Southgate Star, August 11 — September 11, 2023

Bridget Godbout put an exclamation point on her sophomore year at Southgate Anderson High School by earning a state championship in varsity figure skating.

Godbout took first place in one event and was runner-up in a second event during the U.S. Figure Skating high school state finals in Lansing. She was honored at a recent Southgate Board of Education meeting along with other figure skaters and dozens of other student athletes.

At age 15, Godbout has been skating for 14 years. As a oneyear-old, she was taught to skate by her parents, Chad Godbout and Jennifer Rouse, who had competed in Mid-Sectionals as ice dancing partners. She has improved ever since under the guidance of Anderson figure skating Coach Julie Goddard

An honorable farewell

VFW

part of efforts

DAVE GORGON

One thousand old and worn American flags were retired in style and with dignity during a patriotic funeral service, thanks to the efforts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Southgate and the Michigan Memorial Funeral Home.

The flags were collected from the Veterans Court at the 28th District Court in Southgate and placed in two large cremation boxes. On July 16, dozens of veterans gathered at the VFW on Dix-Toledo Road, where the boxes were placed in a Michigan Memorial hearse and driven in procession to the funeral home in Huron Township.

After a complete funeral service, during which the boxes were strapped together and draped with a large American flag to look like a casket, the flags were cremated onsite.

The events of the day were orchestrated by Bill King, commander of the Southgate VFW, and Craig Roe, vice president and general manager of the funeral home. Participants included dozens of members of the VFW and VFW Auxiliary, the Downriver Veterans

to retire 1,000 American flags during special funeral

Honor Guard, the VFW District 4 Riders and other interested observers. Some served as pallbearers; some were moved to tears during the ceremony.

“It was treated from beginning to end like a funeral,” Roe said. “It flowed very nicely. Everything tied together perfectly. We’re so happy with how the day went.”

King had approached Roe with the concept, saying it was important for the flags to be retired properly. King said the post wanted to honor the flags’ service.

“As a veteran, you go into the military and pledge your allegiance to the flag when you enlist,” said King, who served 20 years in the Army. “When you’re in the military, you serve that flag. And that same veteran will someday rest under that flag. I think because of those reasons, the flag is very important to the veteran and the flag should be equally important to every citizen.”

King and Roe worked out the details. The Michigan Memorial hearse contained military decals. Motorcyclists from the District 4 Riders served as escorts for the hearse, turning heads of other drivers along the way to the

funeral home. Honor Guard members stood guard. Veterans filled the funeral home during the ceremony. Flags from all military branches flanked the flag-covered boxes of flags. Bill Peters, chaplain of Post 9283, honored the flags with a reading about “Old Glory.” Honor Guard members fired a 21-gun salute and played Taps. After the cremation took place, Michigan Memorial provided food and beverages for the participants.

“Michigan Memorial Funeral Home and its owner are very patriotic and believe in the respect the flag deserves,” Roe said. “We support the veterans and very much appreciate their service to our country. That’s what the flag represents.

“It was a great honor to be asked by these veterans to do this. We feel very privileged to be allowed to be part of this service with them.”

King said the vision of the VFW and the funeral home came together for a wonderful event.

“A couple guys said being there and watching it all take place touched them as much as when they have to go to a funeral for a friend,” King said. “They were really touched by it.”

King said the dignified ceremony was a change from other much simpler ceremonies in which flags are burned.

“There was nothing that wasn’t done right,” he said. “Everyone was touched by the reverence and the honor that was afforded the flags… It gave a really good idea that being in the military is more than a guy carrying a gun.”

Bill Schaffer, president of the 4th District VFW Riders, said his members from throughout the Downriver area were honored to participate as both escorts and pallbearers.

“This was a first for us,” he said. “It was nice to see somebody do it right. Frank Mentzer, treasurer of the Downriver Veterans Honor Guard, said “Michigan Memorial really stepped up. It was really, really nice.”

Plans called for at least some of the ashes to be placed by the veterans memorial outside the Southgate post, where bricks honor Southgate veterans who were killed in the Vietnam War.

“I think it’s just one more way to say that those flags served our country, and we will always protect them,” King said. “We will make sure the flag is honored always.”

Participants in the flag retirement ceremony gather around the boxes containing 1,000 flags outside the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Southgate.

Photo by Dave Chapman

Soroptimists to hold 19th ‘Save the Girls’ ride

Soroptimist International of Trenton Area and Downriver Area, which dedicates its volunteer efforts to improving the lives of women and girls, will hold its 19th annual women-sponsored charity motorcycle ride, “Save the Girls,” on Saturday, Sept. 9.

The Soroptimists are inviting bikers as well as the general public to participate.

All proceeds from this event will go to help domestic violence victims, human trafficking victims and awareness events, and women’s health issues (with the focus on ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer) and other Soroptimist service projects.

The ride begins at Motown Harley-Davidson, 14100 Telegraph Road in Taylor. Check in is from 9:30 –11:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 11:45 a.m.

The ride will be approximately 50 to 60 miles with police escorts and road captains from HOG. The ride ends back at Motown Harley with music, food, beverages, and raffle baskets. 50/50 tickets will also be sold. There will be a special raffle for a fire pit with four wicker chairs.

Pre-registration provided by mail or online (http:// formsmarts.com/form/1mdn). The cost is $25 per rider, $10 per passenger, and $10 for a non-rider for a meal ticket only. The cost the day of the ride is $30 per rider, $10 per passenger. Contact Cathy at (734) 934-8460 or by email: sioftrentonanddownriverarea@ gmail.com.

Follow us on Facebook at “19th Annual Save the Girls Charity Ride.”

The Soroptimists have a table at Motown Harley every bike night. Registration and more information for the September ride is available there.

The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets the first Wednesday of the month. You may contribute to the foundation 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 sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail.com.

College is not for everyone

BASF Tech Academy shows high school seniors, recent graduates career options

DAVE GORGON

Twenty-one Downriver high school students and recent graduates know some of their career options after completing a weeklong BASF TECH Academy this summer.

The program was designed to inform students about the high demand in good-paying technical jobs for individuals who don’t have a four-year college degree.

From June 19-23, the young men and women participated in discussions, interactive/hands-on activities and tours at BASF in Wyandotte, Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) in Taylor, Gorno Ford in Woodhaven, Fritz Products in River Rouge and the City of Wyandotte Fire Department.

The academy was funded by BASF and was provided free to students.

“College isn’t for everybody,” said Marika Diamond, who designed the program as head of public relations at BASF in Michigan. “This program is so fulfilling. To give these kids various opportunities, BASF is making a difference in the community.”

Days one and five of the academy were held at the BASF Wyandotte site. Students were introduced to innovation and technology that BASF uses to create a sustainable future. They explored promising manufacturing and lab tech careers that the chemical industry has to offer and the high-wage, high-demand jobs available at BASF.

Students learned about the unique opportunity to gain on-the-job training and earn industry-recognized credentials while receiving a fulltime wage through the BASF North American Apprenticeship Development Program. Students participated in manufacturing and lab tours, lab experiments, demonstrations and interactive simulations, including Z Lock, Lockout/Tagout, electric circuits and welding.

Day two provided students with an introduction to robotics and the certifications and programs associated with the field. Fritz Products opened its doors to students for a behind-thescenes tour of its scrap metal processing facility where they saw how metals are processed and experienced robotics in action, discussing functionality,

purpose, safety and troubleshooting mechanisms.

On day three of the academy, students spent the morning at WCCCD’s Michigan Institute for Public Safety Education learning about emergency training and response and the requirements for various careers in fire services.

Then the students headed to the Wyandotte Fire Department where Mayor Robert DeSana welcomed the participants, who participated in handson simulation training in fire equipment management, search and rescue and medical and on-scene evaluation.

BASF TECH Academy day four was hands-on for the students. In the morning at WCCCD’s Automotive Lab, students focused on auto maintenance and repair procedures, working on engines, vehicle alignments, changing brakes, rotors and tires and much more.

In the afternoon, they visited Gorno Ford in Woodhaven. The Gorno team provided an overview of technical careers within automotive dealerships as students toured the showroom, service and body shop.

The 21 students who graduated from the inaugural program were Caden Bacon, Joshua Burks, Bret Meggison and Aiden Rice of Wyandotte; Cruz Garza and Adam Hancock of Southgate; Johnny Medvice of Trenton; Jailyn Saunders of Riverview; Brandon Stachak and Isaac Trombetta of Grosse Ile; Darius Ausberry, Jack Brinker, Kevin Lenard and Javon Toma of Gibraltar; Dean Birchfield of Taylor; Miles Brooks of Allen Park; Whitney Cotter, Kaeli Kopytko and Adrian Radeback of Flat Rock; Fatima Dino of Lincoln Park; and Ronell Huston of Wayne.

Among the variety of summertime

programs offered, TECH Academy is unique to BASF. The program is part of the company’s workforce development efforts and underlines BASF’s commitment to a sustainable future –to create chemistry in the region that brings people to work together toward a successful future.

The program was a year in the making. Diamond pitched the concept as a pilot program to BASF local leaders who encouraged her to make it a reality. Through numerous discussions with BASF leadership, WCCCD administrators and input from community leaders, this year’s focus was narrowed to include manufacturing, robotics, automotive, lab operations and first responders.

“It takes a village,” Diamond said. “I worked with awesome colleagues at BASF and WCCCD and engaged the Wyandotte Fire Department and Gorno Ford and Fritz Enterprises to help with creating a hands-on, interactive and meaningful experience around these topics and volunteer their time during the week.”

The program was marketed to high schools in the region through the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber, through business networks, on social media and in various publications.

“We were so pleased with the response: 130 applicants,” Diamond said. “Given that it was a pilot, we were targeting a small scale – 21 being an optimal size.”

Diamond said the pilot was an opportunity to find out what worked and what could be done differently to make the program even better. Based on active student engagement throughout the week and positive stakeholder feedback, “the program was a success,”

she added.

Wyandotte Mayor DeSana thanked BASF and the city’s firefighters for “organizing such a wonderful experience for these kids to witness, including what goes on in a firefighters’ life, safety hazards and life-threatening situations, saving lives and property.”

Firefighter Thomas Cunningham agreed the program was “great.”

“I wish I could have done something like this when I was in high school,” the three-year firefighting veteran said.

Cunningham, 25, said he followed in the footsteps of his father and uncle, who were both firefighters, attended the fire program at WCCCD and went to Schoolcraft College for paramedic training. He started Rockwood’s volunteer Fire Department, which hired him out of high school. After completing paramedic training, he was hired in Wyandotte.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Cunningham said. “It’s always what I wanted to do. I lucked out by going with my childhood dream job.”

Jailyn Saunders, who will enter her senior year at Riverview Community High School, said she had “no idea at all” about skilled trade jobs that were available before entering the academy. As head waitress at Arnaldo’s in Riverview, she said she had no plans to attend college.

“I’m in more of a blue-collar family,” she said. “I like trucks – I’m looking at being a diesel mechanic. I definitely want to look into EMT and paramedic courses. I want to help people.”

Planning is already under way for the 2024 session of BASF TECH, scheduled for June 17-24. The application window will open in February. To receive notification, send an email to marika.diamond@basf.com.

CHAMPION

Continued from page 1

and just completed her second season with the combined Anderson/Gabriel Richard varsity team, the highest level in which she has skated.

The state championship came in the free skate category called excel prejuvenile-plus, competing against seven other skaters in the finals. Skaters were judged on their jumps, spins and footwork.

Godbout said that while she hoped to fare well in the event, she was “actually shocked” that she won the gold medal.

“I competed at that level in an individual competition,” she said. “I knew what I had to do to place. But skaters at the state competition are coming from all around the whole state. I knew what it took, but I didn’t know how good the competition would be.”

In all, there were 34 schools from around the state in the competition.

The runner-up medal came in presilver solo dance against five other skaters, who were judged on certain patterns while performing to music. Godbout competed in a 14-step dance.

The junior-to-be is coached by Goddard and Annette Bowman.

Goddard, who is the Southgate parks and recreation director, has been coaching Godbout since she learned to skate and “is the foundation for what Bridget knows now,” Bowman said.

Godbout “is way more than just a student to me,” said Goddard. “She is family – another daughter. I am so proud of her for pushing herself this past season to achieve so much. It’s why I coach: for skaters like her. Her win at states was so well deserved and it proved to her that she could do it –just like I always tell her she can.”

Bowman is a figure skating coach based at the Southgate Ice Arena. Before her 30-year coaching career, she skated in national competition, something Godbout strives to achieve at the senior level – “the highest possible.” Her husband was the late Christopher Bowman, a two-time Olympic skater.

Bowman said figure skating is a subjective sport that is reviewed by judges, but there was no doubt in her mind that Godbout deserved the gold medal.

“Bridget skated beautifully,”

Bowman said. “I was really not surprised how she skated. She trains that way every day she’s at the rink… I knew after watching the entire skate, she no doubt was the clear front runner in that flight.”

Bowman said she isn’t surprised that Godbout was “shocked” to win the state championship.

“That explains Bridget to a tee,” Bowman said. “She’s a very humble young lady. She’s one of these ladies that comes into the rink, is always positive and is always cheering for her fellow skater… She is a wonderful, wonderful young human being. She is thoughtful in everything she does.

“I like kids to have skills when I take them on, but in over 30 years of coaching, I know that work ethic supersedes that. In the long run, these kids with that kind of work ethic end up being more successful in the sport.”

Godbout was impressed that Southgate Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Sharon Irvine also was in attendance for the state finals, saying “it was super cool for her to be there.”.

Mom Jennifer said Bridget skates an average of five hours a week. She is part of the varsity figure skating B team at the school, which narrowly missed the state finals. She also plays varsity tennis and junior varsity volleyball.

Godbout has a 4.0 grade point and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has served on the Student Council and Student Congress, holding the secretary’s office in the Congress. She has a reputation for being kind, trustworthy and organized and plans to pursue a career in nursing after high school.

As a junior, Godbout said she plans to “move up a couple levels” in figure skating competition.

“The future is anything she wants it to be – and I say that confidently,” Bowman said. “Anything she has put her mind to has come to fruition.”

Looking back, Godbout said she is grateful her parents taught her to skate. She said her dad skated with “Disney on Ice” in 2001 and 2002 and still coaches. He also took specialty lessons from Bowman and her late husband. Godbout said her mother skated until 2010.

And Bridget passed on her skating talent by teaching her three-year-old sister Stella how to skate.

Anderson/Richard figure skaters cap big year

DAVE GORGON

Eight members of the combined Southgate Anderson/Gabriel Richard team earned a bronze medal in the Michigan High School Figure Skating state championship competition in the spring at the Suburban Ice Center in East Lansing.

The Level C team placed third out of 14 teams from all over Michigan. Skaters on the team were Adelynn Hales, Brianna Hales, Abbie Juco, Aidan Kennedy, Madelyn Reiss, Rebecca Smith, Lilly Truel and Maizey Urbanek.

The C team placed first, second and first and won the district championship for the 2022-2023 season with a strong lead of four points above the other teams.

In addition, the fivemember Level B team placed third at districts and just missed qualifying for states, which only invited the top two teams. B team members are Brianna Hales, Lena Hales, Bridget Godbout, Natalie Slowik and Rebecca Smith. Bridget Hales and Smith cross skated on both teams.

Along with the team competition, Anderson/ Richard also had several skaters compete individually in the state tournament:

Godbout finished first in the pre-juvenile plus excel

division and earned a trophy. She also placed second in the pre-silver dance event.

Adelynn Hales was third in the initial round of preliminary plus excel and third in the final round.

Brianna Hales was fifth in preliminary plus excel. Lena Hales was seventh in prejuvenile plus excel. Kennedy was seventh in preliminary plus excel.

Reiss was third in the initial round of preliminary pre-juvenile artistic and fourth in the final round. Slowik was fourth in excel juvenile plus and fifth in the juvenile novice artistic showcase. Smith was fifth in the preliminary pre-juvenile artistic showcase.

For the past 16 years, the team has been coached by Jackie White and Julie

Goddard.

“We have taken one of our teams to states each year,” Goddard said. “We had never placed at states until 2022 with our Level B team for second place and this year with our Level C team for third place. It is a huge accomplishment for us to have placed at states this year and last year.”

“We could not be prouder

of how these skaters represent their team and their school,” White said. “These are amazing young adults that are going to do great things in life. We have watched these skaters grow on and off the ice and it’s been a privilege to be part of all of their journeys.

“Congratulations on an amazing season and we can’t wait to see what’s to come in the next few years.”

Pickleball explodes Downriver Popular game is growing across the county, state, area

DAVE GORGON

It’s Monday night and a dozen Downriver residents are taking pickleball lessons on outdoor courts at Trenton’s Arthurs Middle School from Grosse Ile resident Tom Snider, known as the “ambassador of Wayne County pickleball.”

On the far end of the courts, Mike and Kim Pizzo of Woodhaven arrive with four friends to play. They said pickleball is so popular in Woodhaven that they couldn’t find court space, so they traveled the short distance to Trenton to play.

Four minutes away at Affholter Park, four friends are playing the sport

that “anyone can play” on an older, smaller venue.

In Wyandotte, dozens of players are either on the courts or waiting their turn in a pickleball league at the newly renamed Justin N. Lanagan Memorial Pickleball Courts at FOP Park.

Some of those players will compete

in games later in the week at Vreeland Park in Riverview.

Pickleball has exploded in the Downriver area, mirroring a nationwide trend. A report by CNN called pickleball “America’s fastestgrowing sport.” A report by the trade

SEE PICKLEBALL, PAGE 9

PICKLEBALL

Continued from page 8

group Sports & Fitness Industry Association says the number of people playing pickleball around the United States grew by 159 percent over three years to 8.9 million in 2022.

The game is considered easy to play, low impact and appeals to a wide range of people, from children to senior citizens. It’s a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net and can be played outdoors or indoors. A typical game is doubles with two players on each side of the court.

The sport has become so popular that Island Athletics on Grosse Ile has expanded pickleball court time to meet the demands of members. Same with the YMCA in Southgate. And at the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Bank Tower in Southgate, the builder announced that pickleball courts would be part of the apartment’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Many Downriver players can’t get enough pickleball.

Grosse Ile resident Lisa BlanzyGlines, who has been playing for three years, now competes about five times a week: outdoors in Riverview, Wyandotte and Woodhaven, indoors at Island Athletics and sometimes in Ann Arbor for lessons and drills.

Lisa Wayne, CEO of the Downriver Community Conference, plays locally and enters tournaments throughout the region, in Michigan and other states.

“You can go anywhere and play,” the Riverview resident said. “You take your paddle. You dress for it. You can play pickup games with other people. That’s the great thing about it: You meet so many people. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

Jenee Osburne, owner of Daybreak Salon and Spas in Wyandotte, travels with her 13-year-old son Dominic to play in tournaments across the country. Dominic has been sponsored by the Selkirk paddle company since he was 10 years old.

As pickleball ambassador, Snider is charged with promoting the sport in the region – a responsibility he takes very seriously. He works with local parks and recreation officials to help spread the word, hosts clinics and helps organize leagues and tournaments. If you want to play pickleball, he can tell you where the

courts are located.

A certified instructor, Snider has watched pickleball grow in popularity. His popular classes teach everything from the basics to strategy to precision.

“Pickleball is a hybrid sport,” the Grosse Ile resident said. “It’s ping pong on your feet. It uses skills from tennis, badminton, squash and racquetball. Pickleball changes the better you get. It becomes a chess match on your feet.”

Snider said pickleball saved his life. After suffering a heart attack, his doctor told him he would have died if he had not been exercising by playing pickleball.

“People are very passionate about pickleball,” he said. “For lack of a better word, pickleball is almost a cult.”

Stacy Gajewski, a teacher at Forest Elementary School in Riverview, said playing pickleball has helped her recover from hip surgery and overcome breast cancer.

“Pickleball has been huge in my recovery,” the Trenton resident said. “It keeps me busy, keeps me active and being around all of the people keeps me with a positive attitude. I

have a tennis background and I took pickleball lessons a couple years ago. I fell in love with it.”

Indeed, local players enjoy the friendships they make and the camaraderie of playing pickleball.

“The pickleball community Downriver are genuine and truly the nicest people I’ve met,” said BlanzyGlines. “One of my newly widowed friends said that pickleball saved her life.”

Some local officials really understand the popularity of the sport. Sheryl Riley, superintendent of recreation in Wyandotte, said the city has plans for more pickleball courts.

“I think pickleball is a great thing,” said Todd Dickman, recreation director in the City of Riverview and an advanced level player himself. “I play a good amount. I’m 51. It’s a great sport for any age, actually. You can find competition at any level.”

Like Dickman, Trenton recreation coordinator Kenzie Roberts thinks it’s important to offer pickleball classes –by Snider – and quality facilities.

“We get a lot of requests,” Roberts said. “The classes fill up quickly. When we added a second class, we had a waiting list. Tom’s a great

teacher.

“I really like pickleball. Out of all of the racket sports, it’s the easiest one to pick up. It’s really fun.”

Bobbie Parsons of Island Athletics said staff converts tennis courts into pickleball courts because of the demand from members. She said a two-day pickleball tournament in April at her business drew hundreds of players and raised thousands of dollars to support a cure for multiple myeloma.

The Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club has brought back pickleball due to members’ requests. The club has two clay courts and two regular courts.

“I would say it’s been pretty active out there to say the least,” said Claire Walters, director of marketing and membership.

Ambassador Snider said more outdoor and indoor courts are needed in the all-weather state of Michigan.

“It’s getting more and more popular,” he said. “More courts are being built. There are more opportunities to play. When I became ambassador, my goal was to do my best to build up pickleball as much as I can. I’ve done a fairly good job.”

Protecting a city’s ‘golden geese’ is not a game

Every now and then, the topic of food trucks arises in conversations with brickand-mortar restaurants, or with people defending those restaurants.

Not being in the food business, I can’t know what it feels like directly, but here’s my guess: There is absolutely a time and a place for food trucks, and most restaurateurs don’t hate them. What they have a really hard time with is having them show up at events in their city so as to make more money for the thirdparty event producer while siphoning off some of the business they ordinarily get.

Sometimes, events are planned and executed in a downtown for the profit of an event-planning business, without regard or the remotest concern for the wellbeing of the restaurants whose owners have huge investments. They take place with active, paid support of the powers that be of those cities (Mayors and Councils and DDAs and such).

Such events that hurt brick-and-mortar businesses seem to be seen by those decision makers as more important than damages suffered by the businesses that make their cities what they are, yearround, contributing to the tax base and creating a draw to the city.

It is not the food trucks per se that exasperate the restaurants, it is that indifference, that tone-deafness despite repeated voiced concerns and complaints that deflates and rankles.

Deflating and rankling don’t really come close to describing it, though.

You know, it’s one of those “if you

CHEESE!

have to explain it, there’s no point in explaining.” It makes one weary to keep addressing the problem, and yet, there is no other recourse. If it happened to you, you’d understand.

I visited a food truck park in Sisters, Oregon last summer. The entire park was a business, part of which was a (very cool) bar/beverage building that could accommodate the food truck patrons in inclement weather.

They had a playground, fenced in, and controlled, and it featured three food trucks (there was room for more). Lights strung across the yard over picnic tables and smaller tables, a small, covered stage for small musical acts or poetry readings. Otherwise, Spotify or some other music source.

I thought it was awesome.

It was operated by a landowner with a business that he augmented on his property. It was unique and compelling (although we ate at a restaurant). and, a very different environment for evaluating food truck viability.

There are places Downriver that would easily accommodate such an idea, and there are local entrepreneurs that would do well to copy that model. Food trucks are not allowed under normal conditions, and should not be allowed, period, in such environs.

There are circumstances when food trucks are great. For weddings or parties, who the heck would think anyone could judge one way or the other? It’s like criticizing a bride for her dress, fer crying out loud.

Personally, I would prefer it if the owner had a local brick and mortar as well, but at least it can be said that for such occasions, the food trucks are not the invasive species that they are seen as

in cities with restaurants.

I’ve actually seen it happen that food trucks are placed right in front of restaurants during a special event. I’ll tell you this: It would be intolerable to me if it happened in the clothing business, a truck parked in front of my store. They wouldn’t want to stay there, let’s leave it at that.

Here’s a different tangent of the same basic topic: Protecting and nurturing indie businesses.

Last month, I wrote about the crucial element of city leadership being staunch, avid activists for all things local when it comes to businesses in the towns they govern. It means that local businesses are protected and advocated for by those who make the rules. It means that independent businesses that give cities and towns their flavor and charm (and magnetism that draws shoppers and diners) are seriously loved and treasured and advocated for, openly and consistently by the town’s leaders, who are, after all, cheerleaders for the towns they serve.

Well, Plymouth is in the news these days, and not in a way it should be (Hometimelife.com). With no inclusion or warning, their City Commission discussed raising sidewalk café fees by 900 percent, and restaurateurs got wind of it.

Mind you, there are no national chains in downtown Plymouth, so fees like this come right out of the revenue stream of the local and independent restaurants that make Plymouth a cool city to eat and shop in.

In Plymouth, there are also additional flat fees for outdoor cafes. Some of those that would be affected by these changes say that now, after having invested in the

tables and barriers and décor to create their vibe outdoors, they would be better off not being outdoors at all.

Also being discussed there is demanding the shrinkage of space restaurants can use, and again, after the restaurants were permitted and greenlighted earlier. All of this makes clear that this Commission not only doesn’t love their businesses; they couldn’t care less if they are successful or not. Or if they fail or not, leave or not. I was on the Wyandotte DDA board for a few years, and a few years back. One of the board members then wanted to go so far as to compel restaurants to be out on the street – it’s that much of a reason to stop and do business there (and I know that from personal reaction in cities I visit). That didn’t fly (and it shouldn’t), but the point made was strong. How do you get people to stop as they drive through a town? How do you elevate the “cool factor,” and most to the point: How do you help businesses flourish in the town you govern?

The answer is crazy simple, and it applies no matter what city we’re talking about, and yet… it is also crazy elusive.

Local and independent needs a leg up; needs boosting and love, and local and independent do not have stock market pockets.

You have no idea of how much money it takes to operate a restaurant. You have no idea if the restaurant is in business only because the owners are not taking a paycheck, or a reduced amount.

Paving the way for success beats toll booths and obstacles. And being a paver fosters love and support in return, not to mention a greater resolve to knock it out of the park in the city that loves them dearly.

Submitted for your approval:

Mina, a Cavalier

King Charles Spaniel at the Mackinac city dock getting ready to get on the ferry for Mackinac Island.

I’m

I

celebrated my 1st birthday! My crazy parents Angela and David from Wyandotte had a little party for me with presents and cake. I’m a border collie and I love chasing balls and will do it all day long! I like watching TV, too. Especially when there are other dogs on there.

PETER ROSE

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Breeze through beautiful suburbs around Metro Detroit. Depart from Grosse Ile Airport in a state-of-the-art Robinson R-44 helicopter and develop a curated flight path to view areas like Novi, Birmingham, Southfield, and tour the Grosse Pointe mansions.

To The Big House…

Are you a Michigan fan or just love the quaint beauty of Ann Arbor? Take a tour to see the University of Michigan campus with incredible views of The Big House, main street, and Lake Erie. Perfect for U of M fans and alumni!

GET GREAT NEW GLASSES, SAVE SOME MONEY!

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 2,000 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.

Considering a Lease Buyout? Here Are Four Things You Should Know!

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

If you’ve been driving a leased vehicle and you’re nearing the end of your lease, a lease buyout could be a great option! Now you may be asking, “but how do I know if it is a good option for me?” Well, everyone’s situation is different, so here are a few things you should consider before you make that decision:

1. Know your wants and needs

If you love the vehicle you’re driving and can’t see yourself in anything else, there can be significant advantages of retaining the vehicle you’re already familiar with, including first-hand knowledge of your vehicle’s maintenance record and your own comfort level with the various features and amenities. Although, you should be sure to consider any potential life changes on the horizon that could affect your future needs! If you are expecting a new addition to the family, have teenagers who will be driving soon, or will be taking on a new job that would require a longer commute, then you may need to consider turning in your lease and getting a different vehicle!

2. Know the terms of your lease agreement

Does your lease agreement have a disposition fee, and if so, what are the criteria for that fee to be imposed? Are you subject to mileage overage fees if you’ve gone over the allowable number of miles? Does your vehicle have excessive wear fees due to any “unique” driving habits that you may have? Does your lease contract even allow for an endof-lease buyout? Be sure to carefully review your lease agreement for all of these important details, as they are crucial factors when deciding whether or not to buy your vehicle at lease-end.

3. Know what your vehicle is worth

Once you have determined what the lease buyout amount will be—normally established in your lease agreement and is based on the forecasted residual value at the end of your lease—you need to find out your vehicle’s market value. An estimated market value can be found online from sites such as Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) or Edmunds (www.edmunds.com). If the lease buyout amount is lower than or comparable to what you could buy a similar vehicle from the used car market, then a lease buyout could very well be a financially smart decision!

4. Know your budget requirements

Leasing a vehicle has been a popular option because it provided the opportunity to drive the latest models without the long-term commitment of owning a vehicle or the oftentimes higher payment of financing the full purchase of a vehicle. Unfortunately, even though you may be comfortable with your current lease payment, lease terms aren’t as attractive as they once were, so your monthly car payment could be going up regardless of whether you take on a new lease or finance a lease buyout. Reviewing your budget ahead of time is the best way to be prepared for making an informed decision when comparing the various lease and financing options available to you.

Do you still have questions, or are you ready to get started on your lease buyout? Please contact one of Downriver CU’s Member Services Representatives by calling 313-386-2200, Option 4, and they would be happy to discuss your financing options!

SWCRC Taste of Downriver is Aug. 15

The Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber is proud to host this year’s Taste of Downriver presented by PNC Bank in beautiful downtown Allen Park on Tuesday, Aug. 15!

Join us for a great night on the town with wonderful food from some of Downriver’s top eateries.

Participating SWCRC member restaurants this year include A Serendipity Cakery, The Big Salad, Prestige Banquet Hall and The Grecian Center. Downtown Allen Park participants include May’s Bakery, Culver’s, Chicago Pizza, and more.

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available at swcrc.com/taste2023.

Sponsors for this event include Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank; Menu Sponsors Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Public Service Credit Union, and Wayne County Community College District; Eatery Sponsor Downriver Community Federal Credit Union; and Registration Sponsors Downriver For Veterans, Soroptimist International of Trenton and Downriver Area, and Stor-Room.

Anderson’s Swiney signs with U-M Dearborn

Southgate Anderson High School graduate Connor Swiney has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn and play for the college baseball team.

Swiney, 18, played baseball and soccer at Anderson. He played outfield and pitched for the baseball team, where he batted .300 and had a sub-2.00 earned run average on the mound. The Titans lost in the district championship game to Woodhaven, although Swiney made the all-district team.

Swiney had a 3.2 grade point average and was a member of the National Honor Society at Anderson. He plans to major in environmental science at U of M-D en route to becoming a wildlife biologist.

Swiney started playing ball when he was 4 years old in the Southgate Parks and Recreation program. He played both for school teams and travel teams in his journey to college baseball.

~ Dave Gorgon

Riverview Community Schools

One community, every day, charting the course the Pirate way.

23-24 School of Choice

The Riverview Community School District is participating in the State of Michigan’s School of Choice program for the 2023-24 school year and is accepting enrollment applications from students who live in any Wayne County or adjacent county school districts.

Limited Openings in Grades: Young 5s, Kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th 11th Elementary Schools: Forest, Huntington, Memorial Seitz Middle School, Riverview High School

Unlimited Openings: K-12 Riverview Virtual Academy

Dual Enrollment Opportunities

Extra-curricular opportunities at every level – Top tier athletic programs

Online application process must be completed between August 7th and August 21st at 3pm

For more information and the link to apply, please visit our website: www.riverviewschools.com

Riverview Community School District 13425 Colvin, Riverview, MI 48193 (734)285-9660, ext. 9

It is the policy of Riverview Community School District that no discriminatory practices based on gender, sex, race, religion, color, age, national origin, disability, height, weight, or any other status covered by federal, state or local law be allowed in providing instructional opportunities, programs, services, or in policies governing student conduct and attendance.

Charity game nets contribution to Southgate hockey

Organizers of the second annual Southgate Alumni Charity Hockey game were at the Southgate City Council meeting on July 19. They were there to present a check for $613 from donations raised to benefit Southgate Hockey through the Southgate Parks & Rec.

The second Annual Alumni Game was played May 20. The event had three father-and-son combos and two sets of brothers playing.

During the game, we also honored Jerry and Pat Balogh, former Southgate Hockey Association officers/coach. Their son Erik and grandsons, Tyler and Nick, played in the game.

The group also honored John Molnar, a former coach, who at 70+ teaches Tai Chi in Southgate.

Graduates from all four Southgate high schools - Anderson, Aquinas, Schafer and Southgate – participated in the game.

PAT AND JERRY BALOGH

Pat was the treasurer of the

Southgate Hockey Association from the time the association started around 1972, for 10 years. Jerry coached for SHA for those 10 years as well. Their sons Erik and Darrin as well as two of their grandsons Nick and

Tyler all played for the Southgate Hockey Association. All four of their grandsons, Jake, Alec, Nick and Tyler graduated from Southgate Anderson.

Erik has fond memories of hanging out in the balcony, waiting for his

mom and dad to finish a board meeting.

COACH JOHN MOLNAR

John spent many days and nights at Southgate Ice Rink with his kids John, David and Dorothy in the 1970s and 80s. He was a rink guard during open skating and then served as assistant coach with Bob Engerer in Bantam. He then stepped up to coach the Midget Spitfires for four seasons – coaching his son and some other players on the ice tonight. John also played in over 30 and over 50 leagues, retiring from rec hockey in 2000.

He currently teaches Tai Chi in this complex through the Southgate Parks and Rec.

In addition to his three children, Coach has nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is a 1960 graduate of Taylor High School and retired from General Motors in 1993. He played in an over 50 hockey league, before retiring from rec hockey in 2000.

What’s happening Southgate ...

NALOXONE TRAINING

Rotary Club of Southgate is holding Naloxone training classes teaching participants how to give Naloxone at 6 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Downriver YMCA, 15777 Northline, Southgate. The is free and uses Naloxone-Kloxxado, which prevents overdoses. This is hands-on training that lasts about an hour. Registration is required and limited. For more information, call Stephen Ahles 734-658-8991 text or email chiefahles@aol.com.

HURON RIVER FISHING ASSOCIATION

General meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Flat Rock Community Center, 1 McGuire St. in Flat Rock. The general meetings include seminars and speakers related to river fishing, fly fishing, ecological concerns and environmental concerns. A fly tying meeting is held every third Monday of the month where you will learn how to tie a specific fly. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/ycx4tkwf.

FREE POP-UP CLOTHING CLOSET

Sponsored by the Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Aug. 12, at The Salvation Army Downriver Corps Community Center, 1258 Biddle Ave, Wyandotte. For more

information, call 734-282-0930 or email shawn.sutter@ usc.salvationarmy.org

CRAFTERS WELCOME

Crafters meet every Thursday from 10-11:45 a.m. in the social hall of St. Cyprian Catholic Church on Pennsylvania Rd, Riverview. We knit, crochet and sew a variety of items such as hats and scarves for all ages, baby items, lap blankets, quilts, stuffed toys, dishcloths, and adult bibs just to name a few to donate to local groups who support those in need such at our veterans, soup kitchen clients, a local hospice and the homeless. Community Meals at Southpoint Church: Free to go hot meal for those in need Tuesday nights 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Southpoint Church 5699 Fort St., Trenton.

LOVELY LOTUS WALK

At Airport Natural Area, 28820 East River Road,, Grosse Ile from 1-2:30 p.m., on Saturday, Aug. 12. Did you know there is a species of lotus that is native to the U.S. and can be found here on Grosse Ile? Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy invites you to a guided hike with us to the lotus beds in Gibraltar Bay. This time of year they are expected to be at their peak blossom. For more information, email GINLC.education@gmail. com

FOOD PANTRY

Every Thursday DownRiver Church hosts an emergency food pantry for a one-day food supplement for individuals and families living in the DownRiver Communities. The pantry is open every Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. Participants must bring their drivers license or state issued id to participate. DownRiver Church is located at 14400 Beech Daly, Taylor. For information, call the church office at 734-442-6100.

SOUTHGATE DDA PRESENTS: A FAMILYFRIENDLY CONCERT WITH MATTHEW BALL

The Boogie Woogie Kid Piano & Song man. American songbook favorites from New Orleans and The Swing Era bring your lawn chair with songs like:

“In the Mood,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “It Had to be You,” “When The Saints go Marchin In,” “Basin Street Blues,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “Bumble Boogie,” and more. The concert is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Market Centre Park, 13631 Eureka Road Southgate.

Detroit River Hawk Watch entering 41st year

The Detroit River Hawk Watch (DRHW) is excited to announce the upcoming 41st year of monitoring diurnal raptor and turkey vulture migration at the mouth of the Detroit River beginning Sept. 1. This season will be the 26th year of consistent coverage at the Lake Erie Metropark and the seventh season the DRHW is welcoming back professional hawk counter Kevin Georg.

Last season, with the help of dedicated volunteers, Kevin conducted 573 hours of data collection over 87 days and tallied an astounding total 145,577 turkey vultures and raptors across 15 different species. This total was 16% above the Long-Term Average (LTA) of roughly 125,048 raptors counted by the Detroit River Hawk Watch at Lake Erie Metropark between 2013-2022. We compared this season’s totals to the respective LTA for each species since 1998.

In 2022, turkey vulture (26%), broad-winged hawk (13%), American kestrel (10%), merlin (59%), and peregrine falcon (28%) were the only species counted above the LTA. Osprey (-84%), bald eagle (-42%), northern harrier (-12%), sharp-shinned hawk (-2%), Cooper’s hawk (-77%), northern goshawk (-87%), red-shouldered hawk (-24%), Swainson’s hawk (-100%), redtailed hawk (-4%), rough-legged hawk (-88%), and golden eagle (-52%) were lower than their respective LTA. Two northern goshawks and zero Swainson’s hawks were counted this year. There were no “unknown” raptors counted this past season.

Because DRHW is located in a major flyway, our site’s numbers represent only a sample of the overall migration. A lower count at DRHW may mean an elevated count at a neighboring site! Raptor count data are entered into a database managed by the Hawk Migration Association of North America to facilitate collaboration and allow more accurate estimates of raptor population health than assessing one raptor count site alone could offer.

You can visit the Detroit River Hawk Watch daily from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 near the boat launch at Lake Erie Metropark located at 32481 West Jefferson, Brownstown, MI 48173.

The Detroit River Hawk Watch 2022 Season Summary is available for viewing at detroitriverhawkwatch. org/. Results for individual species are presented, as well as non-raptor and monthly highlights and photos and narratives from the Detroit River Hawk Watch Facebook page at facebook.com/ groups/detroitriverhawkwatch.

DRHW is a community science initiative of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. It is a partnership among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Wildlife Refuge Alliance and the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority. More information on DRHW is available online at: detroitriverhawkwatch.org/.

For additional information, contact Wildlife Biologist Jessica Fletcher at (734) 362-3729.

For more information about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, please visit the refuge website: fws.gov/refuge/Detroit_River.

ABOUT FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.

Turkey vulture numbers were up 26 percent in the 2022 count.

Area welcomes new Invasive Species Coordinator

The Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area (DR-WLE CWMA) is excited to welcome Jess Davenport as the new Invasive Species Coordinator.

Davenport graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Master of Science in Conservation Biology in 2021 after which she worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a lead intern and biological consultant. During that time, her team crafted a comprehensive first-step marketing plan for the reintroduction of Red Wolves back into their historic range.

Jess is passionate about conservation biology and her marketing and education experience will be of great benefit to the DR-WLE CWMA.

Established in 2011, the DR-WLE CWMA is dedicated to the collaborative effort for the prevention and spread of invasive species in Wayne and Monroe counties.

The DR-WLE CWMA consists of 21 partners performing invasive species inventory, monitoring, and treatment across southeast Michigan.

Information exchange among partners and educational opportunities for Wayne and Monroe county community members are also a vital function of the DR-WLE CWMA and is

available as a resource for landowners looking to manage invasive species on their own property.

The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is proud to be an active member of the Detroit RiverWestern Lake Erie Cooperative Weed Management Area.

More information about the DRWLE CWMA is available online at: https://www.drwlecwma.org and on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/drwlecwma.

For additional information, contact Wildlife Biologist Jessica Fletcher at 734-362-3729.

For more information about the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, please visit the refuge website: www.fws.gov/refuge/Detroit_River.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit fws.gov.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline A number for help: 988

The phone number 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The 988 brand embodies the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s ideals and goals.

Built on a concept of connecting with those who are experiencing suicidal or mental health crises, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline brand primarily seeks to offer a sense of hope.

We want that hope to encourage people to call, chat or text 988 if they or a loved one are in a suicidal or mental health-related crisis.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

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NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

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to read more news on our digital publications.

Pickleball explodes Downriver

Popular game is growing across the county, state, area

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Totally street legal

Simsonian 5K celebrates its great tradition

... To date, more than $51,000 have been awarded throughout race history. All proceeds from the race go to the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship.

The 21st annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic

...The game is considered easy to play, low impact and appeals to a wide range of people, from children to senior citizens. It’s a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net and can be played outdoors or indoors. A typical game is doubles with two players on each side of the court.

The sport has become so popular that Island Athletics on Grosse Ile has expanded pickleball court time to meet the demands of members. Same with the YMCA in Southgate. And at the ceremonial groundbreaking of The Bank Tower in Southgate, the builder announced that pickleball courts would be part of the apartment’s outdoor recreational facilities.

Many Downriver players can’t get enough pickleball.

Grosse Ile resident Lisa Blanzy-Glines, who has been playing for three years, now competes about five times a week: outdoors in Riverview, Wyandotte and Woodhaven, indoors at Island Athletics and sometimes in Ann Arbor for lessons and drills.

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

AT A GLANCE REGARDING PROPOSAL 1

Voting YES

Means: NO.

It’s up to you... Riverview! A ballot proposal regarding marijuana is on the Aug. 8, 2023, primary ballot.

will again offer both an in-person and virtual race option for all to enjoy.

The Grosse Ile traditional in-person race will be held Saturday August 19, 2023, at Grosse Ile High School 7800 Grays Drive. All participants can register before August 19 on runsignup.com. You can also sign-up on race day at the Grosse Ile High School track.

The One Mile (1) Fun Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. with the 5K race starting at 9 a.m.

The course is a fast, flat course with views of the Detroit River and natural areas, with a finish on the Grosse Ile High School track. Runners receive a coveted T-shirt, DJ’d after race party, refreshments, and great raffle prizes (must be present to win).

For those who cannot join us in-person, the Friends of Sims are offering the wildly popular alternative Virtual Race experience, with the window of competition from Aug. 1 to Aug. 18, 2023. You can use your GPS to map your 5K and run, walk, or crawl your own race, at your own place, at your own pace. If you are not able to participate in the live or virtual events, supporters can donate and help advance this most worthy cause...

On page 7

Lisa Wayne, CEO of the Downriver Community Conference, plays locally and enters tournaments throughout the region, in Michigan and other states.

“You can go anywhere and play,” the Riverview resident said. “You take your paddle. You dress for it. You can play pickup games with other people. That’s the great thing about it: You meet so many people. It’s good exercise and it’s fun.”

On page 31

You DO NOT want pot dispensaries

Voting NO Means: YES. You DO want pot dispensaries

Cut and Save for Reference

The ballot proposal is a petition initiated by citizens seeking to initiate legislation pursuant to Section 6 of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA). The ballot proposal seeks to reinstate the city’s prohibition on marijuana and disallow the sale of marihuana in the city.

On page 1

Gearing up

for some big summertime fun Riverview-style

... We have concerts planned for every Wednesday in July and August. That’s nine awesome weeks of entertainment at Young Patriot’s Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. And leading the way just happens to be my favorite local band, Shakedown. There will be a food truck at each event for those who want a quick bite to eat during the show.

Returning again this year to the Riverview Highlands Golf Practice Facility is our popular “Concert on the Course.” Gates open for this free event at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 16.

There are “no coolers allowed” as there will be

alcohol available for sale. We will have the Poke Ur Way food truck on site to provide an affordable dinner. A Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream treats for dessert will be available for purchase.

This “Pine Knob” style concert will have an opening act by Acoustic Guitar Live, Mr. Steve Washburn. The performers for the main event are “Bonnie and the Working Girls” who specialize in 50’s and 60’s classic rock. This five member band will be providing the concert goers with two great hours of entertainment.

Please bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Later this month we will be hosting our annual fishing derby on the Reflection Pond located at Young Patriot’s Park. This event normally took place during Summerfest, but this year it has become its own event.

We have a very generous sponsor in the Downriver Bass Association. There will be bass boats for the children of all ages to touch and sit in and enjoy. There will be plenty of prizes to be awarded for three different age groups, ranging from seven years to 16.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 29. The fishing completion starts at 9 and runs till 10:30 a.m.

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No cell phone rule has changed culture at AMS

...Reduced distractions: Cell phones can be a major distraction for students. Without cell phones, students are less likely to be tempted to use them for non-educational purposes during class time. This can lead to improved focus and concentration on academic tasks, ultimately enhancing learning outcomes.

Improved classroom engagement: Without the constant presence of cell phones, students may be more engaged in classroom activities, discussions, and interactions with teachers and peers. They are more likely to actively participate in class, ask questions, and contribute to a collaborative learning environment.

Promotes face-to-face communication.

Reduced cyber bullying and social pressures. Reduced academic dishonesty.

In the beginning I had one parent that stated they were not pleased with our new policy until he looked over his son’s phone and was shocked at what he found and surprised that a lot of it was being done during school hours. He then became one of our biggest advocates for this policy...

On page 11

Trenton Summer Fun Continues

We’ve got our free August Concert Series coming up at the Cultural Center, more information opposite page.

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

THS: A pathway for all students

Trenton High School, with its participation in the Career Technical Education Program (CTE), and its Advanced Placement Capstone program,

If you’re looking to book an end of summer pool or rink party, or if you want to see about renting the Cultural Center or Westfield for an event, give us a call at 734-675-7300.

Stay tuned for updates on themed skates, end of summer pop ups and more!

If you aren’t following us on Facebook, we’re always posting and sharing.

You can also head to trentonmi.org/parskandrec to sign up for our newsletter, view the monthly ice schedule and register for fitness classes!

“knew what the flag stood for.” Her late husband, U.S. Rep. John Dingell, served in World War II.

“These names, like the countless others inscribed on this monument, embody the courage, valor and unwavering commitment to freedom that defined an entire generation,” said the VFW’s Martin. “World War II was a time of unprecedented global conflict, a battle fought on every front, a struggle for the very essence of humanity. In the face of unparalleled adversity, these young men and women stood tall, ready to defend the ideals upon which our great nation was founded. They fought not only for their families, their communities or their comrades, but for the future of liberty itself.”

He added: “The 11 names we add today, though late in their arrival, are now forever woven into the fabric of this memorial. They join the ranks of the courageous, the honored and the unforgettable. Their spirits join the chorus of voices urging us to be worth heirs of their sacrifice.”...

On page 4

Happy Birthday, America!

For 86 years the city of Wyandotte has celebrated our nation’s birthday the same way, with an old fashioned Independence Day Parade right down

offers students a wide variety of career pathways. CTC offers courses in graphic design, marketing, woodtech, autotech, digital media, horticulture and criminal justice. Through the Capstone program, THS students can actually earn college credit.

Trenton now offers 18 AP courses...

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On page 22

g

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Wyandotte honors 11 of its fallen in World War II Memorial

...Congresswoman Dingell called World War II veterans “the greatest heroes in the world” who

the middle of Biddle Avenue. Thousands lined the streets as bands, clowns and veterans groups paraded past. The Shriners were there, of course, and there was lots of candy passed out to the grateful children. Wyandotte is proud to recognize and honor our veterans and servicemen and servicewomen and provide a quality family event to Downriver citizens. Since this is the largest Fourth of July Parade in the area, it is viewed by thousands of citizens over Wyandotte’s cable network and along the main street. For nearly one hundred years people have gathered in Wyandotte to celebrate the founding of the United States of America and the tradition is still going strong.

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