fielder

Downriver students now have a new scholarship to help pay the costs of college, and advance the legacy of one who died too soon.

One of her dearest mentors was Steve Sims, who brought out the best in her, and led her to great success in her own career as a teacher and coach.

years of high school. She truly made a difference in the lives of her students,” said one student.

awarded annually to an applicant who must be:

BILL STEVENSON

The family of the late Maureen Fielder has established a scholarship in her memory and will offer the opportunity to a high school graduate or college student who “demonstrates the same passion for life, determination, work ethic and community spirit” that she did throughout her life.

Maureen Fielder, died suddenly in January, 2022 at the age of 43.

Maureen was an outstanding scholar and athlete who graduated from Grosse Ile High School, known for her tenacity, sharp wit, and leadership abilities. But, behind her fierce, competitive persona was a kind, sensitive, empathic soul who devoted her life to helping others.

She received her Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University and a Master’s from Marygrove College in the Art of Teaching.

Maureen taught mathematics at Best Middle School in Dearborn, Southgate Anderson, Grosse Ile Middle School, Marian H.S., and Gabriel Richard H.S., touching hundreds of lives in her students.

She later worked in the restaurant business, and real estate, bringing her dedication, work ethic and professionalism to those she served.

When she died unexpectedly last year, her students gave tribute, saying, “Ms. Fielder was always quick with her humor and sharp with her math. She taught her students in a unique way by breaking the complicated concepts into ‘Ms. Fielder’s Simple Steps’ that were far more manageable.

I had her (for) three of my four

“She taught more than math, and coached more than distance running. She really cared about us and wanted all of us to succeed,” said another.

Fielder also excelled in distance running, finishing many marathons, and qualified for and competed in the Boston Marathon in addition to coaching track and cross country. She was a fixture in the News-Herald Track and Field Championships, both as a prep competitor and as a mentor to young athletes.

Gone, too soon. Sudden death. Such pain and anguish to all who knew and loved her.

So out of the depths of grief and sorrow, her parents, Keith and Ann, and brother John Paul thought: “What can we do to honor the life and legacy of our dear Maureen?”

And, the Maureen Fielder Legacy Scholarship was born.

The $2,500 scholarship, will be

~ A student in their senior year of high school, or a freshman, sophomore, or junior in college.

~ Accepted and attending a two- or four-year college, university, or technical school.

~ In good academic standing (overall GPA 3.0 or above) with no serious disciplinary issues.

~ A student who demonstrates a passion for life, a strong work ethic, determination, and community-centric values.

~ Respected by their peers, teachers, and coaches (if applicable).

The deadline for applications is April 11, 2023. Application forms can be found at: maureenfielderscholarship.com.

We should all remember Maureen’s life in her favorite line from the Oak Ridge Boys’ song: “When you give it away, it all comes back tenfold they say.” too.

Independent businesses are still compelling

One of the topics I zero in on in these writings is the experiences I’ve had in towns that have either somehow never lost it, or have recaptured the cachet that was lost during the 1970s, 80s, 90s and on into the 2000s.

I don’t like to tell you about towns that are either firmly dead or not yet recovered and vibrant. I like to relate things that energize me because these places are already energized, and exuding the stuff. Not so much from these columns, but other writings of mine have elicited challenges such as “How can you be so anti-business when you yourself are a businessman?”

These challenges are rarely, if ever, intellectual in nature, but aggressive, and pushing back hard against what I refer to. I’m never against business; I’m against business that is designed to take all the independent business, and all the money that was generated locally.

I happen to have a compelling argument in plain view now that was less compelling 10 years ago: Downtown Wyandotte.

Less developed but magnetic as well is Trenton, though many are slow to see what is happening and draw a favorable conclusion (slow down and focus on all the newness along Jefferson!)

These two towns were built in the 1800s, and as such, both were anchored by downtowns that were built to provide a concentration of commercial goods and services for sale.

In our Downriver area, I am hard pressed to include any other cities but Ecorse and River Rouge that were established on the same model.

Such concentrations exist all over the place, with names like Milford, Plymouth, Brighton and Chelsea. Every single one of these places are excellent illustrators of the power of capitalism, providing entrepreneurs an opportunity to invest in the towns in which they live.

Every single bit of newness in those towns

(including Trenton and Wyandotte) has been funded by local, independent entrepreneurs that see opportunity in their neck of the woods.

Once a single operator hangs up a shingle, the groundwork is laid for additional businesses to follow suit, and in successful examples, what follows is a bustling energetic concentration of businesses in those towns, largely in the very locations that the original businesses occupied.

A perfect example of that “lone ranger” phenomenon is Corktown on Michigan Avenue in Detroit.

It didn’t happen overnight, but what happened with geometric increases in growth rate began with Slows Barbecue. Now, if Slow’s had offered up mediocre or worse food, the story would most likely have ended with that one investment risk.

But Slows was anything but mediocre.

They quickly built a cult-like following that served as a beacon to be noticed. Together with stalwart Detroit anchors like Nemo’s, a pulse was built. If you haven’t been, drive down there. It’s amazing, and begs for exploration. All because a local and independent restaurateur made an emphatic statement of belief in their own ability and the area in which they chose to establish themselves.

To be sure, Ford’s investment in the Detroit train terminal building has had a massive impact on the viability of the area, but the odds of Ford making that investment shrink to nothing if not for that one initial investment.

I don’t know who the investors are in all the condominium and apartment buildings that are everywhere down there. I like to hope that they too are local, but I am jaded. So far, all the retail and food is local, though.

Here in Wyandotte, I see no indication that big capitalism has us on their radar screen. That means that all the growth and improvement that is obvious has come from local people with a vision and

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus

“Home

passion that are willing to risk it all.

The growth is still in full swing, but the investment already is astounding. A lot of local money has been parked in Wyandotte, which is generating more business being done in Wyandotte.

New restaurants, apartments, bars, retail (and now, a new, serious venue for live music and entertainment), all being created in a city that has hung in there over the decades, but that was largely up and down until this explosion of growth.

Again, watch Trenton; opportunity is there as well.

I love regarding these investments as retributive justice for all the damage done to the likes of Wyandotte over the decades.

There is a case to be made for that point.

Corporations created a staggering amount of retail and restaurant square footage in and around cities across the country, and the impact was game changing. As you’ve read, the list of lost local apparel and other retailers in our region is amazing.

When coupled with the truth that about three times more money stays local with purchases made at locally owned and independent businesses…

Do the math and consider what that assault meant. It means that big capitalism has siphoned off billions of dollars from owners that were once much more the beneficiaries. That money has left Michigan and has enriched the few nearer the top of the food chain.

So every glimmer and very bright spotlight of localism fighting back to a position of being able to provide something that can’t be provided by big is a huge win for all of us, folks. If you’re a localist, chances are I know you! For those of you that don’t think of such things. Try on these words for the fit of truth, see if you agree.

As I wrote this column, next month’s column nearly wrote itself. See you in March!

Fridays during Lent: Feb 24, 2023 - Apr 7, 2023, 4:00 - 7:30 PM

DINNERS $12.95 - 17.95

Cod, Lake Perch, Shrimp & Walleye Dinners include Baked Potato or French Fries, Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll

Extra Sides Sold Separately:

French Fries, Pierogies, Jumbo Shrimp, Baked Potato

House-Made Soups (Varies Weekly)

Sacred Heart Parish • 21599 Parke Lane able

• Gluten-Free Items Available

Children’s Dinner Menu: Cheese Pizza (2 Slices), Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza Slice with Mac & Cheese

CARRY-OUT AVAILABLE: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM

See Complete Weekly Menu on Facebook and Website

Facebook: Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Fish Fries • Website: kofcgi.com

PETER ROSE

In our Downriver area, I am hard pressed to include any other cities but Ecorse and River Rouge that were established on the same model.

• Grosse Ile

of Downriver’s Famous Fish Fries”

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick 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.

I’m bringing nearly 30 years of AVON experience to the island

Have you seen an Avon brochure recently?

Let me share a brochure with you.

• Find one a BLOOM Salon or

• Online at www.avon.com/repstore/mshelton

Now you can buy all home cleaning essentials and toothpaste!

You’ll find clothes, shoes and bras, pet shampoos and your hair care needs too.

The ever-popular Skin so Soft, in multiple scents and forms, are still here.

What’s the secret to Avon shopping satisfaction?

Having the right Avon rep: dependable, knowledgeable and caring.

THAT’S ME!

Mary Shelton

734.215.5113 AvonSuccess@MShelton.net

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Stoney Island is prime Great Blue Heron habitat

JOHN HARTIG

Have you ever gone for a peaceful walk along a creek or lake and been spooked by the sound of what you think is a pterodactyl?

It can be quite unsettling to hear the unexpected frahnk-frahnk of a startled great blue heron who just had its fishing expedition disrupted.

The great blue heron can be found throughout much of North America and into Central and South America as well. In Michigan, the great blue heron is classified as a common permanent resident of a variety of wetland habitat types. It occurs scattered throughout most of Michigan but is much more likely to be encountered in the southern half of the state or in the Upper Peninsula. They are a common sight along the Detroit River.

They are often seen standing silently along rivers or lakeshores, or flying high overhead, with slow wingbeats, their neck curved in a tight “S”, head hunched back against their body, and their legs trailing well beyond their tail.

The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America, standing about 3.5-4.5 feet tall. They have a wingspan of nearly seven feet and weigh about eight pounds.

It gets its name primarily from its blue-gray plumage. It has a wide black stripe over its eye giving its face a black-and-white appearance. The tops of its wings are two-toned, pale on the forewing with darker flight feathers.

Gregarious great blues congregate together in a few to several hundred colonies and build what can be described by some as bird condos. Ornithologists call these breeding places or colonies rookeries. Great blues congregate in numbers to help ensure safety.

Nest building starts in early spring as part of the birds’ courtship ritual.

Males bring choice sticks to the females, who then weave the wood into a bowl. The female lays 2-6 pale blue eggs, then both parents incubate them for about four weeks until the young hatch. The parents bring food to the young at the nest for two months before the young can fly and fledge or leave their nest.

Great blue heron rookeries are somewhat rare but are visible from long distances due to the clumps of nests and the constant comings and goings of adult herons. In the Detroit River, there is an excellent example on Stony Island located in Grosse Ile Township.

“Stony Island’s wetland and upland habitats support the Detroit River’s largest great blue heron rookery with over 140 active nests,” said Joe Robison, southeast region supervisor of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division.

In 2018, the Friends of the Detroit River, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and other partners completed an $8 million habitat restoration project on

SEE HERON, Page 29

Continued from page 28

Stony Island. This project included building 3,650 feet of rock shoal to protect this 52-acre uninhabited island and surrounding wetlands from erosion.

These enhancements and island protection measures provide spawning and nursery ground habitat for fishes and critical habitats for other species like turtles and snakes. Great blues benefit too from these coastal wetland protection measures because these nurseries of life provide essential food for these long-legged, long-necked, coastal birds.

Great blue heron rookeries, such as on Stony Island, also provide exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities for birders and kayakers. It is such a rare and aweinspiring sight for a kayaker to get up close and personal with a great blue

Catholic Schools Week is Around the Corner

By Lily Paschke, GR Senior

heron rookery.

“Stony Island is one of my favorite places to kayak,” said Paul Gloor of Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. “In the spring, before the leaves fill the trees, one can see the juvenile heron in their huge nests in the cottonwood trees. Their combined croaks sometimes fall into a pulsing rhythm that reminds me of a freight train. It never ceases to amaze and inspire a sense of wonder.”

So, if you want to be treated to seeing this great blue heron rookery, put it on your kayak trip bucket list for next spring or summer. There is an excellent kayak launch at Sunrise Park on Grosse Ile. This launch is located at the eastern end of Grosse Ile Parkway at East River Road and it is only a short paddle to see the amazing great blue heron rookery of Stony Island.

Reprinted from Detroit Public TV’s Great Lakes Now publication

For many schools, the month of February symbolizes a slow in-between month, a month that drags between the return to school and the start of spring break, but not here at Gabriel Richard. For GR girls’ and boys’ basketball, bowling, hockey, dance, and wrestling, their seasons are in full swing. Also coming up the month is the “From Screen to Stage Concert” from the Gabriel Richard Glee club. Directed by Mrs. Brittney Dimmit, GR’s new music teacher, the concert will feature hits from famous musicals seen both on stage and on screen. Featured in this concert will include both members of the Glee club and featured members from the Thespian Guild. The concert will be held on the 24th of February at 6 pm in the Gabriel Richard cafetorium. The program will last about an hour and be filled with nostalgia for a younger day as well as fun memories for the whole family. We hope that you will join us to experience the premiere performance of a concert directed by Mrs. Dimmitt and help to support this talented group of performers through their winter concert.

Stony Island’s great blue heron rookery, Detroit River.

Photo courtesy of Steve Lutsch via Michael Rudell

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!

She

Hello, our fur baby is Cooper. He’s a 5-year-old cockapoo who keeps us from being completely empty nesters. He loves going for walks and playing with his “babies”.

Riley Family Kevin, Jennifer, Katie and Colin and Cooper

Would you like to see a picture of your pet in one of our monthly community newspapers? We can make it happen. Just send a photo of your pet, along with your name and the city you live in and we will get it published. Send information to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com

What’s happening ...

Scholarships available

The Community Choice Foundation opened the application process for college, continuing education, and skilled trades scholarships. The Community Choice Foundation provides aspiring post-high school students with networking and support beyond financial aid. It helps these scholars explore opportunities to explore their passions, connections with community contacts and charities and financial guidance.

The Foundation’s scholarship program is one of the largest in the credit union industry both in Michigan and nationally. The scholarship program is funded by Community Choice Credit Union and the generous support of its members, team members and local businesses.

Applications are due Feb. 28, and may be filled out online by visiting CommunityChoiceFoundation.org. Scholarship winners will be announced in April.

Take it outside Photo Contest

Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. Entry deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2023 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

Dr. Bruce Jones Memorial 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. www.ginlc.org/bruce-jones-scholarship

Salvation Army Weekly Events

Golden Agers Bingo, Mondays, 10 a.m. to noon, $1. Downriver Music, Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m., kindergarten and older. Downriver Youth, Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., kindergarten and older. Downriver Bible Study, Wednesdays, 5-6 p.m., 16 and older. The Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center is located at 1258 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte. For more information, call 734-282-0930.

Genealogy Research

The Downriver Genealogical Society Library, located at 28639 Division Street in Flat Rock, is free and open for genealogy research Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The society began in 1980 and for the past 42 years has been collecting information on the people and cities of the Downriver communities, mostly taken from local newspapers. There are also resources from the surrounding areas and for other states and other countries.

Volunteers are available to help those wanting to begin researching their own family. Information on the society, holdings and publications can be found at downrivergenealogy.org. For more information, call 734-535-6530.

Al Turner Drop In Chess

Every Thursday 5:30 p.m. at the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte. Kids and adults of all ages can meet challenging new players every Thursday at 5:30 pm. For more information, call 734-246-8357.

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

permeating aroma of marijuana will not waft over Fort Street or to their new neighbors. Their grow operation is out in Parma Township, near Jackson, with no plans of moving.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Businesses line up for retail marijuana retail permits

First in line for a permit was Kinship Cannabis Company, which will take over the building formerly occupied by Slip Mahoney’s.

Kinship is a family-owned business, which started over 10 years ago when owner Curt Molino was a caregiver to his brother who had Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The family wanted to help relieve his pain and stress, but back then, caregivers had to grow

Online their ‘About Us’ information states: Welcome! We’re Kinship. A family of like-minded people who came together because we saw a way we could do some good in our communities. As experienced cultivators and providers, we understand the profound benefits cannabis can bring to our lives– both as individuals and as a community. And we’re passionate about bringing those benefits to as many people as we can

On page 17

Self Defense

managers the opportunity to share their thoughts with her directly.

“Southgate is a great community,” she added. “Every community needs good leaders. Our community has a lot of active players. I’m working on lots of different things to develop community camaraderie.”

On page 1 gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Arthurs robotics team makes first-year splash

In its rookie season, the Arthurs Middle School robotics team achieved more than students imagined

On page 8

their own plants.

Even though his brother eventually succumbed to the illness, they realized that there were many, many people out there who could benefit from this form of treatment, and it grew from there.

Kinship won’t have a grow operation at Slip’s, only retail/distribution.

They said they plan on hiring 30 to 50 local people to run the business and hope to get up to full speed by the middle of this year.

In addition to the excise tax that the city will receive from each purchase, the city will also take in licensing renewal fees, which also have to be paid to the state.

Kinship has already purchased the building, and will make building improvements, landscape improvements, install new signage and generally just spruce the place up.

As there won’t be a grow operation there, the

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

New Southgate DDA Director has job she prepared for [Kaylee] Mondrella will host an ice cream social for local business owners in the month of February. She said she wants to offer business owners and

last fall when they joined the new extracurricular activity.

Within two months, TorqueNados JV built a robot that earned the team a spot at the 2022 FIRST in Michigan Tech Challenge State Championship-SE, held in early December at Macomb Community College in Warren...

“They did quite well (at states), finishing 14th in their division and among the top rookie teams in the competition,” said Jennifer Griffiths, the head coach. “They have had quite a season.”...

On page 3

A special craft show at Trenton High School

What started out as an economics unit for a group of Trenton High School students ended as something that will likely become a welcomed annual tradition.

The students of the PAES classroom at Trenton High School, under the leadership of teacher Christina Grooms, embarked on an adventure that far exceeded their expectations.

The students set out to learn about some of the skills necessary to be a successful entrepreneur by designing, problem solving and creating a variety of products to offer to the staff at THS.

Their creations included products such as pencil holders, calming bottles, noise makers, fairy lights, pet beds, dream catchers, picture and chip holders and more. By the end of the two-day craft fair, all that was left were empty tables and full hearts from those involved...

Veterans.”...

On page 32 gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte’s pet whisperer

Woman has reunited dozens of lost dogs with owners

...“Dogs provide unconditional love you might not get anywhere else,” she said.

Events set for February, March at 2nd Street Performing Arts Center

Several events in February and March are expected to be crowd pleasers at the 2nd Street Performing Arts Center in Wyandotte.

The center, called “the premier performing arts community gathering space” in the Downriver area is home to the Downriver Actors Guild, the Downriver Dance Academy, 2nd Street Sound and the podcast “Curtain Call.”

On page 7

Elementary students learn principles of electricity, engineering

All Trenton students in grades one through five at both Hedke and Anderson elementary schools are assigned to an Encore class called STEAM. The term STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. STEAM class took the place of Computers/Technology class two years ago and added to the existing focus of keyboarding, typing, computer skills and coding with a heightened emphasis on the engineering process and projects that combine other disciplines as well....

On page 8

Trenton student runner-up in Voice of Democracy essay contest

An eighth-grader at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton won $200 and a trophy during the Veterans of Foreign Wars annual Patriots Pen essaywriting competition.

Amelia Doshoian, 13, finished runner-up in the VFW Fourth District contest and was presented her awards during the annual awards banquet on January 7 at the VFW Post in Southgate.

The 76 th annual competition encouraged middle school students to compete for prizes by writing essays. This year’s topic was “My Pledge to Our

Lost dogs seem to gravitate to [Deanna] Grant’s home near the Jo Brighton Center. Maybe it’s the scent of her own pets that draw them there. Whatever it is, she does her best to reconnect dog and owner.

When she finds a dog, Grant checks for contact information on the animal’s collar and makes a connection with the owner if possible. Meanwhile, she keeps the visiting dogs safe and provides nourishment as they wait.

If no contact info is found, she posts a sign near her home announcing “I have your dog” or something similar. That seems to work, leading to dozens of joyous reunions.

“They need help,” Grant said. “They need somebody to get them back to their family...”

On page 1

The facility, which opened on Oct. 14, 2022, is located at the former St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and School at 1123 2nd Street. The 10,000-squarefoot theater has room for more than 250 seats and stage, plus an attached studio complex.

For more information on upcoming performances, call the ticket line at (734) 407-7020...

On page 5

Wyandotte’s Nic DiSanto signs with Division 1 football team

...“Playing Division 1 football has been my goal,” DiSanto said. “Ever since the end of my sophomore year, I was really determined to play at the next level. Knowing Division 1 is the highest level for college, why not strive for the best?”

DiSanto, the son of Joe and 27th District Court Judge Elizabeth DiSanto, has starred for the Pioneers in football, ice hockey and lacrosse.

At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, DiSanto was a two-way lineman for the GR football team, blocking for the quarterback and running backs on offense and going after the opponent as a nose guard on defense.

Best small scale rocker recliner in stock as shown and available to order in several other colors at no extra charge. Sale Price $499

We have this England 85” x 85” sectional in stock as shown available for immediate free local delivery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions.

Sale Price $1999 as stocked or in your choice of 50 fabrics. Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.

Table

We have this England 72” sofa in stock as shown available for immediate free local delivery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions.

Sale Price $999 as stocked or in your choice of 50 fabrics. Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.

Finish Options

Chair Options

Custom 36”x48” table with 16” leaf & 4 chairs $1999

The table is 36” x 64” with included leaf. Choose your leg style, chair style (wood or fabric seats), wood finish & fabric choice all at no extra charge.