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or the second straight year, kindergartners in Southgate were stars of a food-themed art show held at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry in Taylor.

Thirty-six pupils painted or colored various food items on paper during art classes at Fordline, Grogan, Shelters and Allen elementary schools. The shapes and colors were transported to the pantry on Northline Road in time for a show on Nov. 8.

The artwork hung on walls of the warehouse portion of the pantry, which provides food to residents of Southgate and other Downriver communities, “ensuring no one goes hungry.”

The children attended the evening art show, pointed out their artwork to family members, posed for photos and enjoyed snacks. Art teacher Greg Luna, who partnered with Fish

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Page 2 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 3

Kindergarten artists Participants in the 2023 Southgate Kindergarten Art Show at the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry: Fordline Elementary Leo Merriman Calvin Holdren Scarlett Burgos Eden Zavala Cossyleon Ethan Alvarez Nova Mante Alise Pierzynowski Elizabeth Wilson Shelters Elementary Abraham Jacobs Aiyana Castillo Evan Canada Charlotte Wolf Jaxson Richards Aubree Daviston Morgan Cook Harper Wise Grogan Elementary Jemma Stoots Ben Nisbett Avery Belman Preston Finney Cali Cruz Scarlett Schefsky Reese Jaime

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Continued from page 1 & Loaves on the show, presented certificates to the young artists.

Luna is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has been with the Southgate Community School District since 1999, teaching all the different age levels over his 25-year career before settling into the elementary level. He currently teaches at Fordline, Grogan and Shelters, seeing 30 different classes each week.

Over the years, he said, Southgate teachers have done a variety of art shows at schools, the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, the Downriver Council for the Arts, Wayne County Community College District and even some local restaurants.

Luna’s connection with Fish & Loaves goes back to 2017, when friend Oswin Tovar of Humana told him the pantry was looking for someone to create a mural about food security and healthy choices. Luna spent about five weeks on the project, working in the evenings and on weekends. The mural, sponsored by Humana, has been on display since.

Two months later, in February 2018, Luna partnered with Fish & Loaves and organized the first kindergarten art show featuring the children’s paintings.

“The parents and students were excited to see their work in a new setting, and to get to enjoy a few snacks,” Luna said.

At the end of that school year, he was transferred to Davison Middle School, but he found himself back in the elementary school setting at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year and he reached out to Fish & Loaves again. Another kindergarten art show took place in February 2022, just as the

pandemic was winding down, and it drew a big crowd.

“It seemed like the crowd there that night had been waiting for an event like this to bring people together,” he said.

This year’s art fair was also a success as many families joined their students for the event. Students of teacher Lyn Bica-Kostus of Allen Elementary also participated.

Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Drutchas, founder and board president at Fish & Loaves, and Executive Director Stephanie McNees – a Southgate resident and Anderson High School graduate – spoke at the event.

“I am grateful that Fish & Loaves provides a place for my students’ work to be displayed, in addition to the indispensable work they do for the community,” Luna said. “I hope they know what a wonderful time they are helping make for these kindergarten artists and how special events like this make children feel.”

McNees said the partnership between the schools and the pantry is wonderful.

“Supporting the community can take many forms and the art show that Mr. Luna hosts each year is a perfect example,” McNees said. “We love hosting the students and their families at Fish & Loaves every year, showcasing their beautiful work and having them learn more about the pantry. It is important to introduce community service at a young aga and Mr. Luna does an amazing job of doing so through art.”

Page 4 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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!

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 5

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Southgate officially becomes a Purple Heart city

By Dave Gorgon

Southgate’s tribute to veterans continued when two new flag poles were erected at the Veterans Memorial, including a banner honoring Purple Heart recipients in the city and throughout the Downriver area.

“The residents of this community will never forget the sacrifices made by those soldiers that died in battle and those heroes that still walk among us,” Mayor Joseph Kuspa said during a November 9 ceremony.

The Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration or service award, is presented to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate sacrifice in combat.

In a November 1 City Council meeting, the Mayor read a proclamation announcing the city’s intentions to remember and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart recipients.

Eight days later, the city unveiled two new flag poles at the memorial outside the Southgate Veterans Memorial Library, one displaying a new Purple Heart banner “honoring combat wounded veterans, the other showing a flag remembering POW-MIAs. Ron Allen, a Marine veteran and Michigan State Department Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, explained the importance of a community fostering an environment of goodwill among combat wounded service members and their families, promoting patriotism, supporting legislative initiatives and to make sure the sacrifices made by brave Americans are remembered.

Allen, who lives in Van Buren Township, was one of five Purple Heart recipients on hand for the flag-raising ceremony.

The others were Frank Puente, a resident of Allen Park and past commander of the Southgate Veterans of Foreign Wars Post; Leonard Milewski and Dave Polczynski of Wyandotte and Ron Conrad of Flat Rock.

Puente, who was wounded twice in the leg and arm while serving in the Army in Vietnam, said a Purple Heart City designation is a proper recognition of a combatwounded veteran.

Not far away from the Veterans Memorial is a new sign in the parking lot designating a parking space reserved for any Purple Heart-honored combat veteran. A similar parking spot is available down Dix-Toledo Road outside the VFW post.

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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area which are 86 plans offered by 12 Medicare organizations. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.

Page 6 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Steps you can take to still reduce your taxes in 2023

BY ROB BOVITZ CPA As the end of the year approaches, now’s a good time to think about steps you can take to reduce your 2023 federal taxes.

Heading into an election year, a lot of Congressional attention is focused on things other than passing new tax legislation. If tax legislation occurs after next year’s November election, any changes will most likely be prospective.

Here are some things to think about doing before the end of 2023.

BUNCHING ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS You can deduct the greater of your itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses, and state and local taxes) or the standard deduction. The 2023 standard deduction is $13,850 for singles and married individuals filing separately (MFS), $27,700 for married couples filing jointly (MFJ), and $20,800 for heads of household (HOH).

If your total itemized deductions for 2023 will be close to the standard deduction, time your itemized deduction items between now and year-end.

“Bunch” your itemized deductions so they exceed your standard deduction every other year.

MANAGE INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES Sometimes, it makes tax sense to sell appreciated securities that have been held for over 12 months.

The federal income tax rate on longterm capital gains recognized in 2023 is only 15 percent for most individuals, but it can reach the maximum 20 percent rate at higher income levels. The 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) can also apply at higher income levels. Even so, the highest tax rate on long-term capital gains (23.8 percent) is still far less than the 37 percent maximum tax rate on ordinary income.

And, to the extent you have capital losses that were recognized earlier this year or capital loss carryovers from earlier years, those losses may absorb any additional tax if you decide to sell stocks at a gain this year.

MAKE YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING PLANS Donate appreciated assets that were held for over a year. If you give such assets to a public charity, you can deduct the full fair market value of the donated asset while avoiding the tax you would have paid had you sold the asset and donated the cash to the charity.

Charitable gifts of appreciated property to a private nonoperating foundation are generally only deductible to the extent of your basis in the asset. There’s an exception for qualified appreciated stock (publicly traded stock), which can qualify for a deduction equal to its fair market value if it’s donated to a private nonoperating foundation.

If you are married, you and your spouse can elect to gift split, so that a gift that either one of you makes is considered to be made one half by each spouse.

CONVERT TRADITIONAL IRAS INTO ROTH ACCOUNTS Converting makes the most sense when you expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket during your retirement years. If that turns out to be true, the current tax hit from a conversion this year could be a relatively small price to pay for completely avoiding potential higher future tax rates on the accounts’ postconversion earnings.

EMPLOYING FAMILY MEMBERS Employing family members can be a useful strategy to reduce overall tax liability. If the family member is a bona fide employee, the taxpayer can deduct the wages and benefits, including medical benefits, paid to the employee on Schedule C or F as a business expense, thus reducing the proprietor’s self-employment tax liability. In addition, wages paid to your child under the age of 18 are not subject to federal employment taxes, will be deductible at your marginal tax rate, are taxable at the child’s marginal tax rate, and can be offset by up to $13,850 (your child’s maximum standard deduction for 2023).

However, your family member must be a bona fide employee, and basic business practices, such as keeping time reports, filing payroll returns, and basing

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GIFT TAX EXCLUSION The annual gift exclusion allows for tax-free gifts that don’t count toward your lifetime gifting exemption.

For 2023, you can make annual exclusion gifts up to $17,000 per done, with no limit on the number of donees.

IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES. Establish a Tax-favored Retirement Plan If your business doesn’t already have a retirement plan, now might be the time to take the plunge. Current retirement plan rules allow for significant deductible contributions. Contact us for more information on small business retirement plan options, and be aware that if your business has employees, you may have to cover them.

pay on the actual work performed, should be followed.

DEPRECIATION For qualifying property placed in service in tax years beginning in 2023, the maximum allowable Section 179 deduction is 1.16 million. Most types of personal property used for business are eligible for Section 179 deductions, and off-the-shelf software costs are eligible too.

Section 179 deductions also can be claimed for qualified expenditures for roofs, HVAC equipment, fire protection and alarm systems, and security systems for nonresidential real property. To qualify, these items must be placed in service after the nonresidential building. has been placed in service.

YEAR-END BONUSES Year-end bonuses can be timed for tax effect. Cash basis taxpayers should pay bonuses before year-end to maximize the deduction available in 2023 if they expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket next year. Cash basis taxpayers that expect to be in a higher tax bracket in 2024, due to revenue increases, should wait to pay year-end bonuses until January.

This letter only covers some of the year-end tax planning moves that could potentially benefit you, your family, and your business. Please contact us if you have questions, want more information, or would like us to help in designing a year-end planning package that delivers the best tax results for your particular circumstances.

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 7

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Page 8 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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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.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 9

Welcome Christmas

Southgate residents did not let a cold drizzle dampen their spirits and Mayor Joseph Kuspa threw the switch and lit the Christmas tree at Kiwanis Train Park on Dec. 1. Kiwanis Train Park is home to The Great Lakes Live Steamers, who had their trains up and running during the weekend to give train rides around the decorated park. Also on hand, of course, was Santa Claus, who set up shop in the park to hear the wishes of the trainriding children.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Page 10 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

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Page 14 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • SOUTHGATE STAR

Downriver Biggby owners join company CEO at chamber luncheon

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Several Downriver Biggby Coffee franchisees were on hand to hear Biggby cofounder and co-CEO Mike McFall, who served as keynote speaker during the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber business forum luncheon on Nov. 20 at Crystal Gardens in Southgate.

McFall (third from left) offered insights and lessons to chamber members and area students looking to become entrepreneurs or grow their business. Showing support were Grosse Ile residents Earl Hovious (left), Diane Parker and Sydney Hovious. Father and daughter Earl and Sydney own the Biggby shops on Dix-Toledo Road in Southgate and on Telegraph Road in Brownstown. Parker’s shop is in Flat Rock.

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SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 15

By Dave Gorgon

War heroes are never too old to be celebrated with a birthday party.

Michael Mitroka, a former Southgate resident, was the guest of honor on November 20 – his 100th birthday – at Hampton Manor in Woodhaven.

The party was organized by family members, staff of the Hampton Manor and Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Downriver for Veterans and others. Mitroka was both surprised and grateful.

Attendees included family and friends, other residents of Hampton House and government officials. He received a proclamation from the office of U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell that was read out loud on the floor of the Congress.

Mitroka was both surprised and grateful, thanking everyone in attendance.

“I’m glad to see you all,” he said. “Thank you all for coming out.”

Born on November 20, 1923, in Dowell, Illinois, Michael was one of eight children of Mike and Julia Mitroka and lived on his family farm for 19 years.

He was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 23, 1943, and served in World War II in New Guinea and Luzon, Philip-

pines. According to family members, during his time in the Philippines, Mitroka rescued five young girls and a woman who were hiding from the fighting. He also was responsible for climbing a hill to hand deliver a letter to the Japanese military saying that the war had ended.

Mitroka was well decorated during his time in the Army. He received the Purple Heart, four Overseas Bars, the Asia-Pacific Ribbon, two Bronze Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, a Good Conduct Medal and the Bronze Arrowhead World War Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 13, 1945. The military honors were on display at the party.

Mitroka married Rosemary (Bukovics) Mitroka on November 23, 1946, and they were together until her death on July 9, 1994.

In 1950, he was hired as a maintenance man and bus driver with the Heintzen School District in Southgate and then Southgate Schools, working his way up to supervisor of maintenance, custodial and transportation services – a career that spanned 35 years.

He eventually moved to Illinois before returning to Michigan and moving into Hampton Manor in 2022.

Mitroka has two sons, Michael (wife Tina)

and Paul; six grandchildren, Jenifer and Dan Lopez, Michelle and Nate Nestor and Kristine and Riley Nestor; and five great grandchildren, Gabriel and Alex Lopez, Macy and Sonya Nestor and Riley Downey.

Mitroka has been a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3956 in Southgate.

Hobbies have included bird hunting, deer hunting, fishing, gardening, painting wooden bird houses and playing bingo.

Janey Hill, activities director at Hampton Manor, said Mitroka is a beloved member of the community who is friendly

to fellow residents.

“He’s a great guy – he’s amazing,” Hill said. “I’m amazed I got to meet someone with so much experience and he lives here with us.”

Ann Rudisill of Downriver for Veterans thanked Mitroka for his military service.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson praised him for his years of service to his country and to his community. Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette also was present at the birthday celebration.

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Success story with local roots

Dingell-led Endangered Species Act turns 50

T

he Endangered Species Act was championed by metropolitan Detroit’s very own Congressman John D. Dingell and Senator Harrison Williams of New Jersey and signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973.

It recognizes that both at-risk species and the ecosystems where they live need protection and that endangered and threatened species need worldwide protection through international treaties and conventions. The Center for Biological Diversity calls it one of the world’s most powerful legal tools for protecting species at risk of extinction.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, which is responsible for endangered species conservation, the act has saved 99 percent of listed species from extinction. It credits this success to the collaborative actions of federal agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, conservation organizations, and private citizens.

On the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, it is good to reflect on some of its successes here in metropolitan Detroit’s backyard.

BALD EAGLE In the early 1900s, bald eagles were evenly distributed throughout Michigan. The population declined through the mid-1900s due to the loss of nesting habitat and human persecution – largely shooting, poisoning, trapping, and electrocution.

During the 1950s, the birds’ decline accelerated and by the 1970s, they were on the brink of extinction. This period of decline was largely due to the increased use of organochlorine compounds such as DDT and PCBs following the Second World War. Birds exposed to these contaminants suffered reproductive failure, sterility, deformities such as crossed bills and eggshell thinning, altered foraging abilities, increased susceptibility to disease through immune system dysfunction, and in cases of acute poisoning, death.

In response to the ensuing public outcry, Michigan became the first state to ban DDT in 1969. It was banned nationally in 1972. In 1976, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the bird as endangered in the lower 48 states.

Nesting pairs have since increased from 417 in 1963 to 71,400 in 2020. But for over 25 years, starting in the

early 1960s, not a single bald eagle reproduced along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie shoreline. By the late 1980s, their reproductive success increased to the point where there were at least 25 active nests in 2012-2015.

In response to the birds’ recovery across the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list in 2007, although it’s still protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The U.S. Department of Interior notes that “the recovery of the bald eagle is a testament to the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act in conserving and recovering imperiled species.”

Today, bald eagles can be spotted in metropolitan Detroit on Belle Isle, Humbug Marsh, off Dingell Park in Ecorse during winter, Lake Erie Metropark, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, and Sterling State Park.

OSPREY Osprey were also heavily impacted by organochlorine compounds following the Second SEE SPECIES, page 17

SPECIES

Continued from page 16 World War. Monitoring in Michigan showed the population declined precipitously during the 1950s through to the 1970s. By 2002, there was only one active nest in the southern part of the state. In response, ospreys were listed as threatened in Michigan.

They were first reintroduced in metropolitan Detroit in the late 1990s.

The population expanded substantially and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ goal of 30 nesting pairs in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula was achieved in 2010.

In response, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources upgraded osprey from threatened to “species of greatest conservation need” in 2009.

Throughout the United States, it is also still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Monitoring by a citizen conservation organization called Michigan Osprey has documented 38, 50, and 52 nesting pairs in metropolitan Detroit in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively.

The Michigan Wildlife Council has noted that “few wildlife restoration programs have been more successful than Michigan’s effort to strengthen the state’s osprey population.”

Today, these birds can be spotted on Belle Isle, at Humbug Marsh and in the wetlands behind Gibraltar’s Carlson High School.

PEREGRINE FALCON Peregrine falcons were similarly decimated by organochlorine compounds during the 1950s. By the 1960s, the birds were experiencing complete reproductive failure in the Detroit River watershed and in the early 1970s, they were listed as endangered.

Peregrine falcons prefer perching and nesting on tall structures such as cliffs, bluffs and skyscrapers where they can scan the horizon for prey.

Following the banning of DDT and

strict limitations on other organochlorine compounds, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources released five young in hacking boxes – wooden boxes designed to simulate nests – in downtown Detroit skyscrapers in 1987.

After a slow start, reproduction picked up and now 30 peregrine young fledge each year throughout metropolitan Detroit.

In 1999, the peregrine falcon soared off the list of federally endangered species.

BirdWatching notes the peregrine falcon’s recovery is one of the

plying the river.

During the mid-1860s their economic value was recognized when their eggs became sought after as caviar and their smoked flesh craved as a delicacy. This led to the development of an important commercial fishery.

During the late 1800s, the waters from Lake Huron to Lake Erie were one of the most productive for lake sturgeon in North America.

Predictably, they experienced a population crash, plummeting to one percent of their former abundance by the middle of the 20th century. The

Endangered Species Act’s most dramatic success stories.

Today, they can be seen at the Fisher Building in Detroit, the Old Main Building at Wayne State University, the Detroit Zoo’s water tower and the Ambassador Bridge to Canada.

cause was overfishing, loss of spawning habitat and water pollution.

From the 1970s to 1999, there were no reports of spawning lake sturgeon in the Detroit River. In response, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources identified it as threatened in the 1990s. Ontario listed it as threatened in the 2000s.

Then in 2001, lake sturgeon spawned on a coal cinder pile near Zug Island in the Detroit River.

Fishery biologists and managers concluded that in the 2000s lake sturgeon reproduction was more limited by habitat than by environmental quality. In response, 10 spawning reefs for lake sturgeon and other rock-loving spawning fishes were constructed in the Detroit River. Today, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fishery biologists

LAKE STURGEON Fishery biologists call lake sturgeon a “living dinosaur” because it thrived when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Before the 1860s, commercial fishermen slaughtered lake sturgeon as a nuisance fish because they became entangled in nets and because they sucked up spawn.

During this era, lake sturgeon were also stacked like firewood and left to dry on the banks of the Detroit River.

The mummified bodies of these oily fish were burned as fuel in steamboats

estimate the river’s sturgeon population at over 4,400.

Lake sturgeon can live more than 100 years and reach a length of seven feet.

They are considered a good indicator of ecosystem health and are culturally significant to First Nations.

Although not out of the woods, the current size of their population is a promising sign.

The species’ recovery in the Detroit River is a result of the combined influence of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and strong linkages and efforts among fishery research scientists, fishery managers, and conservation organizations.

A good place to get up close and personal with a lake sturgeon is at the annual Sturgeon Day at Milliken State Park on the Detroit RiverWalk, sponsored by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

REFLECTIONS ON THIS ANNIVERSARY According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the Endangered Species Act has saved hundreds of species from extinction and continues to protect and preserve some of our most beloved animals and plants.

This act has also helped create a better understanding of how human activities can impact ecosystems of at-risk species. It has gifted us an awareness that what we do to our ecosystems we do to ourselves as well as to other species, and a greater appreciation for the need for all of us to work together to protect our ecosystems as our home.

John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.

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A photograph of Winkleman’s women’s clothing store in Downtown Detroit showed up on Facebook recently. Of course, it ignited a train of thought for me.

Winkleman’s was one of the competitive driving forces of Willow Tree in the 1970s. Along with Gantos, they were watched carefully by PETER my parents as they ROSE grew Willow Tree from a basement segment of Chelsea (in the basement that soon became The Downunder Shop) to a full-fledged operation that they grew to a 16-store chain before market forces contributed heavily to a period of retraction in the 1990s that ultimately brought us back to our single, original store, along with Chelsea (which reached a total of seven stores in Metro Detroit during the same period of time.

Hindsight isn’t exactly 20/20. I guess if one could sit here today and look back, understanding everything that happened that contributed to the sea change in the consumer realm of the United States economy and looking forward to charting a course with one’s past and accurate vision of the future, one might have a chance. I don’t have that capacity, but I can look back and analyze what happened to my company and thousands of others across the nation.

I’ve processed my stream of consciousness with writings for 6 ½ years now. I don’t wallow, but I do hash it over in my head, trying to make sure my take on things is accurate. I don’t

feel sorry for myself, for instance; I feel sorrow about what happened to America over the course of my nearly 52-year career.

I happened to be in the same crosshairs that destroyed over a century of real retail, and I can’t let it go because that experience informs where we go from here.

Not just Chelsea and Willow Tree, but all retail. It’s important to not shy away from how bad things became, not so I can bemoan it, but strategize for the short- and long-term future.

I’ve told you about many experiences of shopping at independent stores, from various towns I visit in my travels for business and pleasure. I’ve shared positive impressions and rushes of discovery that we don’t get when we shop at national options. I’ve talked with a lot of store owners, seeking perspectives that may differ from mine, but that can help me understand more, and therefore be able to explain more to you and others I encounter.

Mind you, the vast majority of people that are in my stores are just that: In my stores, shopping locally.

For these good folks, my mission is not to cajole them to “shop local”. What I want them to hear is the tangential aspects that they may not focus on.

The ripple effect, the echo shopping that happens with the same dollars they spend at one locally owned store. It’s no joke, it’s no small thing.

Independent business owners are generally on the same page as I am, expressing the sentiment that they just don’t spend money and national chains or online. That means that for each one that feels that way, very little money

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leaves the state as cash taken in and profitability are sent to the headquarters elsewhere.

My wife Janelle and I took a circuitous route on a return trip from Lansing for the showing of one of our brands for (ack) Fall, 2024. It was too late to go back to Willow Tree and Chelsea, so we took our time, driving smaller roads through many small towns. The last one we stopped at was Milan.

Now, Milan has a much smaller downtown than Wyandotte or even Trenton’s original area on Jefferson.

But they’ve done a very good job of banding together to create a quaint twoblock area where there are no lighted store signs, just “old-town” stick out signs, all the same general theme with personal variances. We stopped in to one, nosed around and bought some Christmas decorations that we had wanted to find but hadn’t thought of Milan for getting them.

As we were leaving, we told the owner that we’re retailers that seek out indie shopping areas and shops in particular. With fondness, she made sure we knew to check out a few specific shops before we left town, shops that were unique and interesting and special.

What is that worth? We did do that, and we did spend more money in Milan as a result.

That happens here as well. It’s what we do all the time, and it’s what our neighboring businesses do as well.

Each one of us is a “brand” ambassador for the Wyandotte brand, and for other indie shops and restaurants in our entire Downriver area.

Do you think anyone at national chains does that?

We don’t expect pats on the back, that misses the point altogether. It makes us happy to say nice things about other independent businesses. Not just me and Janelle, but most of our fellow business owners, everywhere we go.

Spending money with any of us often results in the spending of more money at other local businesses.

Christmas time in particular is a time for spreading cheer. Indies love our businesses and love talking to people, love sharing, love taking advice and giving advice for where to go next. All of us believe in the power of personal touch, and shared experiences.

Shopping for Christmas gifts is supposed to feel warm and joyful, and independent stores make sure our visitors feel that way about their trip to our own quirky stores and the fact that they got nice, neighborly treatment and advice while they were with us.

After 52 years of plying this trade, I still get a lot of satisfaction from doing what I do as well as I can. Of always trying to find the weak links in my shops; Of laughing with people, letting them take a moment to truly enjoy their shopping time with a store owner that says Thank You and means it.

I’m not unique among indie operators, you all know that. But I like being among that good company. We all share the cheer; it’s what we do.

Thank you to those that know why I’m thanking them. To all of the rest of you (there must be several dozen out there), I invite you to come visit and find out why your neighbors do.

Merry Christmas, friends.

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

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand ‘Addie’s Trail’ is dedicated to joyful spirit A respectful and somber crowd of about fifty gathered at the corner of East River and Groh Roads on Saturday, Oct. 21 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of Grosse Ile’s newest bike path trail.

While many there were avid cyclists or outdoor lovers, the majority of the crowd were there to honor the memory of Adrienne “Addie” Byars, a seventh grade Grosse Ile Middle School student, who died unexpectedly of a rare but natural cause in 2021.

Addie’s parents, Dr. Helen Mabry and Andrew Byars, choked back tears as they remembered their loving daughter and thanked everyone involved in the extensive process to complete the connecting trail from the Groh Road bike path to the Gibraltar Bay Nature Area.

Dr. Mabry said, “This path isn’t just a trail – it’s a testament to Adrienne’s spirit and the unwavering love our community has shown in her memory.

When we first came to Grosse Ile, we rented a condo nearby and Addie loved riding her bikes on the bike paths or rollerblading.

She loved it so much. She had a unique sense of reverence for the world around her, finding joy in experiencing and respecting what life had to offer.”...

On page 1 Grosse Ile to update Master Plan ...Why is the Township updating the master plan?

A lot has changed in the Township since 2002. Most importantly, the median age of our community in 2002 was 43 years, wherein 2023 the average age is 52 years.

As the Township continues to grow in age, we want to ensure that we address the needs of our community. Furthermore, Island has seen a steady decrease in population of children aged 5 to 17, which indicates that the Township should find more creative ways to attract young families. The update will focus on similar data trends and create strategies from the input of the community to address current and future issues...

On page 3 20’s Gala One for the ages Bootleggers’ Bash is a “Roaring” success

Glitz, glamor, Grosse Ile glitterati, moonlight and magic—all the trappings of a riotous era gone by.

Partygoers are still talking about it, reliving both the moment then and the times past.

Fittingly, the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation met its goals—partnering with the Grosse Ile Historical Society in its annual fundraising event, held Oct. 7 at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and throwing a party that Jay Gatsby would be proud of.

It became apparent early on. Grosse Ile likes to dress for a party. Nineteen-twenties-style Flappers arrived with diamonds and pearls or elegant vintage evening gowns. Handsome escorts donned fedoras and tuxedos or newsboy caps and knickers. There was even a hard luck partier dressed in suspenders and an empty bourbon barrel.

On page 9

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register Mayor Swift wins re-election Webb, O’Neil and Pray win spots on City Council ... Swift, a former Riverview Community School District school board member and a former city councilman, was elected to a third term as mayor by defeating Councilman Chuck Norton by a little over 150 votes.

Swift topped Norton 1,614 votes to 1,459.

“I am honored and humbled by all the support I’ve received during this election. I look forward to working with the new council members and moving our beloved Riverview forward through the challenging times ahead,” said the newly re-elected Mayor. ...The voters also elected three council members – Brian Webb, Suzzanne O’Neil and David Pray.

Webb led all council vote-getters with 1,785 votes, O’Neil had 1,575 and Pray had 1,280. Former longtime councilman Elmer Trombley (1,031 votes), Nicole Clark (1,028) and Heather Smiley (980) failed to win election.

The general election drew just 36.6 percent of Riverview’s registered voters to the polls. The city has 8,546 registered voters and 3,125 of them voted in the election.

Another question on the Nov. 7 ballot was a proposal to extend the Sinking Fund for the school district. That fund, which helps pay for things like new HVAC systems, enjoyed overwhelming support

SOUTHGATE STAR • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 21

WEB welcomes sixth-graders to Seitz Seitz Middle School welcomed its incoming sixth-grade class with a group of students called WEB Leaders. WEB stands for Where Everybody Belongs.

The core belief of WEB is that the actions of few can positively alter the outcomes of many.

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be stressful for some. To help start their journey here at Seitz on a positive note, every sixth-grade student is paired with two eighth-grade mentors. The mentors will be trained in several topics, such as stress management, managing peer relationships and academic goal setting.

We believe that positive relationships define the culture of a school. WEB reinforces the vision of Riverview Community Schools – “One community, every day, charting their course the Pirate way.”...

On page 5 Riverview is Spook-tacular!

On pages 18-19

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times Trenton Goodfellows Charitable children’s organization seeks community help ...On behalf of the Trenton Goodfellows, I wish you a Merry Christmas and ask for your continued

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior

support of our mission to ensure that no child in the City of Trenton goes without a Christmas.

We have all been through some very challenging and difficult times as of late, but we have successfully helped many families with children over the last 90-plus years. We could not have accomplished our mission without the very generous help of our community.

Please find it in your heart to help us deliver a Merry Christmas again this year to those children who could use some extra joy this season.

There is an envelope inserted into this edition of our annual paper, and in addition, to make sure we cover the city, students from Trenton Public Schools are distributing our envelope door-to-door on Saturday, Nov. 18.

There is no donation too big or too small; every little bit truly helps...

On page 3 ‘No child without a Christmas’ Stories highlight the history of one of the community’s oldest service groups, which dates back to the mid-1920s. Joining men in communities across the country, local city and business leaders, many of whom had paper routes in their youth, ‘sold’ a newspaper on street corners in exchange for donations.

Looking back at the group’s nine decades of service, Goodfellows president, Trish Gearhart, is proud of the fact that organizers have evolved with the times to keep the tradition alive.

As the years went by, residents of all ages got involved in many aspects of the holiday mission.

Local students delivered the papers door-to-door, women took an active role in the process, businesses welcomed Goodfellows to sell the paper at their entrances, preschools collected coins to provide turkeys, there were marathon shopping days for toys, and crafty residents created special gifts to tuck in the baskets, which were packed by Scouts and senior groups...

On page 7

Honored to serve Wyandotte Veterans Honor Guard at Veterans Day ceremony ... The cemetery is considered a national shrine that is the final resting place for more than 61,000 veterans and their dependents. Opened on October 17, 2005, Great Lakes is scheduled for further expansion, officials announced during the ceremony.

Wyandotte resident Tom Rushman, who served as coordinator of the month for the honor guard, said members of the group are also part of several veterans organizations, such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League. The men and women travel from throughout the region to their assigned funeral home or cemetery.

Their main role is to provide military honors at veterans’ funerals – as many as 150 to 200 a year and often several a day, Rushman said. Arrangements usually are made for honorably discharged servicemen and servicewomen surviving family members through funeral homes. All honor guard members are volunteers. Each service lasts about 15 minutes, he said...

On page 1 Washington fourth-grader wins Wyandotte Public Power coloring contest ...Evie Dmitruchina was presented with the award at a Wyandotte City Council meeting in October.

Andrea Haggerty, assistant to the general manager for municipal services, said the contest was held during the first week of October, which is “Public Power Week.”

Haggerty distributed 1,200 coloring sheets to Wyandotte students in first through fourth grades.

Evie’s winning entry was on display on the first floor of City Hall and was on the cable television screen during the council meeting.

As the winner, Evie received a congratulatory certificate, a $50 Amazon gift card provided by the MMEA and a basket of art supplies.

Her fourth-grade class, taught by Stacey Kupser, will receive a tour of the power plant in December when students will receive an “arcs and sparks demonstration,” get a close look at the fleet of vehicles “touch a truck” style and enjoy lunch during the class visit....

On page 3

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from the community as the measure passed by far better than 2-to-1 margin, as 2,121 voted to pass the measure and 826 voted against.!

On page 1

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