Grosse Ile Grand, October 12 — November 8, 2023

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Swim to the Light. For ex-Navy SEAL, P.J. Ramsey and the cadre of supporters who accepted the challenge to raise awareness for veterans suffering from mental health issues, the phrase, Swim to the Light has personal, multiple meanings.

And, in the early morning of Sept. 23, the darkness gave way to the dawn of an event not often seen in the waters off Grosse Ile.

SEE

Bridge of Sighs

Downriver lawmakers secure $20 for bridge repairs, fortification

“I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs; a palace and a prison on each hand.”

Lord Byron, 1812

While Grosse Ile residents may empathize with Venetian prisoners in desperate exhalation as they hear any word about the Wayne County “free bridge,” a recent announcement of good news, may bring a sigh of relief. At least for a short time.

At a Sept. 6 gathering at Macomb Commons, State Representative Jaime Churches (D-27 th District) and State Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-4 th District) announced they were successful in securing a $20 million earmark in the 2024 State Budget for “repairs and fortification” of the Grosse Ile free bridge.

Speaking to an anxious crowd of more than a hundred, Rep. Churches recounted, “Growing up on Grosse Ile, I understand the massive inconvenience, financial burden, and safety concerns that come with living on the Island when the free bridge is closed for repairs. I took my experiences living on Grosse Ile to Lansing with me, and everyone knows Senator Camilleri as the ‘train guy,’ well, I wanted everyone there to know me as the ‘bridge girl.’

“Everyone I talked to realized that the future costs to fix the bridge are estimated to be $40 million dollars, and Wayne County has such a large area, they couldn’t do it themselves. I wanted to show our community when we work together with the county, with the local leaders, when we work together with Congressional, and other state leaders we can get things done for people.”

Churches continued, “And although we may not be able to have the full $40 million dollars that we need to repair the bridge, I am so proud to announce that we have secured from all our work this year, $20 million to start repair work. So today is the beginning.”

Joining the state legislators, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Wayne County Commissioner Joe Palamara, Wayne County Chief of Staff Brian Rhinehart and Supervisor James Budny and all spoke on the good news for Grosse Ile residents and all who use the county bridge.

Congresswoman Dingell said, “I am impressed with the number of people who showed up today, the day after Labor Day. I love Grosse Ile, I love Downriver. Downriver will always be John Dingell’s and my home. There is a basic role of government to make sure we are providing public goods, services like fire, law enforcement, fixing the infrastructure. And we didn’t do it in this state for too long.

“I want you to know what I’m so proud of in our district. We all work together. Federal, state, county,

local. We take the time to understand, we want to know what the issues are, what needs to happen, what needs to be fixed, what we can do.”

Dingell further explained, “When we passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill we had $563 million dollars just to fix bridges in Michigan. (Astoundingly), there are 1,200 bridges in Michigan that are in poor condition. We have to continue to work together to make sure everybody has access to Grosse Ile. We need to maintain that bridge.”

And, as citizens painfully know, the Wayne County Parkway Bridge was closed for a year and a half, from May 2020 to December 2021.

Just within the past month, the free bridge was closed twice due to vehicular accidents necessitating closure, and throwing travelers into a frenzied angst—

having to re-route their drive to the toll bridge on a moment’s notice.

Looking ahead, Wayne County engineers have told the Township Board that the free bridge will likely be closed to traffic for up to nine months in late 2025 or early 2026 to perform major construction work not able to be completed during the last 18 month closure.

Word is still out on the status of the negotiations between the Township and the Grosse Ile Bridge Company over the purchase of the toll bridge. The exclusivity agreement between those two parties ends on Oct. 15, 2023.

So, stay tuned. Much more will follow. In the meantime, exhale ... deep sigh ... and keep breathing.

BILL STEVENSON

County Commissioner Joe Palamara, State Senator Darrin Camillri, State Representative Jamie Churches, Grosse Ile Supervisor James Budny, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Wayne County Chief of Staff Brian Rhinehart all spoke on the good news for Grosse Ile residents and all who use the county bridge.

Cyber smarts, good for everyone

Grosse Ile Education Foundation event to help enlighten community

Hey, got a minute?

Great! You looked up from your phone, and actually put it down. You knew you could do it, but by the time you might actually read this article, you will pick it up again. That’s how powerful technology is, and that’s exactly what the tech companies want you to do. We’re sure there’s an algorithm lurking just beyond your fingertips.

But, as we know: Knowledge is Power, and there is a great opportunity for students, parents, educators, and the community at large to know more about the psychology behind Internet marketing and social media.

The question is: Are you using technology, or is technology using you?

On Nov. 1, Max Stossel, award winning poet, filmmaker, and speaker will present two ageappropriate learning opportunities for all Grosse Ile Middle School and High School students during the regular school day.

The entire community is invited to hear Stossel’s presentation that evening at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

All three presentations will feature the film, Like: A Documentary About the Impact of Social Media on Our Lives, and a Question and Answer segment afterward with Stossel, founder and CEO of the organization, Social Awakening.

Before founding Social Awareness, Max was a media strategist with an extensive background in running social media for multinational brands, and a designer of notification structures targeting us all. His work helps young people, schools, and parents “survive and thrive” in this digital world.

The program is made possible by a Grosse Ile Educational Foundation grant as part of their mission committed to lifelong educational experiences for the students and families of Grosse Ile.

Parke Lane teacher Kristen Sitek submitted the grant after hearing Stossel at a Guidance Center professional development training.

She said, “Max provides a comprehensive look into how we can use technology and social media in a way that is productive and healthy and introduces ways to maintain boundaries with social media to allow for positive mental health, body image and social emotional awareness encouraging one to take a look at the true meaning behind technology, the creators’ intent and how it’s impacting our “socialness” or lack thereof within society and social circles.

“The goal is to have students, faculty and families walk away rethinking their relationship with technology and reframing it into a positive, productive relationship. From an educational as well as socialemotional perspective we hope to develop a less

distracted learner and child”.

Neuroscientists have documented the addictive nature of social media, and are particularly concerned about the impact on the developing brains of children and young adults. Stossel will present strategies and resources to help us all “unplug,” or at least navigate the neural paths to digital wellbeing.

Superintendent Valerie Orr praised Sitek for taking the initiative in writing the Foundation grant, and said, “We are excited to bring this important information to our community. We sincerely hope for an outstanding

turnout as our children and families need to become better informed about the impacts of social media on a person’s mental health and how to best manage it.”

BILL STEVENSON

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Changes, upgrades are being made at the airport

Hello, Grosse Ile, my name is Janel MacNee and I am honored to be the Grosse Ile Airport Manager.

I am dedicated to managing the Grosse Ile Airport so that it is community oriented and controlled. Under our mission statement it is my responsibility to ensure that the airport is safe, financially self-supporting and environmentally conscious.

We must remember that the airport’s purpose is for the use of aircraft, that does not adversely affect our community. With my experience in real estate, marketing and advertising, I am excited to make the Grosse Ile Airport wonderfully successful as we move air mobility into the future.

The airport manages approximately 640 acres of aeronautical and nonaeronautical land. This includes two runways, 65 T-hangars, a community hangar, a FBO building, several

offices, industrial space, The Pilot House, Hall’s Flying Service, Max Flight and all other Commerce Park/ Airport buildings and land. We also collaborate with various community organizations, such as, the Nature and Land Conservancy, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Advisory Commission and all Township Departments.

Recently, the Grosse Ile Airport has been abuzz with activity.

Traveling down Groh Road many of you have noticed the mountain of dirt. This is part of the reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha. Presently, we are ahead of schedule and believe the project will be completed by mid-November. Our consulting and engineering firm, C&S Engineers, Inc., has been successfully leading the way to ensure a smooth and successful project.

The construction crew, Anglin Civil LLC., has been diligently working with the airport and their consultants, to ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and with the strict-

est of FAA regulations.

The FAA continually updates their standards, practices and guidelines ensuring the highest level of safety, resulting in new geometric designs. It is these new geometric designs that are being implemented in Taxiway Alpha and the beginning of Runway 22.

We are pleased that the project was funded with state and federal grants without using any Grosse Ile taxpayer monies. Because this project is a federally funded project all storm water protection pollution plans are permitted by EGLE and approved by MDOT and monitored by C&S engineering, Anglin Civil LLC and the airport.

This past summer the Grosse Ile Airport hosted a variety of community events.

Most predominantly the highly successful Island Fest. The Island Fest has been a major part of the community for decades.

In addition, the airport is proud to have been the training site for many local police and fire departments,

border patrol, coast guard, dive team, along with seaplane training conducted by the FAA.

Also, this summer, a bike path extension has been completed with direct access to the newly opened Airport Nature Area. This path can also be accessed from the corner of Groh Road and East River Road.

Future events at the airport include Trunk or Treating on Oct. 25. This event will take place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Grosse Ile Airport parking lot, 9601 Groh Road. Participants will include the Fire, Police and Recreation Departments, Grosse Ile Schools, PAT and Hall’s Flying Service.

Food trucks, including Galindo’s, Top Dog and Poke UR Way, will also be on site at the Airport during this time. If any other organization would like to participate, please register with Wendy at wkearney4@gmail.com by Oct. 18, 2023. We encourage all citizens to attend this safe community event.

JANEL MACNEE

Grosse Ile Airport Manager

SWIM

Continued from page 1

the Detroit River Lighthouse benefitting the Step Up Foundation, helping veterans “silence the whisper that challenges their internal dialogue and hopefully, find their way home.”

The Step Up Foundation was created by the family and friends of Navy SEAL Chad Wilkinson, who after 21 years of active military duty and multiple combat deployments, took his own life in October, 2018.

The Foundation strives to change the narrative around veteran suicide and raise awareness around mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury), PTS (posttraumatic stress disorder), and blast wave injury.

Grosse Ile High School grad, P.J. Ramsey (Class of 2001) retired from the U.S. Navy in 2018, after a career that saw him rise through the ranks to become not only a Navy SEAL, but also an instructor of the elite corps. He served deployments on both the west and east coast amphibious bases, as well as combat service in Afghanistan. He, too, struggled and found himself in a dark place.

“With my own personal struggles with transitioning out of service, I had suicidal ideation and attempt. I struggled with substance abuse and PTS. I finally had the courage to say that four letter word that’s so hard for many, not just veterans – Help. And I sought treatment that changed my life,” said Ramsey.

“These invisible injuries and suicide is the new war we are fighting now.”

Becoming aware of the Step Up Foundation, Ramsey met and swam with Sara Wilkinson, widow of Chad, at a Boston Frogman event honoring fallen warriors.

“I knew then what I had to do—we needed to organize a 10k swim from the Grosse Ile Yacht Club to the Detroit River Light to raise money for research and to raise awareness for veterans.

Trouble was we only had a little more than 70 days

to organize it.”

Armed with his military training in special ops, knowledge of federal permit regulations establishing a special safe zone for swimmers, coordination of multiple agencies and jurisdictions, and detailed emergency action/communication plans—“It’s what I was used to.”

That, and getting the swimmers, medical support, and the “bubble” protecting the swimmers the day of the swim, was no mean feat

“I really would like to emphasize that none of this was possible without community. Connection, Community, and Compassion is what brought us

together—because together we can do hard things.”

Ramsey continued, “It couldn’t have been possible without the support of the Brownstown Fire Department (Lead Medical), Michigan DNR, Grosse Ile Police and Fire, Downriver Dive Team, the Border Patrol, Wayne County Sheriff, Brownstown Police and the United States Coast Guard.

“A special thank you to our sponsors Gorno Ford and family, Beyond Juice, Jocko Fuel, Wiggins Consulting, Rockport Companies, SpinDR and the Aluminum Armada.

“To date we’ve raised over $91,000 dollars, and we are accepting donations through October for the swim fundraiser benefiting the Step Up Foundation.

Swimmers who braved the waves, and “found their way home,” are:

RELAYS

Wet Bandits: Will Mapes, Anthony Bragadin, JB Faistenhammer, Max Faistenhammer and Ryan Sibrel. Silver Fox: Pierre Rainville, Mandy Rainville, AJ Huber and John Logothetis. Team Cihak: Katie Cihak, Jamieson Cihak, Peter Mans and Mike Sims. Beyond Juice: Andrew kennedy, Isaac Smith, Nehemiah Jamieson and Santino Ciotti,

INDIVIDUAL SWIMMERS

Ashlie Mooney, Chip C. Thoman Peters, Douglas Johnson, Maureen Montgomery, Devon Raffertty (US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer), Todd Taylor II, Isaiah Dye (US Coast Guard), Benji Woodward (US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer), PJ Ramsey and-16-year-old Trenton High School swimmer, Sophia Shaul.

Ramsey particularly praised and was proud of THS swimmer Sophia Shaul, who led the pack in her swim, but also in her fundraising efforts.

He mused, “May the Lighthouse serve as a beacon of guidance, strength, and stability to those navigating their darkest waters.”

To which we can say: Mission Accomplished.

Swim to the light

The Step Up Foundation, an organization that helps US military veterans and brings awaremess to suicide prevention, sponsored a fundraiser 10K swim on the Detroit River and Lake Erie. The event, which was held Sept. 23, saw swimmers swim from Grosse Ile Yacht Club to the Detroit River Lighthouse. The event, which was aided by the US Coast Guard and local police departments, has raised more than $90,000 so far and they are accepting donations through the end of October.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Grosse Ile Recreation Events

CANCELED

Grosse Ile Recreation Events

Grosse Ile Recreation Events

Learn about The SS Edmund Fitzgerald

When suppertime came, the old cook came on deck sayin’

“Fellas, it’s too rough to feed ya”

At seven PM, a main hatchway caved in, he said “Fellas, it’s been good to know ya”

The captain wired in he had water comin’ in And the good ship and crew was in peril

And later that night when his lights went outta sight

Come the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

~ Lyrics, from “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

Thus, the fate of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald was sealed during a storm on November 10, 1975.

This storied tale of the Great Lakes and the November winds that placed many a ship in peril is the focus of a story-telling and musical program at the Trenton Library, called “Edmund Fitzgerald: The Stories, the Song” on Monday, Oct. 23 from 6-7.

When launched on June 7, 1958, the “Fitz” was the largest on the Great Lakes She was carrying a full cargo from Superior, WI, en route to a steel mill in Detroit when she met up with near-hurricane-force winds and waves up to 35 feet.

Four days later, a U.S. Navy aircraft found her in the deep waters of Lake Superior with Captain Ernest M. McSorley and his crew of 29. She sank in Canadian waters near the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, MI and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald led to changes in the Great Lakes shipping regulations and more frequent inspection of vessels.

To hear all about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and the late Gordon Lightfoot, please call the library to register (734-676-9777) or register online at: trenton. lib.mi.us/events-1#/events.

Come to an independent store, you’ll like the way it feels

There is no difference whatsoever in the truth of CEO pay and investor benefit in the automotive industry or any industry that is operated from the basis of the stock market or any other device that directs money out of the stores and into the pockets at the top, which is always somewhere else other than the store. Or the factory.

It’s how capitalism got warped and mutated. It’s how the entire American system of finance redirected most of the money away from rank and file and to upper management and shareholders, regardless of the industry.

Of course (he said sarcastically), that’s because we leave it to the market to self-regulate. Ergo, this story I quote above. The market will indeed self regulate…but not until immeasurable damage is done.

The amazing level of service that was once a hallmark of Hudson’s has been replaced by no service at all. And are we better off because we no longer have service at Macy’s?

I used to enjoy shopping at Hudson’s for things apart from apparel. It felt special and the people that worked there were a big part of that. I haven’t given a dime to Macy’s in over a decade now and it becomes a more and more entrenched habit as time goes by.

Meanwhile, their CEO is excessively well compensated because, just as is true in the automotive factories, shareholders appreciate the performance of the stock, which is enhanced by the reduction of expenses of people that make the business successful or not.

In person shopping keeps getting worse

That was the headline in a recent business page editorial. And the writer was able to cite chapter and verse of all-tooprevalent lousy shopping experiences for customers.

“More American stores are doing with fewer employees and many have locked items up to keep them from being pilfered.”

~ “The retail industry slashed head count in 2020 and has never returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels.”

~ Meanwhile, “store employees are spending more time fulfilling online orders, leaving them less time for helping [in-

Money leaves the circulating area of our economy, and gets parked out of circulation at the top. How does this activity contribute positively to our economy?

This is an elementary school “connect the dots” exercise linking all businesses that derive their operating capital from anywhere but their clientele.

Above all, independents like me actually know and like our customers. We appreciate their support, and we do our level-headed best to live up to their trust, with a smile and a lot of satisfaction, pride and enjoyment of helping people get what they want.

We absolutely do not operate that way so as to satisfy “the boss”, unless

store] customers.”

~ Then this warning: “Headcount reductions will become even more tempting in the quarters ahead, as the economy dampens consumers’ appetite for shopping.”

As noted by a Wharton School professor, “retailers frequently reduce headcount because ‘you immediately see the savings in payroll but you don’t necessarily know what damage that does to the top line.’” Of course, the retailers that the professor is referencing are the Big Guys who have to satisfy their investors every quarter.

that person happens to be me, wherein I have done a good job of making myself happy. It feels better to make other people happy, at just about any level, don’t you think?

Service at big box or national chain operations has been dwindling for a long, long time. It’s the area that costs the most for a company, and it’s the area that can be squeezed until dry to satisfy the demands of the market.

It’s gotten so bad that internet shopping sounded better and better. Indeed, one of the key marketing messages anymore is “you don’t have to talk to people” when you do business online. It’s a pathetic attitude, but considering how badly people are

treated (or ignored) at the interface level of the buying process, it’s no surprise at all.

It’s why shopping at Independent and Locally-owned operations is still the answer, though. More and more, we get compliments and shocked surprise from new visitors at what a nice experience it is to shop with us (and remember, I only brag to make the greater point of my businesses simply being typical of the niche).

It is friendly. It is personal and real, with humor and warmth and honest feedback. It is one-on-one service and people love it. People don’t even know how much they need that kind of experience.

We are social creatures. Every single level of the business I am in depends on relationships and trust, and satisfaction of a job well done and well received. Independent feeds the soul. National sucks all the joy out of everything, while providing less.

Giving money to such creepy, worthless money grubbers is anything but satisfying. It leaves us all with a sick feeling, don’t you think? So why spend a cent with the operations run by removed ciphers that don’t care anything about you? Why would you ever do that?

“Market driven” does work at the local level. It works better, frankly. Better, and more directly. More and more of you know this, and behave accordingly.

You guys know who you are; Thank you, and congratulations: You are making a difference in the world, preventing (or at least slowing down) the descent into sameness and mediocrity.

PETER ROSE

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.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK –GROSSE ILE GRAND

© 2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved., and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in the U.S.A. only until October 31, 2023. The conditions may vary depending on your location and this offer is subject to termination or change at any time without notice. This offer is not refundable, exchangeable or transferable (including from one dealership to another), cannot be redeemed for cash, credit or other products of equivalent value and cannot be combined with any other offer or rebate. Null where prohibited by law. While supplies last. Eligible units are all new and unused 2023 Can-Am Ryker Rally and Can-Am Spyder (F3 and RT) models. †Get a $1,000 rebate on eligible 2023 Can-Am Ryker Rally and Spyder (F3 and RT) models: Consumers who purchase an eligible model during the promotional period are eligible to a $1,000 rebate. ††Financing as low as 1.99% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for 36 months: Subject to credit approval. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. An example of monthly payments required over a 36-month term at a 1.99% APR: $28.64 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $1,323 down, no rebate, an APR of 1,99% for 36 months at an MSRP of $13,499 is $348.70/mo. Total cost of borrowing is $377.16 with a total repayment obligation of $12,553.26. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. Minimum and maximum amount financed may vary. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply, depending on the participating financial institution(s). BRP is not responsible for any of the financing terms and conditions. Offer subject to change without notice. Financing promotions void where prohibited. See your BRP dealer for details. Carefully read the operator’s guide and safety Instructions. Observe applicable laws and regulations. Always wear appropriate protective clothing, including a helmet. Riding, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Always ride responsibly and safely. See your authorized BRP dealer for detalls and visit can-am.brp.com

Bottoms Up Diaper Bank collects one millionth diaper for needy babies

DAVE GORGON

Volunteers with the Bottoms Up Diaper Bank recently reached an amazing landmark. They collected and distributed their one millionth diaper.

The effort, which began in the fall of 2015 at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, donates diapers to the needy served at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, based in Taylor.

Individuals and families can visit the pantry to stock up on food at no cost. Fish & Loaves anticipates distributing 2.8 million pounds of food this year. At the same time, those with young children can take home a package of 60 diapers, which is the National Diaper Bank standard. Thanks to Bottoms Up!

“Bottoms Up Diaper Bank is an invaluable resource to the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry and the clients we serve,” said pantry Executive Director Stephanie McNees. “Families throughout Downriver visit our pantry during a time of financial crisis and food insecurity – and those with small children also face the major cost of diapers. Being able to provide some relief to those families with small children by providing diapers from Bottoms Up is a blessing to our pantry.”

Elaine McElwaney, the founder of Bottoms Up, is a retired teacher and children’s choir director. She said the concept of purchasing diapers began when children at the church donated $1 each week and the money went to causes, including buying diapers for the needy. At the time, McElwaney said, only 300 disposable diapers could be purchased for the needy – far short of the actual need – and something more had to be done.

McElwaney said she stressed and prayed about the situation.

“I felt that there were so many people who came to depend on us,” she said. “All I thought about was diapers.”

During an appointment at her knee doctor, she got a sign. While seated in the waiting room, she connected with an older female patient, who winked at her. Then, when she opened a magazine, the first page had a piece about diaper banks.

“Someone was trying to tell me something,” she said.

McElwaney explained the concept of a diaper bank to Jan Holmes, director of children’s nurture at Grosse Ile Presbyterian, who agreed it was a great idea. The entire session at the church agreed. Bottoms Up was born.

McElwaney and her group sought grants, asked for monetary donations and held diaper drives. They located sponsors and reached out to others – including other churches – to join in the cause. Articles in the church bulletin helped as congregation members started going to church carrying diapers. Richard and Pat Schmidt told parishioners at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Grosse Ile, which grew to be the diaper bank’s number one supporter.

“We were all about churches, individuals and charity,” McElwaney said.

A diaper bank board was formed consisting of McElwaney, who lives in Riverview, Sandi Gildersleeve of Trenton and Grosse Ile residents Kathy Benton, Jo-Anne Gronlund and Tess Hoffman.

Other top helpers include Steve Benton, Bill and Kathy Rito, Bill Jambeau, Ron Brausch, Vicki Uday and Karen Northrop. Holly Lauscher keeps the financial books for Grosse Ile Presbyterian.

About 25 “dedicated” volunteers come together at the church once a month to bundle to create packages of 60 diapers. They purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club to get a better price. McElwaney said SEE

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!

Take The Ride of Your Life:

Max Flight offers a variety of tours that show off different parts of the city and range from 10 minutes to over an hour. From downtown Detroit to Grosse Ile, downriver and even to Ann Arbor, there is much to explore! Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—Max Flight is ready to take you for a joy ride!

From Downtown…

Soar over the City of Detroit to experience its rich history, beauty, and skyline in a new light. With so much to explore downtown, the only way to see it all is up and away. Our pilots and tour guides will share deep knowledge of iconic buildings and landmarks and take you to see highlights of the city including Ford Field, Comerica Park, Belle Isle, the Renaissance Center, Grand Central Station, the Ambassador Bridge and more!

To The Burbs…

Breeze through beautiful suburbs around Metro Detroit. Depart from Grosse Ile Airport in a state-of-the-art Robinson R-44 helicopter and develop a curated flight path to view areas like Novi, Birmingham, Southfield, and tour the Grosse Pointe mansions.

To The Big House…

Are you a Michigan fan or just love the quaint beauty of Ann Arbor? Take a tour to see the University of Michigan campus with incredible views of The Big House, main street, and Lake Erie. Perfect for U of M fans and alumni!

Max ight Helicopter Services

Rotarians honor non-profit that make a difference

DAVE GORGON

Nonprofit organizations have been honored by the Rotary Club of Southgate at the first-ever recognition luncheon.

The 19 groups were singled out for their service to the Downriver area. Rotary President Arthur Williams, Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift and Brownstown Township Supervisor Edward Smith presented certificates of recognition.

The organizations included Be Well My Friends,

Boy Scout Troop 1795, ChristNet, Downriver Foster Closet, Downriver Toastmasters, Downriver YMCA, Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, The Guidance Center, The Information Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Mimi’s Mission, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, RAINA (Reaching All In Need of Assistance), Riverview Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army, Soroptimist International, Southgate Kiwanis Club and STEP Thrift Store.

Representatives from each nonprofit were introduced and spoke about their organizations’ mission in the community and how to connect with them.

The Southgate Rotary, in furthering its mission of “Service Above Self,” reached out to the organizations to strengthen ties and develop partnership in service opportunities. Rotary also is a nonprofit organization.

The nonprofits also received a letter of appreciation from the office of State Senator Darren Camilleri.

The event was held at Downriver Community Credit Union.

Grosse Ile girls win Marauder CC meet

The Grosse Ile girls cross country team, which has finished fourth and third, respectively, in the first two Huron League Jamborees this season, stepped outside league play on Sept. 30 and won the the While Division championship at the Marauder Invitational hosted by Lake Erie Metropark.

The Red Devils scored 37 points to beat second place Ann Arbor Greenhills by 21 points. Cabrini was third with 73 points, the Monroe Milers were fourth with 77 and Garden City was fifth with 103.

Grosse Ile’s highest finisher was Alyssa Korte, who was seventh in 21:28, but the Devils managed to bunch all five of their scoring runners among the top 21 runners and that was enough to secure the victory.

The remaining four Grosse Ile scorers were Sophia Mihalko (11th, 22:07), Alicia Shelton (12th, 22:11), Whitney Laura (15th, 22:35) and Michelle Roque

(21st, 23:43).

At the Sterling State Park-hosted Monroe Jefferson Invitational, Grosse Ile came in fourth in the nine-team Division 2 race. Dearborn Divine Child won with 32 points, host Monroe Jefferson had 52, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central had 73 and Grosse Ile had 102.

Korte was again Grosse Ile’s top performer, as she was ninth in 20:49. The other scorers were Shelton, Laura, Taylor Karasinski and Mihalko.

Koret was also Grosse Ile’s leader at the two Huron League Jamborees that have been run so far this season. She was fifth at the first meet at Milan High School and seventh at the second, running at Sterling State Park.

She ran 20:29 at Milan and 21:33 at Sterling State Park.

The Grosse Ile boys were seventh at the first league

Jamboree and sixth at the second. In between, the Grosse Ile boys were sixth at Jefferson and fifth at the Marauder Invitational.

Sophomore Matt Carbajo and junior Jack Fox paced the Devils at the Marauder meet, each with top-15 efforts. Carbajo ran 17:32 and Fox ran 18:12. Fox and Carbajo sapped position at Jefferson with Fox running 18:20 for ninth place and Carbajo 18:40 for 13th place.

Carbajo was the first Grosse Ile runner home at each of the first two jamborees

The Red Devils will run in the Gabriel Richard Downriver Invitational, which is the remnant of the old News-Herald Invitational on Oct. 14, the Huron League meet at Willow Metropark on Oct. 18 and MHSAA regionals at Lake Erie Metropark on Oct. 28.

Homecoming 2023

Homecoming is always a big deal and so it was that Grosse Ile High School celebrated Homecoming 2023 on Friday, Sept. 29. The night, as usual, was full of pomp and pageantry. The band played, the court strolled the sidelines and, of course, a queen was crowned. The traditional Homecoming Parade down Macomb Street started the festivities, which were followed by the Huron League football game between the host Red Devils and visiting Monroe Jefferson Bears. The Bears put a damper on the end of the night by beating the Devils 28-25. Grosse Ile chased the Bears all night and nearly caught up before running out of time. Afterward, the Devils and Bears each found themselves with 1-5 records, 1-4 in league play.

Photos by Bill Stevenson and Dave Chapman

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Red Devils fall to Jefferson on homecoming

The Grosse Ile football team put up a battle and chased the Jefferson Bears all night on Grosse Ile homecoming on Sept. 30, but the Devil never could quite catch the Bears and they fell 28-25.

The loss dropped Grosse Ile to 1-5 overall and 1-4 in Huron League play. Jefferson is also 1-5. 1-4.

Jefferson led 12-0 after the first period and 12-7 at halftime, but Grosse Ile scored three second-half touchdowns to keep the game close.

Sophomore quarterback Tanner Symmons had a big game, going 10-for-15 for 286 yards and two touchdowns. He also has two passes picked off by the Bears. On the ground, Symmons added 113 more yards on 16 carries and he rushed for another touchdown.

Dominic Cappellino and Dominci Cucinella were Symmons’ favorite targets.

Cappellino caught three passes for 106 yards and a score. Cucinella caught another five balls for 54 yards.

Mason Crowley also snagged a 41 yard pass and senior Ethan Miller hauled in an 85-yard touchdown pass.

It was a solid effort by the Red Devils against the Bears and came two weeks after the team’s only win of the season, a 21-20 victory against Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central on Sept. 8.

That night, Symmons was 14-for-19 for 199 yards. He threw a touchdown pass to Crowley and Matt Pizzo, who rushed for 81 yards, also scored twice. Pizzo also caught six Symmons passes for another 84 yards.

The Red Devils hosted Huron on Oct. 6. It was the team’s final home game of the season. The Red Devils close the regular season with road games at Riverview on Oct. 13 and Romulus on Oct 20.

Photos by Dave Chapman

DIAPER

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it costs about $53,000 a year to buy diapers.

McNees said Bottoms Up volunteers stock the Fish & Loaves pantry shelves weekly, so they are on display when clients visit.

“Fish & Loaves is the steward of their work, vetting clients to confirm they have children in their household in need of diapers and assisting them with selecting diapers,” McNees said. “Fish & Loaves keeps a detailed record of all diapers distributed to provide to Bottoms Up. The two organizations work together to help make the process as smooth as possible for the volunteers who participate and the clients in need.

“We are honored to partner with such an incredible group as we work together to support our neighbors in need across the Downriver region.”

Board member Hoffman said diapers average about $80 per month – “up to 14 percent of a family’s income, making it difficult to pay for rent, clothing, utilities and medical expenses.”

One in three families experience diaper need because of cost, she said.

“Babies may be left in one diaper all day or wet diapers may be dried out and re-used,” she said. “Rashes and infections are dangerous for the baby and the baby’s fussiness is stressful for the parents, possibly resulting in depression or even abuse.”

Diapers cannot be purchased with food stamps, cards from WIC (women, infants and children) or Bridge cards.

“Most low-income families have one or two parents working, often at minimum wage,” Hoffman said. “Many of these families don’t have access to or transportation to large grocery store

chains and have to purchase at pricey neighborhood convenience stores.”

Studies show that many low-income families rent and do not have access to a washer and dryer at home. Due to health regulations, most laundromats do not allow diapers to be washed.

Daycare settings – even free or subsidized daycare – require 120 disposable diapers for a child to participate in. A parent may miss work, lose wages and possibly lose a job without daycare.

To provide two months of diapers –60 per child per month – Bottoms Up would require a substantial increase to its income.

Sponsors to date have included Grosse Ile Presbyterian, Sacred Heart, United Way Southeastern Michigan, Wayne Metro Community Action Agency, The Bernie Ricke Charity Foundation and the Colina Foundation

Others are St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Women of Dearborn Heights, St. James Episcopal Church Women of Grosse Ile, St. Luke Episcopal Church of Allen Park, St Paul United Church of Christ in Dearborn Heights and Taylor, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Trenton, St. Thomas Lutheran Church of Grosse Ile, Rotary clubs in Grosse Ile and Taylor and the Rotary AM Club of Livonia.

Diaper drives are held twice a year at the Grosse Ile Kroger store.

Financial donations can be made out to Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church, 7925 Horsemill Road, Grosse Ile, Michigan 48128 with the words “Bottoms Up Diaper Bank” on the memo line.

A donation button has been added to the church website, gipc.org, to make the process even easier. Click on “Giving” and when the button with the babies pops up, click on “Give.” Card information can be entered and the donor can choose one time or recurring.

U-M Club of Downriver presents dinner and book signing

Mountaintop - The inside story of Michigan’s 1997 national title climb

The University of Michigan Club of Downriver will host a dinner and book signing on Monday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center, 18275 Quarry, Riverview,

The authors of the recent book, “Mountaintop”, will talk about Michigan’s 1997 football team’s unlikely climb to the National Championship under the leadership of the then unlikely head coach, Lloyd Carr.

The book describes how Carr built this team after two four-loss seasons. Not many expected much from this team but only Carr knew what this team was made of and its character and determination.

When he took over the team as interim head coach, the AD told him he would not be considered for the permanent position. Read how Carr overcame the odds and left the AD with no choice but to name him as head coach.

The authors were both involved with sports media at the time.

Mark Snyder was a U of M student who wrote sports columns for the student newspaper, The Michigan Daily. After graduation Snyder worked for 20 years with the Detroit Free Press and Oakland Press primarily focussing on the Wolverines.

After graduating from high school, Nick Baumgardner spent a decade covering the Wolverines as a beat writer and columnist for MLive Me-

dia Group, the Detroit Free Press and The Athletic..

Much of the book is focused on Coach Carr who graduated from Riverview Community High School. He then went on to play quarterback for Missouri and Northern Michigan. At Northern Carr led the football team to an undefeated season.

This event is dedicated to our hometown coach, Lloyd Carr.

The event will be held at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center, 18275 Quarry St, Riverview, next to Carr’s Riverview Community High School. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner following.

The book will be on sale for $30 credit card, cash or check made out to Mountaintop97 LLC at the signing during the entire event.

To reserve your place please register and pay $25 per person on-line at umalumni.my.site.com or calI the Alumni Association M-F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at 800-847-4764.

Registration ends Oct. 31. Include names of all the persons in your party.

Space is limited so register soon.

Otherwise send your check ($25) made out to The U of M Club of Downriver to Bill Richardson 14258 Greentrees Dr, Riverview, MI 48193. Include names of persons in your party.

Any questions call or text to Bill at 734-673-4361

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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the summer at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center.

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From the Superintendent Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year Pirate families

... As you have probably heard, the State of Michigan has allocated funds to our schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all our students at no cost to our families.

exercised in a while, talk to your doctor first about increasing your physical activity. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information on MOB, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance, email mobprogram@nkfm.org, or call 734-675-7300.

Reopening Of Christ The King Donation Station: At 16700 Pennsylvania Road,Southgate. Open on Thursday, Sept. 28, noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Crafters Welcome

Operated by the Southgate Downtown Development Authority, the weekly series featured music, vendors and family fun. Each Tuesday had a different theme.

While this is great news, it is quite an undertaking, therefore a special thank you to our food service team as they prepare to make this new program a success and benefit to our students.

Finally, much credit is given to all the other groups from administrators, secretaries, teachers, bus drivers, and support staff who have spent the last several weeks making sure all the logistics of educating nearly 3,000 students are ready to go when the school year officially starts.

One of our biggest points of “Pirate Pride” is our collective responsibility to help all our students achieve and learn at high levels. From all the groups mentioned above, to our deeply talented teaching staff, we know that OUR students are going to get the best educational experience around...

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What’s happening Riverview ... A Matter

of Balance

Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sessions

1-8: Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, Westfield Activities Center, 2700 Westfield Rd., Trenton. If you have not

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...

Taylor Garden Club

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

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“This year’s summer concert series was a huge success,” said DDA Director Kaylee Mondrella.

“We are already looking forward to next year so that we can make each event bigger and better.”

Mondrella said the market was the first since 2019. There were approximately 25 vendors each week. The DDA hosted 11 concerts in the park; a 12th had to be canceled due to flooding from rainfall in the park...

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VFW has special parking space reserved for a Purple Heart recipients

Members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post have a special place in their hearts for recipients of the Purple Heart award. Now they have a special parking space for them, too.

The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. military.

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Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series is a huge success

The return of the Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series put smiles on faces throughout

Sharon Lewinski, who is auxiliary president of the Downriver Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Unit 127 and auxiliary senior vice president of the Michigan Department of the Purple Heart, came up with the idea for the parking spot. She approached Southgate post Commander Bill King, “who ran with it.”

“I thought it would be an honor for Purple Heart veterans,” said Lewinski, who has been senior vice president of the Southgate Auxiliary for 14 years and served as president before that. “This parking spot is something special for veterans who were wounded. We need to honor them.”...

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Somewhere in Time back after hiatus

The two-year, pandemic-related hiatus is in the rearview mirror and the Somewhere in Time celebration paying tribute to vintage things of the

Library, Trenton Parks and Recreation, MSU Extension and DTE.

“The weather was perfect this year, and we doubled our attendance. I hope families enjoyed themselves and spread the word about all the wonderful offerings at each booth,” said Wendy Pate, Mayor Pro Tem and Trail Town Chair. “We have a treasure right here in our own backyard for people to get outside and explore. Every exhibitor was all about promoting healthy living through nature.”

previous headquarters in Southgate.

Owners Charity Bronson and Kim Allen juggle raising their own children – foster, adopted and natural – while maintaining their packed-out facility, reaching out for volunteers and donations, planning and holding special events throughout the year and taking calls for help during all hours of the day and night.

past is back in force. The popular event, sponsored by Wayne County and the Trenton Recreation Department, returned Sept. 18 in Elizabeth Park. Fans of the event come from all over to recapture the surroundings dedicated to the early 1900s through a variety of special activities and attractions. At the top of the list for many is the Walk Through Automotive Time Car Show. The event also featured boat rides, a craft show, vintage finds and old-time entertainment. This year marked the 36th year for the event, which also featured a bake sale for some sweet treats, a fun tent for kids and storytelling.

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Second annual Chalk Walk is a success

The Second annual Chalk the Walk presented by Trenton Trail Town and partnering with The Guidance Center Nurture the Future, SUDDS, Detroit International Wildlife Refuge, Trenton Civic Commission, Trenton Police Department, Trenton

Chalk the Walk is an event that showcases the beautiful trail located along the Frank and Poet Drain. Participants gathered at the Kennedy Rec Center where they could explore part of the trail via biking or walking...

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Making a difference

Downriver Foster Closet betters the lives of foster parents, children

The nonprofit organization that improves the lives of foster children and foster parents recently relocated to Wyandotte after outgrowing the

They also maintain a website, Facebook social media page and Downriver Foster Closet newsletter to help spread the word.

And they both have full-time jobs. Allen owns the cleaning company Suds in a Bucket. Bronson is general manager at the Grecian Center.

“We wanted to make a bigger difference, which is why we started the closet,” the women said in a recent newsletter. “We have big dreams on programs we can do that will help in a larger scale for foster kids and foster parents. However, it takes time and money to run a nonprofit. That’s why your support is so important to us…”

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What’s happening Wyandotte ... Craft show

Community of Christ Church, 14601 Pennsylvania Road, will host a Holiday Extravaganza Craft Show on Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The event will feature a craft show, rummage sale, bake sale and lunch cafe.

Admission is free.

To find out more information or to inquire about availability of tables, please contact Mandy Laughner at 734-301-6365 or Mandylmike@yahoo. com.

Donation Station

The popular Christ The King Donation Station, 16700 Pennsylvania Road, Southgate, will reopen on Thursday, Sept. 28, from noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

American Flag Disposal

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

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