Southgate Star, May 11 – June 12, 2023

The Anderson baseball team has been off the local radar for the past few years, but veteran coach Andy Green, in his first year at the helm of the Titans, has the team playing some fine baseball this spring. At last count the Titans were 7-4 (4-2 in Downriver League play) and among their victories were blowouts of Lincoln Park, Garden City and Grosse Ile, as well as a thrilling 6-5 win over Trenton in extra innings. The Titans are also playing in some cool locations this year. On May 1 they played Melvindale at The Corner Ball Park on the site of the old Tiger Stadium and on May 16 the Titans will play Lincoln Park at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, home of the Mud Hens. The Titans are currently on an extended stretch of road games, but they finish the regular season with three straight home dates on May 18, 23 and 24. MHSAA districts are June 3 and the Titans will be at Woodhaven, along with the host school, Carlson, Taylor and Wyandotte.

Photo by Connie York

Don’t Get Stuck Without a Back-Up Plan!

Mark Tremper, Vice-President, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Have you ever experienced the helpless feeling of having your debit or credit card rejected? You have a cart full of groceries that were just rung up and the register doesn’t accept your payment. Or maybe you’re traveling on vacation and you attempt to purchase gas only to see a single dreaded word on the screen in all caps that says “DECLINED”. What do you do now?

When this happens, it doesn’t always mean that there’s not enough money in your account. It could mean that the chip on your card is malfunctioning, or maybe your attempted purchase was flagged as a fraudulent transaction. Regardless of the reason, this puts you in an extremely uncomfortable position, especially if there’s a line of people behind you or you are hundreds of miles from home!

According to Pew Research statistics, the number of Americans who don’t carry cash in a typical week has increased by double digits over the past decade. 41% of Americans (4 out of every

10 people) say that none of their purchases in a typical week are paid using cash. Which means that when your card is declined, there is a good chance you don’t have cash on-hand to complete the purchase.

Here are a few tips to ensure that you’re prepared when faced with one of these predicaments:

Carry a second card.

Your back-up card could either be a debit card attached to a second checking account (some would say that this should be at a different financial institution) or a credit card accessing an available line of credit. Just be sure to have the accounts linked so that you can transfer funds between accounts using online or mobile banking. Linking accounts for transfers can usually be done even if accounts are at a different financial institution.

Add your cards to your smartphone’s “digital wallet”.

Contactless payment technology, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, allows cardholders to make purchases in-store or within apps with just a

touch—and you don’t need your card with you to do it! Of course, if there’s not enough money in the account, this option will not solve that problem.

Carry emergency cash.

The old-fashioned way to be prepared is to carry emergency cash. Just tuck a $100 bill (or more) into your wallet or purse so that if the unexpected happens, you can pull it out to make a payment. Since this should only be used in an emergency, don’t put it with your working cash where you would accidentally spend it, or be tempted to spend it; but if you do, just be sure to replace it right away!

Following all three of these tips is the best way to ensure that you’re protected regardless of whether it’s a technical glitch or human error.

With the warmer weather on its way, we’re all thinking about the things we’re going to do when we can spend more time outside. As you’re planning your summer activities, vacations, or staycations, be sure to plan for those inevitable problems that may arise and spoil your fun!

Southgate Rotary Shred Day is a success

DAVE GORGON

The Southgate Rotary Club’s Community Shred Day destroyed documents from more than 250 cars, collected more than 450 pounds of nonperishable food for the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry and secured donations to support Rotary’s homeless veterans backpack program.

“And the event ended with a full truck of shredded documents,” said Rotarian Stephen Ahles.

Shred Day was held on April 29 at Genthe Chevrolet. Rotarians thanked the dealership and Andrew Genthe for their sponsorship and thanked Service Manager Mike Leidner, who joined Rotarians and their family members who volunteered to help people shred documents containing personal information to avoid identity theft.

Ahles said durable backpacks purchased by Rotarians will contain needed items for Downriver veterans organizations for distribution to veterans in need, while food collected for Fish & Loaves will feed hungry people from Southgate and other communities.

For more information about Southgate Rotary, visit the website southgaterotary.org.

Markets in the Park return June 20

The beloved and highly anticipated Markets in the Park and Summer Concert series returns to Southgate’s Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center on Tuesday June 20 and continues on Tuesdays through Sept. 12.

The vendors are available from 4:30- 8 p.m. each Tuesday and the concerts run from 6-8 p.m. Food trucks will also be on hand and the event runs rain or shine.

HERE IS THE 2023 LINEUP:

June 20: Sweet Treats day with the band Wisteria

June 27: Health and Fitness with music by Woodford Station

July 11: Country and Western with music by Cody Boggs Band

July 18: Retro Day with Beatle cover band Toppermost

July 25: Christmas in July with music by Weekend Comeback

Aug. 1: Hawaiian Luau with music by Beats by Ben

Aug. 8: Movie Night featuring Acoustic beer

League

Aug, 15: Polish night featuring the Kielbasa Kings

Aug, 22: Kid’s Day with music from Boogie Woogie Kid

Aug. 29: Ladies Night featuring Ain’t Dead Yet

Sept, 5: Local Business Night with Downriver Dan

Sept 12: Titan Pride Day with the Southgate Anderson band

This is Ernie, our 6 month old Boston Terrier. Don’t let that adorable face fool you for he is as energetic as a Jack Russell Terrier, can jump as high as a kangaroo, and has the long legs & speed of a Kentucky race horse. Ernie shares his home with John & Vicki Roberts.

“Hi, I’m Al. My ape also calls me ‘Albertomundo,’ ‘Spandrel’ and ‘Cookie Batter.’ I answer to all his names because I think I’m a dog. Here I am enjoying the longer days.”

STA’s ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ was a big hit

Southgate Anderson High School put on the cult classic play “Little Shop of Horrors” on April 13, 14 and 15.

Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.

Seymour Krelborn (played by Morgan Morris in STA’S production) is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” (Fatima Samples) after his crush Audrey (Allison Hilliard) at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood.

As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues

providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extraterrestrial origins and his true drive for worlddomination.

The STA production almost sold out each night, filling the auditorium that can hold 300 people with up to 250-290 each night. Those numbers make it one of the most successful musicals Southgate Anderson High School has put on ever.

Acclaimed reviews came in from teachers, students and administrators alike. Sharon Irvine, Southgate Schools Superintendent, also gave it utmost praise.

The leads are Seymour, Audrey, Mushnik, Dentist, Crystak, Ronette and Chiffon.

Morgan Morris, Gavin Gonzalez, Summer Matkin, Elyana Cecil, Emma Herndon and Abby Hinzmann are all seniors at Southgate Anderson.

CAST

Seymour - Morgan Morris

Audrey - Allison Hilliard

Mr. Mushnik - Gavin Gonzales

Dentist - Summer Matkin

Audrey 2 - Fatima Samples

Crystal - Alex Pokorny

Ronnette - Elyana Cecil

Chiffon - Emma Herndon

Mrs Luce/Customer/Ensemble - Abby Hinzmann

Martin/Ensemble - David Maldonado

Skip Snip/Ensemble - Jonas Simons

Bernstein/Ensemble - Morgan Renaud

Radio Host/Ensemble - Amber Hurst

Directed by

Heaven Lang

Steven Hilberg

Stephanie Glitz

Choreography

Makena Shell

Photos by Darcy Parkham

Outdoor Wilderness Living Workshops help teach kids outdoors skills and much more

Today, the teachings of primitive skills needed for living outdoors are a difficult education to find for our children and young teenagers.

These courses will show your children the foundations and building blocks of these forgotten skills of our past. Operators of OWL feel a responsibility to guide their youth to learn and master these skills from ancestral elders and their wisdom.

The prime focus will be based around these four necessities for living outdoors: Fire, Shelter, Water and Food. Gaining knowledge from all they encompass. They learn to understand them and respect them in the ancient traditional ways of living in balance with the Earth.

The goal for this class is providing the tools, skills and formulas to the children today, so they will find the safeties and the enjoyments one can find in Nature. To bring them back to the protection and adventure that can be found within every day and night. To help them find true purpose within themselves and their families.

Nature is there every day with her discipline and honor. It’s only waiting to be embraced and enjoyed. The Guidance is through Outdoor Wilderness Living with Mother Earth.

“The most exciting thing for me are days when I get up, see the sun rise and I am able to slow down, breathe deeply and center myself,” said one of the workshop leaders. “Then, later, when I may be stressed, I take time to think back to that morning and recapture the feeling. These are the types of skills we also want to pass on to our students.”

The things taught at OWL are based on the teachings of Tom Brown Jr., one of America’s most acclaimed outdoorsmen. Brown founded the Tracker School back in 1978, a program based on the teachings of Stalking Wolf, the Apache elder from whom Tom learned his skills when he was just seven years old.

After learning from Stalking Wolf, Brown spent the next 10 years wandering the wilderness throughout the

America’s with no manufactured tools – in most cases not even a knife – perfecting these Grandfather’s skills and teachings.

Here are the practical matters that OWL will cover:

FIRE

They will show two ways to make fire. The traditional bow drill and hand drill. Specifics for this subject will focus on types of woods, wet wood vs. dry wood, cautions and precautions for the respect for fire. What woods and plants not to burn.

What ancient grass burns were used for rejuvenating soils with nutrients? How and where to build a proper fire structure to prevent destruction, root fires and forest fires. The properties of ash and the benefits and dangers in relation to dry ash vs. wet ash from a fire.

How and why to build five different fire structures based on the conditions of wet, dry , humid, dark, hot, light, snow and cold environments.

WATER

Finding water. Purifying water. Finding springs. Natural catches, dew collection, solar still, body

ratio to water and the relation to the planet and the freshwater locations vs. salt water.

SHELTER

Clothing, debris hut, high speed movement, camouflage, air pockets, lattice pockets, snow huts, pits, and materials needed for the weather conditions in comfort in the woods.

FOOD

Fox walk, stalk walk, tracking, identifying trails, runs, secondary runs and escape routes of animals and their tracks.

How to make primitive traps, hunting tools and cordage. Cooking in nature, edible plants, poisonous plants, fungi’s identification and guidance. Approaching, honoring, sitting and respecting where and how to obtain food and plants.

One OWL leader explained, “With the Four basic rules of Fire, Water, Shelter and Food we will also introduce the ‘Temples of Nature’ within us and how it relates to nature outside of us. This will allow us to help the youth and their body’s understand the calm, ebb and flow movements nature shows us.”

They continued, “We just need to slow their internal clock down to see it. So they can find their personal involvement they are a part of. To show them how important their participation is needed from nature and how nature is waiting for them to understand their true role as nature’s caregivers to our planet.”

Times and exact location of the classes have not been determined. The cost will be between $20 and $40 per class.

If you are interested, call 734-307-3004 and leave a message. Information will be mailed to you.

Who are we: The National Wildlife Refuge System

JAZMYN BERNARD

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 500 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth. Each unit of the refuge system — whether it is a national wildlife refuge, a marine national monument, a conservation area or a waterfowl production area — is uniquely established for the conservation of native species dependent on its lands and water.

Why visit a national wildlife refuge?

National wildlife refuges are great places to get back to nature and reap the mental health benefits of being outdoors. And did you know wildlife refuges are closer than you think. There is at least one national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive

of most major cities. Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a 40-minute drive from Detroit.

Wildlife refuges also offer a range of popular activities, including wildlife viewing, fishing, photography and hunting. All of these fun activities reconnect you to nature.

Know before you go!

Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is a free natural space available to everyone!

You can visit the grounds of the refuge for self-guided exploration

seven days a week during daylight hours!

Looking for even more fun? Stop by the John D. Dingell Jr. Visitor Center during your visit. It’s open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. What does a visit mean for you?

It means you can now enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, wildlife observation, photography, kayaking, picnics under the pavilion and more at your local refuge any day of the week, from sunup to sundown.

Or, join us inside the visitor center to learn about being a conservation

rock star. You’re also welcome to participate in free park ranger-lead programs every weekend.

Come early in the morning and experience nature waking up as the birds begin to sing and the morning sun shines on the Detroit River. Or, visit later in the day with your family, friends or pets, and hike the three miles of trails through the Humbug Marsh Unit. This unit has beautiful trails along the Detroit River that are filled with amazing wildlife to observe.

Now that it’s spring; you’ll soon be able to see the return of many songbirds as they fly into Michigan after a long migration.

The Humbug Marsh Unit also has accommodations including an observation deck, interpretive signs and a human-size model of an eagle’s nest. There are so many things to come out and discover at the refuge; take a ride on the SMART bus and visit us at 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183 or check out our website and Facebook page!

Spring has sprung at Detroit’s Eastern Market

SUSAN PINKOWSKI

When was the last time you visited Eastern Market?

Or have you never?

It’s bursting at the seams now with all kinds of vendors, farmers, artists, independent restaurants, shops and even a blues club, all spread out on 43 acres just a mile and a half east of downtown Detroit.

You can check out the directory here: https:// easternmarket.org/public/district/directory.

It’s the largest historic public market district in the country, according to the all-knowing Wikipedia. An average of 45,000 people will make their way through the market on Saturdays from spring to fall.

There are a few secrets to shopping there, though, so take note!

There are farmers from all over southeast Michigan - Monroe, Stockbridge, Chesterfield, Columbus, and even Detroit – and they all have their company banners proudly displayed so you know exactly who you are dealing with.

Then, there are also a bunch of fruit and vegetable

stalls that only carry the EBT logo as an identifier. These folks get their wares from the Detroit Produce Terminal south of the Ambassador Bridge on Fort Street.

This is also the place where most local restaurants and grocery stores buy their produce very early in the morning. What the restaurants and grocery stores pass on is what is then sold by all the nonfarm vendors at Eastern Market.

Another secret to successful shopping is to get there very early.

It opens at 7 a.m. when most people are still asleep on a Saturday morning. You can get in and out relatively quickly at that time. Come 10, 11 o’clock and on, that’s when the crowds show up and you haven’t seen a crowd until you’ve been to Flower Day around noon at Eastern Market. This year, it’s scheduled on Sunday, May 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The best kept secret about Flower Day? You can get the same deals on the Saturday before without 60,000 of your neighbors showing up with you! Flower Day usually comes only once or twice a year, and it features vendors from the Metro Detroit

Flower Growers Association and all over the Midwest.

But this year, to help keep the crowds down, Eastern Market is offering all five Tuesdays in May where you can purchase the same flowers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sheds 5 and 6. If you can take time out of your weekday to stop by, traffic – both people and vehicles - should be much improved.

One more thing Eastern Market is doing to help cut congestion is a daily flower market in Shed 6 from Mother’s Day until Father’s Day, from sunrise to sunset.

If you really don’t want to mix with thousands of people, Eastern Market now has an online shop set up where you can order during the week and have a contactless pick up of your purchases on Saturday. Check out https://eastern.market/.

For FAQs check out https://easternmarket.org/ public/markets/things- to-know.

And for you carnivores, there are lots of options –you won’t be disappointed.

No matter when you go, it’s always an interesting and enjoyable adventure!

Swimming coaches announced for Anderson program

DAVE GORGON

Two veteran swimming and diving coaches have been named to guide the varsity teams returning to Southgate Anderson High School.

Joyce Hollow was announced as the new varsity swimming coach. Jessica Kennedy will serve as assistant swimming coach and diving coach of the Titans team at the new Titan Natatorium.

The announcement by Southgate Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Irvine took place at the start of the April 21 First Splash exhibition swim meet that saw the public debut of the new swimming pool

Both coaches had been part of the staff of the combined Lincoln Park-Southgate team that swam out of Lincoln Park High School prior to the creation of the natatorium. The co- operative ended with the return of swimming in Southgate, at the new Anderson pool. Each high school will have its own program.

Hollow and Kennedy will serve as coaches of the Anderson varsity girls in the fall season and the varsity boys in the winter.

Hollow said she was hoping to get the varsity coaching job, but was still surprised when their names were announced by Superintendent Irvine. “I had an inkling,” Hollow said. “I was hoping,

but I wasn’t for sure. I didn’t know who else had put in for it.”

Besides varsity swimming, Hollow is well known for coaching the Downriver YMCA Gators, the Downriver Area Marlins and the Seitz Middle School swim programs. She swam for the Gators youth program in the 1970s before following her coaches to the Wyandotte Wildcats. She later

swam at Huff Middle school in Lincoln Park and at Lincoln Park High before going into coaching.

Hollow, who lives in Riverview, coached her daughter, Shay Pappas, who went on to swim at Riverview High School and Youngstown State University and is currently an officer in training at the Romulus Police Department.

“I’m very excited,” Hollow said. “I’m hoping we can build this team. From what I’ve heard, there has been a lot of positive feedback from parents and people in forming the team in Southgate. I’m hoping we can get the Southgate program back. I’m excited to see where we can take it.”

Kennedy will be entering her 12 th year as a coach. The Adrian High School graduate coached at her alma mater three years while attending college at Eastern Michigan University.

She later served as diving coach at Belleville High School and worked with Hollow in Lincoln Park.

“The divers I’ve been working with (at Lincoln Park) are Southgate students,” she said. “That’s why I chose to go to Southgate. We have two girl divers, but no boy divers. Hopefully, more will join at Southgate.”

Kennedy teaches students with hearing loss at the special education center in Trenton. Her husband Caleb is the varsity baseball coach at Belleville High.

Anderson-Wyandotte

softball

game aids cancer patients

A high school varsity softball game between Southgate Anderson and Wyandotte Roosevelt will raise funds for supplies for local cancer patients.

The Stand Up to Cancer Pink Out Softball Game is scheduled for 4 p.m. May 15 at

Southgate’s varsity softball field.

Proceeds will go to buy supplies to make hats, pillows and lanyards for breast cancer patients at Dr. Helen Mabry’s group in Trenton who are undergoing chemo treatment with hair loss and post-surgical comfort and support.

Great new digs

Varsity swimming returns to Southgate with the debut of the Titan Natatorium

DAVE GORGON

Dozens of Southgate swimmers, past and present, came together on April 21 for the “First Splash Exhibition Swim Meet” that marked the public debut of the new Titan Natatorium at Southgate Anderson High School.

The pool is one of a number of upgrades made to athletic facilities in the Southgate Community Schools. Two weeks after the exhibition swim meet, the Natatorium and other new and improved facilities were part of a grand opening festival on May 6 at the high school.

Anderson had been without a pool since 2009 when the former pool closed after an alumni swim meet, said Joyce Hollow, who has been named varsity coach of the new boys and girls swim teams at Anderson.

Hollow said 40 swimmers responded to her invitation via social media to attend the “First Splash,” which was run like a regular swim meet with individual and relay events. Participants took home a commemorative medal.

The goal is to build on the strong opening at the new pool to create a competitive varsity swimming and

diving program.

“Everybody I talked to was super happy; we hope to keep this going,” said Hollow, who had coached high school swimmers in the cooperative Lincoln Park/Anderson varsity team at Lincoln Park High School because Anderson had no pool.

“Tonight is a long time coming,” said Mitch Dobek, athletic coordinator and acting athletic director at the high school.

He said the high school’s former pool “was beyond repair.” The “old aluminum pool was shuttered,” said

Dr. Joyce Irvine, superintendent of the Southgate Community Schools.

Without a high school pool, Anderson swimmers were able to earn varsity letters by swimming in cooperative programs, first with Gibraltar Carlson and more recently with Lincoln Park.

But it took a 2020 bond issue that was supported by voters in the school district to provide funding for a new high school pool and other amenities in the district. The Natatorium and turfed high school football field were at “the top of the list,” Irvine said.

“We did it right,” she said. “There were layers of input into the design. This whole project came about because of board members and community members who wanted a pool. We had parents of swimmers providing input about what they wanted to see: everything from the ‘STA’ in the center of the pool, all of the design features and a pretty significant spectator area.”

School district officials faced “the standard delays with supply providers” during the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused the projected grand opening. The delays are now history.

“Now, we have a state-of-the-art facility to help bring back our rich history in swimming,” Dobek said. “It couldn’t be done without community members, board members and the vision of our administrative team at the high school.”

He said the new pool will allow a middle school swimming program to get under way. Irvine, who was a diver at her high school in California, said the “intent is to host big events” at the Natatorium.

Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, SEE DIGS, PAGE 13

DIGS

Continued from page 12

who was on hand for the exhibition swim meet, is a graduate of the former Schafer High School, which didn’t have a pool. He said he was impressed with the pool and other new and improved facilities at the high school.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity for the city of Southgate and the school district to work closely to make sure the Southgate Community Schools are a place for families,” he said.

“This is exciting for the swimmers and the City of Southgate. It was the foresight of the administration and the school board to realize that this is a needed addition to the sports program.”

Timothy Estheimer, who served on the Board of Education at the time the bond issue was approved, said the new pool “means so much for the students.” He said current students will have an opportunity to compete in their school pool while the district will use the facility as a tool to attract additional students.

“It’s very important to be involved in extracurricular activities,” Dobek said. “Being involved in a team really enriches the full high school experience for the kids. Our focus in the last couple years is to compete, participate and continue to push each other to be better students, athletes and community members so they leave here with a positive experience.”

Anderson sophomore Gabby Jones is one of the current students that can’t wait for her chance to be

part of the varsity girls team. Jones started swimming when she was 7 years old with the Downriver YMCA Gators youth program and for a USA swimming travel team at the same time. She twice qualified for the Junior Olympics. She also swam in middle school and as a high school freshman, but chose not to swim at Lincoln Park this year, instead focusing on cheerleading. But she was in the water during the “First Splash”

exhibition.

“I’m excited to start swimming again this year with the new pool,” she said. “I’m just excited to get back into swimming. Every time I swim in the pool, it doesn’t feel real. I’ve been dreaming about having my own pool to swim in high school since I was a little kid… Now my dreams are coming true and I’m really excited to swim here.”

Gabby’s mother Addie was part of

a group of parents that spearheaded the support for the bond issue and the creation of the Natatorium.

“We had a great school board behind us,” Addie Jones said. “We got the support of the voters. I’m grateful for the community voting for the bond in 2020. It wasn’t just the pool. It’s all the amenities, the football field, security enhancements. It’s absolutely for all the students.”

Kirk Cumbo, who grew up in Southgate and swim for all four of his years at Anderson before graduating in 1992, was one of the alumni on hand for the exhibition meet. He said he enjoyed getting together with old teammates and remembering their days gone by. He called swimming “a lifelong skill,” one that will be realized by current and future Titans.

“I’m very touched and proud to see this fantastic new facility built in Southgate,” said Cumbo, who is now a triathlete and a vice president of sales for a manufacturing company.

“After many years of not having a functioning pool, this is a top-class facility and I’m sure it will bring new excitement and enthusiasm for Titans for many years to come.”

Anderson alums Michael Lochin (left), Brett Streeter, Scott Freisthler, Kevin Swiney, John Addison, Kirk Cumbo and Jason Kusper at the “First Splash” event at Anderson’s new natatorium.

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES,

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.

Max ight Helicopter Services

GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL VACUUM SHOP

Have you ever had a question about your vacuum cleaner or carpet shampooer? Of course, you can always look online for help, but it’s generally better to have someone – a professional – to speak with.

If you ever find yourself in that situation, simply head over to B & D Vacuum in either Southgate or Trenton and the dedicated, experienced staff there can help you with any problem or question.

When it comes to knowledge about all things vacuum, there is no better place than B & D.

$55

(810) 366-1590

9161 Groh Road • Grosse Ile Township

WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, YEAR-ROUND

Owner Matt LeFervre is the rookie of the shop with “only” 29 years of experience. His time in the business is dwarfed by manager of the stores, Ron Vaughan (39 years), business manager Linda Mullins (39 years), salesman David Archer (39 years) and repairman Brian Knapp (36 years). Vaughan has been with B & D for 39 years, but he has been in the vacuum business for nearly five decades. He is the shop’s “Mr. Fix-it” and the go-to person in the shop.

When Mullins is not looking after her rescue dog Ralphie, she is handling the billing, the paperwork and the other business needs for the stores. Archer, who has used one sick day in 39 years, is a drummer, a grandfather and takes pride in being one of the forward-looking faces of B & D Vacuum.

Knapp will make a sale when the stores get busy, but most of the time he is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, content to be the main repair man for the stores.

They are an amazing staff, with years of experience that they are willing to share. Whether you have a broken machine, need a new one or are just looking for advice, come on in. Matt, Ron, Linda, David and Brian will be happy to help, and we will do flips for your business, just like our ad!

Since 1957, the Lighthouse of Trenton has been a supplier of all types of lighting for your home and light commercial building projects. We are a distributor of over 100 manufacturer products from under-counter lighting to complete new home packages. We also have a complete selection of outdoor lighting including landscape lighting to beautify your homes.

Furniture

Communities have life forces of their own

I have dwelled extensively in previous columns on the practices of big business run amok, with no leash, and how they affect America. Specifically, the realm of retail and the sea change of national control vs local control that occurred in the e80s and onward.

The onslaught was overwhelming, with concept after concept breaking on the American public. It never occurred to any of us that it was a feeding frenzy for the stock market and all of the other corporate money genres that just plain took away the apple cart from local and independent operators that were outgunned by seemingly unlimited resources.

I DO know now, though, and I am compelled to share with as many people as I can reach!

Now, one of the people I enjoy staying connected to is Michael Angelo Caruso. All of you know him – everyone knows the Caruso family ‘round these here parts.

What I want to say here is not to hype Michael’s business (which you may want to learn about), but to call out his relentlessly deployed plan that I witness by his frequent postings. His approach includes humor-oriented postings that invite response and steadfast reminders of what he does.

Michael created his own niche by paying close attention to others that have carved out theirs, emulating and honing his version of it, and basically, being the reason for his own success.

Never a “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” sentiment (hah!). He stays on plan. He grinds his ax, and most importantly, he clearly loves his work. Michael stays engaged and has fun as he plies his trade and makes his living. After all is said and done, the power of a single person to persevere is electric and admirable.

If you read just some of my columns, you can get vibes of “hey, that’s not fair.” If you read others, you learn about my perception of small businesses I have encountered that make a real contribution to the world, even if that world is limited in scope.

I know that what I provide at my trade is hyper-better than what any

corporate alternative can provide. I thrive on the challenge of getting it right for our clientele; it’s actually exhilarating. I love my work too, and everyone in my industry knows that humor is integrated into how I communicate. Humor connects, dissolves anonymity.

Agitation is never conveyed when comparing my stores to other local stores. I don’t have anything negative to say about any of them. I admire and respect them and I advocate for them. They are part of what makes my world hum. Independents are the benchmark that can never be reached by imposters. We can’t afford to lose any of them. The world gets dimmer with every loss, more homogenized and less unique. Less surprising, less delightful. With every national cookie cutter operation that replaces them in their real estate, we get something totally unconnected to the communities that were once served with passion.

When that owner stops making an income, they stop spending their money at other local businesses. They stop spreading their sunlight, too, leaving us with only dim substitutes.

Conversely: Remember the shops around Downriver that used to sell kitchen and bath products?

Bed, Bath and Beyond, to be specific, took so much business away that there wasn’t enough to remain viable for indies.

Don’t blow past that point: The myth of big business providing jobs is really just a lie. Having taken over the niche, they’re filing bankruptcy, and hopefully failing altogether, but also killing those jobs through their own incompetence. So, why hopefully? Because I look

finally better now; what ailed me seems to be gone.

That experience, though, serves to illustrate how much the life force is in play at small, independent businesses of every kind.

Small business is far more resilient, nimble, and clever than big business. But it is also more prone to the singular loss of “if I say it, it’s so” energy. For every small business, that energy is akin to a self-winding watch; seemingly endless when business is strong and vibrant, and when people give positive reinforcement by simply doing business there.

forward to independent businesses

filling that niche again. It was . I hope one opens in Wyandotte, it’s an unfilled niche and believe me, it’s going to be a thing again.

We citizens supported the invasion of that publicly traded company. We shopped there. No sense in crying about it now.

The point is to look forward and decide who you don’t want to see fail because of big.

When you do that, you will indeed have connected the dots, and you won’t need the likes of me to tell you all about it.

My whole purpose here is at least trying to get people to understand that what they see as just another choice is something far more than that. I want people to not just be sympathetic, but to do everything they can to protect what they count on being there.

Forces far more powerful and controlling are the adversaries of every independent business. The forces of capitalism on the macro scale, and the forces of government that not only allows it, but fosters the uneven playing field are the enemies that have done so much damage.

I’m still here; countless others had their worlds taken away.

In 2022, post-covid sapped me of not just the physical energy I was accustomed to, but the ability to focus and propel. We all rely on batteries; that’s where humans fuel their drive, focus and passion. When those are attacked and even erased, and even worse: when the ability to make decisions and be the heart of the business are sucked down, personal and business peril looms large. I’m

That’s the driving force, my friends. That’s the magic. The magic is not really magic, but it may as well be, for all that it shares back.

It would be a terrible thing to lose the positive energy of my above mentioned call out. What he provides can’t be delivered by big, national business. What Michael does is care about the people he interacts with and in many cases, does business with. His business has little direct connection to mine.

But his life force is crucial to all of us. I don’t do business with him, but I recognize what he brings to the table as remarkable, and I herald it because we need that positive energy, more and more and more in a world that can sap it all away if we’re not careful.

I never ask my readers to support my business in these columns. I ask you to understand the difference between local and independent of all kinds in your community (and wherever you go, frankly).

If we don’t; when we bypass local and independent of any and all kinds, we kill the golden geese of our own, local economic power plant. And we give the power to those that don’t need any more power.

Pushing back against entropy works really well if enough of us band together. It is true: Communities are living, breathing entities that share a collective life force, composed of all the independent businesses that keep money flowing through wallet after wallet…by keeping it local. Protect your locals; protect your community. And have more fun.

Those of you that already do know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t you!

PETER ROSE

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!

SPECIAL

SPECIAL

Open Mic Night on Thursdays Hosted by Keelan Starr

Daily

1926

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications.

Leads were played by seniors Christopher Connolly and Rahne Olson; juniors Ava Allen, Keila Gonzalez and Benny Miller; and sophomores Jason Kolbusz, Alex Rodd and Kira Saiti.

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Hometown hero honored

Veteran of Foreign Wars site is named for Joseph P. Berkey

...At a March 15, 2023 dual ceremony,Grosse Ile VFW building was officially named after Joseph P. Berkey for his life of service, dedication to our country, and his tireless efforts on behalf of VFW Post 7310, and the greater community it serves.

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And equally officious— veterans, family, friends, and dignitaries also celebrated his centennial birthday. Remarkably, to top it off, his wife Ann also celebrated her 100 th birthday!

Longtime friends and fellow veterans, Gary Latendresse, Bill Iverson, and Post 7310 Commander Barry VanEngelen led the team that helped make the day possible, and keep it a secret from Berkey.

Even though the United States Navy doesn’t have an offi cial motto, the one most often used is Non sibi sed patriae—“Not self but country.” Other sources claim that “Semper Fortis,” is the Navy’s unoffi cial battle cry— “Always Courageous.” Whatever the case, those words aptly describe the life of Joe Berkey...

On page 1

Runners brave a frosty 2023 Rock CF race

...The 12th annual Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon and 5K races were held on Sunday, March 19 in what had to be the coldest race ever on Grosse Ile.

Wind chills hovered around 11 degrees, but that did not stop the more than 1,000 runners from hittin’ the streets to Rock Cystic Fibrosis.

Overall winner in the half marathon was Andrew Bowman of Rochester Hills with a blazing time of 1:06:03. Not far behind, the women’s champion in the half was Sydney Devore of Ferndale in a scorching 1:16:19.

In the 5K, Christopher McFarland of Cleveland, Ohio was chill with a time of 19:20, while Lauren Couls from Brighton was really cool in 21:14.

On page 10

Cast and Crew totaled 55 students who sang and danced their hearts out to audiences who sang and danced along with them.

The Winners Took it All in a weekend that proved Riverview’s got talent all over the place!

Thank you to all who supported Drama Club’s efforts!

On page 11

St. Cyprian Crafters make a difference for many

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.”

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Mamma Mia! What a show!

The Riverview Community High School Drama Club turned us all into Dancing Queens and Kings from March 16-18 at the high school!

Students began rehearsals in mid-January and transcended a bounty of obstacles to premiere three joyous, hilarious, entertaining performances to packed houses every night.

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.”

On page 15

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Another great year for Trenton Robotics

This year the Trenton High School Robotic program grew to become the Trenton Public Schools Robotics Program with the addition of the new Boyd Arthurs Middle School TorquNados junior varsity Team.

Over 200 people attended this event with an Irish dinner, drinks, games and a large raffle drawing with over 20 amazing prizes awarded to raffle ticket holders.

All proceeds from this event go to local charities in our community who are in need of assistance. Trenton Rotary Club is a dynamic service organization comprising of business and professional leaders who live or work in our community.

For more information please visit trentonrotary. net.

On page 40

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte native is Women Of Wrestling world champion

A Wyandotte native is a professional wrestling world champion.

Tucker was born in Wyandotte and spent her early childhood years in the city, attending Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King schools. Her parents, Jeff and Michelle, are former Wyandotte police officers. She remembers her dad playing hockey at Yack Arena.

She moved with her family to Georgia with her family and returned years later to Michigan to attend Ferris State University. Her dad is a captain in the Canton, Georgia, Police Department. Her mother is retired.

Always athletic, including seven years as a cheerleader, Tucker got involved in pro wrestling after graduating in 2016 from Ferris State University, where she majored in sports communications and was the gameday producer for Ferris athletics and a sideline reporter for the football team.

She said she loved pro wrestling as a child and thought she could do it someday. Not wanting to look back and regret not giving the sport a try, she moved to Florida and began training...

On page 5

Wyandotte VFW gets new solar panels

New additions impressively reduces monthly electric bill

The FIRST Tech Challenge team had a strong rookie year and is already planning for next year. In sports we talk about having a “building year” after a large pool of senior talent graduates. Which was the case for this year’s TorquNados Team 5090 at Trenton High School.

“We came into the season after losing 12 seniors in 2022, leaving only one student with build room experience and one former programmer,” said coach Katherine Nelson

On page 18

Trenton Rotary Shamrock Shindig is a Hit!

On March 11, 2023, Trenton Rotary held its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Shamrock Shindig, held at the Bentley in Wyandotte.

Marina Tucker, who goes by the name Penelope Pink, is the reigning champion of WOW – Women Of Wrestling, a show broadcast across the nation.

Monthly electric bills at the Wyandotte Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall have gone from thousands of dollars a month to hundreds of dollars a month, thanks to new solar panels installed at the post.

The energy-savings panels are compliments of the veterans-support group Running to Honor, which is headed by Wyandotte VFW member Aaron Bartal, a Lincoln Park resident who spent six years in the Army as a calvary scout, including two years in Iraq.

Bartal raised the needed funds over a four-year period by hosting 5K runs in Taylor, through donations and via corporate grants from the likes of the DTE Foundation and BASF. The installation was completed in the fall of 2022 and the post has reaped the benefits since.

VFW Post 1136 is located at 633 Ford Avenue (known as Northline Road west of Fort Street). Bartal said Running to Honor targeted the energy bills at the post when he learned the post was paying $2,000 a month for electricity...

On page 11

We have England sofas, loveseats, chairs & sectionals in stock for immediate free local delivery. All prices are as stocked but all can be ordered in 50 fabrics at the same price. Several hundred fabrics are available at varying prices. All can be upgraded to firmer seat springs & seat cushions. The current wait time for custom orders on this brand is 6 to 8 weeks. England Furniture offers a 10 year warranty on their seat cushions and a lifetime warranty on frames & seat springs.

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $999 Loveseat $969

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869

Sofa $899 Loveseat $869