Southgate Star, January 17 – February 9, 2023

It didn’t take long for Kaylee Mondrella to make an impact in her role as new director of the Southgate Downtown Development Authority.

Hired in October, Mondrella already has participated in the city’s successful Christmas tree decorating contest and “Noon Year’s Eve,” both at Market Center Park, and the Santa train ride holiday event at Kiwanis Park.

She also joined Mayor Joseph Kuspa in welcoming Xtra Crafty Design Studio, a new Southgate business, during a ceremonial ribboncutting, and looks forward to attracting more businesses to the city and supporting businesses that are already

located in the community. While planning other events to bring the community together in 2023, Mondrella has begun the process of studying the open spaces in the DDA District and finding businesses to move to the city to fit those spaces. The near future will include creating a new DDA business guide to help guide the public to Southgate businesses and to update the artistic banners in Market Center Park.

“There’s a lot of things a DDA can do and should do,” the new director said. “I’m really hoping to bring economic development and downtown development. It’s huge for me to create

DAVE GORGON

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

DIRECTOR

Continued from page 1

relationships with local businesses and find out what they need to succeed in terms of resources. How can I be supportive in any way?”

Mondrella will host an ice cream social for local business owners in the month of February. She said she wants to offer business owners and managers the opportunity to share their thoughts with her directly.

“Southgate is a great community,” she added. “Every community needs good leaders. Our community has a lot of active players. I’m working on lots of different things to develop community camaraderie.”

The Southgate DDA is a long way from a small town in suburban Big Rapids, where Mondrella was raised as part of a farming family. She attended St. Peter Lutheran School, “which always emphasized opportunities.” She did a lot of volunteering with her church leadership group, participated in fundraisers for a homeless shelter and different food pantries, all while receiving guidance and encouragement from “great mentors and leaders in school.”

She graduated from Big Rapids High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

During college, she interned two summers for the Village of Roscommon, which has a population of less than 3,000, cementing her interest for working in small town government.

“Roscommon has two stoplights and is a small but upand-coming community near Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake,” she said. “They have a lot of things they’re trying to accomplish. In the last four or five years, what they’ve done is incredible.”

The internship proved most educational and provided

a great deal of experience. Mondrella said village leaders favored someone who was interested “in making my own path.” She was given the opportunity to make a difference in a variety of areas – including economic development – and she “helped with anything anywhere –wherever they needed an extra hand.” She attended Village Council meetings, explored the village’s Redevelopment Ready Community Program through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and “experienced every corner of local government.”

After graduation, she accompanied husband Jeremy to Pittsburgh, where he earned a master’s degree in energy science technology and policy at Carnegie Mellon University.

When the master’s degree was achieved, Kaylee and

Jeremy agreed that Pittsburgh was not the place they wanted to plant roots, so they returned to Michigan. Jeremy found a job in nuclear power in Detroit and Kaylee searched for the right job in the right place.

While responding to a number of job posts, she saw the City of Southgate was seeking a program coordinator for Parks and Recreation.

Mondrella said Parks and Rec. Director Julie Goddard called her to say she would be a “better fit” for the DDA director, an open position that had not yet been posted.

“Even during the interview process, I was impressed with Mrs. Mondrella’s enthusiasm and community experience,” said Mayor Joseph Kuspa, who chairs the DDA Board. “She is very personable and engaging.

“New ideas and energy are always welcome, but having

the ability to follow through on those ideas is a key component to being successful in this position. Kaylee has those attributes and we look forward to her bringing more events and commercial activity to our DDA district. She is very good at working with people and has already become a valued member of our administrative team.”

The Mayor said the Noon Year’s Eve event, coordinated by Goddard and Mondrella, had the largest participation to date with more than 175 children registered. Mondrella said costumed cartoon dog characters “Bluey” and “Bingo” proved to be very popular with the attendees.

Mondrella already has a big fan in Beverly McReynolds, owner of the new Xtra Crafty Design Studio at 18833 Eureka Road.

“Southgate has been very, very, very kind and helped me get through this business process,” McReynolds said.

“This is the first time I’ve opened a brick-and-mortar shop. Kaylee came to my location a couple times. She answered all of my questions.”

McReynolds admitted she struggled with social media, calling Mondrella “a godsend” who provided assistance with her Facebook account, helped her invite potential customers to her studio and even called to invite her to an upcoming round table seminar about grants through the Small Business Administration.

“It kills me to navigate social media, but this is what everybody knows now,” McReynolds said. “Kaylee has been very knowledgeable. That’s the kind of stuff she does. She goes the extra mile.”

The Southgate DDA district is a “non-traditional downtown, which makes things interesting,” Mondrella said. The district includes Eureka from Allen Road to Fort Street, a portion of Trenton Road and a portion of Dix-Toledo Road. She looks forward to Southgate joining the ranks of Redevelopment Ready communities, which she learned about in Roscommon. The program shows potential business owners and developers the steps and resources to make it happen.

While Southgate is many times larger than both her hometown in suburban Big Rapids and Roscommon, Mondrella said it still has a small-town feel, which she enjoys.

“I grew up where people knew who you were and who to go to in the community,” she said. “If you had an issue, they had a ‘guy’ for it. They knew first and last names. I love that. I want to be one of those people and know all of those people.”

Meanwhile, follow the Downtown Southgate Facebook page to keep up with events and other information.

Kaylee with costumed characters Bluey and Bingo at the Winter Wonderland train ride event at Kiwanis Park.

Catholic Schools Week is Around the Corner

By: Lily Paschke, GR Senior

Award-winning, one-person drama to benefit Historical Society

Downriver theater goers will have an opportunity to attend the awardwinning Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, a poignant onewoman play written and performed by Michigan author Breeda Kelly Miller, at the Trenton Village Theater on Sunday, Feb. 5, 7 pm.

her mother’s journey from her native Ireland through the end of her life, charting the type of experiences felt by generations of immigrants and adults caring for their aged parents.

BILL STEVENSON

In doing so, not only will they be immersed in an historical drama, but will be helping to benefit the Grosse Ile Historical Society.

According to a performance advance delivered by Historical Society President Karin Cozzi and past president Tony Krukowski, “Michigan author Breeda Kelly Miller has created a live love letter to her late mother in her new one-woman play, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, a touching theatrical tribute in which Miller portrays her mom, Mary Kelly, through Mrs. Kelly’s immigration from Ireland to America, matriarchal role raising her family, and struggle with dementia late in life.

“Named winner of the Wilde Award for the best one-person show of 202122 by EncoreMichigan, Michigan’s leading theater news organization, ‘Breeda Kelly Miller brings to life a funny and often profound look at

“This is a theatrical memoir filled with humor and poignant moments, with Breeda performing each role, introducing us to her parents, their families, and friends. Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home will keep audiences riveted from the opening line to the closing blessing. It is a moving, joyous exploration of love, roots, and family.’

“After caring for her mother for six years until her death in 2011, Miller became a nationally known speaker, raising awareness and supporting the importance of self-care for caregivers.

She is the author of the book, The Caregiver Coffeebreak, a skilled storyteller whose ‘Ticket to Heaven’ tale was on NPR’s ‘The Moth Radio Hour’.”

Directed by Brian Cox, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home will make its Downriver premiere at the Trenton Village Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson, Trenton.

General admission tickets are $25 and VIP seating at $40 can be purchased online at Eventbrite or by calling 734-675-1250.

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.

Voice of Democracy

District winner comes from Southgate VFW post for the second year in a row

DAVE GORGON

Lidia Cappelletti drew from personal experience when writing her entry into the Voice of Democracy competition held Jan. 7 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Southgate.

Cappelletti, a senior at Allen Park High School, recalled visiting Arlington National Cemetery during an eighth-grade field trip four years ago to Washington DC.

“The sun shines peacefully upon the uniform, white marble tombstones that speckle the green pasture,” her speech begins. “A profound sense of gratitude hangs in the air as, overwhelmed, I fight to hold back tears. Before me are thousands of tombstones belonging to people I’ve never met, each telling their own story. Despite being engraved with different names, each possesses a few trails in common: service, valor and sacrifice.

“My classmates and I follow our tour guide along a paved path. A respectful silence descends upon our group, as we approach the graves of Arlington National Cemetery. Despite being incapable of understanding the magnitude of what was laid out before us, our young minds understood the privilege each of us had been afforded due to these individuals and many others who had sacrificed their time, freedom and even lives. In that moment, the sacrifice became real…”

Cappelletti’s speech, which answers the question “Why is the veteran important?,” was selected as the winner of the VFW Fourth District competition. Representing the host Southgate VFW post, she received a $1,000 Raymond P. Nowatzke Scholarship, cash prizes totaling $300 and the first place trophy.

Cappelletti also earned the right to advance to the state VFW competition, scheduled for January 28 in Kalamazoo. The Michigan winner advances to the national Voice of Democracy contest – in Washington DC, home of that eighth-grade field trip.

This was Cappelletti’s second

speech in the annual competition. She finished third in the contest a year ago and remembers sitting next to the Fourth District overall winner and Southgate resident Crissa Esse, then a senior at Inter-City Baptist School in Allen Park. Esse would go on to win the state competition, winning a $6,000 scholarship, and then placed third overall in the nation to earn another $10,000.

Both girls were sponsored by VFW Post 9283, which is a combination of two previously separated posts from Southgate and Allen Park. Cappelletti said she was inspired by Esse’s effort and submitted a new speech early in the school year.

The VFW’s Fourth District competition included girls and boys representing posts throughout Wayne County.

John Fleming, chairman of the district Voice of Democracy event, said there were 17 submissions from high school students in the VoD and

14 entries from seventh- and eighthgraders in the Patriot’s Pen essay writing contest. Sharon Lewinski, a member of the Southgate VFW Auxiliary, serves as chairwoman of the event.

Runner-up in the Fourth District Voice of Democracy contest was Evelyn Goll, a sophomore at Livonia Churchill High School, representing VFW Post 1519. Finishing third was Eliana Pettigrew, a senior at Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, who was sponsored by Post 1136. They won $200 and $100, respectively.

Sydney Christie, a seventh-grader at Inter-City Baptist, took first place in the Patriots Pen competition. Amelia Doshoian, an eighth-grader at Boyd Arthurs Middle School in Trenton, and Joshua Berwald, an eighth-grader at Grosse Ile Middle School, finished second and third, respectively. The top three cash prizes were $300, $200 and $100.

Overall winner Cappelletti said

she entered the Voice of Democracy because of the college scholarship involved and because she enjoys events involving “civic engagement.”

The senior, who is the daughter of Barbara and Nino Cappelletti, said she wants to study business consulting in college and looks forward to working for a problem-solving firm in the future.

Cappelletti may have been the busiest entrant in the competition. She is president of the high school Student Council and National Honor Society, is the goalkeeper on the Allen Park varsity girls soccer team, enjoys Tai Kwon Do and is a member of the Mock Trian Team and We the People. She mentors freshmen entering high school in the Link Crew. She is a member of the Book Club, Science Club, Parent-Teacher Student Association, Model UN, Drama Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

“I have a lot of different interests,”

VFW Fourth District Voice of Democracy winner Lidia Cappelletti flanked by parents Barbara and Nino and joined by officials from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, plus family members of Raymond Nowasatko, for whom the $1,000 college scholarship is named.

VOICE

Continued from page 6

she said. “I do as much as I can. It makes me happy.”

Barbara Cappelletti called her daughter “a great kid” who is “smart” and a “real go-getter.”

“Lidia has a diversity of interests,” Nino Cappelletti added. “Regardless of what she’s studying, she will take it seriously and work hard at it.”

The Cappellettis, who own Affinity financial Advisory, are also the parents of son Enrico, who is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

“We thought the speech was very good,” Nino said. “It painted a nice picture.”

“The topic for the speech really spoke to an experience she had,” his wife said. “That made her write from the heart… We’re very proud of her.”

Lidia read her speech to the packed awards banquet at the Southgate VFW. The speech talks about seeing the gravesite of Sgt. Vincent James Bell, a Purple Heart recipient and whose honor ribbon “rests upon my neck.”

“After a moment of silence, we each placed a penny upon his headstone, thanking him for his service, valor and sacrifice,” she said. “Sgt. Bell and many others sacrificed themselves for me – for the American dream to live on – for freedom. The feeling of thankfulness was so overwhelming my mind struggled to grasp the selflessness such a sacrifice required.

“Ultimately, this profound reality is why the veteran is so important. The willingness to leave the comfort of home and one’s family, the valor displayed through training, each tour and throughout their daily lives sets the veteran apart. The dedication to protecting the freedom of their fellow countrymen regardless of political views, race, gender or religious beliefs reveals their strong character. Veterans constitute a group of citizens with the utmost values and an undeniable allegiance to this country and its founding ideals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

“On the bus ride home, I contemplated the veterans in my life: my nonno, who taught me faith; my martial arts instructors, who have taught me honor; and my cousin, who has taught me perseverance. These are values we should seek to emulate.”

The speech concludes: “I still think back to my eighth-grade field trip to Washington DC. I think of the families veterans had to leave behind and the sacrifices they also made. I think of those who have returned home changed and the battles they are still fighting. I think of the memorials and the flags flying at half-mast.

“I think of Sgt. Bell, whose honor ribbon remains one of my most prized possessions. In the end, I am left with a question: How could someone be so selfless? It is the answer to this question which illuminates the immense value of each and every veteran, each to whom I am indebted. So to those who have served, those who are currently serving and those who will serve… thank you.”

Congratulations, Joseph Reynolds Southgate Anderson English teacher is VFW high school teacher of the year

DAVE GORGON

When they received word that the Veterans of Foreign Wars Fourth District was seeking patriotic speeches from local high school students for the 76th annual Voice of Democracy contest, Southgate Anderson English teachers Joseph Reynolds and Tim Gerberding decided to make it a writing assignment for their ninth- and 10th-grade students.

Reynolds said they collected 225 speeches from students. They graded the work and selected five of the top entries to submit to the VFW and Auxiliary.

Reynolds, whose father Garry was an Army Signal Corp during the Vietnam War in 1968 and 1969 and then served another 20 years in the Army Reserves, was selected as high school teacher of the year during the Fourth District competition.

Awards to teachers and students were presented Jan. 7 at the Cpl. Lambert A. Pfeiffer Jr. VFW Post 9384 in Southgate.

“I think the contest is a cool idea,” Reynolds said. “It makes kids more aware of the military and gives respect to military personnel and veterans.”

High School Teacher of the Year Joseph Reynolds of Southgate Anderson receives his prizes from Voice of Democracy Chairman John Fleming, a trustee at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 in Southgate.

Reynolds was no stranger to the Voice of Democracy, having entered and won the competition when he was a senior at Monroe Jefferson High School. However, until he learned about the competition a year or two ago from Anderson counselor Rachel Cannon, Reynolds admitted: “I didn’t know it was still around.”

Three teachers won top honors in the Fourth District, which includes posts in Wayne County. Tashawana Adams of Adams Young Academy was named elementary school teacher of the year. Phillip Duda of Cornerstone Jefferson Douglas Academy. Both were sponsored by VFW Post 2233 in Detroit.

All three honorees received a plaque and $100.

Reynolds has taught for 23 years in the Southgate school system, including 10 years at Anderson. His extracurricular activities this year include serving as senior class sponsor, running the German Club for students interested in foreign languages, overseeing the Anime’ Club and serving as faculty sponsor of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter.

Reynolds earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in education from University of MichiganDearborn.

John Fleming of the Southgate VFW oversees the Fourth District contest. Entries are accepted near the start of the school year. The presenter of the winning speech advances to the state competition later this month in Kalamazoo.

The top three finishers in the VFW Fourth District Voice of Democracy contest: winner Lidia Cappelletti (left), runner-up Evelyn Goll and third-place Eliana Pettigrew.

Kessler Family Southgate, Michigan Scott, Jayne, Jude, and Neve … and Sven

New staff member at the International Refuge

Hello, my name is Ryan Wulf. I was born and raised in Colorado. I am a new maintenance worker at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Much of my career has been in the maintenance field. I started my career at Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand Lake, Colorado, and even earlier as a helper for my dad as he was a general contractor. As a Maintenance worker, I look forward to and strive to have a safe, efficient and as convenient a workplace as possible.

Before moving to Michigan in September I spent time in my home state of Colorado after leaving my last post at Glacier Bay National Park in Gustavus, Alaska. I worked at Glacier Bay National Park for four seasons 2018-2021.

Some of my favorite things to experience were the stillness, exploring remote areas, and utilizing the resources nature provided to the largest extent I could.

When I am not at work most of the activities and things I enjoy take place outdoors. I love hunting, fishing, foraging and processing everything I harvest from nature. I am a recurve bow hunter, and love to take my kayak on fishing adventures.

In addition to outdoor recreation, music, food and comfort are my other main interests.

I play the bassoon, baritone sax, and aspire to practice my fiddle.

I thrive off trying new recipes, finding new flavors, and exploring different ingredients. It is the little things in life such as ice water, a warm blanket, a hot shower after a long day amongst other things that I cherish most.

This area is amazing, and I am very excited to join the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge team as a maintenance worker. I look forward to getting to know everyone and having some fun here in Michigan.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Efficiency takes you to materials that explain a lot.

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!).

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

towns that serve each community.

It is by design. A 50-year plan.

It is brilliant, it is evil.

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/

PETER ROSE

Titan wrestlers finish strong at Wyandotte Invite

The Anderson wrestling team attended the 19team Wyandotte Wrestling Invitational on Jan. 7 and came away with a solid sixth-place finish with 88.5 points.

Belleville won the last match of the night and with it the meet championship, edging host Wyandotte 191.5 - 187.5. Fenton (181) finished third.

Tecumseh (130.5) was fourth, Dearborn High (111) was fifth, Fordson and Saline (76) tied for seventh and Riverview Gabriel Richard (66.5) was ninth.

Anderson had one wrestler, Sean King, reach the finals. He finished second at 144 pounds. His teammates Issa Norscia (150) and Henry Feller (175) each finished fourth.

Jackson Sage (157) and Jon Glazer (138) each earned fifth-place finishes and LaVelle Hughes (165) placed sixth.

The Titans will host a Downriver League Quad meet on Jan. 25, attend the Downriver League meet at Wyandotte on Feb. 2 and begin MHSAA team districts at home on Feb. 8. Joining the Titans at the team district will be Riverview and Trenton.

MHSAA individual districts are Feb. 11 and Southgate will be in Monroe at a district hosted by Jefferson High School.

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Photos by Dave Chapman

Sean King was an individual runner up at 144 pounds at the Wyandotte Invitational.

Jackson Sage was a fifth-place finisher at Wyandotte.

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No more climate doom!

The task is not too daunting for us to undertake

Susan Pinkowski

Nothing ruins a friendly conversation quicker than someone bringing up climate change. It’s even worse than religion or politics!

If you can find someone who is willing to talk, it’s usually just a recap of the depressing current and future state of affairs.

Many, many people are choosing avoidance because frankly, climate change is downright scary, according to Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, psychotherapist and a steering committee member of Climate Psychology Alliance North America.

She stated that there’s “no doubt avoidance works as a short-term strategy, offering temporary comfort or solace while keeping gritty emotions at bay. Compartmentalizing allows us to function. But suppressing our gut responses eventually catches up to us; the “dis-ease” can cause irritability, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, loneliness, and anxiety. It can even lead to chronic autoimmune conditions.” It can also make you crabby!

Have you noticed more crabby people out there? Avoidance is not healthy.

In her article published in August of 2021 on www.grist.org she indicated

that the “problem with avoidance is that we don’t engage or take action. Instead of walking or biking, we keep driving gas-guzzlers. Instead of buying second-hand clothing or furniture, we keep ordering overly packaged things online.

And groundswell calls for government action can’t occur if we won’t address what we don’t allow ourselves to see. Our defense mechanisms become our own worst enemies, particularly when we need to act on the collective level, and fast.”

But isn’t there always another side to everything?

What if we instead turn away from the ‘doom and gloom’ and choose

to seek out what is happening on the positive side? You will be amazed with just how much good news is out there. When we are aware of solutions, we can engage and feel like anything is possible. Then we can indeed ‘act on the collective level, and fast!’

Let’s take a look at what some Michigan moms are doing, how some teachers in Chicago are making a difference, and even what grandparents are doing to get into the positive mindset. Then we’ll briefly look at how you can get your employer to help, or how you can find a green job or create a company that

recycles tons of used solar panels and corner the market.

But wait. There’s more.

There are improvements worth mentioning in mini-wind turbines for rooftops, there’s an untapped source of power right in our Detroit River, and strangely enough, our roads can be put to better use by charging electric vehicles as they drive.

We’ll wind up with how successful we were in tackling the ozone problem, how a major bank is planning to cut emissions tied to loans, and how Texas saved their consumers $7.4 billion in reduced costs in eight months due to their solar and wind energy initiatives. And we’re only getting started. So let us start with what’s most important to almost all of us – our children. Moms Clean Air Force: Fighting Air Pollution & Climate Change has a Michigan chapter which can be found at Michigan - Moms Clean Air Force. Their website states that they “are working in Michigan to fight for clean air and a stable climate. We host events, share information about what’s going on, and create opportunities for mothers to talk to their legislators about their concerns” and priorities.

If you’ve wanted to get involved but didn’t know how, this appears to be an easy way to get through to your representatives. They also focus on toxic chemicals and environmental justice, all with keeping children healthy in mind. Nationwide, they’re over a million members strong, and dads are welcomed, too!

Chicago’s teachers took a different route to make their voices heard and protect their children. They voted to use the power of their pension and retirement fund to stop investing in fossil fuels. Their plan will reach fruition by the end of 2027. Almost five percent of that $11.5 billion fund won’t be available to fossil fuel (FF) companies. What is your pension/retirement fund investing in? Might be interesting to find out what your money is supporting.

Even grandparents, aunts and uncles have mobilized and got involved.

Elders Climate Action is a project of the Elders Action Network. Their mission is “to mobilize elders throughout the United States to address climate change while there is still time to protect the well-being of our grandchildren and future generations. You can all learn together the ways you can help make sure the planet is habitable in their future. There’s a local chapter in Ann Arbor and you may contact Joe Oren at info@ eldersclimateaction.org for more information.

Taking action at work is a good step forward, too. Form a green initiative committee at your place of employment to brainstorm on effective ways of reducing the company’s footprint. Investigate areas where costs can be reduced using renewable energy and then research sustainable sources for recurring supply orders.

Instill an owner-mindset in all the employees for

an effective way of reducing costs and expenditures. For more suggestions for employers, check out 10 Ways Companies Can do More to Fight Climate Change (hotjar.com). Another good source is Climate Solutions at Work | Project Drawdown. Better yet, get a green job!

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Information Network defines green careers as “. . .any occupation that is affected by activities such as conserving energy, developing alternative energy, reducing pollution, or recycling.” If you’re past your college years or even past mid-life, environmental volunteering is an excellent way to help and see the world. If you want to stay local, AmeriCorps Seniors has a lot to offer.

If you’re game for starting a new business at this stage of your life, there’s a market that’s practically wide open for exploring. Solar panels have been around for a number of years (since 1883!) and many of them have already been decommissioned.

Instead of trashing them, only one American firm is saving them from landfills and turning them back into valuable raw materials, to make more solar panels. Solar Cycle is harvesting all the copper, aluminum, silver and silicon from old panels. Within the next 10 years, millions of metric tons of solar panels will be in the same situation, just ripe for harvesting.

Improvements in existing technology are also giving us hope for the future.

Wind turbines have come a long way, from being as tall as the Statue of Liberty to now a small bladeless box that outdoes 15 solar panels on a good day. Andy Corbley reported recently that ‘[t]hey are designed for small-scale, commercial use, as they’re noise free, and incapable of killing birds. Because they sit on the edge of roofs, they pair well with solar panels. If a building also has batteries to store the energy, it could be near to total self-sufficiency.”

They’re made by a company called Aeromine who is running a pilot project on the roof of a BASF factory near Detroit. They’re only for commercial use right now, but that could expand into residential use in the future.

While the rudimentary technology has existed for a while, more attention is being given to the power that can be utilized by tides, rivers, and ocean currents.

“The U.S. Department of Energy last week unveiled a major investment in renewable energy generated by ocean tides and river currents. Some $35 million from the federal infrastructure legislation that passed last year will be deployed to drive further research into the scalability of these technologies . . . Although ocean tides and river currents only generate a small fraction of the U.S.’s electricity today, the agency says they have the potential to account for nearly eight percent of the country’s annual power generation.”

For more information on this interesting topic, go to https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2137118/.

Another experiment is going on locally between Ford Motor, DTE, and Electreon Wireless of Tel Aviv, Israel. Electreon has already been successful in Sweden, Italy and Israel and now they’re partnering to create an electrified road almost a mile long down at the Ford ‘mobility innovation district’ (the old train station on Michigan Avenue in Corktown). This road will charge electric vehicles as they’re in motion over the road and even just stopped on the road. The process is inductive charging, “which uses a magnetic frequency to transfer power from metal coils that are buried under the road to a special receiver on the underside of the EV.

The road will operate normally for all gas cars and EVs that are not equipped with the receiver.

The magnetic frequency method is not the only game in town. Researchers at Cornell University have been working on making a wireless charging process for US highways that would use electric fields instead of magnetic ones — a switch that lead researcher Khurram Afridi said would make the process cheaper and provide more energy.

We came together to solve the ozone problem years ago and we can do that again for the climate crisis.

The next round of global climate talks is in Egypt this month, and the push to transition to a lowcarbon economy must take center stage.

If you’re having a tough time seeing the positive side, there is additional help available at the Good Grief Network. They have a wide variety of articles, videos, quotes, poems, courses, music, and organizations all to help you and your family in this tumultuous time. Yale Climate Connections has an awesome quiz that you can take online that will funnel you right down to where you can do the most good.

For more good news, check out The Daily Climate - Good News.

The challenge is to pick at least one of these ideas and others mentioned in ‘Climate Mitigation: What Can I Possibly Do?’ previously published in this paper and available online at www.PinkowskiBytes. com under Published Articles, and run with it!

Our children and the world are counting on us.

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Oddfellow Concert Lounge to feature local performers

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge is a not for profit / fundraising music venue brought to you by The Downriver Council for the Arts and the charity ‘Be Well My Friends’. The purpose of the venue is to cultivate local original music.

The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge is a very cool and unique room in Wyandotte.

Imagine your band on the stage performing for hundreds of live music fans. The venue is booking now for 2023 dates. Visit our Facebook page and send us a message.

The plan is to have concerts featuring area acts on the last Saturday of each month throughout 2023. Organizers expect to feature four bands at each concert.

Concerts begin January 28.

The Oddfellow Concert Lounge is located inside The Downriver Council for the Arts building located at 81 Chestnut in Wyandotte. Come and see Ray Street Park, along with three special guests at the initial show on Saturday, Jan 28.

Proceeds raised from bar sales will go to Be Well My Friends and donated to varying people, organizations and charities in Downriver. Be Well My Friends is the charity behind the popular annual Zombie Pub Crawl through the streets of Wyandotte each fall.

The venue is a non-profit venture where all the bar sales go to Be Well My Friends and the cover goes to the bands! The cost is $10 at the door; cash, credit and Venmo.

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out a new set

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.

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! www.ForresterLawOffice.com

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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

St. Thomas Lutheran welcomes new pastor 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,

an organization determined to calm the chaos of mental health care coordination, to expand access to community mental health and substance use treatment providers for students, staff, and their families.

Care Solace provides a Care Companion™ team who can quickly and confidently find available providers in the community. Care Solace also equips school systems with a customized online tool that gives community members a way to anonymously search for community-based providers matched to their needs.

“When a student and a family are reaching out for support, they are vulnerable and may need help quickly. Care Solace provides timely and reliable services to families to connect them with local mental health service providers in our community.

Care Solace’s “concierge” approach is unique as they will assign a staff member who will research various providers so families have options for mental health care...

On page 7

Riverview Kiwanis complete another Dictionary Project

The Dictionary Project: The goal of this program is to assist all students in becoming good writers, active readers, creative thinkers, and resourceful learners by providing them with their own personal dictionary. The dictionaries are a gift to each student to use at school and at home for years to come.

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/riverview-register

...Since 2007 the Kiwanis of Riverview have provided every third grader in the district with their very own dictionary. Because of the increase in cost of these dictionaries, the Kiwanis starting selling sponsorships to fund this well received project.

Letters are sent to local area businesses, parent clubs and politicians asking for support of the effort to provide these knowledge hungry students with a dictionary they can call their own...

On page 15

RCSD picks Care Solace for mental health care services

Riverview Community Schools selected Care Solace,

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Students attend MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit

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

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.

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...

On page 10

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

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 the fights he got in.

A sold out crowd laughed and cried to his amazing stories...

On page 26

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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

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

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What’s happening ...

Take it outside Photo Contest

Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. Entry deadline is Thursday, May 11, 2022 at 5 p.m. Open to high school students within Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe Counties. We are searching for photos captured locally (within Wayne, Washtenaw and Monroe Counties) that inspire us to appreciate and steward our environment: air, water, land, wildlife, resources, and ecosystems. Categories are Dawn to Dusk; Fur and Feathers; Bark and Blooms. Total of $445 in prize money. For more information, visit see https:// www.ginlc.org/photo-contest

AAUW scholarships

The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch offers several scholarships annually to female undergraduate students at Baker College, Henry Ford College, Lawrence Technological University and Wayne County Community College District. Interested students can pick up an AAUW application at their school’s counseling office. Candidates must have earned a minimum of 12 credits, be a United States citizen and a resident of the Downriver area. An essay is required. For more information, contact rjhart720@yahoo.com or visit downriver-mi.aauw.net.

Architectural Historian

The Downriver Genealogical Society Meeting will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth St., Wyandotte. Tyler Moll’s talk is entitled “How to date your historic house/building.” For more information, visit downrivergenealogy.org or call 734-365-9815 or 313-382-3229.

Mayor and Council Members

Mayor Joseph Kuspa 734-258-3022 MayorKuspa@southgatemi.gov

Council President Zoey Kuspa 734-307-5709 zkuspa@southgatemi.gov

Council

Christian Graziani 734-934-5943 cgraziani@southgatemi.gov

Council Bill Colovos bcolovos@southgatemi.gov

Council

Mark Farrah 313-802-2896 mfarrah@southgatemi.govgov

Council

Karen George 734-281-3491 kgeorge@southgatemi.govgov

Council

Phillip Rauch 734-558-9779 prauch@southgatemi.gov

Council

Dale Zamecki 734-765-1674 dzamecki@southgatemi.gov

Council and Commission Meetings at Southgate City Hall

City Council meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month.

City Council Meeting, Wed, January 18, 7:00 pm

Mad Science Workshop: Radical Robots, Thu, January 19, 6:00 pm

City Council Meeting, Wed, February 1, 7:00 pm

12:00 pm Valentines Day Party – Thu, February 9, Noon

City Council Meeting, Wed, February 15, 7:00 pm

Mad Science Workshop: Science of Magic Wed, February 22, 6:00 pm

City Department Contacts

28th District Court

Chief District Judge, The Honorable Elisabeth M. Mullins Phone: 734-258-3068 Email: info@28dc.com

Animal Control Department Phone: 734-246-1328

Assessor

Esther Graves, MAAO, PPE

Deputy City Assessor Phone: 734-258-3007 Email: egraves@southgatemi.gov

Building Department

Tim Leach Building Director Phone: 734-258-3030 Email: tleach@southgatemi.gov

City Administrator Dan Marsh Phone: 734-258-3021 Email: dmarsh@southgatemi.gov

City Clerk Janice M. Ferencz Phone: 734-258-3015 Email: clerk@southgatemi.gov

Downtown Development Authority Phone: 734-258-7770

Department of Public Service

Kevin Anderson DPS Director Phone: 734-258-3076 Email: kanderson@southgatemi.gov

Engineering Department

Hennessey Engineers Inc. City Engineer Phone: 313-638-1306 Email: info@hengineers.com

Fire Department

Marc Hatfield Fire Chief Phone: 734-258-3080 Non-Emergency Email: mhatfield@southgatemi.gov

Home Sales Department

Matt DuFore Home Sales Inspector Phone: 734-258-3010 ext. 3100 Email: salesadmin@southgatemi.gov

Parks & Recreation

Julie Goddard, Director Phone: 734-258-3035 Email: jgoddard@southgatemi.gov

Police Department

Mark Mydlarz, Chief of Police

Phone: 734-324-4438 Non-Emergency Email: mmydlarz@southgatemi.gov

Senior Center

Diane Grabowski, Director Phone: 734-258-3066 Email: dgrabowski@southgatemi.gov

Treasurer’s Office

Christopher P. Rollet, Treasurer Phone: 734-258-3009 Email: crollet@southgatemi.gov

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