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BY CHRIS MOORE Delayed for 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Downriver audiences were once again treated to a popular pre-Christmas favorite in December. The Boar’s Head Festival, typically held every four years, returned to a mostly sold-out audience for five performances between December 7th and 10th. The festival’s origins date back to Europe’s Middle Ages when the ferocious boar was thought to be man’s greatest threat and, consequently, considered evil. The boar’s slaying and displaying of its head on a platter represented the triumph of good over evil – a concept that became woven into the Christmas story recalling Christ’s birth. Today’s festival is a colorful spectacle intertwining the legend of the boar’s head, today’s most popular SEE RETURNS, Page 13
Page 2 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
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Public Safety Building – built in 1992
Grosse Ile Township Police Department: Millage Request INFORMATIONAL GUIDE: UPCOMING FEBRUARY POLICE DEPARTMENT MILLAGE We understand that our department’s strength lies in the support of its residents. Over the years, you have approved a total of 6.60 mils to fund the essential operations of the Police Department. Your past willingness to invest in the safety and well-being of our island is greatly reassuring. Grosse Ile Township is seeking to increase Grosse Ile Police Department funding by 1.1 mills, “POLICE OPERATING #4”. If approved, this increase will be used to restore sworn officer staffing to previous 2020 levels, integrate and update technologies, expand training initiatives, make Public Safety Building repairs, and modernize the public emergency siren notification systems and 1700 AM Radio Station. The following is the Grosse Ile Township Board approved millage language.
SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON The two below charts show the “current police department” funding sources and, if approved, the impact of the proposed new millage.
PROPOSED MILLAGE In 2024, shall Grosse Ile Township, Wayne County, Michigan impose an increase on the tax limitation on taxable property of up to 1.1 Mill ($1.10 per thousand dollars of taxable value) for a period of five years ( 2024 through 2028 inclusive), as a new additional millage to be used (subject to authorized disbursements mandated by law) for the purposes of general operation of police services (personnel and equipment), estimated to provide revenue of $846,000 in the first year of collection, of which a portion will be disbursed to the Downtown Development Authority and the Airport Brownfield Authority as required by Michigan Statute(s)?
The Grosse Ile Township Board, in collaboration with the Grosse Ile Police Commission, Township Finance Department, and Township Officials have been building a strategy for the future of the Police Department. This strategy has involved reviewing past and current staffing levels, aging equipment and technologies, training initiatives, and overall police operations. This funding request will assist with several of the following operational needs for the department:
WHEN The Police Operating #4 millage will be presented to citizens and Gosse Ile tax payers at the February 27, 2024 Special Election.
• Sworn Officer staffing to previous 2020 levels. • Implement a new Body Worn Camera system for Sworn Officers. • Replace our current patrol vehicle in-car camera and audio recording systems. • Bring the community 1700 AM emergency radio broadcast system into current standards. • Modernization of the community Federal Emergency Siren System. SEE MILLAGE, Page 6
GROSSE ILE GRAND
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 5
Page 6 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
MILLAGE
Continued from page 4 • New License Plate Readers on the Wayne County Bridge and Grosse Ile Toll Bridge. • Augment the volunteer Grosse Ile Police Reserve Unit. • Maintain 24/7 inhouse Dispatch services. • Replacement of the original 1992 Public Safety Building Generator. • Needed Public Safety Building repairs of cement walkways, structural rust, and leaking doors. • Replace the internal phone system first implemented in 1992. FINANCIAL IMPACT: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? The affordability of all resident’s property taxes is of concern and importance. This proposal would increase the current five combined millages used that fund police operations from 6.6 mils to 7.7 mils, an increase of 1.1 mills. The community of Grosse Ile Township is fortunate to have one of the lowest overall millage rates in all of Downriver. Starting in 2025 Grosse Ile Township will realize significant reductions in millage levies associated with bonds from previous sewer related work. (See the following chart). In 2025, with the proposed Police Operating Millage #4, the overall Township millage levies will decrease year to year. A 3.15 mil reduction from 17.08 mils in 2024 to 13.93 mils in 2029.
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A
B
Chart A (top right) displays Grosse Ile Township current voter approved millage levels with the proposed Police Operating Millage included. Chart B (right) compares Grosse Ile with neighboring community’s overall millage rates.
HOW WILL THE PROPOSED MILLAGE IMPACT MY TAXES?
Vote Tuesday, February 27th
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January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 7
Page 8 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
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January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 13
RETURNS
Continued from page 1
Returns
Continued from page 13 Christmas traditions, and songs with the solemnity of the nativity story. The Grosse Ile Boar’s Head Festival is an ecumenical collaboration, sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches, and was first presented in 1980 by Josephine Ramage. The recent event in December 2023 was the 12th such performance, with volunteers from Island churches (St. James’ Episcopal, Grosse Ile Presbyterian, St. Thomas Lutheran, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and Church of the Way) coming together to cast, create, and deliver a performance of song, dance, mirth, and prayer. Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Parke Lane was, again, the venue for the festival, graciously allowing the sanctuary to be temporarily used as a theatre set. Teams of volunteers constructed temporary wooden SEE WOW, Page 15
Photos by Ten Thirty Productions and Chris Moore. Three generations of family participating in the festival: Melissa, daughter Myranda and mom Lynne Ryder
Page 14 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
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WOW
Continued from page 13 balconies, and, along with professional sound and lighting technicians, created the perfect backdrop for a medieval pageant and a nativity scene. Adult and children’s choirs were assembled and sang a musical score created by Island resident Douglas Scott, while teenage heralds majestically proclaimed something special. Dancers, gymnasts, drum majors, and professional musicians, along with some 350 aspiring actors and backstage volunteers, delivered a most memorable and entertaining event. As one audience member proclaimed – “Speechless – that was AMAZING!!”. There were both laughter and tears, some poignant, thoughtful moments, and gut-wrenching ones too. It was impossible not to have a tear in the eye watching a cute three-year-old tyke so carefully carry a lit candle in the dimmed auditorium or laugh when another one decided it would be a good idea to blow it out with one almighty puff. Recreating Herod’s slaughter of the Innocents was not a scene for the faint-hearted, while finishing with a rousing verse of “O Come All Ye Faithful” and being encouraged to “take God’s light into the world” was both a vibrant and poignant moment. With a bagpiper, beefeaters, seven ballerina swans (as well as three French
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 15
hens, six geese, … well you get the picture), this festival had something for everyone. With participants ranging in age from three to 94, this was truly a multi-generational effort. At least four families had three generations participating, and although a number of the volunteers were repeat performers, for many, this was the first time experiencing the thrill of makeup, stage fright, and the exhilaration of a live performance. It was also a first for many of the production team, the many volunteers behind the scenes audiences never see, and who ensure things run smoothly. It was a learning curve for them since a key member of the event for so many years, Jill Ryan, was missing, having sadly passed away in 2020. Although there is no doubt she was looking from above. Over 2000 people enjoyed the five performances this year. A big thank you goes to the countless volunteers who juggled full-time jobs and family commitments and still managed to find the time and energy to make this 12th edition of the Grosse Ile Boar’s Head Festival a roaring success. If you could not attend in person, you don’t need to wait four years for the next one - a video of the production, as well as many previous productions, is available from Boar’s Head at https://www.boarsheadgi.com/download. Seeing it in person, however, is by far the best way, so mark your calendars early for the next one in 2027.
Photos by Ten Thirty Productions and Chris Moore.
Page 16 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
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What exactly is Localism?
ANYWAY, and as I was saying, despite having written seventy-eight columns for these papers, I feel as if I have not even come close to sharing my concerns. Through the years, and amplified for sure during the holiday shopping period, countless people tell me they read my pages in the Go Big publications. PETER So far, there haven’t ROSE been any “yeah, but” comments, just general concurrence with the points I make in various ways. Thanks to all of you that say something, anything, to let me know you are reading. If enough people read these thoughts, the possibility of betterment in our society is elevated. I like hearing from people like this. It’s not an ego thing; it’s more like reassurance that sanity is not lost. If you are reading my articles, it informs that my points resonate with people. Resonating does not automatically result in the changing of habits, of course. Advertising people like to tell possible advertisers that it takes seven impressions for people to decide that they want to actually explore what is trying to be sold. It takes a while for ideas to formulate, and for those ideas to begin to coalesce into new habits. Meanwhile, reality rules. Through the 1970s and 80s, retail underwent a massive sea change that I have documented repeatedly on these pages. Money of a much grander scale was unleashed and deployed as any invasion would. Through the advent of malls, Wall Street began a blitzkrieg
assault on the American retail industry, seizing control so rapidly that it still startles me. The effect on local retail operations was astounding. My perspective on the topic is limited to the Detroit Metro area. The assault was not limited to Detroit, of course. The scope is incredible to contemplate. Across the nation, American shoppers were lured by the shiny new retail meccas of malls. I was there, I opened stores on day one at Briarwood and Fairlane. Just to give a tangential fragment of food to chew on, my company spent a mint to build out stores on property we did not own. Think about just that: how much money got poured into the real estate of malls. We were all begging to be allowed to pay crazy rents in buildings we didn’t own. Wow. But that isn’t my focus here and now. The topic is big, with many facets to explore and learn more about, but the topic of “local economies” is what I pay a lot of attention to. In the interest of speeding up the story, I’ll ask that you consider what happened to the amount of money being spent in towns like Wyandotte as all those malls were built. The likes of this town are EVERYWHERE, nationwide. All of them had to cope with the reality of new shopping choices that sucked people OUT of their towns. As that happened, the bustle of small towns dwindled dramatically, and many never recovered. I’m very fortunate to be a part of a city that DID find a way back to offer a vastly superior alternative to the machinery of national chain stores. I’m relentlessly emphatic about
my obsession for local retail and commerce, no matter where I go. When I visit Howell, for instance, I spend my time and money at the locally owned eateries and shops that make Howell unique. As a shop owner in Wyandotte, can’t express well enough how satisfied and fulfilled I am when people from Howell find MY store in the thriving city of Wyandotte, and ask for recommendations for places to eat or get a glass of wine. Neither visitor seeks out the stupid mall close by, where we can see the same stupid stores we’d find at our own version, or anywhere else in the country. Seriously, how did it come to be that we accept this creepy, mindless, soul-free version of commerce that has been foisted on us? And THAT is the point of my articles. National corporations sucked wind out of the sails of countless cities everywhere that were bustling hubs of commerce. Years later, some very talented restaurateurs and local real estate owners invested heavily in this town. That’s what makes Wyandotte feel so alive and vital today, along with merchants both newer and older that add their flair to the offerings here. That’s called localism. When what they provide acts as a magnet, local people flock to what they see as authentic options for food and drink. And THAT’S called localism. When businesses invest locally to create something they believe local people will enjoy and value, and cities do what they can to support those investors, and people actually DO enjoy those efforts and support them, we see localism working as it should,
and THAT is magic, too. Property values are higher where this synergy is strongest. The “coolness” factor is immeasurably higher. I believe this to be true as well: The people that live in places like this, that shop or dine in places like this, are happier. It’s January 2nd as I write article 78. Might I suggest that it is a good time to consider other habits besides weight and other things that need resolutions. A resolution to shift YOUR shopping to locals makes you happier and benefits them for sure, but besides you and them, it also provides lift for those businesses to share that uniqueness for others to enjoy. You become the community in which you live, and which you love. You might even pick up the trash you see on the sidewalk, because it’s ugly and you don’t want your community looking like that. It really isn’t hard, when you’re thinking like this, to envision at least a local example of a world that is just plain more pleasant, less mean. In one of my earliest articles, I mentioned the dots that many people have lost the ability to connect. The dots that connect us are everywhere. All you have to do is realize what they are, and connect them, wherever you go. Then tell everyone you know about what you found. I honestly think it’s my responsibility to share these ideas. I’m not selling, I’m not lecturing. I’m sharing, and that makes me happier, too. Have a Happy and Local New Year!
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Grosse Ile skaters rout another rival By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
T
he Grosse Ile hockey team has been on the winning side of a number of blow-out games this season and on Jan. 10 in Southgate the Red Devils added another chapter to the growing blowout list. Coming into the game against Southgate, which now goes by the name of Downriver United, Grosse Ile had previously beaten Ann Arbor Huron 9-1, Woodhaven 8-0 and New Boston Huron 13-0 and 9-0. Downriver United is a co-op program between four high schools. Ironically, only one of them – Southgate Anderson – is from Downriver. The others are Dearborn Edsel Ford, Dearborn High, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Monroe. Against DU, the final score was 9-1 and the game, which had a running clock from the middle of the second period onward, was halted after two periods because of the mercy rule. Senior goalie Wyatt Thompson had a shutout until the final minute, when with the clock ticking down, Downriver Unified managed to get a puck past him. He faced just five shots on goal. Grosse Ile scored five goals in the first period and left the ice at the first intermission with a 5-0 lead. Downriver had just two weak shots on goal for the entire period and the ice on the Grosse Ile end was pristine after 17 minutes of play. Veteran coach Jason Durban made liberal use of his bench and lots of players got lots of minutes in the game. Grosse Ile scored two goals in the first three minutes of the second period and then things got a little wild. There was a scramble in front of the Downriver Unified net and a Grosse Ile player went down. The puck entered the crease area and the two teams scrummed around on the
2023-24 Roster 1 Braden Chessor, sophomore 2 Dominic Cucinella, sophomore 4 Colten Dwarzski, sophomore 5 Rocco Stoney, sophomore 7 Brendan Pace, senior 8 Mark Roman, senior 10 Vince Colella, senior 11 Fisher Gurney, senior 12 Nathan Taulbee, freshman 13 Jake Oliver, junior 14 Evan Raithel, sophomore 15 Adalar Hovis, freshman 16 Garrett Floyd, senior 17 Tate Hubler, senior 19 Landon Swieniak, senior 22 Noah Cole, sophomore 25 Michael Olenchak, sophomore 27 Tommy Gibbons, freshman 29 Adam Moomey, freshman 31 Wyatt Thompson, senior 65 Gavin Worsley, senior
Photo by Dave Chapman
ice trying to find it. The DU goalie apparently took offense and started throwing roundhouse punches. A few helmets were lost and a few jerseys pulled. When the dust settled, DU was assessed a five-minute fighting penalty and the goalie was sent to the locker room. The resulting five-minute power play opened the door to Grosse Ile goals No. 8 and 9. Tate Hubler had three goals in the rout and Fisher Gurney, Mark Roman and Adalar Hovis each had two. The win in Southgate was Grosse Ile’s eighth straight and left the team with an 11-1 overall record. It’s a balanced squad that has gotten the Devils to this point midway through the season, Fifteen different players have scored goals for Durbin’s team and all 18 nongoalies on the roster have at least one
point. The leader for the Devils has been senior Gurney, who can switch between forward and defense and who has 22 goals and 23 assists already this season. His classmate Tate Hubler is just a stride behind with 18 goals and 21 assists. Freshman Hovis has been a pleasant surprise with 12 goals and 17 assists this season. In addition, Gavin Worsley, Colten Dwarzski and Jake Oliver each have notched double-digit points and are poised for 20-plus point seasons. Goalies Thompson and Braden Chessor have each played five games this season, although Chessor has logged more minutes. Chessor is 5-0 and Thompson is 4-1. Freshman netminder Adam Moomey has appeared in four games and is 2-0. Grosse Ile, which has played fewer
Metro League West games than most of its division rivals, nonetheless sits atop the league by a healthy margin. After the DU game, Grosse Ile has 24 points, 10 ahead of second place Dearborn Divine Child and Grosse Ile has three games in hand on the Falcons. In the past, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, a Metro West team, has been a thorn in Grosse Ile’s side. This year, things may be different. On Jan. 6, Grosse Ile welcomed the Fighting Irish to the Kennedy Recreation Center and beat them 4-3 in overtime in a thrilling contest. Gurney, Hubler and Hovis (2) all scored in the important victory. Grosse Ile’s schedule seems a little back-loaded this year with some of its toughest games still to come, including Showcase games in Chelsea with West Ottawa and Escanaba Jan. 26-27, a rematch with AA Gabriel Richard in Ann Arbor Feb. 1 and road games against Allen Park and Trenton on Feb. 7 and Feb. 13, respectively.
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January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 21
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Red Devil cagers give Riverview a battle By HANK MINCKIEWICZ It’s been a bit of a struggling, stumbling start for coach Corey Bammer and his Grosse Ile boys varsity basketball team this season. The Red Devils, after a loss to archrival Riverview on Jan. 9, find themselves with a 2-8 record, 0-2 in the Huron League. The 52-42 loss to Riverview was the Red Devils’ fifth straight. Although the record is not great and the Devils did lose to the Bucs, Grosse Ile put up a spirited and determined fight against a team that is currently among the best in the league. Three games into the league season, Flat Rock and New Boston Huron are each 3-0, while Riverview and Carleton Airport sit at 2-1. The Bucs are 7-3 overall. The game on Jan. 9 was a back-andforth contest from the outset. Grosse Ile won the first quarter. Riverview won the second. Grosse Ile won the third and Riverview won the fourth quarter and ultimately, the game. After trailing 27-19 at halftime, Grosse Ile roared out of the locker room and scored the first seven points of the third quarter and trailed just 3733 at the end of the period. The Grosse Ile charge continued early in the fourth quarter as the Devils outscored Riverview 6-2 and finally caught the Bucs. Grosse Ile tied the game at 39-all on a Matt Pizzo bucket with just under six minutes to play. And then Riverview took over. The entire complexion of the game changed with 3:46 to play. Grosse Ile was whistled for a foul and then a Grosse Ile player was hit with a technical foul. Riverview missed the two technical free throws, but sophomore Noah Swearingen calmly stepped to the stripe and made his two free throws. Because of the technical foul Riverview got possession of the ball and Swearingen then drained a threepoint shot to give his team a 44-39 lead. After a quick Grosse Ile misfire, Riverview senior Evan Gallimore, who led all scorers in the game with 23 points, canned a triple and suddenly Riverview’s lead was back up to seven points.
On the next trip down the floor, Gallimore drilled another three-point shot and for all intents and purposes, the game was over. Following Gallimore on the scoresheet for Riverview was fellow senior Caleb Dibrano with 11 points and Swearingen finished with seven. Also scoring for the Bucs were Trevor Spencer, Ian Adams, Tyler Collins and Jack Doyle. Junior Dominic Cappellino led Grosse Ile with 18 points and Pizzo had 10. It was a tough loss for Grosse Ile, but showed that the team still has plenty of fight in it despite the eight losses and the five-game losing streak. Grosse Ile’s wins – booth nonleague in nature – have come against Carlson and Taylor Prep. On Dec. 1, in the second game of the season, Grosse Ile beat neighboring Carlson 54-50. On Dec. 11, the Devils defeated Taylor Prep 65-40. Grosse Ile went in search of its first league win of the year on Jan. 12 against Monroe Jefferson and then will
enter a rugged part of the schedule with a road game at Division 1 Monroe on Jan. 16, a home game against league-leading Flat Rock on Jan. 19 and a road game at Airport on Jan. 23. When the end of the regular season finally rolls around, the Devils will find themselves in a six-team Michigan High School Athletic Association district hosted by Summit Academy. Joining the Red Devils there will be the host Dragons, Taylor Prep, Dearborn Heights Annapolis, Huron and Flat Rock. MHSAAdistricts begin Feb. 26. Regionals begin March 5.
2023-24 Roster 0 Zach Pemberton, junior 1 Dominic Cappelino, junior 2 Thomas Cappellino, sophomore 3 Matthew Pizzo, junior 4 Mason Crowley, sophomore 11 Cameron Driscoll, junior
14 Brody Marlatt, junior 20 Nicholas Joly-Naso, freshman 21 Ethan Miller, junior 22 Jack Moco, freshman 24 Oak Carter, sophomore
GROSSE ILE GRAND
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 23
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 25
Decades of local sports coverage and community engagement
Embarking on a new chapter within our local community newspapers, Hank Minckiewicz, our esteemed Editor, concludes a remarkable career spanning several decades. Hank, who graduated from Southgate Chaffer in 1977 and later studied journalism at Wayne State University, has been an integral part of our newspaper’s history. His journey in journalism began in September 1981 when he contributed his first story to the News Herald, while pursuing journalism at Wayne State University. His early dedication to the craft earned him a full-time position with them in January of 1982, though it was short-lived as he faced a temporary setback. Undeterred, Hank would return full-time in May of the same year where his journalistic endeavors found their stride as the Riverview reporter. Later he would transition to the sports section of the newspaper, where he eventually took on the role of Sports Editor in 1986. Throughout his tenure there, Hank saw several restructuring within the News-Herald, including the merger of the older News-Herald and Mellus newspapers that was orchestrated by the late industrialist Heinz Prechter. Hank would continue to cover a variety of sports in the downriver area Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, our departed editor Hank Minckiewicz, and Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift until 2014 when the paper underwent Devils in the NHL. as a testament to the community’s engagement and the a large restructuring, leading to his then lateral move as Not only did Hank excel in covering mainstream newspaper’s commitment to spotlighting local talent. a paginator. sports, but he also found joy in showcasing the less Moving forward Hank Minckiewicz will be taking a In June 2018, a new opportunity presented itself celebrated. “As I began covering cross country I found lateral step from Editor to being our sports contributor. when Hank was approached by Go Big Multi-Media. myself falling in love with the sport, and the kids who His legacy of dedication to local journalism, While he was initially approached for his well known do it…” said Hank, “There’s little glory standing at the community engagement, and passion for documenting expertise in local sports editorial, a bigger opportunity finish line after a race, covered in mud. Being able to the stories of our residents will undoubtedly leave an would emerge and Hank found himself at the helm as highlight the young athletes who often go unnoticed enduring mark on our newspaper’s history. You will an editor once again. Hank has served brilliantly in the was an amazing part of my career.” continue to find his byline on a monthly basis within 5 years since then as our Editor in Chief. In addition to his editorial role, Hank has played our high school sports articles. Reflecting on his career, Hank emphasized his an integral part in community initiatives, such as the Hank is married to Kathleen Marie Minckiewicz passion for documenting local history. He recalls News Herald Invitational 5k. Starting in 1982, the (Hamrick), his wife of 42 years. The two first met in covering the early days of Steve Avery from Taylorinaugural event brought 7 local teams together at Civic junior high as new students in the Southgate school Kennedy High School, before his MLB career and Center Park in Woodhaven, creating an opportunity for system. They are proud parents of four sons: Mike, National League Championship MVP title in 1991. healthy competition and recognition. This gave athletes Craig, Doug, and Drew, and grandparents to four Another standout athlete Hank spent time reporting the opportunity to compete against other downriver grandchildren. Hank cherishes fond memories of on was Andy Greene from Trenton High School, who athletes they normally wouldn’t see due to high school covering each of his sons’ athletic endeavors as hockey would one day find himself captain of the New Jersey division and league. Hank fondly recalls this initiative players for Southgate-Anderson High School.
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Page 26 • January 15 — February 12, 2024
GROSSE ILE GRAND
Great Lakes Moment: Creating a green oasis in southwest Detroit
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BY JOHN HARTIG Southwest Detroit has long been known for its heavy industry. In recent years, the Boynton and Oakwood Heights neighborhoods have teamed up with Marathon Petroleum Corporation’s Detroit refinery to strengthen and revitalize these communities, including a plan to create some much-needed green space. Combined, Boynton and Oakwood Heights occupy 2.8 square miles within the 48217 zip code. With a population of about 9,000, these neighborhoods are the only ones in Detroit located south of the Rouge River and are bisected by the I-75 freeway. Oakwood Heights is the smaller of the two and borders Melvindale to the west and the city of Dearborn to the northwest. Boynton is bordered by Dearborn and Melvindale to the north and west, River Rouge and Ecorse to the East, and Lincoln Park to the south. They also are bounded by major industries, like Marathon, which refines up to 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day, as well as Corby Energy Services, which provides utility and infrastructure services. On the northern edge of Boynton sits the Oakwood pumping station and combined sewer overflow control facility that pumps, stores, and disinfects stormwater and wastewater during heavy rains. A short distance northeast is the Detroit regional water resource recovery facility – the largest single-site wastewater treatment plant in the United States. Marathon’s interest in creating a green buffer near its refinery combined with neighborhood interest in expanding greenspace led to a proposal for a 100-acre Marathon Gardens. It will include an urban forest, wetland and prairie habitats, urban agriculture, and park-like space with public amenities like trails and picnic areas, and will improve public access to the Rouge River. Marathon jump-started the creation of this green oasis in 2011 with a property purchase program to clean up blighted areas and provide opportunities for residents to sell their properties and move elsewhere. All land acquired through this program is now part of Marathon Gardens, creating quality greenspace with significant environmental, social, and economic benefits to surrounding neighborhoods. “Marathon Petroleum Company LP is committed to working with community partners and state agencies like the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Department of Transportation to realize the vision of Marathon Gardens that will become part of the community fabric of the Boynton and Oakwood Heights neighborhoods,” said Kevin Lepak, advanced environmental specialist at Marathon in Detroit. “Giving back is important to Marathon because it is one of our core values to be a good neighbor to our surrounding community and it is something our employees really care about.” Marathon Gardens’ location is important. It’s at the intersection of regional greenways like the Joe Louis Greenway, Downriver Linked Greenways, the IronBelle Trail, and The Great Lakes Way in the heart of
industrial Detroit. Guiding the creation of Marathon Gardens is a master plan that addresses stormwater runoff, oversees natural areas and other greenspace development, and establishes outdoor recreational amenities. However, this oasis remains a work in progress. With help from community and employee volunteers, the Marathon Detroit refinery has planted hundreds of native trees like sycamore and burr oak that soak up rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff into the Rouge River. Marathon and its partners have also created habitats for cavity-nesting birds, turtles, and even bats. The gardens have been recognized and certified at the highest level by the Wildlife Habitat Council for habitat conservation on corporate lands through partnerships and education. Marathon continues to collaborate with Wildlife Habitat Council staff and neighborhood partners to expand and maintain the gardens’ habitats via planting and stewardship events. Another part of this green oasis is the Fort Street Bridge Park, which opened in 2020 to commemorate history and provide much-needed public access to the Rouge River. It is a good example of place-making that creates public spaces to improve urban vitality and promote people’s health, happiness, and wellbeing. The Fort Rouge Gateway Coalition, Downriver Delta Community Development Corporation (which promotes regional collaboration for economic development, quality of life, and social equity in the Downriver Area), Marathon, MotorCities National Heritage Area, Friends of the Rouge, and many other partners came together to design, fund, and construct this unique southwest Detroit destination. This park commemorates the Ford Hunger March. On March 7, 1932, more than 3,000 people marched from southwest Detroit to Dearborn’s Ford Rouge plant to demand jobs, better work conditions, and relief for laid-off workers. A confrontation with police officers and firefighters at the Fort Street bridge failed to stop the march. When the protesters reached gate four at the Rouge plant, police officers and Ford security personnel attacked them, firing several hundred shots and killing four marchers. A fifth died later of injuries. Other amenities of Fort Street Bridge Park include a gathering plaza with a sculpture that features salvaged parts for the original bridge, seating
and porous pavement, an interactive stormwater management demonstration with fountains and rain garden, native plantings, habitat enhancements, and interpretive signage featuring the Rouge River’s story of degradation and restoration. A kayak launch and rest area for the Lower Rouge River Water Trail are planned for the next phase. On the edge of the Oakwood Heights neighborhood in the Rouge River sits an eight-acre uninhabited island called Fordson Island. Following a $150,000 marine debris removal project in 2010 that removed sunken boats, barges, and debris, partners are now exploring how this island could be transformed into a community park for passive recreation. Anchoring the Boynton neighborhood is the Kemeny Recreation Center and Park, which went through a $9.5 million renovation in 2019, including a $1.4 million grant from Marathon. The RollerCade, a family-owned skate center, in operation since 1955 and still crowded today with lessons, free skating, and birthday party celebrations, is also a local landmark. Coupled with Marathon Gardens and its accompanying trails, they will strengthen revitalization efforts in these two neighborhoods. The Downriver Delta Community Development Corporation continues to work with Marathon and other partners to explore ways to better connect the Boynton-Oakwood Heights neighborhoods and Marathon Gardens with the regional trail system. The next steps in strengthening these connections include: Providing a safe off-road trail along Fort Street in Marathon Gardens Greening trail connections to I-75 pedestrian crossings that reconnect the two neighborhoods Increasing tree plantings along the I-75 freeway as a buffer Enhancing safe trail routes by exploring how vacant land might be incorporated into the regional trail system “The Boynton and Oakwood Heights communities once were made up of trading posts and ribbon farms, followed by the industrial age,” said Wanda Lowe-Anderson, community organizer and member of the Downriver Delta Community Development Corporation’s board of directors. “Today, although these communities are located near industry, I believe a rebirth is taking place through the creation of green buffering solutions such as Marathon Gardens, parks, and trails, all reducing the environmental impact of industry while creating more healthy recreational opportunities for our residents.” John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager. This article was published with the permission of Great Lakes Now.
GROSSE ILE GRAND
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 27
Retirement of Deputy Chief Pelland marks new chapter in Grosse Ile’s DARE Program
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In a significant development this past August, Deputy Chief Ken Pelland bid farewell to the Grosse Ile Police Department after a distinguished career, during which he notably served as the Township Schools’ DARE officer. DARE, standing for Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a longstanding nationwide initiative. Prior to his retirement, Deputy Chief Pelland entrusted the Grosse Ile DARE program to Officer John Canterbury. Officer Canterbury, who joined the Grosse Ile Police Department in March 2019 from the Detroit Police Department, demonstrated steadfast dedication to public service and a passion for aiding children. His commitment extended beyond law enforcement, as evidenced by his involvement in year-long mission trips to Arizona and Honduras, assisting the homeless in downtown Detroit, and actively engaging with his own two young sons. Eager to contribute to the community, Officer Canterbury embraced the opportunity to become the DARE officer, envisioning it as an ideal means to establish connections with students in schools. The DARE program, designed to foster stronger ties between law enforcement and the community, aims to contribute to the development of a safer and healthier community. Officer Canterbury expressed his honor in being part of this transformative goal. Following an intensive two-week DARE Officer training program in Pennsylvania with 24 other officers during the fall of 2023, Officer Canterbury wasted no time in applying his newly acquired knowledge. Over a ten-week period, he guided students through comprehensive lessons on the risks, consequences, and dangers of alcohol and nicotine. The curriculum also delved into crucial topics such as stress management, handling peer pressure, developing communication skills, and making healthy decisions. The program culminated in March with a graduation ceremony at the Grosse Ile High School, featuring guest speaker Cory Schlesinger, a Detroit Lion hailing from Grosse Ile.
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Reflecting on the pride he felt witnessing his first group of students graduate from the program, Officer Canterbury emphasized their enhanced preparedness to face the challenges of the world. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and inquisitiveness not only enriched the learning experience but also contributed significantly to Officer Canterbury’s personal and professional growth. As Officer Canterbury enters his second year teaching the DARE program to fifth-grade students at Meridian Elementary School, he looks forward to connecting with new classes and observing the enthusiasm of his students. His excitement is fueled by engaging activities, including the creation of DARE boxes for anonymous questions. These boxes, strategically placed in the classroom, encourage students to share their thoughts on drug information or pose questions anonymously. Officer Canterbury is also thrilled about fostering laughter as students engage in discussions on responsible decisionmaking and is eager to witness their growth throughout the DARE program. Expressing deep gratitude to the department, staff, teachers at Meridian Elementary, and the entire township for their trust, Officer Canterbury underscored the honor he feels in serving the community. He enthusiastically looks forward to the future and the continued evolution of his role. Addressing his students for the upcoming year, Officer Canterbury conveyed his excitement about collaboratively learning to make safe and responsible decisions, setting the stage for a remarkable year ahead.
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.
of Southgate and other Downriver communities, “ensuring no one goes hungry.”...
gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register RCHS Students Attend Mental Health Legislative Forum ... Mr. Walker told us about legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow establishing certified behavioral health clinics that anyone can use without restrictions such as insurance or severity of mental issues.
On page 1
He explained that the LGBTQ community are those most likely to commit suicide, and that anxiety and depression are the most frequent symptoms for mental illness, followed by substance abuse disorders... On page 7 Middle Schoolers enjoy trip to STEM camp ...This past summer, 25 Seitz Middle School students had the honor of attending a weeklong Summer STEM Camp at Lawrence Tech University. This opportunity was made available through the 3P (Place, Project, Problem-Based) STEM educational grant obtained from the Michigan Department of Education. The focus of the camp was to provide hands-on, experiential learning in order to engage students and deepen their understanding of STEM related concepts. Students attending the summer camp eagerly immersed themselves in a world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The students were actively engaged in many different hands-on lessons involving 3-D printing, 3-D rendering, laser cutting, biology, environmental science, drones and liquid nitrogen. These hands-on experiences allowed the students to gain knowledge and fueled their curiosity. We are certain that the students who participated created memories that will last a lifetime.
Welcome Christmas Southgate residents did not let a cold drizzle dampen their spirits and Mayor Joseph Kuspa threw the switch and lit the Christmas tree at Kiwanis Train Park on Dec. 1. Kiwanis Train Park is home We look forward to participating in this program in the future and providing our students with highquality STEM experiences for years to come. On page 9
gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star Kid power Kindergartners star in art show at Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry .For the second straight year, kindergartners in Southgate were stars of a food-themed art show held at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry in Taylor. Thirty-six pupils painted or colored various food items on paper during art classes at Fordline, Grogan, Shelters and Allen elementary schools. The shapes and colors were transported to the pantry on Northline Road in time for a show on Nov. 8. The artwork hung on walls of the warehouse portion of the pantry, which provides food to residents
to The Great Lakes Live Steamers, who had their trains up and running during the weekend to give train rides around the decorated park. Also on hand, of course, was Santa Claus, who set up shop in the park to hear the wishes of the train-riding children. On page 9 Local veteran celebrates 100th birthday! War heroes are never too old to be celebrated with
GROSSE ILE GRAND
January 15 — February 12, 2024 • Page 33
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior Community embraces new ‘Dotte mural ...The program aims to help people explore, express and build a stronger sense of community through a communal art experience.
step towards a more sustainable, resilient and environmentally friendly future for all of us that will result in significant cost savings to our district. In fact, it is because of this realization of savings that these improvements will be at no cost to our community... On page 8
“I’m glad to see you all,” he said. “Thank you all for coming out.” Born on November 20, 1923, in Dowell, Illinois, Michael was one of eight children of Mike and Julia Mitroka and lived on his family farm for 19 years. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 23, 1943, and served in World War II in New Guinea and Luzon, Philippines. According to family members, during his time in the Philippines, Mitroka rescued five young girls and a woman who were hiding from the fighting. He also was responsible for climbing a hill to hand deliver a letter to the Japanese military saying that the war had ended.... On page 15
Student Council members inspire as role models A unique connection has blossomed between high school student council members and their elementary counterparts. Serving as beacons of leadership and inspiration, the high school representatives took on the role of mentors and spent time with our elementary representatives guiding the emerging leaders of tomorrow in the elementary student council. Our elementary students were able to gain insight into the role of high school student council members and seek advice on how they can make a positive impact on their elementary school community as
Fel300ft, the Wyandotte artist who was chosen to create the mural on location, said he selected scenes to include – the street art fair, the gazebo, the clock tower, the water, the seasons of the year and others – because he thought they were important and helped show his love for the community. “Wyandotte’s blossoming art scene has filled us with pride as we join the city’s artistic movement,” fel said. “This mural is a testament to Wyandotte’s lively energy and unique charm. It’s an absolute pleasure to collaborate with the DIA and its PIPA program, which allows us to spread the beauty of public art to communities around us.”.... On page 1 A space for makers at Bacon Memorial Library ... The supplies are free and the machines are readily available to use, except for the heat press, which
gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times Work will make TPS more sustainable and resilient We are thrilled to share some incredible news that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our schools and community – the commencement of our highly-anticipated Energy Bond Work. As part of our strategy to be proactive, plan for the future, and maintain a standing of excellence, on Sept. 14, we completed our bond offering through JW Baird. This resulted in $4.5 million dollars in proceeds to be used for a significant scope (list) of energy and facility improvements. This Energy Bond Work represents a significant
they learn to develop leadership skills. entrances, preschools collected coins to provide turkeys, there were marathon shopping days for toys, and crafty residents created special gifts to tuck in the baskets, which were packed by Scouts and senior groups. On page 12
must be checked out from the front desk. A heat press is similar to an iron that creates heat transfers of designs onto materials that you provide. The space is available to both residents and nonresidents, according to Laura Gramlich, library director.... On page 11
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a birthday party. Michael Mitroka, a former Southgate resident, was the guest of honor on November 20 – his 100th birthday – at Hampton Manor in Woodhaven. The party was organized by family members, staff of the Hampton Manor and Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Downriver for Veterans and others. Mitroka was both surprised and grateful. Attendees included family and friends, other residents of Hampton House and government officials. He received a proclamation from the office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell that was read out loud on the floor of the Congress. Mitroka was both surprised and grateful, thanking everyone in attendance.
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GROSSE ILE GRAND
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Beauty Rest Medium Mattress
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Loveseat $469 Sofa $499
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These England Furniture sofas & loveseats are available to order in 500 fabrics. Made in the USA. These all have 10 year warranty seat cushions, lifetime warranty frames & seat springs. Theses are all available with innerspring seat cushions and additional seat springs to change the firmness of the seat.
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Monday: 9:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:30pm Thursday: 9:00am - 5:30pm Friday: 9:00am - 8:30pm Saturday: 9:00am - 5:30pm
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