Riverview Register, January 17 – February 9, 2023

Riverview School Board

The results from the November election are in and Shelia Walker, Matt Dominski and Gary O’Brien will fill the three open seats on the Riverview Community School District Board of Education.

Dominski and Walker are incumbent members of the board and will retain their seats for the next four years. O’Brien will be replacing outgoing board member Megan Walter, who did not run for reelection.

The electees will all be familiar faces as not only did incumbents Shelia Walker and Matt Dominski successfully win reelection, electee Gary O’Brien returns to the board of education after sitting out the last four years.

O’Brien served as Board President during his last term and is a proud Riverview High graduate.

He said he looks forward to another opportunity to give back to his community and the school district. The new four-year term for the electees will start with the January public organizational meeting.

The current school board and

administration would like to congratulate Megan Walter on her service to the schools and community over the last four years. Megan is a graduate of Riverview High herself and follows in the footsteps of her father, John Price, who also was a long time Riverview Board of Education member.

Megan did an excellent job of always putting the students of Riverview first and her commitment to the district in a governing capacity will be missed. Megan has had a positive impact on the Riverview Schools, making major strides toward her goal of improving relationships between the

board and district.

She also helped with the passage and completion of the recent bond project, installation of the new synthetic athletic field, and the launch of the new five-year strategic plan. Megan was a tremendous asset to the schools, community, and the board. Her service is greatly appreciated and we wish her the very best in all of her future endeavors.

The new board will continue to support the Mission of Riverview Schools, “Empowering every Pirate to chart their own course through academics, responsibility, respect, growth and honor.”

RIVERVIEW SCHOOLS

Elf surveillance at Memorial

Memorial Elementary School was under Elf Surveillance the final few weeks before Christmas, with elves pulling shenanigans throughout classrooms, the cafeteria, gym and office. The students and staff greatly anticipated each day what tricks that the elves would pull.

Forest Elementary hosts ‘Who-bilation’

A Holiday “Whobilation” was held at Forest Elementary the evening of Dec. 14.

The halls were all decked out with decorations made by Mrs. Gajewski’s STEAM classes. Mrs. Michelle Ettaher, parent of Sumaya and Malek contributed with several handmade murals that transformed our school into Whoville.

The Grinch along with Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to visit with Forest students. Students and their families were able to purchase baked goods from the bake sale, make Christmas cards and take pictures in the photo booth, eat and just have a great time.

Thank you to Becky Alley, Lisa LaRowe Realty and Visionary Events and Planning for sponsoring the Holiday Whobilation, all our parent and student volunteers, staff in attendance and to all our families that donated to the bake sale. We could not have done this without you.

Clare M McMillan, AAMS™

Financial Advisor

565 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224

Clare M McMillan, AAMS™

Jonathan Hodge

John Serb

Financial Advisor

Clare M McMillan

565 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224

14031 Pennsylvania Rd, Suite C Riverview, MI 48193 734-282-8582

22673 Allen Road, Suite 200 Woodhaven, MI 48183 734-672-7504

AAMS*

565 Oak Street Wyandotte, MI 48192 734-285-0224

School Board honors Pirate champions

The Riverview Board of Education congratulated Riverview High School fall sports teams for their accomplishments.

Recognized at the Nov. 22 meeting: Boys soccer, which finished first in the Huron League and were district and regional champions, and the girls golf statequalifier.

Recognized at the Dec. 20 meeting were: Girls swimming and diving state qualifiers, cross country state qualifier, volleyball district champions and the Huron League, district, and regional championship football team, whose only loss of the season was at the state semifinal game.

Sounds of the season Self Defense

Ages Jim and Shawnie Davies are experts in self defense and martial arts.

5-12 Kids Self Defense

Wednesday February 8, 2023

Or Wednesday, March 29, 2023

6:00-7:00 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

Students will learn easy to use self defense techniques that require little to no strength. These techniques will help to build confidence and allow them to not be intimidated by bullies.

Including:

Bullying and how to address issues • How to “stand up for yourself” • Who can help when you are at school, church and activities • De-escalation

Techniques: Wrist grabs • Blocks • Bear hugs from the front and from behind • Strangulation holds

Don’t let your kids miss this class!

13-18 Teen Self Defense

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Or Wednesday, March 15, 2023

6:00-7:30 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

Young women and men are invited to learn easy to use self defense techniques that require little to no strength. These self defense strategies will build self confidence and allow young men and women not to be intimidated by bullies or those trying to hurt them in any way.

Including:

Bullying • Sexual assault • Dating violence Date rape • Red flags • Diffusing dangerous situations • Exiting parties without being teased.

Techniques and how to avoid: Blocks • Shoulder grabs • Bear hugs

Strangulations • Hair pulls from the front and behind • Wrist grabs • Question and answer session.

Don’t let your teens miss class!

Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog

16+ Self Defense

Wednesday, February 22, 2023

7:00-8:30 P.M. City Hall Gym

$20.00 per person

These are easy to learn techniques that require little to no strength and no knowledge of Martial Arts in a fun and safe atmosphere. Basic techniques that will increase your self confidence and feeling of security are the focus. Men and women are both encouraged to attend as well as young adults at least 16 years of age. Including: Situational awareness • How to avoid dangerous encounters • Domestic Violence • Weapons & Self Defense Tools • Basic defenses to enable you to ‘get away’:

Palm strikes • Hammer punches • Elbow strikes Wrist grabs • Hair grabs • Strangulation defense

Memorial’s first-grade holiday concert was fantastic and our family support was top-notch. Thank you to Mrs. Kruger, our music teacher, for her leadership, along with our Memorial’s first grade teachers, Ms. Hajkus, Mrs. Parent and Mr. Osborne for their support.

Credit Union receives approval for charter expansion

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union was granted approval by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to expand its charter, and therefore its fieldof-membership, to include those individuals who live, work, worship, or go to school in any part of Wayne or Monroe Counties.

“We are excited about the opportunity that this expansion brings,” says Robert LaPalme, Downriver CU’s President and CEO, “and our whole team is eager to serve the individuals and businesses in both counties in the Downriver Detroit region.

“A federally-chartered credit union has a field-of-membership that is limited to specific persons, organizations, and other entities. Under Downriver CU’s previous field-ofmembership, individuals and businesses who were not located directly within one of the specific 18 cities outlined in the Credit Union’s charter were unable to join.

“Under our previous field-of-

membership, many of our friends and family members who live in adjacent communities did not have the opportunity to utilize the full range of financial services that the Credit Union could provide,” LaPalme explains, “so this not only allows us to expand into new areas, but also makes the account opening process less complicated for those who would like to join. This action is directly tied to fulfilling our mission of ‘providing simple access to resources that help our members accomplish great things!’”

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution founded in 1942 and is owned and controlled by over 13,000 members with three office locations, including Ecorse, Southgate and Woodhaven.

Services are available to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Wayne or Monroe Counties. Businesses or other legal entities located in these counties can maintain accounts at the credit union, as well.

Downriver Community announces promotion of Karen Blade

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the promotion of Karen Blade to Branch Services Manager.

“This well-deserved promotion is a direct result of Karen’s demonstrated commitment and dedication to both our organization and to our members,” according to Robert LaPalme, Downriver CU’s President & CEO.

“Her passion for member service and many years of experience has strongly contributed to the success of the Credit Union, making her a natural choice as we continue to focus on providing simple access to financial services within our communities.”

Blade has been with Downriver CU for more than 40 years.

She started as a part-time clerk through the Student Co-Op Program while at

Ecorse Public High School. Over the years, she has moved up through several positions learning various aspects of retail banking.

Most recently, she held the position of Cash Leader, and was instrumental in the opening of the Credit Union’s Southgate office in 2020.

Blade has served for many years as the Financial Secretary of the United Steelworkers Local 2659 and holds a number of financial training certifications. In 2022, she added to her list of qualifications by completing The Dynamic Leader Program, a 7-month leadership program presented by Tom Borg Consulting, LLC.

She was born and raised in the Downriver area. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and has been an active member of the United Steelworker’s Women of Steel.

For more information about joining the Credit Union, please contact a Member Services Representative at (313) 3862200 or visit www.DownriverCU.com

Karen Blade

FROM THE MAYOR

City moves forward on post-Land Preserve projects

My fellow Riverview residents, I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas holiday and you were able to enjoy time with family and friends. On behalf of your city council and city staff I would like to wish you an incredibly happy and prosperous New Year. We have some changes coming our way very soon.

ANDREW SWIFT

At the Dec. 19 council meeting, the council approved an ordinance allowing marijuana dispensaries to open in our city. The new ordinance allowing this type of business took effect early this month. The first anticipated to open will be in the old Slip Mahoney’s building on south bound Fort Street.

The council approved an ordinance that limits the area where the marijuana dispensaries can be located but not the number of dispensaries allowed.

Several businesses in the area south of the Backhaus property have offers to purchase from potential marijuana dispensaries businesses.

Each of these marijuana dispensaries will be required to pay a fee of $5,000 per license application to defray the administrative and enforcement costs associated with the operation of the cannabis business within the city. Each of these new businesses, according to the ordinance, will make an annual community benefit donation of $10,000.

While we are focusing on businesses in Riverview, particularly on Fort Street, let us review what has taken place over the past several years with our business corridor.

Our Community Development Department was recently tasked with providing me with the number of businesses that have opened, expanded, or moved to Riverview since 2015.

I was pleasantly surprised – as I am sure you will be – to learn that we have had 105 new or expanded businesses in our four square miles.

To be transparent, that number does include online, home based, selfemployed, and expanding businesses. But there are a considerable number that have moved into the Fort Street corridor.

Some of these new businesses were

not successful for a myriad of reasons, the pandemic being just one of them. But several have been remarkably successful.

Some of the more prominent new or expanded businesses that make Riverview their home are Signature Services and Piramal Pharma both located on Krause.

Our Fort Street corridor has experienced considerable growth over the past few years. Achieve Health, Real Estate by Rita, Premier Pet Supply, Savvy Sliders, Subway, Taco Stop, Windsor Beauty Supply, Bogard Law, Cream Barber Shop, A Serendipity and Cakery and Riverview Nutrition are among the 105 businesses to move in since 2015.

As the city council and staff continue to put plans in place to replace the income from the land preserve, it is only fair to go back and look at what having our own landfill meant.

It has been said that previous councils and administrations have been irresponsible in not planning for the closure of the landfill. As a councilperson who has faithfully served this city since 2005, I can say that is not true. What we did do is ensure that our landfill was run better, safer and was environmentally sound.

It was always understood that if we

did that, the landfill would continue to provide an equivalent of 10 mills or 3 ½ million dollars annually.

The amount of money transferred from the landfill fluctuated over the years and we only transferred just enough to balance our budget.

Since 1968 the landfill has provided hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue for operations in place of taxes. We are looking at ways to increase revenues and decrease expenses at the landfill. With the reduction in tonnage due to Covid we have an estimated 12 years of air space left.

In preparation for the eventual closing of the landfill, the city council has several options we will be evaluating.

Normally selling of assets is not a good thing to make up revenue, but in municipally owned properties it is. Selling vacant parcels including along Riverview Street, Grange Road, and Sibley Road to a developer will put these properties back on the tax rolls.

One new major source of revenue is already in progress.

Riverview Energy Systems construction on the renewable gas plant will be operational sometime mid-2023. Anticipated revenue is at least $400,000 per year.

Two more options available that would require voter approval are the

Something that needs to be said, as painful as it is, is that taxes will need to go up.

I do not say that lightly, but that is reality without the landfill.

The City of Riverview has benefited from revenue from the landfill for over 50 years. And with that came the ability to have the lowest millage rate for a city in Wayne County.

Any changes in millage rates would have to be voted on by the residents. The last thing anyone would want is to have an emergency manager running the city. If we are smart about the changes, we can successfully get past these uncertain times.

Something noteworthy our residents should be aware of; the State of Michigan just made it much more difficult to expand a landfill and impossible to open a new one. Why is this important? Because when we close, landfill space will be an expensive commodity and household waste disposal costs will skyrocket. This will have a negative impact on our entire region.

selling of the Riverview Highlands Golf Course alone or in combination with the landfill. We have had some informal inquiries since expansion was denied by the county.

Riverview Recreation Fitness & Fun

CARDIO DRUMMING GOLD

Easy to follow routines that target your whole body. This class is perfect for the be-ginner and is designed for any ability and can be tailored to your level. Gold classes are great for any age but targets the exercise needs of ages 45 and up.

Please bring (up to 75 cm) exercise ball, drumsticks and a buck-et for your ball to sit on. If you would like to give it a try, we do have some equipment to borrow. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to stand. Instructor: Lisa Magyar

Tues. 10:00-11:00 a.m. Jan. 10 - March 28 Thurs. 7:10-8:10 p.m. Jan. 12 - March 30

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

CLASSIC CARDIO + WEIGHTS

This awesome cardio class is taught in a low-impact format. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to “pick it up” or “keep it down” to fit your own needs. The second half of class uses light weights (instructor supplied) to challenge and strengthen muscles, leaving you stronger from head to toe. Enjoy some fabulous music and finish class with a great stretch. Leave feeling GREAT!

Instructor: Sue (Flanary) Michetti

Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 - Mar 20 (No class Feb. 20)

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

TOTAL BODY TONING

This head to toe workout will start with a quick warm up, followed by a 20 minute arm routine, a set of body toning exercises and finish up with an awesome stretch. Please bring a mat and a pair of 1 up to 5 lb. hand weights. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to go on the floor. Instructor: Lisa Magyar

Thurs. 6:00-7:00 p.m. Jan. 12 - March 30

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

CARDIO RHYTHM WALKING

Combinations are easy to follow and so much fun. Light weights for muscular strengthen-ing round out your class. There is no floor work. You’ll be singing as you get fit with walking combinations. You should come and check it out!

Instructor: Sue (Flanary) Michetti

Wed. 9:00-10:00 a.m. Jan. 11 - Mar 22 (No class Feb. 22)

Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

STRETCH & TONE

Start your day with this 45 minute, no/low impact, low intensity workout that will tone your muscles, increase your range of motion, balance and flexibility, and help you to relieve stress. Through a series of simple stretching and toning exercises, participants will find improvements in overall functionality of the body. Please bring a pair of 1 to 5 lb. hand weights. This class will be done standing so no mat needed. Chairs provided for those who do not wish to stand. This class is for 14 & older.

Instructor: Lisa Magyar Tues. 9:00-9:45 a.m. Jan. 10 - March 28 Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym

SPICED APPLE & PORK CHILI

Warm yourself up with this hearty & healthy Spiced Apple and Pork Chili along with a slice of cornbread. The chili has a smoky, sweet flavor and is an easy to put together filling dinner. We will be making approximately 2 quarts of chili. This chili freezes well and is perfect for a quick meal.-Please bring a knife and any utensil that you use for cutting and peeling applies. If you don’t have these, I have extras to bor-row. All ingredients will be provided. Instructor: Lisa Magyar.

If the child is 6-11 years old a parent/guardian must stay to help, if a parent/guardian wants to participate and make their own chili, they must register & pay also. Ages 12 & older a parent does not need to be present.

Supply fee of $25.00 cash is payable to the in-structor at the class. No refunds after January 28th NO WALK INS, MUST PRE-REGISTER Lisa Magyar, Instructor

Upcoming Events at YOUR Riverview Library

W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 1 @ 5 - 6 : 3 0 p . m . D r o p - I n A r t N i g h t : 2 0 2 3 V i s i o n B o a r d S t o p i n t o c r e a t e a d i s p l a y a b l e v i s i o n b o a r d f o r 2 0 2 3 V i s i o n b o a r d s a r e a g r e a t w a y t o s e t g o a l s & p r i o r i t i z e h o w y o u w i l l s p e n d y o u r t i m e i n t h e n e w y e a r . A g e s 1 3 + . N o r e g i s t r a t i o n i s r e q u i r e d .

M o n d a y , J a n u a r y 1 6 C l o s e d i n O b s e r v a n c e o f M a r t i n L u t h e r K i n g J r . D a y

T u e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 7 @ 1 2 p . m . A f t e r n o o n B o o k C l u b R e a d e r s w i l l b e d i s c u s s i n g T h e M a g n o l i a P a l a c e b y F i o n a D a v i s . C o p i e s o f C l u b b o o k s c a n b e c h e c k e d o u t f r o m t h e c i r c u l a t i o n d e s k 1 8 + w e l c o m e N o r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d

W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 1 8 @ 1 1 a . m . E a r l y L i t e r a c y S t or y t i m e J o i n u s f o r s o n g s , s t o r i e s & g a m e s ! B e s t s u i t e d f o r c h i l d r e n a g e s 2 - 5 R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 3 R e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d b y J a n u a r y 1 7

S a t u r d a y , J a n u a r y 2 1 @ 1 2 - 1 : 3 0 p . m . D r o p - I n L e g o C l u b C a l l i n g a l l L e g o m a s t e r b u i l d e r s t o j o i n u s f o r b u i l d i n g f u n ! A l l c o m p l e t e d c r e a t i o n s w i l l b e p u t o n d i s p l a y i n s i d e t h e L i b r a r y . A g e s 5 + w e l c o m e N o r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d

W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 2 5 @ 1 1 a . m . E a r l y L i t e r a c y S t o r y t i m e J o i n u s f o r s o n g s , s t o r i e s & g a m e s ! B e s t s u i t e d f o r c h i l d r e n a g e s 2 - 5 . R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 3 . P l e a s e r e g i s t e r b y J a n u a r y 2 3 .

W e d n e s d a y , J a n u a r y 2 5 @ 4 - 6 : 4 5 p . m . P u z z l e C o m p e t i t i o n J o i n u s i n t h e c o m m u n i t y r o o m f o r a f r i e n d l y p u z z l e c o m p e t i t i o n P a r t i c i p a n t s w i l l h a v e a l m o s t 3 h o u r s t o f i n i s h a 5 0 0 p i e c e p u z z l e . E v e r y t e a m t h a t f i n i s h e s w i l l r e c e i v e a p r i z e . A l l a g e s w e l c o m e . R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 1 1 . R e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d b y J a n u a r y 2 3

M o n d a y , J a n u a r y 3 0 @ 6 : 3 0 p . m . A n E v e n i n g w i t h M a r t y G i t l i nA C e l e b r a t i o n o f A n i m a t i o n P r e s e n t a t i o n : T h e 1 0 0 G r e a t e s t C a r t o o n C h a r a c t e r s o f A l l T i m e A w a r d - w i n n i n g a u t h o r a n d p o p c u l t u r e h i s t o r i a n M a r t y G i t l i n h o s t s t h i s f u n a n d e n l i g h t e n i n g p r e s e n t a t i o n f o r a l l a g e s b a s e d o n h i s b o o k , A C e l e b r a t i o n o f A n i m a t i o n : T h e 1 0 0 G r e a t e s t C a r t o o n C h a r a c t e r s i n T e l e v i s i o n H i s t o r y H e w i l l s h o w f u n n y c a r t o o n s ni p p e t s o f c h a r a c t e r s f r o m t h e p a s t c e n t u r y , p l a y t r i v i a w i t h p a t r o n s , d i s c u s s t h e c r i t e r i a h e u s e d t o r a n k t h e b e s t o f t h e b e s t a n d s p e a k a b o u t t h e i r i m p a c t o n A m e r i c a n p o p c u l t u r e . A g e s 8 + R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 1 6 R e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d b y J a n u a r y 2 8 .

W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 1 @ 1 1 a . m . E a r l y L i t e r a c y S t o r y t i m e J o i n u s f o r s o n g s , s t o r i e s & g a m e s ! B e s t s u i t e d f o r c h i l d r e n a g e s 2 - 5 R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 2 4 R e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d b y J a n u a r y 3 0

M o n d a y , F e b r u a r y 6 @ 6 : 3 0 p . m . B o o k C l u b R e a d e r s w i l l b e d i s c u s s i n g W i s h i n g Y o u W e r e H e r e b y J o d i P i c o u l t C o p i e s o f C l u b b o o k s c a n b e c h e c k e d o u t f r o m t h e c i r c u l a t i o n d e s k 1 8 + w e l c o m e N o r e g i s t r a t i o n r e q ui r e d

W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 8 @ 1 1 a . m . E a r l y L i t e r a c y S t o r y t i m e J o i n u s f o r s o n g s , s t o r i e s & g a m e s ! B e s t s u i t e d f o r c h i l d r e n a g e s 2 - 5 . R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 1 . R e g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d b y F e b r u a r y 6 .

T h u r s d a y , F e b r u a r y 9 @ 6 : 3 0 p . m . A n E v e n i n g w i t h D e t r o i t ' s B r i g h t C o r n e r B a k e r y - S i s t e r P i e B e s t - s e l l i n g a u t h o r s & c u l i n a r y a r t i s t s f r o m S i s t e r P i e h o s t a n e n g a g i n g p r e s e n t a t i o n a b o u t t h e i r c o r n e r b a k e ry i n D e t r o i t s W e s t V i l l a g e a n d t h e d r i v i n g f o r c e s b e h i n d t h e i r s u c c e s s a n d p o p u l a r b o o k S i s t e r P i e : t h e R e c i p e s & S t o r i e s o f a B i gH e a r t e d B a k e r y i n D e t r o i t . T h e y w i l l a l s o s e r v e u p s a m p l e s o f s o m e o f t h e i r d e l i c i o u s , h a n d m a d e b a k e d g o o d s . A g e s 8 + . R e g i s t r a t i o n b e g i n s J a n u a r y 2 5 . P l e a s e r e g i s t e r b y F e b r u a r y 7

H o u r s S e p t e m b e r 6 - J u n e 4 , 2 0 2 3 R i v e r v i e w V e t e r a n s M e m o r i a l L i b r a r y 1 4 3 0 0 S i b l e y R o a d , R i v e r v i e w , M I 4 8 1 9 3 w w w . r i v e r v i e w p u b l i c l i b r a r y . c o m | 7 3 4 - 2 8 3 - 1 2 5 0 L i k e u s o n F a c e b o o k !

M o n d a y - T h u r s d a y , 1 0 a . m . - 7 p . m . S a t u r d a y , 1 0 a m - 3 p m C l o s e d F r i d a y & S u n d a y

SPICED APPLE & PORK CHILI WITH CORNBREAD COOKING CLASS

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29

1:00 – 3:00 PM

TH

Warm yourself up with this hearty & healthy Spiced Apple and Pork Chili along with a slice of homemade cornbread. The chili has a smoky, sweet flavor and is an easy to put together filling dinner. We will be making approximately 2 quarts of chili. This chili freezes well and is perfect for a quick meal.

Warm yourself up with this hearty & healthy Spiced Apple and Pork Chili along with a slice of homemade cornbread. The chili has a smoky, sweet flavor and is an easy to put together filling dinner. We will be making approximately 2 quarts of chili. This chili freezes well and is perfect for a quick meal.

• Please bring a knife and any utensil that you use for cutting and peeling apples. If you don’t have these, I have extras to borrow. All ingredients will be provided.

-Please bring a knife and any utensil that you use for cutting and peeling apples. If you don’t have these, I have extras to borrow. All ingredients will be provided.

• Pre-registration fee of $10.00 must be paid by Saturday, January 28th. No refunds after this date.

Limit of 20 participants. No walk ins. Register online!

-Pre registration fee of $10.00 must be paid by Saturday, January 28th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 20 participants No walk ins.

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab.

Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the

Please make one account per household. Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Department. Call the Recreation Department if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering.

• Supply fee of $25.00 cash payable to the instructor during class time.

Riverview City Hall/Senior Activity Room

14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219

Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up. Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper. If the adult helper wants to participate and make their own Chili and Cornbread they must register and pay also. is is a perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!

Caramel Brownies

Class

Is it the decadent chocolate or the gooey caramel that makes this brownie taste so good? Learn how to make these delicious brownies and take a pan full home for your loved ones or eat the whole thing yourself! They freeze well for snacks, lunch treats or surprise for your coworkers. This class includes all supplies and samples to munch on during class, recipe and your homemade pan of brownies to take home. This class was a big hit last time and will fill up fast!

Final baking will be done at home.

• Pre registration fee of $10.00 must be paid by Saturday, Saturday, February 11th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk ins.

Register online!

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab. Please make one account per household. Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Department. Call the Recreation Department if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering.

• Supply fee of $18.00 cash payable to the instructor during class time.

Riverview City Hall/Senior Activity Room

14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219

Final baking will be done at home.

Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up. Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper. If the adult helper wants to participate and make their own Chili and Cornbread they must register and pay also. is is a perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!

-Pre registration fee of $10.00 must be paid by Saturday, Saturday, February 11th. No refunds after this date. 20 participants per class. No walk ins.

Register online!

https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview -mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab. Please make one account per household. Check or cash for In person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the

Shirley B’s Famous Caramel Brownies

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 1,300 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

Beautiful Two Bedroom Luxury Condo in Key Largo

Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.  The perfect start in paradise.

After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach.  There is always something for everyone!

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

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

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

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

Buc skaters looking forward to rest of season

The new year portion of the 202023 schedule got off to a bit of a rocky start for the Riverview hockey team, which lost two of its first three games on the new calendar year.

Calendar 2023 started with a 4-0 loss to archrival Grosse Ile in the first round of the Woodhaven Tournament played at the Southgate Civic Arena on Jan. 6.

The next night the Bucs won a wild one from host Woodhaven.

The Bucs got a hat trick from Zach Norscia and two goals each from Kyler Worley and Jayce Johnson and they beat the Warriors 9-7.

The momentum from that win did not carry over, however, as the Bucs fell to Wyandotte 6-4 at the Yack on Jan. 11

The game was 2-2 after one period and 4-4 after two, but Roosevelt scored the only two goals of the third period and skated off with the win.

The loss left Riverview with a 6-9 record with 10 regular season games left to be played.

Johnson,who leads Riverview in both goals and assists, had a hat trick against the Bears and Worley added a goal, but it was not enough to overcome William Heskett – who had five goals – and the Bears.

Riverview goalie Jeremy Wright faced a barrage of shots and stopped 43 of the 48 he faced.

Among the highlights this season for the Bucs have been a pair of wins over Ann Arbor Pioneer and a lossavenging win over Dearborn Divine Child.

The Bucs beat the Pioneers 4-3 on opening night in Ann Arbor and 5-2 in Trenton on Dec. 9.

Norscia, Worley, Ethan Horen and Hayden Holmes scored in the first win over Pioneer.

In the second meeting, Riverview bounced back from a 2-1 first period deficit to win.

Johnson had two goals and Jordan Szuch had two goals, including the eventual game-winner. Worley scored the final Riverview goal into an empty net.

Wright was the winning goalie in

the first Pioneer game and Brandon Glover was the winner in the second.

Riverview’s 4-3 win over Divine Child came almost exactly one month after the Falcons had beaten the Bucs 7-2

Johnson, Holmes, Ethan Horen and Jake Schembri all scored in the victory and Wright was the winning goalie. The game came on the first night of the Gabriel Richard Holiday Hockey Tournament. The second night was not-so-great for the Bucs who fell 9-1 to the host team in the tournament championship game.

Riverview’s 10-game run to the end of the regular season begins Jan. 17 when the Bucs host Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central.

The Michigan High School Hockey Association state playoffs begin with regionals on Feb. 20. Riverview is in a regional hosted by Gabriel Richard at the Yack. The teams there are Riverview, Richard, Divine Child, Grosse Ile and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Riverview girls are nearly unstoppable against Milan

Just before the holidays the Riverview girls basketball team suffered its first two losses of the year. The setbacks came against powerful foes in Redford Westfield prep and Tecumseh.

It did not take coach Rob Sauters’ girls long to shake off those losses.

On Jan. 6, in the first game of the new calendar year, Riverview routed Monroe 60-41. Three days later the Bucs went to Milan and exploded for their highest point output of the season in crushing the host Big Reds 72-43.

The running game was working in Milan and the Bucs finished time and again. Almost everyone got in on the fun as nine Riverview players scored.

It was a huge night for senior Elyssa Kincaid, who had a gamehigh 28 points to go along with 11 rebounds and five steals. Averi Westbay had 12 points and Caiya Hunter had none.

Also scoring for Riverview were Maia Perez, Brooklyn Poe, Cady Kaminske, Kate Patterson, Josie Cangialosi and Annabelle DiBrano.

Against Monroe, Riverview led wire-to-wire, stretching a six-point lead after one period to 15 at halftime and 21 heading into the final period.

As they often are, Kincaid and Kaminske were a dynamite onetwo punch for the Riverview team, Kaminske led with 18 points and Kincaid had 17. The pair also made life difficult for Monroe by teaming up for 13 steals.

Patterson added six points and Cangialosi and Westbay had five each.

Those victories moved Riverview’s record to 7-2 overall and 3-0 in the Huron league. The Bucs are defending Huron League champions and threetime defending district champs. Last year the Bucs reached the MHSAA Division 1 state quarterfinals before bowing out.

In games they have won this year, Riverview has hardly been

challenged. Their closest game was a 10-point decision over archrival Grosse Ile on Dec. 12.

In that game, Kaminske shot the lights out as she was 5-for-11 from three-point range and finished with 17 points. Kincaid, who was 3-for-5 on triples, led all scorers with 20 points.

In other games this year, Riverview has beaten Walled Lake Central 6029, Madison Heights Bishop Foley 60-39, Woodhaven 57-21 and Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central 47-28.

You can next catch the Bucs at home when they play Flat Rock on Jan. 23.

When the district tournament rolls around beginning on Feb. 27, Riverview will find itself competing against Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Southgate, Taylor and Wyandotte in a district tournament hosted by Southgate Anderson.

Gabriel Richard hits bumpy patch

After sailing through the first six games of the season with a 5-1 record and holding Southgate Anderson to 13 points and Marine City Cardinal Mooney to 10, the Gabriel Richard girls have hit a little rough patch and they lost three in a row since Dec. 19.

The Pioneers, who started the year with wins over Andrerson, Mooney, Grosse Ile, Huron and Monroe Jefferson, have since lost to Wixon St. Catherine 47-19, Cabrini 47-46 and 48-25 to see their record tumble to 5-4 overall and 0-4 in the Catholic League AA Division.

The Pioneers are currently at the start of a stretch of five straight road games and they will not return to the friendly confines of home until Jan. 26 when they welcome in Royal Oak Shrine.

When MHSAA tournament time rolls around beginning Feb. 27, the Pioneers will host a Division 3 district. Joining the Pioneers there will be Dearborn Advanced tech Academy, Detroit Central and Ecorse.

Catholic Schools Week is Around the Corner

By: Lily Paschke, GR Senior

Catholic Schools Week, a tradition started in 1973, is dedicated to the celebration of Catholic Education in the United States. While it is celebrated differently throughout the country, it is one of the students’ favorite weeks of the school year at Gabriel Richard Catholic. Throughout the week there are a multitude of activities promoting school spirit while also reminding students the value of their Catholic education and the sacrifices made to make it a reality. Gabriel Richard begins Catholic Schools Week with a spirit week for students. This spirit week has themes that are voted on by the student government. Every day includes competitions between students to win points for their grade. These competitions have winners for best spirit apparel for the day as well as matches between those winners in mini-games related to the theme. The week is always concluded in one of two ways, either one of the most anticipated events of the year, the annual volleybuff game, where each grade has a team of boys who play volleyball against other grades, similar to powderpuff, or a prep rally that includes more competitive minigames. Catholic Schools Week is a wonderful way to raise morale in the students at Gabriel Richard, and it is something that is eagerly anticipated as soon as students return from Christmas break. It is a great opportunity to reward such hard-working students.

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!

Pioneers march on

The Gabriel Richard basketball team continued its strong play with three straight wins to start the 2023 portion of its schedule.

The Pioneers beat Detroit Country Day 68-45 on Jan. 3, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard 62-48 on Jan. 6 and Ann Arbor Greenhills 57-48 on Jan. 10. The Pioneers are now 6-1 on the year and you can catch them at home against Royal Oak Shrine on Jan, 24 and Greenhills on Jan. 31.

Riverview cagers get back to winning

After winning six straight games to start the season, the 2022 portion of the slate ended on a sour note for the Riverview Basketball team.

The Bucs had beaten Trenton, Southgate, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central, Dearborn, Grosse Ile and Livonia Clarenceville before Monroe stopped the fun by beating the Bucs 64-46 at the Airport Holiday Showcase on Dec. 30.

The team did not let that affect them too much, however, as Riverview came out in its first game of the new year and throttled Milan 56-41.

That win left coach Marcus Voelz’ team with a 7-1 overall record and 2-0 in Huron League games.

The Bucs were on the road for games against Huron (Jan. 13) and Jefferson (Jan. 20) before facing a huge showdown with Flat Roc in Flat Rock on Jan. 24. The Rams and the Pirates are generally acknowledged as the top teams in the Huron League this season.

When the regular season comes to a close, Riverview will start the

playoffs in a Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament at Huron. Teams in that district are Riverview, Huron, Flat Rock, Grosse Ile and Summit Academy.

Photo by Dave Chapman

Story by Dave Gorgon

Gabriel Richard’s Nic DiSanto signs with Division 1 football team

DiSanto signed a letter of intent to attend Eastern Illinois University about a week after announcing his intentions in dramatic fashion during a commitment ceremony in the Gabriel Richard gymnasium before family members, the student body, coaches, teachers and school officials.

“Playing Division 1 football has been my goal,” DiSanto said. “Ever since the end of my sophomore year, I was really determined to play at the next level. Knowing Division 1 is the highest level for college, why not strive for the best?”

DiSanto, the son of Joe and 27th District Court Judge Elizabeth DiSanto, has starred for the Pioneers in football, ice hockey and lacrosse.

At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, DiSanto was a two-way lineman for the GR football team, blocking for the quarterback and running backs on offense and going after the opponent as a nose guard on defense.

Coach Dionte Allen said DiSanto made his presence felt on and off the field, twice earning All-Catholic honors while serving as a leader on the team and at school.

“It’s a beautiful day for the school,” Allen said during the commitment ceremony. “It’s a phenomenal day… I’m so proud of him.”

Eastern Illinois is located in Charleston, nearly 400 miles southwest of the Downriver area and about three hours downstate from

Chicago. Several alumni have gone on to play in the National Football League, including Tony Romo, a 14year veteran with the Dallas Cowboys and currently the lead football analyst for CBS Sports; Jimmy Garoppolo, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers; and coaches Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan.

John Cannova, an assistant coach for the Panthers, said the staff was pleased to sign DiSanto, who has been targeted to play offensive line for the Cardinals since the end of his junior season. Cannova said DiSanto will receive a full scholarship from the university, calling the young player “a diamond in the rough.”

“Nic is athletic, physical, versatile –

a developmental offensive lineman,” Cannova said. “He’ll play guard or tackle on the offensive line. He has been a priority for us. We’ve enjoyed getting to know him and his family. We’ve been to campus a few times.”

Cannova said staff liked the idea that DiSanto plays on the Gabriel Richard varsity hockey team as well as football and watched him play on the ice in a game against Trenton.

“He would be the first lineman recruited that’s also a hockey player,” Cannova said. “He can really move on skates, which isn’t typical of a guy who is 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds.

“We’re excited about him and his

After making his commitment to Eastern Illinois University, Nic DiSanto poses with sister Nina, dad Joe, mom Elizabeth and Uncle Jeffrey Johnson, who helped train him.

DISANTO

family. They’re awesome people. We look forward to getting him here next summer.”

Joe DiSanto credited his son with working hard to put himself in a position to play college football. Nic worked with his uncle, trainer Jeffery Johnson, in the offseason, lifting weights five days a week while working on speed and agility.

“Hard work pays off,” Joe DiSanto said. “Nic is humble, but he’s a leader. He found a great institution and is going to fit right in there. He has coaches who believe in him. He can get a great education and an opportunity to play some great football.”

DiSanto said he is looking to study in a medical field, perhaps in physical therapy.

“He set a goal, worked hard and achieved his goal,” said Elizabeth DiSanto, who was emotional during the commitment ceremony. “He’s one of those humble leaders that surprises you at the end.”

Gabriel Richard Athletic Director

and basketball Coach Kris Daiek said DiSanto going to play Division 1 football is big news at the high school.

“It means everything,” Daiek said. “They’re getting a great kid, not just a great athlete. He exemplifies everything we do at school. He’s a three-sport athlete (football, hockey and lacrosse). He’s a great representative of the school. What a great, outstanding young man.”

Before unveiling his college choice before a raucous crowd in the GR gym, DiSanto displayed four baseball caps from Eastern Illinois, Hope College, the University of Finley and Wayne State University. He teased, maneuvering from one cap to the next before revealing his true choice as the crowd erupted.

DiSanto said the coaching staff at Eastern Illinois seemed to have the most interest in him and was in contact with him the most throughout the recruiting process.

“They just believed in me from the start,” he said. “They wanted me.”

“It still hasn’t really hit me yet,” he added. “I’m going to move away and play Division 1 football.”

Gabriel Richard students applaud after Nic DiSanto announces his choice of Eastern Illinois University to play Division 1 college football.

A poster showing Nic DiSanto in his GR football uniform attached to the table during the commitment ceremony at GR

Neoliberalism is not a good thing

Folks, thank you to a lot of readers that took the time to express condolences and personal sadness about the loss of my parents to another dimensional realm we cannot see or sense at all.

Efficiency takes you to materials that explain a lot.

towns that serve each community.

It is by design. A 50-year plan.

It is brilliant, it is evil.

No, I do not really think that. But, well, you know…. it feels really bad to me that I have lost the direct link to the past, for they were time machines whose general knowledge and wisdom dates to 1932 and 1935.

I was reading and learning from ILSR 5 ½ years ago as I started writing. (I’ll supply the written links: find them at the end of this column. Be like Peter: Subscribe to ILSR, support them, read their work, and piece it all together yourself!).

PETER ROSE

Think about it. Think about what was just about to change dramatically at that point in history.

When I began writing for Go Big (which meant the inaugural issue of The Grosse Ile Grand), my opportunity was to share what I knew about buying locally. This topic has been an obsession of mine long before that, but I thought I might reach a few more by taking Mr. Evans up on his request to write a monthly column.

I am going to repeat myself here, now, from prior writings.

I knew quite a bit about my topic then. But the truth is, through what I have learned since then, if I started today the columns would be very different.

The words below came to me today, from one of my hero organizations called The Institute of Local Self Reliance (ILSR). This was going to be what I addressed, but suddenly, serendipitously, I am better equipped to write.

Evidence is mounting that

A recent conference hosted by Columbia Law School and the Financial Times, “Rethinking Globalization, Intermediation, and Efficiency,” gathered academics, journalists, and others to explore the elements of a new paradigm.

Creating strong local communities should be the guiding principle of a new approach, ILSR Co-Director Stacy Mitchell argued as part of a panel discussion. “Community is a deeply held biological and spiritual need,” she noted. “Neoliberalism has actively demeaned and destroyed communities as self-conscious and self-governing places. It has stripped places of their economic and political power and rendered them subservient to distant entities,” namely powerful corporations.

These are ideas I strongly urge you to explore. The site Rethinking Globalization, Intermediation, and

The name Neoliberalism was coined that way to counteract the words and support of those that seek to get all the money, no matter the cost to the bottom 95 percent of us here in America. They named it something clever by using the word Liberal in their name to fuzz it up just a little. But Neoliberalism serves in the same way that all doublespeak works. Lie relentlessly, blame the “liberals” and blame you for not being a good enough citizen, all the while shoveling as much money to the businesses that lobby Washington for advantageous bills (written by companies that seek more money and more power).

I am perpetually interested in conversation, especially when we are talking about things that we disagree with politically. If we don’t understand each other, we all remain just “assholes on the other side.” Precisely as it is, and precisely as it has been designed to do: Divide and conquer the American people, see what awaits you.

We do that in part by diminishing the communities of towns everywhere across the nation. By getting people to not pay attention to what malls, big boxes, and internet sites actually are. They are all efforts by “big money” to move wealth and influence away from

There are no companies within our readership here that play any role in this plan. There are no people that benefit from such actions and schemes. Yet local people towards the upper income tiers have been taught to perceive people like me as Socialists, as people that weaken the resolve of those that want to believe that somehow, this path that has been laid upon us will result in staggering wealth for all. Less taxes for the wealthy, more taxes for the masses (the 95 percent of us, of which my debaters all belong.

When we bash anything that talks about paying more in taxes as redistributive against the industries that lobby so hard to maintain the redistributive policies that have already been levied against small for the sake of “big”, we are deliberately calling for what we’re getting.

My company prevailed against these alien invaders. We’re still here. Most failed, to be replaced by corporate versions that send as much money as possible to shareholders and executives elsewhere.

We’ve seen firsthand on the battlefield that killed thousands of smaller local companies that once served their communities.

More light to shed next month. Here are your links. Sorry you have to type them in!

Written article: ilsr.org/communityis-central/

Podcast: ilsr.org/blp-shifting-theparadigm/

“neoliberalism” — the paradigm that has long dominated policymaking and brought us runaway corporate consolidation and globalization — is losing its hold.

indispensable and one of the real legends of the 42-year-old tournament...

On page 11

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Kaitlyn Molnar is state diving champion

Not only did Grosse Ile High School’s Kaitlyn Molnar win the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 Diving championship at the Holland Aquatic Center on Nov. 19, but she also took a deep dive into school and local history.

Kaitlyn Molnar is the first state champion in diving in Grosse Ile history – male or female. She is also the first women’s state champion diver from the Downriver area – ever.

Molnar, a junior at Grosse Ile High, dominated this year’s season, winning the Huron League and regional championships. She and fellow diver Evelina Hovis, both qualified for the MHSAA state finals...

On page 1

Grosse Ile’s St. Thomas Lutheran Church has a new pastor. At a formal installation ceremony held on Saturday, Nov. 4, the Reverend Kari Rinas was officially certified as the new spiritual leader of the congregation. Former St. Thomas pastor and current Assistant to the Bishop, Sean Ewbank led the celebration of shared ministry between Pastor Kari Rinas and the church.

Among the celebrants at St. Thomas were family, friends, and local clergy.

The Pastor’s husband, Joshua, is also an ordained minister of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), who was called and installed the next day as pastor of Faith Lutheran in Brownstown. The couple has two young children, and have made their home in Brownstown...

On page 7

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

Tony Garcia dies at age 92

...A native of Mexico, Mr. Garcia traveled to his homeland to watch the Mexican national championship to determine which team would play in Taylor. World Series officials called him their Mexico ambassador.

2nd Street Performing Arts Center

Former church

Actors Guild

is new home to Downriver

A more than half-million-dollar investment has transformed the former St. Elizabeth Catholic Church and school into the 2nd Street Performing Arts Center in Wyandotte.

The center – touted as “the premier performing arts community gathering space” in the Downriver area –is a place for performing arts, dance, music and visual arts. It’s home to the Downriver Actors Guild, the Downriver Dance Academy, 2nd Street Sound (an A Capella group) and the podcast “Curtain Call.”

Located at 1123 2nd Street, the new facility opened on Oct. 14 after a more than $500,000 investment to transform the former church and attached school into a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-art theater with room for more than 250 seats and stage, plus an attached studio complex.

Housed in the studio complex are a dance studio, costume shop, scene shop, rehearsal space and storage for props, costumes and set pieces...

On page 20

Southgate Holiday memories:

On page 4 and 5

During World Series week, he served as an interpreter for any Spanish-speaking team that qualified for the international tournament. And in the earlier years of the series, Mr. Garcia and his family housed players from Mexico while they were in town to play for the world championship.

World Series officials called Mr. Garcia

St. Thomas Lutheran welcomes new pastor

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Students attend MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit

...For more than 20 years the MHSAA has provided a Sportsmanship Summit experience to students across Michigan.

This year new breakout topics, more interaction within the sessions, and additional time was provided for students to present ideas to other students...

After the opener, five 27-minute breakout sessions followed that covered the following topics: Social media, Athletic Director’s perspectives, respect for officials, student sections and parental support and etiquette at events.

On page 7

Trenton Recreation looking forward to 2023

We’ve been focused on expanding our senior and youth programming, as well as opening our facilities back up for rentals. If you are interested in renting out the Westfield Center or Cultural Center for a family or organizational event or if you’d like rent ice for a party at the Kennedy Recreation Center, please give us a call at 734-675-7300.

the fights he got in.

A sold out crowd laughed and cried to his amazing stories

On page 26

And stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved and get moving! With everything from park builds to holiday events to jamborees and showcases, there will be something for everyone. We’re truly approaching 2023 with a renewed appreciation for the good times – which we can’t wait to host and celebrate with you...

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

City honors junior football champs

...City of Wyandotte officials have honored the Wyandotte Indians freshman football team for earning the “Peanut Bowl” championship of the Downriver Junior Football League.

With players, cheerleaders, coaches and family

On page 10

Former Red Wing McCarty wows at veteran event

...Former Detroit Red Wings standout and fan favorite Darren McCarty was our featured guest speaker and he rocked Crystal Gardens with his stories of his four Stanley Cup winning teams and

members gathered in the City Council chambers, Mayor Robert DeSana read a certificate of recognition, which praised the squad for “bringing home the Peanut Bowl Championship Trophy for the first time in 19 years.”...

On page 18

Art exhibits in the works

The Downriver Council for the Arts is seeking artists’ contributions for the “About Face” exhibit scheduled for January 19-16, 2023, at the DCA, 81 Chestnut Street. The deadline for artwork is January 17. An opening reception will be held January 19. The exhibit focuses on the portrait theme. Artists are free to apply their own interpretation in representing the overall theme.

Artwork may include any work related to a single person, a group, a self-portrait, non-human and/ or animals. A variety of interpretations can be submitted in all media.

The exhibit “Resolutions & Regrets” continued through January 14.

The DCA hosts an online portion for all exhibits. To view the creative works, visit the website www.downriverarts.org and click on the exhibit....

On page 19

Businesses line up for retail marijuana retail permits

SUSAN PINKOWSKI

If you didn’t happen to drive by Riverview’s City Hall the first week of the New Year, you definitely missed the quickly growing line up to submit applications for the city’s marijuana permits on Jan. 6.

On Jan. 1, there was one lone person in line, but the next day, five tents had been erected along the sidewalk. You might have seen them on Channel 7’s news program. On Jan. 3, it was a different crowd altogether since the nonresident boat permits were up for grabs. That had to be an interesting mix!

The doors finally opened the morning of Jan. 6 and the marijuana permit application process began.

On Jan. 2, Riverview council member Chuck Norton was at City Hall talking with those in line. Norton was on the ad hoc committee that met twice a month for six months with nine other committee members to hash over what our city was going to recommend to the council.

The committee was also composed of council members Rita Gunaga and Sussie O’Neil, Joseph Hatzl (school superintendent), John Allen (police chief), Jeff Dobek (city manager), Randy Pentiuk (city attorney), David Scurto (community development), and two residents, Pam (George) Brown and Ray Lemmons.

After they voted 8 to 2 in favor of issuing permits, Mayor Swift moved to conduct a public hearing, which was held Dec. 19. The council vote regarding the sale of recreational marijuana in the city passed by a vote of four to three.

First in line for a permit was Kinship Cannabis Company, which will take over the building formerly occupied by Slip Mahoney’s.

Kinship is a family-owned business, which started over 10 years ago when owner Curt Molino was a caregiver to his brother who had Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The family wanted to help relieve his pain and stress, but back then, caregivers had to grow their own plants.

Even though his brother eventually succumbed to the illness, they realized that there were many, many people out there who could benefit from this form of treatment, and it grew from there.

Kinship won’t have a grow operation at Slip’s, only retail/distribution.

They said they plan on hiring 30 to 50 local people to run the business and hope to get up to full speed by the

middle of this year.

In addition to the excise tax that the city will receive from each purchase, the city will also take in licensing renewal fees, which also have to be paid to the

state.

Kinship has already purchased the building, and will make building improvements, landscape improvements, install new signage and generally just spruce the place up.

As there won’t be a grow operation there, the permeating aroma of marijuana will not waft over Fort Street or to their new neighbors. Their grow operation is out in Parma Township, near Jackson, with no plans of moving. Online their ‘About Us’ information states:

Welcome! We’re Kinship. A family of like-minded people who came together because we saw a way we could do some good in our communities. As experienced cultivators and providers, we understand the profound benefits cannabis can bring to our lives– both as individuals and as a community. And we’re passionate about bringing those benefits to as many people as we can.

In line after Kinship were employees from Divine Black Dynasty, who were hired to “stand in line” for an unnamed client, and no further information was forthcoming.

The smallest tent squeezed into third place belonged to Joyology, owned by Joe McElhiney. He had a nice young lady stand in holding his spot but wasn’t reachable by phone or email.

Joyology is online and they have six locations with two or three more in the opening process. There were two other tents in the fourth and fifth spots, but both declined to be interviewed.

While I was there, however, the fifth tent had a change out of its rather large propane tank, so someone was inside keeping nice and toasty, and staying for the long haul.

There are always a lot of unknowns when a company selling previously illegal substances moves into the neighborhood. Will it affect property values? Will the level of crime increase? Will our teenagers get access?

Kinship’s owner and employees were very open and honest about what they hoped to accomplish in Riverview. Joyology has quite a few locations already up and running, so they must have a successful business practice as well. We’ll have to wait and see what other companies pop up over the summer.

Winter pruning tips

Snip or saw your way to healthier trees

RACHEL COALE FOREST RESOURCES DIVISION MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

With frost curling sparkles across the windows and fuzzy socks adorning your feet, gardening season is a warm, summer memory put to bed under a blanket of snow.

Or is it?

It’s easy to think that yard work is over during snow season, but there’s a perfect winter task waiting if you’re itching to get outdoors – pruning.

Pruning is more than just giving your trees and shrubs a trim. Sure, whacking branch ends off will make a tree neater, but a bit of technique will help ensure its health and vitality. Pruning removes damaged or sick parts of trees and can stimulate new growth and fruit production.

“The best time to prune most trees is in late winter to early spring before growth starts,” said Kevin Sayers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry program leader. “That’s January to March in Michigan.”

During this time, trees are dormant, and sap is not flowing, which minimizes the impact of cuts from pruning. You can also see the shape of broadleaf, or deciduous, trees best when branches are not obscured by leaves.

The potential for transfer of diseases by insects is also at its lowest in winter since it’s too cold for beetles and flies to move about. This is important for oak trees that can be infected fatally with oak wilt disease in warmer months when beetles move from tree to tree.

Most trees and shrubs should be pruned in winter, except springflowering plants like hydrangeas and dogwoods. Prune them after they flower.

How to prune

Specific pruning techniques can vary by plant species, blooming time and whether the tree produces fruit, but the basics remain the same.

To prune your tree, look at its overall branch structure and shape.

First, remove diseased, dead or broken branches. Then cut any branches that cross and rub together, as well as any that make the tree grow lopsided. Work around the tree, not just from one side, so the shape is even. Prune away suckers sprouting from

the base of single-stem trees and trim off low-hanging branches. If unsure, ask yourself, “will I be whacked in the face when I mow the lawn?”

When you prune away twigs and branches, find the sweet spot: don’t leave long stubs that can slow healing, but don’t make flush cuts that remove the branch collar, the slight swelling where the branch meets the stem.

Wounds created by cuts too close to the trunk can injure the tree. Always make pruning cuts on the outside of the natural branch collar.

Pruning should improve airflow in your tree or shrub by opening up the crown but avoid removing more than 25 percent of the tree in any single year so it can recover more easily.

The “less is more” rule applies to

pruning.

Good pruning is not measured by the quantity of material removed, but rather by the quality.

Remove heavy or long limbs using the “three-cut method” to prevent damage to your tree. First, cut the end third of the branch off. Then remove the middle third, and finally, cut the remaining third above the branch collar. This prevents a heavy branch from tearing off a strip of bark as it falls.

To finish, do you need to use pruning spray? Tree care professionals say no.

“Trees are able to naturally repair and seal themselves after pruning, so treatment is not necessary,” said Lawrence Sobson, DNR urban forester and partnership coordinator.

Equipment

Having the right tool for the job will make pruning quicker and easier. Depending on the size and type of plant you’re growing, here are a few options to consider investing in:

· Handheld pruning shears – use for small trees and shrubs, roses and

detail work.

· Long-handled loppers – best for shrubs, hedges and larger fruit trees.

· Pruning saw or long-handled pole saw – used to remove low-hanging overhead limbs, large branches or brush.

Maintain your tools by keeping a sharp edge, which will help neatly cut twigs instead of crushing them with dull blades. Keep them clean by wiping them with alcohol or a cleaning wipe after use to prevent the transfer of diseases between plants. A bit of oil before storing tools can help keep blades and moving parts from rusting.

When to DIY and when to call in a professional

Some pruning tasks are manageable at home, while others are best left to experts.

If you are dealing with large, heavy branches or tall trees, especially those located near a building or electrical wires, don’t take risks. Tree care can

be dangerous, so have tough jobs handled by a professional tree service company.

Find a landscaping company accredited with the Tree Care Industry Association or a certified arborist with the Michigan chapter of the International Society of Arborculture.

If your pruning project is do-ityourself sized, gather your gear and size up the scene before starting.

Work gloves are a must for pruning, especially if you’ll be dealing with a thorny plant. If you’re working on a particularly overgrown or dense tree, also consider putting on a pair of safety glasses or goggles before diving in to avoid getting poked in the eye.

When trimming low-hanging branches, a long-handled pole saw is your friend, allowing you to work from the ground. Be aware that branches can swing and strike you if only partially cut through, so make decisive cuts, work in small sections at a time and be aware of your surroundings.

When dealing with anything taller than you can reach with a pole saw, thoughtfully evaluate your abilities and safety.

“Ladders are useful for changing light bulbs and cleaning gutters, but are not usually appropriate for pruning tree limbs,” said Sayers.

Ladders are unstable and usually aren’t large enough to reach desired branches for pruning mature trees, which can be anywhere from 20 to 100 feet tall. In most cases, if you think you need a ladder to accomplish your work, you probably need a professional instead.

From homes for birds to tasty fruit to cooling shade in the summertime, trees and shrubs provide an array of natural benefits. With the right knowledge, tools and care, your trees and shrubs will be happier, healthier and thriving.

Once your winter pruning is accomplished, it’s time to start planning for the spring planting season. Get ready with tips from Michigan DNR’s Mi Trees resources and add your new trees to the community planting map.

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If that was the last time you walked through our doors, then it is an absolute must to come back! e completion of renovations in our whole restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities gives the whole place a brand new look. Ever since my wife and I took ownership in January of 2019, we have been striving to keep Mister Nicks at the heart and soul of our Trenton