Grosse Ile Grand, May 11 – June 12, 2023

True ‘community’ event draws excitement

BILL STEVENSON

When 17-year-old Joe Berkey enlisted in tLike many things in life, great things are worth waiting for. And, after its normal four year Hiatus – and COVID closure in 2022 – the muchloved Boar’s Head Festival will return this coming Dec. 7-10 at Sacred Heart Church.

The grand Christmas pageant, which involves more than 600 volunteers, has become the premier celebration of community involvement, musical entertainment, and the Christmas spirit.

The actual serving of a roasted boar can be traced to ancient Roman times when the wild porcine was the preferred dish at great feasts.

As early as the 14 th century in medieval England, Christians considered the wild boar a ferocious beast and a symbol of great evil. They adapted the Roman custom of serving a boar’s head on a platter to represent SEE

Page 3

FESTIVAL

Continued from page 1

the triumph of the Christ Child over evil. Particularly poignant at Christmas time.

Grosse Ile’s Boar’s Head Festival has been held since its inception in 1980, launched by the late Josephine “Jo” Ramage with the Islanders theater group, and sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches on the Island. This year’s production will be directed by Open Book Theatre’s founder, award-winning Krista Schafer Ewbank.

Such a large scale production not only involves local singers, actors, performers, but people needed to work on set building, costumes, lighting, sound, publicity and programs.

Musicians include a combined adult, youth, and children’s choir of over 100 voices, and a 25-piece orchestra playing the original score since the first performance. So, it’s no wonder the planning has been going

on for quite some time, and the call recently went out on social media for volunteers.

The Boar’s Head Festival Board of Directors include President, the Rev. Phillip Dinwiddie, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church; VP Beth Primeau; Secretary Barb Klemans; Treasurer Stacy McGowan; Members-at-large: Barb Conroy, Nancy Crysler, Lori Ferguson, Melissa Ryder, Doug Scott and Sherri Howes.

The Interfaith pastors expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming event:

Dinwiddie said, “I am so excited to announce that the festive extravaganza of our beloved Boar’s Head festival is back! From the thrilling re-enactment of the medieval tradition to the aweinspiring musical production of the nativity, it’s a celebration that will leave you inspired and uplifted! This is one of our island’s most cherished community events. It brings people of all ages together for a magical journey through time with original music, passionate participants of all ages,

and a full orchestra. It's just a breathtaking production that will touch your soul and fill your heart with joy.”

Rev. Kari Rinas, new pastor at St. Thomas Lutheran, who majored in medieval history as an undergraduate, agreed.

“When I first started at St Thomas, I kept hearing about this event called the ‘Boar’s Head’, and how there was hope it would be happening again soon. People kept telling me it was awesome, what a great community event is, and how they couldn’t wait for it to come back. I had no idea what to expect, but as I’m learning more and getting involved in planning, I am really excited! It is great to see the way the community is coming together. It’s going to be great and I’m really looking forward to it!”

Father Marc Gawronski, said, “I’m looking forward to experiencing my first Boar’s Head as pastor of Sacred Heart. I know this is an effort of our whole community, and whenever we come together for a common purpose, good things can happen. I’m proud

event, and I hope that it will prepare our hearts for the joyful celebration of the coming of our Savior at Christmas.”

Rev. David Montgomery, new Pastor of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church said, “With this my first year on the island, I am so looking forward to joining the Grosse Ile community this year in a pageant which I participated in as a young boy.

“The story, the drama, the smells, the songs - all help me celebrate the birth of our Lord. I’m ready to feast!” So, mark your calendars. Tickets will go on sale in October and will sell out fast!

The Board of Directors are looking for volunteers to be part of the cast, production, crew, and more @ boarsheadgi.org. Watch for updates throughout the summer on Facebook and other social media outlets.

Donations can be made online at the Boar’s Head website, or checks can be mailed to: P.O. Box 316 Grosse Ile, MI 48138.

Grosse Ile’s Bottoms Up group nearing one million distributed diapers to the needy

DAVE GORGON

Agroup of volunteers based out of Grosse Ile

Presbyterian Church is nearing a major milestone of making a difference in the lives of needy families.

The Bottoms Up Diaper Bank is about to hand out its one millionth diaper to clients at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, which serves Downriver residents out of its location in Taylor.

Founded in 2015 by church congregation member Elaine McElwaney of Riverview, Bottoms Up is operated by a board that receives donations to purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club in Southgate and distributes them at a rate of 120 every other month to clients at Fish & Loaves. The national standard on diaper need is 60 per month per child.

Fish & Loaves is the state’s largest client-choice pantry. The pantry vets clients based on income and need and allows those qualified to shop at no

charge in a grocery-like setting. Fish & Loaves is faith-based and, like the diaper bank, relies on donations, grants and other funds to operate.

In 2022, the pantry served more than 2.3 million pounds of food to needy individuals who are able to “shop” every other month. Fish & Loaves also distributes food to hundreds of visitors on Saturdays while supplies last and provides food on an emergency basis as well.

Fish & Loaves will celebrate its 15 th anniversary later this year with the motto “ensuring no one goes hungry.”

Like Fish & Loaves, the work of Bottoms Up has involved many volunteer hours over the nearly eight years of its existence. Grosse Ile Presbyterian and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, both located on the Island, “have been far and away our most generous supporters – and we do depend upon the kindness of strangers,” said board member Tess Hoffman.

The group purchases and donates

disposable diapers, rather than cloth, which sometimes raises questions about the choice.

Rest assured, members said, the volunteers investigated their options “thoroughly” before reaching a decision.

“And many of our clients rent and do not have washers and dryers, and at the same time, almost no laundromats anywhere allow the laundering of diapers,” said Hoffman, who lives on Grosse Ile. Diapers cannot be purchased with SNAP or Bridge cards or food stamps, but children will not be admitted into daycare unless they can provide a very generous number of disposables up front.

“Even environmental perspectives are complicated as the amount of water and chemicals in the growth and production of cotton and the laundering very nearly offset any ecological difference.”

She added that “diaper anxiety is one of the most powerful indicators of a family in poverty or on the verge. So parents are caught between working

and missing work, between repairing a headlight or buying diapers. We try to help fill that gap.

Bottoms Up costs an average of $2,500 to $3,000 per month,” Hoffman said, “and there are times when we don’t know where any of that is going to come from” To meet the national standard of 60 per child per month, the diaper bank would need a “steady flow” of $4,000 to $4,500 per month.

“And that is our goal,” Hoffman said, “as we solicit donations, talk to churches and Rotary groups, apply for grants and hold diaper drives at the Grosse Ile Kroger. Thoughts of how we can improve our income and our effectiveness are never very far from our conscious minds.”

A diaper drive is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Kroger store, located at 8999 Macomb Street, Grosse Ile. Members will accept financial donations. Store visitors can SEE BOTTOMS, Page 5

100 Women Who Care generously donated a sizable check.

BOTTOMS

Continued from page 4

purchase diapers and donate them.

Founder and CEO Elaine McElwaney said the roots of Bottoms Up came from a Sunday school children’s effort at Grosse Ile Presbyterian. Each Christmas, the children select a group to donate and one year they selected Fish & Loaves, which needed diapers “the most.”

“The diapers were well received,” McElwaney said. But she realized the need would continue long after the initial donation. She was prompted to form the group while sitting in a doctor’s office one day and was winked at by a woman in her 80s or 90s, followed by reading a magazine article about diaper banks.

“Somebody was trying to tell me something,” she said. “I thought, well, there’s not going to be a burning bush, but this is as close to having one.”

Four months later, a committee was in place. Current members are McElwaney and Hoffman – both retired music teachers, secretary Kathy Benton, treasurer Jo-Anne Gronlund and accountant Sandy Gildersleve, who tracks orders and diaper numbers, with

Pastor David Montgomery giving the effort a thumbs up. Over the years, about 40 individuals have volunteered in the effort.

Fish & Loaves “was thrilled to get the diapers,” McElwaney said. “We don’t have to vet anyone. The diapers don’t go to people who don’t need them.”

They hit the half-million mark just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and have kept going from there.

“The Bottoms Up Diaper Bank is an amazing example that a small group of dedicated people can make a difference,” said Stephanie McNees, executive director of the pantry. “Fish & Loaves is grateful to partner with Bottoms Up to help families in need Downriver.”

McElwaney estimated it costs $53,000 a year to meet the needs of the diaper bank. She said Bottoms Up receives funding from individuals, the Bernie Ricke Foundation, Metro Church, Rotary Clubs, the 100 Women Who Care group, United Way, the Colina Foundation –“lots of places.”

Feedback has only been positive.

“The people love us,” McElwaney said. “Diapers are very expensive.” And the need is real. She said she was

Elaine and Tess in the Kroger lobby during the last diaper drive, which the Grosse Ile Rotary helped with. (Tess is in the orthopedic boot. “Grr,” she says. She’s back in the boot as the next Kroger diaper drive approaches on June 10.

heartbroken when seeing a child wearing a diaper made with Saran Wrap and paper towels.

To contribute to the diaper bank, send a check to the Grosse Ile Presbyterian church, 7925 Horse Mill, Grosse Ile, MI 48138. Write the name “Bottoms Up” on

the memo line. “I always wanted to say, ‘no check is too big,’” McElwaney said. For more information, follow the Bottoms Up Diaper Bank – Grosse Ile on the social media site Facebook

Delivering in the desert

Twice a year Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club head pro Jeff Cuzzort takes four players from the country club and goes to compete in fiveman pro-am golf tournaments. In March, Cuzzort took a group to The National Pro-Am in Las Vegas and the GIGCC group won the bestball event. The three-day event was held at three of Las Vegas’ finest courses and the Grosse Ile group won a trophy and a cash award. The Grosse Ile winners were Cuzzort, Nick Geftos, Mitch Daly, Tom Daly and Jaime Schmidke.

Outdoor Wilderness Living Workshops help teach kids outdoors skills and much more

Today, the teachings of primitive skills needed for living outdoors are a difficult education to find for our children and young teenagers.

These courses will show your children the foundations and building blocks of these forgotten skills of our past. Operators of OWL feel a responsibility to guide their youth to learn and master these skills from ancestral elders and their wisdom.

The prime focus will be based around these four necessities for living outdoors: Fire, Shelter, Water and Food. Gaining knowledge from all they encompass. They learn to understand them and respect them in the ancient traditional ways of living in balance with the Earth.

The goal for this class is providing the tools, skills and formulas to the children today, so they will find the safeties and the enjoyments one can find in Nature. To bring them back to the protection and adventure that can be found within every day and night. To help them find true purpose within themselves and their families.

Nature is there every day with her discipline and honor. It’s only waiting to be embraced and enjoyed. The Guidance is through Outdoor Wilderness Living with Mother Earth.

“The most exciting thing for me are days when I get up, see the sun rise and I am able to slow down, breathe deeply and center myself,” said one of the workshop leaders. “Then, later, when I may be stressed, I take time to think back to that morning and recapture the feeling. These are the types of skills we also want to pass on to our students.”

The things taught at OWL are based on the teachings of Tom Brown Jr., one of America’s most acclaimed outdoorsmen. Brown founded the Tracker School back in 1978, a program based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf, the Apache elder from whom Tom learned his skills when he was just seven years old.

After learning from Stalking Wolf, Brown spent the next 10 years wandering the wilderness throughout the

America’s with no manufactured tools – in most cases not even a knife – perfecting these Grandfather’s skills and teachings.

Here are the practical matters that OWL will cover:

FIRE

They will show two ways to make fire. The traditional bow drill and hand drill. Specifics for this subject will focus on types of woods, wet wood vs. dry wood, cautions and precautions for the respect for fire. What woods and plants not to burn.

What ancient grass burns were used for rejuvenating soils with nutrients? How and where to build a proper fire structure to prevent destruction, root fires and forest fires. The properties of ash and the benefits and dangers in relation to dry ash vs. wet ash from a fire.

How and why to build five different fire structures based on the conditions of wet, dry , humid, dark, hot, light, snow and cold environments.

WATER

Finding water. Purifying water. Finding springs. Natural catches, dew collection, solar still, body

ratio to water and the relation to the planet and the freshwater locations vs. salt water.

SHELTER

Clothing, debris hut, high speed movement, camouflage, air pockets, lattice pockets, snow huts, pits, and materials needed for the weather conditions in comfort in the woods.

FOOD

Fox walk, stalk walk, tracking, identifying trails, runs, secondary runs and escape routes of animals and their tracks.

How to make primitive traps, hunting tools and cordage. Cooking in nature, edible plants, poisonous plants, fungi’s identification and guidance. Approaching, honoring, sitting and respecting where and how to obtain food and plants.

One OWL leader explained, “With the Four basic rules of Fire, Water, Shelter and Food we will also introduce the ‘Temples of Nature’ within us and how it relates to nature outside of us. This will allow us to help the youth and their body’s understand the calm, ebb and flow movements nature shows us.”

They continued, “We just need to slow their internal clock down to see it. So they can find their personal involvement they are a part of. To show them how important their participation is needed from nature and how nature is waiting for them to understand their true role as nature’s caregivers to our planet.”

Times and exact location of the classes have not been determined. The cost will be between $20 and $40 per class.

If you are interested, call 734-307-3004 and leave a message. Information will be mailed to you.

Who are we: The National Wildlife Refuge System

JAZMYN BERNARD

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 500 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. Each unit of the refuge system — whether it is a national wildlife refuge, a marine national monument, a conservation area or a waterfowl production area — is uniquely established for the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and water.

Why visit a national wildlife refuge?

National wildlife refuges are great places to get back to nature and reap the mental health benefits of being outdoors. And did you know wildlife refuges are closer than you think. There is at least one national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive

of most major cities. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive from Detroit.

Wildlife refuges also offer a range of popular activities, including wildlife viewing, fishing, photography and hunting. All of these fun activities reconnect you to nature.

Know before you go!

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a free natural space available to everyone!

You can visit the grounds of the refuge for self-guided exploration

seven days a week during daylight hours!

Looking for even more fun? Stop by the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center during your visit. It’s open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What does a visit mean for you? It means you can now enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife observation, photography, kayaking, picnics under the pavilion and more at your local refuge any day of the week, from sunup to sundown.

Or, join us inside the visitor center to learn about being a conservation

rock star. You’re also welcome to participate in free park ranger-lead programs every weekend.

Come early in the morning and experience nature waking up as the birds begin to sing and the morning sun shines on the Detroit River. Or, visit later in the day with your family, friends or pets, and hike the three miles of trails through the Humbug Marsh Unit. This unit has beautiful trails along the Detroit River that are filled with amazing wildlife to observe.

Now that it’s spring; you’ll soon be able to see the return of many songbirds as they fly into Michigan after a long migration.

The Humbug Marsh Unit also has accommodations including an observation deck, interpretive signs and a human-size model of an eagle’s nest. There are so many things to come out and discover at the refuge; take a ride on the SMART bus and visit us at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183 or check out our website and Facebook page!

Troop 1261 honors four new Eagle Scouts

THE

SCOUT OATH

On my Honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

Grosse Ile Boy Scout Troop 1261 recently held its Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Sacred Heart Church on the Island.

Honored were four new Eagle Scouts – two from Trenton and two from Grosse Ile. The newly minted Eagles were Carl Pate, Aaron Glass, James Quinlan and Connor Perricane.

Each of the boys has been involved in Scouting for years.

The four you men achieved Scouting’s highest rank by earning at least 21 merit badges, displaying outdoor skills, demonstrated leadership skills within their troop and community, executing a service project from start to finish, and living an exemplary life committed to the Scout Oath and Law.

Troop 1261 Scoutmaster Mike Perricane praised the new Eagles saying, “These four young men have achieved the highest rank in scouting by making an impact on the community.

“You’ll see their projects around Grosse Ile, Trenton, and Wyandotte: the new boardwalk at Water’s Edge Marina, the new mural in the Trenton

Pool, and many outdoor improvements at the Wyandotte American Legion in Bishop’s Park.”

Since it was first awarded in 1912, more than 2.5 million young men have achieved the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank—Eagle Scout. Troop 1261’s newest Eagles join the ranks of such diverse leaders as former President Gerald Ford, astronaut and first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, baseball legend Hank Aaron and Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg, among others.

Scoutmaster Perricane reiterated, “We are so proud of these guys and thankful for everything they have done for their communities all these years. Their contributions and sense of leadership will follow them through their lives, because once you become an Eagle Scout, you’ll always be an Eagle Scout!”

Carl Pate started Scouts 12 years ago as a Tiger Scout when he was in elementary school. Through the years, he said he enjoyed the field trips and camping and learning how to talk and interact with people.

“With the help of my parents, my past scoutmasters, and my fellow scouts, I finally achieved the rank of Eagle and am proud to say I did it. If I could, I would do it all over again,” he said.

James Quinlan also began in elementary school as a Tiger Scout. He has been amazingly active as a Scout, attending five summer camps, as well as serving Quartermaster (twice), Scribe, Librarian and

Webmaster for the troop.

James is currently a junior at Grosse Ile High School and he plans to attend college after high school.

Aaron Glass has found that Scouting has taken him all over the country, from kayaking in northern Minnesota and lobster fishing in Key West and many places in between. Aaron said some of his best memories are of summer camp with war canoes, Pinewood Derbies, Scuba diving, skiing and dozens of other fun and thrilling activities that have left him with a million memories.

Connor Perricane started Scouting as a second grader just to be with friends. It turned into a great adventure. Connor said the many campouts and two trips to High Adventure Camp have been the highlights of his Scouting career. Connor has served his Troop as Bugler, Chaplain’s Aide, Den Chief, Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader.

“Scouting has helped develop my leadership skills,” he said.

CARL PATE’S EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

My Eagle Scout project was a re-beautification of an area of the Kennedy Recreation Center. For some background, I spend a lot of my time at the pool whether it’s swimming, coaching, or

SEE HONORS, Page 13

Photos by Nikki Bonomo

HONORS

Continued from page 12

working as a lifeguard, I would say a majority of my summer is spent at the Kennedy.

However, it was starting to look run down and not very inviting which is where I thought of the idea for my project. It consisted of painting a brick wall to match the new building’s paint and putting up five murals representing the pool (Trenton Swim Club logo, lifeguards, competitive swimming, relaxing, and playing).

I held a painting event where everyone came to help, and with the best help of my mom, the project was finished in early March.

The murals will be up in late spring/ early summer when weather permits so, please go give them a look when you visit the pool!

JAMES QUINLAN’S EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

I decided to replace the boardwalk at Waters Edge Marina in Grosse Ile as it was in a bad condition. The boardwalk had been underwater in 2019 and 2020, as a result of that, many planks were warped, damaged or weak.

I began to ask for donations from local businesses and clubs. After I received my first donations, Mans Lumber allowed me to purchase lumber at cost.

In October we began by removing the old planks and resecuring the understructure to the seawall and added brackets for support. We then repaired the PVC piping for the marina pumpout, which runs under the boardwalk.

In November we began laying out new planks, 60 feet each weekend through December. We removed 6,000 screws and put in 6,000 new screws. Seven hundred planks were installed.

In February after most snow had melted, the planks were trimmed even and a final inspection was done for missed screws.

I sincerely thank my Eagle Mentor, Jim Allen and my Dad, my Eagle Coach for all their time and encouragement.

AARON GLASS’ EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

My project first began from the idea of working with the American Legion, and I wanted to do this to hopefully encourage future scouts to keep ties

with them, as we have a long history of collaboration.

Ultimately my Dad and I decided to work with Post 217 in Wyandotte, who had graciously offered to fund the majority of the project.

With a few months of planning, we finally came to a proper layout. The biggest part of the project would be pulling back the river rock on either side of the parking lot, replacing the old weed barrier with a fresh one, and laying the river rock back on again.

These areas on either side were about 110 ft by 4 ft long on average, and it took about six hours per side, splitting them up one day each.

We also added about 1 ½ total yards of extra river rock to even out the surface.

From there we beautified the rest of the front entrance in many creative ways. This included posting up flower boxes along the fence line, adding flowers and mulch to the flower beds, as well as de-weeding and tidying up the entire lot.

There were also many paint jobs, which included the base of the flagpole, a self-made stencil of a “Welcome Riders’’ message by the bikers’ lot, and a fresh coat of paint for the soldier statue out front.

This project took four months of planning and preparation, and 2 weekends worth of physical labor, totaling 145 labor hours.

Overall, I think this project gave me a mountain of leadership, and I am blessed and thankful to have such wonderful friends and family to help make this project happen.

CONNOR PERRICANE’S EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT

My Eagle Scout Project was building a Dog Agility Course. I did research on dog agility courses and decided it would be a good project because I like dogs, especially my dog Boone.

I made a presentation to the Township Recreation Committee, and they approved the idea. We were approved to use a portion of the Grosse Ile Dog Park in Centennial Farms.

The township put a fence in to separate the Dog Agility Course from the rest of the dog park.

I was able to raise funds for the project by setting up a table in front of the Grosse Ile Hardware store and Island Pet and Garden Supply. I also set up a Go-Fund me account. I had a big pile of wood in my driveway. We spent several days in my driveway just painting and cutting

the wood and pipes. We painted the supplies in my driveway, so we could focus on building the obstacles at the dog park.

My dog agility course has seven obstacles: Adjustable hurdle jumps, a ramp and elevated walk, weave poles, an “A” Frame, a hoop jump, teetertotter and a tunnel.

It took us a few days to install the different obstacles. I gave the people a plan for their obstacle and a bag with all of the parts. When we were almost done, we spray painted dog paw prints on some of the obstacles. I think this made it look really good. We used a lot of paint for obstacles. For some of the obstacles, we mixed sand in with the paint so the dogs wouldn’t slip and get hurt.

This project took me about 10 months to complete. It was the hardest thing I’ve done. I am glad that people and their dogs like it.

I appreciate all the support I received from the Recreation Committee, the community, and all the volunteers who helped me build it. I’d personally like to thank my parents and my family for helping me reach my goal of becoming an Eagle Scout.

BILL STEVENSON

It’s finally spring and many of you are walking around your yards and assessing your gardens. There are probably some perennials that need to be divided and some bare spots that need to be filled in.

The Grosse Ile Garden Club is here to help you out.

We are having a perennial exchange on Saturday, May 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Commons Gazebo (Macomb and Meridian).

If you don’t have any plants to exchange, come anyway. There are always many extras.

This is how it works:

* Bring your plants in a sturdy, dry container by 9:00 a.m.

* Label your plants using its common name and the required amount of light.

* Check in at the check in table, you will receive one ticket for each plant.

* Place your plants in the correct area by lighting need -- full sun, partial sun, shade.

* Peruse all the plants on display but don’t take any yet.

* At 9:25 a.m. everyone must stand behind the marked line.

* At 9:30 a.m. a bell will ring and you then may select your desired plant.

*As you leave, show your plants and turn in your tickets to the check-out table.

Hope to see many of you there to freshen up your gardens! If you have any questions call: 734-771-2503. Happy planting!

Red Cross Blood Drive at First Congregational Church

Registration is under way for an American Red Cross blood drive at First Congregational Church Wyandotte. Hours are 1 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7. The church is located at 98 Superior Boulevard.

To schedule an appointment, log onto RedCrossBlood.org (sponsor code: firstcongressionalwyandotte) or email Eliana Pettigrew at pettigrew24@gmail. com. Pettigrew is a senior at Roosevelt High School, president of the National Honor Society and valedictorian of the Class of 2023. She is helping organize the blood drive because of the need for blood by the Red Cross, as a way to give back to her community and to give honor society members opportunities to volunteer.

“I know the Red Cross is always in need of blood, especially during the summer months,” Pettigrew said.

Everyone donating blood at the church will be eligible for one of five $10 gift cards for various Wyandotte businesses.

“Summer is our most challenging time of the year to keep an adequate supply

of blood readily available for patients in need of live-saving transfusions,” said Beth Frahm, account manager of Donor Resource Development for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan.

“Thirty percent of our daily calendar is comprised of high schools and universities,” Frahm added. “They are not in session June, July and August. Our corporate-sponsored drives do not collect as much since work attendance is down in the summer due to vacations.

“We depend on our community and faith-based sponsors to host drives during the summer months to help maintain the blood supply. The need for blood is constant.”

Scheduling appointments helps streamline the process. Donors can complete pre-donation reading and health history questions.

First Congregational Church Wyandotte will be open earlier in the day to provide meals at Wayneright Community Meals, also known as the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen. Pettigrew’s mother Sarah oversees the soup kitchen.

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.

Communities have life forces of their own

I have dwelled extensively in previous columns on the practices of big business run amok, with no leash, and how they affect America. Specifically, the realm of retail and the sea change of national control vs local control that occurred in the e80s and onward.

The onslaught was overwhelming, with concept after concept breaking on the American public. It never occurred to any of us that it was a feeding frenzy for the stock market and all of the other corporate money genres that just plain took away the apple cart from local and independent operators that were outgunned by seemingly unlimited resources.

I DO know now, though, and I am compelled to share with as many people as I can reach!

Now, one of the people I enjoy staying connected to is Michael Angelo Caruso. All of you know him – everyone knows the Caruso family ‘round these here parts.

What I want to say here is not to hype Michael’s business (which you may want to learn about), but to call out his relentlessly deployed plan that I witness by his frequent postings. His approach includes humor-oriented postings that invite response and steadfast reminders of what he does.

Michael created his own niche by paying close attention to others that have carved out theirs, emulating and honing his version of it, and basically, being the reason for his own success.

Never a “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” sentiment (hah!). He stays on plan. He grinds his ax, and most importantly, he clearly loves his work. Michael stays engaged and has fun as he plies his trade and makes his living. After all is said and done, the power of a single person to persevere is electric and admirable.

If you read just some of my columns, you can get vibes of “hey, that’s not fair.” If you read others, you learn about my perception of small businesses I have encountered that make a real contribution to the world, even if that world is limited in scope.

I know that what I provide at my trade is hyper-better than what any

corporate alternative can provide. I thrive on the challenge of getting it right for our clientele; it’s actually exhilarating. I love my work too, and everyone in my industry knows that humor is integrated into how I communicate. Humor connects, dissolves anonymity.

Agitation is never conveyed when comparing my stores to other local stores. I don’t have anything negative to say about any of them. I admire and respect them and I advocate for them. They are part of what makes my world hum. Independents are the benchmark that can never be reached by imposters. We can’t afford to lose any of them. The world gets dimmer with every loss, more homogenized and less unique. Less surprising, less delightful. With every national cookie cutter operation that replaces them in their real estate, we get something totally unconnected to the communities that were once served with passion.

When that owner stops making an income, they stop spending their money at other local businesses. They stop spreading their sunlight, too, leaving us with only dim substitutes.

Conversely: Remember the shops around Downriver that used to sell kitchen and bath products?

Bed, Bath and Beyond, to be specific, took so much business away that there wasn’t enough to remain viable for indies.

Don’t blow past that point: The myth of big business providing jobs is really just a lie. Having taken over the niche, they’re filing bankruptcy, and hopefully failing altogether, but also killing those jobs through their own incompetence. So, why hopefully? Because I look

finally better now; what ailed me seems to be gone.

That experience, though, serves to illustrate how much the life force is in play at small, independent businesses of every kind.

Small business is far more resilient, nimble, and clever than big business. But it is also more prone to the singular loss of “if I say it, it’s so” energy. For every small business, that energy is akin to a self-winding watch; seemingly endless when business is strong and vibrant, and when people give positive reinforcement by simply doing business there.

forward to independent businesses filling that niche again. It was . I hope one opens in Wyandotte, it’s an unfilled niche and believe me, it’s going to be a thing again.

We citizens supported the invasion of that publicly traded company. We shopped there. No sense in crying about it now.

The point is to look forward and decide who you don’t want to see fail because of big.

When you do that, you will indeed have connected the dots, and you won’t need the likes of me to tell you all about it.

My whole purpose here is at least trying to get people to understand that what they see as just another choice is something far more than that. I want people to not just be sympathetic, but to do everything they can to protect what they count on being there.

Forces far more powerful and controlling are the adversaries of every independent business. The forces of capitalism on the macro scale, and the forces of government that not only allows it, but fosters the uneven playing field are the enemies that have done so much damage.

I’m still here; countless others had their worlds taken away.

In 2022, post-covid sapped me of not just the physical energy I was accustomed to, but the ability to focus and propel. We all rely on batteries; that’s where humans fuel their drive, focus and passion. When those are attacked and even erased, and even worse: when the ability to make decisions and be the heart of the business are sucked down, personal and business peril looms large. I’m

That’s the driving force, my friends. That’s the magic. The magic is not really magic, but it may as well be, for all that it shares back.

It would be a terrible thing to lose the positive energy of my above mentioned call out. What he provides can’t be delivered by big, national business. What Michael does is care about the people he interacts with and in many cases, does business with. His business has little direct connection to mine.

But his life force is crucial to all of us. I don’t do business with him, but I recognize what he brings to the table as remarkable, and I herald it because we need that positive energy, more and more and more in a world that can sap it all away if we’re not careful.

I never ask my readers to support my business in these columns. I ask you to understand the difference between local and independent of all kinds in your community (and wherever you go, frankly).

If we don’t; when we bypass local and independent of any and all kinds, we kill the golden geese of our own, local economic power plant. And we give the power to those that don’t need any more power.

Pushing back against entropy works really well if enough of us band together. It is true: Communities are living, breathing entities that share a collective life force, composed of all the independent businesses that keep money flowing through wallet after wallet…by keeping it local. Protect your locals; protect your community. And have more fun.

Those of you that already do know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t you!

PETER ROSE

DDA hosts second year of Art on the Ile

ROSS

DDA DIRECTOR

Art on the Ile is the Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) public art initiative which began in 2022. The initiative is part of the DDA’s overall mission, which is to grow, strengthen and promote the economic health and vitality of Macomb Street.

The DDA strives to generate a greater connection with the Township’s residents and Island guests. Art on the Ile pursues this goal by creating a sense of place, improving civic engagement, and encouraging pedestrian traffic on Macomb Street.

Though the program began last year, Art on the Ile has been planned over the course of five years.

The DDA and community’s ideas were incorporated in the 2020 Master Plan, where residents provided an interest in public art as a way to improve the Island’s business district.

The public art program adopted in the Master Plan includes murals,

rotating sculptures, and streetscape enhancements.

Art on the Ile began in 2022.

The DDA has actively included the input of the residents in the program. For 2023, the DDA has met with organizations such as the Grosse Ile Historical Society, Grosse Ile Alliance for the Arts, and countless members of the community. The goal of the program is to install a variety of different styles of art that can be enjoyed by the entire community.

Art on the Ile will host three new murals from local and internationally recognized muralists Camilo Pardo, Beau Stanton, and Jesse Kassel, as well as several sculptures from artists from the Metro-Detroit area.

Residents are encouraged to come meet the artists as they complete the murals during this year’s summer street event series, Island Nights. The events will be held on the third Thursday of every month from June through September, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will host a variety of food trucks, vendors, music, and arts and crafts for kids.

To learn more about the artists

ISLAND

QUERRO

and

murals that are coming to Macomb Street, please read below:

NIGHTS, JUNE 15

Born in New York City, Camilo Pardo moved to Detroit at the age of

10. At this time, he had developed a fascination with 60s and 70s era sports cars that were built in the Motor City. After graduating from Detroit’s SEE ART, Page 19

Continued from page 18

prestigious design school College for Creative Studies in 1985, Camilo was hired by Ford Design Center in Dearborn Michigan.

After 15 years of working at Ford and working for several automotive design studios, Camilo eventually re-designed the classic Ford GT in 2002. The mural on Macomb will reflect Grosse Ile’s automotive history, which was once home to automotive pioneers Henry Ford, Ransom E. Olds, John Kelsey and Charles and William Fisher.

ISLAND NIGHTS- JULY 20

Hailing from a long family history of visual artists, Jesse Kassel earned a bachelor degree in fine arts with a focus in illustration and has since been exploring various creative outlets.

Since earning his degree, the Detroit-based artist has his work displayed across the Metro-Detroit area and the world.

Noted for his creative renderings of maps, the DDA has commissioned Kassel to paint a map of Grosse Ile. The mural will highlight the notable locations of the Island, from the beauty of Grosse Ile’s 12 islands, open spaces and farms to its churches, clubs and businesses.

ISLAND NIGHTS- AUGUST 17

Over the past 20 years, Beau Stanton has developed a unique visual language informed by historic layers, mythology and universal symbols.

Employing these elements, he seeks to draw parallels between past narratives and contemporary human challenges like environmental conservation. The expression of this idea manifests in different mediums including mosaic, animation and most notably, murals.

As of today, he has created over 60 public artworks in 25 cities across 16 countries. Notable project partners include the Albright Knox Museum, The World Trade Center, The US Embassy to Italy and the Atlantic Magazine.

The DDA is working with Stanton to create a nautical themed mural to reflect Grosse Ile’s history as a destination for boaters.

Art on the Ile

The Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority is pleased to present the public art program, Art on the Ile. The program includes several sculpture displays and murals along downtown Macomb Street.

Art on the Ile aims to enrich the Grosse Ile community by integrating a wide range of art into public spaces. The Grosse Ile DDA believes that art in a public setting is vital to establishing an inspired and thriving community. The program hopes to create an inspired environment for residents, while also encouraging visitors to experience all that

Grosse Ile has to offer.

“The goal of the Art on the Ile Program is to preserve and enrich the character that makes Grosse Ile such a unique community. We hope to inspire residents through the various art installations while also recognizing the work of local artists through the program” said Allie McAughey, Art on the Ile Program Consultant.

Art on the Ile is the Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority’s (DDA) public art initiative which began in 2022. The initiative is part of the DDA’s overall mission, which is to grow, strengthen

and promote the economic health and vitality of Macomb Street. The DDA strives to generate a greater connection with the Township’s residents and Island guests. Art on the Ile pursues this goal by creating a sense of place, improving civic engagement, and encouraging pedestrian traffic on Macomb Street. Though the program began last year, Art on the Ile has been planned over the course of five years. Art on the Ile is part of the 2020 Master Plan. The public art program adopted in the Master Plan includes murals, rotating sculptures, and

streetscape enhancements.

Photos by Bill Stevenson

Downriver vocal students earn numerous awards

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Downriver vocalists brought home armloads of trophies from the Michigan Music Association competition earlier this year in Grand Rapids.

Competing by age in divisions ranging from classical to pop and jazz, the vocalists, ages 7 to 17, are the students of voice teacher Jami Krause, who holds private lessons from a studio at the Downriver Council for the Arts in Wyandotte.

“It was our best year,” said Krause. “They competed well and were so supportive of each other throughout their competitions; it was awesome.”

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University in vocal music, Krause has annually taken her students to the MMA contest, which offers an outlet for artistic talent and the chance to gain experience and confidence in developing musical abilities.

While her older students have been cast in their high school musicals, her younger students don’t always have the same avenues to showcase their talents. At the MMA contest, they are exposed to the talent of their peers from across the state.

At the end of April, Krause and her students will be attending the American Guild of Music’s 46th annual Great Lakes Regional Contest in Romulus.

It will be a busy weekend for Krause, who is the vocal director for Trenton High School’s production of “Freaky Friday” being staged the same weekend.

Closer to home, Krause has connected with local arts organizations on behalf of her students to broaden their experiences. She said she finds the Downriver arts community to be very welcoming, supportive of each other, and interested in nurturing the budding talent within the region.

Krause will showcase her students June 10 during a student recital at the

Trenton Village Theatre. It is open to the public.

FROM WYANDOTTE:

Aurora Fischer, 16, who recently appeared as Wednesday Addams in Roosevelt High School’s production of “The Addams Family” musical.

Second Place Jazz category for Open Championship

First Place Classical

Addison Sauve, 14

Second Place Jazz

Erin Burgess, 16

First Place Inspirational

Third Place Pop

Third Place Classical

FROM GROSSE ILE:

Evelyn Howes, 13

First Place Broadway and Inspirational

Second Place Jazz

Olivia Emanuele, 13

Second Place Broadway

FROM SOUTHGATE:

Lydia Duran, 15

Second Place Classical

Second Place Inspirational

Third Place Pop

Lilly Truel, 15

First Place Broadway

Second Place Pop

Second Place Inspirational

FROM RIVERVIEW:

Heidi Langford

Second Place Pop

Third Place Inspirational

FROM BROWNSTOWN:

Raelynn Mayrand, 7

First Place Broadway, Classical, Pop

Cameryn Beaty-Burnett, 15

First Place Classical

Second Place Broadway Solo & Broadway Duet

Roy Parker Owner | 734-362-6200

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK –GROSSE ILE GRAND

Don’t Get Stuck Without a Back-Up Plan!

Mark Tremper, Vice-President, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of having your debit or credit card rejected? You have a cart full of groceries that were just rung up and the register doesn’t accept your payment. Or maybe you’re traveling on vacation and you attempt to purchase gas only to see a single dreaded word on the screen in all caps that says “DECLINED”. What do you do now?

When this happens, it doesn’t always mean that there’s not enough money in your account. It could mean that the chip on your card is malfunctioning, or maybe your attempted purchase was flagged as a fraudulent transaction. Regardless of the reason, this puts you in an extremely uncomfortable position, especially if there’s a line of people behind you or you are hundreds of miles from home!

According to Pew Research statistics, the number of Americans who don’t carry cash in a typical week has increased by double digits over the past decade. 41% of Americans (4 out of every

10 people) say that none of their purchases in a typical week are paid using cash. Which means that when your card is declined, there is a good chance you don’t have cash on-hand to complete the purchase.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared when faced with one of these predicaments:

Carry a second card.

Your back-up card could either be a debit card attached to a second checking account (some would say that this should be at a different financial institution) or a credit card accessing an available line of credit. Just be sure to have the accounts linked so that you can transfer funds between accounts using online or mobile banking. Linking accounts for transfers can usually be done even if accounts are at a different financial institution.

Add your cards to your smartphone’s “digital wallet”.

Contactless payment technology, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows cardholders to make purchases in-store or within apps with just a

touch—and you don’t need your card with you to do it! Of course, if there’s not enough money in the account, this option will not solve that problem.

Carry emergency cash.

The old-fashioned way to be prepared is to carry emergency cash. Just tuck a $100 bill (or more) into your wallet or purse so that if the unexpected happens, you can pull it out to make a payment. Since this should only be used in an emergency, don’t put it with your working cash where you would accidentally spend it, or be tempted to spend it; but if you do, just be sure to replace it right away!

Following all three of these tips is the best way to ensure that you’re protected regardless of whether it’s a technical glitch or human error.

With the warmer weather on its way, we’re all thinking about the things we’re going to do when we can spend more time outside. As you’re planning your summer activities, vacations, or staycations, be sure to plan for those inevitable problems that may arise and spoil your fun!

$364,900 Condo – 3 bed/2 full baths, 1 half Location! Ranch condo with a nished walk-out basement on the big pond! Main oor has enclosed balcony o the living room. Primary bedroom also has a balcony overlooking the pond.

beds/ 3 full baths, 1 half

contemporary brick waterfront home. Family room

pool

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!

Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise. After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach. There is always something for everyone!

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

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

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

Welcome to 901 Mariners Club! We are glad to have you here!

See

Don’t forget to get Westcroft’s Greenleaf Compound Acid Soil Conditioner Wedding, Event, & Photography rentals available in our Heritage Gardens

This is Ernie, our 6 month old Boston Terrier. Don’t let that adorable face fool you for he is as energetic as a Jack Russell Terrier, can jump as high as a kangaroo, and has the long legs & speed of a Kentucky race horse. Ernie shares his home with John & Vicki Roberts.

“Hi, I’m Al. My ape also calls me ‘Albertomundo,’ ‘Spandrel’ and ‘Cookie Batter.’ I answer to all his names because I think I’m a dog. Here I am enjoying the longer days.”

Grosse Ile 9 finding the going rugged

The Grosse Ile baseball team had a great 2022 season, eventually going all the way to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state semifinal before falling to Grand Rapids Christian.

A lot of talent graduated from that team and the effects are showing this season as the Red Devils are off to just a 4-9 start.

New coach Brandon Justice has seen his team score wins over Lincoln Park, Jefferson, Flat Rock and Garden City. The team is 2-4 in Huron League play, with the Jefferson and Flat Rock wins balanced against league losses to Airport, Milan, Huron and Riverview.

The Jefferson and Flat Rock wins were close and thrilling games with the Devils beating the Bears 7-6 and the Rams 9-7. The other games have not been as entertaining as the Devils and allowed 106 runs in their nine losses.

If you want a look at the 2023 team, they will play home against Milan on May 10 and then a string of home games toward the end of the regular season on May 22 and 24.

The district tournament will be June 3 this year and the Devils will play in a district Trenton, along with the host school, Riverview, Romulus and Summit Academy.

Looking for a winning formula

Thanks in Great part to the iffy weather this spring, the Grosse Ile softball team is off to a slow start. But as the temperatures warm and the skies clear, the Island club hopes to catch fire. If you’d like to watch them in their attempt, the Devils will be on home turf plenty of times as they head into the home stretch of the 2023 season. Grosse Ile faces a daunting stretch of 10 straight road games beginning May 10. Your next chance to catch the team at home is May 22 when Riverview comes to call.Grosse Ile is also home on May 25 and 31. The team will host a Division 2 district on June 3. Also there will be Flat Rock, Riverview and Trenton.

One of Grosse Ile’s victories this season was a 7-4 decision over Garden City.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Photos by Dave Chapman

Devil kickers anxious to get back at Milan

The Grosse Ile soccer team, wh9ch won another district title and reached the Regional finals last season, is off to another great start in 2023.

The Red Devils won their first seven games of the year and went 9-0-1 in their first 10 games before running into a stumbling block.

That stumbling block was Milan, which handed Grosse Ile its first loss of the season on April 28 on the Red Devils home field.

That win boosted the Big Reds into first place in the Huron League, one game ahead of Grosse Ile and two games ahead of third-place Riverview.

The three goals scored by Milan were the first goals surrendered to a Huron League team by Grosse Ile this year. Prior to the loss, Grosse Ile

had beaten SMCC 8-0, Riverview 4-0, Flat Rock 8-0, Airport 8-0 and Jefferson 21-0.

In between league games, Grosse Ile competed in the Williamston Soccer Shootout and there the Red Devils beat Big Rapids 3-0 and Lansing Catholic 4-0 and they tied Essexville-Garber 1-1.

Grosse Ile is currently in the position portion of its league schedule and will conclude the regular season with road games at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek on May 15 and Troy Athens on May 17 and a home game with Garden City on May 22.

MHSAA districts begin May 24. The Red Devils are in a district featuring Milan, Blissfield, Dundee, Flat Rock and Ida.

Photo by Dave Chapman

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL VACUUM SHOP

Have you ever had a question about your vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer? Of course, you can always look online for help, but it’s generally better to have someone – a professional – to speak with.

If you ever find yourself in that situation, simply head over to B & D Vacuum in either Southgate or Trenton and the dedicated, experienced staff there can help you with any problem or question.

When it comes to knowledge about all things vacuum, there is no better place than B & D.

Owner Matt LeFervre is the rookie of the shop with “only” 29 years of experience. His time in the business is dwarfed by manager of the stores, Ron Vaughan (39 years), business manager Linda Mullins (39 years), salesman David Archer (39 years) and repairman Brian Knapp (36 years).

Vaughan has been with B & D for 39 years, but he has been in the vacuum business for nearly five decades. He is the shop’s “Mr. Fix-it” and the go-to person in the shop.

When Mullins is not looking after her rescue dog Ralphie, she is handling the billing, the paperwork and the other business needs for the stores.

Archer, who has used one sick day in 39 years, is a drummer, a grandfather and takes pride in being one of the forward-looking faces of B & D Vacuum.

Knapp will make a sale when the stores get busy, but most of the time he is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, content to be the main repair man for the stores.

They are an amazing staff, with years of experience that they are willing to share. Whether you have a broken machine, need a new one or are just looking for advice, come on in. Matt, Ron, Linda, David and Brian will be happy to help, and we will do flips for your business, just like our ad!

We Provide Peace of Mind

Certified Public Accountants

Robert (Rob) Bovitz, CPA, President, Member AICPA, MICPA

1651 Kingsway Court • P.O. Box 445 • Trenton, MI 48183-0445

Phone: 734-671-5300 • Fax: 734-671-6504

Website: bovitzcpa.com • Email: bovitz@bovitzcpa.com

Business Accounting and Tax, Individual Tax and Retirement Planning Eldercare Advisory Services

Rob Bovitz CPA

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK –GROSSE ILE GRAND

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

Downriver artists. There is a juried fine art show and sale and a non-juried smaller works show and sale. Last year there were more than 150 pieces of original artwork on display. Cash Awards are over $800.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Mamma Mia! What a show!

The Riverview Community High School Drama Club turned us all into Dancing Queens and Kings from March 16-18 at the high school!

Students began rehearsals in mid-January and transcended a bounty of obstacles to premiere three joyous, hilarious, entertaining performances to packed houses every night.

Leads were played by seniors Christopher Connolly and Rahne Olson; juniors Ava Allen, Keila Gonzalez and Benny Miller; and sophomores Jason Kolbusz, Alex Rodd and Kira Saiti.

groups in the Downriver area. Their creations range from neonatal hats for tiny infants to blankets for wheelchair-bound veterans and senior citizens.

The crafters meet from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays at the social hall at St. Cyprian in Riverview. Besides infant caps and blankets, they create hats and scarves for people of all ages, baby items, quilts, dish cloths, adult bibs and even stuffed toys – whatever the need is that day, Gilhool said.

“Everyone has their own special gift and talent,” Gilhool said. “When I challenged the ladies two months ago to make toys for Easter, they responded by making 191 bunnies.”

On page 15

The Fine Art section will be juried by a qualified artist who resides outside the Downriver area. This art exhibit show and sale will be held at the beautiful Woodhaven Community Center 23101 Hall Road...

On page 9

Downriver for Veterans starts tiny homes initiative

An initiative by the nonprofit group Downriver for Veterans calls for the creation of a series of tiny

Cast and Crew totaled 55 students who sang and danced their hearts out to audiences who sang and danced along with them.

The Winners Took it All in a weekend that proved Riverview’s got talent all over the place!

Thank you to all who supported Drama Club’s efforts!

On page 11

St. Cyprian Crafters make a difference for many

About 13 years ago, Anne Gilhool of Riverview suggested to Sister Anne, a nun at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, that they start a knitting group in the parish.

“I said, ‘I knit and I would like to knit with other people,’” Gilhool recalled. “She said ‘no.’ Six months later, someone donated 100 skeins of yarn.”

And the St. Cyprian Crafters were born.

Today, 40 women who knit, sew and crochet are making a difference and bringing joy to people and

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

homes for area veterans.

Ann Rudisill, founder of the Wyandotte-based organization that serves former members of the armed forces, said the first tiny homes would be built in Flat Rock and the first resident would be Bob Harris, a World War II Army veteran from Southgate.

Rudisill said veterans would be selected for placement in other tiny homes and that the agency hopes to expand the initiative beyond Flat Rock to other Downriver communities.

Meanwhile, Downriver for Veterans has scheduled a number of fundraising events to help pay for the project and is seeking sponsors.

Art Ambience Show and Sale call for artists

The 34th annual Art Ambience Show and Sale will be April 28-30 and the show is reaching out to area artists to participate.

This is a unique show since it highlights only the

On page 22 gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Another great year for Trenton Robotics

This year the Trenton High School Robotic program grew to become the Trenton Public Schools

Robotics Program with the addition of the new Boyd Arthurs Middle School TorquNados junior varsity Team.

The FIRST Tech Challenge team had a strong rookie year and is already planning for next year. In sports we talk about having a “building year” after a large pool of senior talent graduates. Which was the case for this year’s TorquNados Team 5090 at Trenton High School.

“We came into the season after losing 12 seniors in 2022, leaving only one student with build room experience and one former programmer,” said coach Katherine Nelson

On page 18

Trenton Rotary Shamrock Shindig is a Hit!

On March 11, 2023, Trenton Rotary held its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Shamrock

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte native is Women Of Wrestling world champion

A Wyandotte native is a professional wrestling world champion.

Marina Tucker, who goes by the name Penelope Pink, is the reigning champion of WOW – Women Of Wrestling, a show broadcast across the nation.

Tucker was born in Wyandotte and spent her early childhood years in the city, attending Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King schools. Her parents, Jeff and Michelle, are former Wyandotte police officers. She remembers her dad playing hockey at Yack Arena.

Wyandotte VFW gets new solar panels New additions impressively reduces monthly electric bill

Monthly electric bills at the Wyandotte Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall have gone from thousands of dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month, thanks to new solar panels installed at the post.

Shindig, held at the Bentley in Wyandotte.

Over 200 people attended this event with an Irish dinner, drinks, games and a large raffle drawing with over 20 amazing prizes awarded to raffle ticket holders.

All proceeds from this event go to local charities in our community who are in need of assistance. Trenton Rotary Club is a dynamic service organization comprising of business and professional leaders who live or work in our community.

For more information please visit trentonrotary. net.

On page 40

She moved with her family to Georgia with her family and returned years later to Michigan to attend Ferris State University. Her dad is a captain in the Canton, Georgia, Police Department. Her mother is retired.

Always athletic, including seven years as a cheerleader, Tucker got involved in pro wrestling after graduating in 2016 from Ferris State University, where she majored in sports communications and was the gameday producer for Ferris athletics and a sideline reporter for the football team.

She said she loved pro wrestling as a child and thought she could do it someday. Not wanting to look back and regret not giving the sport a try, she moved to Florida and began training...

On page 5

The energy-savings panels are compliments of the veterans-support group Running to Honor, which is headed by Wyandotte VFW member Aaron Bartal, a Lincoln Park resident who spent six years in the Army as a calvary scout, including two years in Iraq.

Bartal raised the needed funds over a four-year period by hosting 5K runs in Taylor, through donations and via corporate grants from the likes of the DTE Foundation and BASF. The installation was completed in the fall of 2022 and the post has reaped the benefits since.

VFW Post 1136 is located at 633 Ford Avenue (known as Northline Road west of Fort Street). Bartal said Running to Honor targeted the energy bills at the post when he learned the post was paying $2,000 a month for electricity...

On page 11

We have England sofas, loveseats, chairs & sectionals in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. Several hundred fabrics are available at varying prices. All can be upgraded to firmer seat springs & seat cushions. The current wait time for custom orders on this brand is 6 to 8 weeks. England Furniture offers a 10 year warranty on their seat cushions and a lifetime warranty on frames & seat springs.

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $999 Loveseat $969

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Can I withdraw funds? Can I convert my account? How can I generate income?

Let's work together to find the right strategy to help keep you on track. Call or email me today to get started.