Grosse Ile Grand, March 10 – April 11, 2023

PARTHENON CONEY ISLAND

Lunch Specials

Bagnall, LaFramboise, Worden pass Grosse Ile loses three great former educators

BILL STEVENSON

Sad news from the Grosse Ile High School school community.

Three giants in the school’s coaching and teaching history have passed away. Family and friends, former athletes and students and long-time colleagues mourn the deaths of Glen Bagnall, 92, Tom LaFramboise, 79 and Charlie Worden, 79.

An outstanding athlete at Flint Northern High School, Bagnall graduated from Michigan State Normal before it became Eastern Michigan University and later studied at Central Michigan University. He taught biology and physical education at the high school and spent 36 years coaching basketball – all at Grosse Ile High School.

Office: (734) 672-7121

Text: (734) 934-6605

crawfordchiropracticclinic.com

In 1990, at his induction to the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame, Glen’s former athlete and then GIHS Athletic Director Bill Lowery presented the award, citing Glen’s accomplishments:

“Glen has been Huron League Coach of the Year several times, four times in

the 1980s, Downriver Coach of the Year, Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame inductee, B.C.A.M. Region I Coach of the Year, 1987-88, and Detroit Free Press Metro Coach in 1987.

“During his coaching tenure at Grosse Ile High School, Bagnall’s teams won 381 and lost 313. Over the years, Grosse Ile basketball under Bagnall won nine Huron League titles, 10 districts, and one regional.

“Glen Bagnall served on the B.C.A.M. Executive Board since 1978, served as President in 1983 and ’84. He organized and was long-time Chairman of the Hall of Fame.”

Those who knew Bagnall, remember him as a character larger than life, known for his colorful personality and imposing presence. He is survived by his children Leigh, Janis, Todd and their families, as well as his dear partner Dorothy DeFrain. A memorial is planned for later this coming summer.

SEE EDUCATORS, Page 3

Glen Bagnall

Tom LaFramboise

Charlie Worden

DR. CHRISTINE CRAWFORD, DC

CRAWFORD CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

The best time to talk to a Merrill Advisor? Yesterday.

These markets — they’re a wild ride. But we’ve seen it before. And with a Merrill Advisor, you can do more than just hang on — you can charge forward. Backed by world-class insights. Cutting-edge technology. And a personalized plan to help you thrive. Don’t just ride it out. Ride with the bull. Ride with Merrill.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

2912 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, MI 48192

734.324.3826

fa.ml.com/wyandottegroup

MerrillLynch,!Pierce,!Fenner!&!Smith!Incorporated!(also!referred!to!as!™MLPF&S∫!or!™Merrill∫)!makes!available!certain!investment!products!sponsored,!managed,!distributed!or!provided!by!companies!that!are!affiliates! of!BankofAmerica!Corporation!(™BofACorp.∫).!MLPF&S!is!a!registered!broker-dealer,!registered!investment!adviser,!Member!SIPC!and!a!wholly!owned!subsidiary!of!BofACorp.

Investment!products: Are Not FDIC InsuredAre Not Bank GuaranteedMay Lose Value

The!Bull!Symbol!and!Merrill!are!registered!trademarks!of!BankofAmerica!Corporation.

The!College!for!Financial!Planning!Institutes!Corp.!owns!the!service!marks!Chartered!Retirement!Planning!CounselorSM,!CRPCÆ,!and!the!CRPCÆ!logo,!and!the!certification!marks!Chartered!Retirement!Planning! Counselorô,!CRPCô,!and!the!CRPCô!logo.

©!2022!BankofAmerica!Corporation.!All!rights!reserved. MAP4800316!|!AD-06-22-0489.B!|!472845PM-0622!|!07/2022

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Township governmental duties clearly spelled out

DAVID NADEAU Township Treasurer

In this article I will outline some of the statutory duties and responsibilities of the members of the Grosse Ile Township Board. First, a little background information may be in order.

Michigan has approximately 1,240 townships within its borders including 139 charter townships. Grosse Ile is one of the 1,100 general law townships within the State. General Law townships are authorized and established under Chapter 41 of Michigan Compiled Law (MCL).

Regardless of the size of the township (population or area), one of the similarities between all general law townships is that they are governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of either five or seven elected individuals. MCL Chapter 41 also provides that all townships are separate corporate bodies and empowers each township board with the authority to conduct the business matters of their respective township.

Grosse Ile Township was established

EDUCATORS

Continued from page 1

with a seven-member board and the Board members are elected to a four year term. The Board is charged with attending to the general business of the Township including matters such as sale of property, purchase of property, entering contracts, levying and collecting taxes, and other specified and implied administrative duties.

In addition, the Board has the right to create various departments to operate in specific areas of the Township. The Board also has the authority to staff these departments with the personnel necessary to fulfill the services provided by these departments and the right to hire managers to oversee them.

Each of the Township Board members shares some common duties and responsibilities.

However, there are some duties and responsibilities that have been assigned by Michigan statute to specific individual board members. Some of these specific duties are outlined below:

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

~ Moderates Board regular and special meetings and study sessions

~ Serves as Township’s legal agent

~ Serves as Township’s Chief Assessing Officer

~ Develops Township budget (with departmental input)

~ May call for special Board meetings

~ May appoint some commission members

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ May appoint a Deputy Supervisor

TOWNSHIP TREASURER

~ Collects Township real and personal property taxes

~ Maintains records of receipts and expenditures

~ Issues Townships checks for payments

~ Issues pet licenses

~ Receives and deposits all Township revenue

~ Invests all Township funds in approved depositories

~ Collects delinquent personal property

Gross in November of 1964 and they had three beautiful daughters Lisa, Heide, and Tricia. Their family lost Janet in 1977 after her battle with cancer. She continued looking over him for the rest of his life. Tom married Edda

taxes

~ Serves on Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Treasurer

~ Must post a surety bond

TOWNSHIP CLERK

~ Maintains custody of all Township records

~ Maintains general ledger of Township

~ Prepares and maintains Township board meeting minutes

~ Maintains Township Book of Oaths

~ Publishes all meeting notices and minutes

~ Maintains voter registration files

~ Administers all election functions

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Clerk

~ Must post a surety bond

TRUSTEE

~ Serves as a Township legislator

~ Required to attend all Board meetings and vote on all issues

SEE TOWNSHIP, Page 11

Many felt he could have had a career as a stand-up comic.

He also coached tennis and basketball.

Thomas M. LaFramboise passed away at the age of 79 on Jan. 25, 2023. LaFramboise, known by the nickname ‘Tossin Tommy’ was a gifted athlete, graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1961, and earned a scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he excelled at both baseball and football.

According to his biography, “While playing football at Louisville from 1962-1964, Tom LaFramboise had 239 completed passes for 2,755 yards and with a QB rating of 96.6. He also set a NCAA record for the first two games in 1964 with 45 completions on 75 passing attempts.”

LaFramboise broke all of Johnny Unitas’ records at Louisville. He was drafted and signed with the Chicago Bears. After an injury sidelined his short NFL career, Tom turned to education as his passion.

He was a teacher and football coach at Ypsi Lincoln for the bulk of his career, and came to Grosse Ile in 1986.

Tom LaFramboise coached football for over 34 years, won one conference championship, was named Regional Coach of the Year by the Ypsilanti Press, and at Grosse Ile was the News-Herald Coach of the Year in 1991. He inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994. He was inducted into the University of Louisville Hall of Fame in 2000 as both a football and baseball star. He entered the Lincoln Park Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

At the end of college, he went on to marry Janet Carol

Ciccantelli in May of 1982 and they happily lived in Michigan, until his passing.

He is survived by daughters Lisa Engler (Dan), Heide Darnell (Scott), and Tricia Roy (Matt); as well as his grandchildren Janet Engler, Justine Darnell, Trevor Darnell, Rebekah Coyne, Thomas Roberts (TJ), Nathan Engler and Madeline Roberts.

The family will host a celebration of life service on April 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton, Michigan, with visitation at 9:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to two causes close to Tom’s heart: the Michigan Public School Employees Pension Fund and the Louisville Alumni Fund.

Charles “Charlie” Worden of Grosse Ile, Michigan passed away in his 80th year on Feb. 21, 2023.

Charlie was born Oct. 10, 1943 in Cadillac, Michigan. He graduated from Cadillac High School and then from Western Michigan University.

Charlie taught for 37 years in Grosse Ile Schools, both at the then Junior High School and the High School.

Charlie was most loved and remembered for years of teaching social studies, particularly psychology classes. He was noted for his easy going demeanor, sharp wit with a quick joke and legendary story-telling ability.

“After retiring, he taught for 15 years at University of Michigan-Dearborn as an adjunct professor in the School of Education, mentoring student teachers.

Charlie loved his years of teaching, and especially enjoyed running into former students around the Downriver area.

Charlie was an involved community member and president of the Lions Club, Rotary Club and initiated the Key Club at the High School.

Music was a great love of Charlie’s. He was the front man for a band in college called “Charlie and the Chesterfields” and he was a huge fan of many 50s pop groups, including the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Jan and Dean and Elvis.

His favorite song of all-time was “In the Still of the Night” by the Five Satins and he was able to enjoy music up until his last day.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Kathleen Worden, and their combined children, Kelly (Brian), Robert, Shelley (Jason), Cara (Sorin) and Kristina (Alex). He leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Katie, Kortney, Ty, Gabe, Lainey, Eve, Bobby, Asa, Winter and Sebi.

His family remembers him in one of Charlie’s favorite quips: ‘As they say in the women’s lingerie business, Nighty, Nighty!’”

Rest in Peace, dear friends.

School Bonds update Making progress through the process

This past November, Grosse Ile voters passed two school bond proposals for an historic $72 million dollars for needed school building upgrades, new technology, transportation and improved athletic facilities.

any of the presenters as well as the individuals involved in the live bond sale in St. Louis.

BILL STEVENSON

As anxious as residents are to see shovels in the ground, a bond issue of such magnitude must undergo a rigorous process to bring the vision into reality.

All school bond requests in the state of Michigan must follow strict regulations through the Michigan School Bond Qualification and Loan Program, authorized through the Michigan Constitution and attending state law. Several steps need to be taken before a school district even considers placing a bond request before the voters.

More than a year before the November 2022 election, the Grosse Ile Township Schools developed and the school board adopted a strategic plan, determining their current and long- range capital improvement needs, their long range enrollment projections, a prioritized construction plan, and an operating budget used to manage the project.

The board also approved the firm of Plante Moran Cresa as their consultants through the process.

The next step, after much study, is preliminary qualification approval of the bonds through the SBQLP and meetings with the Michigan State Treasurer’s Office determining the financial estimates and construction plans. The district received the approval and was able to put the two ballot proposals on the ballot.

The results of the November 8, 2022 election saw School Bonding Proposal 1 allowing the district to sell bonds totaling $55.45 million for modernization of infrastructure improvements and safety/security upgrades were passed by 3,658 yes to 2,790 no (56.7 to 43.3 percent).

There would be an estimated zero

(0) tax rate increase over the debt millages levied in 2022. Under School Bonding Proposal 2 the District would sell bonds totaling $16.94 million for arts and athletic facilities, with an estimated 1.2 mill increase over 2022 levies. Proposal 2 passed by 3,414 Yes to 3,070 No (52.6 to 47.35 percent).

Superintendent Valerie Orr explains, “We have been conducting our due diligence throughout this process. The Board (at their Feb. 28 meeting) approved The Collaborative from Ohio with offices in Ann Arbor as our architect.

“The engineering firm of Wade Trim is conducting a study to examine traffic flow at Parke Lane and Meridian Elementaries. Forsythe is working on the athletic designs.

“2023 will mainly be all about design. We will update the community every quarter on our school district dashboard. We are forming committees involving teachers, staff, parents, students and community members to work with the professionals on Building Infrastructure and Instruction, Athletics, and STEM design.”

With the results of the election, and final approval from the State Treasurer’s Office, the District is preparing for the sale of the voter-

approved bonds.

In a Feb. 21 press release the district stated, “The first series of school bonds will be sold on March 14 with the assistance of Stifel, the district’s municipal bond advisor who is providing underwriting services for the district. Grosse Ile Township Schools has planned a student engagement opportunity for high school students who are interested in a career in business, commerce, construction, finance, economics, architecture or law to be involved in the actual bond sale.

“The event will begin with presentations by the district’s architect, construction owner’s representative, bond attorney, financial advisor, and bond underwriter who are all working closely with the district to successfully complete the bond program over the next six years

“With the assistance of Wayne County Community College

Downriver campus, students will also be observing a live feed of the bond sale from the bond underwriter’s trading desk in St. Louis, Missouri. These individuals will explain the bond sale process and display real-time information from the trading desk. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of

“We are delighted to offer this wonderful opportunity to our students. Bond sales don’t occur often in schools, so it was important to our district that we seize this opportunity for our students. This bond proposal is an historic investment from the Grosse Ile community in its schools, and what better way to honor that investment than to involve our students in the process as much as we can,” said Superintendent Valerie Orr.

“We appreciate the partnership we have with Wayne County Community College and their commitment to ensuring this event is a success for our Students,” said Grosse Ile Board of Education President, Suzanne Sassack.

Under Michigan law, bond funds can only be used for the specified purpose approved by the voters. Funds cannot be used to pay for salaries, supplies, textbooks, repairs or maintenance, among others.

Further, under Michigan law, “All school district construction must undergo competitive bidding as no-bid contracts are prohibited for school construction. Also, all construction sites must be inspected by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth’s Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety on a periodic basis. All school construction projects must follow the Michigan Prevailing Wage law as all contractors must pay prevailing wages.

Lastly, all school districts must have separate construction fund accounts for bond proceeds and debt service under law. If any unused funds remain then the funds can be used to pay for enhancements, debt service, or bond repayment to the State of Michigan.

And, once all construction is complete, the District must have an audit of bonded construction funds by an independent auditor appointed by the State of Michigan.

So stay tuned. Great things are happening in the Grosse Ile schools!

Still Rockin’ CF March 19 Race proceeds benefit research

BILL STEVENSON

The 12 th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 8 a.m. This year’s race will take on deeper meaning as the runners not only race to stamp out

Cystic Fibrosis, but to remember the race’s operations director and dear friend – Kevin Wilson.

Rock CF’s founder, Emily Schaller explains, “It is with broken hearts that we remember the passing of our beloved Kevin Wilson this past June. Our history with Kevin is long and rich.

Kevin was my gym teacher in Grosse Ile schools from 1 st to 8 th grade, and that’s where our bond started.

“He called me ‘Emster’ in the ‘90s, and I was his ‘right hand girl’ on the football field, acting as his manager for six years. I made sure the players had everything they needed, and that Kevin had bubble gum in his pocket.

“Kevin introduced me to half marathons, and we trained together for years running around Grosse Ile talking about food, family, and more food. It was on one of those runs around the island that the Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon was born,” said Schaller.

“We are going to miss Kevin more than we can even begin to imagine. Our races will never be the same, but

we will carry on his legacy as long as we can.”

This year, the race will initiate a special “Kevin Wilson Memorial Mile,” which will become part of the race from now on.

To commemorate Kevin, the one mile segment will start one mile out from the finish line – the toughest part of any distance race for many runners.

Also, this year there will not be a two-person half marathon relay, as its popularity has seemed to run its course. But, interest is still strong for the 13.1 Half Marathon, the 5K Run or Walk, and the Virtual Half Marathon. So strong that the half and 5K races had caps – 700 for the half, 600 for the 5K. There will be a 3 hour and 30 minute time limit for the half marathon.

As of this writing, the Half Marathon is sold out!

There are still spots left in the 5K and Virtual Half. You can still register online to run or make a donation @ letsrockcf.org.

From the vent, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Rock CF Foundation, “changing the face of what living with cystic fibrosis looks like and giving those living with CF the tools to not only survive, but thrive.”

Schaller projects, “Maybe one day soon, we can say the CF stands for: Cure Found. We all can help outrun CF.”

!"#$%&'&()%!"*+&'&$,"%-!" !!."/0" !"#$% 13(% 2023," %-!"F/ll/w&$," !"#$"%&'( "B/$ds:

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

GROSSE$I E$TOWNSHIP$SCHOO S COUNTY$OF$WAYNE,$STATE$OF$%ICHIGAN 2023"S'-//l"Bu&ld&$," )$d"S&%!"B/$ds,"S!+&!s"I (U$l&m&%!d"T)x"G!$!+)l"Obl&,)%&/$)

Hello! I am Susie Armiak, Realtor at MBA Realty and a very proud Grosse Ile resident. As a Licensed Realtor and Residential Builder, my passion for helping others goes far beyond that scope! My heart is nestled between these two bridges, but my desire to help others far exceeds those boundaries!

•Interest on the Bonds will be free from federal and Michigan state income taxes.**

•These bonds are anticipated to be rated by S&P.

!"#$%"&"'!()

S%&0!l|"(844)" 877 1322

Co≠%"&"'!()$

R)ym/$d"J)m!s|"(888)" 345 4924

**+!l&m&$)+y;"subj!'%"%/"'-)$,!."

**F/+")"'/m(l!%!"d&s'uss&/$"/0"%)x"m)%%!+s,"(l!)s!"s!!"%-!"(+!l&m&$)+y"/ '&)l"s%)%!m!$%.

With a passion for writing and a love for The Island, I am pleased to announce the First Annual Susie Armiak Scholarship. Please articulate to the world why “Island Life is the Best Life”! The winning author will receive $1000.00 to use as they wish upon graduation and their expressions will be used to promote this captivating haven in the coming year! Good Luck!

Application available on the GI Senior Scholarship Site and due by April 11, 2023

Friends of the Detroit River dinner April 1

On Saturday, April 1, the Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) will be holding its annual “Keep-the Boat-Afloat” fundraising dinner at the Wyandotte Boat Club. The event is sponsored by Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc. and SmithGroup.

This year FDR will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the start of the Detroit Riverkeeper program. The dinner event is held each year to support the work done by the Detroit Riverkeeper and FDR. The Riverkeeper is responsible for patrolling the river by boat, looking for water pollution and other related problems affecting the river and its natural habitats.

This year the dinner program will highlight some of the many accomplishments that have been achieved over the last 20 years, as well provide an update on current activities being undertaken to improve and protect the

Detroit River.

A key update will include a presentation on current efforts being made to improve the water quality of the Ecorse Creek, a tributary to the Detroit River, whose discharges have had a long history of impacting the water quality of the river.

Along with this presentation, the event includes an opportunity for social networking, a catered dinner by Truago, live entertainment, door prizes and a silent auction. It is always a pleasant evening with good food, good friends, and a great view of the Detroit River from the Wyandotte Boat Club.

If you are interested in attending this event, you can purchase tickets on FDR’s website at www.detroitriver.org or call the FDR office at (734) 288-3889 for additional information.

TOWNSHIP

Continued from page 3

Responsible for the Township’s overall fiduciary well being

It should be noted that all Board members are charged with the duties listed above for the Trustee position regardless of their position as an officer of the Board.

In addition, all Board members hold the position as the liaison to one or more of the various Township Commissions that operate within the Township. For the residents who may not be aware, the Commission liaisons are as follows:

Supervisor Budny - Downtown Development Authority

Clerk O’Connor - Fire Commission and Community Recreation Commission

Treasurer Nadeau - Public Services Commission and Commerce Park Commission

Trustee Porcarelli - Police Commission

Trustee Bloetscher - Greenways / Open Space Commission

Trustee Yager - Zoning Board of Appeals and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission

Trustee de Beausset – Planning Commission

The primary role of the Board liaisons is to be a source of information for the entire Board relative to a specific department and to relay information directly to their commissions with input from the Board.

I hope that you have found this information helpful.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to any Board member if you have questions regarding the operation of the Township or any of its various departments. Additional information on the elected members of the Board and members of the various Commissions can be found on the Township website (www.grosseile. com).

like us on

Guidance Center will present social media film

The Downriver Guidance Center in conjunction with Stop Underage Drinking and Drugs (SUDDs) will present the film “Like – A documentary about the Impact of Social Media on Our Lives” at 6 p.m. on March 21 at Crystal Gardens.

The one-hour film will be followed by a question and answer session with the narrator of the film, Max Stossel.

The event is free, but you must register. Pizza, popcorn and soft drinks will be served.

Like breaks down why we find social media so irresistible, examines who is controlling who and gives viewers the tools to pivot to a more balanced and contented relationship.

It features Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including the co-inventor of the “like” button,experts in brain science and regular teenagers.

The filmmakers of “Like” inspire kids and teens to consider a life of JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out) rather than FOMO (the Fear of Missing Out).

The filmmakers use their proven 4E formula: Entertainment, Empathy, Enlightenment and a heavy dose of Empowerment, arming their audiences with easy-to-execute strategies to change their habits that very same day.

Contact the Guidance Center at 734-785-7700.

We let it get away from us, friends

These columns are all about the vibrancy of local economies. The matters I write about are not exclusive to these Go Big publications, but in writing them, they certainly help me focus on saying exactly what I mean.

I have written a lot about the same topic, and I can’t express how good it feels to have people tell me that they read (and like) what I write.

Most that say anything say they agree with it all. Some consider me to be just too darned “liberal”, which is, for the record, one of the silliest “descriptors” I’ve ever heard. So is “conservative.” Neither one conveys anything at all. Seriously, literally nothing. Still nonetheless, that specific word is used to describe me by some that happen to support Small almost exclusively.

Even people that disagree with some of what comprises my views are ardent followers of what I espouse.

The advocacy for small is rooted in my history in my market. No question, my views developed as I looked back on my experience, wherein Big overran small by design.

In my field, that truth led to a revolting diminution in caliber of service and offerings to the American public. My “Baby Boom” generation insisted on it, we wanted it. Malls became the hip place to shop, and billions were raked from our community to achieve a world in which Small was drastically reduced in number.

Downtowns became tragically abandoned (coming back now!).

Funny, no matter how many times I write that in any of the variable ways I have, I never feel that I have explained the incredible phenomenon we watched wash over America and the world. We actually allowed, even demanded, more and more sameness with less and less service.

For all but the investors, we didn’t connect the dots and come to the correct conclusion: We were living through and eagerly accepting a

massive transfer of wealth from countless small businesses to publicly traded companies elsewhere.

Innocuous garbage was foisted on the American consumers, and we eagerly sucked it up. What a plan, what a scheme.

It was not just retail in which this transfer took place. In virtually every business niche we can rattle off, Big realized the riches to be captured and they brilliantly succeeded to create a very different world.

It happened systematically, not suddenly.

We didn’t really understand what was happening, but now, looking back, we can see it and understand it if we want to.

It is my generation’s contribution to the commonwealth – the creation of monolithic businesses that took advantage of the “trickle down economic theory” propaganda to mainstream their mission.

Trickle Down became so all pervasive that it was all we recognized anymore. The idea being to give more money and control to Big, which would then (in theory) trickle some of it back to the working public.

Of course, they kept 99 percent of it, and we just kept being lemmings.

Most do not consider the stranglehold that Big has on America, and that’s why this is more than just a sideline gig for me.

Most do not recognize that there has been a profound impact on local wealth as a direct result of the assault of Big.

It simply cannot be dismissed that in the 1970s, there were men that worked at places like Ford or McLouth Steel (for instance) and with that single income, they afforded a home, two cars, a decent comfortable living, with enough money to send two kids to college. This is related here anecdotally, but this really was the way things were.

It is not the way things are today.

Society has changed dramatically: The percentage of women in the workplace was dramatically lower 50 years ago, and that second income was not seen as a necessity.

Consider this: In 1965 the ratio of average American CEO pay to that

average worker above was 20-1. In 2021, that average ratio had become 399-1, a staggering change in the way those at the top are paid.

Now, before I get too far afield in the populist rhetoric, please understand that my point here is not the individuals in the examples that troubles me for purposes related to this explanation.

What obsesses me is this simple question: How much more disposable income would be floating around, circulating in our local economy if families still flourished like that today? Can you even imagine?

Being spent at local businesses because of my other obsession that asks how much different would our local economy be compared to 50 years ago if all those malls hadn’t sucked so many dollars out of the state to be shared by CEOs at countless publicly traded companies based elsewhere, that did not exist 50 years ago?

Look to other fronts, too. Almost all the local independent drug stores have been supplanted by CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, and all the corporate money that now leaves our state to feed their corporate machines elsewhere used to stay here,

circulating and benefiting us all.

Worse, those behemoth companies then collude with pharmaceutical companies to control supply, pricing and availability at remaining local and independent pharmacies. How much more money leaves the state through national restaurant chains than did in 1972? How much more money leaves the state through Walmart than did before that cancer wreaked havoc on the American local business scene, while making the Waltons the richest family in America?

How about the truth that 50 years ago, our entire health system did not include the healthcare insurance companies that now decide who lives and dies, while capturing a massive amount of money for their corporate infrastructures?

Lots of questions. They’re not rhetorical questions. They may be hard to definitively answer, but the general gist is really not hard to get if we simply look closer and consider how dramatic the change has been, by design of people that could get away with it.

They took control.

I, for one, want it back. I’m a capitalist that is disgusted with how we’ve failed to use that tool

PETER ROSE

BEST OF DETROIT with The Detroit Free Press

We are One of the TOP-3 FINALISTS NOMINATED FOR

•

•

•

If you are looking for a place to have a great meal in a fun, interesting and unusual place, The Vault Restaurant is for you. Located in Downtown Wyandotte on the corner of First and Maple streets, the fine-dining eatery is housed in the historic building that once housed the National Bank of Wyandotte. Hence the name, The Vault.

The Teller’s Room

Book your next party in The Vault’s private banquet room. Up to 20 people

ThVl’

The Vault’s exceptional menu features prime cut meats, wild-caught seafood, locally raised chicken, locally-sourced baked goods, an extensive wine list and craft cocktails. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner six days a week and there is a lunch special featuring a $10 Wagyu beef burger.

If you haven’t yet been to The Vault, you owe yourself a visit. Their hours are:

Monday through Thursday 11:30am to 9:00pm

Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 10:00pm Closed on Sundays.

The upbeat setting of downtown balances the old roots of the bank you can still see today.

Downriver Business’ Best Kept Secret?

Mark Tremper, Vice-President of Marketing & Business

Development

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Hundreds of Downriver businesses have found tremendous value from the “Grow Your Business” Workshop Series, yet this unique opportunity hosted by the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union seems to be the best kept secret available to Downriver businesses. Each workshop in the series features topics relating to sales, marketing, and personal development, and is presented by a local, national, or international personal and business growth expert on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

FEBRUARY 28, 2022, SOUTHGATE, MI

For over 15 years, hundreds of Downriver businesses have found tremendous value from a monthly workshop presented by the Downriver Community Federal Credit Union called the “Grow Your Business” Series. The series is normally held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and is designed to help people gain the knowledge and skills they need to grow their business in both prosperous and challenging

economic times. Each workshop is presented by a local, national, or international personal and business growth expert on a topic relating to sales, marketing, and personal development

To date, there have been well over 200 workshops featuring a diverse line-up of speakers and topics, such as Michael Angelo Caruso, “Being the Best”; Billye Thompson, “Build Your Business Using LinkedIn”; Kurt David,“Face Change Like a Champion”; Josh Linkner, “Disciplined Dreaming: How to Drive Breakthrough Creativity”; Shawn Duperon, “Demystifying Media: The Real Scoop on How to Get Free Press & Publicity”; and many others.

This year’s topics have or will include “Building a Stand-Out Brand with Behavioral Marketing” (Jay Johnson); “The Book Exchange: Books to Help You Grow Your Business, “Adding a Spark of Disney to Your Company” (Richard Paul), and “The Importance of Career Planning and Long Term Success” (Jim Jump).

“Downriver Credit Union is committed to providing resources that help people accomplish great things in their personal and business lives,”

says Robert La Palme, Downriver CU’s President & CEO, “and these workshops have made a positive impact on hundreds of people in our community for many years now.”

The workshops are held at Downriver CU’s Southgate Office (15261 Trenton Rd) in their Community Room, a multi-purpose room used for both Credit Union and community-oriented events, as well as by local community organizations such as the Downriver Business Association, Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, Southgate Rotary, Downriver Toastmasters, and others.

A small registration fee of $5.00 is being charged for those who would like to attend the workshops, which includes breakfast, networking, and the workshop. Anyone with an account at Downriver Community Federal Credit Union may attend at no charge.

For more information about the workshop series, please contact Mark Tremper at 313-386-2200 x1202 or visit www.DownriverCU.com/GrowYourBusiness.

Devils’ 20-plus win season ends in regional final

HANK MINCKIEWICZ

A great 20-plus win season came to a shuddering close for the Grosse Ile hockey team on the ice at the Yack Arena on March 1.

The Red Devils, who went 21-5 this year, saw the season come to the end with an 8-0 loss to stateranked Gabriel Richard in a regional championship game.

With the win, Richard advanced to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state quarterfinals.

For the Devils, the defeat was only their fifth of the year. In addition to Gabriel Richard, the Red Devils lost only to Carlson (twice), Riverview and Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard.

Richard came into the regional championship game as the clear favorite. The senior-dominated Pioneers had a sensational regular season that included wins over such teams as Trenton, Brother Rice, Orchard Lake St. Marys, Country Day and University Liggett.

But through the first portion of the title game, Grosse Ile was unbowed and kept the Pioneers within their sights.

Richard carried the play throughout the night, but for the better part of two periods the Devils did a good job of keeping the Pioneers wide, keeping the puck out of the kill zone and, in general, limiting Richard’s quality scoring chances.

But at 11:38 of the first period the

Pioneers managed to get the puck into the slot and Robbie Chiles planted it for a 1-0 Gabriel Richard lead. As it would turn out, that was the gamewinning goal.

Two minutes later, Jimmy Monks got loose in front, made a neat little deke to the backhand and scored to make it 2-0.

It was 2-0 at the end of the first period.

The Pioneers scored once in the second period and it was 3-0 after 34 minutes of play.

The third period would prove to be Grosse Ile’s undoing.

Richard scored two goals in the first six minutes of the last period and the wheels came off for the Devils, who then surrendered three more goals,

each about two minutes apart. Two of the third-period goals were netted by Monks, who completed his hat trick. Nic DiSanto had the goal that invoked the mercy rule.

The game was halted with 5:52 to play because of the mercy rule.

In addition to Monks’ hat trick, Richard got two goals and three points from Aiden Gonzalez, a goal and four points from Chiles and a goal and four points from Brenden Paden. Grosse Ile finished the night with just 15 shots on goal and Richard goalie Ryan Rainey stopped them all.

To reach the championship game, both Richard and Grosse Ile recorded first-round playoff shutouts. Richard

Photos by Emily Caruso

20473SquareFeet

0.47Acres

ListPrice:$85,000

MLS#20230013079

Continued from page 17

bombed Riverview 9-0 and Grosse Ile dominated Dearborn Divine Child 4-0. It was Grosse Ile third win of the year over the Falcons. In three games, the Red Devils outscored the Falcons 13-0.

Grosse Ile’s margin of victory over DC was not as great as Richard’s against Riverview, but the domination was just as complete nonetheless as the Devils won the shots-on-goal battle 31-15.

Travis Symons, Brendan Pace, Mark Roman and Nolan Karn did the scoring for Grosse Ile and netminder Wyatt Thompson stopped all 15 Divine Child shots.

Grosse Ile came into the state tournament riding a four game winning streak. The Red Devils closed out the regular season with wins over Monroe St, Mary Catholic Central, Divine Child, Woodhaven and New Boston Huron. The team won eight of its last nine regular season games.

In addition, the Red Devils won the Huron League title and were second in the Metro League West standings, just two points behind league champ and state quarterfinalist Ann Arbor Gabrie Richard.

Individually, Symons, Karn, Fisher Gurney and Tate Hubler were named All-Huron League first team and Gavin Worsley, Jake Oliver and Ashton Sobiechowski were All-Huron second team.

VACANTHARBORPOINTE

LotDimensions:176.9'x130.6

26136SquareFeet

0.60Acres

ListPrice:$95,000

MLS#20230013089

Devils finish fourth at cheerleading state finals

The Grosse Ile competitive cheerleading team capped a great 2022-23 season with a berth in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state finals.

There, the Red Devils put on a great show and finished fourth behind first-time champ Croswell-Lexington and perennial state powers Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Richmond.

How good were the Devils? The team had the best final-round score of any of the eight teams competing – 315 – and they finished a mere .02 points out of third place, 1.1 points out of second and 1.76 points puit of first place.

Paw Paw, Howard City Tri County, Portland and Lake Odessa Lakewood finished the scoring at the state meet, hosted by Central Michigan University.

To reach the state finals, Grosse Ile first finished third at districts and then fourth at regionals.

Competing at Flat Rock in districts, Grosse Ile finished behind district champ Flat Rock and runner-up Carleton Airport. Flat Rock scored 771.50 points, Airport scored 768.18 points and Grosse Ile scored 764.66 points. Onsted was the fourth team to qualify for regionals, scoring 735.88 points.

At regionals, which were held at Novi High School, Grosse Ile finished

fourth behind champion Notre Dame Prep, runner-up Richmond and thirdplace Croswell-Lexington. Along the way, Grosse Ile beat the two teams that had finished ahead of it at districts. Flat Rock was sixth and Airport was seventh and each failed to qualify for the state finals.

Notre Dame’s winning score was 777.40, Richmond had 772.72, CrosLex had 771.84 and Grosse Ile scored 768.92. The Red Devils beat Armada by 5.40 points for the last berth in the state finals.

Prior to beginning the state tournament, Grosse Ile competed in the Huron League meet and finished second there to league champ Airport.

The Jets three-round score was 765.72 and Grosse Ile’s was 752,62.

The rest of the league meet standings were Flat Rock (745.98), Monroe Jefferson (743.04), Riverview (714.18) and Huron (692.02).

The 2022-23 Grosse Ile cheerleaders and Liz Adamczyk, Arianna Bianchi, Halle Brower, Cassidy Claxon, Isabella Esposito, Avelin Flynn, Madelyn Frendo, Amanda Hancock, Sophia Hladchuk, Kelsey Jamnick, Lakely Luton, Alison Niehoff, Sienna Ross, Marissa Trombley, Penelope Valascho, Virginia West and Lillyonna Zulewski.

What’s happening Grosse Ile ...

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.

REMEMBER THE 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-jonesscholarship.

SIGNS OF SPRING – ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION EVENT

From 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Meridian Woods. Eastside of Meridian Road across from Meridian Elementary School, Grosse Ile. Description: Join Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy naturalists for an early spring walk. Early spring signs are everywhere- from early arriving birds to the first amphibians breaking winter hibernation.

All GINLC programs are free to the public, but your donations make them possible. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For more information, email GINLC.education@gmail.com.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

The Santa Rosalia Club is hosting a great event “A 1920’s Mafia Marriage” Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at the Bentley Banquet Center, 646 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, at 7 p.m. on May 12. Tickets are $60 per person, or $55 for Santa Rosalia members. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Vita Giammalva at 734 558-6143

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 fulltime 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.

FREE SHRED

DAY

At Dick Genthe Chevrolet. 15600 Eureka Road, Southgate, from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 29. Accepting donations for Veterans Project and non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. Accepted items: paper, credit card receipts, envelopes, checks, photographs. Not accepted: x-rays, magazines, books, computers and accessories. For more information, call Fran at 313633-9916.

AMERICAN FLAG DISPOSAL

Heart to Heart Hospice of Southgate is a local site for American Flag disposal. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heart to Heart will allow the general public to bring their tired and worn American flags to our Southgate office. The office is located at 1 Heritage Place, Suite 107, Southgate,in the Real Estate One building. For more information, call 734-282-0209.

TAYLOR GARDEN CLUB

Meets the third Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-2876851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.

HURON RIVER FISHING ASSOCIATION

Holds general membership meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St., Flat Rock. The group holds fly tying classes at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month at the FRCC. For more information, visit huronriverfishing.com or email FISH@huronriverfishing.com.

MODERN WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE CLASS

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. March 8, from 6-7:30 p.m. This class will teach women how to use effective techniques to protect themselves from danger. Registration required. Open to women 13 and up. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

WORD FOR BEGINNERS

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. March 9, from 1-2 p.m. This class will focus on Microsoft Office Word to create letters and documents. You will learn how to create, edit, and format documents, as well as how to insert images, and check for grammar and spelling errors. Class size is limited to 8 participants on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. March 30, from 4-5 p.m. Calling all aspiring writers! All writers from teens to adults are welcome to come together to share anything they would like to gain feedback on; whether that’s fiction stories (from flash fiction to short stories to novels – limited to one chapter per session) poetry, personal essays, scripts, memoirs, etc. There will be a 15-minute free write, where you will be challenged to write without stopping to think or edit, at the start of each session. Bring a notebook with easy tear out pages and something to write with. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

DOWNRIVER WEST KIWANIS CLUB SPRING VENDOR SHOW

At the Brownstown Event Center, 23345 King Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Saturday, April 22. The event will highlight more than 40 local small businesses and crafters displaying their spring and summer wares. The show will also feature a concession stand, ongoing raffles, and a service project will be available for all attendees to participate in, to honor Earth Day.

There will also be a Fall Vendor Show on Sept. 16. To apply for a booth, visit https://bit.ly/3JmdlQj. Proceeds from both vendor shows are used to help fund sponsored by the Downriver West Kiwanis Club’s service projects. More information can be found AT facebook.com/downriverwestkiwanis

LEGO CLUB

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. March 13, 20, 27, from 6-7 p.m. Do you love Legos? Join our Lego Club. Every Monday we will challenge you to make something relating to that week’s theme. We will display your creation for one week and will tear them apart at the next event. This event is open to kids, tweens, teens, and parents. No registration is required, just stop in and build. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

Flat Rock stuns Devils in girls district semi

The third time was a charm for the Rams, it appears, as the Flat Rock girls basketball team, beaten badly twice by Grosse Ile during the regular season, stunned the Red Devils in a district semifinal game 49-48.

Grosse Ile had beaten the Rams twice during the season, once by 13 points and once by 20, but Grosse Ile’s HuronLeague rival got the last laugh.

Grosse Ile was second in the league this year with a 12-2 record. Riverview won the title with a 14-0 mark, The Rams, meanwhile were back in the back, finishing fifth with a 6-8 record.

With the loss, Grosse Ile finished the year 17-6 overall.

Madleen Hussein had a game-high 17 points for the winners and teammate McKenna Williams netted 16. For the Devils, Natalee Kirk finished with 16, Kylee Wright had 11 and Anna Wroblewski scored 10.

Flat Rock advanced to the district semifinals with a 53-45 win over New Boston Huron in the first round.

On the other side of the bracket, Romulus beat Romulus Summit Academy 54-25 and then went on to win the district championship by beating Flat Rock 48-30 in the district championship game.

Grosse Ile facing a loaded basketball D2 district

It was a solid season for the Grosse Ile basketball team, which posted a 9-5 record and finished third behind co-champs Riverview and Flat Rock.

The Red Devils finished two games clear of fourth-place Carleton Airport, a team they defeated twice during the season.

Grosse Ile finished 14-8 overall.

The Devils capped the regular season by dividing a pair of non-league games. Grosse Ile beat Dearborn Advanced Tech Academy 65-46 on Feb. 28 and lost to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 59-38 on March 2.

The Red Devils hung tough with the Fighting Irish (13-9) and led much of the first half. It was 12-10 after the first quarter and 20-17 at halftime. But Ann Arbor put on the afterburners in the second half and jetted off with the win. The Irish outscored their guests 18-8 in the third quarter and 23-10 in the fourth.

Now it’s on to districts and the Devils could hardly have asked for a tougher one. In the district are co-Huron League champions Flat Rock and Riverview and 20-2 Summit Academy.

Riverview, which beat Huron to start the tournament on March 6, plays Flat Rock and Grosse Ile faces Summit Academy. Both those games were March 8 after the Grosse Ile Grand’s press deadline.

We are committed to understanding your pet’s needs to help you make the best possible choices for them. Our garden center offers award winning plants and first-rate variety for your garden to look its best, through every season. Don’t forget to check out our

Reenergized Grosse Ile is a wrestling force once again

The Red Devils are back!

In years and decades past, Grosse Ile was a Huron League powerhouse. That status slowly slipped away, but over the past few seasons the Red Devils have been making an impressive comeback. The 2020-23 season was the best for the club in years.

In addition to winning numerous meets and invitationals, the Red Devils tied for second at the Huron League meet and had eight individual Michigan High School Athletic Association regional qualifiers.

At the league meet, Grosse Ile scored 133 points and tied with New Boston Huron behind only league and team regional champion Monroe Jefferson. The Bears crushed the league field with 245 points

Leading the way for Grosse Ile at the league meet was defending pole vault champ Sam Vesperman, who won the individual title at 132 pounds.

Eian Rush, who this year passed 100 career wins, claimed a silver medal at 165 pounds, as did Aiden

Rush (175) and Zachariah Zibara (190).

In third for the Red Devils were John Fox (120) and Carson Pace (215), while teammates Christopher Budziak (113), Aidan Boggs (150) and Keegan Flynn (157) each earned fourth-place finishes.

Following Jefferson, Grosse Ile and Huron in the standings at the league meet were Airport, Milan, Flat Rock, Riverview and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central.

At the MHSAA district tournament hosted by Dundee, Grosse Ile had eight regional qualifiers.

At the head of the pack for the Devils were Eian Rush and Pace, who each finished second in their weight classes.

Rush pinned his first two opponents and wrestled less than three total minutes to reach the 165-pound championship match, There he ran into Dundee’s Jacob Fenbert and suffered a technical fall loss. SEE FORCE, Page 25

FORCE

Continued from page 24

Pace scored a tech fall in his first match, pinned his opponent in his second match, but got pinned in the championship bout by Detroit Voyager’s Julian Flores.

Budziak (106), Flynn (157) and Aiden Rush (175) each took third and Fox (120), Joshua Dubnicka (138) and Zibara (190) each placed fourth.

None of Grosse Ile’s regional qualifiers got out to the Division 3 state meet.

Eian Rush lost his first regional match, came back to pin Ida’s Ken King, but lost a tough 1-0 decision to Algonac’s Mark Romanowski to end his run.

Fox also lost his first match,

won his second and bowed out with a loss to Algonac’s Lucky Gartin, who went on to finish third

Aiden Rush, Pace, Zibara, Dubnicka, Flynn and Budziak each lost two regional matches and were done.

The 2022-23 Grosse Ile wrestling team is Zach Berwald, Aiden Boggs, John Boucher, Chris Budziak, Joe Christnagel, John Compos, Marino Concessi, Josh Dubnicka, James Duke, Garret Floyd, Keegan Flynn, Jack Fox, Chris George, Andrew Modrzejewski, Peter Moore, Carson Pace, Grady Rose, Aiden Rush, Eian Rush, Luke Schoen, Sam Smart, Stan Sukockas, Sam Vesperman, John West, Brendan Wroblewski, Zach Zibara.

Downriver Community Band will dance!

The Downriver Community Band (DCB) is honored to present their annual spring concert “Music in Motion” - Friday, March 24, 2023, 7 p.m.

The concert will highlight dance inspired performances, including songs from Grease, Beer Barrel Polka, Can Can, Singin’ in the Rain and many more.

Joining the band will be dance performances by members of Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). Wyandotte’s beloved personality, Ted Budkin, will be the show’s emcee. With Ted’s light hearted style, it’s likely there will be an opportunity for some fun audience participation during the show.

“Dance themed concerts are so much fun”, says band president Denise Doede. “The music alone is inspiring, but when you add the energy of the dancers, it really makes for a powerful performance. I’m sure the community will love it!”

The band has a magical way of covering so many genres in their performances. This year’s selections will cover dance music that includes Polka, Irish dance, Ballet, Waltz, Tap, Pasodoble and others.

“I’m so glad to once again have kids from DYPAC join us. They provide

such energy and passion in all their performances and really makes for a crowd-pleasing event.” Say DCB’s director Patrick Jensen.

DCB welcomes everyone in the community to come and support the

fine talent Downriver area has to offer.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children, kids three and under are free. The concert will be held at Flat Rock Community Auditorium, 25600 Seneca St, Flat Rock, Michigan. To

purchase tickets, call 734.589.0322 or visit TheDCB.org.

About The Downriver Community Band

Founded in 1989, Downriver Community Band (DCB) is a volunteer wind ensemble of adult musicians with a mission to promote music within the organization and the community.

DCB is composed of players of various skills from all walks of life. DCB performs locally for civic, charity and fundraising events and has performed in Hawaii, New York, Washington DC and Indiana.

The band’s repertoire consists of marches, big band, classical, jazz, show tunes, contemporary and original compositions.

DCB’s conductor, Patrick Jensen, is an active musician in the Detroit area. He teaches music at both Wayne State University and Henry Ford College and has been associated with Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, The Dearborn Symphony, Henry Ford College Big Band and Frank Zappa tribute band. Sponsorship for the group comes solely from community supporters.

For more info, go to TheDCB.Org.

Ted Budkin will MC the event.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK –GROSSE ILE GRAND

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Students appreciated her candor, passion, and honesty. Nationally, she described the recent Speaker of the House election and the mental health crisis across the country, specifically the lack of facilities, treatment and physicians.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

UpcomingEventsatYOURRiverviewLibrary

Saturday,February11@12≠1:30p.m.

Drop≠InCrafturday:Beads,Beads,Beads! Stopinthecommunityroomtomakea bracelet,necklaceorkeychainwithbeads ofalldifferentsizes,shapesandcolors. Allageswelcome.Noregistrationrequired.

Wednesday,February15@11a.m.

EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedfor childrenages2≠5.RegistrationbeginsFebruary1. RegistrationrequiredbyFebruary13.

Monday,February20 ClosedinObservanceofPresidents'Day

Tuesday,February21@12p.m. AfternoonBookClub Readerswillbediscussing TheMaidbyNitaProse. CopiesofClubbookscanbe checkedoutfromthecirculation desk.18+welcome. No registrationrequired.

Wednesday,February22@11a.m.

EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedfor childrenages2≠5.RegistrationbeginsFebruary1. PleaseregisterbyFebruary20.

Thursday,February23@6≠8p.m. OpenMicNight Come&shareyourone≠of≠a≠kind writing,art,songordancewitha welcomingaudience. Participants&attendeeswillalso enjoyadelishnachobar! Ages13+.Noregistrationrequired.

RiverviewVeteransMemorialLibrary 14300SibleyRoad,Riverview,MI48193 www.riverviewpubliclibrary.com|734≠283≠1250 LikeusonFacebook!

On page 30

Wednesday,March1@11a.m.

EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5. RegistrationbeginsFebruary22. RegistrationrequiredbyFebruary27.

Monday,March6@6:30p.m. BookClub ReaderswillbediscussingRadiumGirlsby KateMoore.CopiesofClubbookscanbecheckedout fromthecirculationdesk. 18+welcome.Noregistration required.

Wednesday,March8@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5.Registrationbegins February27.RegistrationrequiredbyMarch6.

Saturday,March11@12p.m. Crafturday:LeprechaunTraps Everydayitemswillbetransformed intoperfectly≠sizedtrapsthatmay justcatchaleprechaunthis St.Patrick'sDay. Allageswelcome. RegistrationbeginsFebruary28. RegistrationrequiredbyMarch9.

Wednesday,March15@11a.m. EarlyLiteracyStorytime Joinusforsongs,stories&games! Bestsuitedforchildrenages2≠5.Registrationbegins March1.RegistrationrequiredbyMarch13.

Wednesday,March15@5≠6:30p.m. BookPageEmbroidery Sewingexperiencenotrequiredtojoinusincreating adisplayablebookpageartpiece. Ages18+.RegistrationbeginsMarch1. RegistrationrequiredbyMarch13.

HoursSeptember6≠June4,2023

Monday≠Thursday,10a.m.≠7p.m. Saturday,10a.m.≠3p.m. ClosedFriday&Sunday

RCHS students visit with Rep Debbie Dingell

Students in Ms. Lince’s CP Government classes had the honor to meet U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell at a Legislative Forum at Crystal Gardens on January 23, 2023...

Congresswoman Dingell spoke about many important topics locally and in Washington D.C. She had a prepared speech but warned us she’d probably end scrapping it, which she did.

She talked about the debt-ceiling vote and how political parties hold our economy hostage for political showmanship, and her support for a bill to support law enforcement and defending police...

On page 5

Kuspa said during a Rotary Club of Southgate event at Crystal Gardens. “There will be challenges, but we will meet those challenges as we have in the past: with vigor, collaboration and determination.”

Looking back on 2022, the Mayor highlighted his administration’s “consistent commitment to our core beliefs and responsibilities: financial integrity, public safety, strong neighborhoods, a welcoming business environment and the continuation of our goal to rebuild our public spaces and infrastructure for this generation of Southgate residents and all those who follow.”...

On page 1

Chance Childers of Southgate coaches defensive line for Concordia University football team

On page 14. Available to non-residents. gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Mayor highlights positive changes and growth, projects more good government in new year

Business growth, debt reduction, advances in public safety, improvements in roads and recreation and more good government ahead were among the highlights of Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa’s State of the City Address on Jan. 31.

“As we enter the new year, I know that we are more nimble, more knowledgeable and more prepared to move this community forward in 2023,”

... Chance Childers, who has lived in Southgate for 25 years, coaches the defensive line of the Cardinals football team. He is also one of the biggest boosters of the small, four-year, private, nonprofit university.

Childers, wife Franci and sons Jake and Joel are all Concordia graduates. Childers has worked for Concordia for the past decade, including seven years as a football coach.

During his time on the football team staff, Childers has compiled an impressive resume at

Concordia, which is considered a top Michigan Christian college that competes in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Childers has recruited or coached dozens of NAIA scholar athletes, football All-Americans and players of the year. Southgate and the Downriver area are part of the recruitment territory of Childers and codefensive coordinator and special teams coordinator Matt Strzalkowski of Taylor

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

$1M grant for Kennedy Aquatic Center

The Kennedy Aquatic Center is in need of renovations, especially with the increased traffic the facility has seen post-covid. The 20-year-old facility offers swim lessons, lifeguarding classes, parenttot classes, swim up movies, summer pool parties, triathlons, day camp destinations, day camp home bases, relaxing entertainment, swim competitions for all caliber swimmers, fundraisers, water aerobics, senior exercises, pool side yoga, gardening and so much more.

backgrounds, abilities, means and geographic locations.

• Enhance health benefits: Outdoor recreation increases the physical activity and health of Michigan’s residents and visitors.

• Enhance prosperity: Outdoor recreation advances economic prosperity and supports a high quality of life as well as talent retention in Michigan’s communities.

On page 36

needs, you’re invited to be our guest.

“A lot are struggling, whether with poverty or homelessness or the working poor. We see people struggling with mental health issues, drugs and abuse. We may see them one time and then never again. We also have regulars and people who only visit when their resources dry up.”

On page 7

On a normal Wednesday or Saturday, guests line up outside the church between noon and 1 p.m. to receive a hot meal, complete with a main entrée, side dishes, vegetable, dessert and bread or salad – all served in a restaurant-size to-go box. They also receive a sack lunch for later, along with non-perishable food items, hygiene items and more, depending on the donations the soup kitchen has received.

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte Soup Kitchen

Waynewright Community Meals serves dozens twice a week

The goal is to add ADA compliant pool lifts, replace uneven concrete, repair gutter systems, rework current locker room facilities, create a sensory integration space, repair deck drains, create new signage, and create a new entrance that will be barrier free for ease of access. On page 6.

New statewide outdoor recreation plan offers wealth of insights

The overall goal of the 2023-2027 SCORP is to “ensure that Michigan’s outdoor recreation assets are equitably distributed, developed and managed to provide convenient and welcoming access to the outdoors for healthful, outdoor physical activity; and while sustaining our lands, waters and wildlife for current and future generations, drive broad-based economic and quality-of-life benefits to people and communities.”

SCORP strategies to achieve the goal include:

• Improve collaboration: Outdoor recreation stakeholders collaborate and cooperate to ensure that Michigan’s recreation system meets the needs of residents and visitors.

• Improve and expand recreational access: Recreation opportunities are connected and accessible to residents and visitors of all

Wyandotte resident Sarah Pettigrew and her “amazing network of volunteers” have been providing meals for “guests” for more than 16 years. They arrive early to the fellowship hall, get ready for the day, serve the visitors and stay after to clean up. Some of the same volunteers will be joined by others a few days later to do it all over again.

“For me, it was important to be called ‘community meals’ from the beginning,” Pettigrew said. “Our philosophy is ‘everyone is welcome.’ If you’re just passing through or someone who is lonely or a senior citizen with limited income or someone with special

As long as you’re in line by 1 p.m., you’ll be served, Pettigrew said. There are no papers to fill out; no identification or proof of income or proof of residency to show.

On page 1

Wyandotte cheerleaders 3rd at league meet

The Roosevelt competitive cheerleading team went to Carlson on Feb. 8 and finished third at the Downriver League meet.

The only teams to top the Bears were 2020-23 league champ Carlson, which was Division 2 state runner-up last season – and Allen Park, which was the D2 champ a season ago.

Wyandotte was third after the opening round, third after the second round and the Bears held third position through the third round.

On page 19

IN MEMORIAM

John Krauchenko, age 84 of Grosse Ile, MI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 29, 2023. Devoted husband to his wife, Peggy, of 46 years.

Loving father to Kimberly (Patrick) Frison, Michael (Steve Parks) Krauchenko and late Sheryl Krauchenko. Loving grandfather to Chelsea (Derek) Johnson, and Anthony (Shelbie) Frison. Loving great-grandfather to Quinn. He was also loved by other family members and friends.

John cherished his family and enjoyed his time maintaining Water’s Edge Country Club’s grass and facility.

The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes

www.martenson.com

IN MEMORIAM

Ernestine McAdams Dotson, 97 of Se ner Florida, passed away on February 21, 2023 at home of natural causes. After high school, she worked at the 5 & 10 Cent Store in Panama City, Florida where she met the love of her life, Clinton E. Dotson Sr. They were married in Fort Myers, Florida and had two children; Clinton E Dotson, Jr. and Sherry L Dotson/Evans.

Ernestine is survived by Clinton E. Dotson Jr and Beverly Dotson (daughter-in-law), Sherry L Dotson/Evans and Will Evans (son-in-law), and Richard McAdams (Brother).

4 Grand children Jennifer Dotson, William Evans, Brittany Evans, Jonathan Evans.

Ernestine loved taking care of her family and her home, loved her church and friends.

Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Brandon, FL

Gabriel Richard Presents Little Shop of Horrors

By: Marohn Campena, GR Senior

Over the last year, the Thespian Guild at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School has shown many amazing productions. From the fairylike “Into the Woods” to GR’s Murder Mystery Event featuring “Three Doors to Death” and “Murder at the Banquet,” the Thespian Guild has truly worked hard to deliver breathtaking shows.

Currently, Gabriel Richard is preparing for its production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” This musical tells the story of a meek flower shop worker named Seymour Krelborn as he attempts to win over his co-worker crush, Audrey, and get out of the slums of Skid Row. In addition to dealing with his crabby boss Mushnik and Audrey’s toxic boyfriend Orin, Seymour must face the greatest threat of them all, a man-eating plant named Audrey II that attempts to take over the rest of the world.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” is Gabriel Richard’s first-ever show featuring a double cast. Gabriel Richard’s Skid Row cast, featuring Everett Knapik (Seymour), Sasha Murphy (Audrey), Autumn Stevens (Mushnik), and Brooks Natt (Orin), will star in “Little Shop of Horrors,” at 7:00 PM on Friday, March 31 and at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 1. Gabriel Richard’s Downtown cast, featuring Marohn Campena (Seymour), Ava Abrahamson (Audrey), Brett Byrd (Musnik), and Logan LaPere (Orin), will take the remaining two shows at 7:00 PM on April 1 and at 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 2.

Please join us and watch “Little Shop of Horrors” this spring!

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

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.

Famous Lenten fish fry is back at Sacred Heart

An Island tradition is back up and running as Grosse Ile’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church is again this year offering its famous Friday Fish Fries. Run by the parish’s Knights of Columbus, the weekly dinners will be offered every Friday through April 7. The weekly events run from 4 - 7:30 p.m. Come and enjoy some great food and some fine entertainment,

The menu includes a choice of fried cod, broiled cod, fried lake perch, fried shrimp and fried walleye. Each meal includes a baked potato or French fries, house made coleslaw, a fresh Island Bakery dinner roll and house made tartar and cocktail sauce. Side orders include crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, pierogi, fries and baked potatoes.

There is also a kid’s menu featuring cheese pizza and macaroni and cheese.

Adult dinners run from $12.95 to 17.95 and kid’s meals are $4.95. Prices include tax.

And don’t forget the soup.

The Sacred Heart Fish Fry is famous for its rotating variety of homemade soups. And, if you have room, don’t forget dessert. Sweet options include, Hungarian cherry and apple strudel, famous Sanders hot milk chocolate fudge sundaes, strawberry sundaes, root beer floats and Boston coolers. A variety of beverages is available, including beer and wine.

The fish fry is held in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, located at 21599 Parke Lane. Carryout is also available

Grosse Ile business wins certification

Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center is proud to announce that it has been named a 2023 Proven Winners Certified Garden Center.

This high level distinction signifies that our employees have completed a comprehensive training course to develop the expertise in assisting our customers in choosing and growing Proven Winners plants successfully. Grosse Ile Pet & Garden Center customers can count on us to have reliable advice about Proven Winners annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs including the newest introductions for 2023.

According to Jessica DeGraaf, Director of Retail Accounts for Proven Winners, “A knowledgeable sales staff increases the chances consumers have for success with their plant purchases. Proven Winners is committed to making sure that employees have the resources necessary to stay informed.”

We look forward to your visit to our certified garden center where we are ready to assist you in choosing new Proven Winners plants to make your

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! www.ForresterLawO

garden even more beautiful this year.

ABOUT PROVEN WINNERS

Proven Winners is an international marketing cooperative of some of the world’s best plant propagators. As a group, they are dedicated to developing new plants that will perform well for both the grower and consumer. Proven Winners plants are found at more than 8,000 retailers nationwide. For more information about Proven Winners, visit www.provenwinners. com.

Strides for Adam 5K set for March 26

The fourth annual Strides for Adam 5K Run/ Walk will be held on March 26 at Young Patriots Park.

This event is in memory of Adam Holten, who, at the young age of only 16 years old, lost his fight with depression, the day after Christmas, 2018.

All proceeds go to the Strides for Adam 501c3, which funds the Adam Holten service scholarship, offered to students at Gabriel Richard and Riverview High Schools. Remaining proceeds are donated to the annual Kevin’s Song Conference on Suicide each January.

You can also sign up to run the event virtually.

If you can’t make the race and still want to participate, simply sign up and you will receive a race packet. Then run your virtual race between March 19-26.

The is also a one-mile “reflection walk” for non-runners who would like to take part.

A finisher medal and race t-shirt are guaranteed to the first 500 registered participants.

You can easily sign-up for the Strides for Adam event at RunSignUp.com/Race/MI/Riverview/ StridesforAdam.

See you at the park

Bring your class to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that environmental education is important to connect youth to nature.

To encourage our youth to get out in nature, park rangers at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge would like to offer educators the opportunity to bring nature to their students through our Environmental Education Program.

Our program includes: field trips to the refuge, Park Ranger classroom visits to the school, loaning kits, Story Time with a Ranger Programs, and teacher workshops.

All these program options and materials for programs are free of cost and come with bus funding while available!

Through our Environmental Education Program, we have welcomed many students, teachers, and chaperones to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. While at the refuge, they enjoy lessons about wildlife tracking, habitat exploration, archery, fishing, nature journaling, observation skills and more.

Through these lessons, our youth learn valuable nature skills and receive the chance to experience their public

lands firsthand. Some students experience outdoor recreation activities such as hiking through a forest, bird watching, archery and casting a fishing pole for the first time.

It is always wonderful to provide youth the chance to experience nature in a new and exciting way; however, we know not every student can visit the refuge.

For students and educators that cannot make it to the refuge we have programs which allow park rangers to visit the school. Additionally, we have programs that grant participants from our teacher workshop program to reserve education loaning kits. Educators can use these kits to teach their students at their own pace from the classroom.

The Environmental Education Program is available to school, scouts, homeschool, and other educational youth groups.

To learn more about the lessons we offer in our Environmental Education Program please check out our website at fws.gov/media/driwr-environmentalprogram-descriptions-educators-only or email DetroitRiver@fws.gov.

Annual Miss Amazing Pageant is set for May 6

It’s almost here!

The annual Michigan Miss Amazing Pageant is set for Saturday, May 6 at Novi Civic Center.

It’s open to girls ages five and up with a disability and there’s no fee to participate.

Spread the word! You can find out more about the organization, and sign up to participate or volunteer here: https:// missamazing.org/chapters/MI

To kick it all off we have a pre-pageant event planned.

Tina Brossia, owner of Rags to Riches Designer Consignment Boutique in Brownstown, has generously offered to close their doors the evening of Tuesday, March 7 so participants can pick out a free dress. Participants must be signed up before March 7 to receive a free dress and free jewelry set.

The pre-pageant “Dress for Success” event will include special guests: ~ Miss Amazing registered participants.

~ Michigan Miss Amazing Directors:

Guest artist Allen at Creative Art Society

Rachael Dooley - National Director, and Rachael Hunter - Morning Show 99.5 WYCD/Country Music Hall of Fame Recipient.

~ Jewelry Giveaway - Amy Douglas, Michigan Miss Amazing 2020 Senior Miss - Commercial Model, Actress and Spokesperson for people with disabilities.

~ Contenders Assistant and Encouragement Coach - Mrs. Michigan USA 2022 - Rachael Adams Logsdon - Actress, Model, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur.

~ Photographer - Joe Maroon Photography, special events photographer to the stars.

Other special guests include:

~ Sherlyn Fox Ms. Worldwide 2022

- Former Regional Director at Fashion Group Int. Detroit, and Mila Pershyna Mrs. USA 2022 - CEO & Founder at MP Fashion School and President at MP Global Foundation.

FUN FACT: Amy Douglas was the first MI Miss Amazing 2020 Senior Miss with the pageants first Michigan event.

The Creative Art Society, formally the Downriver Arts and Crafts Guild, will meet on Tuesday, March 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 Valerie Allen, a visual artist, curator, teaching artist and podcast host from the greater SaginawMidland-Bay City area.

She is an abstractionist working in mixed media, acrylic, printmaking and encaustic. Collaborations with other visual artists and performing artists is of interest to her.

In February of 2020, she painted live with the Saginaw Bay Symphony led by conductor Fouad Fakhouri. The paintings created during the rehearsals and final performance have become part of her “Composer’s Campaign” series. The musical selections were composed by Haydn, Michael Torke and Aaron Copland. She is a Certified Working Artist for Golden Artist Colors.

Her territory is Michigan, Northern Ohio and Indiana. She gives presentations on art materials to art groups and associations as well as art schools. She also conducts intensive workshops in painting with acrylics throughout this area. Golden Artist Colors commitment to educating artists and consumers is stellar.

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.

Allen

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

American Legion looking for program participants

Downriver students who are finishing their junior year of high school are being recruited to participate in the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and the American Legion Boys State programs that are scheduled for June 18-24, 2023.

Girls State will be held on the campus of Michigan State University; Boys State will be held at Grand Valley State University. Annually, more than 20,000 high school students across the country participate in the programs.

Students, known as “citizens,” participate in a week-long summertime citizenship and leadership program. They receive guidance from trained instructors who give them the tools they need to run their own model state.

The activity is born out of a need for youth training in practical citizenship and leadership in addition to instilling a working knowledge of the structure and operation of government.

ALA Girls State and AL Boys State citizens campaign, hold rallies, debate and ultimately vote to elect their city, county and state officials. Once elected to office, delegates are sworn in and perform their prescribed duties. Attendees not elected to office are given appointments and visit the offices of those elected to share their viewpoints as citizens.

Thousands of dollars are given in the form of scholarships.

Famous alumni include astronaut Neil Armstrong, President Bill Clinton. Michigan U.S. Senators

Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, TV journalists

Tom Brokaw and Jane Pauley, basketball legend Michael Jordan, football coaching legend Nick Saban, Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy Lt. General Michele Johnson and thousands of “America’s best and brightest.”

Wyandotte resident Beryl Robbins is the Michigan state chairwoman of the ALA Girls State program. She said she recently received an email from 1950 ALA Girls State alumni Patricia Lee Gauch, who said, “Attending ALA Girls State was a life-changer for me. I suddenly had a different idea of myself and my responsibilities to the nation and the world at-large. I stood taller, took leadership, became fearless in the possibilities I then recognized. I went on to assume major leadership roles at Miami University, which I attended as an undergraduate, and became a publisher, editor and author of children’s books, producing winning books for 25 years.

“For the first time, I met young women from every culture, every economic level, every race. It was thrilling for me and it gave me an image of myself that was new. I wanted to be the young woman ALA Girls State told me I could be. It has all kinds of ramification as I went the following year in college, eventually becoming the first woman editor of the Miami University Newspaper.”

The primary sponsoring organization is the American Legion Family, although other

organizations such as the Kiwanis, Lions Club, Exchange Clubs, private businesses and relatives of students have supported the program in the past, Robbins said. Robbins is a member of the Trenton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 426, where she serves as auxiliary president and chairwoman of Girls State and Membership. She also serves on the executive board of the 16th District group of legion auxiliaries, which serve the Downriver Area.

Robbins said the cost to sponsor one student is $400, a small investment in the future. She said the students leave ALA Michigan Girls State and AL Boys State with the knowledge and desire to get involved in their communities and continue to work hard to achieve.

She said some of the girls and boys come right out of the program and get involved in politics, “if they’re not already.”

Anyone interested in attending or sponsoring a student to ALA Girls State should call Beryl Robbins at (313) 318-6845 or send email to berylrobbins1980@gmail.com. Delegate applications and sponsor reservation forms are available at www.michalaux.org (click on Girls State).

Those interested in AL Boys State can contact Director Garrett Veihl at (616) 502-8190 or eggman1483@gmail.com. For additional information or forms, visit michiganleagion.org.

Grosse Ile’s Jan Clark and ‘the joy of art’

A wise man once said, “If you enjoy what you are doing, you will never have to work a day in your life.”

That phrase holds true about Jan Clark, an 88-year-old award-winning artist and a long-time resident of Grosse Ile. Like clockwork, Jan wakes every day and says, “I am the luckiest person to get to draw and paint all day!”

Art has always been in the family as Jan comes from a family of artists.

Over her lifetime, it has brought so much joy to both Jan and the people she shares her work with. Clark has spent most of her life painting and drawing with a circle of friends from Downriver and also in Stuart, FL.

“Jan and I meet weekly and have painted together for over 30 years and we just cherish our time together,” says Sally Gooslin of Southgate.

Over a lifetime Clark has created thousands of pieces of art.

Her house alone has over 50 paintings and drawings framed and hanging in every room.

To this day, Jan works on her artwork for countless hours and gets lost in her love of creating art. In fact, during the pandemic, Jan produced over 100 pieces of art and gave that artwork away to friends and family to help brighten their days.

She said she plans to keep the momentum going and create over 50 pieces of artwork to give away this year.

Island resident, Kim Formentin, and Ms. Clark’s East River Road neighbor has her own collection of Jan’s artwork.

Formentin said, “Jan’s drawings and paintings are lovely and we have several seasonal pieces we hang during various holidays.”

Gina Dudash, owner of Studio G Performing Arts Center, and fellow neighbor of Jan, has a number of Clark’s colored pencil work hanging at her Macomb Street Studio and her home. Dudash has said, “Jan, knowing my love of dance, has created a number of ballet-themed drawings that inspire my dancers, staff and me.”

Jan enjoys sharing her talent and has taught a number of workshops and classes over the years. She is still an active member in the Downriver Creative Art Society, Creative Arts Society, Grosse Ile Alliance for the Arts and Martin County Art Association.

Clark is recognized by the Miami Watercolor Association as a premier watercolor artist.

Most recently, in May 2022, Jan won third place in the Creative Arts Society’s Art Ambience Fine Art Exhibit in Woodhaven.

Always on the go, Jan has also shown her work in four Downriver Council for the Arts exhibits in Wyandotte over the last year.

Clark and her 93-year-old husband, Bud have lived in Grosse Ile for over 50 years and have been very active in the community.

Jan and Bud live on the water and enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. In fact, Ms. Clark said, “I love taking photos and drawing the nature I see on the island.”

While Jan loves art, her friends and family love her work and appreciate all the joy her paintings give.

Johnny Grancitelli proudly holds a drawing Jan did of his mom’s dogs

Jan won 3rd place in CAS’ Art Ambience Fine Art Exhibit in Woodhaven last year

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK –GROSSE ILE GRAND

Wyandotte Soup Kitchen

Waynewright Community Meals serves dozens of clients twice a week

DAVE GORGON

Without food from the Waynewright Community Meals at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Vincent said he would not know where he would get his next meal.

Vincent hasn’t been the same since his mother died. He is “an actor, a student and kind of homeless right now.” On this Wednesday, he is first in line when the “Wyandotte Soup Kitchen” opens to serve hot meals to dozens at the church at 98 Superior Road.

“I’m thankful to God that a church gives out this stuff,” said Vincent, an Air Force veteran in his 40s. “It’s one of the only bright spots in my life right now.”

Wyandotte resident Sarah Pettigrew and her “amazing network of volunteers” have been providing meals for “guests” for more than 16 years. They arrive early to the fellowship hall, get ready for the day, serve the visitors and stay after to clean up. Some of the same volunteers will be joined by others a few days later to do it all over again.

“For me, it was important to be called ‘community meals’ from the beginning,” Pettigrew said. “Our philosophy is ‘everyone is welcome.’ If you’re just passing through or someone who is lonely or a senior citizen with limited income or someone with special needs, you’re invited to be our guest.

“A lot are struggling, whether with poverty or homelessness or the working poor. We see people struggling with mental health issues, drugs and abuse. We may see them one time and then never again. We also have regulars and people who only visit when their resources dry up.”

On a normal Wednesday or Saturday, guests line up outside the church between noon and 1 p.m. to receive a hot meal, complete with a main entrée, side dishes, vegetable, dessert and bread or salad – all served in a restaurant-size to-go box. They also receive a sack lunch for later, along with non-perishable food items, hygiene items and more, depending on the donations the soup kitchen has received.

As long as you’re in line by 1 p.m., you’ll be served, Pettigrew said. There are no papers to fill out; no identification or proof of income or proof of residency to show.

Prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic, guests were invited into the church hall and served at tables. Volunteers continued serving during the pandemic, but the process was changed to a carryout meal. Now, visitors line up on a ramp leading to the hall. A warm

volunteer greets them at the door wearing a mask starting at noon.

Pettigrew knows most of the guests by name. Many of them seem to have a story to tell. A local woman with baking skills talks about a cake she recently baked. Pat, a retired DTE worker, picks up meals and delivers them to others, calling it his “good deed for the day.”

“My gramma always said, ‘what are we here on earth for if not to help one another?’” said Susan Medley, Pettigrew’s mother and the cook who created the day’s homemade spaghetti sauce. “I have tried to pass that on to my children and grandchildren.”

As the Allen Park woman works over the hot stove in the kitchen, other volunteers from the Downriver area are nearby, working in assembly-line style to create sandwiches and combine them with a fruit, snack and drink in a sack lunch to go. They also gather donated goods so Pettigrew can take handfuls at a time to the arriving guests outside.

The visitors have battled chilly winter temperatures and strong winds to get there, many by foot, others by bus. They are allowed to take what they can use – what they need.

“What makes it very special and unique is that Sarah has a relationship with so many of the people that come to the soup kitchen and their families,” said Sakura Keast, a Wyandotte resident who volunteers. “She can go above and beyond when people need food, whether it is a resource or a jacket or something she remembers has been donated, like pajamas for kids. She’s very good at connecting people with things they need.”

Grosse Ile resident Liz Carter brings her own group of volunteers to the church on one Saturday a month. Over the years, some 150 different volunteers of all ages

have accompanied her to feel the joy of feeding those who need it most.

They bring everything to create a “hot meal to go” for an estimated 75 people. The needs include paper goods, plasticware, side dishes, juice boxes and more. Last month, they made sloppy joes and homemade macaroni and cheese, mixed vegetables and cookies for dessert.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do,” Carter said. “I’m grateful God brought Sarah into my life… Every month, I’m always blown away by God’s provisions for whatever is needed… It’s beautiful to see it come together: the ability to serve the community. With the way the economy is, there’s lots of people who need the help just to get by. They are grateful.”

Carter and Keast raved about the Christmas party that the organization hosts each year. They helped collect upwards of 125 gift cards to distribute along with toys for children and gifts for adults.

“This year, all of the toys were donated by people from the community,” Carter said. There were hygiene items, stockings, and a basket of non-perishable items. Someone knitted and crocheted winter gear.”

An estimated 400 to 500 individuals are helped through Christmas events at the church. Carter called it “a huge endeavor.”

Pettigrew said she was volunteering at a soup kitchen in Detroit when a minister, Father Jerry Brohl, asked her to help start a similar venture Downriver. The place is named “Waynewright” by combining the first name of the Rev. Wayne McKenney, pastor of the church for 28 years, and a “wainwright,” a tradesman that made wheels for carts and wagons.

The minister suggested Pettigrew get the soup kitchen up and running, stay a year and hand it off to someone else, although that wasn’t her intention. Pettigrew and a host of volunteers, friends and even family members have been there ever since.

“Kindness is free,” said volunteer Renae Affholter of Wyandotte. “We are blessed.”

No one gets paid for his or her efforts, but the reward is huge.

“My favorite thing about it is watching people’s generosity and graciousness come together every month and every week,” Liz Carter said. “It’s quite the amazing family.”

Volunteers are always needed. Donations are always accepted. For more information, email Sarah Pettigrew at teampettigrew24@gmail.com and follow the Waynewright Community Meals Facebook page.

“Everything we have is due to the generosity of our volunteers and community members,” Pettigrew said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Sarah Pettigrew giving a hot meal and more to guest Vincent.

Photo by Dave Gorgon