Southgate Star, April 13 — May 12, 2023

Southgate

DAVE GORGON

The annual Free Community Shred Day hosted by the Rotary Club of Southgate is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 29, at Dick Genthe Chevrolet, 15600 Eureka Road.

The service will be provided on site by a secure mobile document shredding company.

Monetary donations will be accepted for a veterans project. Non-perishable food items will be collected for a local food pantry.

There is a limit of five boxes of paper.

Permissible items include standard office paper, computer printouts, credit card receipts, envelopes, binders, photocopies, photographs and checks.

Non-permitted items include books, magazines, X-ray film, computers and accessories.

Dick Genthe Chevrolet is the sponsor of the day.

Rotarians said last year’s shred day had a “huge turnout.”

For more information call Fran Waszkiewicz at (313) 633-9916.

How Can My Child Become Financially Successful?

Mark Tremper, Vice-President of Marketing & Business Development Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

April is National Credit Union Youth Month and it is a time when Credit Unions across the country focus their attention on helping young people improve their financial literacy. This is a noble endeavor worthy of our time and attention because it can have a significant impact on the future of a young person.

The importance of financial literacy was even recognized this past year as Michigan House Bill 5190, a bi-partisan bill, was signed into law on June 16, 2022 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. According to the press release issued by the Governor’s Office on the date of signing, this legislation will “add a half-credit personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, starting with ninth-graders in 2024” (www. Michigan.gov).

Is there a way that parents can ensure that their child is on the path to financial success even before they reach high school? Definitely! Parents

have the greatest opportunity to impact their child’s future by taking the time to teach them about money at a very young age. While many parents may feel ill-equipped to tackle this initiative—especially if they haven’t had any personal finance training themselves—a local credit union can be a parent’s Most Valuable Partner and a savings account can be one of the most helpful tools!

What are the benefits of opening a Youth Savings Account at an early age? Here are just 3 of the many benefits to consider:

Helps a child keep track of their money

A piggy bank can be a great temporary holding place for money, but a savings account provides an accurate accounting of their savings progress. As a parent and child review the monthly statements, the child begins to understand what it takes to accumulate specific amounts of money required for desired purchases or long-term goals, and they are able to see it in writing!

Helps a child become familiar with financial tools

Not only does a child become familiar with the afore-mentioned statements, but they begin to have opportunities to utilize other tools such as online

banking and mobile banking, and eventually checks, payment services, digital wallets, and more! As they begin to save, they will also become familiar with the concept of interest and how it compounds over time, which is an exciting thought when viewed in contrast to paying interest to borrow money!

Helps a child avoid the path of going into debt

Because a child learns how to save for future goals, they develop a habit of knowing what things cost and how much they need to make those purchases. As they develop a savings mindset, they will find it less likely to be in situations where they will need to borrow, or in the case of larger purchases, such as a house, they will not need to borrow as much! This will ultimately result in them becoming more selfreliant and experiencing a life of financial freedom.

Of course, there are so many other benefits, but we’ll stick with those three just to keep it simple and easily attainable for any parent who wants to start their child down the path to financial success! If you have questions, or want to open a savings account for your child, go visit your local credit union! It’s definitely a great place to start!

Boy Scouts honor Army vet

Herb Smith, a 100-year-old Army veteran, was greeted with a surprise on Sunday, April 2.

Herb is a retired Army sergeant who served in World War II. Herb has loved the United States and the American Flag his entire life.

A couple weeks ago when he returned from a day out, he noticed that the flag that always hangs in front of his house had become tattered and worn. He asked his friend Julie if she could take care of it and get him a new one.

Upon hearing of this story Boy Scout Troop 1795 from Southgate, led by scoutmaster Kevin Bowlby, offered assistance.

They planned a visit to Herb’s house to present a new flag to him with a full ceremony.

The troop assembled and was led by senior patrol leader Quinn Maloney who called out the troop formation. The troop posted the colors in honor of the service that Herb gave to his community and country.

After the ceremony, everyone present had the opportunity to shake Herb’s hand and thank him for his service.

It was a great honor to give back to someone so deserving of this recognition.

Easter Eggstravaganza

The city of Southgate held its 16th annual Easter Eggstravaganza on April 1 at Market Center Park. Despite cloudy skies, cool temperatures and plenty of raindrops, the event was well-attended. The Easter Bunny was on hand, of course, and there were three different egg hunts for children of different ages. In a Facebook post after the event, Southgate City Council President Zoey Kuspa said, “Despite the rain, a fun time was had by all and many, many eggs were found. What great troopers these egg hunters were! Special thanks to our DDA Director, Parks and Recreation Department, and CASE Commission for their hard work in making this yearly event another success!

Photos by Dave Chapman

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.

St. Cyprian Crafters make a difference for many

DAVE GORGON

About 13 years ago, Anne Gilhool of Riverview suggested to Sister Anne, a nun at St. Cyprian Catholic Church, that they start a knitting group in the parish.

“I said, ‘I knit and I would like to knit with other people,’” Gilhool recalled. “She said ‘no.’ Six months later, someone donated 100 skeins of yarn.”

And the St. Cyprian Crafters were born.

Today, 40 women who knit, sew and crochet are making a difference and bringing joy to people and groups in the Downriver area. Their creations range from neonatal hats for tiny infants to blankets for wheelchair-bound veterans and senior citizens.

The crafters meet from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays at the social hall at St. Cyprian in Riverview. Besides infant caps and blankets, they create hats and scarves for people of all ages, baby items, quilts, dish cloths, adult bibs and even stuffed toys – whatever the need is that day, Gilhool said.

“Everyone has their own special gift and talent,” Gilhool said. “When I challenged the ladies two months ago to make toys for Easter, they responded by making 191 bunnies.”

About 30 of the bunnies were donated to the Wyandotte Soup Kitchen to distribute to “guests” and their families who visit weekly for food.

Others went to food pantry clients at St. Cyprian, Downriver for Veterans, children in shelters and others in need, said Southgate resident Deborah Knight, who crochets and sews and is always on the lookout for those in need of the crafters’ talents.

Gilhool, a retired school teacher, called Knight “a real go-getter in finding clients.” “I would say we made about 2,700 things last year,” Gilhool said. “I’m a firm believer that we don’t make anything to sit on our shelves. I want it to go and be used by people right away.”

“Linus-type blankets” and duffle bags have gone to the Downriver Foster Closet in Southgate,” Gilhool said. Hats and scarves have gone to hospitals. Bibs went to special needs children in Wyandotte.

“There is just a whole variety of things,” she said. “Some people will make the same things over and over and over again, like hats or baby blankets. They’ll say, ‘this is what I like to do.’

Other people make all kinds of things.”

Knight, who crochets and sews, said the crafters enjoy making a difference. She created gathered skirts to donate to the group Dresses for Africa, which provides dresses needed by young girls to attend school in Africa.

“Being part of this group gives you purpose,” the former banker said. “You think you’re sending positive energy into the world. You only can do so much with one person, but collectively look at what you can do.”

Darlene Swift, the wife of Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift, said she learned how to knit just before she retired from the Ford Motor Co. She joined the crafters when the group started.

“Everybody in there has a good attitude,” she said. “This is a time to get together and socialize. It’s a good group. We bring in more people all the time.

“If you get stuck, someone is always there to help. You learn new techniques. It keeps your fingers nimble. It keeps you active and you’re helping someone in need. It’s bringing a smile to somebody’s face. When we make something that goes to somebody in need, many times we get thank-you cards back so we know it’s appreciated.”

Wyandotte resident Sarah Pettigrew, who runs the soup kitchen, said the bunnies were just what her group needed.

“We are distributing Easter goodie

bags to our guests so they can fi baskets for their children, and the adorable bunnies that the St. Cyprian group shared will really make the bags extra special,” she said. “I think some of don’t realize that some people don’t have loved ones who make handmade items for them and these types of gifts continue to cheer you when you’re feeling down. It’s an honor to pass these beautiful gifts along on behalf of the St. Cyprian Crafters.”

Tiffanie Plackowski, preschool director of the Early Childhood Learning Center in the Riverview Community School District, praised Gilhool and her volunteer group, saying the “crafting ladies generously and fastidiously hand-made scarves and hats for the pre-K students” for the fourth year in a row. The recipients are 4- and 5-year-olds.

“Every year,” Plackowski said, “the teachers are grateful and the students are thrilled.” Nothing seems to get the crafters off course. Knight said during the COVID-19 pandemic, crafters got their vaccines and wore masks while meeting in Gilhool’s backyard. During a recent three-hour power failure, Knight made more than a dozen hats with an Easter Bunny on top.

Knight said you’re never too young or too old to learn how to knit, sew or crochet. She taught her daughter Stephanie how to crochet when she

was 9 years old. Now a copywriter, Stephanie makes lap blankets that are given to veterans and those in hospice care.

Her 78-year-old aunt, Barbara Chernick, who is living at American House in Southgate, made 150 hats using a circular loom last year.

Gilhool said she wanted to start the crafter group after her daughter said she participating in “Knitting for Peace” while attending the University of Michigan and her son gave her a book on the topic.

“The writing was on the wall, so to speak,” she said.

Volunteers can craft from home, but being present for weekly meetings at the church creates many opportunities for socialization among the members. Gilhool said they get together for potluck lunches a couple times a year and exchange news when a grandchild is born and when relatives pass away.

“We’ve been happy with each other and sad with each other,” she said. “I’d say about a third of our members are widows.”

Gilhool said anyone interested in helping the cause can join the St. Cyprian Crafters. “You just walk in,” she said. “You don’t have to be Catholic or a parish member. If you don’t know how, we can teach you.”

St. Cyprian is located at 13249 Pennsylvania Road in Riverview.

St. Cyprian Crafters founder Anne Gilhool (right) and members Maryann Diebold and Mary Jane Fitzgerald. Photo by Dave Gorgopn

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!

Art Ambience Show and Sale call for artists

The 34th annual Art Ambience Show and Sale will be April 28-30 and the show is reaching out to area artists to participate.

This is a unique show since it highlights only the Downriver artists. There is a juried fine art show and sale and a non-juried smaller works show and sale.

Last year there were more than 150 pieces of original artwork on display. Cash Awards are over $800.

The Fine Art section will be juried by a qualified artist who resides outside the Downriver area. This art exhibit show and sale will be held at the beautiful Woodhaven Community Center 23101 Hall Road.

There will be a lovely opening reception with light refreshments, entertainment and a short award ceremony. This is an opportunity for the public to meet the artists.

Each artist will be able to submit three fine art entries (160 inches in circumference or less) to be juried and five non-juried miniature pieces of art

(36 inches in perimeter or less).

Artists 18 years and older, residing in one of the Downriver communities of Allen Park, Belleville, Brownstown Twp., Carleton, Dearborn, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile Twp., Huron Twp., Lincoln Park, Melvindale, New Boston, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Southgate, Sumpter Twp., Taylor, Trenton, Van Buren Twp., Woodhaven and Wyandotte are eligible.

Applications and payment methods can be found at the Downriver Arts & Crafts Guild /Creative Art Society

Found at our new website https:// www.creativeartsociety.org and Facebook page. The application fee is $35 for non-members and $25 for members in good standing.

Questions can be answered by Maureen Keast at 734-777-6109 mkeast1@aol.com

Or Jackie Walock at 313-570-6919 walock@sbcglobal.net

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 15 Application deadline

April 22 Delivery of artwork 10 a.m. - noon; Pick-up of work not accepted 2-3:30 p.m.

April 28 Opening Reception and Awards Program 6:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

April 29 Art exhibition noon - 5 p.m.; Art demonstrations 1-4 p.m.

April 30 Art exhibition noon - 5 p.m.; Pick up artwork 5 - 5:30 p.m.

PRIZES (CASH AWARDS)

First Place ....................................$300

Second Place ..............................$200

Third Place ..................................$100

Honorable Mention Awards .........................$30 each.

Artists’ Choice Award ................$100

Oil painting by Vivian Longfellow, “Poppies in a Turquoise Vase” Acrylic on quarry tile by Karen Taylor “Patiently Waits”

Pastel by Sally Morris “Cottage on the Hill”

Friends of the Detroit River’s Spring Cleanup is April 22

Come join The Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) on Saturday, April 22 for their annual Lower Detroit River Cleanup event.

The event will start out from the Trenton Rotary Park boat launch at the foot of Harrison St. on the Detroit River. This year the event is sponsored by the DTE Foundation and EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.

For nearly two decades, FDR has been fortunate to attract a small army of dedicated volunteers. What makes their clean up event unique, from most other such clean-up events that take place in our local watersheds each spring, is that theirs relies on a small flotilla of boats to get their volunteers out to the various islands and shorelines that are only accessible by water.

Many of these sites are the recipient of much of the trash and debris that makes its way into the river from spring storm runoff and if it wasn’t for the dedicated work of their volunteers, this trash and debris would continue to collect along these otherwise inaccessible shorelines.

This year volunteers will meet at Trenton Rotary Park, in Trenton, for the

pre-cleanup orientation at 9 a.m. At that time volunteers who wish to get out on the river will be paired up with a boat and be assigned a cleanup site.

Volunteers should dress for the weather, wear boots, have gloves and bring an extra life jacket if they have one.

Those with boats on a trailer will be able to use the park’s boat launch to launch their boats free of charge or drive their boat up to the park to dock and pick up volunteers.

For those who would like to help out, but aren’t able to get out on the water, FDR is always in need of volunteers to help with shore-based cleanup locations as well as helping including unloading the boats as they come back to the park. Lunch will be provided to all who help out at the event.

This is a great opportunity to participate in a community event that gives back to the Detroit River.

If you have a boat that you would be able to supply, give us a call at 1-734676- 4626. You can also get additional information and register for the event on FDR’s web site at www.detroitriver.org.

Volunteers bring in boat loads of debris and litter picked up off uninhabited islands and dikes in the lower Detroit River to unload at the boat ramp at Trenton Rotary Park.

DCC, U-M to offer small business assistance

The Downriver Community Conference’s (DCC) expanded economic development initiative is now underway.

Through the Downriver Riverfront Communities Economic Recovery Implementation Project, there is technical assistance and matching grant funds available for small businesses that were impacted by the closure of the two local DTE coalfired power plants or the coronavirus pandemic.

This support program is being operated by the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute (EGI) in partnership with the DCC Economic Development Department.

This is an opportunity for small businesses adversely impacted in the cities of River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Riverview and Trenton.

“We are thrilled to have this assistance and funding available to support businesses in our region,” says Jazmine Danci, Economic Development Administrator for the

DCC. “Our primary target is those businesses that have been impacted by the power plant closures whether it be from loss of foot traffic and sales, loss of a contract, or other means. But if a business has been affected by the pandemic, we want to hear from them too.”

There is a total of $150,000 available to support businesses in the targeted communities. Each business will be able to receive up to $10,000 in matching grant funds towards the implementation of a project that will help to support the resiliency of the business. This can cover anything from marketing initiatives to process improvements.

If you or a company you know meets the qualifications for assistance, please contact Louisa Self as soon as possible at Louself@umich.edu or at 734-998-6201 for more information.

Interested businesses may also request information online at https:// economicgrowth.umich.edu/dccprogram-inquiries/.

Last August, the Downriver

Community Conference (DCC) was awarded a $1.6 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for the Downriver Riverfront Communities Economic Recovery Implementation Project to help strengthen economic development in the region following the closure of the two DTE coal-fired power plants along the riverfront.

The focus area for the project is the five communities located between the two retired power plants along the Jefferson Avenue corridor.

The project has three main goals: create and staff a regional Economic Development

Office, develop a strategy for the redevelopment of industrial (brownfield) sites and create a small business technical assistance program.

For nearly 40 years, the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute (EGI) has managed program grants to support research and provide business and community assistance, support and intervention for equitable economic growth.

Using the University of Michigan’s resources, EGI works with small and medium-sized enterprises and communities to foster innovation and create a positive economic impact for local, regional, and state economies.

ABOUT DOWNRIVER COMMUNITY CONFERENCE

The Downriver Community Conference is a partnership of 20 member communities that provides leadership in establishing common, positive goals and strategies to develop the human, social, and economic assets of the Downriver area; enhances the quality of life for area residents, workers and businesses; shapes public policy at the federal, state, regional, county, and local levels; and identifies, obtains and responsibly manages the necessary financial resources to successfully implement this vision.

$200

Trenton High School is a part of the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC) serving the school districts of Airport, Flat Rock, Gibralter, Grosse Ile, Huron, Riverview, Southgate, Woodhaven, as well as Trenton. The DCTC offers a program where local districts share their technical and academic programs. Students interested may participate at the beginning of their junior year and continue into their senior year.

The Trenton High School Technical Consortium plan of study is a coordinated secondary/post-secondary program that prepares students for the majority of jobs in the technical areas studied. Emphasis is placed on integrating academic and career technical courses so that students are better prepared for the advanced courses required by technical programs following their high school education

Students participating in the program have the opportunity to earn up to 24 college credits upon completion of the two year program. Students will participate in class activities on site at Trenton High School and attend field trips to WCCCD

**New CTE program- State Approved in 21-22 school year.

Level 2-4 courses require the entry Level 1 course in that specific program. *Criminal Justice is a Wayne County Community College Dual Enrollment Program and requires an application process for admission which can be accessed at: http://www.dctc-cte.org

All career and technical education programs follow the Trenton Public Schools’ policies of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, disability, height, weight, or marital status in all programs, services, activities, and employment. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Still Rockin’ CF March 19 Race proceeds benefit research ...This year, the race will initiate a special “Kevin Wilson Memorial Mile,” which will become part of the race from now on.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Township governmental duties clearly spelled out

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

~ Moderates Board regular and special meetings and study sessions

~ Serves as Township’s legal agent

~ Serves as Township’s Chief Assessing O cer

~ Develops Township budget (with departmental input)

~ May call for special Board meetings

~ May appoint some commission members

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ May appoint a Deputy Supervisor

TOWNSHIP TREASURER

~ Collects Township real and personal property taxes

~ Maintains records of receipts and expenditures

~ Issues Townships checks for payments

~ Issues pet licenses

~ Receives and deposits all Township revenue

~ Invests all Township funds in approved depositories

~ Collects delinquent personal property taxes

~ Serves on Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Treasurer

~ Must post a surety bond

TOWNSHIP CLERK

~ Maintains custody of all Township records

~ Maintains general ledger of Township

~ Prepares and maintains Township board meeting minutes

~ Maintains Township Book of Oaths

~ Publishes all meeting notices and minutes

~ Maintains voter registration les

~ Administers all election functions

~ Serves on Township Election Commission

~ Must appoint a Deputy Clerk

~ Must post a surety bond

TRUSTEE

~ Serves as a Township legislator

~ Required to attend all Board meetings and vote on all issues Responsible for the Township’s overall fiduciary well being..

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To commemorate Kevin, the one mile segment will start one mile out from the finish line – the toughest part of any distance race for many runners.

concert on Feb. 16, which had the cutest songs that were all about love. The grand finale was “You are My Sunshine.” Thank you to Ms. Kruger, our third-grade teachers, Ms. Vollmerhausen, Mrs. Culverhouse and Mrs. Hilliard for this lovely event.

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Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies Cooking Class

Also, this year there will not be a two-person half marathon relay, as its popularity has seemed to run its course. But, interest is still strong for the 13.1 Half Marathon, the 5K Run or Walk, and the Virtual Half Marathon. So strong that the half and 5K races had caps – 700 for the half, 600 for the 5K. There will be a 3 hour and 30 minute time limit for the half marathon.

As of this writing, the Half Marathon is sold out! There are still spots left in the 5K and Virtual Half. You can still register online to run or make a donation @letsrockcf.org.

From the event, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Rock CF Foundation, “changing the face of what living with cystic fibrosis looks like and giving those living with CF the tools to not only survive, but thrive.”

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gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

Music fills the air!

Ms. Kruger led our third-grade students at Memorial Elementary School in a beautiful Valentines-themed

Tuesday, May 9 7:00 – 8:15 pm

• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies are so cookies that will melt in your mouth! A perfect balance of tartness sprinkled with a sweet powdery sugar glaze. Add the lemon and blueberries into the cream cheese batter or don’t. Make the cookies to your liking. Perfect to make ahead for your holiday get together. ey freeze well for snacks, lunch treats or surprise for your coworkers. is class includes all supplies and samples to munch on during class.

• Please bring a hand mixer and 2 large cookie sheets. Final baking will be done at home. Approximately 30 cookies.

• Class fee of $30.00 must be paid by Friday, May 5th. No refunds a er this date. Limit of 20 participants per class. No walk-ins.

Register online! https://secure.rec1.com/MI/riverview-mi/catalog or cityofriverview.com under the recreation tab. Check or cash for in-person registration at the Recreation Department. Call the Recreation Department if you have any questions regarding programs or issues with online registering.

Riverview City Hall/Senior Activity Room 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview, MI 48193 734-281-4219

Classes are for residents and non-residents. Age 12 & up Children aged 6 -11 are welcome to sign up and must bring an adult helper. If the adult helper wants to participate and make their own cookies they must register and pay also. A delicious class for friends and family to get together and have some fun!

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Pot, or not?

Residents to determine fate of retail marijuana stores

Riverview recently began the process of taking applications for licenses for retail marijuana stores a er the City Council voted 4-3 to allow those businesses within the city limits.

Demand for those licenses has been high. But opposition to the stores has been pretty strong, too, and a group of citizens, spearheaded by

longtime resident and former councilman Elmer Trombley, circulated a petition designed to get the idea of marijuana stores in front of voters...

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Register for TECH Academy, a free summer program for future skilled workers

High school juniors and seniors in Trenton and the rest of southeast Michigan who are interested in skilled trade careers can now apply for the BASF TECH Academy sponsored by BASF Corporation. This week-long summer program will run from June 19 - 23 at the Wayne County Community College District’s Downriver Campus located at 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI, 48180.

During TECH Academy, students will combine morning classroom activities with afternoon visits to a wide variety of company workplaces to learn first-hand about technical careers and the education necessary for those jobs including manufacturing, robotics, auto, lab operations, and first responders

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Girls basketball team is a Downriver League powerhouse

...Since Perez and Sayre arrived on the scene four years ago, Trenton girls basketball has been the big kid on the Downriver League block.

The Trojans have won three league titles in that span and the year they did not win they finished second and lost to the league champ – Carlson – by one point.

Perez, who has around 200 career victories, has those three league titles and an amazing four-year record of 55-6 in Downriver League games...

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Wyandotte church pastor is a ballboy for the Detroit Lions

Kenny Beesley has played a lot of sports in his lifetime, but he has never been as close to professional athletes until now.

Beesley is a ballboy during Detroit Lions home football games.

As the Rev. Kenny Beesley Jr., he also is lead pastor of First Baptist Church of Wyandotte.

The pastor oversees a 10 a.m. Sunday worship service at the church at 1925 Ford and then heads to Ford Field in Detroit on days when the Lions are playing there. Some days, he cuts it close, but he has never missed the start of a game yet.

Beesley and fellow Wyandotte native Rob McMahon, who has been a friend since kindergarten, are part of the game-day staff...

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Annual Miss Amazing Pageant scheduled for May 6

The annual Michigan Miss Amazing Pageant is set for Saturday, May 6 at Novi Civic Center.

It’s open to girls ages five and up with a disability and there’s no fee to participate.

Spread the word! You can find out more about the organization, and sign up to participate or volunteer here: https://missamazing.org/chapters/MI

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Jenna Purvins is new Wildlife Refuge intern

Hello! I am Jenna Purvins, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Intern. My internship was made possible through The Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps.

Since I can remember, I have been caring for animals and enjoy being outdoors. This local area, southeast Michigan, is my home.

I am a 2017 graduate of Carlson High School and have coached tennis around here since 2018. This year I will earn my degree in Environmental Science, with a concentration in biology, from The University of Michigan -Dearborn.

I first heard about the refuge in high school through my biology teacher. I was eager to learn about local opportunities which would allow me to get involved with nature. It is exciting to be a part of a refuge that cares for our local community. Throughout this internship, I will

be able to gain a well-rounded view of how an urban refuge operates by working with maintenance, biology, visitor services, administration and the refuge’s friend’s organization.

I am eager to develop and improve my skills and knowledge. I hope my time throughout this internship helps guide me to my optimal career path.

Mark your calendars for May 20

Grosse Ile Garden Club to host perennial exchange

It’s finally spring and many of you are walking around your yards and assessing your gardens. There are probably some perennials that need to be divided and some bare spots that need to be filled in.

The Grosse Ile Garden Club is here to help you out.

We are having a perennial exchange on Saturday, May 20 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Commons Gazebo (Macomb and Meridian).

If you don’t have any plants to exchange, come anyway. There are always many extras.

This is how it works:

* Bring your plants in a sturdy, dry container by 9:00 a.m.

* Label your plants using its common name and the required amount of light.

* Check in at the check in table, you will receive one ticket for each plant.

* Place your plants in the correct area by lighting need -- full sun, partial sun, shade.

* Peruse all the plants on display but don’t take any yet.

* At 9:25 a.m. everyone must stand behind the marked line.

* At 9:30 a.m. a bell will ring and you then may select your desired plant.

*As you leave, show your plants and turn in your tickets to the check-out table.

Hope to see many of you there to freshen up your gardens! If you have any questions call: 734-771-2503. Happy planting!

Purvins

BILL STEVENSON

Chloe and Lucy.

adopted Chloe at 6 weeks old and a

and a half later, the rescue called us that someone turned her sister/litter mate in and did we “know anyone who might want her”. We were in the car the next day picking Lucy up.

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

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What’s

happening Southgate ...

COME SEE STA’S NEW ATHLETIC FACILITIES MAY 6

The community is invited to a Grand Opening Festival featuring the new athletic facilities at Southgate Anderson High School on May 6. A ceremonial ribbon cutting is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the entrance to the new natatorium. The family-friendly festival will continue until 3 p.m. The day’s events include:

● Tours of the newly opened natatorium and weight room.

● Dancing under the pavilion.

● Opportunities to run the bases on the softball and baseball fields.

● Attempts to kick a football field goal or soccer goal at Memorial Stadium.

● Running a 50-yard dash on the track.

● Enjoying snacks from the many food trucks on site. Southgate Anderson is located at 15475 Leroy Street.

CRAFTERS WELCOME

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless.

AMERICAN FLAG DISPOSAL

Heart to Heart Hospice of Southgate is a local site for American Flag disposal. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Heart to Heart will allow the general public to bring their tired and worn American flags to our Southgate office. The office is located at 1 Heritage Place, Suite 107, Southgate,in the Real Estate One building. For more information, call 734-282-0209.

AAUW SCHOLARSHIPS

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

JOB ASSISTANCE

The SEMCA Michigan Works! in Southgate, 15100 Northline Rd, Room 103, is offering help with job searching. Free services may include career assessment and guidance; GED preparation, basic skills assessment & enhancement; resume and interview assistance; and job search assistance. Stop in to register and ask about the next orientation session. Connect with a Career Coach and return to work faster. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. For more information, call 734-362-3448 or visit SEMCA.org.

TAYLOR GARDEN CLUB

Meets the 3rd Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-287-6851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.

HURON RIVER FISHING ASSOCIATION

The group holds general membership meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St., Flat Rock. The group holds fly tying classes at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday of the month at the FRCC. For more information, visit huronriverfishing.com or email FISH@huronriverfishing.com.

Local independent businesses are under siege

You might have gleaned that Peter Rose has a “thing” against national entities going toe to toe with local businesses that occupy a niche. You may have sensed that.

Folks, it isn’t about me raging against the machine for the menswear and womenswear industry fighting the invaders that dumbed down an industry while eliminating the players that served their regions far better. It’s a fairly accurate comparison to refer to Ukraine under siege by Russia. Ukraine may or may not prevail, but even if they do ... can you begin to comprehend how a nation comes back together when cities are rubble? How many viable, humming businesses are now history?

Likewise, countless good merchants here buckled under the overwhelming force of capitalism at its predatory worst. There really is no difference between the marauding Russians and the marauding capitalists.

People still challenge my view on capitalism. “How can you be so anticapitalist, being a capitalist business yourself?!? How can you be such a hypocrite, Peter?”

I always challenge the question because I believe most challengers know better, and if they don’t, they learn, as quickly as I can tell them. That is my job, after all.

But the truth is, most of them know exactly what I mean as they read it. They just hate having to think about it.

My view is simple and direct. If you allow businesses at the local level to

thrive and prosper, the benefit flows up to the greater, broader good.

If you allow “big” to steal the business from those local businesses, you hurt the very constituency that you are here to protect and help flourish.

If you try to get away with selling America that “Trickle Down” is viable, you lose America. You have lied, you have sold out, you have wrecked what should have been beautiful.

Nobody has warm fuzzy memories of their warm, fond experiences at national companies – no one.

We remember virtually everything about the connectivity of America when it was local and independent. But we have accepted the bilious crap that we’ve been sold, haven’t we!

What, you can’t fight city hall? Nonsense.

You just have to want to fight “city hall”.

Walmart’s mission statement was to invade a territory, and take all the business that was once handled by local businesses, connected to their communities. Their strategy was to lowball the prices until the competition capitulated, then raise those prices.

America bought it. America made the Waltons one of the wealthiest families in the nation by destroying countless communities of businesses across the nation.

Amazon took that model and added steroids. Amazon has aims for every form of commerce there is.

They don’t want to dominate a market, they want to be the market.

Seriously, you guys, you have to let that sink in and realize what that means.

Dollar Tree (which owns Family Dollar, too), and Dollar General

are exploding all over the nation at breakneck speed. Every single one of them takes business from the local providers in their area. The profits from those operations leave the region, leave the state.

Looking at these few large examples alone, the picture is instantly clear. The strategy is to replace the sales of the local versions with their national versions.

The strategy is to put as many siphon tube hoses into as many local economies everywhere, so as to suck as much money out what used to stay local, where it benefited local people.

With every door they open (and website they launch), the Wall Street economy gets stronger … at the direct and damaging expense of the “Main Street” economies across America.

Each city is a “Main Street” economy. Grouping them together as we do in our circumstance to create a larger local economy (Downriver) still forms a local economy. When we flourish here, without any meddling and siphoning off, we retain more circulating capital. We have more people doing well, which tilts the playing field for all for the residents that live here.

It really isn’t a difficult concept to get one’s arms around at all. Yet the indifference is astounding, especially among those that benefit the most from my scenario vs the “siphons scenario”. We happen to be watching a new niche being tackled by national. I’ll mention just one, because frankly, I don’t want to lend any credence to any of them.

In Southgate, sort of across Eureka Road from the A&T Car Wash, a huge project is underway, declaring that

Tommy’s Express Auto Wash is coming soon.

Yes, a national chain of car washes now. More than one.

Now, A&T happens to be an excellent car wash with an excellent reputation. But if you think that no one will switch to the shiny new model across the street, you really don’t want to believe what I’m talking about.

Who knows how big of a hit will be delivered to A&T?

I know what kind of a hit Men’s Wearhouse was to Chelsea quite a while ago, that forced us to learn how to survive on less volume, and they were just one of the shiny new models to tempt the public.

I know that carving 20 percent off the top for any independent business is traumatic, and … shall we say … unwelcome.

If a new, local car wash opens up, I can’t make the same argument. There is such a thing as legitimate competition. But no local can do what this national can do with their deep pockets full of money from people elsewhere.

So, are we just supposed to accept unfair competition, beyond our ability to do anything about it?

It is not OK, friends. It will never be OK. And think about it: What’s going to happen to the little pharmacies around Downriver when Amazon enters the prescription drug fray?

Are you going to be OK with having your choices whittled down to only national options? It’s coming, believe me. Might I suggest that we all collectively start screaming to our governmental officials, making it clear that a lot of us are disgusted and fed up, and that we stand opposed?

Seaway Chorale ro present ‘Most Anything Goes’ May 5-6

After a successful return in December to Flat Rock Community Auditorium, the Seaway Chorale and Orchestra will be presenting its spring concert on Friday May 5 and Saturday May 6.

The title of the concert is “Most Anything Goes” and it truly lives up to its name. The group will be singing a potpourri of musical genres with selections from the realms of classical, spiritual, jazz, Americana, rock, pop, folk music and barbershop. The group will also sprinkle in some movie favorites along the way.

The Seaway Orchestra will be performing their own instrumental pieces and, for the first time, the Dearborn Youth Choir will join the group with a couple of Disney numbers. So, there will certainly be something for everyone to enjoy, including an all-cash raffle!

The concert begins each night at 7:30 p.m. at the Flat Rock Community Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and children. Children under 5 are free.

Advance tickets are available through the website at www.seawaychorale.com and from Chorale members. Information is also available by calling 734-552-3645.

People stood up to save Humbug Marsh 25 years ago

JOHN HARTIG

On that September day in 1998, more than 1,000 rain-soaked and determined people stood up for what they felt was right.

People from all over Michigan and beyond attended the public hearing at Gibraltar Carlson High School, so many that there were traffic jams and the fire marshal had to lock the doors to prevent a larger crowd.

The issue at hand was residential development of the last mile of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River – Humbug Marsh.

The vast majority of these citizens strongly opposed the development and were in favor of preserving the rich and diverse coastline that was part of their home and heritage.

By allowing the development to proceed, they knew the precious life and rich history would forever be lost. This tremendous support was the key catalyst in saving Humbug Marsh and establishing the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

The people spoke and those in charge listened.

By doing so, this area now belongs to wildlife and people for their stewardship, study and enjoyment.

Humbug Marsh will forever stand as a site of great determination and love by those in the Downriver community.

For centuries, the Wyandot of Anderdon Nation was attracted to Humbug Marsh for its natural resources and strategic location and revered it as sacred.

This 410-acre tract of undeveloped land is located along the lower end of the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River in the cities of Trenton and Gibraltar, Michigan. It consists of a coastal marsh, a barrier island and uplands.

In 1899, a fisherman lived on Humbug Island. During the 1930s and 1940s, a hunting club operated out of a cabin on the island and enjoyed waterfowl hunting in Humbug Marsh. During the 1940s and 1950s, the uplands of Humbug Marsh were farmed for alfalfa and corn, and sheep were periodically grazed on a portion of the land. During World War II, military vehicles were brought in by rail line at the adjacent Monsanto

Chemical Plant and temporarily stored on a portion of Humbug Marsh land.

During the 1950s, Humbug Marsh and Island were purchased by the former McLouth Steel Company for possible future expansion of operations that never materialized. Steel company executives used the marsh as their private waterfowl hunting grounds.

Then in the late 1980s, a company called Marina Ventures purchased Humbug Marsh for development into homes, a golf course and a marina. This first attempt to develop Humbug Marsh failed because it was not financially viable.

Waste Management purchased Humbug Marsh around 1992 and a conservation easement was placed on its wetlands, Humbug Island and a small portion of uplands in 1993 to protect them from future development.

This all changed in 1997 when a company called Made In Detroit bought Humbug Marsh with grand plans of luxury homes, a bridge to the island, a golf course, marina and more. This developer bought the property knowing that the conservation easement was in place.

For the proposed development to proceed, the developer would need several permits that would require public hearings.

That first public hearing was held at Gibraltar Carlson High School in 1998 and people from all over Michigan attended. People spoke out in opposition, the permits were not issued and eventually Humbug Marsh was purchased out of bankruptcy court in 2004 for $4.1 million by the Trust for Public Land to become the cornerstone of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.

Humbug Marsh is now protected in perpetuity for wildlife as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and plays a unique role in bringing conservation to cities as part of one of a few urban refuges in the nation.

It should be noted that in 2006, Made In Detroit filed a complaint in federal court claiming there was collusion between environmental activists and regulators to slow down or complicate matters for the project. Eventually, the case went to mediation and was settled for $5 million.

Locally, the saving of Humbug

Marsh was viewed as a citizen victory. Indeed, citizens and grassroots organizations like Friends of the Detroit River, Sierra Club, Detroit Audubon and others banded together for nearly 10 years in a campaign to preserve Humbug Marsh. Others like Congressman John Dingell, other local elected officials, scientists and natural resource managers also played critical roles. This tremendous public support was a key catalyst in establishing the international wildlife refuge and Humbug Marsh became its cornerstone.

There are over 2,400 Ramsar Wetland of International Importance designations worldwide, 41 in the United States, and only one in Michigan – Humbug Marsh. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty that was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971 that provides a framework for voluntary international protection of wetlands.

Humbug Marsh is considered an internationally important wetland because of its ecological importance in

SEE MARSH, Page 21

Bald eagles and eastern fox snakes are among the unique creatures that inhabit the Humbug Marsh

MARSH

Continued from page 20

the Detroit River corridor and the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. Oak trees on site have been aged at over 300 years old and were alive when Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701.

Indeed, the Michigan Natural Features Inventory has ranked this community as globally imperiled. It serves as vital habitat for 51 species of fish, over 90 species of plants, 154 species of birds, seven species of reptiles and amphibians and 37 species of dragonflies and damselflies.

Examples of unique species include:

~ Bald eagles

~ Two dragonfly species (i.e. Elusive Clubtail and Russet-tipped Clubtail) that are listed as “Michigan species of special concern”

~ The eastern fox snake that is designated as a “threatened species” in Michigan

~ A native Michigan orchid called Oval Ladies’ Tresses that is designated as a “threatened species” in Michigan and indicative of pre-settlement times

~ A rare sedge called the HairyFruited Sedge that is listed as a “special concern” species in Michigan

Located adjacent to Humbug Marsh was a former automotive manufacturing plant that produced brakes, paints and solvents for 44 years. It was cleaned up to industrial standards and sat vacant as an industrial brownfield for over 10 years.

In 2002, Wayne County Parks purchased this industrial brownfield in Trenton to become the future home of the refuge’s visitor center and to improve outdoor recreational opportunities like shore fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, kayaking and more. It then took 10 years to successfully clean up this former industrial brownfield and meet public use standards.

Today, it can proudly be said that 16 acres of wetlands were restored through this project on site along the Detroit River, which has lost 97% of its coastal wetlands to development. Also completed at the Refuge Gateway was the daylighting of a creek – taking it out from underground in a pipe, restoring 25 acres of upland buffer habitat, controlling invasive plant species on over 50 acres of upland habitats and controlling of invasive Phragmites along 2.5 miles of

shoreline.

This has resulted in merging the 44acre Refuge Gateway with the 410-acre Humbug Marsh into one ecological unit and is helping create a truly exceptional outdoor recreational and conservation experience in the Detroit Metropolitan Area.

Today, it is the only project in the world to successfully clean up an industrial brownfield to serve as an ecological buffer for a “Wetland of International Importance.”

On the Refuge Gateway are:

~ A 12,000 square foot, Gold, LEED-certified, visitor center

~ A 740-foot dock for the Great Lakes school ship that will use the adjacent waters as a living laboratory for children

~ A universally-accessible, 200-foot fishing pier in waters that support a high diversity of fish and that is widely acclaimed as part of the Walleye Capital of the World

~ A canoe and kayak launch

~ Three wildlife observation decks

~ An outdoor environmental education classroom

~ Over three miles of hiking trails connected to over 100 miles of regional greenway trails

The refuge already attracts over 100,000 people annually, and standing at the Refuge Gateway is like viewing three different centuries at once:

~ To the south is Humbug Marsh – the last mile of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River that has on its uplands an old growth forest with oak trees over 300 years old that were alive when Cadillac founded Detroit in 1701

~ To the north are a former chemical plant and fossil fuel power plant that

represent the industrial revolution of the 20th Century;

~ On the site can be seen a 21st Century example of sustainable redevelopment of a 20th Century industrial brownfield into the Refuge Gateway that is home to the Refuge’s LEED-certified visitor center

Many people still view the Refuge Gateway as a paradox of heavy industry and internationally recognized wildlife refuge. But it’s not. It’s a strategically planned destination of choice consistent with the philosophy of Abraham Lincoln who said: “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

This project is now widely recognized as being transformational for Metropolitan Detroit because it is helping change the perception of the Detroit River from that of a polluted “rust belt” river to one of an international wildlife refuge that reconnects people to nature, promotes outdoor recreation, improves quality of life and enhances community pride.

In 2018, The Waterfront Center gave the Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh an Honor Award for protecting Humbug Marsh from development, cleaning up and restoring the Refuge Gateway, and creating a destination of choice that inspires an outdoor sense of wonder.

The Refuge is a unique urban place where the tapestry of life has been woven with elegance, where the music of life has been rehearsed to perfection for thousands of years, where nature’s colors are most vibrant and engaging, where time is measured in seasons and where the courtship dance of diving ducks takes center stage. It is a gift given to us for

our appreciation, enjoyment and inspiration, but also with a responsibility for stewardship so that it can be passed on to future generations. It is a gift unwrapped each time a hunter sets the decoys, an angler lands a fish, an amateur photographer clicks the shutter, a birder lifts their binoculars, a paddler launches a kayak and a child catches a tadpole.

Today, 80 percent of all people in the U.S. and Canada live in urban areas. Most urban residents are still disconnected from the natural world. This cannot continue.

The Refuge Gateway and Humbug Marsh have been strategically planned as a destination of choice that will provide exceptional conservation and outdoor recreational experiences, inspire a sense of wonder in children and families and help develop the next generation of conservationists in urban areas because that is now where most people live.

On this 25th anniversary of the event that catalyzed the saving of Humbug Marsh, it is important to reflect on this history and recognize our responsibility to pick up the baton and continue the relay race toward the goal of a healthy and sustainable ecosystem where all species, including humans, can thrive.

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.

Downriver for Veterans starts tiny homes initiative

DAVE GORGON

An initiative by the nonprofit group Downriver for Veterans calls for the creation of a series of tiny homes for area veterans.

Ann Rudisill, founder of the Wyandotte-based organization that serves former members of the armed forces, said the first tiny homes would be built in Flat Rock and the first resident would be Bob Harris, a World War II Army veteran from Southgate.

Rudisill said veterans would be selected for placement in other tiny homes and that the agency hopes to expand the initiative beyond Flat Rock to other Downriver communities.

Meanwhile, Downriver for Veterans has scheduled a number of fundraising events to help pay for the project and is seeking sponsors.

The organization also is working toward partnering with the City of Flat Rock to hold a summer barbecue to introduce the tiny homes concept to residents in the vicinity of Moses Street near Telegraph Road.

“We’re hoping to put a shovel in the ground next March or April,” said Rudisill, an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War era. “This will be the first tiny homes project Downriver. Flat Rock is ecstatic to have us. We need sponsors, we need funding and we need people to help spread the word. We hope this gets out and other cities will do this as well.” Tiny homes have been popping up in recent years in conjunction with a movement about downsizing living spaces, simplifying and “living with less.”

Rudisill said the initial plan is for two tiny homes – about 350-square-feet apiece – to be built on small lots on acreage that has been donated for the project, plus a community center that would allow residents of the homes to welcome company for special events. The lot sizes will be 220 by 110 feet and 110 by 50 feet.

“Our goal is to get six tiny homes,” Rudisill said. “We’re happy starting with two.”

The agency plans to raise $50,000 to prepare the land for the homes with electricity and water service. She said it would take only two days to put a tiny home on the site.

Bob Howey will serve as architect and builder, Rudisill said. Quint Plumbing will participate in the process. TLC

Property Management will install landscaping.

The homes would be fully furnished by Downriver for Veterans. Rudisill said church members have volunteered to help decorate the homes. The veterans would bring their own personal belongings. The first recipient was chosen by the Downriver for Veterans board of directors. Rudisill said Harris currently lives in an apartment in Southgate, paying $700 for monthly rent, of which $300 is paid by Downriver for Veterans.

Harris would pay $350 a month to live in a tiny home, which Is what he can afford. Downriver for Veterans will pay the utility bills, she said.

Rudisill said Harris’ awareness is good, he’s self-sufficient and he can afford to pay part of the rent. A veteran hoping to be selected cannot be homeless, an alcoholic or drug user. They have to keep the place clean and pay rent on time.

A veteran would sign a year-to-year lease. After seven years, he or she would own the home.

A number of fundraising events have been planned to support the project. A concert by Blues Brothers tribute band American Made is scheduled for July 22 at UAW Local 387 on Telegraph Road in Flat Rock. The all-female band Pink Pumps will perform on August 29 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Other fundraisers are posted on the Downriver for Veterans Facebook page.

Rudisill, who lives in Wyandotte, said she founded Downriver for Veterans six years ago because there was no other such agency in the region. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to supporting local veterans in a variety of ways.

“We’ve paid the bills for veterans that needed teeth, we’ve given away 48 cars, we’ve provided a mobile home for a veteran and his wife and we’ve paid for countless number of attorney fees and medical fees,” she said. “We’ve probably spent over $200,000 since we started.”

Now located in a former church building at 2322 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte – a building that was donated to the group, Downriver for Veterans also serves as a gathering place for the organization as well as a hub for services and goods needed by veterans.

For more information, visit the website www.downriverforveterans.org and follow the group on Facebook.

2023 Southgate Anderson sports schedule

Baseball

April 12 Carlson, 4 p.m.,

April 13 at Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

April 15 at Redford Union, 10 a.m.

April 17 at Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

April 18 Trenton, 4 p.m.

April 20 Allen Park, 4 p.m.

April 21 at Plymouth, 4:30 p.m.

April 24 at Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

April 26 Taylor, 4 p.m.

April 27 at Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

April 29 Cheboygan, 10 a.m.

April 28 Southeastern, 1 p.m.

May 1 Melvindale, 5 p.m. (DH)*

May 3 at Carlson, 4 p.m.

May 4 Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

May 8 Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

May 9 at Churchill, 4:30 p.m.

May 10 at Trenton, 4 p.m.

May 11 at Allen Park, 4 p.m.

Mat 13 at Annapolis, 10 a.m.

May 15 Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

May 16 Lincoln Park, 4:30 p.m.*

May 17 at Taylor, 4 p.m.

May 18 Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 20 at Airport, 11 a.m.

May 24 Dearbron, 4 p.m.

May 25 Pre-district, TBD

June 3 Districts at Woodhaven

May 1 doubleheader with Melvindale will be played at The Corner Ballpark.

May 16 game against Lincoln Park will be played at Fifth Third Field.

Softball

April 12 Carlson, 4 p.m.

April 13 at Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

April 17 at Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

April 19 Trenton 4 p.m.

April 20 Allen Park, 4 p.m.

April 24 at Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

April 26 Taylor, 4 p.m.

April 27 at Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 3 at Carlson, 4 p.m.

May 4 Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

May 6 at Monroe Jefferson, 10 a.m.*

May 8 Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

May 10 at Trenton, 4 p.m.

May 11 at Allen Park, 4 p.m.

May 15 Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

May 17 at Taylor, 4:30 p.m.

May 18 Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 20-21 at Canton Sports Center, TBD*

May 23 Novi, 4 p.m.

May 25 Pre-district, TDB

June 3 Districts at Lincoln Park

May 6 is the Monroe Jefferson Tournament.

May 20-21 is the Michigan Challenge Tournament in Canton.

Track

April 13 Flat Rock, 3 p.m.

April 15 at Allen Park, 9 a.m.

April 18 at Lincoln Park, 3:30 p.m.

April 22 at Warrior Classic, 9 a.m.

April 25 League tri-meet, 3:30 p.m.

April 28 Marauder Invitational, 3:30 p.m.

May 2 at Carlson, 3:30 p.m.

May 9 at Woodhaven, 3:30 p.m.

May 13 at Metro Classic, 9 a.m.*

May 18 at Regionals, TBD*

May 23 at Downriver League meet*

May 25 Freshman Invitational at Roosevelt

May 13 Metro Classic will be hosted by Woodhaven.

May 18 regionals will be hosted by Saline.

May 23 Downriver League meet will be hosted by Roosevelt.

Tennis

April 11 at Taylor, 4 p.m.

April 13 Lincoln Park, 4 p.m.

April 20 Allen Park, 4 p.m.

April 22 at Trenton Tournament, 8 a.m.

Andy Greene, who has decades of successful coaching experience in both baseball and football, returned to the diamond this season as the Southgate Anderson head coach. Greene, who is a school board trustee in Southgate, led the Titans to victory over Cabrini in his first outing as the new head man.

April 25 at Carlson, 4 p.m.

April 27 Woodhaven, 4 p.m.

May 2 Trenton, 4 p.m.

May 4 at Edsel Ford, 4 p.m.

May 6 Woodhaven quad, TBD

May 9 Roosevelt, 4 p.m.

May 10 at Riverview, 4 p.m.

May 11 Gabriel Richard, 4 p.m.

May 13 Pre-regional, TBD

May 17 Regionals at Roosevelt

May 22 League meet at Edsel Ford

Golf

April 14 at Riverview Highlands, 2:30 p.m.

April 20 at West Shore, 2 p.m.

April 27 at Lakes of Taylor, 2 p.m.

April 29 at Riverview Highlands, 8 a.m.

May 4 at Wyandotte Shores, 2 p.m.

May 11 at Lakes of Taylor, 2 p.m.

May 13 at Lake Erie, 8 a.m.

May 18 at Wyandotte Shores, 2 p.m.

May 31 Regionals at Lakes of Taylor, TBD

Rowing

April 29 at Hebda Cup

May 6 ay Wy-Hi

May 20 at SRAM Championships

May 27 at WBC Championships

Soccer

April 12 Taylor, 6 p.m.

April 13 at Melvindale, 5 p.m.

April 19 at Lincoln Park, 6 p.m.

April 24 Edsel Ford, 6 p.m.

April 26 at Allen Park, 6 p.m.

May 1 at Woodhaven, 6 p.m.

May 3 Carlson, 6 p.m.

May 9 at Gabriel Richard, 6 p.m.

May 10 Position rebound

May 15 Position round

May 17 Position round

May 18 at Monroe SMCC, 4:30 p.m.

May 22 at Airport, 4:30 p.m.

May 24 at Districts

Photo by Constance York

We have this England sofa in stock available for immediate free local delivery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions.

Sale Price $799 as stocked

Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.

Serta stock and floor sample closeout Made in Michigan

Best rocker recliner or wall hugger recliner in stock as shown with brown top grain leather seating areas. Available to order in other colors.

Rocker recliner in stock as shown and available to order in several other colors at no extra charge.

We have this England 72” sofa in stock as shown available for immediate free local deliv-ery. It has a lifetime warranty on it’s frame & seat springs & and 10 year warranty on the seat cushions. Sale Price $999 as stocked or in your choice of 50 fabrics. Custom orders from this vendor are taking about 8 weeks now.