Southgate Star, October 12 — November 8, 2023

A new way to read

The newly installed StoryWalk outside the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library appears to be making a difference already.

Described as “an innovative and delightful way for children and adults to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time,” StoryWalk consists of laminated pages from a children’s book covered by a weather-proof material and attached to wooden stakes in a permanent display along an outdoor path.

In Southgate, the path starts at the front of the library and weaves its way around the building two pages at a time, ending on the walkway between the library and City Hall. Besides reading the book, users are given the opportunity to answer related questions and perform fun tasks before

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moving on to the next set of pages. There are 12 signs in all with two pages per sign.

StoryWalk is a partnership between the library, located at 14680 DixToledo Road, the city and members of the Southgate Kiwanis Club who spearheaded the project, raised the money to pay for it and purchased each of the $230 boards. The Southgate Lowe’s store donated the wooden posts that were installed by the Department of Public Services. Library Director Don Priest created the colorful poster boards to the pages.

StoryWalk debuted in late September with a ceremonial ribbon cutting by Mayor Joseph Kuspa in front of patrons, library staff and Kiwanians, including President Mark Piegza.

“It’s a great idea,” Priest said. “StoryWalks have been around for 15 or 16 years. They’re very popular. There are some in every state. It’s definitely something I wanted here, but I didn’t know where the money was going to come from.”

That’s where the Kiwanis Club stepped to the plate. Decade-long Kiwanian Judy Cock said StoryWalk adheres to the Kiwanis motto of “helping our communities one child at a time.”

“We take that very seriously,” said Cock, a retired director of Asher School in Southgate. “There is nothing better than getting a book in a kid’s hands.”

She noted that “parents and

children can read the book together as they walk around the path” all year long, even when the library is closed.

To raise funds, Kiwanians took part in several efforts that added up to a worthwhile total, Cock said. Perhaps most notable, she said, members decorated Hershey candy bars to look like snowmen to sell throughout the Downriver area and held a raffle during Southgate Markets in the Park and Concert Series throughout the summer at Market Center Park in the Southgate Shopping Center.

Like the seasonal fundraisers, the book in StoryWalk will change seasonally. The first book, Amazing Autumn by author Jennifer Marino Walters and illustrator John Nez, tells the story of a young girl enjoying the fall season. Priest said scenes show leaves falling and other visuals associated with autumn. The girl picks out pumpkins, rakes leaves and jumps in a leaf pile, plus gets ready for colder weather.

“That’s why I chose it,” Priest said. “It’s a good book with fun things inside.”

Questions accompanying the words and pictures in the book ask the young reader and his or her family to spot leaves that are changing colors, count leaves that are falling, see if they can blow a leaf out of a tree, count the spots on a dog and other fun tasks.

“Kids really seem to like it,” Priest said. “It’s just kind of fun. It’s designed with activities to do and things to engage kids as they walk around. Families come through and read it together.”

Heather Kopitz, who attends the Creative Montessori Center in Southgate, visited StoryWalk with her

Youth events at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library

A variety of activities and events for youths are scheduled each month at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, 14680 DixToledo Road:

~ Young child programs include Baby Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Mondays, October 16 and 30; Baby and Me Playgroup at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 23; Family Storytime at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, October 10 and 31; and Halloween Storytimes for Babies (October 30) and Families (October 31).

~ School-Age Programs include Lego Night at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, and a Nightmare Before Christmas Party at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 28.

~ Teen Programs (for sixth- to 12th-graders) include DIY Special Effects Makeup at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 21, and a Teen Advisory Board Meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 25.

For more programs and information, follow the library on Facebook and Instagram@southgatelibrary and check out the website southgate.lib.mi.us.

tutor, Brenda Presnell of Southgate. When asked what she thought about the book outside and learning outside, Heather said, “Actually, I like it because in the fresh air you can think better and you can learn about anywhere.”

Presnell said StoryWalk helped her instruct lessons on writing sentences. They were able to observe sounds and connect them to letters.

“I loved seeing it,” she said. “It’s my style of teaching: out of the box. Everyone learns things differently and the more ways we can teach children different learning styles the better –especially with literacy.”

The library will have at least one copy of each featured book, Priest

said. A winter book will replace the autumn book as the season changes.

Priest thanked the Kiwanis Club for bringing the project to the library. Cock called the effort “a great collaboration.” The Kiwanians also donate books to preschools, the media center and parochial schools.

“Don was pumped from the very minute we started,” Cock said. “That’s his field, too: children and education.”

She said the Kiwanis Club meets at 6:10 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the Month at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Trenton Road. The public is invited to visit, join and get involved.

Making a difference

Downriver Foster Closet betters the lives of foster parents and foster children

DAVE GORGON

There’s always something going on at the Downriver Foster Closet.

The nonprofit organization that improves the lives of foster children and foster parents recently relocated to Wyandotte after outgrowing the previous headquarters in Southgate.

Owners Charity Bronson and Kim Allen juggle raising their own children – foster, adopted and natural – while maintaining their packed-out facility, reaching out for volunteers and donations, planning and holding special events throughout the year and taking calls for help during all hours of the day and night. They also maintain a website, Facebook social media page and Downriver Foster Closet newsletter to help spread the word.

And they both have full-time jobs. Allen owns the cleaning company Suds in a Bucket. Bronson is general manager at the Grecian Center.

“We wanted to make a bigger difference, which is why we started the closet,” the women said in a recent newsletter. “We have big dreams on programs we can do that will help in a larger scale for foster kids and foster parents. However, it takes time and money to run a nonprofit. That’s why your support is so important to us…”

Bronson and Allen said they were foster parents who had adopted children in the foster care system when they started communicating on Facebook. They shared their stories, discovered they had much in common, knew the needs of others and started their first Foster Closet in January 2020 to make a difference in the Downriver area and Metro Detroit.

“It started with a Facebook post,” said

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Bronson, a Wyandotte resident who has four adopted children and was caring for three foster kids. “Kim called me in the middle of the night. We always talked about opening up a closet, which is a place where you just give out free clothes. She called me and said, ‘let’s do it.’”

Allen, who lives in Brownstown Township, has fostered 47 children to go with her two biological daughters, a granddaughter and two grandsons. She had adopted two boys and was in the process of adopting three more. She said they talked “every night” about issues facing foster parents and children.

Allen said she loves being a foster parent and providing a home for a child, some of whom have been victims of neglect or find it impossible

to find a permanent home.

“We wanted to help them,” she said. “We were hearing stories and we said we’ve got to do something.”

They began collecting donated items at the Safe Storage on West Road in Trenton while setting a goal to one day get a permanent location in a building. They outgrew the storage facility and moved into an old farmhouse in Southgate while continuing to search for an even larger place, renting three storage pods in the meantime. They now have a permanent location at 1753 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte.

“The location is perfect,” Bronson said. “The layout of the building is great. It’s all on one floor. We thought it was enough space.”

It didn’t take long for the aisles of the new Storage Closet to get filled up. They have lots of shelves and storage bins filled with clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene products and other goods. Carpet was donated to cover

the cement floors.

Their needs vary from time to time. In July, they were looking for duffle bags, diapers, shorts and pants for newborns on up, underwear, sandals and flip flops. Back-to-school basics were hot items in August and September. Each child receives a bicycle and a helmet. Other items range from car seats to baby formula

The duo and their volunteers hold seasonal events. Children are given presents on their birthday. They are invited to carve pumpkins and pick out Halloween costumes in October, pick out a winter coat heading into winter, attend a Christmas party and meet the Easter Bunny in the spring.

The friends and business partners admit they had never run a nonprofit organization and had to figure it out as they went.

“We never expected it to get this big,” Bronson said. “We thought we might get enough to fill a couple of small closets.”

“My dream was a little boutique,” Allen added.

Foster parents and children visit from all over the place.

“The shop for the items they need,” Bronson said. “Everything is totally free for them. And they get to keep it. We request that they not bring it back.” Testimonials have ranged from calling the women “amazing” or “nuts.” Some ask, “how do you do it?”

How can people help?

By making a donation, hosting a fundraising event or volunteering, the women said. Information on how to help is on the website downriverfostercloset.org. Updates can be found on the Downriver Foster Closet Facebook page.

And, of course, consider becoming a foster parent. Bronson and Allen said the need for foster parents is “desperate.” The women will guide you in the right direction.

Photo by Dave Gorgon

DAVE GORGON

Nonprofit organizations have been honored by the Rotary Club of Southgate at the first-ever recognition luncheon.

The 19 groups were singled out for their service to the Downriver area. Rotary President Arthur Williams, Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa, Riverview Mayor Andrew Swift and Brownstown Township Supervisor Edward Smith presented certificates of recognition.

The organizations included Be Well My Friends,

Boy Scout Troop 1795, ChristNet, Downriver Foster Closet, Downriver Toastmasters, Downriver YMCA, Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, The Guidance Center, The Information Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, Mimi’s Mission, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, RAINA (Reaching All In Need of Assistance), Riverview Kiwanis Club, Salvation Army, Soroptimist International, Southgate Kiwanis Club and STEP Thrift Store.

Representatives from each nonprofit were introduced and spoke about their organizations’ mission in the community and how to connect with them.

The Southgate Rotary, in furthering its mission of “Service Above Self,” reached out to the organizations to strengthen ties and develop partnership in service opportunities. Rotary also is a nonprofit organization.

The nonprofits also received a letter of appreciation from the office of State Senator Darren Camilleri.

The event was held at Downriver Community Credit Union.

Come and learn from potter Debbie LaPratt

The Creative Art Society, formally the Downriver Arts and Crafts Guild, will meet Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 pm at the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library in the City of Southgate, 14680 Dix-Toledo Highway.

Creative Art Society meetings are free and open to the public. After a short business meeting, our special guest for the evening will be Debbie LaPratt.

Debbie LaPratt is a potter. She’s been admiringly described as an “architectural expressionist.” When asked what that means, she’s likely to tell customers that she’s inspired by Detroit’s history and the city’s architecture. Pressed for more details, she’ll say she enjoys “recreating Detroit history in her work.”

Come and enjoy an evening of fun and meet new friends. We promote and serve artists of all mediums and we celebrate all arts and all levels of art. In addition, we offer opportuni-

ties to exhibit our work and we have workshops that are low-cost and educational.

For the $30 membership fee, all of the above is included. Where else can you enjoy a social evening of interesting art demonstrations with our local art community?

There is something for everyone with a Creative Art Society membership. If you are a new or experienced artist, news of innovative techniques and all the classes and workshops offered will give your ideas of what you can create next...there is always something new to learn.

Sherry Evans Publisher Will Evans Publisher Hank Minckiewicz Editor-In-Chief Blair Temple Director of Graphics

Dave Gorgon Writer/Photos

Pamela Frucci Writer Jim Jacek Business Delivery Bill Stevenson Writer

Peter Rose Writer Paula Neuman Writer Larry Caruso Writer/Photos

Pat McComb Graphic Designer

Katrina Mason Graphic Designer

Fire ravages senior apartments

The Meadows senior apartment complex suffered extensive damage when a fire broke out at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Oct. 3. The firstarriving Southgate fire units encountered heavy smoke and an active fire. The Southgate Fire Department, with the help of several surrounding fire and police departments, rescued several residents while beginning to fight the fire. There were no fatalities, but six people were transported to area hospitals with injuries.

“This shows the benefit of Mutual Aid,” said Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa. “The swift action of our first responders and those communities that assisted was truly remarkable and, I believe, saved lives.”

Come to an independent store, you’ll like the way it feels

There is no difference whatsoever in the truth of CEO pay and investor benefit in the automotive industry or any industry that is operated from the basis of the stock market or any other device that directs money out of the stores and into the pockets at the top, which is always somewhere else other than the store. Or the factory.

It’s how capitalism got warped and mutated. It’s how the entire American system of finance redirected most of the money away from rank and file and to upper management and shareholders, regardless of the industry.

Of course (he said sarcastically), that’s because we leave it to the market to self-regulate. Ergo, this story I quote above. The market will indeed self regulate…but not until immeasurable damage is done.

The amazing level of service that was once a hallmark of Hudson’s has been replaced by no service at all. And are we better off because we no longer have service at Macy’s?

I used to enjoy shopping at Hudson’s for things apart from apparel. It felt special and the people that worked there were a big part of that. I haven’t given a dime to Macy’s in over a decade now and it becomes a more and more entrenched habit as time goes by.

Meanwhile, their CEO is excessively well compensated because, just as is true in the automotive factories, shareholders appreciate the performance of the stock, which is enhanced by the reduction of expenses of people that make the business successful or not.

In person shopping keeps getting worse

That was the headline in a recent business page editorial. And the writer was able to cite chapter and verse of all-tooprevalent lousy shopping experiences for customers.

“More American stores are doing with fewer employees and many have locked items up to keep them from being pilfered.”

~ “The retail industry slashed head count in 2020 and has never returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels.”

~ Meanwhile, “store employees are spending more time fulfilling online orders, leaving them less time for helping [in-

Money leaves the circulating area of our economy, and gets parked out of circulation at the top. How does this activity contribute positively to our economy?

This is an elementary school “connect the dots” exercise linking all businesses that derive their operating capital from anywhere but their clientele.

Above all, independents like me actually know and like our customers. We appreciate their support, and we do our level-headed best to live up to their trust, with a smile and a lot of satisfaction, pride and enjoyment of helping people get what they want.

We absolutely do not operate that way so as to satisfy “the boss”, unless

store] customers.”

~ Then this warning: “Headcount reductions will become even more tempting in the quarters ahead, as the economy dampens consumers’ appetite for shopping.”

As noted by a Wharton School professor, “retailers frequently reduce headcount because ‘you immediately see the savings in payroll but you don’t necessarily know what damage that does to the top line.’” Of course, the retailers that the professor is referencing are the Big Guys who have to satisfy their investors every quarter.

that person happens to be me, wherein I have done a good job of making myself happy. It feels better to make other people happy, at just about any level, don’t you think?

Service at big box or national chain operations has been dwindling for a long, long time. It’s the area that costs the most for a company, and it’s the area that can be squeezed until dry to satisfy the demands of the market.

It’s gotten so bad that internet shopping sounded better and better. Indeed, one of the key marketing messages anymore is “you don’t have to talk to people” when you do business online. It’s a pathetic attitude, but considering how badly people are

treated (or ignored) at the interface level of the buying process, it’s no surprise at all.

It’s why shopping at Independent and Locally-owned operations is still the answer, though. More and more, we get compliments and shocked surprise from new visitors at what a nice experience it is to shop with us (and remember, I only brag to make the greater point of my businesses simply being typical of the niche).

It is friendly. It is personal and real, with humor and warmth and honest feedback. It is one-on-one service and people love it. People don’t even know how much they need that kind of experience.

We are social creatures. Every single level of the business I am in depends on relationships and trust, and satisfaction of a job well done and well received. Independent feeds the soul. National sucks all the joy out of everything, while providing less.

Giving money to such creepy, worthless money grubbers is anything but satisfying. It leaves us all with a sick feeling, don’t you think? So why spend a cent with the operations run by removed ciphers that don’t care anything about you? Why would you ever do that?

“Market driven” does work at the local level. It works better, frankly. Better, and more directly. More and more of you know this, and behave accordingly.

You guys know who you are;

Thank you, and congratulations: You are making a difference in the world, preventing (or at least slowing down) the descent into sameness and mediocrity.

Titan and Roman 2023 waiting patiently for family photos.

part of my day to come home from work and relax with my babies from my cat Gypsy, to my black and white Chihuahua Pepe, my tan Chihuahua Chico and my blonde Chihuahua Chloe. I love them all so much!

PETER ROSE

Plenty of happy hunters

Annual Waterfowler’s Festival is again a big hit

The 75th annual Waterfowlers Festival and Duck Hunter’s Tournament was hosted by the Pointe Mouillee State Game Area on Sept. 16-17. As usual, the event drew thousands to the site for two days of everything waterfowl related. There were competitions for adults, kids and dogs, there was food and drink and plenty of products and crafts aimed at the outdoorsman or woman. This familyfriendly event has been held every year since 1947 and is one of the oldest events of its kind in Michigan. Pointe Mouillee State Game Area – the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America located in the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge – is the perfect place for the event.

Photos by Emily Caruso

Attendance really, really matters

Did you know that children can suffer academically if they miss 10 percent of the school year?

That’s just 18 days or 2 to 3 days a month. And that can add up before you know it.

U-M Club of Downriver presents dinner and book signing

Mountaintop - The inside story of Michigan’s 1997 national title climb

The University of Michigan Club of Downriver will host a dinner and book signing on Monday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center, 18275 Quarry, Riverview,

The authors of the recent book, “Mountaintop”, will talk about Michigan’s 1997 football team’s unlikely climb to the National Championship under the leadership of the then unlikely head coach, Lloyd Carr.

The book describes how Carr built this team after two four-loss seasons. Not many expected much from this team but only Carr knew what this team was made of and its character and determination.

When he took over the team as interim head coach, the AD told him he would not be considered for the permanent position. Read how Carr overcame the odds and left the AD with no choice but to name him as head coach.

The authors were both involved with sports media at the time.

Mark Snyder was a U of M student who wrote sports columns for the student newspaper, The Michigan Daily. After graduation Snyder worked for 20 years with the Detroit Free Press and Oakland Press primarily focussing on the Wolverines.

After graduating from high school, Nick Baumgardner spent a decade covering the Wolverines as a beat writer and columnist for MLive Me-

dia Group, the Detroit Free Press and The Athletic..

Much of the book is focused on Coach Carr who graduated from Riverview Community High School. He then went on to play quarterback for Missouri and Northern Michigan. At Northern Carr led the football team to an undefeated season.

This event is dedicated to our hometown coach, Lloyd Carr.

The event will be held at Arnaldo’s Banquet Center, 18275 Quarry St, Riverview, next to Carr’s Riverview Community High School. Registration will begin at 6 p.m. with dinner following.

The book will be on sale for $30 credit card, cash or check made out to Mountaintop97 LLC at the signing during the entire event.

To reserve your place please register and pay $25 per person on-line at umalumni.my.site.com or calI the Alumni Association M-F, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at 800-847-4764.

Registration ends Oct. 31. Include names of all the persons in your party.

Space is limited so register soon.

Otherwise send your check ($25) made out to The U of M Club of Downriver to Bill Richardson 14258 Greentrees Dr, Riverview, MI 48193. Include names of persons in your party.

Any questions call or text to Bill at 734-673-4361

That’s as true for kindergartners as it is for 12th graders. It’s as true for excused absences as it is for skipping school.

We know there will be days when your child will miss school, especially when they’re sick. But we know that nationwide, as many as 7.5 million students miss 10 percent of the school year.

That’s 135 million days of missed school – and missed opportunities. And research shows us it also

marks the point when students start to fall behind academically because they have missed too many days.

Let’s work together as a community – school and business leaders, parents, students, teachers, doctors, neighbors – to get all kids to school –on time, every day.

Naloxone Training

Rotary Club of Southgate in Partnership with the City of Riverview & Riverview Police Chief John Allen is providing training on how to administer Naloxone and providing a FREE Life- Saving Dose of Naloxone. The class teaches participants how to give Naloxone and SAVE A LIFE!

Overdose deaths are continuing to rise in our community. This Naloxone Training is provided free using the newest and latest NaloxoneKloxxado, that is more effective and works faster than other products! This is a hands-on Training that lasts about an hour. Participants will learn how to administer nasal Kloxxado and receive a free nasal inhaler. There is no cost to attend this class!

CLASS IS: OCTOBER 24, 2023 6:00 PM @ ACTIVITY ROOM OF RIVERVIEW CIVIC CENTER Location 14100 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, RIVERVIEW

Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

VFW Auxiliary provides a little comfort

Members of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary have collected stuffed animals that were presented to police agencies to distribute to children to give them comfort during times of unusual and stressful situations and to help police bond with children. Standing behind the table are Marianne Hamman (left) of Dearborn Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary (a past state president), Southgate Auxiliary Secretary Beth Lewinski, Junior Vice Virginia Regish and member Peggy Chinavare, Patricia Madaski of Flat Rock, Jan Schaffer of the VFW District 4 Riders, Barb Harness of the Southgate Auxiliary and Southgate VFW Post Commander Bill King. In front of the table are Southgate Auxiliary President Michelle Stafford (left), Treasurer Jennie Prohaska and Senior Vice Sharon Lewinski.

Experience the City at 100 Mph, 1000 Ft In The Air!

Take The Ride of Your Life:

Max Flight offers a variety of tours that show off different parts of the city and range from 10 minutes to over an hour. From downtown Detroit to Grosse Ile, downriver and even to Ann Arbor, there is much to explore! Sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, 365 days a year—Max Flight is ready to take you for a joy ride!

From Downtown…

Soar over the City of Detroit to experience its rich history, beauty, and skyline in a new light. With so much to explore downtown, the only way to see it all is up and away. Our pilots and tour guides will share deep knowledge of iconic buildings and landmarks and take you to see highlights of the city including Ford Field, Comerica Park, Belle Isle, the Renaissance Center, Grand Central Station, the Ambassador Bridge and more!

To The Burbs…

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!

Fundraiser for Fab 4 Rosies to take part in Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Hawaii

DAVE GORGON

The Fab 4 Rosies – a local group of Rosie the Riveters – have been invited to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in December and will hold a “fun-raising” event to support their mission.

The fundraiser is set for 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Park Gardens attached to the Southgate Senior Center at 14600 Reaume Parkway in Southgate. Admission is $25 in advance; $30 at the door; $10 for children 10 and under and free for children 5 and younger.

The party will include Mediterranean food, pizza and desserts, music and dancing, linedancing lessons, a 360-degree photo booth, a silent auction for raffle baskets and a raffle for a wheel barrel of spirits, 50/50 drawings and a cash bar.

A big-screen television will broadcast the University of Michigan vs. Michigan State University football game. “Come tailgate with us” is a tagline being used for the party.

The Fab 4 Rosies pay tribute to the women who worked in Michigan during World War II. They include Southgate resident Brenda Presnell, plus Wendy Albers of Willis, Lenore Bolthouse of Gibraltar and Debra Carver of Farmington Hills.

The four women sing and chant when they march in parades and make special appearances at various locations. They will be among 31 Rosies from Michigan to march in the 80th annual parade on December 7 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which will commemorate the anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. Proceeds from the party will help offset costs associated with the trip.

Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa said he has already purchased his tickets to the party.

“I think it is wonderful to have this local group of ladies be a part of the historic Pearl Harbor parade in Hawaii,” Mayor Kuspa said. “They are great performers and will represent our area in such a positive and patriotic way.”

Resurgent Southgate knocks off Woodhaven

For the past number of seasons Woodhaven has been one of the big shots of the Downriver League when it comes to football.

In fact, Southgate had not beaten the Warriors on the gridiron for nine years. That streak ended on Sept. 29 when Coach Bobby Marten’s Titans marched into Woodhaven and claimed a 44-17 victory.

The victory was Southgate’s fourth of the season and third in league play. Already this year Southgate has knocked off Trenton, Woodhaven and Taylor in league games and Livonia Clarenceville in their non-league tilt.

The Titans, who were 5-5 in Marten’s first season as head coach last year, have not had a winning season since 2014 when they were 5-4. The team is seeking to recapture some of the magic it had in the first decade of the century. Between 2001 and 2011 Anderson had a record of 87-40 and went to the playoffs nine times, reaching the regional championship game in 2008.

Last year built a great foundation as the team beat eventual league champion Carlson on a memorable night in Southgate and this year’s wins over tough Trenton and Woodhaven are just more evidence of the Titans’ march back to the top.

And the toughest portion of the Titans’ schedule is behind them. Their last three teams on their schedule –Lincoln Park, Dearborn Edsel Ford and Wyandotte – are each just 2-4 this

season, and Edsel and Wyandotte, the last two games of the season, are at home.

The Titans got up early against Woodhaven this season and rolled to the victory. It was a typical Southgate game this year as the Titans have won

by scores of 41-14 over Clarenceville and 25-0 over Taylor. Southgate has ended up on the other size of a couple of those scores, too, losing to Allen Park 37-13 and Carlson 43-7.

With two losses already, the league title is likely out of the picture in

2023, but the Titans have a chance to make the playoffs where they’ll have a shot at showing everyone the new direction for the program.

Catch the Titans at home against Lincoln Park on Oct. 13 and against Wyandotte on Oct. 20.

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to read more news on our digital publications.

~ Robotics Equipment Update, Competition Costs, and Evolution Swerve Wheel Systems for elementary and high school teams.

~ BookBreak School Author Series for both elementary schools

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FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Art and roadwork headline Summer accomplishments

... This summer alone we will be resurfacing 10 highly traveled roads...

Already anyone coming to the island will notice a difference in the roads and there is more to come...

[R]esidents and visitors will notice ... our business district on Macomb Street. It is our “Art on the Ile” project.

This is an ongoing project by our Downtown Development Authority to introduce sculptures and murals to the business district.

renovation just two year ago, but more problems have been found. State Rep Jamie Churches (D-Wyandotte) and Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton) where joined at the ceremony by County Commissioner Joe Palamara, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell and a representative from County Executive Warren Evans’ office.

On page 4

Roaring 20s Bootleggers’ Bash Oct. 7

Grosse Ile Education Foundation plans annual fundraising gala

To date we have six buildings with murals of a muscle car to old ships to a map of the Island. My favorite is the first one you see turning onto Macomb Street which is a theme of Grosse Ile with boats, the bridge and the sun.

We also have 13 sculptures along Macomb Street. Some are glass, others are metal, but all are eyecatching.

So please drive the Island and enjoy the sites on Macomb Street and drive around this beautiful island on our new roads...

On page 3

State officials deliver $20 million for bridge refurbish

Grosse Ile Supervisor James Budny (center) accepts a $20 million dollar check to go toward the repair, refurbishing or rebuilding of the Grosse Ile Parkway Bridge. The money is not enough to complete the project, but it is a huge first step. The bridge underwent a long and extensive $9 million

... Since its inception in 1995, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation has donated over $1.7 million dollars in providing educational opportunities to Grosse Ile families. Within the last two years, the Foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to such outstanding programs as:

~ The Grosse Ile Historical Society’s “Reimagined” Historical Museum —“A Small Town with a Big History”

~ The upcoming December 2023 Boar’s Head Festival

~ Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training and Equipment for all Parke Lane and Meridian Elementary Teachers and Administrators

~ Weight Room equipment at GIHS

~ Scholastic Digital and Print subscriptions for elementary students

~ Biography and Historical Book Club books for all 4th graders

~ 5th grade Band instruments

~ Bookworm Vending Machines and books

~ Foreign Language Differentiation magazines for middle schoolers.

~ Supporting Academic Success and Personal Achievement program at GIMS..

On page 7

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

From the Superintendent

Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year Pirate families

... As you have probably heard, the State of Michigan has allocated funds to our schools to provide breakfast and lunch to all our students at no cost to our families.

While this is great news, it is quite an undertaking, therefore a special thank you to our food service

team as they prepare to make this new program a success and benefit to our students.

Finally, much credit is given to all the other groups from administrators, secretaries, teachers, bus drivers, and support staff who have spent the

last several weeks making sure all the logistics of educating nearly 3,000 students are ready to go when the school year officially starts.

One of our biggest points of “Pirate Pride” is our collective responsibility to help all our students achieve and learn at high levels. From all the groups mentioned above, to our deeply talented teaching staff, we know that OUR students are going to get the best educational experience around...

On page 1

What’s happening Riverview ... A Matter of Balance

Sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan. Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sessions

1-8: Sept. 20 to Nov. 15, Westfield Activities Center, 2700 Westfield Rd., Trenton. If you have not exercised in a while, talk to your doctor first about increasing your physical activity. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information on MOB, visit www.nkfm.org/matterofbalance, email mobprogram@nkfm.org, or call 734-675-7300.

Reopening Of Christ The King Donation Station: At 16700 Pennsylvania Road,Southgate. Open on Thursday, Sept. 28, noon to 2 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.

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...

Taylor Garden Club

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Somewhere in Time back after hiatus

The two-year, pandemic-related hiatus is in the rearview mirror and the Somewhere in Time celebration paying tribute to vintage things of the past is back in force. The popular event, sponsored by Wayne County and the Trenton Recreation Department, returned Sept. 18 in Elizabeth Park. Fans of the event come from all over to

Library, Trenton Parks and Recreation, MSU Extension and DTE.

“The weather was perfect this year, and we doubled our attendance. I hope families enjoyed themselves and spread the word about all the wonderful offerings at each booth,” said Wendy Pate, Mayor Pro Tem and Trail Town Chair. “We have a treasure right here in our own backyard for people to get outside and explore. Every exhibitor was all about promoting healthy living through nature.”

Chalk the Walk is an event that showcases the beautiful trail located along the Frank and Poet Drain. Participants gathered at the Kennedy Rec Center where they could explore part of the trail via biking or walking...

On page 20

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

Making a difference

recapture the surroundings dedicated to the early 1900s through a variety of special activities and attractions. At the top of the list for many is the Walk Through Automotive Time Car Show. The event also featured boat rides, a craft show, vintage finds and old-time entertainment. This year marked the 36th year for the event, which also featured a bake sale for some sweet treats, a fun tent for kids and storytelling.

On page 21

Second annual Chalk Walk is a success

The Second annual Chalk the Walk presented by Trenton Trail Town and partnering with The Guidance Center Nurture the Future, SUDDS, Detroit International Wildlife Refuge, Trenton Civic Commission, Trenton Police Department, Trenton

Meets the third Thursday of the month September through June. Meetings are held at Taylor Senior Activity Center. Hospitality at 6 p.m., meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to attend once for free. Membership fee is $15 per year. You do not have to live in Taylor to join the group. For more information, contact Nancy Smith at 734-2876851 or by email at smithnan88@yahoo.com.

On page 27

Downriver Foster

Closet betters the lives of foster parents, children

The nonprofit organization that improves the lives of foster children and foster parents recently relocated to Wyandotte after outgrowing the previous headquarters in Southgate.

Owners Charity Bronson and Kim Allen juggle raising their own children – foster, adopted and natural – while maintaining their packed-out facility, reaching out for volunteers and donations, planning and holding special events throughout the year and taking calls for help during all hours of the day and night.

They also maintain a website, Facebook social media page and Downriver Foster Closet newsletter to help spread the word.

And they both have full-time jobs. Allen owns the cleaning company Suds in a Bucket. Bronson is general manager at the Grecian Center.

“We wanted to make a bigger difference, which is why we started the closet,” the women said in a recent newsletter. “We have big dreams on programs we can do that will help in a larger scale for foster kids and foster parents. However, it takes time and money to run a nonprofit. That’s why your support is so important to us…”

On page 1

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