Riverview Register, March 12 – April 10, 2024

Together, let’s consider how to make sure our community continues to be a safe place to live and raise a family.

Establishing a Special Assessment District pursuant to Act 33 of 1951 for public safety costs and expenses, which would be 2 mills over one year, is the proposed solution. The upcoming meeting will be open to public comments and questions. Ultimately, this will pass – or not pass – in May 2024 by vote of Riverview City Council members, not a public vote.

Mayor Swift said, “We received input from several residents at the Public Hearing. Many questions and concerns were addressed and council

approved moving forward with establishing the Special Assessment District.”

The revenue from a Special Assessment District would specifically be used for purchasing police motor vehicles, apparatus and equipment and to defray the increasing costs of the Riverview Police Department related to personnel, operations and maintenance.

In 2023, the City proposed a 4 mill levy for up to 10 years, but after thorough review, many cuts, and evaluation of future income from cannabis licenses and renewable natural

gas royalties, the City realized a short-term plan was needed while other sources of income are determined.

All lots and parcels of land within the City of Riverview, County of Wayne, Michigan would be assessed.

The meeting will take place April 22nd at 7 p.m. at Riverview City Hall, 14100 Civic Park Drive.

2024 Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ annual awards banquet

Six women were recognized with monetary awards from the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for their ambition and contribution to their communities. The awards banquet was held on February 27th at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Some of the essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.

Soroptimist is an international organization of almost 1,500 clubs in nineteen countries for and by dedicated women who use their collective power to help other women and girls transform their physical, mental, and emotional lives and the lives of their families. Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist is a volunteer group that offers service by way of fundraising and donations, public awareness/educational programs, and hands-on assistance; as well as presenting yearly monetary awards to individuals to help support and further their future. These women give their time and talents to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and to area women’s health institutions. They host annual charity fundraisers and programs such as “Save the Girls” motorcycle ride, “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, “Battle for Freedom,” and the “Dream It, Be It” program for adolescent girls.

The Virginia Wagner Educational Award is given to a woman aspiring

to complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree to enable her to reach her career goals. Judging is based on a weighted criteria for judging that includes scholarship, extra-curricular activities, need, and effort toward education. The Virginia Wagner chairperson is Fallon Donovan.

ELIZABETH JOHNSON is a justice activist, currently pursuing a master’s in social work at Wayne State University, where she maintains an overall 4.0 GPA, after receiving magna cum laude honors when she completed her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2022. Throughout her professional career, she has occupied several different roles, recently helping to implement a 501c(3) program plan to create affordable housing inventory for homeless, extremely lowincome individuals in metro Detroit. She also spent a great deal of time in social work education research, working with youth as a volunteer and child advocate in several different capacities.

In addition to working on her master’s degree, Ms. Johnson is involved with several professional affiliations. She is currently the founder and copresident at Wayne State University’s School of Social Work, Social Work Disability Justice Coalition. She is also a student member of the National Association of Social Workers, Taylor Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force, Downriver Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and Families Against Narcotics.

OV’ VAR’SHIA GRAY-WOODS is completing her master’s degree in social work in May at Wayne State University, where she maintains a 3.83 GPA. Along with being a full-time student, she has been a delegate liaison for the National Foster Youth Institute, a ten-month program which resulted in shadowing Congress in Washington, D.C. She was also president of the Empowering Foster Youth through Technology program, was named one of the Top 20 Most Influential Black Detroiters Making History under the age of twenty-five by the Skillman Foundation, and is a member of the Wayne State Champions Aspiring to Make Pathways to Success program. CHAMPS is a campus-based support program serving under-privileged students who have aged out of or spent time in foster care. Ov’Var’Shia is a single mother of a daughter. Her goal is to be a strong community leader in Michigan, promoting social justice, advocating for urban communities, and upholding her personal and professional core values while leading by example for her daughter.

The Live Your Dream Education and Training Award was established in 1972 to provide monetary assistance to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families to obtain the skills-training or undergraduate degree program necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family.

Each year, over $3 million is awarded to more than 1,800 women in

Soroptimist’s member countries and territories. The women receiving these financial awards may use them for any costs associated with their educational efforts, including tuition, books, childcare, and transportation, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence, the death of a spouse and/ or substance abuse. The Live Your Dream chairperson is Nancy Nagle. The first recipient is MARQUITA DIAZ, from Ecorse. Marquita is a single mother of four children, ages fourteen, nine, six, and four. She is completing her professional certification training as a licensed practical nurse from Detroit Business Institute, while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. She intends to continue her studies to become a registered nurse, practicing in pediatrics with an emphasis on helping to heal critically ill children and offer support to grieving parents. While she tried to balance her family life, work, and schooling, she lost her job, and then her home, which added to the strain; but she persisted in working toward her dream career, depending on distant relatives to help her family for the first time. An instructor stated that Ms. Diaz modeled professionalism when encountering an angry patient on the first day of her clinicals, engaging in a successful therapeutic communication to resolve the problem.

The second winner is MONIQUE OWENS from East Pointe, the mother of twin fifteen-year-old girls, who is

Downriver Women’s Organization offers

academic scholarship

The Wyandotte-Downriver branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering a $2,500 scholarship in 2024, through its foundation, for all eligible applicants. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2024.

“The intent of this scholarship is to provide financial support, including tuition, fees, books and supplies to a Downriver native who is currently enrolled full-time,” said Barbara Duran, current co-President of the Downriver Branch. The scholarship is for the Fall Semester of 2024, and will be paid directly to the chosen college or university on behalf of the student.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in any of the following communities: Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron Township, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven or Wyandotte. They also must have earned a minimum of 12 college credits and be

currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student.

All interested students who wish to apply for this scholarship should send an email with the subject: “Academic Scholarship 2024” to aauwwd@gmail. com to receive the application form and guidelines.

The completed application, required essay and a copy of the applicant’s transcript must be sent to: AAUWWDF, c/o Sheila Blair, 4143 McKenna Dr., Adrian, MI 49221, or via email to scholarship committee chair Sheila Blair, at: aauwwd@gmail.com by the deadline date of March 31st.

AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver supports leadership, education, equity and economic security for women through scholarships, training and political advocacy. Information about the branch and our activities can be found at: facebook.com/AAUWWyandotteDownriverBranch, or by calling Barb Duran at 313-300-1710 or Sue Stoll at 737-692-4919. Address email to aauwwd@gmail.com

FROM THE MAYOR

My fellow Riverview residents, Spring is quickly approaching and if you are like me, it cannot get here quick enough. This time of the year is the perfect time to start planning your spring and summertime activities, we have a lot to look forward to. We have several spring activities (check this paper), summer concerts on tap and Summerfest will be here before you know it.

First up today and the most important item on the list is the Public Safety Millage that council will be considering. On Monday, March 4th, the city council held a Public Hearing to get input from our residents on their thoughts. The council will be asked to consider a 2 mill increase for 1 year in late April or early May. If you recall, the previous plan from last fall was to ask for a 4 mill increase over 10 years. Council made the decision to withdraw that effort and direct the city manager to decide where efficiencies could be made, costs could be cut, and what capital improvements and purchases could be postponed. The city manager, working with the finance director and other staff members have gone through their budgets and have made significant changes. One common theme is the delay of large capital purchases where possible. Delays are not possible in the public safety departments, as funds are needed to purchase vehicles, apparatus, and equipment. The 2 mills being considered are only a fraction of the roughly six million dollar cost of our police department.

The decision to only ask our residents for what we absolutely need right now is the right choice. Once we determine what the royalties will be from the new gas plant (estimated to around $400,000 per year) and the expected share of the excise tax on dispensaries (estimated around $59,000 per dispensary starting in 2025) we will have a better understanding of what our financial need will be.

The next public hearing on the proposed 2 mill public safety millage will be held on Monday, April 22nd, 7:00pm in the city council chambers.

Another item you should be aware of is the cleanup happening at the north end of the Riverview/Trenton Railroad

at West Jefferson and High Street. That area has been fenced off and the RTRR has commenced mitigation of the caustic material that has been percolating through the ground. The surface water is being collected and transported offsite to a landfill (not RLP).

One event that has likely already occurred by the time you receive this paper is the Riverview Hall of Fame. This is an annual event to raise money for scholarships for graduating seniors from the Riverview Community High School that are attending college or trade school. Each year the Hall of Fame committee recognizes outstanding citizens for their contributions of making Riverview a better place to live. This year is no exception as the recipients of this prestigious honor are John Fracassa, Jeff Stergalas, Michael Vollmar and James G. Weaks. Congratulations to these individuals and all those recognized by the Hall of Fame that include Kiwanis, Goodfellows, Fireman, Police Officer of the year, and way too many resolute people to mention.

Saturday, March 16th, is our annual “Hippity Hoppity Easter Stroll” at Young Patriot’s Park from 11:00am till noon. Bring your entire family with their Easter Baskets on a SpringThemed walk around the Reflection Pond. Please check in at the Ceasar’s Pavilion. The path around the pond will be lined with groups, businesses, churches, and others ready to help you fill your basket.

Coming up on Saturday, March 23rd, 6:30pm at the Riverview Community Center is the first of what will be one of many new activities and programs to take place in our community. The Southgate Rotary is sponsoring this event to provide seed money for the new Riverview Rotary starting very soon. This new fun event is a Comedy Night starring Melvin Bender and Tom Massey. Tickets are $30.00, which includes the show and dinner provided by Arnaldo’s. There will be a cash bar available and only those 21 and older can attend. For ticket information call the Riverview Recreation Department at 734-281-4219 or see the ad in this paper.

The following day on Sunday, March 24th, another annual event called “Strides for Adam 5K” will take place

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!

ANDREW SWIFT

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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 2,000 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.

Michigan launches early voting

Early voting sites across Michigan were open for the first time in State history for the Michigan Presidential Primary. Following the passage of Proposal 2 in 2022, voters now have the opportunity to cast their ballots in person at designated early voting sites. This state constitutional amendment now mandates for at least nine consecutive days of early voting for all state and federal elections. Municipal elections, however, are not subject to this mandate.

Early voting sites function much like traditional in-person Election Day polling places. Upon arrival, voters will check in, receive their ballot, mark it, and then submit it into the tabulator. Those who choose to receive an absentee ballot also have the option to early vote. They may bring their absentee ballot into their community’s early voting site and submit it into the tabulator themselves. It’s important to note that both early voting and absentee ballots are securely collected and remain uncounted until Election Day. This change looks to enhance voter accessibility and engagement in

Michigan’s electoral process. According to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, more than 78,000 votes were cast during this inaugural nine-day early voting period across the state.

Early voting will be an option for both the August State Primary and the November Presidential Election. To locate your nearest early voting site and its hours of operation, contact the City Clerk’s Office or visit Michigan. gov/EarlyVoting. Cities have the flexibility to set up early voting sites either independently through their county or in collaboration with other municipalities. Therefore, early voting locations may differ from a voter’s regular polling place.

We never know, do we?

PETER ROSE

These columns I write have been a way for me to channel angst, anger, stress, frustration, contempt, and anxiety over my sliver of reality in the world of retail. I have done this for eighty-one consecutive editions of the Go Big publications, and I believe that I have done a credible job of expressing all of these things through words that have also been all about optimism, encouragement, and determination to prevail against absurdly outsized odds. All of these niche specific thoughts are how I have experienced and how I assess the state of the nation. If I weren’t essentially optimistic, I wouldn’t even have the gumption to write.

Optimism comes from lots of directions. By the time these words are read, Janelle and I will have spent time in Las Vegas and Chicago, trying to read the tea leaves, so to speak. Every season, in just a few days, a significant chunk of the vendor pool in the women’s apparel business gather together at multiple venues to offer up each of their contributions to the fashion world for upcoming seasons. This part of the job I have done for fifty plus years is still fascinating to me. From these shows springs hope and ambition for the near future, and interestingly, has the effect of making me look forward with great anticipation, eager for the passing

All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our near-term fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

of time, even as I near the 70-year marker. Imagine that, avidly eager for time to pass, being impatient for the next season. That’s the truth. I return from each trip with new “fuel” with which to fire the engines of our little micro-economy(!) It’s true for both the men’s and women’s business. Evan and I were in Chicago a bit earlier, and returned with similar (yet radically different) inspirations.

It isn’t just the merchandise presentations we sit through and sift through. Although making our selections is ultimately the sole reason for these trips, we feed off the passion for the industry that each vendor shares with us through their latest offerings. That is: their most current visions of what they perceive to be saleable for US if we choose to do business with THEM. But in so doing, we see countless ways of dramatizing said offerings. Endless and highly varied creativity that makes booth spaces look fantastic, and that telegraphs each vendor’s take on the drama of retail. It is dramatic, it is impressive, it is fun to see and think about, and it adds to the fire.

Big, corporate entities no longer attend these shows. They haven’t in a long time. They make their plans far earlier than the indie segment of the industry, with just a few exceptions.

Hello, this is my 10 week old Pomeranian puppy Bruno! He sure keeps us hopping! He just loves his toys, treats and his mom and dad. Thanks for looking.

Many stores are completely vertical, meaning that the only brands you see in their stores are their own labels. Others use a mix, but with so many stores, they work earlier.

THAT means that all of these trade shows are for ME. Well, OK, not JUST for me, but for the likes of me in apparel stores of all sizes and shapes across the nation. All of us coming together to put our varying levels of endorsement on a wild diversity of brands and their collections. All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our nearterm fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

As you know well by this time, I have mall retail in my experience. I compared our stores to bigger players, not just other small businesses like ours. I was inspired by good ideas, even if I couldn’t execute them. As negative as my regard is for those invaders, I do have to admit that they instilled an obsession for creative excellence.

We come back from shows, then, with heads full of ideas, from new brands to fresh offerings from existing brands. From cool lighting ideas to efficient display equipment, all things we can emulate. The energy is electric

These are our babies, Chloe and Lucy. We adopted Chloe at 6 weeks old and a year and a half later, the rescue called us that someone turned her sister/litter mate in and did we “know anyone who might want her”. We were in the car the next day picking Lucy up.

Markings are identical. However the lengths of their legs are quite different.

and addictive. After attending SO many shows over the course of my career, I still find it all exhilarating. We can’t possibly share everything we bring home with us. But visitors to Wyandotte and to our stores will see newness as a result of those trips.

When I visit stores that obviously find their own version of creative optimism from wherever they get it, I recognize it. It may be that simple. I recognize the sparks. Some of the stores just stun me; I don’t want to leave. Most are not that dramatic, but man, when I find places like that, the memories of that find don’t fade. I actually think that all of that, all of what I just wrote ... could have been written about trips I have taken, or people I have met. Inspiration and optimism come from places we can’t foretell. We just can’t know, right? It’s scary for me to contemplate losing that source of inspiration.

People are beginning to ask me more about retiring, as they inform me that THEY are retiring or that it’s coming or it came. I am resolute in my responses. I haven’t gotten it right, yet. I have work to do, I’m not satisfied, what would I do ... but the main thing is the idea of losing that source of energy and replenishment. It’s just not going to happen, and I’m grateful for it.

Would 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!

Go Big Multimedia welcomes new editor

With a new year come new things, and the newest thing here at Go Big Multimedia is our editor, Zoey Kuspa. Publishers Will and Sherry Evans said they were thrilled to have Kuspa take over the editor’s post, which had recently been filled by Hank Minckiewicz, and then Cameron Colwell, who both will continue as contributing journalists.

As editor, Kuspa will oversee the editorial portion of Go Big Multimedia’s five monthly news magazines, The Grosse Ile Grand, The Riverview Register, The Southgate Star, The Trenton Times, and the Wyandotte Warrior.

Blair Temple to produce the papers each month.

Since entering the newspaper market seven years ago with The Grosse Ile Grand, Go Big Multimedia has grown steadily to where it is today and continues to look for new opportunities to grow and expand as they may arise.

Kuspa, a lifelong Downriver resident, fits right in with the “go get’em” attitude that is part of the DNA of these publications.

She will be responsible for generating content for the papers and collaborating with graphic designers Pat Macomb and

Kuspa is a graduate of Southgate Anderson High School and Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Security and Intelligence. She is the daughter of Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa and she is the President of the Southgate City Council.

Florida Keys Vacation!

Beautiful Two Bedroom

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Ahhhhh, you’re on vacation…

Your morning in paradise starts with sipping your coffee sitting at your nautical teak table overlooking lush tropical landscaping on your private balcony or taking a short stroll to the tiki hut at the end of the pier to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic. The perfect start in paradise.

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

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

After dinner retreat to your 1480 sq. ft. Newly Decorated Beautiful two bedroom townhouse with a smart open floor plan, 14’ vaulted ceilings. Relax with ELEGANT Tommy Bahama furnishings and a 65” HDTV in the great room. Now time for a perfect night’s rest as you enjoy a wonderful view from the master bedroom giving the feeling of nestling in the trees. A beautifully tropical draped four-poster, king size bed with ultra comfort mattress assures a perfect night’s sleep and offers the ideal spot to view the 48” flat screen TV. An en suite bath features a corner spa tub, the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

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

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AWARDS

Continued from page 3

completing studies as a certified nursing assistant at Genanacot Services Nursing School in Detroit. This is a stop-gap career as she Intends to continue her studies in the healthcare or theological sector. She has completed in the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program through Central Michigan University. This is a threecredit course that develops project management, problem-solving, and analytic skills to aid in a successful career. Her challenges have been the strain of balancing single parenthood, sleepless nights, financial instability; and balancing work, school, motherhood, and personal growth. One of her references stated that Monique exhibits leadership skills, emotional intelligence, integrity, and ethics.

The Soroptimist Prime Award is exclusive to SI of Trenton and Downriver Area. High school girls residing in Allen Park, Brownstown, Ecorse, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Lincoln Park, Melvindale, River Rouge, Riverview, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Wyandotte are eligible to apply. The Soroptimist of Trenton and Downriver Area high school girls’ award honors young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts. $1000 winners are from Woodhaven High School. Pat Bryan is the Soroptimist Prime chairperson.

Senior, KADENCE HOLLADAY, quotes Mother Teresa: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Kadence joined the Interact club during her sophomore year because their mission embodied that quote. Kadence attended every meeting and began to help organize different fundraising events and was elected president during her senior year.

Some of the club’s projects included a clean-up of the outside of Woodhaven High School; hosting an “Apple for Ryan” fundraiser in conjunction with the Woodhaven Kiwanis by donating canned goods to soup kitchens and pantries to help the homeless; coordinating a dress drive so that girls could discreetly find a dress for school dances; a used Halloween costume drive for local

children, and also to distribute to the girls at Vista Maria and give them a trunk-or-treat party; and collecting items for Thanksgiving baskets to hand out to those in need.

KLAIRE WILSON, also a Woodhaven High School senior, was adopted through the America World Adoption Association which is located in Washington DC and serves to build families through domestic and international adoptions. Through this organization, Klaire’s passion for helping orphans began after her mission trip to Ethiopia.

One of the orphanages she visited was an all-girls orphanage, with ages ranging from six to eighteen-yearsold. Girls are forced out of the orphanage at a certain age and left with nothing to fend for themselves. Often the girls are met with unsavory people awaiting them outside the gate to take the girls with malintent.

The America World Adoption Association created a smaller organization called Bete Hosanna, which means “house of hope.” The purpose of Bete Hosanna is to house girls that age out of the orphanage so that they have a place to go after they are forced out. While the girls stay at Bete Hosanna, they learn many different life skills so that they can live on their own once they complete their phase at Bete Hosanna. Twelve to fifteen girls at a time stay at this house, and all of them learn how to cook for each other, go to school, or learn a trade.

While in Ethiopia, Klaire went to markets to buy leather for the girls to make earrings to sell, and she put together bags for the girls that included many toiletry and hygiene items that they do not have. At home afterwards, Klaire’s raised $600 for her sixteenth birthday to send to the Ethiopian girls for driving lessons and help them get jobs.

The Trenton Soroptimist organization meets at 6:30 P.M. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, contact us at sioftrentonanddownriverarea@ gmail.com or check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea.

MAYOR

Continued from page 6

at Young Patriot’s Park. This race was created by Mark Holten in honor of his son Adam. Go to runsignup.com/ Race/MI/Riverview/StridesforAdam.

Strides for Adam is a non-profit created to help keep the memory and good works of Adam Holten alive.

Another event sponsored by the Southgate and soon to be Riverview Rotary is the annual “Mayor’s State of the City Address.” This too is a fundraiser to provide scholarships for students from the Riverview Community High School and Gabriel Richard Catholic High School. The address will take place on Wednesday, May 1st, at Arnaldo’s. Please refer to the April Riverview Register for ticket information.

For those interested, Riverview has another new business. Bowz Cannabis has opened at 15600 King Road at Grange Road. Stop in and ask for a tour of their new store, you won’t be disappointed. Check out their website bowzcannabis.com or give them a call at 734-224-2699.

To bring this article to a close, please consider participating in one or more civic groups or commissions to help improve our wonderful community. We have so many residents that genuinely care about our city and several groups willing to give them a chance to help out. If you would like more information on the Southgate/ Riverview Rotary, Riverview Kiwanis, Riverview Goodfellows, Riverview Knights of Columbus, or any of the city commissions please email me aswift@cityofriverview.com.

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Pirates run away with Division 1 district title

By HANK MINCKIEWICZ

The Riverview basketball team, which has won 16 games this season, could manage no better than fourth place in the Huron League behind unbeaten Flat Rock, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Huron.

After winning a district title in rather handy fashion, the Bucs and their fans probably wish they could have spent the season in the Downriver League.

Riverview was sent to Allen Park this year for districts and the tournament field was all Downriver League teams, except for the Bucs, who ultimately prevailed.

On March 1, Riverview beat Southgate Anderson 61-40 to claim the district championship. Anderson had beaten Wyandotte Roosevelt and Lincoln Park to reach the finals. Riverview, which had a first-round bye, beat Allen Park, which had defeated Taylor.

With the district title in hand, Riverview advanced to the regional round of play where they faced Downriver League co-champ Woodhaven. Detroit Cass Tech and River Rouge are on the other side of the regional bracket.

All the regional games were played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.

The district championship game was a tight affair for two quarters, Riverview jumped out to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first half, but Anderson was always just a step back, lurking.

Riverview led 15-10 after one period and 29-23 at halftime, but the Bucs stepped on the gas in the third quarter and the Titans were not able to respond.

Riverview’s offense was pretty much clicking from the opening tip. Caleb DiBrano got loose for several easy baskets and layups and the Bucs threatened to get away early. DiBrano finished the quarter with eight points.

The struggling Titans needed a boost and they got it from Martin Lofton and Logan Tatman, who each came off the bench late in the quarter and combined for five quick points to break up Riverview’s momentum and give their team a lift.

Riverview had led by as many as seven points in the first quarter, but midway through the second period, a 11-6 run by the Titans tied the game at 21-all. But that was the last time the Titans would be even in the game as Riverview outscored Anderson 8-2 over the last three minutes of the half.

Riverview’s lead reached 10 points two minutes into the third period and the advantage never fell below double digits again.

Riverview was up 16 points at the end of three quarters and things really fell apart for Southgate when the Titans could score just four points in the

fourth quarter.

After his eight-point first-quarter effort, DiBrano scored five in the second and finished the game with 13. Evan Gallimore, who, like DiBrano is a senior, scored 19 points, but perhaps the breakout star of the night was sophomore Noah Swearingen, who announced himself as a future star with 20 points and a solid all-around night.

Swearingen is a lot like DiBrano, each of them are lean and elusive and each can really finish around the

Ian Adams and Julian Rivera also scored in the win for Riverview.

The Titans had better balance in scoring than Riverview, but none of the Southgate players scored more than 13. Senior Freddy Robinson hit that lucky number and was the team leader. Josh Kennedy had 10 points and Tatman had seven. Others scoring for the Titans were Tom Laskowski, Juan Llanes and Andrew Porter.

basket.

Caleb DiBrano scored 13 points – all in the first half – in a district championship game win over Southgate.

Photo by Dave Chapman

GR skaters stymied in attempt to return to semis

By HANK MINCKIEWICZ

The Gabriel Richard hockey team’s attempt to return to the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 state semifinals came up one step short on Saturday, March 2.

The Pioneers, who days earlier had beaten Grosse Ile 4-0 to win the D3 regional hosted by Birmingham United, lost to Cranbrook 3-0 at the Yack Arena in a state-quarterfinal game.

Richard, which won 17 games this year and was first in the Metro Conference East, just could not generate any offense against Cranbrook during the matinee game.

Cranbrook scored once in the first period and once midway through the third.

Richard coach Rick DeSana tried to jumpstart his team by pulling goalie Ryan Rainey at the end of a late third-period powerplay, but the strategy backfired and the Cranes got an empty-net goal to complete the game scoring.

As usual, Rainey was strong between the pipes. The senior netminder allowed just one goal in regional games against Birmingham and Grosse Ile. In the quarterfinals game Rainey faced twice as many shots as his Cranbrook counterpart. Rainey faced 39 shots and stopped all but two of them, Richard returned 19 shots at the Cranbrook net.

The loss left the Pioneers one step short of where they finished last year when theory fell in the D3 state semifinals to Flint Powers, who went on to beat East Grand Rapids 3-2 one day later.

This year’s tournament loss was tough to take because Richard entered the postseason with a ton of momentum having gone 12-1-2 over their final 15 games of the season. Momentum and strong goaltending is often a winning combination in the state hockey tournament.

The regionals were a whole different story for the Pioneers, who strolled to a pair of comfortable victories.

The Pioneers first knocked off Birmingham Detroit Country Day 4-1.

The game was nearly even in shots on goal, but the difference was Railey stopped 31 of 32 Country Day shots and the CD goalie could only get 30 of Richard’s 33 shots. The final goal was an empty netter,

The Richard scoring was spread around as four different players lit the lamp.

Mason Eshelman, Santino Venturini, Michael Taucher and Jake Csekei scored the Pioneer goals. Eshelman and Venturini each had two assists and Taucher, Csekei, Bran Cook, Steve Mauritho and Connor Forster added one helper each.

In the regional championship game, the Pioneers made life pleasant for their goalie by firing 44 shots at Grosse Ile netminder Braden Chessor. They got four past Chessor and that was more than enough as Rainey kicked aside all 22 Grosse Ile shots.

Venturini, Taucher, Forster and Justin Franklin took care of the scoring for the Pioneers. Taucher, Forster and Csekei each had two assists.

Pioneers on a roll

With a Catholic League AA title and a Cardinal Division playoff title behind them, the Gabriel Richard basketball team took off recently looking for bigger fish to fry. The Pioneers, who have won 20 games this year, raced into the state playoffs and swept their way to a district title. The host Pioneers first crushed Cabrini 70-31 before moving on to beat Dearborn Advanced Tech Academy 67-44 to win the district title and advance to regionals. Richard advanced to the Grass Lake regional, where it faced Plymouth Christian. The winner of that game, faced the winner of the Ottawa Lake Whiteford-Ypsilanti Arbor Prep game. All the regional action was after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.

Photo by Dave Chapman

The eyes of Richard goalie Ryan Rainey

Photo by Larry Caruso

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Valentine’s Day fun

Mr. Jason from the “Super U Challenge” put on an exciting program for Memorial students on Valentine’s Day! Selected students participated in several fun contests in front of their classmates, creating a wonderful morning on Valentine’s Day.

No pirate fights alone

Students and staff across Riverview Community School District purchased shirts to help support Harper one of our kindergarten students who is battling illness. The students, staff, and administration wish Harper the best and are glad to help support her and her family while she works to recover.

Local business provides free meals

In a supportive display of community partnership, Detroit Wing Company, a local business, provided a meal for all staff at Seitz Middle School. This donation gave staff a meaningful recognition for their service. It was so nice for the Seitz staff to be recognized for their continued work imparting knowledge and guidance to students.

Simultaneously, Detroit Wing Company extended its kindness to the students in our awesome community as well. Certificates good for a free kid’s meal were given to every student at Seitz Middle School. Smiles and excitement filled the hallways on the day this gift was given. The administration at Seitz is so thankful for the positive atmosphere that this donation created and for this ongoing community partnership. The connection between the community, businesses, teachers, and students creates a bond of support and fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

Memorial girls and VIP dance

5th grade greenhouse club

5th graders at Forest Elementary have been hard at work learning in the classroom and supporting younger students. Our 5th grade group created the Forest Greenhouse Club this past fall which focuses on planting and caring for crops. A crowd favorite greenhouse activity is harvesting spinach. Ms. Rosecrans’ class has been cowriting a research paper on Italy and will write their own research papers on a location of their choice in the coming weeks. Camp is fast approaching, and students are preparing each day for those rich learning experiences.

Memorial PTC put on an extravagant event for our girls and their VIPs at Crystal Gardens on February 9. The theme was Winter Wonderland, and our families were dressed to impress. Thank you to our devoted PTC for their creativity and time that was put into this amazing event!

Having a ball

Forest’s Small and Tall Enchanted Fairies Ball was held on Saturday, Feb 10th at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Forest girls in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade dressed up and attended the dance with their very important guest. Everyone had a wonderful time dancing the night away. Capital Mortgage Funding sponsored the photo booth. The following establishments sponsored the raffle baskets: Cream Barber & Shop, 10 Pins, Rev’d Up Fun, Riverview Jr. Football Association, Toledo Zoo, Marco’s Pizza, Riverview Highlands, Airborne Adventure Park in Taylor, Brewligans Public House, Mills Gymnastic, Harding Remodeling, Glow Fish Studios, Salon Bellissimo, Lanzetta Orthodontics and Chicken Shack (Riverview). Special thanks to Michelle Ettaher for the beautiful decorations that created the enchanted fairy forest.

as excited about it as we are. At the Tipsy Fish, we believe our sta , colleagues, and customers are the key to success. Meet the

e Bruners are successful restaurateurs; they currently own and operate Mister Nick’s, the classic neighborhood

heart of Trenton, MI. With Nick’s thriving, Rob and Rosanne decided they wanted to expand their wings and open a second restaurant. Within this new business, they wanted to capture the community a ection of Mister Nick’s and add the nuisance of a one-of-a-kind experience. So, they began manifesting their dream, e Tipsy Fish. With 17 years of restaurant experience, Shelby Langlands, will be the General Manager of Tipsy Fish

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“Lucky” 13 for Rock CF Run

Date set for March 17th

Coming next month, there’ll be another type of St. Patrick’s Day parade to say “Erin Go Bragh” as Grosse Ile will host the 13th annual Rock CF Road Races on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. And for those runners, walkers, and volunteers the day may prove to be doubly lucky in a challenge to stay healthy and raise funds to eradicate Cystic Fibrosis.

The director and founder of Rock CF, Emily Schaller, daughter of former Grosse Ile residents, Lowell and Deb Schaller, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at eighteen months old. As a child, she dealt with multiple hospitalizations a year. Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections, but also affects the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines. CF causes the body to produce thick and sticky mucus, which clogs the lungs and pancreas making it hard to breathe and absorb nutrients from the food that is eaten...

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Scouts take first place at Klondike Jamboree

Scouts BSA troop 1261 took first place in the Klondike Jamboree for a second year in a row, and the second time ever for the troop. The 80 year-old troop traveled to D Bar A Scout Ranch in Metamora to compete against numerous other troops

in Michigan for the Sled trophy. Cheering them on were Webelo and Arrow of Light Scouts from Cub Scout pack 1261, who also traveled up from Grosse Ile.

The Klondike Jamboree is an annual competition where scouts compete in various skills to see which troop has the most skills. The winning spot is awarded to the troop with the overall best score. This year, activities focused on Winter Survival in the wilderness and featured skills such as Ice Rescue, River Crossing, Accident Victim triage, and Emergency Shelter-building. During the event, the temperature was around 10 degrees, making the activities more challenging as the boys fought off the cold using layering, hand warmers, and exposure to a nearby fire pit when they could. Scout Jonah Hopkins recently moved from Taiwan and is getting his first true winter experience, saying “I was concerned about our Klondike trip because it was very cold and snowy. But, our leaders prepared us and I had a great time”...

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2024: The year of celebrations for GIMA

... “Grosse Ile Municipal Airport in Grosse Ile MI is a perfect example of a general aviation airport doing everything it can to maintain and grow its operations. The new spirit behind this growth is the airport manager, Ms. Janel MacNee.

Janel’s spunky, feisty spirit is driving major developments at Grosse Ile, including their latest improvements, Taxiway A. This $6M project removed 10,000 CY of old dilapidated concrete and replaced a failing taxiway with a beautiful new HMA surface that will provide safe taxing for ONZ’s pilots for the next 20 years.

In addition to that project, Janel is working hard with local state and federal authorities to create a new space at the airport to allow more people to come and learn about and share the enthusiasm she has for aviation. Under her leadership, we anticipate the airport will continue to thrive for many years to come!”....

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State of the City Address

Another successful year for our community Progress across the board made 2023 “another successful year for our community,” said Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa in his annual State of the City Address.

Advances in municipal financing, public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, information technology and other areas made the year one to remember, the Mayor said before an enthusiastic crowd on January 24 at Crystal Gardens.

Kuspa touted major projects, programs and initiatives over 2023 and set the stage for the months ahead in the city he has led for 14 years.

“Reliable infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, sound government and enhanced recreational options increase the quality of life for our residents and make our community more attractive to visitors, future residents and business owners,” the Mayor said. Kuspa spent a large portion of his address touting public safety improvements that show Southgate firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to runs in just over four minutes – nearly half the time of the national average of eight minutes...

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Exciting initiatives from Anderson Elementary Student Council

...Kids Against Hunger: Third, fourth, and fifthgrade students are invited to join in packing food bags on Saturday, March 9, collaborating with Kiwanis in the noble cause of addressing hunger. Buddy Bench Designation: The Student Council is introducing Buddy Benches on the playground.

These benches serve as a visual cue for children seeking support or friendship. Others can join them for a chat or invite them to play, fostering a sense of inclusivity.

School Paper: Exciting news! The Student Council, under the sponsorship of Mrs. Tait and Mrs. Wilson, will be launching a School Paper. Students will meet regularly before school to collaborate on this creative endeavor.

Ideas in the Works: The Student Council in collaboration with the PTO are exploring the possibility of organizing a Talent Show and Spelling Bee, adding more flair and educational engagement to the school community.

Stay tuned for more updates as these projects unfold, and let’s continue making a positive impact together!

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Science Alive sparks wonder at Anderson

Exciting times at Anderson as Science Alive paid a visit, bringing the magic of science to our classrooms! Known for their hands-on approach,

this educational powerhouse engaged students in the classroom with live presentations featuring reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. A big thanks to the Anderson PTO and Science Alive for making learning an unforgettable adventure for our students.

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2024 “Battle for Freedom: Color Me Free”

Charity Gala

... This avant-garde hair and fashion show, entitled “Color Me Free,” showcased local salon stylists who dressed, designed hair, and applied make-up to models for the audience to vote for them as the best-styled in

their chosen color theme.

The proceeds from “Battle for Freedom: Color Me Free” will be used for service projects and programs to benefit survivors of human trafficking. SI of Trenton and Downriver Area is partnering with Sparrow Freedom Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is building a survivor-led community supporting and empowering exploited and trafficked individuals to achieve independence through services and prevention. Three guest speakers from the Sparrow Freedom project shared their experiences with the audience.

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Cheerleaders qualify for regionals with strong district showing

It has been quite a year for the Wyandotte Roosevelt competitive cheerleading team and it’s not over, yet.

The Bears, who finished third at the Downriver League meet earlier this month, finishing behind only multiple-time state champions Carlson and Allen Park, continued their strong end-of-year run by finishing second at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 district held at Woodhaven High School.

Host Woodhaven led the competition from start to finish, but the Bears would never let them get comfortable. Only a couple of points separated the two squads throughout the event and when Wyandotte scored a meet-high 317.80 in the third and final round, things got tense in a hurry, Wyandotte’s final-round score was 2.8 points higher than Woodhevn’s 315, but that number was not quite enough to push the Bears past the Warriors. Woodhaven won the meet with a score of 777.80. Wyandotte was second with 776.34.

The top four teams in each district qualify for regionals. Joining Woodhaven and Wyandotte as qualifiers from the Woodhaven district were Temperance-Bedford (749.74) and Plymouth (720.26).

Those four teams advanced to the MHSAA Division 1 regional at Troy Athens, which was held Feb. 24. Joining the four Woodhaven district qualifiers at the regions were Sterling Heights Stevenson, L’Anse Creuse North, Stoney Creek, Chippewa Valley, Rochester, Recherster Adams, Macomb Dakota and Utica Eisenhower....

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Archie B.C.

Dogs of C-Kennel

One Big Happy ® Wizard of Id