Grosse Ile Grand, July 14 – August 10, 2023

It’s Official! The Greenways/ Open Space Committee held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 10 dedicating the grand opening of the new FerryGage Trail, as well as the East River Cut to the main loop in the Meridian Woods.

For many an outdoor lover, it’s been a long time comin’.

The new Ferry-Gage Trail replaces the time-worn path that many a kid who grew up on Grosse Ile traversed and ventured into the great wilderness bounded by the Thorofare Canal, Island Boulevard, East River, and Ferry Roads. (A 47.9 acre area now protected as Open Space.)

SEE OPEN, Page 3

Continued from page 1

Once the private property was developed, the old trail ceased to exist, but the need to get from Point A to Point B in a beautiful, natural setting did not.

It took several years from vision to reality, from concept to creation for the new trail to be completed.

Long-time Open Space member Cliff St. Pierre explains, “The committee studied the area, and what was needed to acquire property for a new trail. The topography of the Ferry Woods is fairly hilly, and depending on the season, the low lying areas are many times too wet to cross. Working with the neighbors, we were able add a culvert where appropriate, and as a pilot program, the DPS laid a gravel base with a deep overlay of wood chips for the new trail.”

In addition to the new Ferry-Gage Trail, which took a while to develop, the East River Cut to the existing trail loop in the Meridian Woods area, came about as a “silver lining” opportunity.

From February to April, 2022,

Detroit Gradall conducted drain ditching maintenance in the Meridian Woods Drain, which stretches from Manchester to Rucker Roads. The drain was so full of debris, that major flooding was a regular occurrence for residences off Manchester.

Oftentimes, after a strong rain, kayakers took to the streets in waters up to the mailboxes.

Once Gradall was finished, a pathway meandering to the concrete bridge over the ditch was completed. All DPS had to do was take the higher ground, look for natural open areas, and avoid cutting big trees—a new trail connecting to the loop was created. Now, people can enjoy the beauty of Grosse Ile, along a path stretching from Meridian to East River Roads.

As current chairperson of the Greenways/Open Space Committee, I can celebrate a project of this magnitude by thanking the many residents and Township Board members who had the foresight in 1994 to

establish the Open Space program, as well as the taxpayers of Grosse Ile who have supported the work of the committee since its inception.

“Special thanks to Supervisor Jim Budny, Township Manager Derek Thiel, Township Clerk Ute O’Connor, for attending the ribbon cutting ceremony, and for their continued commitment to the natural ambiance of our community. To my fellow committee members— Cliff St. Pierre, Roberta Urbani, Raymond Geist, Theresa Weaks, GIN& LC Liaison Amanda Phillips, and Island Beautification Rep. Pam Frucci for their service and stewardship in managing our 603 acres of Open Space, and making our little corner of the earth a great place to live and enjoy.

“Further thanks go to Carl Boetscher III, for his “hands on” approach to Open Space, his guidance as Township liaison, and his dedication to the natural areas of Grosse Ile. Thanks also to Boy Scout Troop 1261 for their assistance in cleaning out the entranceway to what

was to become the East River Cut.

“The biggest thank you goes to our hard working members of the Department of Public Service for literally making the trails possible: Supervisor Jon Keim, DPS associates Rob Ponder and George Marx. And, Dona Depa for helping to organize our biannual Dump the Junk, Find a Treasure.”

While these new trails are now open, the Greenways/Open Space Committee wants to remind everyone who enjoys public access to our beautiful Island to respect the privacy of adjacent residents, confine your visits to daylight hours, clean up after yourselves and your pets, “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”

So, what are you waiting for?

Get outside and enjoy the new trails and all the natural beauty that Grosse Ile has to offer. Your heart and soul will be glad you did.

It took several years from vision to reality, from concept to creation for the new trail to be completed.

BILL STEVENSON

Camilleri is the new Fire Chief CAMILLERI

Active leader. Multi-tasker. Mentor. Hands-on manager. Homegrown hero. These are just some of the accolades given to John Camilleri as he was chosen to be the new Grosse Ile Fire Chief.

On the recommendation of the Fire Commission, at their June 8 special meeting, the Township Board voted unanimously to approve Camilleri as the full time leader of the Grosse Ile Volunteer Fire Department.

Camilleri was appointed Interim Chief in November, 2022 upon the retirement of Chief Russell Bodrie.

This past spring, the Township Board decided to post the full time position, and after narrowing down a large pool of 26 applicants, the Board charged the Fire Commission to conduct interviews for six.

At its May 23 meeting, the Fire Commission interviewed Stephen Densmore, retired fire chief of Melvindale and David Heavener, former chief of the Livonia Fire Department. After careful deliberation and discussion, the Fire Commission found the best candidate was already serving Grosse Ile, and recommended internal candidate Interim Chief John A. Camilleri for the department leadership role.

A member of the Grosse Ile Fire Department since 2007, Camilleri is a licensed EMT and Firefighter, having honed his skills throughout his time with the department. Complementing his specialized fire and lifesaving skills, he earned certifications including HazMat, FlashOver, Pump Operation, Electrical Safety, FEMA Crisis Response, Marine Rescue, and the University of Michigan Life Flight Training, among others.

He has held the positions of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief and interim Chief, each increasing his administrative responsibilities and experience. Camilleri also served at one time as the President of the Grosse Ile Firefighters Association.

The Camilleri family moved to Grosse Ile from Detroit in 1972. John is a 1985 graduate of Grosse Ile High School, and a graduate of Michigan State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance. He also graduated from the

MSU School of Law in 1992, and passed the bar that same year. Since that time he has become a prominent attorney, establishing his own law firm in Trenton. He and his wife, Nicole make their home on Swan Island.

As the new Chief, Camilleri said, “For the past seven months we have established a great deal of momentum. We have supported educational opportunities for our fire team, helped to boost morale, and have allowed firefighters and EMTs the freedom to expand their skills in the day to day operations of the department.

“We average more than 800 calls a year. This month has been the busiest in department history. We had 68 EMS calls, and 11 fire responses. We just had seven calls in the last 24 hours.”

Chief Camilleri explained his management style saying, “the most important single ingredient in the formula of success is learning the importance of the relationships you build by listening to others and removing your ego from the conversation.

“In the fire service here on Grosse Ile culturing team work is most important. Working as a team is the largest advantage an organization can have. Teamwork at the Department gives this organization the best chance of success no matter what the conditions – these citizen members working together have all the skills necessary to successfully respond to any condition. These citizen members have every level of educational and skill-set imaginable which they provide back to their fellow citizens by volunteering here at the Fire Department - the process is unmatchable. We seek to provide the finest service of the Grosse Ile Fire Department that our community deserves. These are our families, our friends, and neighbors—our home which we have a duty to protect.”

John

Totally street legal Simsonian 5K celebrates its great tradition

Runners, walkers, and health enthusiasts of all ages will take to the streets in late summer for the 21st Annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic. The 1 mile fun run/ walk, and the 5K race have become, ahem. . . a long running tradition on Grosse Ile.

The Friends and Family of Steve Sims have joined forces with the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. to make this the best road racing fundraiser yet. The partnership with the GIEF, which began last year, offers a fun, family-filled event which shares a common bond—advancing the education of Grosse Ile’s outstanding male and female scholar/athletes at Grosse Ile High School.

This year’s scholarships were awarded to 2023 graduates, Tyler Swick and Samantha Justusson.

To date, more than $51,000 have been awarded throughout race history. All proceeds from the race go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship.

The 21st annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic will again offer both an in-person and virtual race option for all to enjoy.

The Grosse Ile traditional in-person race will be held Saturday August 19, 2023, at Grosse Ile High School 7800 Grays Drive. All participants can register before August 19 on runsignup.com. You can also sign-up on race day at the Grosse Ile High School track.

The One Mile (1) Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m.

The course is a fast, flat course with views of the

Detroit River and natural areas, with a finish on the Grosse Ile High School track. Runners receive a coveted T-shirt, DJ’d after race party, refreshments, and great raffle prizes (must be present to win).

For those who cannot join us in-person, the Friends of Sims are offering the wildly popular alternative Virtual Race experience, with the window of competition from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, 2023. You can use your GPS to map your 5K and run, walk, or crawl your own race, at your own place, at your own pace. If you are not able to participate in the live or virtual events, supporters can donate and help advance this most worthy cause.

The 21th Annual Simsonian is held in memory of beloved teacher and coach, Steve Sims, who died unexpectedly of a dissecting aortic aneurysm in 2003 at age 46.

Steve was the winningest coach in Grosse Ile history in both Girls’ Basketball, and Girls’ Track

and Field. But, more so, he was known for his great sense of humor, his ability to inspire his students and athletes, and his passion for excellence. He was instrumental in developing strong, independent young men and women.

So, your participation and support go to advance the spirit and legacy of Steve Sims in paying it forward to another generation of promising youth--just what the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc. has done for almost 30 years.

Cost of registration for the Virtual Race is a flat fee of $30 (includes postage and handling) for all ages and categories. After registering, an email will be sent to you with all information you will need to upload your results and photos to see how you rank among the other racers.

Cost for in-person participation for both Fun Run and 5K are:

Children ages 10 and under – $10.

Students 18 and under – $20.

Adults – $25.

Late (after August 13, 2023) or Race Day Registration – 10 and Under $15, Students $25 and Adults $30.

Awards for In Person Race: 5K first male/female overall. Gold, Silver, Bronze each Male/Female age group 12 & under; 13-16; 17-20; 21-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60 & over.

Package pick-up will be at the Grosse Ile High School track on August 19, 2023, beginning at 7:15 a.m.

So, come join as you can to support a great time and an even better cause. ‘Cause, “That’s the Spirit that Made America!”

BILL STEVENSON

SIMSONIAN 5K Kick-Off Classic #21

5K Race & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk • In-Person and Virtual

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Grosse Ile High School

7800 Grays Drive, Grosse Ile, MI 48138

1

1-mile Fun Run/Walk @ 8:30 a.m.

5K Run @ 9:00 a.m.

In-Person Awards: 5K rst male/female overall Gold, Silver & Bronze- Male/Female age group 12 & under; 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over Ra e Prizes (Must be Present to Win)

Virtual: August 1 through August 18, 2023

Register On-Line or Sign-up on Race Day In Person!

Register at runsignup.com

All proceeds go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship Fund

Democracy is a contact sport Grosse Ile voters hold township’s purse strings

UTE O’CONNOR

Many years ago, when I first began my public service as Township Clerk, my husband Tim and I developed a philosophy: Democracy is a Contact Sport. For it to work effectively, people must contact their friends, contact their neighbors, and contact their elected officials!

And most importantly people must vote!

Here in Grosse Ile Township, we are very fortunate to have the ability to use our votes to have a direct impact on the very issues and topics that we, as a community, deem essential.

As residents in a General Law Township, each of us can vote directly on the levels of service and support we want our local government to provide with our tax dollars.

By voting “YES” or “NO” on Millage Proposals we determine not only the amount of taxes we will pay, but we also determine the level of service our local government can provide with those taxes.

This Aug. 8, there will be a Special Election and Grosse Ile Township Voters will be asked to vote on four millage proposals:

MILLAGE RENEWAL TO MAINTAIN CURRENT RECREATION DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS

Shall the expired previously voted increase be renewed in the total tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Grosse Ile Township, of .375 mills ($ .375 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to .3647 mills ($.3647 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at .3647 mills ($.3647 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for a period of five (5) years from 2023 through 2027 inclusive, to provide funds for the purpose of maintaining the current operations of the Grosse Ile Recreation Department, raising an estimated $267,000 in the first year the millage is approved and levied?

YES or NO

MILLAGE RENEWAL TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN DRAIN AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PROJECTS

Shall the expired previously voted increase be renewed in the total tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Grosse Ile Township, of .33 mills ($ .33 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to .3209 mills ($.3209 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at .3209 mills ($.3209 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for a period of five (5) years from 2023 through 2027 inclusive, to provide funds for the purpose of improving and

maintaining drainage and storm water management projects throughout the Township of Grosse Ile, raising an estimated $235,000 in the first year the millage is approved and levied?

YES or NO

MILLAGE RENEWAL FOR CONTINUING OFF ISLAND LIBRARY SERVICES

Shall the expired previously voted increase be renewed in the total tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Grosse Ile Township, of .40 mills ($ .40 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to .3890 mills ($.3890 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at .3890 mills ($.3890 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for a period of five (5) years from 2023 through 2027 inclusive, to provide funds for the purpose of providing off island library service, raising an estimated $285,000 in the first year the millage is approved and levied?

MILLAGE RENEWAL TO MAINTAIN

CURRENT POLICE DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS

Shall the expired previously voted increase be renewed in the total tax limitation imposed under Article IX, Section 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Grosse Ile Township, of .75 mills ($ .75 per $1,000 of taxable value), reduced to .7296 mills ($.7296 per $1,000 of taxable value) by the required millage rollbacks, be renewed at .7296 mills ($.7296 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for a period of

five (5) years from 2023 through 2027 inclusive, to provide funds for the purpose of maintaining the current law enforcement operations on Grosse Ile, specifically for Police Department Funds, raising an estimated $534,000 in the first year the millage is approved and levied?

YES or NO

The opportunity to vote on each of these millage proposals provides Grosse Ile voters a chance to give direct voice to their priorities for local government services.

But ironically, history has shown that these smaller local elections will have some of the lowest voter turn-out of the election cycle. And yet, the outcome of each millage question may have a profound impact on the ability of a local government entity to provide or continue providing services.

As an election official, I cannot advocate for or against any ballot issues, but I can and will advocate that you should get out and vote!

Contact the Grosse Ile Clerk’s office now to register to vote, to request an Absent Voter Ballot, or to have your name placed on a Permanent Absent Voter Ballot Request list.

Contact the Grosse Ile Clerk’s Office if you are also interested in becoming an election inspector to work at one of our Polling Precincts or Absent Voter Counting Boards.

And then it is up to you to contact your friends and neighbors to get out the vote.

A mileage renewal will be on the ballot in August concerning police operations on the Island.

23722 East River Road, Grosse Ile Twp

$900,000

WATERFRONT

3 beds/ 3 full baths, 1 half Stunning contemporary brick waterfront home. Family room

o ers a replace and bar with easy access to the built-in pool and outdoor entertainment area.

24850 East River Road, Grosse Ile Twp

$997,000

WATERFRONT

4 beds, 4 full baths

ELEGANT AND HISTORIC

WATERFRONT HOME. is fourbedroom, four-bath stone-built home on just over an acre of land is part of the East River historic district.

18099 Parke Lane, Grosse Ile Twp

$1,199,000

WATERFRONT

Welcome home to this luxurious waterfront estate! is beautiful property boasts over 100 of frontage on the Detroit River and

o ers breathtaking views of the open water from nearly every room. 4 beds, 2 full baths, 3half baths.

Thriving local business with local government: Unbeatable

National chain stores want nothing to do with locations that can only draw customers from 180 degrees of a circle, and that’s exactly what these Downriver cities offer, unless fish get counted as customers.

If cities like Wyandotte, Trenton, Grosse Ile, and others are to flourish at higher levels, they will do so through independent, local businesses, 100 percent.

As I have shared repeatedly, a much higher percentage of the money spent at local and independent businesses stays in that local community or region, compared to national chains.

And virtually all of the money leaves the region with online spending decisions. So local and small has the only real shot of greater success in cities with geographies like this sliver along the river, and therefore, cities are inordinately dependent on these micro engines.

Small also has the advantage of no internal red tape or hierarchy to cope with. Good ideas get implemented quickly, and change quickly as needed, because the owners are right here on the spot. Small has the advantage of passion and obsession, coupled with uniqueness and force of personality.

These advantages are not enough, make no mistake. Independent restaurants, clothing stores and other retail formats are held to the same standards as companies with bigger budgets.

National companies have massive budgets behind their buildouts, forcing smaller operators to pony up from much smaller resources in order to compete with them.

Internet competitors continue to take a larger and larger piece of the pie for many types of businesses. Costs like wages, services, shipping, and products offered keep going up.

When you see facebook postings (for instance) from Love Wyandotte and Love Local, you see the voluntary, unpaid effort of two people (my wife Janelle and myself) (especially Janelle, OK) to hype and promote businesses within our purview. I’m talking about pictures or even

slideshows, along with upbeat and supportive commentary, posted on more than one social media platform.

We don’t have to publicly post about a nice meal or a nice experience, but we love to do it, and we know it makes a huge difference in a world in which far too many people love to share anything negative they can.

Taking a few moments to not only be nice, but to publicly say nice things about the businesses we patronize is more than just a kindness, though. It is taking responsibility as a member of our community to help businesses succeed where we live.

We are not the only ones doing this, and the more I see it, the happier I am; the more positive I feel about everything. What this amounts to is marketing for the local and independent businesses we value, admire and care about, by enthusiastic, personal, unpaid marketers that do it to help those businesses, which also helps to keep those businesses around so we get to continue to enjoy, and benefit from their portion of the economic engine that benefits us all, collectively.

All of us that do so have fun doing it. It feels very good.

While every city has a different combination of issues and conditions, the operating systems behind the scenes are universal and undeniable. There is no way around the real heart of the matter, which is irrefutable: Humming bee hives of local and independent businesses have to feature local governments that truly love local.

Government at the small city level is far more important than any other level.

So, how do local governments play their vital part in creating stronger towns? It happens in two ways, in my view.

First, it’s the observable participation in the local and independent commerce of the city by elected officials and employees of the city because they feel it, believe in it, and love it. There has to be a belief that they are highly visible

cheerleaders before the public, and examples for the cause that makes their city more of a compelling place to buy a home in, attract visitors and customers, and to enjoy as hubs of commerce.

Without exception, thriving, humming cities have the benefit of that engagement and support. It’s the active support of patronage, doing any part at all to make personal spending decisions that benefit the city, regardless of publicity or lack thereof.

But it’s the joining of that volunteer army of marketers I referred to above that really catapults independent businesses to new heights. It’s not just directly supporting the businesses, but bragging about it. Telling the world about it, and sharing those good experiences, knowing full well that the more that happens, the more people will come check out those businesses and do business there. It’s a disarmingly simple concept.

That’s true for everyone, of course. All of us should be so much more positive and encouraging and supportive of business endeavors that make a city bustle with activity.

The second way, simply put, is ensuring that policies, rules, and regulations reflect that love, support and insistence on nurturing.

It is telegraphed in many ways, but essentially, it just means having as few obstacles to the success of the business community as possible, calling for fewer and less costly fees and conditions.

Those in leadership need to understand that in nearly all circumstances, national chain stores are to be so severely restricted as to essentially render them illegal. The most successful examples of Love Local cities do as little as possible to hinder the doing of local, independent, and unique business, while still maintaining safety, law and order.

Standards should never be wielded as demands are not beyond appeal.

Enforcement should always be friendly and appreciative.

At the same time, policies should be trumpeted that make clear that

buying from local sources is not just a nice thought, but a mandate. That is, until such time as it can be proven unavailable, or that the price paid would be unacceptably beyond a reasonable alternative, including online options.

Imagine then if the city made it a priority to regularly remind its citizens that the city views those policies as standards that the citizens themselves would do well to emulate. That’s what I mean by love.

Local and independent business is not easy.

It exists and succeeds because owners insist, and refuse to be denied. The more that all of us, citizens, and governments, can do to push those businesses upward, the better for everyone that lives in these communities.

When it all works together, successful cities are electric and eclectic beehives of commerce that tilt playing fields towards local and independent because it is astoundingly better. It is the real thing that cannot be substituted.

When there is real synergy in a city, wherein citizens, businesses and government are all on the same page; when all recognize that without the urgent collaboration of all three, success is far more probable. Where such synergy exists, nobody wants to go elsewhere.

Achieving that goal is tricky and calls for cooperative spirits from all that play a role. The shared end result is where the focus has to be, and there can never be a time when there are no weak links. To that end, forums should be regular and routine, in which cities seek feedback, both good and bad, on the state of doing business in such cities.

My own private Idaho is unabashedly utopian. It is, perhaps, unreasonably Pollyanna-ish. Wishing for anything less seems defeatist, though. The things that could be better have to be named and fixed, one by one. Obsessively, compulsively… perpetually. Vive le Independence!

PETER ROSE

While every city has a different combination of issues and conditions, the operating systems behind the scenes are universal and undeniable.

White Furniture’s Annual Art Fair Sale

ENGLAND FACTORY SUMMER SIZZLE SALE

Factory price reductions valid only on orders placed during the month of July.

in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. 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.

have these

their

Walking tour through the Gibraltar Bay Unit of the Detroit River IWR

By Susan Pinkowski

At the southeastern end of Grosse Ile, you can easily access the small and less frequented Gibraltar Bay Unit by heading south on East River Road, past the Grosse Ile Airport.

On a sunny Saturday morning, a group of fifteen people from St. Philip Lutheran Church in Trenton recently met up with Dr. John Hartig for an informal walking tour of this unique area.

John was, as usual, a fountain of information and told us this area of the refuge encompassed 41 acres and was part of the Grosse Ile Naval Air Station from 1927 to 1969.

Fighter pilots and even the Royal Air Force trained here, as did former President George H. W. Bush. For a while it was even a Nike missile site during the Cold War.

They eventually took the missiles out, but the silos had to be filled in and the underground bunkers secured. It took them 15 years to clean up the land and fill the silos because as they put sand in, it would settle, like a sinkhole, and needed to be filled up again, and again.

You can still see some half-buried remnants on the ground from the area’s military days.

Then they had to perform risk assessments and everything else that goes into remediation to transfer the property to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for eventual public enjoyment.

The previous habitat of this area was mostly prairie and wetlands, as a lot of southeast Michigan was, but a lot of the prairie was taken over by industry and urban development. They have been restoring this land as a prairie habitat and scrub area, with native grasses, for quite some time now.

Hartig said we’ve lost 97 percent of our coastal wetland habitat on the river to development, so these places that are left are very important to conserve.

Gibraltar Bay is also used as a spawning and nursery area by many fish species, and all kinds of birds and

waterfowl use it as well. Migrating birds will often visit at certain times of the year.

This area will have lots of American Lotus plants later in the season; the lotus is like a lily pad and has beautiful yellow flowers. Many people come here from all over the country just to photograph the American Lotus, which in Michigan, is a symbol of clean water.

Twice a month from now through the fall, the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (GINLC) opens the gate to a trail on the airport grounds where most of the American Lotus flower plants can be found. You can trek back in there to see them up close, and also view the ongoing efforts they are making to restore this important habitat.

One of the first projects John did with GINLC was 20 years ago, when they saw all the debris from the naval base that was submerged out in the Bay. All kinds of military surplus from World War I and World War II that the sailors couldn’t use any longer was just thrown in the Bay!

Hartig and the late Bruce Jones of GINLC helped arrange for the Navy Seabees to come in and clean up the area. The goal was to restore the shoreline back to its natural habitat again.

They came in with backhoes and lots of heavy-duty equipment and pulled out enough old military stuff to fill a 2.5 car garage to the rafters - all kinds of military debris, gunner’s chairs, ammo boxes, everything the military no longer wanted.

The Seabees had to be very careful to make sure there wasn’t any live ammunition buried among the surplus!

They decided to get rid of all the stuff they dredged out of the water, but a military historian came in, took an interest, and blocked them from disposing of anything until a proper investigation could be performed. He felt there could be something there of

SEE WALKING, Page 17

WALKING

Continued from page 16

historical significance, so experts had to come out to go through the whole mountain of materials, and then once cleared of significance, they could finally be removed. All to no avail.

But over time, this area has been restored to an absolutely gorgeous coastal wetland filled with animals and plants, and free of grenades!

Further around this refuge unit along the shoreline of the Bay, we came across a good size tree on its side. Hartig said that this was a standing live tree just two years ago and asked the children if they could guess what knocked it down. We were all stumped, until John showed us the gnawing on the base of the trunk. Beavers!

There are also turtles of various sizes in this wetland, and birds can be heard everywhere. There are birdhouses up on poles scattered throughout the prairie and each one we came across had a bird sticking its head out watching us, wondering who was invading their neighborhood.

We later came across what’s known as a glacial erratic stone. About 10,00012,000 years ago this gigantic rock was deposited by the glacier that was moving through this area. And for a rock that heavy to tumble and roll along, John said just imagine the energy of the water and the melt that pushed it forward. It’s not going anywhere now, though, unless the Seabees come back with their equipment.

A lot of the work putting in the trails, setting up the birdhouses, etc., was done by volunteers under the direction of a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and since then, this Bay has been open for visitors for the past 15-20 years.

The entire time walking through this prairie and wetland area, you find yourself surrounded by lots of songbirds, the occasional deer, fish, insects and even ticks so check yourself when leaving.

Nature is just happening everywhere here and it’s beautiful.

There are shady areas in which to sit and enjoy all the sights and sounds. There was, however, a warning sign that, while we are proud that our area of the state is mostly green, lush, and surrounded by water, drought can still happen here – what used to be a

small stream is now a depressed dried mud track. We can help by keeping our rivers and creeks free of debris and adopting a more environmentally friendly way to live. Degrowth, anyone? Google that!

Over by a pond that was a former gravel pit, there is a photo blind/hut where photographers can come and be hidden from the waterfowl and egrets to snap pictures without disturbing the animals.

There is a nice wildlife observation deck on the other side of the pond where you can see birds, dragonflies, turtles, and fish right under the surface. It’s easily accessible by the small parking lot.

There is a stone circle not far from the photo blind that was created by the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation (www.wyandotofanderdon.com) and the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (www.ginlc.org). This was originally a Native American council ring that is currently used as a site to give educational talks about Native Americans, conservation, and stewardship ethics, all good lessons for everyone to learn.

All of this beautiful coastal wetland in the Gibraltar Bay Unit is open free of charge.

Come on out and take a walk through the wild side of history! You never know what you’ll see or hear.

*Additional 10% Off applies to floor samples merchandise only. Shop early for best selection. Immediate delivery available. No holds. Don’t forget to bring in necessary room dimensions. Sold as is. Cannot be combined with other offers. Certain restrictions apply. Discounts off MSRP. Prior sales excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Items subject to prior sales. See store for d

Liquidation Event in progress at all 3 locations through July 30, 2023!

More Percentage Yield

By Chris O’Shea

What to know about APY

The term “Annual Percentage Yield” (APY) plays an important part in your finances. APY refers to the percentage of interest, you earn on your bank or credit union accounts. Let’s take a look at what you should know about APY.

What is APY?

APY uses compound interest to calculate the return on your interest-earning accounts. Depending on the account, the interest could compound daily, monthly, or annually. Compound interest is the interest added to your principal balance. Let’s say you earn $7 on your $20,000 balance this month. Next month you’ll

earn interest on $20,007.

APY vs APR

The terms APY and APR seem similar, but they are different. You can think of it this way: APY refers to the interest you earn, and APR — annual percentage rate — refers to the interest you pay.

APY Variables

Depending on what type of savings account you have, APY can vary. If you

have a regular savings account, the APY will fluctuate based on the market. If you have a CD, the rate will stay the same as when you purchased it.

Why APY Matters to You

APY matters because the more money you have saved, the more money you can earn. Compound interest might seem small, but it adds up over time. So when shopping for a savings account, be sure to find the best APY available. Check your local credit union as they typically offer better APYs for their accounts than big banks.

*Used by permission from Savvy Money in partnership with Downriver Community Federal Credit Union.

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GROSSE ILE RECREATION

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Happy Holiday’s at Water’s Edge Pool!

Come enjoy our after-hours pool party with Christmas carols, water balloon snowball fight, visit with Santa and much more!

Day Date Time

Wed. July 19 7-9:00 pm Everyone Welcome!

Location: Water’s Edge Pool/Pavilion

Fee: $6 per person (ages 10 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult)

POOL MOVIE NIGHTS

Join us at Water’s Edge Pool! Come enjoy our after-hours pool party with a movie.

Days Dates Time Ages

W June 28 9-11 PM Everyone

W July 12 9-11 PM Welcome!

W August 9 9-11 PM

Location: Water’s Edge Pool/Pavilion

Fee: Free Event for Members

*Regular pool admission for non-members

*Concessions and pizza available for purchase

*Floats are permitted

SENIOR POOL PARTY / ICE CREAM

SOCIAL

Join us at the pool deck for some swimming fun and ice cream!

Day Date Time Fee

Tue. 7/18 5:30pm $5

Location: Water’s Edge Pool

Please call 734-675-2364 to register

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

6/22 – 8/31, 2023

@ Water’s Edge/ Smokies on the Water Concert Time: 7-9 PM RAIN OR SHINE FREE! Bring your chair and enjoy free concerts at Water’s Edge. Sponsored by Grosse Ile Recreation / Smokies on the Water

Jun 22 Martinez / Motown, Rock

Jun 29 Wisteria / Classic Rock, Pop, Motown

Jul 6 Tequila Mockingbirds / Funk, Jazz, Rock

Jul 13 Howlin Mercy / Cool Blues, Classic Rock

Jul 20 Packin’ Heat / Motown, Dance

Jul 27 High Calibre / Southern Rock, Blues, Country

Aug 3 Cody Boggs Band / Country, Guitar

Aug 10 Jesse James Band / Pop, Rock & Country

Aug 17 Category 5 / Classic Rock, Dance, Cover

Aug 24 Detroit Light Band / Classic Rock, Dance

Aug 31 Wisteria / Classic Rock, Pop, Motown

Sponsorships are welcome and guarantee front row seating! 7:00-9:00 pm August concerts 6:30-9:30 pm.

Consider a sponsorship for your community group/organizations, business, or just a fun night out with friends!

Contact Kim O’Farrell at 734-675-2364 / Kofarrell@grosseile.com

What’s happening Grosse Ile ...

HOOP SKILLS

The Grosse Ile Recreation Department will host a Basketball Camp for 5th-8th-grade boys and girls at the high school gym on July 18, 20, 25 and 27. The camp runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each day. The cost is $80.

Go to grosseilerecreation.com for a registration link.

HIKE IN THE AIRPORT NATURAL AREA

Every Sunday through October, enter at 28820 East River Rd, Grosse Ile, from 1-4 p.m. Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy hosts will be available to open the trails of the Airport Natural Area every Sunday from May to October. Spend a few hours enjoying the trails, ponds, bays, lookouts, and woods of this hidden gem. For more information, email GINLC.GI@gmail. com.

SENIOR OLYMPICS

The CoronaVirus pandemic put the Downriver Senior Olympics on hold for a few years, but Grosse Ile residents are encouraged to sign up and get active as the Downriver-wide event returns this year.

The 2023 Senior Olympics will be hosted this year by Brownstown Township and they will run from Aug. 14-18.

There are literally dozens of events to choose from, including golf, horseshoes, Bowling, frisbee, softball throw and many, many others.

Test yourself against other seniors from throughout the area. Downriver Senior Olympics is open to residents of Grosse Ile, Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Trenton, Woodhavenb and Wyandotte. Check the website at Downriverseniorolympics.org.

LACROSSE CAMP

The second session of the Grosse Ile recreation’s summer Lacrosse Camp will be held at the high school field on July 17-20. The daily sessions will run from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The camp is open to players in grades 5 through 8. Go togrosseilerecreation.com for a registration link.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY 4 DAY EVENt

Our Lady of the Scapular Parish, 266 Antoine St., Wyandotte. Shop & Dine OLS Christmas Wonderland. Sale of new and gently used Christmas items and raffles.

Thursday, July 20 preview, 4-7 p.m. $5 admission, American Food by Frank n Deans Catering.

Friday, July 21. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., free admission, Italian Food by Santa Rosalia Society.

Saturday, July 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, Polish pork chop dinners by MaryAnn Rogowski.

Sunday, July 23, by ticket only, German food by Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant. $50 tickets will include dinner, entertainment and entry into

the reverse raffle. Grand prize, $2,000. No Sunday admission tickets will be sold the day of the event. For tickets or more information, visit ourladyofthescapular.org or call 734-284-9135.

TRENTON BAND BOOSTERS GOLF OUTING

At Taylor Meadows Golf Course, 25360 Ecorse Road, Taylor, on Sunday July 30, with a 7 a.m. checkin and 8 a.m. shotgun start. Lunch, raffle and prizes to follow. Includes: 18 holes with cart, hot dog, chips, drink at turn, and burger bar and beverages following round.

Prizes Available: Longest drive, closest to the pin, special hole, 50/50 raffle, and putting contest. $125 per person, $500 for a foursome. To sign up or to sponsor, visit givebutter.com/TBBGOLF

HURON RIVER FISHING ASSOCIATION

General meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St. in Flat Rock. The general meetings include seminars and speakers related to river fishing, fly fishing, ecological concerns and environmental concerns. A fly tying meeting is held every third Monday of the month where you will learn how to tie a specific fly. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/ycx4tkwf

CRAFTERS WELCOME

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless.

AAUW SCHOLARSHIPS

The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office.

Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.

FLAMENCO GUITARIST – GLADIUS

Taylor Community Library, July 26, from 5-6:30 p.m. Join us for a live performance by professional guitarist Gladius! Raised in Atlanta, GA, taught by Andres Segovia’s protégé, and driven to obsession by Eddie Van Halen, Gladius is an award-winning composer and accomplished classical/flamenco style

guitarist who soulfully “shreds on the electric”, sharing the bill with Grammy winners and mesmerizing audiences nationwide with his electrifying live act since 2016. This event will be held in the Sheridan Pavilion. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

THORNAPPLE WOODLANDS HONEY BEE OBSERVATION

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. July 10, from 12-1 p.m. Learn the three types of bees in a hive and their roles. Witness the life cycle of a bee, and see how they gather nectar from flowers and turn it into honey. Plus, view live bees safely in an observation hive, make a beeswax candle, and take home a taste of honey. Presented by Don Snoeyink, of Thornapple Woodlands, LLC. For more information, call 734-2874840.

WYANDOTTE STREET FAIR

At Wyandotte First United Methodist Church, 72 Oak Street, Wyandotte, from July 12-15. In the Fellowship Hall during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pie Shoppe (fruit pies, cream pies, ice cream pies, etc.), local artisans, used book sale and mission market.

Parking costs (4-10 p.m.) $5 and all proceeds help the Youth on their Mission Trip. For more information, visit wyandottefirst.org or email fumcoffice@ sbcglobal.net

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Taylor Community Library, Taylor. July 12, from 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Unleash your inner photographer with just your smartphone! No need for pricey gear.

This workshop shows everyone, regardless of age or tech skills, how to capture stunning photos using only their everyday smartphone camera. Hands-on lessons and tips. We will meet at the library, but, during this workshop, we will be going outside into Heritage Park to take photos. Please plan accordingly. All attendees must bring their own charged smartphone to use. For more information, call 734-287-4840.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

At the Bacon Memorial District Library, 45 Vinewood, Wyandotte. Kids Dungeons and Dragons, July 20 and July 27, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. 4:30-5 p.m is the introduction to Dungeons and Dragons.

If you have never played D&D you must attend this training, 5-7 p.m. is the D&D game play. Teen Dungeons and Dragons, Saturdays June 24, July 15, July 22, July 29, from 1-3:30 p.m. 1-1:30 p.m. is the introduction to Dungeons and Dragons. If you have never played D&D you must attend this training. 1:30-3:30 p.m. is the D&D game play. For more information, call 734-246-8357 or visit baconlibrary. org

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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 2,000 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.

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Trenton High School is a part of the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC) serving the school districts of Airport, Flat Rock, Gibralter, Grosse Ile, Huron, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven, as well as Trenton. The DCTC offers a program where local districts share their technical and academic programs. Students interested may participate at the beginning of their junior year and continue into their senior year.

The Trenton High School Technical Consortium plan of study is a coordinated secondary/post-secondary program that prepares students for the majority of jobs in the technical areas studied. Emphasis is placed on integrating academic and career technical courses so that students are better prepared for the advanced courses required by technical programs following their high school education

**New CTE program- State Approved in 21-22 school year.

Level 2-4 courses require the entry Level 1 course in that specific program. *Criminal Justice is a Wayne County Community College Dual Enrollment Program and requires an application process for admission which can be accessed at: http://www.dctc-cte.org

All career and technical education programs follow the Trenton Public Schools’ policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status in all programs, services, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure

College is not for everyone

BASF Tech Academy shows high school seniors, recent graduates career options

DAVE GORGON

Twenty-one Downriver high school students and recent graduates know some of their career options after completing a weeklong BASF TECH Academy this summer.

The program was designed to inform students about the high demand in good-paying technical jobs for individuals who don’t have a four-year college degree.

From June 19-23, the young men and women participated in discussions, interactive/hands-on activities and tours at BASF in Wyandotte, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Taylor, Gorno Ford in Woodhaven, Fritz Products in River Rouge and the City of Wyandotte Fire Department.

The academy was funded by BASF and was provided free to students.

“College isn’t for everybody,” said Marika Diamond, who designed the program as head of public relations at BASF in Michigan. “This program is so fulfilling. To give these kids various opportunities, BASF is making a difference in the community.”

Days one and five of the academy were held at the BASF Wyandotte site. Students were introduced to innovation and technology that BASF uses to create a sustainable future. They explored promising manufacturing and lab tech careers that the chemical industry has to offer and the high-wage, high-demand jobs available at BASF. Students learned about the unique opportunity to gain on-the-job training and earn industry-recognized credentials while receiving a fulltime wage through the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Students participated in manufacturing and lab tours, lab experiments, demonstrations and interactive simulations, including Z Lock, Lockout/Tagout, electric circuits and welding.

Day two provided students with an introduction to robotics and the certifications and programs associated with the field. Fritz Products opened its doors to students for a behind-thescenes tour of its scrap metal processing facility where they saw how metals are processed and experienced robotics in action, discussing functionality,

purpose, safety and troubleshooting mechanisms.

On day three of the academy, students spent the morning at WCCCD’s Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education learning about emergency training and response and the requirements for various careers in fire services.

Then the students headed to the Wyandotte Fire Department where Mayor Robert DeSana welcomed the participants, who participated in handson simulation training in fire equipment management, search and rescue and medical and on-scene evaluation.

BASF TECH Academy day four was hands-on for the students. In the morning at WCCCD’s Automotive Lab, students focused on auto maintenance and repair procedures, working on engines, vehicle alignments, changing brakes, rotors and tires and much more.

In the afternoon, they visited Gorno Ford in Woodhaven. The Gorno team provided an overview of technical careers within automotive dealerships as students toured the showroom, service and body shop.

The 21 students who graduated from the inaugural program were Caden Bacon, Joshua Burks, Bret Meggison and Aiden Rice of Wyandotte; Cruz Garza and Adam Hancock of Southgate; Johnny Medvice of Trenton; Jailyn Saunders of Riverview; Brandon Stachak and Isaac Trombetta of Grosse Ile; Darius Ausberry, Jack Brinker, Kevin Lenard and Javon Toma of Gibraltar; Dean Birchfield of Taylor; Miles Brooks of Allen Park; Whitney

said. “Given that it was a pilot, we were targeting a small scale – 21 being an optimal size.”

Diamond said the pilot was an opportunity to find out what worked and what could be done differently to make the program even better. Based on active student engagement throughout the week and positive stakeholder feedback, “the program was a success,” she added.

Wyandotte Mayor DeSana thanked BASF and the city’s firefighters for “organizing such a wonderful experience for these kids to witness, including what goes on in a firefighters’ life, safety hazards and life-threatening situations, saving lives and property.”

Cotter, Kaeli Kopytko and Adrian Radeback of Flat Rock; Fatima Dino of Lincoln Park; and Ronell Huston of Wayne.

Among the variety of summertime programs offered, TECH Academy is unique to BASF. The program is part of the company’s workforce development efforts and underlines BASF’s commitment to a sustainable future –to create chemistry in the region that brings people to work together toward a successful future.

The program was a year in the making. Diamond pitched the concept as a pilot program to BASF local leaders who encouraged her to make it a reality. Through numerous discussions with BASF leadership, WCCCD administrators and input from community leaders, this year’s focus was narrowed to include manufacturing, robotics, automotive, lab operations and first responders.

“It takes a village,” Diamond said. “I worked with awesome colleagues at BASF and WCCCD and engaged the Wyandotte Fire Department and Gorno Ford and Fritz Enterprises to help with creating a hands-on, interactive and meaningful experience around these topics and volunteer their time during the week.”

The program was marketed to high schools in the region through the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, through business networks, on social media and in various publications.

“We were so pleased with the response: 130 applicants,” Diamond

Firefighter Thomas Cunningham agreed the program was “great.”

“I wish I could have done something like this when I was in high school,” the three-year firefighting veteran said.

Cunningham, 25, said he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who were both firefighters, attended the fire program at WCCCD and went to Schoolcraft College for paramedic training. He started Rockwood’s volunteer Fire Department, which hired him out of high school. After completing paramedic training, he was hired in Wyandotte.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Cunningham said. “It’s always what I wanted to do. I lucked out by going with my childhood dream job.”

Jailyn Saunders, who will enter her senior year at Riverview Community High School, said she had “no idea at all” about skilled trade jobs that were available before entering the academy. As head waitress at Arnaldo’s in Riverview, she said she had no plans to attend college.

“I’m in more of a blue-collar family,” she said. “I like trucks – I’m looking at being a diesel mechanic. I definitely want to look into EMT and paramedic courses. I want to help people.”

Planning is already under way for the 2024 session of BASF TECH, scheduled for June 17-24. The application window will open in February. To receive notification, send an email to marika.diamond@basf.com.

Pickleball explodes Downriver

Popular game is growing across the county, state, area

DAVE GORGON

It’s Monday night and a dozen Downriver residents are taking pickleball lessons on outdoor courts at Trenton’s Arthurs Middle School from Grosse Ile resident Tom Snider, known as the “ambassador of Wayne County pickleball.”

On the far end of the courts, Mike and Kim Pizzo of Woodhaven arrive with four friends to play. They said pickleball is so popular in Woodhaven that they couldn’t find court space, so they traveled the short distance to Trenton to play.

Four minutes away at Affholter Park, four friends are playing the sport

that “anyone can play” on an older, smaller venue.

In Wyandotte, dozens of players are either on the courts or waiting their turn in a pickleball league at the newly renamed Justin N. Lanagan Memorial Pickleball Courts at FOP Park.

Some of those players will compete

in games later in the week at Vreeland Park in Riverview.

Pickleball has exploded in the Downriver area, mirroring a nationwide trend. A report by CNN called pickleball “America’s fastestgrowing sport.” A report by the trade

SEE PICKLEBALL, PAGE 31

PICKLEBALL

Continued from page 30

group Sports & Fitness Industry Association says the number of people playing pickleball around the United States grew by 159 percent over three years to 8.9 million in 2022.

The game is considered easy to play, low impact and appeals to a wide range of people, from children to senior citizens. It’s a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net and can be played outdoors or indoors. A typical game is doubles with two players on each side of the court.

The sport has become so popular that Island Athletics on Grosse Ile has expanded pickleball court time to meet the demands of members. Same with the YMCA in Southgate. And at the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Bank Tower in Southgate, the builder announced that pickleball courts would be part of the apartment’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Many Downriver players can’t get enough pickleball.

Grosse Ile resident Lisa BlanzyGlines, who has been playing for three years, now competes about five times a week: outdoors in Riverview, Wyandotte and Woodhaven, indoors at Island Athletics and sometimes in Ann Arbor for lessons and drills.

Lisa Wayne, CEO of the Downriver Community Conference, plays locally and enters tournaments throughout the region, in Michigan and other states.

“You can go anywhere and play,” the Riverview resident said. “You take your paddle. You dress for it. You can play pickup games with other people. That’s the great thing about it: You meet so many people. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

Jenee Osburne, owner of Daybreak Salon and Spas in Wyandotte, travels with her 13-year-old son Dominic to play in tournaments across the country. Dominic has been sponsored by the Selkirk paddle company since he was 10 years old.

As pickleball ambassador, Snider is charged with promoting the sport in the region – a responsibility he takes very seriously. He works with local parks and recreation officials to help spread the word, hosts clinics and helps organize leagues and tournaments. If you want to play pickleball, he can tell you where the

courts are located.

A certified instructor, Snider has watched pickleball grow in popularity. His popular classes teach everything from the basics to strategy to precision.

“Pickleball is a hybrid sport,” the Grosse Ile resident said. “It’s ping pong on your feet. It uses skills from tennis, badminton, squash and racquetball. Pickleball changes the better you get. It becomes a chess match on your feet.”

Snider said pickleball saved his life. After suffering a heart attack, his doctor told him he would have died if he had not been exercising by playing pickleball.

“People are very passionate about pickleball,” he said. “For lack of a better word, pickleball is almost a cult.”

Stacy Gajewski, a teacher at Forest Elementary School in Riverview, said playing pickleball has helped her recover from hip surgery and overcome breast cancer.

“Pickleball has been huge in my recovery,” the Trenton resident said. “It keeps me busy, keeps me active and being around all of the people keeps me with a positive attitude. I

have a tennis background and I took pickleball lessons a couple years ago. I fell in love with it.”

Indeed, local players enjoy the friendships they make and the camaraderie of playing pickleball.

“The pickleball community Downriver are genuine and truly the nicest people I’ve met,” said BlanzyGlines. “One of my newly widowed friends said that pickleball saved her life.”

Some local officials really understand the popularity of the sport. Sheryl Riley, superintendent of recreation in Wyandotte, said the city has plans for more pickleball courts.

“I think pickleball is a great thing,” said Todd Dickman, recreation director in the City of Riverview and an advanced level player himself. “I play a good amount. I’m 51. It’s a great sport for any age, actually. You can find competition at any level.”

Like Dickman, Trenton recreation coordinator Kenzie Roberts thinks it’s important to offer pickleball classes –by Snider – and quality facilities.

“We get a lot of requests,” Roberts said. “The classes fill up quickly. When we added a second class, we had a waiting list. Tom’s a great

teacher.

“I really like pickleball. Out of all of the racket sports, it’s the easiest one to pick up. It’s really fun.”

Bobbie Parsons of Island Athletics said staff converts tennis courts into pickleball courts because of the demand from members. She said a two-day pickleball tournament in April at her business drew hundreds of players and raised thousands of dollars to support a cure for multiple myeloma.

The Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club has brought back pickleball due to members’ requests. The club has two clay courts and two regular courts.

“I would say it’s been pretty active out there to say the least,” said Claire Walters, director of marketing and membership.

Ambassador Snider said more outdoor and indoor courts are needed in the all-weather state of Michigan.

“It’s getting more and more popular,” he said. “More courts are being built. There are more opportunities to play. When I became ambassador, my goal was to do my best to build up pickleball as much as I can. I’ve done a fairly good job.”

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Great Horned owls nesting near Huntington

Huntington Elementary staff and students recently discovered an owl’s nest behind the school. The nest is home to some beautiful Great Horned Owls.

Huntington’s own RTI instructor, Amy Naif, is the daughter of owl and bird extraordinaire, Jaohn Campbell. Mr. Campbell was generous enough to come in and speak to Huntington’s 4th-grade students and share his expansive owl knowledge and expertise.

Students greatly enjoyed viewing his wildlife photos and were able to get a better glance of the owls through his telescope.

In addition, 4th-grade students had the chance to dissect owl pellets. It was a great hands-on experience!

Huntington students are currently participating in an owl naming contest.

On page 7

Prepping for the prom

Heritage Park in Taylor has become a popular gathering place for Downriver prom-goers, who come to the park to take photos before the big event. With its scenic old buildings, a reflection pond, covered bridge and more, the park offers a wide variety of appealing backdrops. Photographer Dave Gorgon recently found these Riverview Community High school students getting ready for the big occasion.

On page 11

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Southgate Schools unveil projects to the community

In the first three years following the first issue of the bond, officials have completed Titan Natatorium, weight room, turf football field, elementary school renovations and playground replacements, according to schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Irvine. Also in place are multiple branding projects, directional signage, a school district sign, a stadium gate and fencing, high school restrooms and the installation of SmartBoot system to improve building security.

In the works, Irvine said, are the renovation of the field house and press box at the high school, replacing Anderson’s lockers, installing classroom

technology, renovating the high school multipurpose room, stairwell improvements, additional branding, a digital scoreboard, new baseball and softball scoreboards and the renovation of auditoriums at the high school and Davidson Middle School.

On page 1

Girl Scout Gold Award project

Southgate girl makes swings accessible to children with disabilities

Lilly Truel says she enjoys the feeling you get that you’re “flying” while gliding on a swing. As a Girl Scout, she set a goal to provide the same opportunities for children with handicaps and in wheelchairs. In May, she reached that goal.

The 15-year-old Southgate resident unveiled an ADA-compliant wheelchair platform swing that has been installed at Ray Torres Lions Park in her hometown.

The project has earned rave reviews and could lead to a Gold Award – Girl Scouting’s highest honor.

The Southgate Anderson High School ninth-grader is a member of Girl Scout Troop 76473. In fact, she has been a Girl Scout since she was in the first grade living in Naples, Florida.

She already has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for her troop collecting pajamas for needy children and the Silver Award for painting picnic tables at Southgate parks...

On page 10

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Sports card dealer helps collectors fill baseball and football sets

When Tom Appleby was 10 years old, he remembers opening up a pack of baseball cards and finding his Detroit Tigers hero Al Kaline. He was so excited that he ran out the front door of the Wyandotte party store that sold him the pack card and into the street where he was struck by a passing police car.

Young Tom suffered a slight concussion that day, but the memory of finding a Kaline baseball card stayed with him. Decades later, while selling baseball cards at a sports memorabilia show in Taylor, Appleby told the story to his childhood hero, who was signing autographs nearby.

discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. When we take actions like these and proudly show our values as a community, you can never underestimate the impact it can have on even one individual who can feel safe, loved, and accepted for who they are.”...

On page 11

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Brown Bag Blessings

Program feeds dozens of students during the summer

...Wyandotte students who qualify for free lunches during the school year do not have to go hungry during the summer months thanks to the Wyandotte Ministerial Association.

Brown Bag Blessings is the summer version of Blessing in a Backpack, a national program that provides lunch during the school year but is not available during the summer.

Brown Bag Blessings provides two days of food weekly to hungry kids in Wyandotte.

Pastor Tom Ferguson of St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Wyandotte said church members in the ministerial association collect different food items, pack the goods together and deliver the food to Roosevelt High School, Washington Elementary School and the Bacon Library – about 100 brown bags in all...

On page 6

‘Patt Slack Way’ becomes a reality

The Wyandotte City Council recently voted to approve the official naming and dedication of the

“Kaline told me, ‘you can’t blame me for that,’” Appleby recalled as the two laughed.

Eventually, that passionate 10-year-old boy became a sports card collector and dealer who more than 60 years later helps find Al Kaline and other cards to help fill gaps in baseball and football card sets of collectors near and far...

On page 1

Trenton hosts annual Pride celebration

...The City of Trenton became the first community in the Downriver area to raise a Pride flag in June of 2021 and was one of the first municipalities in Michigan to enact city-wide rules against discrimination.

Mayor Rzeppa referenced this accomplishment in his statement, saying in part, “It’s important that we continue to lead on these things like we did as one of the first cities in the state to pass a comprehensive Non-Discrimination Ordinance to prohibit

alleyway and public right-of-way next to Frank’s Pizza as “Patt Slack Way” in recognition of Patricia “Patt” Slack for her contributions over the past 40 years to the City of Wyandotte.

A dedication ceremony was held June 15th in the new Patt Slack Way: the alley between the Yack Arena parking lot and Biddle Avenue, adjacent to Frank’s Pizza. There was a sign unveiling, ribbon cutting, small jazz band and refreshments provided to those attending...

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St. Joseph’s Helpers Providing home repair for the needy

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

During his 50-year career as an engineer, Tony Rosati never had sleepless nights like those he has now.

Rosati is chairman of St. Joseph’s Helpers, a local non-profit organization of volunteers that provides minor home repairs to seniors, veterans and the disabled at no charge.

The charity launched in October 2022, with a first-year goal of having a volunteer base of 50 and a caseload of 100 to 150.

Administrators underestimated the need and the desire to help – nearly 500 requests have been received, the current volunteer base is 100, and interest in the service is expanding.

“My career was tied to the automotive industry, which went through some tough times,” said Rosati. “But I didn’t worry like I do now; many people are in despair and we have many volunteers to keep engaged. It is hard to say no to any request; we’ll get to all of them.”

Based in Rockwood to serve the Downriver community, St. Joseph’s Helpers has broadened its reach to assist clients in 50 southeast Michigan cities. Work branched into Monroe at the end of 2022 and is now expanding into Detroit’s Woodward Corridor and Washtenaw County.

Rosati said there is interest in opening an office to serve Oakland and Macomb counties, and a call for assistance came in from St. Louis, Missouri. They couldn’t honor that request, but the prospect of assisting folks throughout the country is part of the group’s ambitious vision statement, which calls for every home in the country to be safe and well maintained.

Closer to home, Rosati said the group received a call from a client who saw the contact information in a newsletter published by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib. That was affirmation of their diligent efforts to introduce themselves to the community.

After these events in the first half of its inaugural year, there will be plenty to celebrate at the first anniversary gathering being planned for September.

A parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Rockwood, where the group maintains an office, Rosati for years has been a handyman for the parish and fellow parishioners. In retirement, he looked for an organization that could use similar help, but didn’t find a good fit.

“I knew that retirement for me wasn’t a time for ‘play and putter’, said Rosati. “There was something more I was supposed to do.”

St. Joseph’s Helpers is based on Christian values, choosing its name to honor Joseph, the father of Jesus and a carpenter by trade. The bulk of the work

the group takes on is common household projects, such as leaky faucets, minor electrical repairs, yard work and clogged drains. Installing bathroom grab bars and porch railings are a popular request.

“We’ve had requests for kitchen makeovers and new roofs, but we don’t take on those kinds of large projects,” said Rosati, a Grosse Ile resident. Volunteers must have a background check, adhere to guidelines the group has in place, and are insured. All express an interest in building a sense of community and fellowship with the people they serve. Their skills and expertise are matched with respective job requests.

“We ask them what they can do, how far they are willing to travel and how often they can work,” said Rosati. “There is a lot of flexibility, and when we call, they respond right away.”

Rosati recounted a home visit to remove lint buildup in a widow’s dryer. Having lost her husband in the months leading up to Rosati’s visit, she wasn’t using the dryer for fear of the lint starting a fire. After completing the project, Rosati said he enjoyed a lovely conversation over coffee cake the homeowner had prepared.

“We are providing more than home repair, we strive to give our clients peace of mind, a sense of wellbeing and companionship,” said Rosati.

Aware that the organization is based on Christian

values, clients will request prayers from the volunteers, said Rosati, but the purpose isn’t to force spirituality on them, but rather be good neighbors to those in need.

The group hired Rayna Bennett as executive director and is fortunate to have formed early partnerships with a variety of community outreach programs that help funnel requests, and businesses that are willing to assist with more involved projects.

Funding has come from individuals, businesses, community groups and grants to cover costs since there is no fee schedule for the services provided.

Most clients are in financial need, said Rosati, adding that the majority have no financial means. Twenty percent may be able to afford some materials, but could never cover the cost of the repair they need. Ten percent have means, but do not know where to turn. In those instances, the client has offered a donation, which is appreciated, but not required.

For more information, visit sjhelpers.org or St Joseph’s Helpers on Facebook. To make a request for help, learn about volunteer opportunities, become a partner, or provide monetary support, contact the office by phone, 313-900-5232, or email, SJH@SJHelpers.org.