Southgate Star, June 12 – July 12, 2023

Southgate Schools unveil projects to the community

DAVE GORGON

As the 2022-2023 school year comes to a close, officials at the Southgate Community School District have introduced the public to the projects that have been completed, thanks to a $59 million bond issue approved by voters during a special election in March 2020.

A community “grand opening festival” on May 6 provided visitors tours of the new natatorium and weight room at Southgate Anderson High School, an interactive view of other improvements and what’s ahead in the years to come.

WHAT’S NEW

In the first three years following the first issue of the bond, officials have completed Titan Natatorium, weight room, turf football field, elementary school renovations and playground replacements, according to schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Irvine. Also in place are multiple branding projects,

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PROJECTS

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directional signage, a school district sign, a stadium gate and fencing, high school restrooms and the installation of SmartBoot system to improve building security.

In the works, Irvine said, are the renovation of the field house and press box at the high school, replacing Anderson’s lockers, installing classroom technology, renovating the high school multi-purpose room, stairwell improvements, additional branding, a digital scoreboard, new baseball and softball scoreboards and the renovation of auditoriums at the high school and Davidson Middle School.

The superintendent credited everyone involved in the project, including the Board of Education, with having “a big vision – and we have seen way beyond what we envisioned. I knew it was coming but it’s beyond our wildest dreams how it turned out.”

credit for having the courage to include a natatorium and other projects in the plan. She said students have more opportunities and better facilities, which will allow them to build on the Titans’ legacy..

GRAND OPENING FESTIVAL

big,” Irvine told the crowd gathered during the grand- opening festivities. “We have amazing students in the community with amazing talent. Southgate has it all here … They have opportunities to grow educationally and athletically. What a difference this makes for all of us.”

the facilities to get a feel for the opportunities students will have going forward.

everything that’s here and more,” Irvine said. “Thank you for believing in it.”

and athletic director at the middle school, called the dedication ceremony

talked about the “journey to get to this

bold decisions and a supportive public

REACTION AND FEEDBACK

Dr. Irvine said bond-funded projects would continue until 2025.

A separate “sinking fund,” approved by voters during a millage election in November 2022, will provide a steady stream of $1.6 million annually for roof replacements, technology replacements, the demolition of the Heintzen Building and special purposes. The 1.9 mills would face a renewal vote when it expires.

“We have received great feedback on the work done so far, the quality of our student body and the athletic offerings we have provided,” Irvine said.

Sophomore Drayden Long, one of the students providing tours of the state-of-the-art weight room during the grand unveiling, said he was “really excited” to see the new facilities. Highlights, he said, include “an array of treadmills, rotary bikes, a complete free weight section and an array of specific lifting machines.”

programs. Without you, this would not

“They’re going to help the program

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exponentially,” said Long, who plays varsity football and runs track. “They will help with strengthening and conditioning and help bring the team together.”

Junior Avery Coffman, who is on her way to becoming a firefighter in a dual enrollment program that blends high school and Schoolcraft College courses, is a Titan figure skater, golfer and basketball player.

“For 10 months of the year, we do strength and conditioning for the basketball team,” said Coffman, who was celebrating her 17 th birthday in the weight room. “I am always working out. This will get so much use, especially for the football players. We will make the most of it. I’m really glad it’s done before my senior year.”

Sophomore Laila Horner said she feels all of the improvements are “great.”

A basketball and softball player at Anderson, Horner said she anticipates big improvements for everyone using the weight room.

“I feel like I’m going to be stronger on the field and the court,” she said. “I feel it will help our sports programs, actually.”

Senior Summer Matkin said she is happy the future classes at Anderson will be able to benefit from the improvements throughout the school

district. A self-described “theater kid,” Matkin said improvements in the auditoriums will be something to behold.

“I would have loved to have the pool during the time I’ve been here,” said Matkin, a student council member who will attend Wayne State University. “I love the gym classes. The pool is one thing I’m super jealous about.”

Southgate City Council President Zoey Kuspa was a tennis player before graduating at Anderson. She attended the festival, toured the facilities and liked what she saw.

“I think it’s amazing,” Kuspa said as she toured the weight room. “We didn’t have anything like this. This is awesome. Can I get a membership here?”

A ceremonial ribbon cutting took place prior to the tours featuring top senior swimmers Frankie Vilardi and Andrew Pipta, school board President Jason Craig and “Stan,” the Titans mascot. Just weeks earlier, Vilardi and Pipta had taken part in a “First Splash,” which opened the natatorium to current and alumni swimmers.

OPEN SWIMMING AND PROGRAMS

Joyce Hollow has been appointed pool coordinator of the Titan Natatorium, along with coach of the varsity girls and boys teams and the Southgate Gators, a club program for

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all ages and abilities.

Hollow said she was impressed with the number of people who toured the natatorium during the open house, which made her excited about the prospects for swimming in Southgate.

“I am excited,” she said. “I think the whole city is excited. Everyone was super excited to see the pool.”

During the summer, open swimming will be offered to the community from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 19-August 24. The fee is $5 per day.

The Gators Masters Program, which competes in the Downriver Recreation League, is open to competitive swimmers ages 18 and over. There will be two sessions in the summer: June 19-July 20 and July 24-August 24. Hours are 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each session is $150.

The fall session for the Gators is scheduled September 5-October 27. Swimmers are placed on teams based on ability, not age.

Hollow said beginners are children just learning to be competitive swimmers and want to learn the strokes. Intermediate swimmers know the strokes

and are improving. Advanced swimmers are “really good.”

To compete in meets, anyone age 9 and over must be able to swim at least two lengths of the pool without stopping. Those 8 and younger must be able to complete one length.

“As long as you can do that, you’re able to swim in meets,” the coach said.

The current fall schedule from September 5-October 27 is as follows: Beginners swim from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays (with a fee of $180); Intermediate ($240) from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays ($240); Advanced from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays ($260); Masters from 8:15 to 9:15\ p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 8 to 9 a.m. Saturdays ($160).

Open/Swim Clinic Day is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays. It’s $5 for open swimming with no charge for Gators or Anderson varsity swimmers.

Hollow said she is excited for the upcoming Titans varsity seasons. She held a “meet and greet” with prospective members of the girls team on May 31. The girls swim in the fall; the boys in the winter.

Anderson Athletics Coordinator Mitch Dobek said more information on swimming opportunities will be posted in the Southgate Community Education booklet that is mailed to homes in the school district and beyond. Registration is taking place through GoFan.

Southgate remembers

Southgate’s 62nd annual Memorial Day ceremony drew a patriotic crowd to the Veterans Memorial outside City Hall. Jim Austin of the Southgate American Legion led a moving event that featured veterans, veterans organizations, military families and other members of the community to remember and acknowledge those that gave everything to protect our freedoms. Mayor Joseph Kuspa and others delivered patriotic speeches. More than a dozen wreaths were laid. Patriotic songs were sung. Members of the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard played TAPS and fired their weapons into the sky to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and those missing in action. The night ended with a gathering at the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars

Photos by Dave Gorgon

New commander elected at Southgate VFW

DAVE GORGON

Bill King, the new commander of the Cpl. Lambert Pfeiffer Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 in Southgate, served 20 years in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Now, he wants to serve his comrades who need help but are either unwilling or hesitant to ask.

“It’s a big responsibility to make sure all veterans within the community are heard, receive the care they earned, are respected for their service and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made for our great country,” said King, who was installed in May to lead Post 9283. “That’s our responsibility: we ensure the community remembers the veterans –how they served -- why they served.”

King, who lives in Southgate, served his time overseas in 2003 with two tours in Afghanistan. He served with the 7 th , 12 th and 20 th Special Forces (Airborne) Groups, during a career consisting of active duty, reserve and National Guard.

“It is an honor to be a veteran and an honor to serve veterans through the VFW,” he said. “It’s a dedication to community. We strive to be part of the community fabric, promoting patriotism, Americanism, respect for the flag we raised our hand and pledged to defend and to honor military service.

“The veteran is an outstanding example of service to a greater cause than oneself for our young people. I strongly believe there is a need to define patriotism and lead through example to freely engage our young residents – our future leaders. The veteran membership at the VFW in Southgate represents a group of men and women who have served their country in war, have not asked for anything in return other than what they are entitled.

“Our programs of Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen challenge middle school and high school students’ writing and speaking skills. Each submittal is reviewed by the post and moved along to the district consisting of almost 40 posts in Wayne County. The winner receives educational funds and a next level contest entry up to the VFW National. We want the young people to know what patriotism is. Our mission is to ask to understand our values as they are reflected in the country we have served.”

King said he wants to “open the post,” encourage all veterans of the War on Terror and the Gulf Wars, Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan veterans and all whom

have served in Korea, inviting them to join the VFW or any veteran service organization to strengthen and grow the posts along the way. He said he wants to have a focus on remembrances of important dates such as Flag Day, Patriots Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day and recognition given to an older generation of veterans still among us.

“We will never forget,” King said.

The King family is a military family. His father Don served in World War 2 in the seventh infantry. He went on to become a police officer in Ecorse, where Bill grew up, and VFW commander in Ecorse.

In fact, when Bill was installed as post commander, he placed his dad’s pin on his cap.

King is credited with working hard to get the brick display completed outside the post.

“We have done some exciting things with Frank as our commander,” King said. “Frank has been a very good advocate for veterans and Post 9283, coming to Southgate after the post merger with Allen Park. My goal is to carry on this good work.”

King and the VFW Auxiliary have mutual affection for each other. King called the Auxiliary support team “the heart of the VFW,” while Auxiliary members thought so much of King that they presented him with a Quilt of Valor created by Auxiliary member Gale Hicks, who lives in Utah. A patch on the quilt recognizes King, who retired from the military. “Thank you for your service to our country,” the patch says.

“We wanted to do that for Bill because of the kind of guy he is,” said Auxiliary Secretary Beth Lewinski, sister of Gale Hicks. “He doesn’t talk about his own service. He just talks about what he can do for fellow veterans. We want to let him know the Auxiliary is on his side. We’re here for him.”

Working alongside King on the Circle of Honor committee, Lewinski said she saw his commitment to the project and the post.

While Bill was serving in Afghanistan, his younger son Aaron was serving with the 101 st airborne in Iraq. Aaron went on to graduate from George Mason University and now works for the Department of Interior in Washington DC.

Older son Adam graduated from Wayne State University and is a supervisor in the Ford Motor Co. testing lab. He is seeking a master’s degree in information technology. Bill’s wife Janet is a retired Allen Park middle school math teacher. They have been married for 45 years.

Bill himself graduated from college with degrees in metallurgy and management. He worked in the cold mill at Great Lakes Steel before retiring from SSAB.

King joined the VFW about 2004. He succeeds Frank Puente as commander.

Puente’s term featured many updates to the post, including the creation of the Circle of Honor, a display of commemorative bricks honoring 96 military veterans, both living and deceased, and 11 Southgate veterans who were killed in action.

“I’ve seen how he works with people, he listens and he hears what you’re saying,” she said. “He says ‘if there’s a way to do it, we’ll figure out how to do it, we’ll find a way.’ He’s always positive. There is no negativity.”

While this is King’s first term as commander, Michelle Stafford was installed as president of the VFW Auxiliary for the 12 th straight year. A 20year auxiliary member, Stafford’s brother David Prohaska served in the Air Force in Operation Desert Storm and is a member of the Belleville VFW.

“We’ve got such a good group of people,” said Stafford, who works in accounts payable at Victory Honda in Plymouth. “When someone needs something to be done, everyone steps up and gets it done.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a nonprofit veterans service organization composed of eligible U.S. war veterans who, as military service members, fought in wars, campaigns and expeditions on foreign land, waters or airspace. VFW Auxiliary members are relatives of veterans who provide support for veterans and the community

VFW installs new officers

Following is a list of officers installed for 2023-2024 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9283 and the VFW Auxiliary in Southgate. VFW Post: Bill King, Commander; Rich Allen, Senior Vice Commander; Paul Kaucher, Junior Vice Commander; Dave Labodie, Adjutant/ Quartermaster; Bill Peters, Chaplain; Frank Puente, Third Year Trustee. VFW Auxiliary: Michelle Stafford, President; Sharon Lewinski, Senior Vice; Virginia Regish, Junior Vice; Jennie Prohaska, Treasurer; Beth Lewinski, Secretary; Adrienne Connors, Chaplain; Jody Coleman, Conductress; Tom Heffelfinger, Guard; Chris Presnell, Second year Trustee.

Around here the ‘focus on local’ is booming

Maybe I had no need to address you over these past five years or so as if you didn’t understand, but maybe I did.

So many of the clients and visitors to Willow Tree and Chelsea are obviously interested enough in the independent option to come check us out. And more and more people are making a point of telling me that they read my articles and that they appreciate them, agree with what I write. I’m sure you can imagine how important that is to any writer. Is anyone reading? Do they keep reading?

Evidently so, but there is no way I can know unless people tell me. I can’t track it like I could if it was a facebook ad or any digital platform, so all I can do is keep writing until your fearless editor Hank Minckiewicz tells me that he’s getting threats.

I don’t know if you thought of this, but the articles I write have the capacity to be seen and read by every resident of Grosse Ile, Trenton, Riverview, Southgate and Wyandotte. It’s a pretty big potential reach, that’s a pretty big audience of people that generally don’t think of the matters I put before them, hoping that any percentage at all might put their automatic spending habits on at least temporary hold as they mull over these ideas.

Because that is what such habits are. Every one of us is on some sort of auto-pilot setting. My job, as I see it, is to encourage a timeout to think about this topic of my readership. It may surprise you, but something less than all of the readers I cited shop at Chelsea and/or Willow Tree, and if any decide to visit my stores, I will consider that to be time well spent.

But as I keep telling you, I get an outsized amount of gratification from hearing that any independent business benefits from my calls (and anyone else’s calls) to be a localist.

The chart here on this page illustrates the general idea, just as I have said so many times. As you drive around and think about it either in your head or in reality, I’ll bet each of my readers could compile a huge

list of businesses that are owned, operated, and directed by neighbors in our Downriver community.

Many are friends, relatives, and next-door neighbors; people you know and that are part of your world beyond their business efforts. And, many of them are important to you personally. If they closed up shop for any reason, it would have a negative impact on you and your needs.

So, what seems to be happening more and more is what I advocate for so loudly, and that gives me the most satisfaction: More and more people know the difference between local and national, and more and more people are not just making decisions in favor of local options – they are becoming cheerleaders like me.

It feels really, really good to give ardent, earnest referrals to people for local places, and it feels even better when those people report back to me, echoing my enthusiasm. I love the feeling. But as good as it makes me feel on the direct level, it means so much more to me knowing that business was retained locally.

It takes more than just me, of course, and that’s why it’s exciting

to consider that people are seeing this side job as a pretty good gig, championing a region that just plain hops, with countless raving fans and a populace that gets my sort of satisfaction from being a part of.

I know that I am directly responsible for retaining business in the region in which I live and work. I am directly responsible for having an UPward affect on the business community of Downriver.

No, I don’t take credit for it. I just know with every positive word for Local, I make a difference. I do not do this for my fortunes; I do this for the fortunes all around me, creating ripples that get bigger and bigger as more and more money is spent in the trading area.

I am so happy to see businesses that I consider to be cool and unique succeed and thrive. I am so satisfied to consider that as a result, more money is being spent there, and some of that money pays the rent or mortgage for the owner’s home.

I make a difference by shopping there, sure, but not always – even if I don’t shop there, I sing their praises and tell people how wonderful it is to

have such places to go, right here in our area.

More and more, I am feeling these sentiments around me.

More people get it. More people put their money where their mouth is, and…more businesses are doing more business, creating more people that spread the world of all things local and independent.

Remember, you don’t have to hate national businesses to participate more fully in the push for local success. I have big reasons for my own attitude, but I’m not asking anyone else to join me on that war front. I’m asking you to love local businesses more, and to really understand how much every dollar spent matters so much more at places that may as well be family, even if they are not YOUR immediate family. I’m suggesting that if all of us thought local first and encouraged everyone else to think and act local first, this region would be even more vibrant.

The energy would be explosive. That’s no exaggeration, and who in their right mind would argue against that?

PETER ROSE

Girl Scout Gold Award project

Southgate girl makes swings accessible to children with disabilities

DAVE GORGON

Lilly Truel says she enjoys the feeling you get that you’re “flying” while gliding on a swing. As a Girl Scout, she set a goal to provide the same opportunities for children with handicaps and in wheelchairs. In May, she reached that goal.

The 15-year-old Southgate resident unveiled an ADA-compliant wheelchair platform swing that has been installed at Ray Torres Lions Park in her hometown.

The project has earned rave reviews and could lead to a Gold Award – Girl Scouting’s highest honor.

The Southgate Anderson High School ninth-grader is a member of Girl Scout Troop 76473. In fact, she has been a Girl Scout since she was in the first grade living in Naples, Florida. She already has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award for her troop collecting pajamas for needy children and the Silver Award for painting picnic tables at Southgate parks.

The Gld Award recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through remarkable Take Action projects that have sustainable impact in their communities and beyond.

Lilly said her inspiration for the project came as she volunteered last summer at VIP Camp Connect for Special Needs Children.

“Often, I was placed one-on-one with the children in wheelchairs,” she said. “On park field trips, all the children in wheelchairs had to sit under the pavilion, missing out on all the playground fun.”

Lilly’s project required raising funds to purchase the wheelchair-accessible platform swing and an ADA-compliant adult harness swing, a campaign she calls Wings 4 Wheelchairs on her Facebook page.

Last November, the special-needs organization Downriver Panthers agreed to pay for the swings. The city of Southgate authorized placement of the swings at Lions Park, installed them and has since added a concrete pad leading from a walkway to make the swings easier to reach by wheelchairs.

Lilly also completed her goals of

educating “the public about disability inclusion by working with my local city library and all the school librarians in my city to purchase and donate books that have special needs characters and topics related to people with special needs.”

In February, she donated 135 library books to seven schools and three public libraries, along with bookmarks, display posters and disabilityawareness calendars.

Lilly also created “an educational infographic about special needs and disability inclusion” to share on social media and with her community. She wrote several articles for newspapers and publications. In all, she spent about 120 hours on the project.

Lilly explained her project and thanked those who helped her along the way during an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 19 that featured Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, City Council President Zoey Kuspa, Parks and Recreation Director Julie Goddard, the reigning Ms. Wheelchair Michigan Jaime Junior and Little Miss Michigan Wheelchair 2017-2018 April Shaw.

They were joined by Lilly’s parents Jodi and Chris; her mentor, Pattie Markiecki of Wyandotte; members of the VIP Camp Connect; her advisors and people from the community. Jodi

Truel is troop leader.

Council President Kuspa said she was honored that Lilly asked her to serve as a project advisor – “especially since I am a former Girl Scout.”

Goddard, Jennifer Campau of Camp Connect and local librarians were other advisors.

“I was more than happy to write a letter in support of her project,” Kuspa posted on her Facebook page. “Today, we saw her vision come to fruition with the dedication and grand opening of a wheelchair platform swing and an adult ADA harness swing. This is truly a great new addition to Lions Park that promotes inclusivity and belonging. Well done, Lilly.” Mayor Kuspa called Lilly “an exceptional young lady.”

“I commend her parents for instilling in her the value of volunteerism and community pride,” he said. “Lilly’s wheelchair swing project is just the latest example of her desire to help people and make her community a better place. Over the past few years, Lilly has also been involved with repainting our tables at our parks, cleaning up our nature trail, volunteering at our Animal Shelter and donating obstacle equipment for our new dog park. She is a shining example for others to follow.”

Shelly Loose, state coordinator for the Ms. Wheelchair Michigan pageant,

also wrote a letter of support for the project.

“I thought it was wonderful that Lilly thought of individuals with disabilities and individuals different from herself,” Jaime Junior said. “I thought it was very inspiring. I appreciate the community thinking about us wheelers being able to enjoy the swing and playing in the park. That was what it was about. I was pleased to be there. I was honored she reached out to Miss Wheelchair Michigan.”

Junior, a 47-year-old Detroit resident, said she has been used a wheelchair on and off her entire life and full-time for the last nine years. She has cerebral palsy and, as she got older, she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. She said giving birth to her son 23 years ago put more pressure on her spine than she could take.

“Lilly and her effort and heart were the stars of the show,” said Junior, who is advocacy coordinator for Disability Network Wayne County Detroit.

“Without a lot of rallying, I have never seen that happen. In Detroit, there may be one or two on the playground of a school. That a city would take this up and a Girl Scout troop would take this up, I think it’s rare.

“Hopefully, it becomes much more prominent because this is how we build a more inclusive community.”

Heritage Days Grand Marshall Steve Szatmari

Steve Szatmari will be the Grand Marshall of this year’s Southgate Heritage Days Parade.

You may or may not know Szatmari, but if you live in Southgate, or anywhere Downriver for that matter, you almost surely know his business – The Hungarian Rhapsody Restaurant.

The Rhapsody, which owns the distinction of being the largest Hungarian restaurant in the United States, has been around for more than 30 years and is widely loved for its great ethnic European food.

From chicken paprikash, to Hungarian goulash and cabbage rolls to the restaurant’s wonderful eggy dumplings, the food is amazing at the Rhapsody. The restaurant’s website is full of reviews from people, most claiming the food tastes “just like grandma used to make.”

Szatmari, who runs the business with his wife Darlene and his

daughter Jennifer, loves hearing it.

He learned to cook in culinary school in Budapest. It was there in his home country that Szatmari fell in love with a girl from Southgate who was traveling in Hungary with her father. That girl was Darlene and he followed back to Michigan.

The couple lived in Southgate for many years before moving out to Grosse Ile a couple of decades ago. They also own a condo in Hollywood FL, where Steven and Darlene now spend the winters.

In 1971, he and Darlene opened The Rhapsody and the rest – as they say – is history.

“It’s just wonderful to see a business like this succeed,” said Southgate Mayor Joe Kuspa.

The Southgate mayor said that Szatmari being Heritage Days Grand Marshall is an honor long

overdue.

“Steve has always been supportive of community events and activities,” said Kuspa. “Being this year’s Grand Marshall is a tribute to Steve for all that he has meant to the business community.”

Heritage Days begins June 15 this year and at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 16, Szatmari will help helm the parade that runs down Burns Street and ends at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center. Steve will be the one waving from a convertible.

The Rhapsody has become more than a local legend. Several of the reviews on its website mention traveling sometimes more than an hour to eat there.

And, recently Tom Daldin, host of the popular PBS show Under the Radar Michigan, was in town to talk with Szatmari and sample the Rhapsody’s food. Under the Radar is seen through Michigan

and parts of Ohio.

Szatmari still does all the cooking at the Rhapsody. You can find him in the kitchen hard at work over a big batch of paprikash or goulash or you can find him in the bar or dining area, greeting guests with his welcoming smile.

The restaurant employs around 45 people and many of them have been with Szatmari for decades, some from before The Rhapsody opened

The Rhapsody offers carryout service, but if you use that you will miss the “Old World” ambiance of the restaurant’s dining room. Rhapsody also has a full catering service to suit every need.

And while Szatmaris live on Grosse Ile and spend three winter months in Florida, Steve says Southgate holds a special place in his heart.

“To me, Southgate is always home,” he said.

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Striking out breast cancer

DAVE GORGON

A high school varsity softball game between Southgate Anderson and Wyandotte Roosevelt may not have had quite the same competitive spirit as usual, but the end result left both teams feeling like winners.

The Pink Out Softball Game on May 15 at Anderson’s home field raised $2,600 to purchase supplies to make breast cancer patients feel more comfortable after undergoing surgery.

The hosting Titans and the visiting Bears went all out to make sure the game was a success.

Both teams wore special T-shirts. Anderson girls and coaches were dressed in pink; Roosevelt girls and coaches wore white shirts outlined in pink. They had student-designed logos on the front and the name of cancer patients they were dedicating the game to on the back.

Admission was free and the stands on both sides – decorated with pink balloons and posters of cancer patients – were pretty much standing-room only.

Everyone seemed to agree that the most startling attraction was the on-field base lines, in which Anderson field maintenance personnel used a special pink paint, to go with a painted pink “STA” abbreviation (for Southgate Thomas Anderson) and a painted pink ribbon, the symbol of the fight against cancer. The effort surprised and put smiles on those on the field and in the stands.

Girls on both sides came together before the start of the game to pose for photos. In fact, some Roosevelt players thanked Anderson coaches and players for letting them be part of the game.

Instead of a seventh-inning stretch during the game, cancer survivors in attendance were recognized and received bouquets of flowers during the fourth inning as players exited their dugouts and applauded.

Anderson parents worked concessions during the game, selling 50/50 tickets and raffle tickets to win one of 19 prize baskets, including three donated by Roosevelt players and three donated by sponsors.

The Titans won the game, 7-4, but everyone seemed

to go home happy.

“It was honestly just a good feeling,” said Paige Olson, the lone senior on the Roosevelt team. “A lot of people in my life have had breast cancer. Our fans were able to go to another school and see things like pink chalk on the field and cancer awareness symbols on the field. It was a heartwarming feeling. It’s amazing we could all come together to do it.”

The special game was the idea of Anderson players, who approached Coach Eric Druchniak, who said he “put the ball in their court” by making them pick the charity, decide how to raise the money and select a date on the schedule for the Pink Out game.

“A couple days later, they came back with all kinds of ideas,” Druchniak said. “I’m proud of them. They took the initiative to come up with the ideas.”

A meeting with team parents followed. Rebecca Heyer, a nurse at Corewell Health in Trenton and the mother of Titans player Izzy Heyer, suggested proceeds be used to purchase special items for patients of Dr. Helen Mabry, a renowned breast cancer surgeon at Corewell.

“It picked up steam from there,” Druchniak said, especially after Roosevelt Coach Ricky Dennis said his team was in.

“We are playing for fun, but a lot of people play for other reasons, too,” Dennis said. “This was a great opportunity to get out there and play for something good.”

Families put together gift baskets for the raffle. Three businesses donated to the cause: Tres Solgne, a medical spa in Riverview, donated a gift basket with $500 in services. Floral Designs in Southgate provided a half-off savings on bouquets that were presented to cancer survivors during the fourth inning. Joy Moon

SEE PINK OUT, Page 13

‘Pink Out’ softball game raises $2,600 to aid recovery victims

Photos by Dave Chapman

PINK OUT

Continued from page 12

of Balloon Joy of Southgate donated balloons and a basket with a gift certificate for the raffle.

Anderson player Gabby Jones and Roosevelt’s Aubrey Lyons designed the jerseys, which were ordered and delivered quickly by local vendors.

Dr. Mabry, who lives on Grosse Ile, said she was honored to be selected as the recipient of 70 surgical caps made of fabric, 70 heart pillows that help patients feel more comfortable after surgery and 70 lanyards that are used to assist patients after surgery – all funded by the game’s proceeds.

Anderson assistant coach Dan Neil was especially touched by the announcement that Mabry’s office was chosen to receive the items. Neil’s wife Carol is a breast cancer survivor. Mabry was her surgeon.

“My wife was diagnosed in November 2020,” Neil said. “It was an emotional roller coaster – one of the worst feelings ever. Early detection and mammograms were the key. We can’t preach about it enough.

“She was fortunate that they found it in early stage two during a regular routine checkup. It was cut out by surgery, and she just had radiation after that – and thankfully no chemotherapy.”

Neil had Carol’s name on the back of his shirt.

“My wife was proud to be there,” Neil said. “It was a cool moment. She was over the moon. We know how special Dr. Mabry and her staff are. They’re fantastic people. We can’t thank them enough. We owe my wife’s life to them.”

Anderson senior Hope Solo called the game “a really good experience.” She said she and her teammates “really wanted to do it.” Solo honored her Aunt Cheryl who had undergone breast cancer before she was born.

“It was a really fun game to play,” Solo said. “We’re all super close with the Wyandotte girls and especially since we were fundraising for a good cause. We had no idea the grounds crew was going to pink out the field until we got to the field. That was so special. The bleachers have never been so full. It was a really good experience and it did raise a lot of money.”

Junior teammate Taylor Mydlarz said the game created a lot of energy and said she was glad she pushed for it, especially knowing people who have

suffered from breast cancer.

“It’s really a cause I want to fight for,” she said. “I definitely learned that people are willing to help and chip in when it’s a good cause. It really felt like it was a great experience. Everybody was excited.”

Dr. Mabry said breast cancer touches so many people – one in eight women in the United States will get it.

“It’s so common but it can be cured with proper and timely treatment. I would say there is a very effective treatment. If you take everyone with breast cancer, there is an 85-percent cure rate overall. It’s constantly improving. The treatments are improving.”

Mabry said she was proud of the teams that came together for a cause.

“Isn’t this amazing?” she said. “I’m so touched. I can’t even believe it. I’m so happy. We have patients coming in all the time with breast cancer. It can happen to anyone. You can do

everything right and still get it or do everything wrong and not get it. We know the risk factors. You see people getting it that you don’t expect to have it

and you see people who live and never get it. The element of it is so random. It makes it more frightening and unpredictable.

“Acts of generosity are things that make our community stronger,” she said. “We see a lot of it here, but it’s

never just a trivial thing. It’s always a wonderful and important thing to do. You see people stepping outside of their own problems to help somebody else. It makes a wonderful community.”

Roosevelt’s Olson said she and her teammates were “honestly really excited” when Anderson chose them to play in the game.

“Win or lose, everybody wins,” she said.

*Additional 10% Off applies to floor samples merchandise only. Shop early for best selection. Immediate delivery available. No holds. Don’t forget to bring in necessary room dimensions. Sold as is. Cannot be combined with other offers. Certain restrictions apply. Discounts off MSRP. Prior sales excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Items subject to prior sales. See store for d

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.

Gone to the dogs!

The city of Southgate officially opened its new dog park on Thursday, June 1.

Mayor Joe Kuspa and City Council President Zoey Kuspa were on hand for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The park was made possible because of the recent recreation millage.

The park has been open for quite some time, but because of pandemic-related supply chain issues city

officials were unable to get and install the agility equipment to complete the build until now.

In an online post, Zoey Kuspa thanked the city administration, Recreation Director Julie Goddard, former councilwoman Carol Chase and the city’s resident for passing the millage that made it all possible.

The park has two areas, one for larger breed dogs and one for smaller. There is a double gated entrance

and water and waste disposal bags are available.

The new dog park is located within Lions Park on the west side, near the old city tennis courts and the dog pound.

According to Zoey Kuspa, rules regarding registration, use and fees will be forthcoming, but for the month of June the park will be free for all to enjoy

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Photos by Emily Caruso

They’re back!

Twenty-five win season earns baseball team kudos

HANK

MINCKIEWICZ

It has been quite a few years since anyone outside the city of Southgate has paid much attention to the varsity baseball program.

Well, they’d better pay attention now.

Under coach Andy Green, who is a school board member in Southgate and who took the varsity coaching job because not a lot of qualified candidates took a run at the open position last year, the Titans turned a slow start into a terrific year.

Anderson went 25-10 (10-6 in the Downriver League), they finished all alone in third place in the league, they beat then state-ranked Trenton twice, they beat then state-ranked Plymouth, they swept a pair of league games from archrival Wyandotte and then they beat Wyandotte in a district semifinal game for their first districtlevel victory in 10 years.

Nice start, coach.

“I couldn’t be prouder of these

guys,” Green said. “They are a gritty bunch. We weren’t going to out-hit a lot of teams, so we relied on ‘small ball.’ We bunted, we stole a lot of bases and our pitchers threw strikes.”

The Titans started the season poorly, opening with a 2-4 record, but an early season win over Trenton turned things around.

“The Trenton win was a catalyst for us,” said Green. “Trenton is well-coached and they have been a powerhouse in our league. We were down twice against them and came back to win in extra innings.

“After that win you could see it in the guys’ eyes because they knew they could compete with anyone.”

The season was keyed by a trio of pitchers – Dylan Berrios, Juan Llanes and Thomas Laskowski.

Berrios was the ace, but only by a bit. He went 7-2 on the year and only walked eight batters all season. Berrios plays center field when he is not pitching.

Llanes is a smooth-fielding sophomore shortstop when he is not

pitching and he led the team with a .400 batting average.

Laskowski, who Green thinks will be a breakout receiver for the Titan football team in the fall, is a great guy to have on the team. He plays short when Llanes pitches, center when Berrios pitches and he played every single position on the field this season.

Other key contributors to this fine turnaround season were third baseman Jace Walerski, who batted .350; Cal Thomas, who came back to play baseball after three year away from the game and led the team in triples, homers and RBI; and senior Connor Sweeney, who is on his way to play college baseball at U-M-Dearborn.

Southgate will return seven starters from the 25-win club, including Berrios, Walerski, Llanes and Laskowski. Plus, the team will get an infusion of young talent off a junior varsity team that went 18-8 this past season.

“The mantra for our pitchers this year was. ‘throw strikes.’ They did that, we ground out our runs and that

led to the season we had. We told the kids that little things add up to big things and the way the season worked out proved that.”

The Titans finished the season in a rush, winning 11 of their final 13 games, including the district win over Wyandotte.

The season ended with an 11-0 loss in the district finals to powerful Woodhaven, but even that game was not as bad as it looked. The game was 0-0 heading into the fifth inning before it got away from the Titans.

Green said after the game even Woodhaven head coach Cory Farner came over to complement the Southgate players on their season.

Green, whose last turn as a head varsity baseball coach was 2012, collected his 200th career win this year and said he is already looking forward to next season.

“I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out,” he admitted. “But I got into it right away and I really liked the kids.”

Photo by Dave Chapman

Stealing bases was a Southgate thing this season

Track season comes to close for Titans

The Anderson track team wrapped up the 2023 season with the three biggest events of the year – the Metro Classic, MHSAA regionals and the Downriver League meet.

Both the boys and girls finished near the middle of the back at the Metro Classic, which is the remnants of the old News-Herald Track & Field Championships.

There, for the boys, Seth Bodary grabbed fourth-place honors in the 200 meters; DeAgelo Stewart was sixth in the high hurdles; and Drayden Long was eighth in the shot put. The Titans also scored in two relays as Andrew Gates, Isaiah Daviston, Connor Ensign and Bpoday ran seventh in the 4X100 and Gates, Jackson Sage, Hunter Druchniak and Bodary ran seventh in the 4X400 relay.

Among the girls, Sparrow Centine was third in the 800, fourth in the mile and fourth in the two-mile.

The metro Classic was run at Woodhaven, the Downriver League meet 10 days later, was hosted by Wyandotte, At the league finals, Centino was third in both the 800 and mile. Naija Banks, Marylou Berner, Briana Hales and Renecia Hughs finished sixth in the 4X100 relay.

Among the boys, Bodary was second in the 400; Stewart was fifth in the high hurdles; Antione Johnson was fifth in the 800; TJ Pokorney was fifth in the mile; Sage was sixth in the low hurdles; Long was sixth in the shot put and seventh in the discus.

Anderson also scored in all four relays. Relay runners were, Gates, Daviston, Ensign, Stewart, Sage, Druchniak, Bodary, Johnson, Habib Majedi, Artimio Gonzalez and Chris Wrona.

Students win Southgate Arbor Day poster contest

DAVE GORGON

Three Southgate elementary school students have been honored for their artwork, creativity and message in the annual city of Southgate Arbor Day poster contest. Savanna Adkins of Allen Elementary School took first place and will be recognized with a tree planted at the school in her honor at 1 p.m. June 9.

Layla Silcott of Allen was runner-up. Olivia Flinkman of Grogan Elementary School finished third.

The posters were hung at City Hall.

The top three winners were presented with a certificate by Mayor Joseph Kuspa during the May 3 City Council meeting.

The contest was open to all elementary school students in the Southgate Community School District. This year’s entries were submitted by students from Allen, Grogan and Shelters elementary schools. Some of this year’s

posters incorporated three dimensions with items being attached to give them more depth. Layla’s poster was one of those.

“Each year, the judges have a difficult job selecting the top three winners,” Mayor Kuspa said. “This year was no exception. It is always interesting to see how our young students create these posters and their unique take on the importance of trees in the community.”

The contest was coordinated by city Forester Bob Tarabula. Teachers involved were Andrew Garden, Tamara Nagy, Devon Kelley, Michelle Thrasher, Scott Piestrak and Frances Witkowski.

“Arbor Day is worth

celebrating,” the Mayor said, “and we thank all of the students for participating and the teachers who encouraged them to do so.”

Arbor Day is a national holiday celebrated on the last Friday in April. The day celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees.

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How to Choose the Right Credit Card

By Robert P. La Palme President/CEO

Downriver Community Federal Credit Union

Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases and build credit, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.

When choosing a card, it is a good idea to understand your spending habits. Do you frequently travel? Do you spend a lot on groceries or dining out? Knowing your spending habits will help you choose a credit card that offers benefits that align with your lifestyle and your budget.

One important factor is the APR. The interest rate, also known as the Annual Percentage Rate, is the amount of interest you’ll be charged on any outstanding balance. With recently rising interest rates, many people are looking for a fixed-rate credit card to

ensure that they know exactly what they’ll have to pay for credit, regardless of uncertain economic factors. If you’re looking to protect yourself against the costs of rising rates, look for a card with a low, fixed rate of interest, especially if you plan to carry a balance each month.

Although many people choose credit cards that offer rewards on purchases, those cards may come with higher rates, annual fees, or strict late charges--even If you are only one day late! Additionally, many people do not use all of the rewards they earn, leaving the card issuer in some cases to expire those rewards. If you are concerned about paying too much, look for a card that does not charge an annual fee, has a forgiving late payment option, or offers rewards you’ll actually use and don’t expire.

Knowing which lender to apply with is a good strategy, so be sure to check your credit score. Your credit score may impact your ability to qualify for certain credit cards and may even

determine the interest rate you’ll be charged. Understanding which lender to choose may help you obtain a card even if you’ve been denied a credit card in the past.

Before applying for or using a credit card to make purchases, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. Look for any hidden fees, restrictions, or penalties that could impact your ability to use the card. Understand what your minimum payment will be each month, when it is due, and always do your best to make your payments on time. Doing so will help you save money and build good credit.

In conclusion, choosing a good credit card requires careful consideration of your spending habits, interest rates, rewards and benefits, annual fees, and the fine print. By taking the time to research and compare credit cards, you can find a card that you’re likely to qualify for, meets all of your needs, and helps you build and maintain a good credit rating.

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

need and allows those qualified to shop at no charge in a grocery-like setting. Fish & Loaves is faithbased and, like the diaper bank, relies on donations, grants and other funds to operate.

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True ‘community’ event draws excitement

Grosse Ile’s popular Boar’s Head Festival makes its return

...[T]he much-loved Boar’s Head Festival will return this coming Dec. 7-10 at Sacred Heart Church.

The grand Christmas pageant, which involves more than 600 volunteers, has become the premier celebration of community involvement, musical entertainment, and the Christmas spirit.

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The actual serving of a roasted boar can be traced to ancient Roman times when the wild porcine was the preferred dish at great feasts.

As early as the 14 th century in medieval England, Christians considered the wild boar a ferocious beast and a symbol of great evil. They adapted the Roman custom of serving a boar’s head on a platter to represent the triumph of the Christ Child over evil. Particularly poignant at Christmas time.

Grosse Ile’s Boar’s Head Festival has been held since its inception in 1980, launched by the late Josephine “Jo” Ramage with the Islanders theater group, and sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Churches on the Island. This year’s production will be directed by Open Book Theatre’s founder, awardwinning Krista Schafer Ewbank....

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Grosse Ile’s Bottoms Up group nearing one million distributed diapers to the needy ...Founded in 2015 by church congregation member Elaine McElwaney of Riverview, Bottoms Up is operated by a board that receives donations to purchase diapers in bulk from Sam’s Club in Southgate and distributes them at a rate of 120 every other month to clients at Fish & Loaves. The national standard on diaper need is 60 per month per child.

Fish & Loaves is the state’s largest client-choice pantry. The pantry vets clients based on income and

In 2022, the pantry served more than 2.3 million pounds of food to needy individuals who are able to “shop” every other month. Fish & Loaves also distributes food to hundreds of visitors on Saturdays while supplies last and provides food on an emergency basis as well.

Fish & Loaves will celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year with the motto “ensuring no one goes hungry.”..

On page 4

The event was held on Friday, April 14 at Orlando Familia Banquet Center.

The time and energy spent by members of the Memorial Parent Club to make this event a success was appreciated by all guests. There were basket raffles, prizes, and a 50/50 raffle, which the winner graciously donated back to Memorial’s Parent Club.!

On page 5

Gellin’ with Geometry – Family Math Night

Forest Elementary hosted its first Family Math Night on April 13 from 6-7 p.m. Forest staff members were on hand to help students and their families navigate through numerous Math stations which included: 3-D shapes, area, fraction action, geometry bingo, origami, structures, tangrams and symmetry. Students were all smiles as they made their way through each station.

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Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars Memorial Elementary event showcases girls and VIP guests

Memorial Elementary School recently held its ‘Tonight, We Dance Under the Stars’ event, which was open to girls and their VIP guests.

They could also snack on geometry salad, which consisted of a variety of snacks in all different geometric shapes and sizes.

The evening was a tremendous success for all.

On page 7

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Arthurs Middle School takes on Washington D.C.

The group of 8th graders accompanied by several staff members and parent chaperons,

interested in purchasing a home in the city, adding the property back to the city’s tax rolls and, ultimately, upgrading neighborhoods.

According to alliance facilitator Corki Benson, due to retirements, relocations and deaths, the original group ceased operations in the late 1990s after completing 14 projects.

In 2005, with the help of then-Mayor James DeSana, a new team was formed to take up the mission, Benson reported. In October 2006, the new group restored its first property in the 1200 block of Lincoln.

On page 1

Joining Roosevelt at the regatta were fellow WBC member schools Gibraltar Carlson, Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Grosse Ile, Riverview, Southgate Anderson and Trenton. Also in the field were Perrysburg High School making the trek up from Ohio as well as the LaSalle Rowing Club based out of Windsor, Ontario.

Roosevelt finished with 249 points to claim the overall title....

On page 18

Striking out breast cancer ‘Pink Out’ softball game raises $2,600 to aid recovery victims

embarked on a four-day journey that included visits to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and museums.

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Wyandotte Community Alliance

Rehab group finishes work, donates remaining proceeds

...The nonprofit group had served the city since 1984. The organization’s main job was to restore homes in Wyandotte, provide affordable housing for those interested in purchasing a home in the city, adding the property back to the city’s tax rolls and, ultimately, upgrading neighborhoods.

A high school varsity softball game between Southgate Anderson and Wyandotte Roosevelt may not have had quite the same competitive spirit as usual, but the end result left both teams feeling like winners.

The students had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, Memorials (Pentagon, Iwo Jima, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean and World War II), Arlington Cemetery, Ford Theatre, White House, U.S Capitol, Naval Academy and a Spirit Cruise in Baltimore...

On page 1

Something to buzz about Anderson students get up close and personal with some busy bees

The nonprofit group had served the city since 1984. The organization’s main job was to restore homes in Wyandotte, provide affordable housing for those

According to alliance facilitator Corki Benson, due to retirements, relocations and deaths, the original group ceased operations in the late 1990s after completing 14 projects.

In 2005, with the help of then-Mayor James DeSana, a new team was formed to take up the mission, Benson reported. In October 2006, the new group restored its first property in the 1200 block of Lincoln...

On page 1

Roosevelt shines at local rowing events

The Wyandotte rowing team won the men’s and overall championships at the nine-team 50th annual Wy-Hi Rowing Regatta, hosted by the Wyandotte Boat Club in the first weekend in May.

The Pink Out Softball Game on May 15 at Anderson’s home field raised $2,600 to purchase supplies to make breast cancer patients feel more comfortable after undergoing surgery.

The hosting Titans and the visiting Bears went all out to make sure the game was a success. Both teams wore special T-shirts. Anderson girls and coaches were dressed in pink; Roosevelt girls and coaches wore white shirts outlined in pink. They had student-designed logos on the front and the name of

cancer patients they were dedicating the game to on the back.

Admission was free and the stands on both sides –decorated with pink balloons and posters of cancer patients – were pretty much standing-room only.

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Area Soroptimists host Fourth ‘Mommy and Me Tea Party’

To celebrate Mother’s Day and introduce women and girls to Soroptimist, the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists hosted their fourth “Mommy and Me Tea Party” on May 13, 2023.

One hundred fifteen moms, grandmas, aunties and little ladies joined Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for a sold-out, fun-filled afternoon.

Several attendees brought in new infant or children’s swimwear, beach towels, life jackets, goggles or summer toys that will be donated to the Downriver Foster Closet.

The little ladies arrived attired in an array of fancy dresses. The venue was held at the Apollo Ballroom at the Grecian Center, 16300 Dix-Toledo, in Southgate, where the spacious room was decorated in a unicorn theme in the most feminine fashion in splashes of pastel colors. Eye 4 Events LLC provided a magnificent balloon arch and table centerpieces. Each table was adorned in the height of proper teatime, complete with centerpieces, fancy teapots, and real ceramic teacups and saucers.

A pizza bar lunch, which included salad, garlic bread, chocolate brownies, tea, and lemonade was provided. A cash bar featuring mimosas and bloody Mary’s were available for the moms and grandmas. There were two gaming stations: A unicorn ring toss and a unicorn bean bag toss, but the biggest hit of the tea was the glitter bar by KJ Art. The line for bedazzled “jeweled” and glitter face decals took up an entire wall of the ballroom.

Charity Bronson, of the Grecian Center, is also a cofounder of Downriver Foster Closet. Charity described her own experience with fostering children.

Downriver Foster Closet is located at 1753 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte. Learn more about DFC on their website.

They do so much for children in foster care. Their organization provides clothing, underclothing, toys,

shoes, baby equipment and gear and even furniture to children placed in the foster care system for any area. Items always in need are formula, bottles, diapers and wipes Visit their website and their Facebook Page at downriverfostercloset.com/ and facebook.com/Downriverfostercloset

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center, and the fourth Tuesday at various local restaurants.

All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundations that the Soroptimists support on krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook@SoroptimistInternationalOfTrentonAndDownriverArea or contact us at sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com