TRENTON MARCH ISSUE

The Trenton Downtown Development Authority Board has been taking action to formulate its strategic plan resulting in many new projects taking place in Trenton.

As of last year, additional funding has been freed up from payments to a twenty plus year sewer bond. The DDA can access funding again that is meant to promote and encourage business in the Trenton Downtown DDA District. This has included various sponsorships of new events in the District, funding for banners and signage, funding for façade grants, funding for flowers, and a means to maintain those flowers with an ATV Gator for City use.

This year, the projects are more extensive, including a fresh, re-branding for the City and all departments. The final approval on the graphics is set for the end of the month with the City Council and DDA Board.

The City’s municipal parking lot, used for the Farmers Market held Thursdays 2pm-7pm from May-September, will be given a

facelift including new surfacing, landscaping and parking improvements. Simultaneously, work will begin at Rotary Park on Riverside Drive. Along with funding from a local family, the park will receive extensive redesigning including docks, walkways, riverfront shoreline protection, activities area and the public restroom.

Mark Angelotti, DDA Chair said, “The group is also exploring the next steps for bringing a National Register nomination to Trenton.” A National Register nomination would make funds available to business owners who would like to register their buildings.

A mural festival is planned for this September and plans are underway to coordinate efforts between building owners and artists to bring an unique

and colorful experience to town this fall. With all these initiatives, and plans for continued growth, the DDA along with the City economic development plans have created a need for a new full time DDA Executive Director position and are currently in the process of interviewing candidates.

FROM THE MAYOR

Trenton’s own version of spring cleaning

When many people around Trenton think of “Spring Cleaning,” they think about the Citywide Garage Sale (which will be held the weekend of May 18-19, by the way). But this year, our spring cleaning around town involves a much bigger lift than finally getting those shelves in the garage cleaned off or some old furniture from the basement brought to the curb. For us, we are laser focused on getting the demolition and cleanup work done at both the former Riverside Hospital site and former DTE Trenton Channel power plant.

STEVEN RZEPPA

By the time that this article goes to print, my hope is that the last of the buildings will be down at the Riverside hospital site and, while demolition and cleanup will continue well through spring and summer at the DTE site, the “stacks” will be down, and major structures imploded.

While people from across the region might somewhat miss seeing the iconic stacks along the riverfront or even from a window seat while flying into Metro Airport, it provides for interesting symbolism as we move away from the industry of a seemingly bygone era and technology and towards newer, cleaner energy technology while making sure we have a tax base to support the high levels of service our residents deserve and uphold the high quality of life we hope to see in Trenton for generations.

We have been working closely with DTE for literally years in anticipation of this day, and once we get through some of the site demolition, we will have an exciting joint announcement between DTE and the City of Trenton about development of roughly onethird of the current site. In addition to the opportunities we will still have to redevelop the remaining twothirds of the site, barring any sort of hindrance to development, we were able to negotiate with DTE and secure some sort of public access point to the riverfront (such as a boardwalk or path) to make the site even more attractive and enhance quality of life for those who wish to utilize it.

While less is presently known about development of the Riverside Hospital site, we should all have equal reason for optimism that we can help attract something really beneficial to Trenton and the whole Downriver community. The site is still privately owned as it always has been, so development is not something the city has full control over outside of zoning, but our expectation is that the final cleanup of the property should be nowhere near as treacherous as the DTE site or the McLouth site and, broader economic factors permitting, should be rife with development opportunity on both the street frontage along Jefferson and along the waterfront. The owners have not submitted any plans to develop any portion of the site at this point, but we are excited to see what the future holds with one less eyesore for the community to have to look at!

Taste of Downriver returning to downtown Wyandotte

Ron Hinrichs, CEO/President SWCRC

Join us for Downriver’s premier tasting event, the Taste of Downriver presented by Public Service Credit Union! Sample great food from eateries in downtown Wyandotte and throughout Downriver on Tuesday, August 13 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Current participating eateries include The Vault on First, Prestige Banquet Hall, Kudos Taproom and Fieldhouse, Smoothie King in Flat Rock, A Serendipity Cakery, Joe’s Hamburgers, H2O Seafood, Grand Dad’s Side Bar, Sports Bar and Grill, the Grecian Center, and more to be announced!

Tickets are $25 and available at swcrc.com/taste2024. Join us for this exciting event and discover your new favorite restaurant. Thank you to our amazing sponsors including Public Service Credit Union, Kudos Taproom and Fieldhouse, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Community Focus Federal Credit Union, Wayne County Community College District, and Michigan Legacy Credit Union.

Continuing the journey through your fire department

Previously, we discussed the firefighting advancements and changes within the Trenton Fire Department spanning 97 years. But how much do you know about the EMS, or emergency medical service, side of our profession? If you have ever taken note of how often you see our ambulances driving around town, you can probably guess that EMS cases produce the bulk of our workload. In fact, EMS related calls account for over 80% of what we do annually.

Trenton Fire Department is an advanced life support service, or ALS department. The State of Michigan recognizes two main licensure levels of service, ALS and BLS, or basic life support. Trenton was a BLS service prior to 1995, when the City Council agreed to invest and train the firefighters to become paramedics and run ALS ambulance service. We were the first Downriver to do so, and it is a great point of pride for our community. The paramedic scope of practice far exceeds that of a basic EMT level that is used in a BLS service. The ability to

perform life-saving measures through the use of our knowledge on things like IVs, cardiac monitoring, medication administration and management, and advanced airway placement are all above and beyond the basic EMT skill set. Some of the most critical skills that paramedics conduct include the ability to perform 12-lead EKGs, interpret them, and treat any life-threatening heart rhythms if found. These EKGs can also be transmitted immediately to the hospital. The ability to properly diagnose and treat someone having an active heart attack all within their home is truly lifesaving. In the event of cardiac arrest, the Trenton firefighters come to the scene with the knowledge, skill, and advanced tools necessary to perform all of the same functions that would take place in the emergency room; we just do it sooner. Once we have that patient stabilized, we can then turn our attention to safely transporting them to the closest appropriate hospital.

To best serve our residents, we also make it a priority to invest in the latest technology. Some of these

improvements include the LUCAS CPR device that performs uninterrupted high quality chest compressions during CPR and the power lift and load stretchers that mount in the ambulance to make the loading process quicker and safer for our patient and firefighters.

One of the questions I get asked quite frequently is why a fire engine is following or accompanying the ambulance to medical calls. The answer is simply that the two firefighters responding by ambulance may need further assistance. When the information dispatched to the responders indicate a high acuity of a medical situation, more trained professionals are needed, much like you would see in an emergency room. When a patient is in serious distress, emergency rooms use an entire team of nurses, doctors, and technicians that work together to best stabilize the patient as quickly as possible, and we do as well. Our goal is to provide the highest level of professional care to each and every patient we encounter, and sometimes, that means that the

fire engine will be assisting on the call, too. Not all calls are life or death emergencies, but to the person calling for help, it’s urgent, so it’s important we treat each situation seriously. Sometimes, it is just as simple as assisting someone to their feet after a fall where they can’t get up. Other times, individuals experiencing persistent medical symptoms finally decide to seek help, only to discover during our evaluation that the situation is more serious than they initially believed. We are here to help. It is important to seek assistance as soon as possible by calling your doctor, or if needed, 911.

~ Fire Chief Keith Anderson

Trenton Fire Department offers installation of smoke detectors and CO alarms for single family residences in Trenton. If you would like to have detectors installed, contact us at 734676-1314 Monday-Friday from 9AM3PM to schedule an appointment.

Fridays

CARRY-OUT

A skyline without the stripes

By WENDY PATE

The Candy Canes, Peppermint Sticks, and Dr. Suess are some of the nostalgic names given DTE’s Trenton smokestacks are now sentiments of our past. You may have needed them to guide your boat home from Lake Erie, caught your largest walleye in their warm waters, or used them as a backdrop for photos, but in the end, the stacks and powerhouse that have lined the shore of the Detroit River since 1924 fell by explosion on March 15th.

Barbara Rykwalder, DTE Manager

of Corporate and Government Affairs, moderated a town hall February 22nd to inform the public of the demolition project and take questions from the community. Nick, DTE Manager of Capital Projects, Anthony, DTE Project Manager, and Leo, Senior Project Manager with Independence Excavating, outlined what to expect, how to prepare, and milestones for the decommissioning process.

Many questions revolved around the safety of the demolition. In advance, DTE removed all hazardous materials, verified by third party state inspectors. Air monitoring took place, and while

shifts in winds aren’t much of a factor, severe weather can be, which was monitored on the day of demolition. High power misting machines were used to mitigate dust from leaving the site and clouds dissipated quickly.

“We’ve worked with Dykon Explosive Demolition on the Conners Creek demo, this is what they do and are the best,” assures Leo from Independence Excavating. “This procedure is the safest way to do it, it’s controlled and lessens the impact on the community.”

The Trenton community has been vocal about how to best serve the

community, and the City Council has been listening. In December of 2020, Council approved the “Waterfront Revitalization” zoning code for former industrial waterfront areas, including DTE’s. Since then, various studies by MSU and U of M graduate students offered renditions of how to repurpose the land which inspired discussions with DTE.

On December 4th, 2023, Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of DTE’s Battery Energy Support System (BESS) Project for the

Photos by Dave Chapman

STRIPES

Continued from page 12

site, a step toward achieving DTE’s net zero carbon emissions plan by 2050. According to Daniel Chang, DTE BESS manager, “Batteries are charged by renewables, such as wind and solar, when abundant and store the energy for usage when they are not, thus stabilizing the grid. Battery infrastructure can be constructed quickly and have low operating and maintenance costs. Advancements in design, manufacturing, and recycling are tempering safety and

environmental challenges.” Studies show closing coalfired plants is associated with significant decreases in asthma related hospitalizations and rescue inhaler use. The project was submitted late December 2023 to the Michigan Public Service Commission, who approved the project on March 15th.

Mayor Rzeppa stated, “DTE’s projected numbers will triple the tax revenue from $1.2 million to $3.5 - $4 million, with some expected depreciation over time on just the 40-50 acres proposed, while remaining discussions on what the other 80+ acres can become.” DTE agreed to “provide an area of use for the city’s use of a Greenway Pathway with construction to

begin within 30 months, with funds for maintenance and landscaping, and safety.” DTE will collaborate with the U of M’s SEAS Program to design and construct the pathway and safe intersection crossing at GI Parkway to support the region’s commitment to outdoor recreation, long term economic development, and improving overall quality of life and healthier lifestyles. The DTE property is located on the Iron Belle Trail and Trenton was designated a Pure Michigan Trail Town in 2021.

For further updates, visit empoweringmichigan.com/ trenton.

We never know, do we?

PETER ROSE

These columns I write have been a way for me to channel angst, anger, stress, frustration, contempt, and anxiety over my sliver of reality in the world of retail. I have done this for eighty-one consecutive editions of the Go Big publications, and I believe that I have done a credible job of expressing all of these things through words that have also been all about optimism, encouragement, and determination to prevail against absurdly outsized odds.

All of these niche specific thoughts are how I have experienced and how I assess the state of the nation. If I weren’t essentially optimistic, I wouldn’t even have the gumption to write.

Optimism comes from lots of directions. By the time these words are read, Janelle and I will have spent time in Las Vegas and Chicago, trying to read the tea leaves, so to speak. Every season, in just a few days, a significant chunk of the vendor pool in the women’s apparel business gather together at multiple venues to offer up each of their contributions to the fashion world for upcoming seasons. This part of the job I have done for fifty plus years is still fascinating to me. From these shows springs hope and ambition for the near future, and interestingly, has the effect of making me look forward with great anticipation, eager for the passing

All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our near-term fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

of time, even as I near the 70-year marker. Imagine that, avidly eager for time to pass, being impatient for the next season. That’s the truth. I return from each trip with new “fuel” with which to fire the engines of our little micro-economy(!) It’s true for both the men’s and women’s business. Evan and I were in Chicago a bit earlier, and returned with similar (yet radically different) inspirations.

It isn’t just the merchandise presentations we sit through and sift through. Although making our selections is ultimately the sole reason for these trips, we feed off the passion for the industry that each vendor shares with us through their latest offerings. That is: their most current visions of what they perceive to be saleable for US if we choose to do business with THEM. But in so doing, we see countless ways of dramatizing said offerings. Endless and highly varied creativity that makes booth spaces look fantastic, and that telegraphs each vendor’s take on the drama of retail. It is dramatic, it is impressive, it is fun to see and think about, and it adds to the fire.

Big, corporate entities no longer attend these shows. They haven’t in a long time. They make their plans far earlier than the indie segment of the industry, with just a few exceptions.

Many stores are completely vertical, meaning that the only brands you see in their stores are their own labels. Others use a mix, but with so many stores, they work earlier.

THAT means that all of these trade shows are for ME. Well, OK, not JUST for me, but for the likes of me in apparel stores of all sizes and shapes across the nation. All of us coming together to put our varying levels of endorsement on a wild diversity of brands and their collections. All of us Independent, and local to the communities in which we do our thing. For richer, for poorer, our nearterm fates are in large part the results of these trade show efforts. What a wild thing to consider.

As you know well by this time, I have mall retail in my experience. I compared our stores to bigger players, not just other small businesses like ours. I was inspired by good ideas, even if I couldn’t execute them. As negative as my regard is for those invaders, I do have to admit that they instilled an obsession for creative excellence.

We come back from shows, then, with heads full of ideas, from new brands to fresh offerings from existing brands. From cool lighting ideas to efficient display equipment, all things we can emulate. The energy is electric

and addictive. After attending SO many shows over the course of my career, I still find it all exhilarating. We can’t possibly share everything we bring home with us. But visitors to Wyandotte and to our stores will see newness as a result of those trips.

When I visit stores that obviously find their own version of creative optimism from wherever they get it, I recognize it. It may be that simple. I recognize the sparks. Some of the stores just stun me; I don’t want to leave. Most are not that dramatic, but man, when I find places like that, the memories of that find don’t fade. I actually think that all of that, all of what I just wrote ... could have been written about trips I have taken, or people I have met. Inspiration and optimism come from places we can’t foretell. We just can’t know, right? It’s scary for me to contemplate losing that source of inspiration.

People are beginning to ask me more about retiring, as they inform me that THEY are retiring or that it’s coming or it came. I am resolute in my responses. I haven’t gotten it right, yet. I have work to do, I’m not satisfied, what would I do ... but the main thing is the idea of losing that source of energy and replenishment. It’s just not going to happen, and I’m grateful for it.

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

As spring approaches there are many ways to get involved with the Trenton Parks and Recreation department! Be on the lookout for several program registrations opening including SNAP!

We are always looking for motivated individuals to join our team. The open positions include the following:

• Marina Supervisor

• Marina Attendants

• SNAP Director

• SNAP Counselors

• Nurse for the SNAP Camp

• Aquatic Supervisor

• Kennedy Aquatic Center Lifeguard Supervisor

• Kennedy Aquatic Center Lifeguards

• Westfield Attendants

• Part Time Office Staff Member

If any of these sound like the job for you, please give us a call at (734) 675-7300 or stop by the Trenton Parks & Recreation office to pick up an application!

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Trojans fall one game short in championship bid

BY HANK MINCKIEWICZ

On the anniversary of their 14th and most recent high school hockey state championship, the Trenton Trojans rolled into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship game at Plymouth’s USA Arena looking for title No. 15.

They are still looking.

The Trojans ran into relative playoff newcomer, Byron Center, and Trenton just could not match the Bulldogs’ energy and level of play as BC skated off with a 6-1 victory and its first-ever state hockey championship.

Trenton, which entered the championship game riding an 11-game unbeaten streak, fell behind early in the title game and never led.

After a fairly even, scoreless first period, Byron Center got on the board early in the second period when Jack Froysland scored on a power play less than two minutes into the period. The power play came after a questionable interference penalty on Trenton. Trenton’s Owen McAlister, a Byron Center player, and the puck converged along the sideboards at the same time. There was contact, the BC player’s helmet came off, and he fell down. Somehow, that was a Trenton penalty in the referee’s eyes.

For Froysland, the goal was the first of three he would score in the game. Cade Pratt had two goals for the Bulldogs and Braxton McKee had the others.

Froysland, Pratt, and McKee were the best players on the ice that day as they led their team to victory. Byron Center had six goals and seven assists for the win, and its “Terrific Trio” had 12 of those 13 points.

BC made it 2-0 at the 6:29 mark of the second period when Froysland scored again.

Trenton answered, and brought its big crowd to its feet three minutes later when John Medvich scored on a bang-bang play in front of the Byron Center net. Jay Cormier and Nolan Murray drew the assists.

It was one of the few moments of revelry Trenton fans enjoyed as Byron Center scored three minutes later to restore its two-goal lead. They would score once again just before the second intermission to take a commanding 4-1 lead into the third period.

Trenton was not able to muster much of anything early in the third and by the midway

Photos by Emily Caruso

SHORT

Continued from page 18

point, it was clear that the Trojans were not going to get their 15th state title banner on this day.

Shots on goal finished with Byron Center leading by a 35-33 count. BC’s goalie, Brandon Swanson, stopped all but one Trenton shot. Trenton’s starting goalie, Noah Miklos, stopped 22 of 28 shots, and Evan Sivi, who played the final 13 minutes of the game, stopped all five shots he faced.

Trenton finished the year with a 23-5-2 record. Byron Center’s final record was 27-2-1.

To reach the championship game, Byron Center beat Grandville and Mattawan in the regionals, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in the state quarterfinals, and Saginaw Heritage in the state semifinals. In all, the Bulldogs outscored five playoff opponents 30-3.

riod. After a scoreless second period, Jones and Will Barrett scored to add the finishing touches to the victory.

Sivi stopped all 21 shots he saw and earned the playoff shutout.

In the quarterfinals, Trenton dominated U-D.

In a game played in Allen Park, Trenton scored twice in the first period and never trailed.

Josh Bogema and Boston Bennett scored the first period goals. U-D scored late in the second period to cut the lead to one, but goals from Barrett (two) and Cormier were enough for the Trojans to close out the Cubs.

The win went to goalie Miklos, who stopped 32 of 33 shots.

The loss in the finals denied Trenton coach, Chad Clements, his first state championship as head coach. Clements has won titles with Trenton as a player and as an assistant to former head coach Mike Turner. He has been so close.

Trenton closes book on another great season

The Trenton girls basketball team bowed out of the 2023-24 season with a 74-33 loss to Temperance-Bedford at the Division 1 district semifinal game on March 8. Despite the loss, the Trojans made sure to leave their mark as they strengthened their death grip on the Downriver League.

This year, Trenton became the first Downriver League girls basketball team in 10 years to post an unbeaten league record. Trenton went 16-0 this year, and won the league by two games over Woodhaven, their main league competition over the past half decade.

In their final league game of the year, Trenton beat Woodhaven 57-44 to win their second league title in a row and their fifth in the past seven years. In that seven year span, Trenton has finished first five times and second twice.

Woodhaven still had a chance to tie for the league crown heading into the league finale, but Trenton seemed to put that hope to rest quickly, jumping out to an 11-2 lead. However, Woodhaven, which was 15-7 this season, soon matched Trenton’s fast start and it was 13-13 at the end of the first quarter.

The teams traded buckets during the early portion of the second quarter, but Trenton finished the frame on a 12-3 run, and that was the difference.

Trenton led 32-23 at halftime and although Woodhaven cut into that lead several times in the second half, the Warriors could never retake the lead.

In addition to sealing the league championship, the win extended Trenton’s in-league winning streak to 31 games.

Brianna Thomas led Trenton with 24 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Molly Edmunds had 16, Emma Chapelle had 8, and Aleah Tanguay had 7.

A week after clinching the outright title, Trenton met Woodhaven again in the district semifinals at Bedford. This time, Trenton won 60-51. It was the Trojans’ third win of the season over the Warriors and their ninth straight over them dating back to the 2019-20 season

The fun ride came to a close on March 8 when a good Bedford team beat the Trojans for its 24th win of the season.

Trenton closed the books on the 2023-24 season with a 19-5 overall record, 16-0 in Downriver play.

Trenton beat Carlson and Adrian to win its regional. In the state quarterfinals, Trenton knocked off U-D Jesuit 5-1, and in the semifinals, they beat White Lake Lakeland 5-0.

In the semis against Lakeland, Trenton scored three times in the first period and it was all but over. Jayden Jones, Boston Bennett, and Gabe Polyviou each scored in the first pe-

Since Turner’s retirement after winning the state crown in 2014, Clements has had a 10-year career as head coach and guided teams to the state quarterfinals twice, to the state semifinals once, and to the state finals three times.

In the finals, Clements-led teams have lost twice to Hartland and once to Byron Center.

At the team’s March 17 banquet these awards were handed out: Most Valuable Player - Brianna Thomas; Best Defensive Player - Claire Gonyea; Best Team Player - Emma Chappelle; The Enforcer Award - Molly Edmunds; Heart And Hustle Award - Aleah Tanguay; Most Potential Award - Alencia Mace; Most Improved - Lauryn Holder; Most Dependable - Brooklynn Taylor; Most Dedicated - Devyn Dorey; Coach’s Award (Courage And Resiliency) - Mia Maldonado; Coach’s Award (Courage And Resiliency) - Julia Mach; BCAM Team First Award - Aleah Tanguay; Downriver League All Academic - Emma Chappelle, Molly Edmunds, Claire Gonyea, Lauryn Holder, Mia Maldonado, Aleah Tanguay, Brooklynn Taylor, Brianna Thomas; BCAM Outstanding Senior Student Athlete (Must Have Played 4 Years) - Emma Chappelle, Claire Gonyea, Aleah Tanguay, Brianna Thomas.

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.

MARCHing into women’s businesses to celebrate Women’s History Month

By WENDY PATE

“You can’t study to be an entrepreneur, sometimes you just have to jump.”

~ Barabara Corcoran

Women business owners did just that, they took a leap of faith and chose our Trenton community to do business in, and the AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver (MI) Branch wanted you to find them. To kick of Women’s History Month, the group hosted this four hour event named, “Scaveng-HER Quest,” on Saturday, March 9th. Participants visited each location to learn about notable women the stores were matched with and about the AAUW. Those who returned their completed scavenger hunt sheets at the end had a chance to win one of 16 raffle bag prizes.

Shelby Margitan, now at the helm of the family owned business The Framery and Gallery, felt honored to be part of the event. “It was nice to see familiar faces and meet new customers.” They were matched with artist Carla Mazzacuto, whose paintings helped define the modern expressionist movement as much as the more well-known men, Van Gogh and Monet. Margitan, along with Membership Chair Sue Stoll, were responsible for organizing the event and choosing Trenton.

The AAUW planning team researched public records to contact the woman owned businesses and 36 chose to participate: (located on West Rd) The Lighthouse, Open Book Theatre, A New You, Timber’s Salon, Craft Beauty, No Sugar Momma, River Q’s Pastry, Scoopy’s, Keck Hardware, Swirl Fro-Yo, Diane’s Pro Bra and Swimwear, Glow Beauty, Maria’s, European Boutique, Martonis, Colors by Kim, Margie’s, and Greek Goddess, and (on West Jefferson): Balance Therapeutics, Diva on a Dime, Head to Toe, Downtown Beauty Bar, The Framery, Salon Panache, All About Grace, Love You Bunches, Rooms By Me, CO Microblading, Wink, Vintage Market Mercantile, Freckles and Grit, Trenton School of Dance, The Beauty Parlor, New Points Nutrition, and Faith United Methodist.

The Open Book Theater hosted Emilie du Chatelet, a physicist they did a play about in 2018. Owner Krista Schafer, who is celebrating her 9th Season as owner of Downriver’s premier professional theater, had offered

$3 off a ticket purchase and provided the afterglow. “I really enjoyed chatting with the participants about the new stores they discovered, as well as the historical women they learned about. Also, people were surprised at how many businesses in Trenton are owned by women!”

While 42% of businesses are women owned nationwide, they continue to face challenges such as equal access to funding, lower revenues, fewer promotions to leadership roles, and fears of inadequacy. March 12th is women’s equal pay day. The AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver’s mission is to, “promote the economic, social, and physical wellbeing of all persons, which includes a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.” Topics of advocacy and education include gender equity, equal pay, individual rights, diversity and inclusion, and social justice. Follow their facebook page for more discussion: facebook. com/AAUWWyandotteDownriverBranch. You can become a member by visiting: aauw. org/resources/member/why-join/ Due to the overwhelming response, they are looking forward to hosting another event in the future.

Photos courtesy of AAUW Wyandotte-Downriver Branch

AAUW members at Scoopy’s

Krista Schafer of Open Book Theater

Us

FDR to hold Detroit River cleanup event on April 27

Estate Planning 101 Which plan do you need?

Friends of the Detroit River (FDR) is hard at work planning this year’s annual spring cleanup even to clean the litter and debris that has accumulated over the winter months around lower Detroit River’s shoreline, parks, and islands. FDR asks that all interested volunteers gather at Trenton Rotary Park on Saturday, April 27 at 9:00am. Following a brief orientation, volunteers will then be put into groups to embark on the river. For any participants that would prefer to stay on the mainland, don’t fear! There’s still plenty to do near the shore areas. The cleanup event ends at noon and lunch will be provided by FDR to all volunteers.

In celebration of Earth Day, volunteers can show their appreciation for our River’s natural resources by participating with us at this cleanup event. If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer please head to our FDR web link at: detroitriver.org/events for more information and to register. If you have a motorized boat and would like to bring and/or launch it at the park to participate in this cleanup, please contact us at (734) 676-4626.

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!

www.ForresterLawOffice.com

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After a fun filled day of boating, fishing, scuba diving or soaking up the sun relaxing by one of the largest pools in the Florida Keys or relaxing by the pool overlooking the marina and Atlantic ocean, or even sinking your toes in the sand like the song says “only worry in the world is the tide going to reach your chair” on our private upland sunning beach.  There is always something for everyone!

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barefeetrentals.com/property/mariners-club-901

Go Big Multimedia welcomes new editor

With a new year come new things, and the newest thing here at Go Big Multimedia is our editor, Zoey Kuspa.

Publishers Will and Sherry Evans said they were thrilled to have Kuspa take over the editor’s post, which had recently been filled by Hank Minckiewicz, and then Cameron Colwell, who both will continue as contributing journalists.

As editor, Kuspa will oversee the editorial portion of Go Big Multimedia’s five monthly news magazines, The Grosse Ile Grand, The Riverview Register, The Southgate Star, The Trenton Times, and the Wyandotte Warrior.

Blair Temple to produce the papers each month.

Since entering the newspaper market seven years ago with The Grosse Ile Grand, Go Big Multimedia has grown steadily to where it is today and continues to look for new opportunities to grow and expand as they may arise.

She will be responsible for generating content for the papers and collaborating with graphic designers Pat Macomb and

Kuspa, a lifelong Downriver resident, fits right in with the “go get’em” attitude that is part of the DNA of these publications.

Kuspa is a graduate of Southgate Anderson High School and Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Security and Intelligence. She is the daughter of Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa and she is the President of the Southgate City Council.

Awesomeness Opening Soon

We

We hope you get as excited about it as we are. At the Tipsy Fish, we believe our staff, colleagues, and customers are the key to success. Meet the owners and operators of the Tipsy Fish: Rob and Rosanne Bruner

The Bruners are successful restaurateurs; they currently own and operate Mister Nick’s, the classic neighborhood

destination located in the heart of Trenton, MI. With Nick’s thriving, Rob and Rosanne decided they wanted to expand their wings and open a second restaurant. Within this new business, they wanted to capture the community affection of Mister Nick’s and add the nuisance of a one-of-a-kind experience. So, they began manifesting their dream, The Tipsy Fish.

With 17 years of restaurant experience, Shelby Langlands, will be the General Manager of Tipsy Fish

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS

Go

to... GoBigMultimedia.com

to read more news on our digital publications.

gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand

Polar plunge in Grosse Ile helps kick-off support for police suicide-prevention initiative

A group of individuals who regularly swim in the frigid waters off Grosse Ile have helped kick off a police suicide-prevention initiative.

The Lucas Foundation Polar Plunge drew support from the Island Ice Dippers and others who braved

freezing waters in the Detroit River at Sunrise Park on the east end of Grosse Ile on February 24.

The nonprofit LUCAS Foundation was started after the January 9 suicide of former Woodhaven native Lucas Sizemore, a young officer in the Police Department in Atlanta, Georgia. The late officer’s parents, Brian and Marie, started the foundation to “make an impact and erase the stigma of asking for mental health assistance.”

LUCAS is an acronym for Law Enforcements United Crusade Against Suicide, which is on the rise at an “alarming” rate across the nation, according to statistics.

Grosse Ile resident and Wyandotte native Andrew Starzec, who is deputy police chief in Brownstown Township and a member of the Island Ice Dippers, organized the plunge to show support for the cause. He said about two dozen individuals – including police officers from all over Downriver and the officer’s

father Brian and brother Evan – swam in the frigid river for up to seven minutes while about twice that many individuals cheered them on from the shore.

“The Sizemores were looking for a connection with law enforcement and to do something to honor Lucas’ memory,” Starzec said.

On page 14

Downriver for Veterans receives $2,500 grant to support veterans

Downriver for Veterans has received a $2,500 grant from the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) to support local veterans and their families by providing essential products and services in times of need.

The funding is provided as part of MAHP’s Tackling Health Care Disparities in Michigan grant program, which encourages communitybased organizations to collaborate and deploy local initiatives aimed at creating better health outcomes and improving health equity.

Downriver for Veterans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Wyandotte that serves local veterans and their families. The veterans group provides food, household essentials, rent assistance, car repairs, and more. The funds from MAHP will be used to provide personal hygiene items to the veterans community within the 22 cities and townships in the region.

“There are more than 2,000 veterans living in our community and many of them rely on our services,” said Ann Rudisill, founder of the Downriver group. “This donation will be put to great use and we’re thankful for MAHP’s support.”

“Downriver for Veterans is an essential resource in the Downriver area,” said Dominick Pallone, executive director of the MAHP. “We’re honored to help fund a program that provides the necessary

services and support those who served our country.”

On page 23

gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register

2024 Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ annual awards banque

Six women were recognized with monetary awards from the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists for their ambition and contribution to their communities. The awards banquet was held on February 27th at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Some of the essay judges were in attendance to celebrate with the winners. The applicants were evaluated on a set criteria and essays that assessed their contributions to women and society.

Soroptimist is an international organization of almost 1,500 clubs in nineteen countries for and by dedicated women who use their collective power to help other women and girls transform their physical, mental, and emotional lives and the lives of their

families. Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist is a volunteer group that offers service by way of fundraising and donations, public awareness/educational programs, and hands-on assistance; as well as presenting yearly monetary awards to individuals to help support and further their future. These women give their time and talents to local food pantries, Vista Maria, First Step, Sparrow Project, Stanford House, Alternatives for Girls, and to area women’s health institutions. They host annual charity fundraisers and programs such as “Save the Girls” motorcycle ride, “Save the Girls” charity golf outing, “Battle for Freedom,” and the “Dream It, Be It” program for adolescent girls.

On page 3

Pirates run away with Division 1 district title

The Riverview basketball team, which has won 16 games this season, could manage no better than fourth place in the Huron League behind unbeaten Flat Rock, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central and Huron.

After winning a district title in rather handy fashion, the Bucs and their fans probably wish they could have spent the season in the Downriver League.

Riverview was sent to Allen Park this year for districts and the tournament field was all Downriver League teams, except for the Bucs, who ultimately prevailed.

On March 1, Riverview beat Southgate Anderson 61-40 to claim the district championship. Anderson had beaten Wyandotte Roosevelt and Lincoln Park to reach the finals. Riverview, which had a first-round bye, beat Allen Park, which had defeated Taylor.

With the district title in hand, Riverview advanced to the regional round of play where they faced Downriver League co-champ Woodhaven. Detroit Cass Tech and River Rouge are on the other side of the regional bracket.

All the regional games were played after the Riverview Register’s press deadline.

The district championship game was a tight affair for two quarters, Riverview jumped out to an early lead and maintained it throughout the first half, but Anderson was always just a step back, lurking.

Riverview led 15-10 after one period and 29-23 at halftime, but the Bucs stepped on the gas in the third quarter and the Titans were not able to respond.

Riverview’s offense was pretty much clicking from the opening tip. Caleb DiBrano got loose for several easy baskets and layups and the Bucs threatened to get away early. DiBrano finished the quarter with eight points.

On page 18

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star

New city council member appointed

On February 1st, Ed Gawlik Jr. was appointed as the newest member of the Southgate City Council. This appointment follows the January resignation of Councilman Bill Colovos. Per Southgate City Charter, City Council must fill the vacancy before the lapse of the current term.

The City Council established an applicant pool process open to the public with guidelines that required the applicant to have lived in Southgate for at least 30 days and could not be in default on any payments to the City at the time of submission. Each applicant would then be interviewed by City Council. Nine applications were received, however, only four were qualified contenders as outlined by the prior stated guidelines. Of the four applicants, Ed Gawlik Jr. was the only one to be interviewed as all other applicants were absent. Based on his application, supporting documents, and interview, City Council concurred that he was the top choice overall. A motion was made to appoint Gawlik and it carried unanimously.

On February 5th, Gawlik was officially sworn in as a Southgate City Councilman by City Clerk Jan Ferencz. Gawlik, a resident of Southgate for 37 years, has a long history of both City and school district involvement. His volunteerism and leadership experience includes 12 years as a Southgate Band Booster, 12 years of service on the Southgate School Board, including 5 years as Board President, and most recently, 6 years as a member of the Southgate Planning Commission, with the last 3 years serving as Chairman. He has also volunteered throughout the years at community events, such as Heritage Days, and for non-profit organizations, like the Gibraltar Food Pantry.

On page 1

Anderson cheerleaders qualify for regionals

It was not a vintage year for the typically strong Southgate Anderson competitive cheerleading team, but although the Titans finished an uncharacteristic fifth in the league meet, the team did bounce back at districts, where they were one of the top four teams and thus qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 regionals

Competing at the MHSAA district hosted by Ypsilanti-Lincoln High School, the Titans squared off against a tough field that included eventual district champ Carleton Airport and state powerhouse Gibraltar Carlson.

Carlson held a pretty significant lead over the field after the first round and an even bigger lead after the second, but Airport, on the strength of a monster final round, roared into the lead and captured the district crown.

Anderson, meanwhile, was solidly in third place throughout much of the competition, but the Titans had a subpar final round and Riverview was able to pass the Titans for third place.

Carlson had 465.28 points heading into the final round. Airport had 454.38, Anderson had 441.1 and Riverview had 434.06.

On page 13

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times

Wyandotte girls close out fine season

The Wyandotte Roosevelt girls basketball team finished up its finest season in years on March 8, when the Bears fell 45-43 in a heartbreaker to Riverview in the finals of the Michigan High School Athletic Association district tournament at Allen Park High School.

The district championship game saw two of Downrvier’s more solid teams battling each other. Riverview, which was second in the Huron League, came into the game with a 17-4 record. Roosevelt, the third place team in the Downriver League behind Trenton and Woodhaven, came into the game with a 16-7 mark.

The clubs delivered a great game, with an outcome that was uncertain all night long.

The two teams played aggressive, with pressure from the outset, and it took a while for the offense to get cranked up.

Roosevelt found its footing first and led 13-9 after the first period.

But Riverview has a history of getting hot, and the Bucs did just that in the second quarter, outscoring Wyandotte 19-5 to take a 28-18 lead into the locker room at halftime.

On Page 14

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