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Abiding ties between Grosse Ile and Tanzania

Church nurtures African connection Bill Stevenson Grosse Ile Grand

A partnership begun more than 30 years ago, involving a Grosse Ile church, Rotary International and a Tanzanian diocese is still going strong, even through a global pandemic and historic changes over time.

The people of St. Thomas Lutheran, the ELCA Southeast Michigan Synod, and the growing congregations of Mbulu, Tanzania have kept the lines of communication open, accompanying one another in faith, hope, and love.

Instead of the traditional Shrove or “Fat” Tuesday pancake supper, the day before Lent, St. Thomas offered a multi-cultural mash-up which included euchre games, paczkis, other healthy snacks, and live streaming of the Michigan State—Michigan basketball game.

All the proceeds of the Mardi Gras event went to fund scholarships at the Dongobesh Schools in Mbulu.

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Program coordinators Cheryl Finazzo and Andrea Stevenson both agreed, “We have a long, and happy history with our sister congregation, Basotu in Africa, and have supported scholarships for orphaned children in Mbulu. Many of

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the students go on to university, and become doctors, nurses, teachers . . . leaders in their country.

“Universally, education is the key to SEE AFRICA, Page 4

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in 2021 leo Stevenson has been recognized by: Forbes: “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” Barron’s: “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors” list Forbes: “America’s Top 250 Wealth Advisors” list

*Source: Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” list, February 2021. The ranking for this list by SHOOK Research is based on due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Forbes is a trademark of Forbes Media LLC. All rights reserved. Rankings and recognition from Forbes/SHOOK Research are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a current or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results and such rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor.

February 2021.

2021

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 3

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Discussing the Township budget process

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All townships are required to have a balanced budget in place at the beginning of their fiscal year. Grosse Ile Township operates on a fiscal year starting on April 1 of each year.

At a minimum, the budget must include: 1) beginning balance (including any reserve from the prior year); 2) projected revenues; 3) expected expenses; and 4) ending balance.

The budget must be balanced for the year.

DAVEID State law requires NADEAU Township that the Township adopt Treasurer a balanced budget prior to the start of a new fiscal year.

State law does not permit a deficit budget. Without a balanced budget, the township is not authorized to incur any expenses.

In addition, each department within the Township must also have a separate budget which is applicable only to that department.

Each department (Recreation, Police, Public Service, Fire, etc.) receives some or all of their revenue from separate property tax millages voted on by the residents.

In some instances, additional revenues can be received through fees charged by the department and these fees are included in the departmental budgets. For example, the Community Recreation Department receives fees from the operation of the golf course, pool, facility rentals, etc. These fees are added to the revenue received from the dedicated recreation tax millages.

It is important to point out that departments cannot “share” revenues with other departments. For example, let’s assume the Recreation Department.

In general, the budget is determined on a line item basis. It is possible during the course of the budget year to transfer between line items within an individual budget. Depending on the amount of the transfer, Board approval may be required.

The township budget process requires that each department manager prepare their own separate budget and present that to the Township board for inclusion in the overall Township budget.

Approval by the Township Board of the department budgets does not necessarily mean that all expenses in the budget are automatically approved for payment. Each department has limits on what can be spent without specific Board approval or without securing estimates or formal bids. Payments above the various levels must be presented to the Board for approval even though the total expense has been included in the budget for that item.

There is a prescribed process by which the Township budget is prepared.

The Supervisor is designated as the Township budget officer and is responsible for the development of the budget.

The process begins with general informational meetings with each department head. The department heads (following general Board guidelines) prepare their individual proposed departmental budgets and present them to the budget committee consisting of the Supervisor, Treasurer, Finance Director, and Township Manager.

These individual budgets are combined into the overall Township budget and then presented to the Board for their review and input on specific line items.

Once the budget is finalized by the Board, the budget is presented at a public meeting where residents are permitted to comment on budget items but do not approve the budget.

Following the public hearing, the Board must formally approve and adopt the budget. This approval must take place prior to the end of the fiscal year.

Without a Board-approved budget, the Township has no authority to make any expenditures (think government shutdown).

The budget controls how, where, and when funds are spent within the Township. However, projected expenditures are not required to be made. It is prudent to include potential expenses and reasonably expected revenues in order to complete the budget in a meaningful way.

Following final Board approval of the budget, copies are available from the Finance Department.

Page 4 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

africa

make of all the “devil images” he saw on his visit around Halloween. He was treated to a sumptuous meal at Sibley Gardens, and had the Atlantic salmon for the first time, which he said was delicious!

In 2019, St. Thomas and the synod helped raise $40,000 for shipping costs to send a container of medical supplies to Haydom Hospital in Mbulu.

Working with World Medical Relief, the money raised translated to more than $650,000 in medical durable goods to Tanzania.

Just before the pandemic hit, St. Thomas held a traditional African auction, which is a weekly occurrence every Sunday in Tanzania. Complete with a live chicken and Africanmotiffed items, the Grosse Ile auction was a fun fellowship event that generated enough money to provide several scholarships to the students of Mbulu.

This year’s auction will be held on May 1. Working “Moboko Na Moboko,” (hand-in-hand) with our brothers and sisters in Africa, keeping the goodwill and lines of communication open.

Continued from page 1 a better life.”

The relationship was originally forged in the mid-1980s when longtime St. Thomas pastor Ted Aller was also president of the Rotary. Together with his fellow Rotarians, Dick Withy, Peter Rock, Bill Swasey, Fred Karn, and Kurt Johnson, Pastor Aller helped sponsor an exchange program between Tanzania, and Grosse Ile. Bishop Zebedayo Daudi came to Grosse Ile and was immersed in Island and American culture. As a Grosse Ile St. Thomas representative, Kurt Johnson was part of a Synod visitation that highlighted the commonalities and challenges both communities faced in education, health care, government, and the environment.

The friendship and exchange grew over the years.

Most recently pre-pandemic, Bishop Nicolaus Nsanganzelu visited the churches of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, and stayed with Pastor Jack Eggleston in Trenton while on tour.

The bishop wasn’t quite sure what to

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GROSSE ILE GRAND March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 5

Page 6 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Lenten fish fries are back at Sacred Heart The Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus will once again this year offer its Friday Fish Fries during Lent.

Sacred Heart is known as “Home of Downriver’s famous fish Fries,” and this year the tasty dinners will be offered from 4-7 p.m. on Fridays between March 4 and April 15.

Sacred Heart Church is located at 21599 Parke Lane.

You can eat in and enjoy live music and camaraderie or get meals to go and enjoy them in the quiet of your own home.

The choice of fish dinners are broiled cod, fried cod, fried lake perch, fried shrimp or broiled grouper. Dinners cost between $12.95 and $16.95 and include baked potato or French fries, coleslaw and a roll.

Separately sold sides are French fries, perogies, jumbo shrimp and baked potatoes.

There is also a child’s menu that includes pizza, macaroni and cheese or pizza and macaroni and cheese.

Children’s dinners are $4.95.

Gluten-free items are also available.

In addition to the fish, Sacred Heart is known for its homemade soups. The soups vary weekly.

Beverages, including beer and wine are available, as are desserts, including cherry and apple strudel, hot fudge sundaes with strawberries, root beer floats and Boston coolers.

Certified chief George Honer oversees all the food preparation and soup chief Terry Eifert has long-standing experience in soup preparation.

Sacred Heart upgraded its kitchen several years ago, allowing the Knights of Columbus to offer a more and more extensive menu.

Money generated from the fish fries support various programs at Sacred Heart like: • Youth programs: Sponsorship of Cedar Point and Tigers Baseball trips.

• Facilities Upgrades: Kitchen and parish hall.

• Improvement of service: Payment by credit card implemented several years ago. Use of digital technology (TVs menu and info display).

See the complete weekly menu listed on Facebook and the Sacred Heart website. Facebook: Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Fish Fries.

Website: kofcgi.com.

Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus • Grosse Ile “Home of Downriver’s Famous Fish Fries”

Sacred Heart Parish • 21599 Parke Lane Fridays during lent: March 4 - April 15, 4:00 - 7:30 PM DINNERS $12.95 - 16.95

Cod, Lake Perch, Shrimp & Grouper Dinners include Baked Potato or French Fries, Cole Slaw, Dinner Roll Sides (Sold Separately): French Fries, Pierogies, Jumbo Shrimp, Baked Potato House-Made Soups (Varies Weekly) • Gluten-Free Items Available Children’s Dinner Menu: Cheese Pizza (2 Slices), Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza Slice with Mac & Cheese

Credit/Debit Cards Accepted • LIVE MUSIC

CARRY-OUT: 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM See Complete Weekly Menu listed on Facebook and Website Facebook: Sacred Heart Knights of Columbus Fish Fries • Website: kofcgi.com

GROSSE ILE GRAND

March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 7

Soroptimists to hold Human Trafficking Summit Human trafficking affects every community Downriver and throughout the country regardless of income levels, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

FBI intelligence estimated in 2019 that PAULA about 35 children are NEUMAN being trafficked on any Grosse Ile Grand given day in the Detroit metropolitan area – one of the very worst spots nationwide for human trafficking.

Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person for commercial sex, labor or other services, and state law considers any minor involved in sex for money as a trafficking victim.

To help residents learn more and help protect their children, Soroptimist International of Trenton and Downriver Area will hold a free Human Trafficking Summit from 9:30 a.m. To 2:30 p.m. April 9 at Summit Academy, 18601 Middlebelt, Romulus.

“Anybody that has anything to do with the lives of children – this summit is for them,” said Soroptimist Janelle Rose, a Grosse Ile resident and co-owner of the Willow Tree in Wyandotte.

Often, human trafficking starts out with a girl having a boyfriend or online contact who grooms her to be trafficked, according to the Michigan Abolitionist Project. Often, those cases are never reported.

The local Soroptimist group’s press release about the upcoming summit states: “Parents, educators, school bus drivers, school counselors, health care

workers, law enforcement officers and community advocates are welcome to learn how traffickers lure victims; how the internet, gaming apps and social media are used in human trafficking; how to recognize victims of trafficking; and how to talk to children about human trafficking.”

The event is free, but limited to 160 attendees. Coffee, doughnuts and a boxed lunch are included. Registration is required. Register at f8s. co/27sk.

Soroptimist International is a volunteer group of women focused on issues impacting women and children. Combating human trafficking is an important one of those issues.

“Millions of women and girls every year are trafficked, and they become victims of this heinous crime due to force, fraud or coercion that is imposed on them to obtain different forms of labor, commercial sex, marriage, organs, etc. They are helplessly placed in situations of exploitation, from which it is almost impossible for them to get out or seek help. Human trafficking today has become the most common form of modern slavery. Soroptimists recognize the gravity of this crime, and call for global action to combat this abhorrent violation of human

rights,” states the SI website.

“Trafficking is not just the violation of bodily and sexual rights, but is an atrocity against the very existence and development of a human being.

Globally, only 0.04 percent of the vast majority of cases are detected and very few victims are able to access protection.

These glaring statistics seem to be suggestive of the scant awareness on this problem, the existing legal and law enforcement loopholes and low rates of conviction of criminals.”

Presentations during the summit will explore how traffickers lure victims; how social media and gaming sites are used in human trafficking, how to talk to children, how to recognize victims and what to do if you suspect human trafficking.

Speakers will include specialists from the FBI, Michigan Abolitionist Project, Truckers Against Trafficking, Sparrow Freedom Project, Avalon Healing Center, Michigan State Police and survivors of trafficking.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at Portofino Restaurant in Wyandotte.

All women are welcome to attend.

Page 8 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 9

The Friends of the Detroit River Riverkeeper Dinner is April 2 On Saturday, April 2, the Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) will hold its annual “Keep-the BoatAfloat” fundraising dinner at the Wyandotte Boat Club, sponsored by Environmental Consulting and Technology, Inc. and SmithGroup.

This event is held each year to support the work done by the Detroit Riverkeeper and FDR. The Riverkeeper is responsible for patrolling the river by boat, looking for water pollution and other related problems affecting the river and its habitats.

The Riverkeeper and FDR are also working with the Detroit River Public Advisory Council, a group established to address Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) to the Detroit River. Two of these BUIs are related to the loss of fish and wildlife populations and the loss of wildlife habitat.

One of the efforts the group is currently undertaking to address these BUIs is the planning and construction of large habitat restoration projects along the Detroit River, including projects at South Hennepin Marsh and Sugar Island.

A presentation will be given that will give an update on FDR’s restoration projects and other programs and issues that FDR is working on to improve and protect the natural resources and increase recreational opportunities around the Detroit River.

Along with this presentation, the event includes

an opportunity for social networking, a catered dinner by Truago, live entertainment, door prizes and a silent auction.

It is always a pleasant evening with good food, good friends, and a great view of the Detroit River

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If you are interested in attending this event, you can get further information on FDR’s website at www.detroitriver.org or call the office at 734-2883889 for reservations.

Page 10 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

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Gabriel Richard Encourages Support For “Strides For Adam”

By Josie Bochenek - GR Class of 2023 Adam Holten, a former student at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School, lost his battle with depression in 2018. Strides for Adam is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness for suicide prevention, giving back to those in the community, and keeping Adam’s memory alive.

“This event is dedicated to Adam and to all those that struggle with mental wellness,” said Mark Holten, a founder of the organization.

On Sunday, Mar. 27, Strides for Adam will be holding their third annual 5k and reflection walk at Young Patriots Park in Riverview. The entire Gabriel Richard family is asking for support and participation in the organization’s upcoming event.

They will be offering a virtual run for anyone unable to be there in person.

The event is open to all ages and gives awards to the top finishers for each age category. The first 500 people to register receive a t-shirt and a medal for participating. Donations are greatly appreciated by the organization. Donations of over $25 qualify for discounts on registration. For more information please visit their website, stridesforadam.org.

March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 11

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!

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Page 12 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

White Furniture’s Annual Income Tax Sale 10 Great Reasons to shop at White Furniture 1. EVERYTHING IS SALE PRICED up to 70% off 2. FREE LIFETIME WARRANTY FABRIC PROTECTION 3. 24 MONTHS NO INTEREST FINANCING** 4. FREE 2 YEAR LAY-A-WAY 5. FREE DELIVERY within 20 miles - purchases over $299 6. SALE PRICES ON SPECIAL ORDERS 7. ENTER TO WIN $500 GIFT CARDS 8. FREE $25 GIFT CARD

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 13

Multi-million dollar producers honored by MBA Realty The Real Estate One Family of Companies recognized Brooke MacNee, Susie Armiak and Maria Starkey with the prestigious awards.

Representing MBA Realty, these top real estate agents were honored at the company’s annual convention and award ceremony on Feb. 17.

“These awards are the direct results of hard work, dedication and teamwork from our Family,” said Dan Elsea, the Family of Companies President of Brokerage Services. “We see the numbers, we see the performance but, most importantly, we see our Family members succeeding. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Brooke MacNee received the President’s Club award, the highest achievement that can be earned.

“I am so grateful to my clients who chose me to help them with such an important decision,” said MacNee, whose real estate career has spanned more than 36 years. “Buying and selling real estate is an emotional process as it is a family’s home where they eat, sleep, laugh, cry, grow and live their life together. It is potentially the most significant investment a person makes, so thank you.”

The next level of achievement is the President’s Circle, which both Armiak and Starkey earned a spot for their outstanding production in 2021.

“I am so thankful to my clients who chose

to work with me to accomplish their real estate goals and dreams in 2021,” Starkey said. “I am honored to be helping buyers and sellers make their move and accomplish their biggest goals with this amazing team of agents.” On top of care and support, Starkey brings more than 20 years of experience to the table for her clients.

Along with being in the President’s Circle, Armiak was awarded the Rising Star award for such a stellar first year in business. She also was honored as MBA Realty’s Agent of the Year for 2021.

“I am so humbled and excited,” Armiak said.

“Thank you to my clients – it’s because of you that I was able to achieve this prestigious award.”

All three agents were on the Top Five list for Grosse Ile sales for 2021, taking home first, third and fourth. MacNee, Armiak and Starkey combined had over $35 million in sales volume from 2021.

Awards were presented at the Real Estate One Family of Companies’ virtual convention and awards show held on Feb. 17 -18.

More than 1,500 of the company’s employees and agents tuned in to the event, which featured keynote speakers, a TEDx Detroit Talk series, continuing education courses, breakout sessions and giveaways for attendees.

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Page 14 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club prepares for summer After a very successful 2021, Grosse Ile Country Club committees are planning a full calendar of 2022 summer activities.

The golf calendar features men’s and ladies’ events, leagues, tournaments and couple’s golf activities. The prime event each season is The Men’s Invitational. the longest running Invitational in the Midwest taking place Aug. 3-7 with another full field of competitors.

The excitement increases the minute school is out with a celebratory End-of-School Pool Party.

Through the summer, member kids enjoy eight weeks of junior golf, quality tennis instruction from Tennis Professional Audrey Shade, and 10 weeks of friendly competition on the pool deck with the Devil Rays swim program.

Adults are welcome to lounge on the pool deck, enjoy poolside Margarita Mondays, up their tennis game with a court rental or private lesson, and participate in a growing pickleball program.

If you’re on or near the island, GIGCC is ready to be your second home.

Celebrate the weekend with Family Fridays at the pool. Improve your sports skills or learn something new. Dance the night away at a Club Cocktail party or the Spring Family Cotillion.

Special memories are waiting for you at the Club!

Save the date for the Club Open House on Saturday, April 23 from 1-4 p.m.

Apply for membership or learn more by contacting our Membership Director, Elisabeth Maurer, at 734-676-1166 or Elisabeth.Maurer@gigcc.com.

Join the Grosse Ile family today!

GROSSE ILE GRAND

March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 15

Police Chief standoff Grosse Ile still without a full-time Police Department leader Bill Stevenson Grosse Ile Grand

And, after 14 months, we’re right back where we started.

On Feb. 28, in a contentious, sometimes openly hostile meeting, attended by more than 50 concerned citizens, the Township Board voted 4 to 3 not to appoint the Grosse Ile Police Commission’s recommended candidate for Chief of Police.

The unanimous recommendation of the Police Commission read, “The Grosse Ile Township Board hereby approves the promotion of Lieutenant Ken Pelland to Grosse Ile Township Chief of Police following satisfactory completion of job requirements.”

Voting “Aye” were ” Trustees Jurecki, Porcarelli, Yager.

Voting “Nay” were Trustee Bloetscher, Treasurer Nadeau, Clerk O’Connor, Supervisor Budny.

According to the Police Commission Agenda Item Report, providing the

history, purpose, and explanation of the recommendation: “Following the direction of the Township Board, the applicants for the position of Chief of Police for the GIPD were opened up to external as well as internal candidates. Approximately (20) applications were received. Following a first round of interviews coordinated by the Township Manager, this group was winnowed down to (3) candidates that were deemed to be most qualified.”

Those candidates were Lieutenant Kenneth Pelland (GIPD), A/Lieutenant Douglas Carmack (GIPD) and Chief John Allen, Director of Public Safety (Ferris State University.

“Based upon this process, and per Chapter 67, Article I of the Township Statues, General Commission Guidelines, the Grosse Ile Police Commission held interviews on February 10, 2022 with the three candidates that advanced out of the first round of the interview process led by the Township Manager.

“After both a rigorous interview process in a public forum, and the review of many letters of recommendation received from numerous professional agencies, the Commission was able to make an in-depth assessment of each of the candidates’ overall experience, integrity, leadership abilities, past accomplishments, vision and operating philosophies and strategies for the Grosse Ile Police Department going forward into the future.

“Per Chapter 67, the Grosse Ile Police Commission forwards the unanimous recommendation that Lieutenant Kenneth Pelland be promoted/appointed to the position of Grosse Ile Township Police Chief.”

Chapter 67, Article 1.0 states, “Each Township commission is a part of the administration of the Township, not an independent agency. In making decisions, commissions have only those powers and authorities delegated to them by the Board. A commission shall

make its decisions within such authority granted to it by the Township Board.”

Further, Chapter 67, Article III on the Police Commission, 67-10 D states, “The Police Commission is delegated the authority to hire personnel for available positions within the organizational structure of the Township’s Police Department; provided, however, the appointment or promotion of all other officers of the Township Police Department above the rank of sergeant shall be by the Township Board after recommendation thereon has been received by the Township Board from the Police Commission with respect to such appointment or promotion.”

Historically, Township Ordinance 67.10 has given the primary responsibility for choosing the Chief of Police to the Police Commission, based on their expertise, and they have chosen chiefs of police since 1974.

SEE STANDOFF, Page 26

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Page 16 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Meet your new International Wildlife park rangers Hello, my name is Jazmyn Bernard, the new environmental education park ranger at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge!

I am a passionate anime lover, traveling enthusiast, and strategic planner/organizer. I graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Ecology and Management.

Despite four years of heavy course loads, I led a research project on Barred Owls (Strix varia) and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus). In addition to the owl research, I helped plant trees to protect marshes and combat LSU’s

about this community. My goal in life is to use my knowledge and passions to connect the young and old to nature.

To accomplish this goal, I hope to become a “bridge” between science and the public, thus giving the public the knowledge and “tools” they need to become protectors of the environment.

carbon footprint and worked to gather data on the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia).

Along with balancing my rigorous education and research schedule, I managed to watch over 800 hours of anime, travel to Africa for a study abroad program, and buy an unnecessary amount of colored highlighters and planners.

After college, I completed two internships with Minnesota Valley and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Through these internships, I found my love for teaching others about the environment.

Following my passion for environmental education, I moved to Michigan to become a park ranger.

Although I am far from home, I am excited to meet new people and learn

Aleigha Alexander Hello, my name is Aleigha Alexander, I am the new GS9 Park Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

My love for working outdoors and passion to become a park ranger started when I was fifteen working for the Piatt County Forest Preserve Park District in Central Illinois. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in Park Management and Conversation with an emphasis in Interpretation.

During my college education, I participated in

Todd Weston Hi, I’m Todd Weston, the new volunteer coordinator and one of the park rangers with the awesome job of helping people to realize nature is everywhere and everyone can be a naturalist.

My lifelong passion for sharing science with others, which started where I grew up outside of Kansas City, Missouri, has taken me from coast to coast and now, thankfully, Michigan.

All of my many experiences have given me an endless amount of stories to tell and I am excited to add new pages to this chapter of my life.

In my free time, I enjoy learning more about science and expressing myself artistically through poetry and resin-based art.

I already love taking “Michigan lefts” and am excited for when I can finally see this Upper Peninsula Aleigha Alexander everyone keeps talking about!

two internships. One at the Hatteras Island Jazmyn Bernard Ocean Center a non-profit organization whose goal is to educate the public on the ecosystem of the island as well as maintain tourism year-round.

My second internship was with the National Park Service on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, working at the Cape Hatteras Light Station, the tallest brick lighthouse in North America.

During my internships, I also participated in the Sea Turtle Nest Sitting program where I aided in the release of endangered turtles to the ocean.

Since graduating from college, I have worked as a Park Ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Perry Lake in Kansas and Wappapello Lake in I identify closely with Dr. Seuss’s The Missouri. While in these positions I Lorax when he says, “I speak for the have received the Kansas City District trees.” In my free time, I enjoy being Heartland Award, the St. Louis District with my family and friends, adventuring Appreciation Award, and the St. Louis outdoors, and watching K-State football, District Team Award.

Go Cats!

All these experiences have further I am thrilled to be a part of the enhanced my passion for Interpretation, Detroit River International Wildlife desire to provide education about Refuge team, and I am eager to use my nature to the public (or community), knowledge and skills to enhance the and helping to facilitate a connection connection between the community and between nature and people. the Refuge.

Todd Weston

GROSSE ILE GRAND

March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 17

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Page 18 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

Go Big to launch Trenton Times Here we grow again.

What began as an experiment in local journalism with the advent of The Grosse Ile Grand four years ago has expanded and grown from one monthly community publication to four. And next month the number jumps to five when Go Big Multimedia will launch the all new Trenton Times.

The Times will join The Grand, The Riverview Register, The Southgate Star and the Wyandotte Warriors in the family of papers published by Go Big. Readers of our current papers have found them to be lighthearted, fun ways to keep in touch with things that are happening in their neighborhoods.

It is our goal to keep our readers informed and entertained.

For advertisers, Go Big is a “bestbet” kind of an option.

We are unlike many community newspapers in the state. What sets us apart is our unique, multimedia approach with a goal of reaching everyone in the communities we serve!

We accomplish that with a hybrid distribution method: 100 percent direct mailed to all single family homes 100 percent directed mailed to all businesses Newsrack and countertop distribution in high-profile locations.

Digital edition available 24 hours a day Go Big’s growing group of newspapers - The Grosse Ile Grand, The Riverview Register, The Southgate Star, The Wyandotte Warrior and now, the Trenton Times – are monthly publications filling the need for community journalism.

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Mermaid Day art show is slated for March 28 The UpnDown store in Wyandotte will host a specially curated, multiartist, multi-medium art show and opening-night event celebrating International Mermaid Day on Tuesday, March 29.

UpnDown is located at 3205 Biddle Ave., in Wyandotte. The event runs from 5 - 9 p.m. and there is no admission charge There will be outstanding original artworks by over a dozen notable local artists including Leon Dickey, Laura Mocnik, Cheryl Zemke, Mary MacDonald Barrett, Joni Cavanaugh, Martina Sanroman, Gena Conti Millinery, Rand’s Jewelry and more.

There will be treats, gifts, special discounts, surprises, event collectibles, and a great night out with your mythical, magical friends!

And, for Mermaid Night (3/29) only: Present your UpnDown purchase receipt to neighboring

restaurant, H20, and receive 10 percent off your dining bill.

Conversely, present your H20 purchase receipt to UpnDown for 10 percent off your bill at UpnDown It’s as simple as that. There is no catch!

Updates about the event will be posted to the UpnDown facebook page facebook.com/ upndownwyandotte and Instagram @ instagram.com/upndown_wyandotte/ A soft preview showing is scheduled to coincide with downtown Wyandotte’s 3rd Friday art crawl, March 18th from 5-9 p.m.

If you have questions about the event, please contact Gena Conti (show curator and event coordinator) 734-284-3417 or Jenny Atkinson Senior (owner: UpnDown) 734-2833900

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 25

I began putting my thoughts to words, now, some 57 months ago when I accepted the request to contribute a monthly column about localism to what was then just the Grosse Ile Grand.

All the information and ideas and communications from advocacy organizations, over many years, had educated me, PETER frustrated me, angered me, ROSE Grosse Ile and motivated me to work Grand harder to explain local economics to people who would read these columns.

Because I can explain it and express it, I felt it was an absolute responsibility to do so.

Nearly five years later, I feel worse about things, not better, but I’m glad for the writing. It’s cathartic.

If you are reading this in Trenton – welcome to this paper, and to this column!

The Trenton Times is now a part of the audience that reaches every home and business in Grosse Ile, Wyandotte, Riverview, Southgate and Trenton. I am so glad to have the opportunity to write for more and more Downriver residents through these fine publications.

Because my businesses are in Wyandotte, I see these cities as the original Downriver, and absolutely the heart of the clientele I’m grateful to serve. I congratulate Go Big, and wish them great success in Trenton as they fill the void left by the Trenton Trib in their own way.

The relentless purpose of my writings is to explain my perceptions about retail.

“Retail” is a broad term, encompassing every niche and means

of distribution. It is just about any item one can buy, from tiny glass frogs to complete furniture sets, through stores or catalogs or the internet.

The stance from which I opine, however, sees every other form of retail besides small, local, and independent as invaders that have become far too dominant, and far too damaging to the businesses that keep money circulating locally.

National is defined by me as being a company that is funded by the stock market or any private equity group.

National retail exploded in the 1980s through the 2000s, eliminating thousands of local retailers across the nation in rapid order.

That centralized management jobs for these companies of endless variety to headquarters that were NOT here in Michigan. That eliminated thousands of local salespeople and jobs for countless vendors that serviced every region, everywhere. That diverted monies that used to be spent at local advertising agencies, or law firms, or any of the things and services that retailers need for operations. Internet businesses took that diversionary practice to a whole new level.

Cities that lost all their retailers to shiny new malls, rendering those towns diminished or even devastated.

Residents of Trenton feel the effect of this unfortunate truth through the demise and loss of Mulias and Elias.

When the mainstay, the anchor of a town goes, it makes it geometrically harder for small shops around that void to be successful. The foot traffic is just plain changed. When a generational company of that size exits for any reason, it will not be replaced. So, what

We will make your realty dreams a reality

happens to Trenton? It languishes, used to have a store in Detroit, in a time it struggles. The draw of Trenton of deepening decline. She made her diminishes. voice heard, loud and clear, through Eventually, smaller businesses with her Say Nice Things About Detroit great ambition come to town, like campaign. How inspiring that is. That’s Truago and Provence and The Vintage what we do. We say supportive, kind Mercantile to name a few notables, and things in public, we offer critiques or we start to be able to breathe again. even criticism in private.

It feels great watching operations like Love Wyandotte spawned Love that succeed to the point that others want Local, because we endorse the concept to come, too. We can see the impact that of shopping local and small wherever is being made, and we want to support we go, in or out of our company’s city. I them to fan the flame of rebirth, let urge you to find it on facebook, like and alone to buy into those places’ unique follow. More importantly, follow our offerings. lead. Give glowing reports of meals you That’s how businesses grow, and eat a to locally owned businesses both in growth in business leads to greater and out of the towns you live in. If you prosperity for the town itself. Believe have a complaint, you don’t get points me, every single purchase, every dollar for being publicly negative and harming matters far more than you can imagine. them.

All the towns that Go Big serves A friend of mine that I still miss are havens for small, local, and posted this as his last post on facebook: independent.

Be Nice, People (yes, it was Dan Southgate has quite a few nationals, Drotar). It’s about as simple and but they also have many Indies. Go Big succinct as you can get! It feels so itself is local; without them, we have much better to spread good cheer, and to no papers. Chelsea and Willow Tree are be supportive and grateful for what we proud to have made the decision to buy have in our towns, serving our needs. into their contribution for all five papers, The baseline precept of Love adding more to the symbiotic nature of Wyandotte is to urge everyone we can the challenge here Downriver. reach to slow down and think first: I urge all of you reading this to take Can I get it locally? And to make that my message to heart if you haven’t step the first step you take for every already (and there are a lot of folks purchase. who have). In addition to my family It goes further: Since you know businesses in Wyandotte, I am also the that so much more money stays local fanatical advocate for local and small to if you do make those decisions, take strengthen our cities, our region. the responsibility for challenging your I do that through Love Wyandotte, or friends to do the same. Not for a while, formally, the Wyandotte Independent not just on Small Business Saturday — Business Alliance. One of the baseline All the time. Make the idea spread. The Thiswe isdo a ispic of Onyx and Opal.heck with Trickle down theory, let’s things to hype local businesses zoom in alittle and change ad toup the course we choose – inPlease Wyandotte. make Flow Emily Gail Gail’s Office Supply) together. green with(ofsome shamrocks.

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Page 26 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Group makes Easter Bunny visits available Do you have a business or group that would like a pre-holiday visit from the world-famous Easter Bunny?

Well, the Downriver West Kiwanis Club can make those dreams come true.

This March and April, the club is having an Easter Bunny fundraiser that will bring the bunny to any school, daycare, community event, business, storefront, church, etc.

The fundraiser runs from March 1- April 9.

All visits are approximately 20-30 minutes in length for a cost of $50 and must be scheduled in advance.

The Easter Bunny will bring candyfilled eggs as well as a helper to aid

the bunny with the event. Anyone interested should send an email to plabadie@comcast.net to schedule a date and time for the visit.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the club’s ongoing projects such as Busy Bags for children, Appreciation Packages for First Responders, our Bring Up Grades (BUG) program in Downriver elementary schools, and our community baby shower, among other service related projects for the Downriver communities we serve.

Downriver West Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time.

STANDOFF

Lieutenant Kenneth Pelland as Chief of Police was defeated, the Police Commission was directed to return another recommendation within 10 days of the Board meeting.

Rather than provide a running transcript or narrative of the “Comments from the Board,” or the “Public Comment” segments, readers may watch the February 28, 2022 meeting of the Board of Trustees found on-line.

To access the video, go to www. grosseile.com. Click on Meeting Portal.

On the bottom right, go to recent meetings. Click on Township Board of Trustees 28 Feb 2022. An agenda will pop up. Click on Video. The seal of the great Grosse Ile Township will appear.

Press the darkened arrow in the middle of the seal.

Stay tuned.

According to FBI crime statistics, Grosse Ile has consistently been named the safest city in Michigan.

Continued from page 15 Indeed, the Police Commission has recommended the appointment of Lieutenant Kenneth Pelland to be the new chief on three separate occasions since February, 2021. There had not been a vote on the previous two recommendations.

At the February Board meeting, passions ran high for both the Township Board and the mostly pro-Pelland citizens in attendance.

Many times Supervisor James Budny needed to correct and intervene in both the Board and audience members’ interruptions to maintain order.

Throughout the meeting, Lieutenants Pelland and Carmack sat amicably seated together in the back corner of the room.

Because the motion to approve

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

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LISTENING IN ON THE ISLAND

Unused keyboard is now in Bella’s good hands His stellar performance on the trumpet earned him a standing ovation from the appreciative audience.

What to do with a keyboard after I was lucky enough to take the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church up on a deal: They were giving away spinet pianos they no longer needed. You only had to transport it to your home.

I called Two Men and a Truck and got a beautiful piano home.

After I hired a piano tuner, it is a welcome PAMELA A. addition to our living FRUCCI room!

Grosse Ile Grand Since I now had a piano, my keyboard was no longer needed, so I called Kim Eberly, who now has a music studio on Macomb St. and is married to Hunter Eberly, first chair trumpet with the DSO. Their daughter Bella is destined to be a musician although she is only fouryears-old.

I gave the key-board to Bella who exclaimed: “It’s just my size!”

Bella’s father Hunter was the featured soloist at the Detroit Symphony’s weekend of Feb. 18 concert series.

Little ‘game’ helps pass time What do you do when life slows down and you spend a lot of time at home?

I invented a little “game” that involves sitting looking out our window at busy East River Road. I look for red, white, and blue cars. And when I spot these patriotic colored cars in a reasonable amount of time, I score a win in my little game!

Grosse Ile Musicale under new leadership When the Grosse Ile Musicale was founded 90 years ago as the Friday Musicale by Mrs. John Karmazin, only women were members.

With men welcome as members now, the Grosse Ile Musicale is headed by Doug Scott, pianist\organist and musical director of the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church.

The Feb. 11 program featured Doug on the piano where he performed without a sheet of music in front of him an hour-long concert of the music of Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin, Claude Debussy, and Nicolai Kapustin.

The audience stood on their feet to applaud his performance. Following the concert was an outstanding reception staged by his wife Carole.

excitement, but it is intriguing to watch a slow-paced curling match with teams launching “stones” and other team members with brushes sweeping ahead of the stone so it has a smooth ride to the circles.

Just the opposite is watching the halfpike skiers do acrobatic stunts in the air and then land upright without breaking every bone in their body!

Beckers choose Disney World to celebrate What better place to be to celebrate a 75th birthday than sunny and 85-degrees Disney World in Florida? That’s where Jim Becker decided to invite his whole family, including a daughter and son-inlaw who live in Hawaii, to join him and Pam to celebrate a milestone birthday.

Senior Fruccis recipients of random act of kindness When having dinner at Panchos in Wyandotte a couple of weeks ago, we went to pay the bill and the waitress said a guy at another booth paid it.

We have no idea who he was but if he’s reading this, we thank him for the surprise random act of kindness.

Olympics made staying home interesting I was intrigued watching the Olympics over in Beijing.

What a difference in two of the sport categories. There is not a lot of

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Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Tina Neitenbach of Taylor shares a recipe for a EVELYN favorite dish of her three CAIRNS grandsons: Kellen, 5; Grosse Ile Grand Carson, 3; and Kane, 2.

This quick and delicious shepherd’s pie is a boon to their busy mom, Jennifer Kakoczki of Newport, who works in the resource Department at Children’s Hospital while also pursuing a degree at Eastern Michigan University. The kids and her husband love the pie, Jennifer says, so she makes it three or four times a month.

For a more traditional version of shepherd’s pie, consider Super Simple Shepherd’s Pie, which goes together in only 5 minutes and can be made with ground turkey instead of beef. I liked both pies and served them with Irish soda bread using a recipe on Martha Stewart’s website. You can watch her make the bread following direction by the executive producer of her TV show, Bill Herlihy, who provided his Irish mother Maud’s recipe.

For dessert, how about vanilla ice cream with green sprinkles for the kids, and crème de menthe drizzled on ice cream and topped with a green maraschino cherry for the grownups.

I’m sure St. Patrick’s Irish eyes would be smiling if you served an Irish dish and dessert on his day.

EASY POTATO TOTS SHEPHERD’S PIE 4 cups frozen potato tots 1 pound lean ground beef 1 envelope (0.75 oz.) mushroom gravy mix ¾ cup milk 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, brown the beef over medium heat, breaking it into clumps. When the meat is no longer pink, stir in the gravy mix, milk, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce.

Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in the vegetables, then top with the potato tots and sprinkle with the cheese. Bake until the sauce bubbles and potato tots are crisp, 25 to 35 minutes. This can be baked in a greased 9x15 casserole if desired.

SUPER SIMPLE SHEPHERD’S PIE Mashed potatoes, home prepared or purchased ½ cup chopped onions 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 pound ground turkey 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons flour 10-ounce bag frozen mixed vegetables ¾ chicken broth 2 tablespoons ketchup Salt and pepper to taste ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese Heat oven to 375 degrees. In an ovenproof 10-inch skillet, brown onions, garlic and turkey in olive oil.

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MAUD HERLIHY’S IRISH SODA BREAD 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon salt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter cut into small cubes and frozen, plus more, softened, for skillet 8-ounce container sour cream 1 large egg 2 cups raisins (I used golden) 1 cup buttermilk Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or other pan.

Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add butter, sour cream and egg; mix with a pastry blender or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in raisins and buttermilk until a sticky dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Using a flour scraper, form into a round loaf. With a sharp knife, score a large “X” about 1 inch deep in the center.

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Rose Koval named ‘Agent of the Year’

Century 21 Riverpointe honors award-winning agents

The recently retired Rose Koval won Agent of the Year honors again and another Centurion Award from Century 21.

E. Ann Redfield, Broker/Owner of Century 21 Riverpointe, recently announced the 2021 award-winning agents at the company’s annual Awards Breakfast held at Grosse Ile Golf &

Country Club on Feb. 14.

Agent Rose Koval was again recognized as a Centurion Producer and Agent Of The Year by Redfield.

Rose Koval retired at the end of 2021 and did so with a bang after achieving a coveted award from Mike Miedler, Chief Executive Officer of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, for achieving the Centurion award for more than 21 consecutive years. This is an accomplishment that very few Realtors achieve.

“The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like Rose Koval who always elevate and give 121 percent to their clients throughout the entire client relationship,” said Miedler. “So, as we celebrate their accomplishments, we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice.”

After more than 35 years of being a Grosse Ile real estate icon and having such an impact on her clients and fellow Realtors alike, Koval will be sorely missed.

According to Redfield, “Rose has been a leader and innovator in delivering powerful home buying and selling choices to her clients because of her expertise in the industry, the service she has always provided and knowing the communities she serves. She has been a trusted real estate resource not only for Grosse Ile, but for the entire Downriver Detroit area and a major contributor to the overall success of Century 21 Riverpointe.”

Jennifer Kish of Century 21 Riverpointe is proud and honored to continue serving the needs of Koval’s clients, as she has been Rose’s friend and Mentee for over 20 years.

Other production awards presented at the Awards Breakfast were the Platinum Awards received by Kish and Niki Grigg; Gold Award Winners: Judy

Cemer and Tom Medick; Silver Award Winner: Lorie Polgar and Linda Ann Halford; and Bronze Award Winners: Susie Harrison, Maria Chirco, Tim Wojtala, Gloria Wilson, Jake Beaubien and Kristina Miller.

Redfield said she was also very happy to report Century 21 Riverpointe again earned the 2021 Quality Service Pinnacle Award and that a record number of her team earned the 2021 Quality Service Producer Award.

The annual award is based on results from the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Survey, which is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of their home. To earn the award, Realtors must receive completed surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions and receive a score of at least 95 percent.

Individual agents who maintained their excellent client reviews and obtained the award were Rose Koval, Jennifer Kish, Niki Grigg, Judy Cemer, Tom Medick, Lorie Polgar, Linda Ann Halford, Maria Chirco and Tim Wojtala.

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 31

Devils sweet season gets better with playoff win Hank Minckiewicz

Grosse Ile’s Natalee Kirk had a great game in helping lead the Red Devils to a district win over Dundee.

Grosse Ile Grand

What has been a great season for the Grosse Ile girls basketball team got a little sweeter on March 2 when the Red Devils opened the Michigan High School Athletic Association playoffs with a blowout victory, improving their season record to 18-3.

Playing in a Division 2 district at Airport, Grosse Ile routed Dundee 68-33 to advance to the district finals against host and Huron League rival Airport.

That championship game was played March 4 after The Grand’s press deadline. But Grosse Ier went into the contest already owning two victories over the Jets, one a 21-point win and the other an eight-point margin.

The Jets reached the finals by squeaking past Ida 37-34. Ida had reached that game by beating Monroe Jefferson in a first-round game.

In the first semifinal game, Grosse Ile was just too much for the Vikings in every facet of the game.

Dundee’s first basket of the game was a three-pointer and it gave the Vikes a 3-1 lead. As far as highlights go, that was about it for the team in blue.

Once the Devils got their engines started, there was no stopping them.

It was a 20-5 lead at the end of the first quarter and it was 33-13 at halftime. All 13 Red Devils played in the first half and the reserves played much of the third quarter and all of the fourth quarter, pulling away from Dundee despite the fact that the Vikings still had their starters in the game.

Of the 13 Grosse Ile players, only two did not score.

Natalee Kirk, who basically only played the first half, was a standout.

She led the team with 12 points, including eight in the first quarter when the Red Devils came out and set the tone for the night.

Kirk was clearly feeling it and she swooped around the court, Eurostepping and dishing underhand passes to teammates. One move that

Photos by Larry Caruso

(Left) Cailey O’Farrell had nine points and 11 Red Devils scored in the district victory. (Right) Samantha Justusson had four points and was a defensive presence in the district win over Dundee.

worked again and again was her on the perimeter basically faking a jump shot and firing passes to teammates in the paint for lay-ups or fouls that led to free throws.

Natalie Christnagel, Cailey O’Farrell and Ashlyn Weatherly all benefited from Kirk’s passing and they each finished with nine points.

Lots of girls basketball teams rely

heavily on the three-point shot and, in fact, many of Grosse Ile 18 wins this season came as a result of some great long-range shooting.

But this game was different as the Red Devils relied on old-fashioned, run-the-court, share-the-ball, forgetthe arc basketball.

Grosse Ile’s spacing was spot on and the Devils did a great job of

finishing when they got the chance.

There were very few blown shots.

Defensively, Grosse Ile was relentless, swarming, doubling and making life miserable for the Vikings, guards, wings and post players alike.

It was not an especially closely officiated game and that suited the Red Devils aggressive posture.

Grosse Ile’s biggest lead in the first half was 22 points. In the second half, with the starters mainly lounging on the bench enjoying a leisurely afternoon, the second team kept pouring it on.

No starter scored, or even played, in the fourth quarter and yet it was the best quarter of the game for the Devils, who outscored the Vikings 24-8.

Sophomore Kylee Wright heated up and made four nice buckets in the fourth quarter and Mia Pascuzzi canned a pair of triples. Juniors Anna Wroblewski and Emily Hyland teamed up to score five more fourthquarter points.

Dundee reached the semifinal game against Grosse Ile by beating Flat Rock 46-31.

The victory over Dundee left the Devils heading into the district championship riding an eight-game winning streak, their longest of the season. The team earlier had a sevengame win streak.

Coach Jim Frost, in his first year has done an amazing job, transforming what had become a downtrodden program. The Devils have lost just three games all season long – one to Division 1 Northville early in the season and two to undefeated Huron League champion Riverview.

The winner of the Airport district will play the winner of the Summit Academy district in a regional hosted

by Detroit Edison High School. That tournament begins March 8.

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Page 32 • March 9 — April 11,­2022

GROSSE ILE GRAND

MHSAA playoffs begin for Grosse Ile boys

Dylan Alexander Photo by Larry Caruso

Season comes to a close for hockey team The Grosse Ie hockey team, which had a dead-even 12-12-1 regular season, was hoping to catch a little lighting in a bottle once the state playoffs began, Unfortunately for coach Jason Durbins squad, it did not happen.

Playing on the opening night of the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state playoffs in a regional at Allen Park on Feb, 21, the Red Devils fell to Wyandotte Roosevelt 3-1 and were eliminated from the tournament.

As neighboring teams, Grosse Ile and Wyandotte usually play during the regular season, but the playoff game was the only meeting between the two this year.

Wyandotte came into the game having won two of its last three-games, including a win over highly regarded Detroit Country day and a 4-2 win over Woodhaven, In the opening night playoff game, Wyandotte scored once in the first period and twice in the second to build a 3-0 lead. The Bears did not score

in the third period, but they did limit Grosse Ile to one goal and skated off with the victory.

Three different players scored for Wyandotte, while Luke Auger netted the lone Grosse Ile goal. Travis Symons and Tate Hubler assisted.

After beating the Red Devils, Roosevelt moved on to face Carlson in a game that took three periods and much of three overtimes to decide. The Bears finally scored with six second left in the third extra period to claim a 2-1 win. Carlson had reached the regional semifinals by virtue of a 3-1 win over Riverview.

On the other side of the bracket, host Allen Park crushed Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 8-0 and then was manhandled by defending regional champ and state-ranked Gabriel Richard 6-1.

Richard and Wyandotte played for the regional crown on March 2 and the state-ranked Pioneers advanced to the D3 state quarterfinals with a 6-1 win.

It has been a strange and interesting year for coach Mohamed Elhaj and his Grosse Ile boys basketball team.

There was that opening game that saw the Devils build a big first-half lead only to fall when a Wyandotte threepoint shot swished through the basket as the final buzzer was ringing throughout the gym.

There was that four-game winning streak that briefly put the team in the Huron League title chase, followed by the seven-game losing streak that knocked them out of it.

It has been an exciting season. There have been no blowout wins and only one blowout loss.

There has been a share of heartbreak, however. In addition to that one-point loss in the season-opener against Wyandotte, the Devils have suffered two-point losses to Riverview, Jefferson and Airport.

That’s four losses by a total of seven points. Turn those losses into wins and instead of being 6-11 heading into the final week of play, the Red Devils would be a .500 team.

But the good thing about high school basketball is that there is always a second chance - it’s called the state tournament.

Grosse Ile’s second chance starts at a Division 2 district hosted by Romulus Summit Academy beginning March 7.

Here is the tournament schedule: March 7 Grosse Ile vs Trenton (A)

Photo by Larry Caruso

March 9 Winner A vs Flat Rock, 5:30 Summit Academy vs Huron, 7 p.m.

March 11 Finals, 7 p.m.

The district winner advances to the regional at Airport against the winner of the Milan district (Jefferson, Airport, Milan, Ida, Dundee). That regional tournament begins March 14.

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 33

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Senior Night is no lucky charm for Devils Hank Minckiewicz • Grosse Ile Grand

Truthfully, Senior Night could have gone a little better for the Grosse Ile boys basketball team. Of course, the fact that Gabriel Richard was the opponent had a little something to do with that.

The Pioneers, who recently won their third straight Catholic League Cardinal Division title, came into the game on a bit of a mission. The Pioneer arrived in Grosse Ile with a 19-0 record and a win over the Red Devils would mean a perfect 20-0 regular season.

Richard got it done with a 66-47 victory.

The Pioneers won every quarter on their way to the victory. The lead was five points at the end of the first quarter and nine at halftime.

Leading 14-11 with less than a minute to play in the first period, Richard went on a 10-0 scoring run that stretched into the first two minutes of the second quarter.

Grosse Ile fought back a bit and Mike Madrigal canned a three-point shot at the buzzer to send the Red Devils off with a lift and help keep his team in contact with the Pioneers.

But Gabriel Richard had more scoring binges in them.

The Pioneers outscored Grosse Ile 7-0 in the opening minutes of the third quarter to grab a 39-23 lead and the margin really only grew from there.

The score was 51-35 heading into the fourth and when Richard went on a 15-2 scoring run, all suspense was gone.

Photo by Larry Caruso Grosse Ile has played some good teams Joe Molnar played ample this year, including Monroe and one-loss minutes against Richard and league champion Flat Rock, but Richard scored five points. is likely the most complete team the Devils have faced this year.

The Pioneers have a very good big man, numerous three-point shooters and they play fast, both offensively and defensively. Also, no moment seems too big for any of the Pioneers, who are unafraid to step up and take important shots.

Grosse Ile had trouble containing Richard’s big man Mike Calhoun, who led all scorers with 21 points and whose passing out of the pivot opened up scoring chances for his teammates. Luke Westerdale had 14 points and Cainan Harrison added 12.

Grosse Ile’s main weapon was senior Mike Madrigal, who kept on firing all night long and wound up making five triples and scoring 16 points. Krenar Ziberi had nine points and Matt Pizza, Joe Molnar and Quintin Roberts each had five.

The loss left the Red Devils with a final record of 7-12 and stole a little of the momentum that the team had built in its previous games. Both were thrillers as the Devils beat Monroe Jefferson 66-64 to finish Huron League play with a 5-9 record and then turned around and beat non-league Redford Thurston 65-64.

The win over Jefferson snapped a seven-game losing streak that included a couple of real heartbreakers. During the streak, Grosse Ile lost two-point decisions to Riverview and Airport and they lost 45-36 to Huron. It was Huron’s only league win of the year.

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Grosse Ile cheerleaders just miss state finals

Photo by Dave Chapman

The Grosse Ile competitive cheerleading team was one round away from qualifying for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state cheerleading finals.

But Grosse Ile, which was in fourth place heading into the finals round, was passed by Croswell-Lexington, whose third-round score of 316.90 vaulted it from sixth place to a final third-place finish. That 316.90 score was the second

highest of the round. Region champ Richmond scored 318.70.

Richmond, the defending Division 3 state champion, won the event with a total overall score of 786.22, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep was second (778.16), Cros-Lex was third (772.38) and Huron League meet champion Monroe Jefferson hung on for fourth (770.72).

The top four teams in the regional qualify for the state finals.

Grosse Ile wound up fifth with 764.50.

The finish was a bitter disappointment to a team that had a great season.

Grosse Ile won its district on Feb. 18 at Brooklyn Columbia Central.

At that event, Grosse Ile scored 745.50 to edge runner-up Onsted by two-one hundredths of a point.

Grosse Ile led the regional competition from wire-to-wire and

held more than a nine-point lead over Onsted, which entered the final round in fourth place. But Onsted had by-far the strongest final round of the 15 teams at the meet and it drew the Wildcats to within a hair of the Red Devils.

The state finals were March 4-5 in Grand Rapids. Defending D2 state champ Allen Park and former state champs Carlson and Southgate Anderson competed in the D2 finals.

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 37

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Vice-President of Member Services at Downriver CU retires

A

fter 27 years of dedicated service to the members of Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, Maria Hook, the Vice-President of Member Services and resident of Grosse Ile, is looking forward to enjoying her well-deserved retirement and spending time with her husband, Tom, who has also recently retired.

Maria started her career at the Credit Union back on August 14, 1995. Before making her career change, she worked nights at Meijer and would come home just in time to see her children off to school. She would then come back home to go to bed. For her, this wasn’t the ideal situation being a wife and working mother of 4, so when she received a call from Randy, her good friend since grade school, asking if she’d

be interested in applying for an open position at the credit union, she jumped at the opportunity.

Although she started off in the Teller position, she would spend time working in the Accounting and Loan Department, which gave her the experience necessary for her future advancement. Fastforward to 2003 when the credit union was in the process of building its new Woodhaven Office, the search began for a Branch Management position.

With Maria’s experience, she was chosen as the new Manager of Cash and Branching, and would transition to her role on the Management Team of the credit union.

Over the next 19 years, Maria would have a valuable part of leading the Credit Union’s Member Services Department in their efforts to help members save money for future goals,

borrow money when they didn’t seem to have enough, and access their money wherever and whenever they needed to.

“Maria has had an instrumental role in helping our members ‘accomplish great things’,” says Robert LaPalme, Downriver CU’s President/CEO. “She has not only served in various positions over her long career, but has held key positions through mergers, system conversions, and product launches and enhancements.”

When asked what words of advice Maria would give to others following in her footsteps, she said, “Change is constant. You have to keep learning and adding to your toolbox of knowledge.” Maria has made an impact on both members and staff alike and will surely be missed as she begins her new adventure in retirement on March 4, 2022.

Maria Hook and her husband Tom.

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March 9 — April 11,­2022 • Page 39 GROSSE ILE GRAND

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E. Ann Redfield Broker / Owner

Riverview Jonathan Hodge 14031 Pennsylvania Rd Suite C 734-282-8582

Jonathan has been with Edward Jones since 2008. He collaborates with his clients to help them find ways to have the most impact on their financial goals and lives.

Jonathan fcuses on a growth mindset and a balance between work and life. He highly values his relationship with his family. He encourages outdoor adventures with his wife and two children. Jonathan enjoys being outside regardless of the activity, weather, or landscape.

Woodhaven John Serb 22673 Allen Road Suite 200 734-672-7504

John Serb has been a lifelong resident in the downriver community. He believes it’s important to invest his time in understanding what goals you’re working toward before you invest your money. Partnering together, he will build an investment strategy outlining the steps required to help achieve your financial goals. In addition to his work as a financial advisor, he is an active member of his church, a father of four, and avid boater.

Wyandotte Clare M McMillan AAMS* 565 Oak Street 734-285-0224

Financial advisor, Clare McMillan, graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN and is pursuing her MBA with a focus in finance. As a Grosse Ile resident, Clare is involved in the Downriver community. She is a member of Downriver West Kiwanis, Soroptimist International of Flat Rock and The Fighting Fit in Wyandotte.

Clare and her branch administrator, Lorri Milewski, are passionate about serving clients and their families. Clare holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation (AAMS®)