Southgate Star, December 13, 2022 – January 12, 2023

Old fashioned Detroit muscle

Toys for Tots benefits from famous classic car drawing at Southgate Ford

DAVE GORGON

Representatives of the Southgate Ford dealership are excited to host a highly-touted drawing for a famous classic Mustang to benefit the Toys for Tots Foundation.

General Sales Manager Brian Bartholomew said everyone is welcome to stop by the dealership at 16501 Fort Street in Southgate on December 15. The program is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. with the public raffle set for about 7 p.m.

The 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was restored on the television program “Angel’s Garage” on the Peacock Network. The show’s producers selected Toys for Tots as the beneficiary of a raffle of the classic car.

Money raised will be used by the Marine Toys for Tots

plan do

Time to clear up the confusion about Estate Planning ... The following definitions lack legal precision, but makes it easier to get a clear picture of what may be needed in your case.

■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save. Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

www.ForresterLawO

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.

MUSCLE

Continued from page 1

Foundation to purchase toys for families struggling to buy gifts for their children this Christmas. Raffle tickets start at $5 each with an added processing fee. Discounts are given for multiple ticket purchases. Tickets are available now online at https://myevent. com/toysfortots.

“The U.S. Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is an amazing organization that has brought joy to needy families for 75 years,” said Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa. “It is great to see Angel’s Garage not only donating the classic 1970 Mustang to this charity, but also have the raffle drawing at one of our outstanding Southgate businesses – Southgate Ford.”

Kim Felske, the Downriver coordinator of Toys for Tots, said Southgate Ford was chosen for the drawing since it’s a Ford dealership located in a more populated area. She said Ford dealerships are staunch supporters of Toys for Tots and it will be convenient for people to stop by the dealership to see the Mustang.

“The car is phenomenal,” said Felske, who lives in Brownstown Township. “Unfortunately, I’m not eligible to win.”

Felske said Michigan was chosen to host the raffle drawing event. Once the Mustang was restored, the car debuted in the state at Soo Motors in Sault Ste.

Marie on Oct. 25 before it was trucked to Fox Grand Traverse from Nov. 7-21. From Traverse City, it made a stop at the Ford Mustang plant in Flat Rock before its destination at Southgate Ford for the raffle.

At the event, Santa Claus will draw the winning ticket.

“This Mustang is a one-of-a-kind and raffling it to benefit the U.S. Marine Toys for Tot program is a wonderful gesture by Angel’s Garage,” Felske said. “Every child deserves to find a present under the tree on Christmas morning and Angels’ Garage is doing more than its fair share to help.”

Angel’s Garage producers are originally from Michigan and want to help showcase the state in their program.

“We’re proud of where we come from and we want to share this place with others,” said Angela Babala, who is “Angel” on the show. A production crew will accompany the car while in Southgate to capture its arrival.

Mayor Kuspa has been asked to speak during the program. He said Detroit Lion Jamaal William and actor R.J. Mitte are scheduled to be part of the program.

“It is not very often that our city is featured in a television show,” Kuspa said. “So special thanks to Angela and Mark Babala for bringing such positive attention to our community and the entire Downriver area.

“This event is open to the public and I hope to see

many of our residents there to support the Toys for Tots program. It is a great opportunity to witness the drawing, experience the production process, meet the special guests and be a part of the finalized program when it streams on the Peacock Network.”

The Mayor praised Southgate Ford and its many contributions to the local community.

“Owner Walt Oben and his family are great examples of businesses giving back to their community,” he said. “Over the years, they have provided several contributions to our parks and recreational programs. So it is very fitting that this drawing takes place in their showroom.”

Detroit-area pizza chain Chubby Charlies has partnered with the TV show to not only transport the Mach 1, but also helped fund rare parts needed for rebuilding the car, Felske said. Chubby Charlies and Promenade Artisan Foods in Trenton will be onsite in Southgate offering samples on December 15.

Felske said the mission of Toys for Tots is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was created at the behest of the Marine Corps in 1991.

Now in its 75th year, the toy drive is part of a national campaign that was started by the Marine Corps Reserves. The toy collection is the largest in the country with 800 campaigns in all 50 states.

For more information on Toys for Tots, visit the website toysfortots.org.

All I want for Christmas

It was a large and festive crowd that gathered at Kiwanis Train Park in Southgate on Friday, Dec. 5 for the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony and Christmas train rides. Mayor Joe Kuspa threw the switch to light the city’s tree and then parents, children and even grandparents lined up to take a ride on the miniature trains run by the Great Lakes Live Steamers. The little trains chugged through the park decorated with lights for Christmas and made stops halfway through the run so children could stop and talk to Santa Claus. It was a chilly, windy night, but the provided hot chocolate and the holiday spirit warmed the hearts of young and old alike.

Photos by Dave Chapman.

Holiday cheer

Southgate city employees decorate Christmas trees in City Hall

DAVE GORGON

Southgate city employees got into the holiday spirit by decorating more than a dozen Christmas trees inside the lobby of City Hall, 14400 Dix-Toledo Road.

Working on their lunch breaks, employees created personalized trees, many of which contain decorations based on their departments.

A couple trees are a patriotic red, white and blue. The Fire Department tree is topped off by a red firefighter’s helmet. The Downtown Development Authority tree features ornaments containing the logos of a number of businesses in town. The Department of Public Services tree includes police tape, orange cones and a no-parking sign. The Parks and Recreation tree is topped by a hockey helmet, has hockey sticks on the bottom and is covered with sports-related ornaments. And so on.

“Christmas is such a wonderful time of year, so it was truly special to have all of our departments come together and decorate the lobby of our municipal building,” said Mayor Joseph Kuspa. “Each tree is trimmed with department-specific ornaments, which adds to our unique Southgate display. I applaud our employees for their ingenuity, attention to detail and, in some cases, outright humor.”

City Administrator Dan Marsh and Laura Walsh of the Mayor’s Office “rallied the troops.” Marsh credited members of local Girl Scout Troop 76473 and their parents for accepting the invitation of Parks and Recreation Director Julie Goddard and visiting City Hall on Monday night, Nov. 28, to “fluff” the trees and get them in place.

Two afternoons later, city employees from 11

departments got to work decorating while enjoying hot chocolate, pizza, Christmas music and each other’s company. The Information Technology Department even had a crackling fire showing on a television in the lobby.

“People had a nice time and now we’ve got a nicely decorated building,” Marsh said.

The trees can be viewed by the public through the

end of the year. Mayor Kuspa also thanked students from Fordline and Allen Elementary Schools for creating festive artwork that is on display in the lobby.

“With the positive feedback that we have received from our employees and visitors, it appears that this event will become an annual tradition,” the Mayor added.

City of Southgate employees gathered on their lunch hour to decorate Christmas trees in the lobby of City Hall.

Photo by Dan Marsh

DDA Director Kaylee Mondrella holds a City of Southgate ornament while standing next to her department’s Christmas tree featuring ornaments with logos of Southgate businesses.

Photo by Dave Gorgon

Happy Holidays

The Christmas spirit abounds with the largest tree in Southgate City Hall, accompanied by City Administrator Dan Marsh (left), Mayor Joseph Kuspa, Laura Walsh, Nicole Tank and Andrea Stephens.

The Department of Public Services tree.

The Southgate Fire Department tree.

The red, white and blue tree decorated by Deputy Treasurer Susan Blanton and Clerk Kelly Jewell

Southgate City Clerk Jan Ferencz (right) helps decorate a tree/

Southgate Police Department tree was decorated by Trina Lengyel (left), Melissa Holzhueter and Samantha Cruz, plus (missing from photo) Jennifer Rouse and Emily Stacy.

Parks and Recreation Coordinator Shelby Bell stands next to the appropriately decorated Parks and Recreation Christmas tree.

Tony Garcia dies at age 92

Southgate man was longtime JLWS volunteer, interpreter and ‘ambassador’

DAVE GORGON

To Southgate resident Antonio “Tony” Garcia, the annual Junior League Baseball World Series played in Taylor was an important part of his life.

Mr. Garcia, who died in his sleep while napping on November 17, 2022, at age 92, was a key volunteer for the World Series for more than 30 years. He was serious about the event. He took it as a duty.

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

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

World Series officials called Mr. Garcia indispensable and one of the real legends of the 42-year-old tournament.

“The Junior League World Series is saddened to hear about Tony’s passing,” said JLWS Director Dan Bzura. “Mr. Garcia was a long-time volunteer that had a lasting impact on the JLWS. All of his contributions helped grow the JLWS from a four-team USA-based event to the 12-team worldwide spectacular event it is today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Garcia family as we remember his awesome contributions to the JLWS.”

Funeral arrangements were arranged Nov. 22 and 23 at Molnar Funeral Home Southgate Chapel.

Before retiring, Mr. Garcia worked as a tool and die welder at General Motors. One of his co-workers was Sam Pizzo, the founder of the Taylor South Little League, home of the Junior League World Series since 1981.

When Spanish-speaking teams from Puerto Rico and Mexico began qualifying for the series, Pizzo asked Mr. Garcia if he was interested in volunteering.

Not only did Mr. Garcia agree to volunteer, he had family members house the entire team from Mexico and he

served as interpreter, working alongside managers and coaches in the dugouts of World Series Field at Heritage Park.

His travels to Mexico allowed Mr. Garcia to scout the teams competing in the national tournament and relay information about the team that qualified for the JLWS. He became a well-known fixture in Mexico in baseball circles.

During World Series week, he put together a banquet for the teams from Mexico at one of the pavilions in the park. He also enjoyed going to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, generally

held the week after the JLWS was finished.

Grandson Tom Sudak, who became a JLWS volunteer because of Mr. Garcia, said he will remember his grandfather as “a great man” who had a great sense of humor.

“He had a love for the game of baseball my whole life and probably his,” Sudak said. “His life revolved around the World Series. He loved it so much. The World Series was his family, too.”

Daughter Sylvia Cousino said Mr. Garcia had a connection with the Latin America teams.

“He cared about the kids from all over, namely from Mexico,” she said. “A lot came from poor communities. He knew this was the chance of a lifetime for them. He really enjoyed watching them come and do their thing.”

World Series founder and retired director Greg Bzura said Mr. Garcia was a friend to everyone he met.

“He was a guy who didn’t have enemies,” Bzura said. “He always looked out for the World Series. I think he was a perfect member of our staff. He was a beautiful man. Absolutely, I will miss him.”

Mr. Garcia was a member of the Masonic Lodge for decades. Cousino said her father used to play for as many as three softball teams in the same season and enjoyed golfing and jogging.

Mr. Garcia and wife Josephine were married 64 years. He also is survived by daughter Sylvia and sons George and Antonio Jr. and their spouses; grandchildren Kevin Sudak, Tomass Sudak, Sara Gibbons, Timothy, Bryton Gee, Steven, Brandi and Nicholas; 19 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren with another baby on the way; and sisters Jesusita Jurado and Juanita Ortiz.

Memorial contributions are appreciated to the JLWS Taylor, 12111 Pardee Road, Taylor, MI 48180.

For years Tony Garcia was the JLWS interpreter for Spanish-speaking teams attending the event.

Tony Garcia with JLWS founder and retired director Greg Bzura.

Santa’s Magic Forest raises funds for Fish & Loaves food pantry

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Santa’s Magic Forest has returned to the Heritage Park Activity Building in Taylor. Everyone is invited to check out thousands of lights and dozens of animated holiday displays Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18.

The Magic Forest is a major fundraiser for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, which provides food throughout the year to hungry people in the region, including Southgate. In fact, Fish & Loaves is Michigan’s largest client-choice pantry, serving families in need of either emergency or long-term food assistance.

“We’re in a challenging position with increasing food prices and increasing demand for food assistance,” said Executive Director Stephanie McNees, a Southgate native. “The

Santa’s Magic Forest display is one of our main fundraisers to support the pantry and our mission of ‘Ensuring No One Goes Hungry.’

“We’re on track to distribute over 2.2 million pounds of food this year to hungry families in the Downriver area and Dearborn Heights. We continue to rely on the outstanding support of our community to help us keep up with demand for food assistance.”

Santa’s Magic Forest attracted thousands of local families in the years prior to the pandemic. Fish & Loaves volunteers, in partnership with the City of Taylor and with the help of presenting sponsor Masco, have worked tirelessly to set up the magical wonderland full of beautiful holiday and animatronic displays, including many of the old Hudson department store holiday displays.

Families can view the displays and

have photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus or the Grinch.

General admission is $3 per person. Children under 3 are free. Photos professionally taken by Rosecrans Picture Perfect Photography are $8. All proceeds directly support Fish & Loaves to help stock pantry shelves and provide fresh produce, dairy and meat products this winter season.

Fish & Loaves is looking for volunteers for the event. A sign-up form can be found on the Fish & Loaves Facebook page and website, www.flcfp.org. Volunteers are needed to work the door, greet guests and ensure guests are having a good time.

Heritage Park is located at 12111 Pardee Road in Taylor. Magic Forest hours and more information about Fish & Loaves can be found on the agency’s website and Facebook page.

Southgate teen is playing Grinch at Santa’s Magic Forest

DAVE GORGON

A Southgate teen with a history of giving back to her community has stepped up to play The Grinch during Santa’s Magic Forest, a major fundraiser for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry.

Jenna Hinzmann, a sophomore at Southgate Anderson High School, can be seen two days a weekend through Dec. 18 at the Magic Forest inside the Heritage Park Activity Building in Taylor. The Magic Forest is open Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays.

The Magic Forest is open weekends through Dec. 18

is is a great time of year if you look forward to and love gatherings and ages-old traditions that allow, encourage, and almost force us to slow down, relax and love…if we let it happen.

To slow down and slip into a di erent mode, we have to want to. It seems to me that otherwise, the mad rush of time itself rushes us along in a tsunami ood, with too little if any time for appreciation. Or even noticing.

Every generation copes with transition points in which people come to terms with change they don’t identify with. Many older folks make a good go of it. Most just can’t don’t want to. As a 68 year old person, I have no problem with tech, even though my brain is not wired the way 20some year-olds are. I do have issues with society that didn’t used to bother me. I won’t tell you about them because I hate hearing it from older folk, and sure don’t want to be one of those older folks. But it’s not minor stu , you know? But I digress. Darn it, and so early in the column!

My business is and has always been all about helping people get what they want. We have always done our best to present clothing and other things in ways that communicate the essence of the brands we sell. We take seriously the mission of keeping our stores clean an orderly, and painted and kept up, day a er day and year a er year. But those things are the givens. What makes the di erence for people’s experiences in stores is the person that assists.

Our job is to facilitate your shopping experience through product knowledge, comparative ts, etcetera. But that’s not the factor, either is it. e key to everyone’s experiences in everything we do is the people that represent the companies. When a nice, respectful, funny, and engaging, competent person is your contact point for the items you want, your experience is happier. It is the factor, across every genre of retail there is, that makes us love the places we go…or not.

Such interactions make us slow down, and relive

stress and tension, if only for a little while. But the experience I talk about almost reverentially is not unique to stores. e thing that makes for a nice experience in a store is the exact sort of nice experience we get when someone lets us merge in. When we smile at people and greet them as we pass by. You could rattle o a whole bunch of things that qualify for you, that serve perfectly to share in my point.

Retail at my level, at the level you experience in Wyandotte and Trenton and at so many scattered cool places through downriver and everywhere is what makes life happier. e unique assortment of wonderful items at Abundant Living, combined with help from the owner as she shares her passion…or the feeling of discovery as you enter a store that could be nothing but local and independent…is rewarding, my friends. More than rewarding in a world that is insanely stressed on every front (it o en seems)….it is so powerful that it can change our day. Happiness.

I struggle every month to rephrase my thoughts about the topic. Having done so for so long now, the act of writing helps to think it through. e thing is the places we go that have NONE of what I’m talking about in terms of satisfying times shopping are woven into the experiences that are all about that good feeling.

Just as we have to be better at self-talk that inspires us or steels us or reassures us, we need to seek out places to go for the necessary things we wish to buy that make us feel good. And it DOES make me feel good, every time I let myself feel good about having shopped locally, with people I like and respect and need to be here down the road….for me to patronize. It does make me as little happier to

shop with the lunatics that are passionate about what they do.

And what is the di erence for your shopping choices? Yes, you have been paying attention, it’s the di erence between being a good merchant and simply just being a bean counter that cuts payroll even though it’s totally counterproductive. It’s local that is engaged in our community and folks everywhere around here vs national, which tries to mimic the real thing but with indi erent, uninterested help.

Folks, it’s that simple. Do yourself the favor of shi ing even more of your shopping to local and independent, and see how you feel this holiday shopping season. My guess is that you’re happier. Let me know if you think I’m right, won’t you? Because we can use a lot more happiness in our everyday lives in which we go about, interacting with people we encounter.

From Chelsea, Willow Tree, Love Wyandotte and Love Local, I thank you for what you bring to the community in which we ply our trades.

Merry Christmas. Peaceful Christmas to all.

On Facebook

Reimagining our waterfront Downriver residents urged to continue to mull new ideas

were able to voice what’s working and not working on Trenton’s waterfront.

Like Us On Facebook

On November 2 the graduate students, who are part of the Public Design Corps at Taubman College University of Michigan, continued the conversation about the possible futures of Trenton’s Waterfront in their quest to learn what the public would like to see developed in the future.

You may recall the previous article asking for your opinion through an online questionnaire.

Well, 265 of you graciously gave them the information that the students recently presented to a group of about 25 people at the Trenton Veterans Memorial Library, where participants

Among those in attendance were Councilwoman Wendy Pate and Councilwoman Dora Rodriguez, along with scientist John Hartig and Pat Hartig, a former mayor of Trenton.

The handouts that the students had prepared were first class – two large multi-colored accordion-folded brochures that listed the results of the questionnaire – and explained the legacy of environmental pollution in the brownfields and superfund sites along the waterfront.

They also prepared a series of maps and a video summarizing the project so far. All this information and more

is in the website at storymaps.arcgis. com/stories

The results of the Community Questionnaire revealed that 70 percent of those responding visit the waterfront parks at least once a month, with, of course, Elizabeth Park being the most visited.

That number is only going to increase with Covid getting behind us and the festivals and concerts coming back.

The respondents would like to see improvements in the public facilities, more parks and public space, more activities and more water access opportunities. They are also interested in ways to reduce pollution and

increase environmental stewardship. They all agree on wanting more access to the river all year long.

The survey also inquired about residents’ use of the greenways (walking, biking, skating) and blueways (kayaking, canoeing, fishing).

The Downriver Linked Greenways is the most used trail, but residents would like more retail along all three trails and more public amenities. This is the idea promoted by the Great Lakes Way, a network of interconnected blueways and greenways from Lake Huron through Lake Erie.

Susan Pinkowski

WATERFRONT

As students pointed out, with almost seven miles of shoreline along the Detroit River, the city of Trenton has a critical role to play in this project. Maybe a coffee shop or restaurant to while away the time and enjoy the view? How about a museum on the shipbuilding history of Trenton? Bike and kayak rental? Maybe a hotel and convention center where the multitude of birdwatchers could congregate in our world-class migratory birding corridor?

Another suggestion was made to recreate what Port Huron did 20 years ago when they re-envisioned their waterfront – a major investor put up a coffee shop and a boat viewing platform to watch the freighters and other boats glide by.

Another person suggested that we link up to the metroparks as their trails are very user friendly.

The ideas were flowing!

But of course, one hitch in the plan is that some land along the way is privately owned, so a workaround would have to be figured out.

Participants were keen on sharing their ideas and expectations about the future transformation of the waterfront.

The blueways are not as widely used as could be because access is limited but that could change in the future. Ideas that were offered up were the possibility of a yearly rowing regatta.

The canal that loops around Elizabeth Park could be opened up, and a kayak company or club could form and get more people out on the water. A larger marina would accommodate larger boats and could be a hub of activity on the water.

While a seasonal pastime, the fishing in this area is of major importance.

Someone mentioned that more fish are taken out of Lake Erie than all other lakes combined. It has perfect spawning capabilities and anglers from all over the world come here to fish. Being so close to the mouth of the Detroit River, surely, we can capitalize on that!

The quality of the water has tremendously improved over the years, thanks in large part to the work John Hartig has done. Industrialization

has gone way down so maybe it’s time for more recreational and environmentally sound retail and commercial businesses to take their place near the shoreline. The waterfront is a fantastic asset of Trenton and should be put to better use.

The bottom line is that Trenton lost a lot of its tax base when the large industrial complexes went out of business and left behind brownfields where future reuse will require costly environmental clean-ups.

We must welcome year-round revenue generating light industry back into the city, in an environmentally sound way. A mixed-use riverfront could encompass all the ideas listed above.

The last activity in the public session invited participants to prioritize all of these ideas about possible sites’ futures into short and long-term priorities. The assembled group created a mid-term category as well, all of which broke down as follows:

Short term goals

Technology jobs, robotics and other technological industries, service jobs, public art, industrial jobs, constructed wetlands, retail jobs, energy production, bike trails and related infrastructure, recreational programming, cultural programming, constructed wetlands, environmental recovery storytelling, more fishing piers, meadows and bird watching.

Mid-term goals

Small parks, large parks, playgrounds, indigenous peoples’ center/tours, kayak/canoe/waterrelated activities, retail development, green energy production, green infrastructure, and environmental jobs.

Long term goals

Hotels and other tourist infrastructure, museum/galleries, light industry, high tech industry, convention center, office jobs, research jobs, educational jobs, environmental jobs, and maybe a Trader Joes retail store with jobs for local residents.

What can you envision in Trenton? What would you like to be enjoying in five years? Ten years?

The students are continuing to compile information as the project continues.

Make your voice heard!

GRINCH

Hinzmann, 15, was selected for the role by Fish & Loaves Executive Director Stephanie McNees, who is a 2011 graduate of Southgate Anderson and a former volleyball coach at the school. McNees has known Hinzmann as a friendly and reliable young lady who was eager to help.

“Jenna is such a positive and hardworking kid who is constantly giving back to her school and community,” McNees said. “She is a role-model student and athlete. We are so grateful to have her helping at Santa’s Magic Forest for Fish & Loaves.”

Those who know her best may wonder how Hinzmann would have time for another activity with her busy schedule. She is indeed a three-sport athlete at Anderson, playing volleyball, basketball and softball, and has been the school’s costumed mascot Stan the Titan at other sporting events, pep rallies and additional school activities.

She is a member of Drama Club, Class Congress, Student Council and the women’s empowerment club known as Girls Up Gate.

“I like doing that kind of stuff for the community,” Hinzmann said. “When she (McNees) asked me to volunteer, I thought it sounded fun. I like seeing people smile and I like Christmas time, too.”

The teen-ager is the daughter of Beth and Scott Hinzmann. Beth is the assistant principal and athletic director at Davidson Middle School. Scott is a teacher at elementary schools in the district.

She said having many role models in her life – her parents, teachers and coaches among them – and being in a positive atmosphere like Southgate Anderson have led her to so much involvement.

“The school environment is so friendly and welcoming,” Hinzmann said. “I want to be a part of it as much

as I can. The school offers a bunch of clubs. I join as many as I can. I really enjoy Southgate. I grew up around a lot of teachers and I learn from them in the classroom – academically and about being a better person.”

She also believes it’s important to be involved in the community and its fundraisers. Recently, students transformed homecoming into carnival booths featuring games that was fun for all ages and raised funds.

Santa’s Magic Forest is a main fundraiser for Fish & Loaves, which provides food to hungry people in Southgate and other Downriver communities.

“I didn’t think people would like the Grinch because of how he is portrayed in the movies,” Hinzmann said. “But I learned a lot of kids actually like the Grinch and that’s kind of cool.”

She admits it’s sometimes “very difficult” to find time for all of her extracurricular activities, but she’s used to balancing her schedule since she and her siblings have long been involved in sports.

“I’m used to being on the go,” Hinzmann said. “I make sure to take time out of my day to spend time with family. It’s really worth it. I enjoy everything I do.”

Heritage Park is located at 12111 Pardee Road. To volunteer or get Magic Forest hours, visit the Fish & Loaves website, www.flcfp.org, or the agency’s Facebook page. Volunteers are needed to work the door, greet guests and make sure guests have a good time.

Us On Facebook

Jenna Hinzman (in costume) with Fish & Loaves Director Stephanie McNees.

Jenna Hinzman

Like Us On Facebook

2nd Street Performing Arts Center

Former church is new home to Downriver

Dave Gordon

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

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

Located at 1123 2nd Street, the new facility opened on Oct. 14 after a more than $500,000 investment to transform the former church and attached school into a 10,000-square-foot state-of-the-

art theater with room for more than 250 seats and stage, plus an attached studio complex.

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

Audiences have already been entertained by “Legally Blonde, the Musical” and “The Little Mermaid.”

Regular performances are scheduled by the Downriver Actors Guild and other groups. Performances of “Matilda” began Dec. 9. “The Marvelous Wonderettes” begins Jan. 6. “Be More Chill” gets underway Feb. 10. Productions are planned through May 2023.

Joe Gruber, executive director of the City of Wyandotte Downtown Development Authority (DDA),

congratulated organizers for the acquisition and redevelopment into a “beautiful performing arts center and world class theater.”

Overseen by a Board of Governors, 2nd Street Performing Arts Center (doing business as Downriver Actors Guild) is a nonprofit organization providing “quality programming and performances that strive to be educational, affordable and enrich the arts within our diverse communities.”

Their mission statement says: “We build bridges between diverse members of our community through highquality arts entertainment in the region and the state. The objectives of the organization are to produce the highest quality arts entertainment, to be a positive impact on our community and to be an organization where everyone

Actors Guild

is welcome, equal and can create in an open and accepting environment. We do this for the love of the arts.”

Artistic Director Debbie Aue, Director of Operations Joel Bias and Director of Development Denny Connors spoke with pride about the new facilities, which they say have been a long time coming.

The location is the fourth for the Downriver Actors Guild, which began as the Taylor Youth Theater under the auspices of the City of Taylor Department of Parks and Recreation. Aue said when the group lost its space in Taylor, the group eventually moved in 2010 to Out of the Box, a 130-seat venue in Wyandotte. After losing its lease, the group relocated in 2014-15 to Theater on the Avenue, which had 180

seats, at Biddle and Superior.

“We were doing great and were looking to expand when COVID hit,” Aue said. “That shut us down.”

Bias said an exploratory group was formed to look at alternatives.

“We had just a theater,” he said. “Our storage and dance studio were in different locations. We knew we wanted to start an educational program and wanted it all under one roof.”

With the help of insurer Joe Daly and the Archdiocese of Detroit, the guild was able to acquire the St. Elizabeth property. Organizers had a “test run” in August without seats, opened in September and had the grand opening on October 14.

She said funding has come through grants, small business

loans, selling buildings owned by the group, donations and fundraisers.

“We rely on the public,” Aue said. “We have no paid staff other than the dance instructors.”

She said all of the leaders of the 2nd Street Performing Arts Center got involved in the effort because “our kids were in it.”

“It’s a passion,” Aue said. “Once we lost our space for the Taylor Youth Theater, I reached out to five core families, invited them to my house in Taylor and asked ‘what do you want to do? Do you really want to take this on or keep renting places?’

“We had no idea what we were doing. We had no idea where we would end up. We’ve gone from my deck to here in 11 years. We had some money in the bank, but we have no major corporation donations at all, other than Joe Daly’s individual generosity.

It’s all grassroots funding. We’re excited when we get a $1,000 donation. To us, it’s like candy.”

Big expenses to get the building ready included the construction of infrastructure, plumbing, heating and cooling and electrical and boiler work.

Construction included the risers, walls, stage, seating and even building bathrooms, which was a major expense. Now, instead of worrying about their next home, they’re preparing for expansion, including the educational program, workshops, classes

and musical instrument lessons.

Why Wyandotte?

“Wyandotte has been good to us,” Aue said. “Joe Peterson was a strong supporter and put us in touch with Joe Daly. Opportunities always presented themselves to us. People always seemed to be looking out for us. We had a good relationship at the time with the DDA.

“Wyandotte is a very cultural and diverse community that is open to anything artsy. They love art, culture and music. It fits very well here.”

For more information on upcoming performances, call the ticket line at (734) 4077020.

Us On Facebook

Artistic Director Debbie Aue and Director of Operations Joel Bias.

Like Us On Facebook

Leaf litter is the one kind of litter conservationists encourage

Rachel Coale, Emma Kukuk and Rachel Leightner Michigan Department of Natural Resources

A cold palace, solitude and a queen. This story may seem familiar, but we’re not talking about magical Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen.”

The queen in question is a bumblebee, and she has a request for you: When it comes to fall leaves, “let it go.”

Allow us to explain.

Fuzzy bumblebees that bounce from clovers to coneflowers are among many Michigan insects and wildlife that seek shelter over the winter.

While some species, like the celebrated monarch butterfly with its colorful wing patterns resembling

stained glass, make incredible journeys across the continent to warmer regions, many remain here.

But where do they go when winter weather swaps out floating butterflies for drifting snowflakes? The answer is right below our feet.

The splendid fall color season leaves a stash of freshly fallen leaves on the ground. They’re important for woodland species including insects, amphibians and small mammals over the cold months.

Who lives in leaves?

Picture a leaf pile. It looks kind of dead, brown and boring, right? That is exactly what wild bees, luna moths and

A bumblebee gathers nectar from an aster flower. There are 20 kinds of bumblebees native to Michigan, and leaving a layer of leaf litter can provide a protected and shaded burrow for the bumblebee queen, helping ensure the next generation of bees in spring.

salamanders want you to think.

Luna moths and swallowtail butterflies cleverly disguise their cocoons as dried leaves. With their shabby, brown color and ragged texture, you’d never know there was a colorful, winged creature waiting inside.

Woolly bear caterpillars (the fuzzy black and orange ones that, according to legend, predict winter weather), creeping beetles and fluttering moths and butterflies all rely on leaves for different stages of their lives, whether they hide among the foliage or simply eat leaves.

Salamanders, toads and frogs have a similar strategy, burrowing under the leaves and into the moist ground to ride out the winter. So do the young of one of Michigan’s rare turtle species.

“Eastern box turtle hatchlings, Michigan’s only true land-based turtle, hibernate under leaf litter their first winter after hatching,” said DNR biologist Thomas Goniea.

Unlike their aquatic counterparts, these black-andyellow-patterned turtles can be found in the forest instead of lakes and ponds.

A cold palace fit for a queen

Like Elsa’s dramatic retreat to her frozen palace, the bumblebee queen also seeks solitude in winter.

As summer fades to fall, the bumblebee queen turns her attention to stocking up on pollen and nectar, building up fat and filling her honey stomach, which is a reservoir for honey. This gives her nutrition through the winter.

She also needs a suitable underground burrow to hibernate in. Bumblebees are a social species, but the bumblebee queen hibernates alone. Bumblebees dig in vegetation and loose soil, so the location they choose is paramount.

It must be protected, and never in a place that could be warmed by the winter sun, which could trick her into waking up too early.

Bumblebees, including the rusty-patched bumblebee, which was added to the federal list of threatened and endangered species in 2017, are in decline due to a variety of factors.

This bee is among 20 kinds of bumblebees native to Michigan as recorded by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Others among them are the northern amber bumblebee and the Sanderson’s bumblebee. By leaving a layer of leaf litter, you’ll provide a protected and shaded burrow for the bumblebee queen, helping ensure the next generation of bees in spring.

Embrace leafy chaos

So, what would the bumblebee queen have you do?

As you wrap up the garden year and pack away hammocks and outdoor furniture, try not to be too orderly – nature likes a bit of mess.

Consider leaving fall leaves where they land or raking them into your garden beds instead of burning

them. They will provide nutrients and control soil erosion while creating spaces for winter dwellers to snuggle up until spring.

If you have enough space, establish a small “wild area” in a remote part of your yard where you toss fallen limbs, stumps and twigs to invite wildlife.

Native bees, butterflies, moths and spiders will take up residence. By providing carpenter bees with a natural wood source, you might even lure them away from doing their namesake work in your deck or siding.

Many of these small insects are the base of the food chain and will support many other wildlife species, including frogs, toads, turtles, chipmunks and birds –all the way up to the “top of the food chain” species, such as the bald eagle, black bear and coyote.

Leaves aren’t the only way you can help wildlife –with mason bees, think vertically. These gentle bees overwinter in the hollow stems of plants. Leaving perennial stems to wave and rattle in the breeze will give them places to hang out, and seedheads from flowers will provide treats for hungry chickadees and finches.

Check out Leave the Leaves to Benefit Wildlife from the Xerces Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving invertebrate species like pollinators and other bugs, to learn more about the importance of fall leaves and plants to healthy ecosystems.

Alternatives

If you know your neighborhood homeowners’ association will go bonkers at the thought of an unmaintained wild area, there are still ways to be kind to bugs and other wildlife as they prepare for the long winter.

“Leaving the leaves doesn’t mean sacrificing your yard to the wilderness,” according to the Xerces Society’s winter habitat webpage.

Tidy your yard, but maintain habitat and leaf litter by raking leaves around the bases of trees and bushes. Stone or branch edging will help keep them in place even when the wind blows.

You can also choose plants with ornamental value that you won’t need to cut down until spring. Leave them in the ground or place them in pots so they can be moved somewhere undisturbed through winter, like behind a shed.

Bee balm, butterfly weed and coneflowers are picks that pollinators and songbirds will love. It’s safe to clean stems up in the spring, when temperatures are consistently warm and new greenery has begun to reach upward out of the mulch and leaf litter.

If anyone asks why you’re putting the rake away this fall and letting nature’s colors decorate your yard, let them know that you’re promoting littering – the good kind!

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNREmail.

Us On Facebook

Salamanders, toads and frogs burrow under leaves and into the moist ground to hide and ride out the winter.

SOUTHGATE STAR

:

Like Us On Facebook

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com

to

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Rotary Club of Grosse Ile celebrates 75 years of “service above self”

...When the Grosse Ile Rotary Club was chartered in 1947, it was the rst service club on the Island. Since then, club members have worked to improve their community, their country and the world.

Bruce Milkins, a long-standing Rotarian and club president in 1988, said members come from all walks of life, combine their e orts to try and make a di erence and enjoy social opportunities.

e members meet at 6:30 p.m. every ursday at Perdino’s Restaurant, located at 8575 Macomb. Guests are welcome and a guest speaker is typically part of the dais.

Locally, members annually recognize a local resident as “citizen of the year” and a graduating Grosse Ile High School senior with the “Service Above Self Award.”

e honors are presented for contributions to the community, recognizing service given with no expectation of personal attention or reward.

e club sponsors such events as the Rotary Golf Outing, which brings members, neighbors and friends together to raise needed funds to positively impact the community...

On page 11 of the latest Grosse Ile Grand.

Witchy women

Since forming in 2018 e Real Witch Wives of Grosse Ile have reached near-celebrity status.

at rst year, the original 36 witches held secret practices, showed up to the Grosse Ile Halloween parade lineup without warning, disguised as witches. ey were a massive hit, have since grown exponentially, and keep the secret society very much alive. e Witches were back in force again this year at the parade and the Halloween party has only grown. In addition to the witches’ parade, families walked the main drag, trick or treated from businesses, clubs and individuals and checked out other cool stu , including the petting farm outside Island Animal Clinic. Once again Grosse Ile proved it knows how to do Halloween.

On pages 6 and 7.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

RIVERVIEW 100

Gerald Perry writes:

students from across the Downriver area. Riverview Community High School is no exception.

Photographer Dave Gorgon was at the park during homecoming season and captured these Riverview students preparing for the big event.

On page 27.

Pirates enjoy eventful soccer playoff ride

...To claim its regional crown, Riverview knocked o Fenton, a team that came into the regionals with a 14-1-4 record. e Bucs won 3-1 and then went on to knock o host Dearborn Divine Child 2-1 in overtime.

e winning goal in the regional championship game came o the head of Caden Demers, who headed in a corner kick from Oglecevac. Demers also scored his team’s other goal, tying the game on a header goal o a Jacob Bias throw-in.

e victory was one for the record books as it marked the rst soccer district championship in school history for Riverview...

...ALERT!!

ALERT Attention: All persons interested in participating in joining a committee to organize the 100th-year celebration of the city of Riverview can call 734-281-3340.

Please leave your name and phone number.

Riverview City Manager Mr. Je Dobek has graciously o ered his o ce phone for anyone interested in e 100th-year city of Riverview Anniversary Celebration Committee. ank you, Mr. Dobek.

Now that we have a number, what’s holding you from calling?...

On page 26

Photos of students from Riverview Community High Pre-homecoming photos at picturesque Heritage Park in Taylor is something of a tradition for

On page 31.

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

‘The Forgotten’ is the inspiration for

Goodfellows

...The drawing was accompanied by the story of a young girl whose family could not celebrate Christmas because of financial hardship. Here we are, more than 100 years later, and her situation sounds very familiar.

Though simple, the drawing had a powerful impact

on readers, who responded with donations to ensure children in their communities woke up Christmas morning to find presents beneath their trees, as well as all the fixings for a holiday feast later that day.

and nets have been installed at A olter Park.

Trenton Transportation is available for senior Trenton residents during the week. Please call our o ce at 734-675-7300 if you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about our transportation services.

In addition to the senior programs and card clubs that have resumed, the Loan Closet is back up and running weekdays from 1 – 4.p.m. at the West eld Center. For a small deposit, Trenton residents can check out items such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. e deposit is refunded when the item is returned to the Loan Closet.

city,” Mayor DeSana said.

e Golden Leash started in the home of Wyandotte resident Alicia Stamper, a long-time supporter of the need of better treatment of dogs. Stamper combined that empathy with experience gained at a grooming salon for animals to open a doggy daycare to provide a place for fellow dog lovers who needed a place for their pets to stay...

On page 5.

Wyandotte Indians freshmen win DJFL ‘Peanut Bowl’

Titled, “The Forgotten,” the cartoon generated donations the year after it appeared and marked the beginning of a service organization that would evolve to be known as “Old Newsboys” and “Goodfellows,” as we more commonly know them today...

On page 6

Making Christmas bright!

e Trenton Goodfellows are hard at work making sure they can ful ll their promise of “No child without a Christmas.” But to get the job done, the Goodfellows need your help through donations. You can do that by using the handy envelope inside today’s Trenton Times.

Planning this year’s holiday drive for the Trenton Goodfellows are Carrie Hancock (le ), Debra Devitt, Chris Zboch, Trish Gearhart, William Jasman, Michele DeJulian, Mike Mace, Melanie Cvetkovski, Will Evans and Ron Diro

On page 1

Your kindness can make a child’s Christmas ... Although the method of collection has changed in recent years as we adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic, our focus has not wavered. We still have disadvantaged children who need help in your neighborhood. Your help is essential to helping us make sure that every child receives a present for Christmas and their families receive provisions for a holiday meal...

On page 3.

Christmas Skating Exhibition and Santa Skate

e ever popular a ernoon event is Dec. 17 at the Kennedy Recreation Center, 3101 West Road. Figure skaters from the Parks and Recreation program will be showcased from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the opportunity to skate with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for the Exhibition; $4 to $7 for Santa Skate. Skate rental is $3. Participants can save a dollar on admission or skating by bringing a canned food item to “Stu the Sleigh” for local food pantries.

On page 7.

Trenton Parks and Recreation

... Park improvements are set to begin at Lexington Park in the spring of 2023 and new pickleball courts

e Trenton Community Gardeners have been busy growing to give produce to our residents while also adding beauty to our parks and facilities.

Our Fitness and Wellness programs have been well-attended and continue to expand in o erings, with several tness pop-ups like Full Moon Aqua Yoga and Halloween Glow-Ga seeing a great turn out.

On page 9.

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Golden Leash doggie daycare honored by Wyandotte Mayor

... e tribute thanks Golden Leash for having a positive impact on the community while serving “as a steadfast and dedicated business in the City of Wyandotte.”

“It’s just an all-around beautiful operation and environment and I’m so pleased to have them in our

On Nov. 12 in Taylor, the Wyandotte Indians Freshman Junior Football team beat Riverview 26-7 in the Downriver Junior Football League AFC Championship game, a game known to many as the Peanut Bowl.

To reach the championship game, the Indians, who nished the 2022 regular season with a 5-3 record, defeated Taylor 27-0. On the other side of the bracket, Riverview, the regular-season league-leader, beat Huron River 19-7 to set up the championship game in Taylor.

Although Riverview was the higher seed in the playo s, the Wyandotte win was not wholly unexpected as the Indians had defeated the Junior Pirates 13-6 in the second week of the season...

On page 16.

Lending a helping hand Community service projects help bring Gabriel Richard football team closer

...A number of community service projects have stood out: Players came together to plant a garden of owers and vegetables at the headquarters of Downriver for Veterans. ey helped clean up the property of an elderly senior citizen. ey helped clean up a cemetery over Labor Day weekend. ey distributed food for the needy at a United Auto Workers o ce. And they helped with “trunk or treating” during an event for autistic children in Brownstown Township.

Coach [Dionte] Allen “has done a phenomenal job of implementing his vision and getting the kids on board for that,” said [senior captain Nic] DiSanto’s mother Elizabeth,a team parent and judge in the 27th District Court in Wyandotte. “It’s phenomenal. It gives kids an opportunity to do some things they might otherwise not be doing. It’s service outside of school. It gets the football team out in the community. e energy this has created has been fantastic at the school.”

On pages 22 and 23

Like Us On Facebook

What’s happening ...

Centennial Farm Banquet Hall is home to the Grosse Ile Ping Pong Club.

The table tennis club is free to all and is open to players from high school age on up through senior years.

The club welcomes everyone from beginners to the more advanced players and players support each other in learning more about the sport.

We are also open to all Downriver players. There is an atmosphere of friendliness, good play and healthy exercise.

Although singles play is available, there is emphasis on doubles play, which brings out a teamwork aspect, many times adding to enjoyability and fun.

Friendships have been built here and we have hosted holiday parties, the Downriver Senior Olympics Table Tennis Tournament and other events. We hope you will visit us and see if it may be something you would like to try.

Our current schedule is: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3-5 p.m.

If you have questions please contact Viktor Brown by email at vbrown1377@gmail.com.

Santa’s Magic Forest

Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry volunteers in partnership with the City of Taylor, and with the help of Presenting Sponsor Masco, is presenting Santa’s Magic Forest at 1 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18 at the Activity Center within Heritage Park in Taylor.

Families can view the immaculate displays and take photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. General admission is $3 per person. Children under 3 are free. Pictures with Santa are $8 and are professionally taken by Rosecrans Picture Perfect Photography.

All proceeds of this event directly support Fish & Loaves to help stock their shelves and provide fresh produce, dairy and meat products this winter season. For more information on the display, including hours of operation each weekend, please visit ww.flcfp.org. Solstice Walk

Sponsored by the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy at Meridian Woods, eastside of Meridian Road across from Meridian Elementary School, Grosse Ile, from 1-3 p.m., on

Sunday, Dec. 18. Join the group for an educational walk on the (almost) shortest day of the year. Our focus will be on signs of winter, seasonal adaptations, and animal homes.

All GINLC programs are free to the public, but your donations make them possible. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. For more information, email GINLC.education@ gmail.com.

Discount Annual Vehicle Passes

Huron-Clinton Metroparks 2023

annual vehicle passes are on sale now at a discount until the end of 2022. Passes are $35 or $24 for seniors 62+ until the end of the year. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023 passes will be $40 for residents ($29 for Seniors 62+) of the five counties served or $45 for non-residents ($34 for Seniors 62+).

Passes can be purchased at www. metroparks.com (look for the “Buy Annual Pass” button in the menu bar) or at any Metroparks toll booth or park office.

Florida Keys Vacation!

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!