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The most anticipated event of the year is right around the corner. Summerfest 2023 will take place the weekend of June 1517 at Young Patriots Park and this year there promises to be something for everyone.
There will be the usual carnival full of rides and a midway, helicopter rides, live bands, a classic car show and – of course – fireworks!
Providing the entertainment will be Stone Blossoms on Thursday, Ray Street Park on Friday and Tasty Eighties and Van Halen tribute band Jump on Saturday.
In addition to rides and music, the Police command center will be on display, there will be a Fire Department open house and the firemen will host cornhole and waterball contests.
Helicopter rides will be available each day for $50 per passenger.
Fireworks will be shot off at dusk on Saturday.
On-site parking is $5. Parking is a fundraiser for the Riverview Baseball/Softball Association. After 5 p.m. on Saturday fair-goers can park at Seitz or at the Riverview Highlands and ride the shuttle to the Summerfest.
The Riverview Register will host a “Meet the Candidate Forum” beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday June 28 at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center, 18275 Quarry Rd Riverview.
This event is presented and sponsored by Go Big Multimedia and will be moderated by Will Evans, President and Publisher.
There will be two sessions that evening.
The first session will be the candidates for Mayor between 6
and 7:15 p.m. After a 15 minute intermission, the second session will be the candidates for City Council between 7:30 and 9 p.m.
The forum will feature randomly selected questions directed to individual candidates from Riverview residents with the following format: Each candidate will get an equal number of questions.
Each candidate will have a designated time to answer the questions.
Each candidate will have equal time for an opening and closing statement.
The event will be videotaped and be posted on the Internet.
The event will generally follow the successful “Meet the Candidate Forum” that Go Big Multimedia hosted for the election in 2021. Please see attached link if you would like to review: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PkDDxXKh9II.
The questions asked of the
candidates will come from Riverview residents.
If you would like to participate, please submit your question to office@gobigmultimedia.com or mail to:
18271 Fort St, Riverview, MI 48193 or drop it off at the office by Friday, June 23. We cannot guarantee all questions will be asked, but we will review them all and select the most appropriate.
Dear fellow residents of Riverview, we sincerely hope that you have been able to take advantage of the delightful early mid-summer weather and start enjoying it. We have plenty of summer days ahead of us, so let’s make the most of them.
mayor, it is my duty to inform and provide insights into the happenings of our beautiful three square mile city.
Writing this column requires an average of three to five hours each month. Over the past 60 months, I have taken great pleasure in documenting all the exciting developments in our community. Regular feedback from our residents and businesses has shown their appreciation for these efforts.
ANDREW SWIFTFirst and foremost, on behalf of myself and the City Council, congratulations and best wishes to the graduating seniors of Gabriel Richard Catholic High School and Riverview Community High School in their pursuit of higher education or a career in their chosen field of interest. Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude to the publishers of the Riverview Register, Go Big Multimedia. Each city that Go Big Multimedia serves provides its mayor with a direct line of communication to the residents. It is important to acknowledge that Riverview is fortunate to be the home of GoBig Multimedia, which grants us direct access to over 7,100 apartments, condos, businesses, and residential homes. With an additional 2,000 copies distributed by our local businesses information spreads quickly and effectively throughout our community.
The monthly publication contains a wealth of valuable information, including articles and advertisements from the city and schools. As your
Now, let’s discuss the cannabis ordinance passed by the council and the proposal on the August ballot aimed at reversing that decision.
As of today, here is where we currently stand.
Last December, the council passed an ordinance that repealed the prohibition of recreational marihuana, thereby making the sale of adult-use recreational marihuana legal within our city limits.
However, there is a licensing process that all applicants must go through to obtain the necessary licenses. I will address the number of dispensaries allowed in a future column. For now, let’s focus on the proposal that will appear on the primary ballot on Aug. 8.
I want to emphasize that neither the city of Riverview, nor the Mayor, City Council, City Attorney, Clerk, or Building Department, were involved in developing the language of the proposal, circulating the petition, financing it, or distributing it.
The petition was circulated by a combination of Riverview residents
and paid circulators. It is important to note that neither I nor the City Council had any control over when the proposal would appear on the ballot. State law mandates that after the signatures are verified, the proposal must be included on the ballot of the NEXT election. Since we have a primary in August, the proposal must be presented then.
Regarding the wording of the proposal, all parties involved agree that it is confusing. Based on my understanding, proposals must be written in the affirmative. Therefore, the following is the phrasing proposed to fulfill this requirement: “A proposal to initiate legislation pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to reinstate the City’s marihuana moratorium and disallow the sale of marihuana in the City.”
The description of the proposal is as follows: “The proposed initiative would: Void
Riverview’s cannabis business license ordinance, reinstate Riverview’s marihuana moratorium, disallow the licensing of recreational marihuana facilities, and prohibit the sale of recreational marihuana in Riverview. Should this proposal be adopted? Yes or No.”
By sharing all this information, my goal is to assist you in making an informed decision on Primary Election Day, which falls on Tuesday, Aug. 8.
I would like to update you on an important upcoming event in Riverview.
This year, we will be having another primary election, with a total of 10 residents filing to run for city council. Additionally, there will be a primary for the mayoral seat, with a total of three candidates, including myself.
According to our charter, a primary is required when there is one more candidate than twice the available seats. Since we have three council seats open, the calculation is as follows: 3 (available seats) multiplied by 2 equals 6. With 10 candidates, we need to narrow down the field to six. The same criteria apply for the mayoral seat.
Now, let’s end this article with some exciting news.
Last month, I sponsored the “Annual Turtle Island Picture Contest” in Riverview. Residents were invited to send in pictures of turtles on the special island constructed for them in the Reflection Pond at Young Patriots Park. I’m thrilled to announce that Debbie Tyler was the winner of the Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream gift card. Debbie’s submission was the first to capture a turtle on the newly designed island.
Additionally, Geralyn Gorzynski won the Parthenon Coney Island gift card through a random selection from the remaining entries. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Steve Scherer for creating Turtle Island.
I’m Nicole Clark and am running for city council. I spent over two decades in retail business management and am comfortable with my knowledge in profit and loss, working within the constraints of a budget, and leveraging that budget to make it work for my employees and customers. A couple of years ago I switched paths and went back to school to follow my love of HR. I obtained a SHRM-CP (certified professional) certification and love what I do for my company, Rivergate Health Care Center, and my employees.
I am on my second term as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Local Officer’s Compensation Board, and am the Treasurer of the EDC/BRA, which works to support existing and new businesses in our city. I am also a member of the Riverview Kiwanis. I am ready to make a difference on a larger scale if the residents of our city make it so. I have the fortitude to make my voice heard but also the skill set to work with others as a team to promote positive change that we need to see our city flourish, grow, and prosper for many years to come.
On a personal note, I’ve lived in Riverview for 15 years. I live on the east side of Fort and LOVE my neighborhood and live with my husband of almost four years, Bill, and my mother Debbie.
Hello. My name is John David Eckman, Candidate for Riverview City Council. I have lived in the Downriver area for over 35 years. My wife and I have been blessed to share 5 children, ranging from 29 years to 5 years old. Recently, my first grandchild, Trinidad, was born. I believe in continuous education and have done so since I received my business management degree 20+ years ago. Since then, I have managed workforces, managed businesses, lead purchasing efforts on multiple projects, and managed safety cultures for over 18 years. Currently, I hold a Safety Professional Certification through the National Association of Safety Professionals and am working on my next degree in Human Resources. I am a Corporate Safety Director for a business headquartered in Downriver. I believe that my past and present experience, combined with my education in management, would be an asset to the City of Riverview.
My name is Brett Chittum, Candidate for Riverview City Council. I am married with two wonderful children: both in college. I have been in business (as an owner), finance, and revenue generation for over 26 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a strong emphasis on Organizational Behavior. Currently I am Vice President of Business Operations for a multi-million-dollar IT company, I am on the Board of Directors for the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber of Commerce, I sit on the Downriver Public Policy Committee, I am on the Board of Directors for the Detroit School of Digital Technology, I serve on the Downriver Woman of Achievement committee, and I am on the Riverview Board of Zoning Appeals. In my current and past board assignments, I have assisted in raising millions of dollars in grants and donations. I believe that my past and present experience is what Riverview needs to make it through this deficit time and move us back into a city of growth and prosperity.
My name is Andrew M. Swift, and Riverview has been my home for over six decades. Born and raised in this beautiful city, I have witnessed its has raised its growth, its challenges, and its triumphs. I have been fortunate enough to build a ful lling career, retiring in 2007 as a Systems Analyst and Data Management professional from Ford Motor Company. Company.
My dedication to public service extends far beyond my professional life. It is ingrained in my very being. my is in very I have proudly served our community in various capacities, starting with my election to the Board of election Education in 1994.
roughout my tenure as a City Council member and, subsequently, as your Mayor since 2015, I Council I have striven to foster collaboration, transparency, and progress. I have worked tirelessly alongside my foster and have my colleagues to address the needs of our community, advocate for responsible governance, and promote initiatives that enhance the quality of life for all residents. that quality life all residents.
Beyond my elected o ces, I have served on numerous boards and committees, dedicating my time and o and time expertise to shape the future of Riverview – including the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Economic the Development and Brown eld Authority Committee.
My involvement extends far beyond the con nes of political o ces and boardrooms. I have been an and I have active member of various organizations, including the Riverview Jaycees, Saint Cyprian Church, the Boy Scouts, and the Kiwanis of Riverview, the Riverview Goodfellows, and soon the Rotary, where I have held leadership positions and worked to uplift positions our community. I have been involved in initiatives ranging from youth sports to environmental preservation as a member of the Friends of the Detroit our community. I have been involved in initiatives rang ing a of River, from promoting economic growth to supporting our veterans.
Together, as a family that honors our heritage, embraces innovation, and fosters a sense of unity and belonging for all residents of Riverview. I humbly ask for your vote, your support, and the opportunity to serve you as your Mayor. Please Vote on Tuesday, August 8th. 8th.
My dedication to service is rooted in my deep love for Riverview and its residents. My family including my wife Darlene and our children, Aaron service rooted Riverview and Paul, have been an unwavering source of support throughout my journey. eir understanding and encouragement have allowed me to pursue my support my allowed passion for public service wholeheartedly. service
Together we can be “RIVERVIEW STRONG!” ank you.
Huntington Elementary staff and students recently discovered an owl’s nest behind the school. The nest is home to some beautiful Great Horned Owls.
Huntington’s own RTI instructor, Amy Naif, is the daughter of owl and bird extraordinaire, Jaohn Campbell. Mr.
Campbell was generous enough to come in and speak to Huntington’s 4th-grade students and share his expansive owl knowledge and expertise.
Students greatly enjoyed viewing his wildlife photos and were able to get a better glance of the owls through his
telescope.
In addition, 4th-grade students had the chance to dissect owl pellets. It was a great hands-on experience!
Huntington students are currently participating in an owl naming contest.
The students danced all night thanks to the always amazing talents of TJ Monte Productions - and compliments were given from the venue and the DJ
on how respectful and fun our kids were.
A shout out goes to Nikki Felicia for her beautiful table decor. She knocks it out of the park every time. And a special thank you to Balloon Joy for the beautiful photo backdrop.
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Come greet the city’s firefighters during an open house from noon-3 p.m. on the Saturday of Summerfest.
There will be snow cones, fire truck tours and swag for kids. The department will have 100th anniversary t-shirts for sale and you can sign up for smoke detectors,
The Riverview Fire Department will sponsor and host a firefighters-only waterball tournament beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday, following the open house.
The tourney is open to firefighters only and participants must bring their own turnout gear. A team has three players. There is no entry fee and a traveling trophy will go to the winners.
Fair-goers can try their hand at waterball after the firefighter’s
tournament concludes.
Registration required for waterball (734)281-4264
CORNHOLE
The Riverview Fire Department
will sponsor a two-person team corn hole tournament at 6 p.m. on the Friday of Summerfest.
There is a $15 entry fee for each two-person team and the winners will receive a $100 gift certificate from
There will also be prizes for second and third place. Call 281-4264 for information or to reserve your spot.
CHEESE!
I am sending this in for my neighbor. Hi, This is my baby girl Lucky. She is three years old and part Chihuahua and corgi. Lucky is a rescue dog who loves to play and go for walks. She gives me sweet kisses each day! Lucky is my sweetheart.
Karen Adkins.Hi! My name is Midas as in A Touch of Golden. Recently celebrated my 2nd Birthday. Play ball? You bet! My favorite game is keep away. I also love going on walks and hanging with my family.
Linda BoydWould you like to see a picture of your pet in one of our monthly community newspapers? We can make it happen. Just send a photo of your pet, along with your name and the city you live in and we will get it published. Send information to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest. Thank you and have a grrrrreat and purrrrrfect day!
Fifty years ago, the Riverview Highlands Golf Club was born. And Joe Fedea was there.
Fedea, who lived in Allen Park at the time, had just graduated from Northern Michigan University and recalled using his student discount to play nine holes for $5.
“I was here on opening day,” said Fedea, who now lives in Brownstown Township. “I have played every year.”
Fedea was among the golfers, residents, city officials and employees and visitors from other communities to join in the 50th anniversary celebration of Riverview Highlands on May 15.
The 27-hole course is owned and operated by the City of Riverview, which opened the original nine holes – the Gold Course, the first designed by architect Bill Newcomb – as a recreational facility to complement the Riverview Highlands ski hill that had been built on the city’s land preserve. Another nine holes, the Red Course, opened three years later in 1976. The final nine holes, the Blue Course, designed by Arthur Hill, opened in 1982.
A practice facility opened in 2000, featuring three practice holes of varying lengths, a 100-yard putting green and a chipping green with a bunker There is also a well-used driving range, a pro shop featuring all sorts of golf accessories and an indoor practice facility built upstairs, which opened in the fall of 2019 and made the Highlands a year-round facility.
Director Mike Kettler, the first PGA professional in charge of the golf course, said bunkers were renovated in 2018, cart paths and irrigation have been improved, the old wood on the face of the building was replaced with metal siding and the landscaping around the clubhouse and first tee area has been redone. There is a new fleet of golf carts, too.
Every year, the Riverview Highlands Invitational, a corporate-style event, is held to raise funds to pay for the capital improvements. This year’s invitational is June 15.
Golfers are taking notice of the renovations. After last year’s invitational, a golfer who said he has taken part in “hundreds” of fundraising and charity golf outings called the Riverview event the “best” of them all.
“Everything was great,” said Christian Rossi, whose family owns Roosevelt Lanes in Allen Park. “The course is in fabulous shape – the best I’ve ever seen the greens. The food, the drinks, right down to the gift prizes they give out -- everything was first class.”
At the 50th anniversary gathering, Kettler and Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift accepted a special senatorial recognition from U.S. Senator Gary Peters and an entry into the Congressional Record by U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell. Peters congratulated the highlands staff for 50 years of success, adding, “thank you for contributing to the economic success of the Riverview community.”
Dingell’s proclamation noted that Riverview
Highlands hosts 50,000 rounds of golf, adding that staff’s “dedication to providing a quality afternoon on the course or a memorable evening in the clubhouse has not wavered for 50 years and we thank them for it.”
Mayor Swift noted that Riverview Highlands has reigned as the “Best Downriver Municipal Golf Course” the last two years. He called the club a “golfer’s paradise where memories are made with every swing. Through the hard work of our golf course director Mike Kettler and with the knowledge and experience of our city manager Jeff Dobek, the Riverview Highlands is a premier attraction in Southeast Michigan.”
The number of outings continues to grow. This year, the golf club will be one of only six Michigan courses hosting a local qualifying tournament for the national USGA Drive, Chip and Putt contest. Young golfers seek to drive the longest, chip closest to the pin and make putts. The top two make it to the state tournament in Wixom. The state winners move on to a country club in Columbus, Ohio, leading to the national finals at Augusta National, home of the famed Masters. Thousands of young golfers will participate around the country.
Fedea, a retired mail carrier, said he has enjoyed watching the course evolve over the last five decades. The golf club offers memberships – Fedea said he has been a member for at least 10 years and still plays in several leagues. Season passes grew by 36 percent this year.
“The course is in the best condition it’s ever been in
the last five or six years,” he said. “The employees are always super nice. It’s such a good place to play. That’s why I’ve been here for 50 years.”
Added son Jarrod: “I just love golfing with my dad.”
Riverview resident Rod Pitts also has been golfing at the highlands for 50 years.
A golfer and a retired Wayne County Sheriff’s Deputy, Pitts said he remembers playing twilight golf after work with his children, who participated in the junior golf program and still play to this day. Wife Karen noted that their grandchildren now join them on the course, making the sport “multi-generational.”
“I think the course is in great shape,” said Pitts, who was president of the Riverview Community Schools in the late 1990s. “I’m very happy to support this endeavor in this city. It’s the most positive thing we have going on.”
The course attracts golfers of all ages and skills. Evan Goebel of Flat Rock was golfing his first match on the day of the 50th anniversary. The college business major and his friend, the more experienced Josh Rozycki, said they enjoyed “hanging out” on a nice afternoon.
Riverview resident Jill Gurney reminisced during the anniversary party about the time she did an internship at Riverview Highlands during her college years at Central Michigan University. Gurney’s father was famed Wyandotte recreation director Sam Palamara; her brother is Wayne County Commissioner Joseph Palamara.
Gurney noted that her children are past participants
in the Junior Golf program, which this year “sold out within an hour on sign-up day,” Mayor Swift said.
“With 359 kids,” the Mayor said, “it is one of the largest junior golf programs in the state” and is a recent winner of the PGA Junior Development Program of the Year.
The future looks bright.
The junior class students celebrated and sent off their senior classmates at the Annual Junior/Senior Breakfast at Crystal Gardens on May 24.
Over 250 students attended where they were able to reminisce though the class history and senior slide show highlighting memories as far back as elementary school.
We will miss our seniors!
The junior officers and representatives below worked hard planning the breakfast.
Calling preschoolers
Attention Riverview residents with 4-year-olds, the Riverview Community School District GSRP preschool interview slots are almost full.
Please send an email to director Mrs. Plackowski at tplackowski@riverviewschools.com for instructions and documents required to schedule your interview.
Heritage Park in Taylor has become a popular gathering place for Downriver prom-goers, who come to the park to take photos before the big event. With its scenic old buildings, a reflection pond, covered bridge and more, the park offers a wide variety of appealing backdrops. Photographer Dave Gorgon recently found these Riverview Community High school students getting ready for the big occasion.
Tuesday, June 27th
7:00 – 8:15 pm
We will be decorating pre-baked cupcakes to look like a dropped ice cream cone with melting ice cream effect. The cupcakes are double tiered so there will be a white cake layer and a chocolate layer with lots of sprinkles! Make 8 cupcakes.
Silk Flower Paper Lantern Craft
Tuesday, July 25th
7:00 – 8:00 pm
A fun class where we will decorate white paper lanterns with silk flowers, ribbons and baubles. A class for girls of all ages. The circular lantern is 8”. This would be a great class to bring a daughter, niece or granddaughter to. Make some memories!
Melted Ice Cream Cupcake Decorating Class
• Please bring a container to carry your cupcakes home in.
Tuesday, June 27th
7:00 – 8:15 pm
• Class fee of $16.00 must be paid by Saturday, June 24th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 15 participants. No walk ins.
Location: Riverview City Hall Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219 • cityofriverview.com
Register online!
https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog
Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the Recreation Dept. if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering. One account per household. Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up.
Tuesday, August 22nd
7:00 – 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 25th
7:00 – 8:00 pm
• Please bring a hot glue gun with hot glue sticks, wire cutters and scissors. If you don’t have these, I have extras to borrow.
-A fun class
• Class fee of $15.00 must be paid by Saturday, July 22nd. No refunds after this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk ins.
-Please bring
Location: Riverview City Hall Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219 • cityofriverview.com
Class fee
Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog
-Registeronline!
Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the Recreation Dept. if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering. One account per household. A perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun! 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.
Painted Stained Glass Picture Frame Craft Class
Tuesday, August 22nd 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Come paint a beautiful stained glass picture frame that will brighten up your room. Can’t paint? No problem? Easy to follow templates mimic a paint by number type project. There will be a few different templates for each age category. Frames will be approximately 8”x12”.
• Please wear clothes to paint in and bring cookie sheet to carry your wet project home on.
• Class fee of $12.00 must be paid by Friday, August 18th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk ins.
-Class Location
Pretty Painted Pine Cone Wreath Craft Class
to get together and have some fun! Classes are 11 are welcome to sign up and must bring
Tuesday, June 27th 7:00 – 8:15 pm
Fun and easy! Various colored pre painted pine cones of various sizes and shapes will make a brightly colored wreath to brighten up your home.
• Please bring a hot glue gun with hot glue sticks, wire cutters and scissors. If you don’t have these, I have extras to borrow.
• Class fee of $20.00 must be paid by Saturday, July 8th. No refunds after this date. Limit of 15 participants. No walk ins.
Location: Riverview City Hall Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219 • cityofriverview.com
perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun! Classes are for residents and nonresidents. Age 12 & up. Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper
Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the Recreation Dept. if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering. One account per household. A perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!
Register online!
https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog
Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Dept. Call the Recreation Dept. if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering. One account per household. A perfect class for friends and family to get together and have some fun! Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up.
DAVE GORGON
The president and CEO of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber said the organization’s annual Black Tie Gala and Expo continues to connect small businesses and nonprofit professionals with reliable vendors and potential customers.
In fact, with registration at nearly 400, Ronald Hinrichs announced that this year’s gala was the largest in his seven-year tenure at the chamber of commerce.
“We strive to stick to our vision, which is everything we do at the chamber is about having a positive and lasting impact on our regional
community,” said Hinrichs, who lives in Riverview. “This is a regional celebration of our business community and nonprofits, but it’s so much more than that.”
The May 4 gala was held at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Hinrichs said the growth in the number of vendors was significant, along with participating businesses and nonprofits. He said with restrictions eased from the days of the COVID-19 pandemic there are more opportunities for participants to connect with potential customers.
Krishelle Kohler, who owns Eldercare Home Care and Island House Senior Living on Grosse Ile has been a believer in the power of the chamber of commerce for about 30 years.
See GALA, Page 15
Continued from page 14
She has gone from member to committee member to board member to executive committee member to being elected two years ago as chairwoman of the board.
The connections she has made during the three decades have made a huge impact on her business and her personal life.
“My first question any time I need something as business cards to a new $3,000 sign out front of Island House is, ‘who in the chamber does this?’ I always try to use a chamber person first. I really do.”
At her wedding, Kohler estimated that one third of her guests were fellow chamber members who are now friends. At an After Business Ours social gathering five years ago, she looked around and saw that she had connected and worked with every business that was represented at the location.
“At every single table there was someone I personally did business with,” she said. “They used my business or referred me to somebody that I ended up doing business with.”
Chamber membership and social events, she said, have paid off.
Dennis Morier is coowner of Floral Designs in Southgate, a local flower shop that provides everything from sympathy arrangements to wedding flowers. Son Jedidia Daddow is the head designer whose work was recently featured on the cover of Florist Magazine. Proud father Morier had the magazine on display for all to see at his booth at the chamber business gala.
“The chamber does more for me than I’ve ever done for the chamber,” said Morier, who is a chamber board member. “I have an opportunity to meet with a lot of business owners from all over Downriver.
There’s a lot of synergy to this. You find out what people are doing and where their interests lie. You learn there are things that your business can provide to them and things you can use from their business. This event magnifies it. Being in the chamber is an opportunity to source things locally and meet local businesses. It does make a difference… “People say here’s a problem, how can we solve it? This is not only fun but a way to get together with local business owners in our own area. It’s a way to keep up with the community.”
Linda Francetich of Grosse Ile founded her Trenton-based business, DiscoverDownriver.
com, in 2012. Since then, she said, “we have grown to be Downriver’s main source of event information and local promotion for businesses. Our annual website visitors are over 350,000 and growing and we have nearly a million annual page views on our 800-plus page website. We are number one or on Page 1 in Google searches for nearly any event or happening Downriver, from festivals to kayak launches to individual Downriver cities.”
Membership in the chamber of commerce and participation in the agency’s events have had a positive impact on her business, Francetich said.
“Building a professional support system is a beautiful thing,” she said. “When you connect with your community peers, clients and local leaders, that engagement has the potential to lead to sales, friendships, collaborations and much more. The Downriver community is quite connected and networking events such as the SWCRC black tie event reinforces those relationships and friendships.”
Adding to the fun connectivity at the chamber gala, participants get to vote for best in several categories among the vendors on hand. This year’s winners were Rev’d Up Fun, best booth;
First Merchants Bank, best double booth; The Information Center, which won the Al Bates Interactive Booth Award; Prestige Banquet Hall, best entrée; A Serendipity Cakery, best dessert; and Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), best appetizer and the people’s choice award.
Jeffrey Chicoine, the current chairman of the chamber, is regional government relations manager at Corewell Health whose office is in Corewell’s hospital in Trenton.
While Corewell is anything but small, chamber membership and special events give Chicoine opportunities to position the health organization “as an effective and reliable community partner” and to “promote health and wellness of the community.”
He also serves on the board of the nonprofit Information Center, which is also a member of the chamber.
Another attendee at the chamber gala was Jim Perry, executive director of the Southgate-based Downriver Community Conference and the namesake of the James S. Perry Community Leadership Award that recognized outstanding community leaders who demonstrate and inspire others to always put service above self.
The DCC’s goals include enhancing the quality of life for area residents, workers and businesses; shaping public policy at the federal, state, regional, county and local levels; and identifying, obtaining and responsibly managing the necessary financial resources to successfully implement the vision.
“The DCC and the chamber have always enjoyed a great partnership,” Perry said. “We work hand in hand. When business works, people work… Things are happening Downriver. I always tell people it’s the place to be.”
Maybe I had no need to address you over these past five years or so as if you didn’t understand, but maybe I did.
So many of the clients and visitors to Willow Tree and Chelsea are obviously interested enough in the independent option to come check us out. And more and more people are making a point of telling me that they read my articles and that they appreciate them, agree with what I write. I’m sure you can imagine how important that is to any writer. Is anyone reading? Do they keep reading?
Evidently so, but there is no way I can know unless people tell me. I can’t track it like I could if it was a facebook ad or any digital platform, so all I can do is keep writing until your fearless editor Hank Minckiewicz tells me that he’s getting threats.
I don’t know if you thought of this, but the articles I write have the capacity to be seen and read by every resident of Grosse Ile, Trenton, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte. It’s a pretty big potential reach, that’s a pretty big audience of people that generally don’t think of the matters I put before them, hoping that any percentage at all might put their automatic spending habits on at least temporary hold as they mull over these ideas.
Because that is what such habits are. Every one of us is on some sort of auto-pilot setting. My job, as I see it, is to encourage a timeout to think about this topic of my readership. It may surprise you, but something less than all of the readers I cited shop at Chelsea and/or Willow Tree, and if any decide to visit my stores, I will consider that to be time well spent.
But as I keep telling you, I get an outsized amount of gratification from hearing that any independent business benefits from my calls (and anyone else’s calls) to be a localist.
The chart here on this page illustrates the general idea, just as I have said so many times. As you drive around and think about it either in your head or in reality, I’ll bet each of my readers could compile a huge
list of businesses that are owned, operated, and directed by neighbors in our Downriver community.
Many are friends, relatives, and next-door neighbors; people you know and that are part of your world beyond their business efforts. And, many of them are important to you personally. If they closed up shop for any reason, it would have a negative impact on you and your needs.
So, what seems to be happening more and more is what I advocate for so loudly, and that gives me the most satisfaction: More and more people know the difference between local and national, and more and more people are not just making decisions in favor of local options – they are becoming cheerleaders like me.
It feels really, really good to give ardent, earnest referrals to people for local places, and it feels even better when those people report back to me, echoing my enthusiasm. I love the feeling. But as good as it makes me feel on the direct level, it means so much more to me knowing that business was retained locally.
It takes more than just me, of course, and that’s why it’s exciting
to consider that people are seeing this side job as a pretty good gig, championing a region that just plain hops, with countless raving fans and a populace that gets my sort of satisfaction from being a part of.
I know that I am directly responsible for retaining business in the region in which I live and work.
I am directly responsible for having an UPward affect on the business community of Downriver.
No, I don’t take credit for it. I just know with every positive word for Local, I make a difference. I do not do this for my fortunes; I do this for the fortunes all around me, creating ripples that get bigger and bigger as more and more money is spent in the trading area.
I am so happy to see businesses that I consider to be cool and unique succeed and thrive. I am so satisfied to consider that as a result, more money is being spent there, and some of that money pays the rent or mortgage for the owner’s home.
I make a difference by shopping there, sure, but not always – even if I don’t shop there, I sing their praises and tell people how wonderful it is to
have such places to go, right here in our area.
More and more, I am feeling these sentiments around me.
More people get it. More people put their money where their mouth is, and…more businesses are doing more business, creating more people that spread the world of all things local and independent.
Remember, you don’t have to hate national businesses to participate more fully in the push for local success. I have big reasons for my own attitude, but I’m not asking anyone else to join me on that war front. I’m asking you to love local businesses more, and to really understand how much every dollar spent matters so much more at places that may as well be family, even if they are not YOUR immediate family. I’m suggesting that if all of us thought local first and encouraged everyone else to think and act local first, this region would be even more vibrant.
The energy would be explosive. That’s no exaggeration, and who in their right mind would argue against that?
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.
The City of Riverview will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of incorporation as a village on Sept. 23, 2023.
Planning is underway to have a full day of activities with a trivia contest, pet contest, chili cook off, car show, tug of war, golf outing, cutest pet contest, and a meet and greet with former teachers, council persons and mayors.
The committee is also planning on recognizing some of the elder community members looking for their thoughts of Riverview through the years.
Also, in the planning stage are the recognition of the oldest house still standing in the city as well as the oldest tree. Some old fashion games are being planned along with a Dixieland Band on site providing music.
The committee is looking forward to putting together a display of pictures showing some of the well-known building, events, and businesses that are iconic to
Riverview with the display being housed in the community center.
Your help is needed with the following: Help identify senior citizens in the community who are 90 years of age or older; check for large trees in your yard or a park near your home, (we have found a tree with a circumference of 147”); let the committee know if you have any pictures, programs, tickets, etc., that you are willing to share with the community for a day. Copies can be made to protect the originals. Any information can be forwarded to Todd Dickman at the Recreation Department, 734-281-4219.
If you have a tree that you want measured, let us know. Several committee members will come and measure any tree that is over 147 inches in circumference. (If you have a big tree but cannot measure it, give us a call. We will come and measure it.) Trees must be measured 4½ feet from the ground.
5-12 Kids Self Defense Or Wednesday, June 28, 2023 Or Wednesday, August 23, 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:
13-18 Teen Self Defense
Or Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Or Wednesday, August 16, 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.
16+ Self Defense
Or Wednesday August 9, 2023
7:00-8:30 P.M. City Hall Gym
$20.00 per person
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:
Including:
Bullying
• Sexual assault • Dating violence
Date rape
• Red flags • Diffusing dangerous situations
Wrist grabs
• Blocks
• Bear hugs from the front and from behind
• Strangulation holds
Don’t let your kids miss this class!
• Exiting parties without being teased. Techniques and how to avoid:
Blocks • Shoulder grabs • Bear hugs
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’:
• Hair pulls from the front and behind
Strangulations
• Wrist grabs • Question and answer session. Don’t let your teens miss class!
Palm strikes • Hammer punches • Elbow strikes Wrist grabs • Hair grabs • Strangulation defense We will also discuss how to deal with dating violence, peer pressure, and other forms of abuse.
*Additional 10% Off applies to floor samples merchandise only. Shop early for best selection. Immediate delivery available. No holds. Don’t forget to bring in necessary room dimensions. Sold as is. Cannot be combined with other offers. Certain restrictions apply. Discounts off MSRP. Prior sales excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Items subject to prior sales. See store for d
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Presiding: Mayor Swift
Present: Councilmembers Blanchette, Gunaga, Norton, Robbins
Excused: Councilmembers ONeil, Workman
Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Morgan
Approved April 17, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes by unanimous vote.
Mayor Swift offered Public Comments.
Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote.
Accept the $750.00 Grant Award from the Michigan PGA to be used toward the Junior Golf Program.
Approve Budget Amendments as presented.
Called a Public Hearing for May 15, 2023 for the Purpose of Considering the Proposed 2023/24 Annual Operation Budget and Supporting Tax Rates for the City of Riverview by unanimous vote.
Authorized City Manager to Explore Alternatives to Animal Control Services by unanimous vote.
Authorized Clerk to give the Second Reading, by title only, and Adopted Proposed Ordinance No. 741 – Amending Article VI, Established Grade and Drainage Control of Chapter 86, Buildings and Building Regulations by unanimous vote.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE NO. 741
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF RIVERVIEW BY THE ADDITION OF SECTION 86196, “AUTHORIZED CHANGES FROM ESTABLISHED GRADE,” OF ARCILE VI, “ESTABLISHED GRADE AND DRAINAGE CONTROL,” OF CHAPTER 86, “BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS,” TO UPDATE THE SECTION
Recessed into Closed session for the Purpose of Discussing Pending Litigation by unanimous vote.
Meeting recessed at 7:24 p.m and reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
Roll Call: Mayor Swift, Councilmembers Blanchette, Gunaga, Norton, Robbins
Approved the Recommendation by the City Attorney regarding Pending Litigation by unanimous vote.
Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m. by unanimous vote.
DETAILED MINUTES/ORDINANCES AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
Andrew M. Swift, Mayor Cynthia M. Hutchison, City Clerk
CITY OF RIVERVIEW, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 15, 2023
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Presiding: Mayor Swift
Present: Councilmembers Blanchette, Norton, ONeil, Robbins, Workman
Excused: Councilmember Gunaga
Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Hurley
Approved May 1, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes by unanimous vote.
Mayor Swift opened the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m. for the Purpose of hearing comments on the Proposed 2023-24 Annual Operating Budget and Supporting Tax Rates.
Ed Maas, 18207 Valade, spoke.
Closed public hearing at 7:08 p.m. by unanimous vote.
The Mayor offered Public Comments.
Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote.
~ Award Bid and Agreement with Encotech for Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) Change Out in the amount of $29,990.00.
~ Award Bid and Three-Year Agreement for Electrical Maintenance and Repairs and Emergency and Non-Emergency Services to Great Lakes Power and Lighting, Inc.
~ Accept $900.00 Donation from Architect University Masonic Lodge for a Vest for Police Canine “Blue.”
~ Accept $7,900.00 from Wayne County Fire Fighters Training Committee for Fire Training Purposes.
~ Approve Budget Amendments as presented.
Adopted resolution Authorizing Updated PNC Letter of Credit and Investment Management Account by unanimous vote.
Authorized Preparation of Plans, Specifications, Bids, Contract Administration, Inspection, Testing, Marking and As Built Measurements by Charles E. Raines Company for an amount not to exceed $98,000.00 for Street Sectioning.
Authorized 2023 Pavement Joint Sealing Project Cooperative Contract with Al’s Asphalt for a total of $168,399.00; and Chares E. Raines contract administration for a not to exceed amount of $12,000.00.
Awarded Bid and Agreement with Cornerstone Environmental Group for Wellfield Operation and Management for an annual cost of $227,580.00.
Authorized Purchase of 2 Bomag Compactors from Southeastern Equipment for $2,168,000.00.
Authorized Clerk to give the First Reading, by title only, of Proposed Ordinance No. 742– Amending Article VI, Established Grade and Drainage Control of Chapter 86, Buildings and Building Regulations by unanimous vote.
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 742
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CITY OF RIVERVIEW ZONING ORDINANCE, BY ADDING SECTION 20.05, “CONDITIONAL REZONING,” TO ARTICLE 20, “PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS”
Adjourned Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. by unanimous vote.
DETAILED MINUTES/ORDINANCES AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
Andrew M. Swift, Mayor Cynthia M. Hutchison, City Clerk
RETIREMENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES CITIZEN-AT-LARGE SEEKING APPLICANTS
Two Citizens-at-Large terms expired for the Retirement Board of Trustees on July 1, 2021. The term is for three years. Applicant shall be an elector, resident and taxpayer of the city who has no other fiduciary interest in the retirement system and who is not a member or a retirant and who holds no other city position and who has no insurable interest in a member or retirant to be appointed by the City Council.
Please download the Retirement Board Application found under the Home page Government Tab/Boards and Commissions or at the City Clerk’s office.
CITY OF RIVERVIEW NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE AUGUST 8, 2023 CITY PRIMARY ELECTION
To the Qualified Electors of the City of Riverview, Wayne County:
Please take Notice that any qualified elector of Riverview who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the City Clerk; the office of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the City Clerk or online at the following link: https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/registervoter. Voters who
SEE LEGALS, Page 23
are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com. The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 24, 2023. After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the City Clerk’s office, located at 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, Michigan, 48193, at the following times:
Regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, August 8, 2023, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Riverview will be voting on the following Contests:
MAYOR (Vote for 1)
Edmond Maas
Chuck Norton
Andrew M. Swift
CITY COUNCIL (Vote for 3)
Brett M. Chittum
Nicole Clark
John David Eckman
Don Ginestet
Suzanne ONeil
David Pray
Heather Smiley
Bill J. Towle
Elmer E. Trombley
Brian Webb
CITY PROPOSAL 2023-1
A proposal to initiate legislation pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to reinstate the City’s marihuana moratorium and to disallow the sale of marihuana in the City.
The proposed initiative would:
Void Riverview’s cannabis business license ordinance.
Reinstate Riverview’s marihuana moratorium.
Disallow licensure of recreational marihuana facilities. Prohibit the sale of recreational marihuana in Riverview. Should this proposal be adopted?
A sample ballot may be viewed at www.cityofriverview.com under public notices when available. Persons with special needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the clerk’s office.
Cynthia M. Hutchison, City ClerkThanks to some caring city leaders, involved military service organizations and slews of volunteers, each year Riverview is home to one of the finest Memorial Day celebrations anywhere in the area. The event was organized and co-sponsored by the city of Riverview and American Legion Post 389. Speeches were made, a bell was tolled for each of Riverview’s war dead and all veterans were honored for their service by the “Circle of Flags” ringing the reflection pond at Young Patriots Park. It was a picture-perfect day and a pictureperfect ceremony befitting the motto: All gave some; Some gave all.
With a run in the third inning and another in the fourth, the Riverview baseball team, which had just two hits on the day, defeated host Trenton 2-0 on June 3 to win a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 district championship.
With the win, Riverview advanced to a regional semifinal, also hosted by Trenton, where they faced a strong Huron (23-7) team. That game was played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline. The winner of that game played the winner of the Detroit Prep-University Liggett regional semifinal in the regional championship game at U-M Stadium in Ann Arbor June 10.
The date against Huron was a chance for some sweet revenge for the Bucs, who lost two close games to the Chiefs during the Huron League season. Huron beat Riverview 2-1 on April 21 and 5-2 on May 15.
In the district championship game, the Bucs made good use of their two hits against Trenton as Jayce Johnson and Charlie Singleton each knocked in runs. Trenton chipped in by making two errors in the game.
The star of the show for the districtwinners was pitcher Shane McAlinden, who started on the mound, allowed five hits
and no runs, while fanning six. He pitched a complete-game shutout.
Riverview (17-10) reached the district title game by demolishing Huron League foe Grosse Ile 11-2 in the morning district semifinal. It was Riverview’s third win of the year over Grosse Ile, following 6-0 and 7-4 regular-season victories. Trenton, which was 22-13 this season, reached the district finals by virtue of a forfeit by Romulus.
The Bucs had this game in the bag before the Red Devils could even rub the sleep out of their eyes. Riverview, which clubbed 16 hits in the game, scored three times in the first inning, twice in the second and once in the third to take the pressure off starting pitcher Anthony Bowman.
Bowman worked six innings, scattering two runs and seven hits, while striking out six, At the plate, Bowman, Johnson and Dylan Eichler each had three hits to pace the Riverview offensive onslaught. Johnson drove in three of Riverview’s 11 runs and Bowman drove in two.
The two district wins pushed Riverview’s winning streak to a modest four games, but the Bucs, who were 9-5 in Huron League games this season, have been on a roll since mid May, winning nine of their past 11 games.
Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases and build credit, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
When choosing a card, it is a good idea to understand your spending habits. Do you frequently travel? Do you spend a lot on groceries or dining out? Knowing your spending habits will help you choose a credit card that offers benefits that align with your lifestyle and your budget.
One important factor is the APR. The interest rate, also known as the Annual Percentage Rate, is the amount of interest you’ll be charged on any outstanding balance. With recently rising interest rates, many people are looking for a fixed-rate credit card to
ensure that they know exactly what they’ll have to pay for credit, regardless of uncertain economic factors. If you’re looking to protect yourself against the costs of rising rates, look for a card with a low, fixed rate of interest, especially if you plan to carry a balance each month.
Although many people choose credit cards that offer rewards on purchases, those cards may come with higher rates, annual fees, or strict late charges--even If you are only one day late! Additionally, many people do not use all of the rewards they earn, leaving the card issuer in some cases to expire those rewards. If you are concerned about paying too much, look for a card that does not charge an annual fee, has a forgiving late payment option, or offers rewards you’ll actually use and don’t expire.
Knowing which lender to apply with is a good strategy, so be sure to check your credit score. Your credit score may impact your ability to qualify for certain credit cards and may even
determine the interest rate you’ll be charged. Understanding which lender to choose may help you obtain a card even if you’ve been denied a credit card in the past.
Before applying for or using a credit card to make purchases, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. Look for any hidden fees, restrictions, or penalties that could impact your ability to use the card. Understand what your minimum payment will be each month, when it is due, and always do your best to make your payments on time. Doing so will help you save money and build good credit.
In conclusion, choosing a good credit card requires careful consideration of your spending habits, interest rates, rewards and benefits, annual fees, and the fine print. By taking the time to research and compare credit cards, you can find a card that you’re likely to qualify for, meets all of your needs, and helps you build and maintain a good credit rating.
The Gabriel Richard baseball team had a wonderful year in 2022, capping a great run through the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 state tournament with a 4-3 win over Beal City in the state championship game.
The memory of that magic moment faded a little this year as the Pioneers struggled mightily during the regular season, winning just five times and enduring two long losing streaks.
But the great thing about high school sports is there is always a second chance waiting.
It’s called the state playoffs.
And on June 5, the Pioneers made everyone forget about the regular season as they dominated Taylor Trillium Academy and Inter-City Baptist to win their seventh consecutive district championship.
A district title hardly measures up to a state championship, but after the regular season Richard endured, the trophy was a welcome sight.
Offense has been hard to come by for the Pioneers this season, but you would not have known that if you were on hard June 3 at Richard’s home field as the runs came in droves for the home team.
There was not much drama in the district and the Pioneers only needed a total of eight innings to dispatch both the Wildcats and the Chargers.
Trillium fell in a district semifinal game 17-2 in just three innings and in the nightcap championship game, InterCity was able to last just five innings before succumbing to the Pioneers 11-1.
The championship game was probably a bit of a shock to the Chargers,
who won two tournament games to reach the district finals. Inter-City beat Cabrini 8-7 in a pre-district game and then dominated Detroit Academy of the Americas in their semifinal game.
With the district trophy safely in the trophy case, the Pioneers turned their attention to the next step – the regional tournament.
The Pioneers squared off with Plymouth Christian, a 30-win team this year, in a regional semifinal game on June 7. The winner of that game advanced to face the winner of the Brown CityGenesee Christian game. Both Brown City and Genesee Christian are sub.500 teams, but the Richard-Plymouth Christian winner has a good chance to advance.
All of the regional games were played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.
It has largely been a struggle all season for the defending D4 state champions. But the team from Riverview Gabriel Richard put together a strong effort on Saturday with convincing wins over Taylor Trillium Academy and Allen Park Inter-City Baptist to clinch their seventh straight district
championship.
The pair of victories also snapped what was a nine-game losing skid coming in.
Offense has been hard to come by for Richard all season as they averaged under three runs per game during the regular campaign. Even that number was inflated some by a 16-3 victory over Dearborn Heights Crestwood back in early April. That changed in a big way on Saturday when they outscored Trillium and Inter-City by a combined
score of 28-3.
Richard struggled mightily in Catholic League-AA Division play throughout the season, going just 2-14 against conference foes. However, a large majority of their opponents this spring, including in CHSL play, are housed in higher divisions.
Richard will continue their title defense for at least one more day when they visit Plymouth Christian on June 7 in a D4 regional semifinal matchup (4:30p).
Easy to follow rou nes that target your whole body. This class is perfect for the beginner 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, drums cks and a bucket 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. This class is for 14 & older. Instructor: Lisa Magyar
Tues. 10:00-11:00 a.m.
June 6 - August 29 (No class July 4 or Aug 8)
Thurs. 7:10-7:50 p.m. (40 min Express)
June 8 - August 31
Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym
This awesome cardio class is taught in a lowimpact format. You'll have plenty of opportuni es 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) Miche Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
June 19 - July 31 (No class July 3)
Cost: $5.00 drop in
Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym
This head to toe workout will start with a 15 minute warm up with easy to follow moves, a 20 minute arm rou ne, a variety of body toning exercises and an awesome stretch ending. This class is perfect for EVERYONE! A group class where we workout together but at your own pace. If you want to sit in a chair or you want to move it to the max and everything in between, this is YOUR class! Fun music and classes are varied each week. 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. This class is for age 14 and up. . Instructor: Lisa Magyar
Thurs. 6:00-7:00 p.m.
June 8 - August 31
Cost: $5.00 drop in Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym
Combina ons are easy to follow and so much fun. Light weights for muscular strengthening round out your class. There is no floor work. You'll be singing as you get fit with walking combina ons. You should come and check it out!
Instructor: Sue (Flanary) Miche Wed. 9:00-10:00 a.m.
June 21 - July 26
Cost: $5.00 drop in
Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym
Start your day with this 45 minute, no/low impact, low intensity workout that will tone your muscles, increase your range of moon, balance and flexibility, and help you to relieve stress. Through a series of simple stretching and toning exercises, par cipants will find improvements in overall func onality 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.
June 6 - August 29 (No class July 4 or Aug 8)
Cost: $5.00 drop in
Class Limit: 20 City Hall Gym
June 13
No Sew Patriotic Ribbon Flag
June 27
Melted Ice Cream Cupcake
Class
July 11
Painted Pine Cone Wreath
July 25
Silk Flower Paper Lantern
August 22
Painted Stain Glass Picture Frame
In a wild slugfest of a game, the Trenton softball team beat Riverview 20-13 in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 softball district semifinal game on June 3.
The Trojans came out on fire and put up five runs in the first two innings. Riverview answered back in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings, but the Trojans kept up the pace and the avalanche of runs finally buried the Bucs.
The Trenton bats kept booming in the district championship game, too, as the Trojans clubbed Flat Rock 11-1 to win the district title. The Trojans won the district last year, also, and went all the way to the Division 2 state championship game.
Flat Rock reached the district finals by bombing host team Grosse Ile 11-0, but Trenton turned the tables on the Rams in the title game.
It has been a long, hard march through the season for the Gabriel Richard softball team, but the Pioneers put their 4-29 record behind them on June 3 and beat Taylor Trillium and host Inter-City to win a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 4 district championship.
It was Richard’s fourth district title in four years.
The Pioneers played a brutal regular-season schedule against a lot of great teams. Maybe that experience will pay off here in the playoffs.
The district semifinal game against Trillium was a laugher, something Richard has little experience with this year. The Pioneers beat the Wildcats 12-0.
Richard pitcher Emerson Cinglie was dominant against Trillium as she fired a five-inning one-hitter and fanned seven Trillium batters.
At the plate. Cinglie had an RBI double to help out her own cause, part of the Pioneers’ top third of the order including Annelise McWilliams and Carsyn Roehrig. That trio combined to go 6-for-9 with seven runs and six RBIs. McWilliams drove in three runs
while Roehrig scored three times.
The championship game against Inter-City was a different story as the Pioneers built an early lead and then had to fight off a furious Charger comeback.
In the end, Richard held on for an 8-7 win.
Richard led 5-2 after four innings and then added three insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth. Those three runs proved to be the difference as Inter-City scored five in the top of the seventh, all with two outs. The last Inter-City hitter struck out with a runner on base to end the game.
Roehrig started in the circle for Richard against Inter-City. The junior struck out 15 batters over her seven innings of work.
Richard played an MHSAA DA regional semifinal game on June 10 against Huron Valley Lutheran. The winner of that game was to play the winner of the Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-Southfield Christian game. All of the regional action was played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.
The 2023 season turned out to be a great one for the Riverview track team.
The Riverview boys won the Metro Classic title, finished second to meet champ Monroe Jefferson at the Huron League meet and, in between, finished a respectable seventh at regionals where 10 Riverview boys and one girl qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals.
The Metro Classic, which is the remnants of the old news-Herald Track & Field Championships, feature most of Downriver’s teams and a few others.
It was something of a coming out party for the Bucs, who scored 95 points to top the 20-team field. Carlson was second with 79.17 and Woodhaven was third with 68.33.
Despite not having
SEE TRACK, Page 33
Continued from page 32
a great deal of success in the field events, Riverview ran wild on the track, scoring in nearly every event and capturing first in four events.
Logan Ruffner was first in both the half-mile and mile and the Bucs also took home gold medals in the mile and two-mile relays. Ruffner, Julian Rivera, Caleb Dibrano and Jack Bias ran to first in the mile, easily beating secondplace Allen Park, and Dibrano, Israel Garcia, Rivera and Ruffner ran first in the two-mile, beating Huron League rival Huron by three seconds.
Jacob Shank and Ian Adams ran third and fourth in the 100; Bias was second in the 200; Dibrano was third in the 400; Hayden Holmes and Blake Robinson were fourth and fifth in the two-mile; Garcia was seventh in the 300 hurdles; Riverview was third in the 4x100 relay with Shank, Ashton Robinson, Max Lockhart and Adams running; Riverview was third in the 4x200 relay with Bias, Lockhart, Adams and Shank running.
At the Huron League meet, hosted by Milan High School, Riverview scored 105 points and finished 41 points behind winner Monroe Jefferson. The top two team were followed, in order, by Milan, Huron, Airport, Grosse Ile Monroe St. Mary CC and Flat Rock. Monroe Jefferson was also the girls champ. Riverview was seventh.
For the Riverview boys, it was a good day, if not a team championship day.
Individually the Bucs had three first-place finishes and four seconds.
Winning for Riverview were Adams in the 100 meters; the 4x100 relay team of Lockhart, Adams, Shank and Dominic stuck; and the 4x400 relay of Rivera, Dibrano, Ruffner and Bias.
Finishing second for the Bucs were Bias in the 200 and the 400; Ruffner in the Mile and the 4x200 relay squad of Adams, Lockhart, Ashton Robinson and Dibrano.
Other scorers were Dibrano, Rivera, Garcia and Ruffner, who were third in the two-mile relay; Lockhart, who was third in the shot put; Dibrano, who was fourth in the 400; Ruffner, fourth in the 800; Garcia, fourth in the 300 hurdles; Bias, fifth in the long jump; Holmes, seventh in the mile and fifth in the twomile; and Ashton Robinson, who was eighth in the 200.
At regionals, Ruffner, Dibrano, Garcia, Bias, Rivera in relay races and Bias and Ruffner also qualified individually. Madison Hipshire qualified for the Riverview girls in the 300 hurdles.
Running against the giants like in the Metro Classic, which was hosted by Woodhaven this year, the Gabriel Richard boys and girls track team can get a little lost. Neither squad finished in the top half of the Classic final standings.
But when you put the Pioneers up against schools their own size, they’ve proved what a dynamic squad they are.
At the Catholic High School League Cardinal Division finals, the Richard boys tied for first with Ann Arbor Greenhills. Each team had 92 points and shared the league championship. University Liggett was third with 82 points.
Scoring for Richard were Wisdom Nwadioha, who won the 200 meters and was third in the long jump; Austin Louzon, who was second in the high hurdles; Kris Vigars, second in the low hurdles; Justin Franklin, third in the low hurdles and sixth in the high hurdles; Alex Meszaros, fifth in the mile; Dominic Barretto, fifth in the 800; Andrew Fust, sixth in the shot put; Rich Fanti, seventh in the 800; Joey Calhoun, who was eighth in the 100 meters; and Andrias Laskaris, eighth in the 400.
The Pioneers also cleaned up in the relay events, finishing second in the 4x200 (Franklin, Calhoun, Christian Abello and Nwadioha); third in the 4x100 (Vigars, Calhoun, Abello and Nwadioha); third in the 4x800 relay (Barretto, Fanti, Johnny Benko and Meszaros); and fourth in the 4x400 (Vigars, Franklin, Laskaris and Meszaros).
At regionals, the GR boys were second to Detroit Frederick Douglas. Douglas scored 114 points, Richard had 90 and Southfield Christian was third with 82.
The Pioneers had two regional champions, both coming in the hurdle races. Austin Louzon was the champion in the boys’ 110 hurdles while Kris Vigars won first place in the boys’ 300 hurdles. Meszaros was second in the 800 meters and also qualified individually.
The 4x800 relay team of Barretto, Fanti, Benko and Meszaros also hit the state-qualifying mark.
In addition to the boy qualifiers, Sasha Murphy finished second in both the 100 hurdles and long jump, qualifying in both events. Erica Roberts qualified with a secondplace finish in discus.
Children,teens&adultscanearnfunprizesjustbyexercisingtheirbrainsallsummerlong!Ourreadingchallengeruns June12-August10&isfreetoallwhowishtoparticipate.EventsbeginJune19,2023.Pleasenotethatsomeeventsrequirepre-registration.
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afternoonbookclub
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alldayevent:storyscavengerhunt Pickupascavengerhuntsheetfromthe circulationdeskandthenwalkaround ReflectionPondtoreadastoryand answerthequestions.
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need and allows those qualified to shop at no charge in a grocery-like setting. Fish & Loaves is faithbased and, like the diaper bank, relies on donations, grants and other funds to operate.
gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand
True ‘community’ event draws excitement
Grosse Ile’s popular Boar’s Head Festival makes its return
...[T]he much-loved Boar’s Head Festival will return this coming Dec. 7-10 at Sacred Heart Church.
The grand Christmas pageant, which involves more than 600 volunteers, has become the premier celebration of community involvement, musical entertainment, and the Christmas spirit.
In 2022, the pantry served more than 2.3 million pounds of food to needy individuals who are able to “shop” every other month. Fish & Loaves also distributes food to hundreds of visitors on Saturdays while supplies last and provides food on an emergency basis as well.
Fish & Loaves will celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year with the motto “ensuring no one goes hungry.”..
On page 4
The actual serving of a roasted boar can be traced to ancient Roman times when the wild porcine was the preferred dish at great feasts.
As early as the 14 th century in medieval England, Christians considered the wild boar a ferocious beast and a symbol of great evil. They adapted the Roman custom of serving a boar’s head on a platter to represent the triumph of the Christ Child over evil. Particularly poignant at Christmas time.
Grosse Ile’s Boar’s Head Festival has been held since its inception in 1980, launched by the late Josephine “Jo” Ramage with the Islanders theater group, and sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches on the Island. This year’s production will be directed by Open Book Theatre’s founder, awardwinning Krista Schafer Ewbank....
On page 1
Grosse Ile’s Bottoms Up group nearing one million distributed diapers to the needy ...Founded in 2015 by church congregation member Elaine McElwaney of Riverview, Bottoms Up is operated by a board that receives donations to purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club in Southgate and distributes them at a rate of 120 every other month to clients at Fish & Loaves. The national standard on diaper need is 60 per month per child.
Fish & Loaves is the state’s largest client-choice pantry. The pantry vets clients based on income and
gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star
The Anderson baseball team has been off the local radar for the past few years, but veteran coach Andy Green, in his first year at the helm of the Titans, has the team playing some fine baseball this spring. At last count the Titans were 7-4 (4-2 in Downriver
League play) and among their victories were blowouts of Lincoln Park, Garden City and Grosse Ile, as well as a thrilling 6-5 win over Trenton in extra innings. The Titans are also playing in some cool locations this year. On May 1 they played Melvindale at The Corner Ball Park on the site of the old Tiger Stadium and on May 16 the Titans will play Lincoln Park at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, home of the Mud Hens. The Titans are currently on an extended stretch of road games, but they finish the regular season with three straight home dates on May 18, 23 and 24. MHSAA districts are June 3 and the Titans will be at Woodhaven, along with the host school, Carlson, Taylor and Wyandotte.
On page 1
STA’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was a big hit ...Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
Seymour Krelborn (played by Morgan Morris in STA’S production) is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” (Fatima Samples) after his crush Audrey (Allison Hilliard) at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood.
The nonprofit group had served the city since 1984. The organization’s main job was to restore homes in Wyandotte, provide affordable housing for those interested in purchasing a home in the city, adding the property back to the city’s tax rolls and, ultimately, upgrading neighborhoods.
According to alliance facilitator Corki Benson, due to retirements, relocations and deaths, the original group ceased operations in the late 1990s after completing 14 projects.
completing 14 projects.
In 2005, with the help of then-Mayor James DeSana, a new team was formed to take up the mission, Benson reported. In October 2006, the new group restored its first property in the 1200 block of Lincoln...
On page 1
Roosevelt shines at local rowing events
The Wyandotte rowing team won the men’s and overall championships at the nine-team 50th annual Wy-Hi Rowing Regatta, hosted by the Wyandotte Boat Club in the first weekend in May.
As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extra-terrestrial origins and his true drive for world-domination.
The STA production almost sold out each night, filling the auditorium that can hold 300 people with up to 250-290 each night. Those numbers make it one of the most successful musicals Southgate Anderson High School has put on ever...
On page 6
In 2005, with the help of then-Mayor James DeSana, a new team was formed to take up the mission, Benson reported. In October 2006, the new group restored its first property in the 1200 block of Lincoln.
On page 1
The group of 8th graders accompanied by several staff members and parent chaperons, embarked on a four-day journey that included visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and museums.
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior
group finishes work, donates remaining proceeds
...The nonprofit group had served the city since 1984. The organization’s main job was to restore homes in Wyandotte, provide affordable housing for those interested in purchasing a home in the city, adding the property back to the city’s tax rolls and, ultimately, upgrading neighborhoods.
According to alliance facilitator Corki Benson, due to retirements, relocations and deaths, the original group ceased operations in the late 1990s after
Joining Roosevelt at the regatta were fellow WBC member schools Gibraltar Carlson, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate Anderson and Trenton. Also in the field were Perrysburg High School making the trek up from Ohio as well as the LaSalle Rowing Club based out of Windsor, Ontario.
Roosevelt finished with 249 points to claim the overall title....
On page 18
Striking out breast cancer
‘Pink Out’ softball game raises $2,600 to aid recovery victims
A high school varsity softball game between Southgate Anderson and Wyandotte Roosevelt may not have had quite the same competitive spirit as usual, but the end result left both teams feeling like winners.
The students had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Memorials (Pentagon, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and World War II), Arlington Cemetery, Ford Theatre, White House, U.S Capitol, Naval Academy and a Spirit Cruise in Baltimore...
On page 1
The Pink Out Softball Game on May 15 at Anderson’s home field raised $2,600 to purchase supplies to make breast cancer patients feel more comfortable after undergoing surgery.
The hosting Titans and the visiting Bears went all out to make sure the game was a success.
Both teams wore special T-shirts. Anderson girls and coaches were dressed in pink; Roosevelt girls and coaches wore white shirts outlined in pink. They had student-designed logos on the front and the name of cancer patients they were dedicating the game to on the back.
Admission was free and the stands on both sides –decorated with pink balloons and posters of cancer patients – were pretty much standing-room only.
On page 20