On June 9th, the Riverview Police Department, in collaboration with Serendipity Cakery & Ice Cream Shoppe, welcomed residents to the inaugural “Cops and Cones” event. From 12:001:00PM, families and friends gathered to enjoy delicious ice cream and engage in meaningful conversations with their neighborhood first responders. The event not only promoted community unity but also contributed to a charitable cause, with 20% of all sales during the event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Michigan Chapter. It was a heartwarming blend of support, camaraderie, and sweet treats in Riverview.
TURNING 65?
Summer rolls on More music and fun
My fellow Riverview residents, summer is in full swing, and it’s been a hot one! With several days of 80+ degree temperatures, it’s important to stay cool. If your air conditioning isn’t working, call our police department at 734-281-4222 to see if the cooling center at City Hall Senior Center is open. Our three-day Summerfest has just ended, and it drew people from all over the area. With carnival rides, helicopter rides, bands, and fireworks, there was something for everyone.
The Fifth Annual Riverview Highlands Golf Invitational was a big success, drawing over 120 golfers. This event helps pay off a loan taken years ago to improve the golf course. We’ve made nearly $500,000 in improvements, bringing back several leagues and increasing the number of golf outings to nearly 65,000 rounds last year. Our course was voted “The Best of the Best” by the News Herald in 2021, and it’s only gotten better since then.
Looking ahead, our Recreation Department has organized a fantastic lineup of bands for our free Summer Concert Series. If you haven’t attended one of these concerts yet, we highly encourage you to come. The Ceaser Pavilion at Young Patriot’s Park is a beautiful setting for an evening of great music. With the Reflection Pond in the background, it’s a perfect spot for a concert. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and maybe an umbrella for some shade or to protect from light rain. Our 8-week series starts on Wednesday, July 10th, at 6:30PM with music from “Shakedown.” They are a regular in this series and have played at our “Mayor’s Gala” in November and were the first band to play in our popular “Concert-on-the-Course” three years ago.
Speaking of our “Concert-on-theCourse,” the third annual concert is coming up soon. On Sunday, July 21st, Russ & Brians Blues Brothers Tribute Band will headline an afternoon of music at the Riverview Highlands Golf
Practice Facility. They will be joined by the Transit Brothers, a Rock-n-Blues Horn style band. The show starts at 4:00PM with an opening act and the main event at 5:00PM. There will be food trucks and more.
July will also bring the return of the Wounded America Motorcycle Ride fundraiser by the Taylor Rotary. The ride takes place on Saturday, July 13th. The Riverview portion of the multi-city motorcycle parade can be best viewed at The Riverview Veterans Memorial Library. Library Drive will be lined with American Flags to show our support. Plan to arrive around 10:15AM for the expected arrival at 10:40AM.
On the topic of Rotary, it’s time to get our own Riverview Rotary underway. There will be a “Meet & Greet” for all those who are interested or have questions about Rotary. Refer to the article in this paper for more information.
Last month we talked about the Reflection Pond being stocked with fish. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Check it out for yourself! Every time I visit the park, there are at least two families or groups fishing around the pond. We received great feedback on the high success rate of catching a fish. If you don’t have a fishing pole, don’t worry. You can check one out at the library with your library card.
Planning for the grand opening of the DTE Vantage and NextEra Resources renewable natural gas plant is in full swing. Look for this community event to take place in mid-September. Invitations will be sent to local media stations, local elected state, county, and city officials. The project is a collaboration between the City of Riverview and Riverview Energy Systems with DTE Vantage and NextEra Energy Resources. The RNG facility captures the biogas produced at the landfill and upgrades it to pipelinequality gas. We expect to receive royalties from the plant at a minimum rate of $400,000 per year.
If you have a topic you’d like me to cover, please email me at aswift@ cityofriverview.com
ANDREW SWIFT
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!
Adventure Awaits: Join Us for the Summer Reading Program at the Riverview Library!
The Riverview Veterans Memorial Library is thrilled to announce that our annual summer reading program “Adventure Begins at Your Library” is in full swing. Readers of all ages can sign up for our reading challenge to win prizes just by tracking the time that you spend reading. In addition, patrons can use their library cards to borrow items from our Library of Things to keep the
summer interesting and adventurous. We have board games, outdoor game sets like pickle ball and bocce ball available as well as our warm-weather patron favorite-fishing poles and tackle boxes.
For the first time this summer we hosted a fishing tutorial day with the help of the Downriver Bass Association. During this hour long program, every child caught at least one fish with one child catching two baby blue gills and one baby bass. We were so pleased that the fishing poles and tackle boxes that were graciously donated to us over a decade ago are still being used daily and are bringing fun and new adventures for our friends in the community. We have been able to continue to grow our collection of poles and tackle boxes so there are a variety to choose from and something for everyone. With a small portion of our yearly Wayne County penal fines allocation, the Library was able to partner with the Recreation department last fall and this spring to restock the pond for the first
time in over 25 years!
We were hopeful that there would be more catches this summer when fishing hit its peak and thankfully that has been our experience since the beginning of June. We appreciate our patrons telling us all about their successful days of fishing when they return their poles at the end of the night. All you need to borrow a fishing pole is a valid library card. Don’t have one yet? Stop by Monday-Thursday, 10a.m.7 p.m. or Saturday, 10a.m.3 p.m. to get registered. You can also keep up the fishing fun by signing up to participate in the Recreation Department’s Fishing Derby on July 27th from 9 AM-Noon. This free, family-friendly event allows amateur anglers to cast their lines and reel in fish that will help them earn prizes all morning long.
We hope that you will continue to join us for an unforgettable summer in Riverview filled with books, creativity, new discoveries and lots of great catches at the Pond. Adventure truly begins at your library!
Downriver UM Club awards scholarships
The University of Michigan Club of Downriver met for their annual scholarship awards and spring dinner meeting at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center on May 13th. Attendees included U of M alumni, distinguished speakers, promising high school juniors who have an interest in applying to U of M, and scholarship recipients and their families.
After a careful evaluation of scholarship applications, Katie Hartwell’s scholarship team selected three outstanding high school students who will be attending Michigan in the fall with the 2024 Leaders and Best Scholarships.
The Lloyd Carr Leaders and Best Scholarship was awarded to Parker Joseph Mears who is the valedictorian of Belleville High School. He will be entering the College of Engineering in Ann Arbor. Parker loves mathematics and will focus on computer programming. He is a well-rounded student and is in both the marching and symphony bands. He is team captain of the robotics team, treasurer of the chess club, and captain of the soccer team. He scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.
Nouman Abrar was the 2024 John and Sue Ghindia Leaders and Best Scholarship recipient. Nouman is the valedictorian of Riverview High School and will be entering College of Literature, Science and the Arts in Ann Arbor studying neuroscience on a pre-med track. He spent 8th grade in Pakistan and determined he wanted to help under-served people of the world with healthcare. He found that students there work very hard but have few opportunities for employment. Nouman is active in his Mosque and volunteers there. He played varsity tennis and scored in the 96 percentile on the SAT.
Anna Catherine Klein was the recipient of the Ken Hartwell Leaders and Best Scholarship. She is valedictorian of Flat Rock High School and will enter LSA in Ann Arbor in the fall. She was a dual enrollee at Monroe County Community College and is very interested in statistics and mathematics. She held leadership positions in the Interact Service Club and was on the student council. She played varsity soccer but also found time to work at Tim Hortons in the summer and during
the school year. She scored in the 96th percentile on the SAT.
Also in attendance were high school juniors invited from every Downriver High School chosen by the principal and counselor. They learned a great deal about applying to the University of Michigan from Kelly Cox, Associate Director of Admissions for the Ann Arbor campus and Urana Pridemore from the Dearborn Development Office. They provided important advice on how and when to apply. They both stressed that senior year in high school is no time to slack off. They advised taking their free time this summer to begin writing their essays for admission.
Finally, Serafim Dionyssopoulos, the 2023 Lloyd Carr scholarship recipient, told invited juniors about his freshman year at U of M Ann Arbor. Seraphim was a valedictorian of Grosse Ile High School. He is a pre-med student. He sang the high praises of U of M and encouraged the juniors to try new things, especially getting involved in the myriad of clubs and activities available there. Study hard but have fun.
The evening concluded with a singing
of the Michigan fight song, The Victors. For additional information about the awards dinner and the Downriver Club visit the club web site: alumni.umich. edu/communities-clubs/downriver
Awarded (L to R): Scholarship
RCHS
Chairperson Katie Hartwell,
graduate and UM scholarship recipient, Nouman Abrar, and Club President, Steve Van Every
Congratulations!
Riverview Community High School joyously celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the lives of its graduates. As the academic year drew to a close, RCSD staff came together to honor and commend the achievements of these remarkable individuals. The entire community joins in congratulating each graduate on their hard-earned success and applauds their dedication and perseverance throughout their educational journey.
To the Class of 2024, as you embark on the next chapter of your lives, know that the Riverview community stands behind you with pride and optimism. May your future be filled with limitless opportunities, continued growth, and moments of profound joy. Your accomplishments are a testament to your resilience and commitment, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing your continued achievements in the years ahead. Here’s to a bright and promising future ahead for each and every one of you.
Starting a new chapter
Riverview Rotary meet & greet
The Southgate Rotary will be hosting a “Meet & Greet” on Monday, July 22, at 5:00PM at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library. Mayor Swift expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We’ve been looking forward to this event for a long time. Now is the time to start a new Riverview Rotary. There is a need in our community that our local businesses can play a role in.”
Rotary International focuses on five main areas to promote global change and development:
• Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution: Efforts to promote peace and address the root causes of conflict.
• Water and Sanitation: Projects to provide clean water and sanitation facilities to communities in need.
• Maternal and Child Health: Programs to reduce maternal and child mortality by improving healthcare access and quality.
Basic Education and Literacy: Efforts to enhance education and literacy rates through scholarships, teacher training, and building schools.
• Disease Prevention and Treatment: Initiatives to combat diseases through vaccination programs, health education, and improving access to medical services.
To learn more about Rotary and meet others looking to get involved in the community, please join them at the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library on Monday, July 22nd, from 5:00PM to 6:00PM. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, you can email Steve Ahles at chiefahles@aol.com or Mayor Swift at aswift@cityofriverview. com.
The annual Wounded America Motorcycle Ride is set to roar through Riverview and several Downriver communities this month to raise money and awareness for veterans and first responders in need.
Event chairman Larry Wright said all proceeds from the July 13th event will be donated to Wyandottebased Downriver For Veterans and Foundation 14 in Milan. Downriver For Veterans helps clients with food, housing, and other needs, while Foundation 14 helps disabled veterans enjoy the open road on retrofitted motorcycles. Both organizations are 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
The ride, with a donation goal of $35,000, is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Dearborn Heights, Grosse Ile, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, and
Woodhaven/Brownstown, along with Motown Harley Davidson in Taylor and Motown HOG Chapter 4375. The ride starts at Motown Harley Davidson, 14100 Telegraph Road, Taylor, at 10:00AM and winds its way through several communities. It is expected to enter Riverview from Trenton at Sibley Road and West Jefferson around 10:45AM. The ride will travel east on Sibley to the Riverview Veterans Memorial Library, where the motorcycles will do a loop through the library/community center parking lot. They will then exit the park and head west to Allen Road.
Riverview Veterans Memorial Drive will be lined with flags, and everyone is encouraged to come out and support the bikers in their effort to raise funds for the two charities.
Seaway Chorale and Orchestra
Join in on a harmonious season
With another successful season in the books, Downriver’s Seaway Chorale and Orchestra eagerly anticipates more delightful music for the 2024-2025 season. This past spring, the Chorale wowed audiences with a collection of popular Broadway hits, featuring powerful pieces from Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables. The performances were nothing short of spectacular. A highlight of the season was the return of Voices of the Young, an ensemble for ages eight to sixteen, whose charming performances captivated audiences. Their youthful enthusiasm brought a fresh energy to the stage.
This past Memorial Day, Seaway Chorale proudly participated in the annual Trenton Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the Trenton Civic Commission. They honored Veterans with stirring patriotic songs, and the Chorale looks forward to more community involvement in the upcoming season.
Prospective members are invited to be part of their musical family! The new season kicks off in late August, and Seaway Chorale and Orchestra are seeking talented new members. Auditions for adults are friendly and welcoming, so bring your heart and love for music. Auditions can be scheduled by calling 734-771-7991 or visiting www.seawaychorale.org.
Voices of the Young welcomes children with no audition required—just join in the fun!
Looking ahead, Seaway Chorale is excited to present spirited and beautiful Christmas music in December 2024, followed by a vibrant Spring show in May 2025. Each performance promises to envelop audiences in the spirit of the season, bringing joy to the heart through beautiful melodies.
Seaway Chorale and Orchestra are more than just a community chorus. They boast exceptional talent, a professional orchestra, and are proud to have Anthony Lai, head of the music department at Henry Ford
College, as their director. His leadership continues to inspire. Exceptional leadership continues throughout the organization, with Vanessa El Zein, who holds a music degree and directs both the Dearborn Voices and the Dearborn Youth Theatre. Vanessa also guides Voices of the Young, adding depth and expertise to the ensemble’s artistic direction.
To learn more and schedule an audition, please visit their website atseawaychorale.org and find them on Facebook at Seaway Chorale and Orchestra. Join them for a season of music, community, and joy!
CITY OF RIVERVIEW, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Presiding: Mayor Swift
Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Pentiuk
Approved minutes of Regular Meeting of May 20, 2024 by unanimous vote.
Mayor S offered public comments.
Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote:
Item 9.1: Ratify Emergency Sewage Pump Replacement for the Fordline Lift Station with Kennedy Industries for a total cost of $24,945.00-DPW
• Item 9.2: Reject Bid 2546 and Authorize rebid of HVAC Services - DPW
• Item 9.3: Approve Renewal of Video Service Local Franchise Agreement for ComcastCity Clerk
• Item 9.4: Award Cooperative Bid Purchase of a Storage Area Network System to SHI International Corp. of Somerset, NJ in the amount of $54,097.73-IT Department
• Item 9.5: Approve purchase of Replacement Hardware Software and Installation Services to West Shore Services, Inc. of Allendale, MI in the amount of $10,340.00-IT Department
• Item 9.6: Authorize execution of addendum extending agreement for uniforms/towels/ rugs with Unfirst Corporation-DPW/Land Preserve/Golf
Adopted Resolution approving the 2024/25 City of Riverview Annual Operating Budget and Millage Rates by unanimous vote.
Approved the Tetra Tech Contract Extension for the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year.
Adjourned Meeting at 7:10 p.m. by unanimous vote.
Andrew M. Swift, Mayor Shane Anne Harrison, City Clerk
CITY OF RIVERVIEW, WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD ON
MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
The Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Presiding: Mayor Pro Tem Webb
Also Present: Various Department Heads, Attorney Hurley
Approved minutes of Regular Meeting of May 6, 2024 and Special Meeting May 13, 2024 by unanimous vote. Conduct Public Hearing on the Proposed 2024/25 Annual Operating Budget and Supporting Tax Rates for the City of Riverview.
Mayor Pro Tem Webb opened the Public Hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Closed the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m. by unanimous vote. Mayor Pro Tem Webb offered public comments.
Approved Consent Agenda as follows by unanimous vote:
• Item 9.1: Authorize Execution of Addendum Extending Agreement for MDR Landfill Services LLC for Seeding and Mulching at the Land Preserve - Land Preserve.
• Item 9:2: Authorize Solicitation to bid for New Golf Cars-Golf Course
Adopted Resolution approving the Deficit Elimination Plan for the Golf Course by unanimous vote.
Approved that Council Agenda and Backup be made available at the Clerk’s Office and on the City Website beginning with the next Regular Council Meeting by unanimous vote.
Approved that the City Manager communicates with the US EPA to request testing of the Arkema site and surrounding residences.
Adjourned Meeting at 7:43 p.m. by unanimous vote.
DETAILED MINUTES/ORDINANCES AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
Brian Webb, Mayor Pro Tem Shane Anne Harrison, City Clerk
Great Lakes moment Birds of a feather flock together
By JOHN HARTIG
It was mid-morning on a beautiful early May day. It was clear and sunny and the white puffy clouds were a perfect contrast to the pale blue waters of the lower Detroit River. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw some birds flying together up the river. From a distance, I could see two distinct species — one dark black and the other white. As they got closer and reached my location, they decided to land. Upon closer look, the majority were double-crested cormorants and the others American white pelicans. Most people do not normally associate pelicans with the Detroit River. Further, why were these two species flying and perching on the water together?
Double-crested cormorants are large waterbirds native to the Great Lakes. They get their name from the two tufts of feathers, or nuptial crests, that develop behind their eyes during breeding season. They are matte black with small heads and long kinked necks. You will find them near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Cormorants dive underwater to catch primarily fish but are also known to eat insects, crustaceans, and amphibians. Their short, muscular wings enable underwater “flying,” and their webbed feet serve as powerful paddles for chasing fish.
Cormorants eat about a pound of fish per day and, therefore, are often blamed for depleting fish stocks. They nest on the ground, cliff edges, trees, shrubs, and in artificial structures. They migrate in winter to the southeastern and southern United States.
American white pelicans are huge waterbirds with black-tipped wings stretching 9-10 feet across. You cannot miss them. They have long necks and a massive bill that gives the head a unique, long shape. These avian master anglers are native to North America and forage by swimming on the water surface, dipping their bill into the water, and scooping up fish in their gular or throat pouch. Their preferred prey is small schooling fishes like gizzard shad and minnows, and they can consume up to four pounds of fish per day.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, American white pelicans and double-crested cormorants are often found together. They sometimes forage together, although they mainly hunt different fish and at different depths. These two species are often seen traveling together to and from foraging and loafing — resting and preening — sites like on the lower Detroit River and western Lake Erie. Cormorants are also known to build their nests and raise their young within pelican colonies.
to behold and another of Michigan’s Great Lakes’ marvels!”
Although these two birds usually coexist peacefully, pelicans have been known to steal food from cormorants, especially when the cormorants return to the surface with a prized catch. Pelicans are also known to periodically steal fish from other pelicans.
Scientists call this pelican-cormorant association a symbiotic relationship where two different species live in close physical association, typically to the advantage
American white pelicans were considered “a rare vagrant” to Lake Erie up until 2014. Then, sightings of these fascinating waterbirds became more common. Pelican nesting was first discovered on Big Chicken Island and Middle Sister Island in Canadian waters of western Lake Erie in 2016.
Later in 2019, pelican nesting was discovered at another site in western Lake Erie — Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Brownstown, Michigan, and one site in eastern Lake Erie — Mohawk Island National Wildlife Area near Lowbanks, Ontario. American white pelicans nest in shallow depressions made from gravel, sand, or soil on islands in freshwater lakes, or in coastal wetlands. Populations breeding east of the Rocky Mountains migrate south and east, mostly along river valleys, to winter along the Gulf of Mexico.
Both of these fish-eating waterbirds have four toes joined by webbing to aid in swimming. One big difference between pelicans and cormorants is that they forage for fish in different ways. Cormorants dive for their prey, while pelicans herd or shepherd their prey into shallow waters and “pick them off.”
“Having made regular visits to Pointe Mouillee State Game Area for the past 40 years, I can remember a time when sightings of double-crested cormorants and American white pelicans were rare,” noted Bruce Szczchowski, a science teacher at Southgate Anderson High School in Southgate, Michigan, and avid birder who first documented pelican nesting at Pointe Mouillee. “Today, cormorants are overly abundant, and more than 100 pelicans gather annually in the marshland of Point Mouillee. Pelicans appear in late winter or early spring to excite surprised visitors who may not have known such magnificent birds are now calling Pointe Mouillee their summer home. Seeing them come back every year now is truly a joy
of both. The advantage is believed to be that when foraging together, they can help each other spot fish.
So, if you are a casual or avid birdwatcher, you might be in for a treat in seeing American white pelicans who have moved into the Detroit Riverwestern Lake Erie neighborhood in the last 5-8 years. You might even see them with their fishing buddy, the double-crested cormorant, and ponder their symbiotic relationship.
John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.
This article was originally published by Detroit Public Television’s Great Lakes Now.
American white pelican in flight
Photo courtesy of Jerry Jourdan
e
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com
gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand
Bruce Milkins named Grosse Ile Rotary Club’s 2024 Citizen of the Year
... For the past 50 years, Milkins has worked with several charitable organizations, such as the Goodfellows, the Salvation Army, and Ducks Unlimited, a wetlands and waterfowl conservation organization. However, the majority of his time is split between the Monroe Exchange Club and the Grosse Ile Rotary Club. In fact, during the late 1980s, he held the presidency for both clubs while also serving as the Commodore of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club in 1988.
Milkins has been involved in the Rotary Club’s global efforts to completely eradicate polio for the past 15 years. Long-time friend and fellow Rotarian, Doug Cryderman, highlighted many of Milkins’ additional acts of service, such as hosting a Rotary exchange student from Germany, housing Veterans, and working on numerous fundraisers. He then jokingly told the crowd to see him later for the “short list” of the honoree’s accomplishments and involvement. Milkins has made significant efforts in facilitating donations for local scholarships and diaper drives, supplying artwork materials to
Grosse Ile Schools, and participating in numerous community events. John Burgan, Co-President of the Grosse Ile Rotary Club, also shared a story about Milkins, who, as recently as last week, donated his old Harley Davidson for the upcoming motorcycle ride without hesitation.
Bruce Milkins is especially well-known for giving boat rides to disabled and handicapped children, along with their families, aboard his tug boat, the Duck Factory. His most recent excursion took children out on the Detroit River to witness April’s solar eclipse, creating quite the memorable experience for all involved. Milkins emphasized that the success of these rides wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Grosse Ile Yacht Club, who have provided transportation, lunch, and entertainment, like music and games, for the children...
On page 1
Team Rubicon to the rescue Disaster training event is a huge success
On the last weekend of April, the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy partnered with the Township Greenways/Open Space Committee in hosting the Team Rubicon “Chainsaw Proficiency Project,” which turned out to be a win-win-win for all concerned. Conservancy properties and Open
Space preserves provided plenty of disaster training experiences for the group known throughout the United States as local disaster relief specialists, who assist FEMA when nature’s chaos hits.
Gary Gamble, Southeast Michigan Team Rubicon leader, emphasized the importance of their mission: “As storms, wildfires, diseases, and conflict wreak havoc, it’s the local communities that need us most. With our global connections and our Team Rubicon Greyshirts already part of neighborhoods around the world, our people can make the most impact, closest to home.”...
On page 10
gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star
Anderson High School students take over city hall
On Wednesday, May 15th, students from Anderson High School stepped into the shoes of Southgate government officials for Student Government Day. This annual event offers a unique opportunity for young people to experience the inner workings of municipal government, fostering a deeper understanding of civic duties and responsibilities.
The day began with breakfast at the Southwinds Golf Course Clubhouse, where students and city officials gathered for an informal meet-and-greet. Following breakfast, City Clerk Jan Ferencz administered the Oath of Office to the honorary officials, officially instating them in their roles for the day.
Participants then embarked on a comprehensive tour of the municipal campus, including the Police Department, District Court, and Fire Station. These tours provided students with an inside look at the essential services that keep the city safe and operational.
After the morning tours, everyone returned to the clubhouse for lunch. During this time, the honorary officials had the chance to sit with their real-life counterparts and discuss their roles and responsibilities...
On page 1
Southgate alumni skaters make new memories
... Memories came flooding back as skaters converged for the 3rd Annual Southgate Hockey Alumni Game on May 18th. A mix of graduates from four Southgate High Schools (Anderson, Aquinas, Schafer and Southgate) teamed up with
former youth players in the Southgate Hockey Association.
“As long as we keep playing, reminiscing and hanging out, the memories of our awesome youth days in Southgate, along with the greatest game, will keep us forever young,” David Blanton, a Southgate Hockey youth player and Trenton High School ‘87 graduate.
While many skaters still live in the Downriver area, David Blanton flew in from Georgia to play in his second game. Said Blanton, “Already looking forward to next year!” Added Dan Drys, Anderson ’86, playing in his third game, “Gets better every year...
On page 7
Safe-cracking superhero to the rescue
... The Trenton Historical Museum houses a vintage safe from 1906 by Hall’s Safe Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. Once property of the Village of Trenton, this safe served City Hall for many years before being donated to the museum. For years, the museum’s commissioners possessed the combination to the safe and stored a variety of record books inside. However, over time, the combination was lost. It was rumored that the combination could have been written inside the cover of an accounting book. However, despite
extensive searching, the necessary combination remained a mystery. Luckily, the safe was left open when the combination was lost. To prevent accidental locking without a means of opening it, blocks of wood were wedged in the door. Locksmiths were contacted, but they either couldn’t handle such requests or the cost was considered too high. Despite additional searches, the sought-after combination remained undiscovered.
In September of 2023, one of the museum commissioners noticed several colorful safes displayed in a driveway with a sale sign and a contact phone number listed. Curious inquiries were made, leading to a conversation with Ron Beasse, a longstanding Trenton resident and the owner of the antique safes. During the exchange, the story of the museum safe and its lost combination was shared.
Could he advise us who to contact to figure out the missing combination? Turns out he was the man....
On page 15
Celebrating 50 years out of high school
The Trenton High School Class of 1974 is excited to announce plans for their 50-year reunion. This milestone event will take place over the weekend of October 11-12, 2024, with a series of activities designed to reconnect classmates and celebrate their shared history.
Friday, October 11, 2024
festivities
off
gathering to support the Trenton
team. The game is set to begin at 7:00 pm. Following the game, classmates are invited to continue the evening at Del’s Pizzeria, located at 2833 W. Jefferson, Trenton.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Saturday’s events will start with a Memorial Service at Trenton High School, beginning at 10:00 am, to honor and remember the classmates who have passed away. This will be followed by a tour of the high school at 10:30 am, providing an opportunity to revisit old memories and see the changes that have taken place over the years. The highlight of the reunion will be the dinner held at the Chateau on the River in Elizabeth Park. This event will take place from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets for the dinner are priced at $74.00 per person... On page 23
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior
Pasta Anyone?
Lunch Wyandotte is excited to announce the opening of The Spaghetti Hut. This new addition to their series of restaurants along Biddle, including Lunch Wyandotte and Simply Hot Dogs and Ice Cream, features a walk-up window for quick and convenient service.
The Spaghetti Hut specializes in classic Italian dishes such as spaghetti and meatball subs, all crafted with the highest quality ingredients. They pride themselves on using the best pasta, homemade sauce, flavorful meatballs, and authentic Parmesan cheese imported from Italy.
Visit The Spaghetti Hut at 3050 Biddle.
On page 7
Retirement leads to appointment of new Wyandotte police chief
On June 14th, 2024, the city bid farewell to Police Chief Brian Zalewski. After thirtythree years of distinguished service to the Wyandotte Police Department, Chief Zalewski has retired. “I have been blessed to work with some of the finest professional police officers in the occupation. I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve this city, my hometown, as police chief, and greatly appreciate the trust you have placed in me.” Zalewski said.
At the June 3rd, 2024 City Council Meeting, the City Council concurred with the recommendation of Mayor DeSana, as well as the Police and Fire Commission, to appoint Deputy Chief Archie Hamilton as Police Chief. Deputy Chief Hamilton has nearly twenty-two years of service with the Wyandotte Police Department, including the last seven years in the administrative position of Deputy Chief.
