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!
FROM THE MAYOR
Big thanks, exciting updates, and upcoming events
To begin, I want to extend a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to our Trenton residents for passing the transformational bond initiative this past August! Your support will fund the new fire and police station and bring essential upgrades to our current city buildings.
Trenton has always stood behind our police officers, firefighters, and all the dedicated city employees who keep our community running smoothly day in and day out. The passing of this bond will provide Trenton employees with safe, modern, and secure spaces to work, and create welcoming environments that we can all take pride in as residents. Investing in our city’s infrastructure in these ways will help us attract top talent and ensure we stay competitive with other local departments and communities. This really is a generational investment for Trenton, and it quite literally would not have been possible without your support.
We are still in the early stages of planning and working through the administrative details. However, we are committed to involving the community throughout this process and will actively seek and encourage public input and discussion. Your feedback will be welcomed as we move forward. Our first steps will focus on performing additional assessments to determine building needs and procuring the necessary sites. Keep an eye on City Council meetings and upcoming study
sessions over the next few months for the latest updates on the planning process. We’ll be sharing the most current information about the progress through these channels as it becomes available. We’re really excited about the opportunities ahead to make the biggest impact we can for our community. We’re committed to doing it “right” and making the most of this chance.
In terms of other transformations around Trenton, if you missed the Art Festival that took place from September 7th to 14th, don’t worry— you can still enjoy the artwork and its vibrant displays anytime! Thanks to the efforts of the City of Trenton Downtown Development Authority, our administrative team, and City Council, the Art Festival has brought seven BEAUTIFUL murals to the sides of prominent downtown buildings, celebrating Trenton’s history, along with two new sculptures. These additions have brought an incredible sense of vibrancy to the area and serve as a powerful tool for spurring economic development. They’ve already attracted more residents and visitors from surrounding areas, showcasing all that Trenton and our local businesses have to offer.
Beyond the Art Festival, there are plenty of exciting events coming up downtown. Don’t miss Lobstoberfest on the last Saturday in September and Witches Night Out on the last Saturday in October. We’re always excited to create events that bring people together and build a sense of community.
Last but not least ... Go Lions!
STEVEN RZEPPA TRENTON MAYOR
· Longtime Trenton resident currently serving our community in the following ways: Executive Director of the Trenton Educational Foundation; member of the Board of Review; active in the Rotary Club of Trenton; Board member with Trenton’s Open Book Theatre; and proud Trenton Historical Commissioner.
· Committed to building strong partnerships with schools, families, and local organizations to create a supportive and enriched educational network.
· Decades of nonprofit leadership experience with a proven track record of collaborative successes.
· Courage to make data-driven, evidence-based decisions.
· Empathetic, dedicated volunteer with an unapologetic belief in the promise of public education. For more on my campaign, please visit Peter4Trenton.com!
to Warsaw Stevenson’s crusade to aid Poland’s Ukrainian guests
By ASHLEI DANG
Can you imagine a world where everything you’ve built, everything you’ve known, is completely destroyed? Your entire life – vanished in a flash. That is exactly what happened to the people of Ukraine on February 24th, 2022. Millions of lives were turned upside down in an instant. Families who had been preparing dinner, helping their children with homework, and enjoying the simple comforts of home suddenly found themselves fleeing for their lives. Tanks rolled down the streets, bombs shattered the peace, and countless women and children were forced to leave everything behind, clutching only a backpack haphazardly packed, unsure of where to go or when they’d ever come back. The fear, the desperation, and the overwhelming grief of lost loved ones is just unimaginable, but it was these haunting images and tragic realities that spurred Leo Stevenson into action.
Many may recognize Leo Stevenson as one of the best financial advisors Downriver. A man who has spent decades mastering the art of wealth management, Leo is a Wealth Management Advisor and Managing Director at Merrill Lynch. With accolades like being named #2 of Forbes’ “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” and one of “America’s Top Wealth Advisors” in 2024, Leo’s professional achievements are well-known. However, what many might not know is how Leo Stevenson has taken his strategic vision far beyond the boardrooms; he also took it straight to the heart of the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Europe.
Unlike most of us who watched in horror from afar, Leo took a feet-on-theground approach. Without hesitation, Leo boarded a plane and traveled to Eastern Europe, a region he had never visited before.
“It was just driving me nuts, seeing these poor women fleeing the country and not having anywhere to go,” Leo recalled. “I couldn’t take it, you know? I had to go. I had to do something.”
That something was the beginning of his journey through Romania and Moldavia before eventually finding himself in Warsaw, Poland. At first, Leo, like many other volunteers, handed out food and blankets. But for him, that
wasn’t enough.
“If I would’ve walked away just making cheeseburgers and handing out blankets, I would’ve just had stories about how sad it is. I didn’t want that to have been my story.”
Leo’s journey was destined to be much, much more. Through what Leo describes as divine intervention, he crossed paths with the Pallotines, a global association dedicated to serving those in need. Conversations with the Head of the Pallotines quickly turned into something bigger than they could imagine.
“It seemed like a miracle to us in Warsaw when Leo first arrived after the war began. He had just arrived from Romania, looking to help the Ukrainian women and children fleeing from the war. It was his encouragement, his strategic vision, and his help financially which allowed us to build housing for these poor women and children, providing a new life after they have lost everything,” said Father Mejzner.
Leo’s vision and drive to make a difference led to the transformation of old seminaries into fully functioning apartments, capable of housing hundreds of displaced women and children.
efforts between local government and organizations to ensure the continued success of the center. For example, the Polish government now contributes funds to feed the Center’s residents, while international organizations like the American Dental Association and the International Medical Relief provide free medical assistance. Even the First Lady of Poland, Agata Kornhauser-Duda, regularly visits, bringing donations and moral support.
Stevenson’s humility shines through even in the face of such monumental achievements. He doesn’t seek recognition or praise for his work, preferring to remain an “unnamed stranger” in the background. For him, it’s about providing stability to those who have lost everything, about giving them the tools to start over in a world where they have been forced to recreate from nothing.
With some seed money and an idea of a mortgage from Leo, along with additional funding from the Polish government, they built around 100 small units, each roughly 300 square feet, that have since provided shelter for close to 400 women and children. These aren’t just places to sleep – they are spaces designed to foster community with kitchens, play areas, and services, like language instructors, to help these refugees integrate into Polish society. This Center, known as the Future of Ukraine, isn’t just housing these families – it is helping to rebuild them, providing the much-needed stability in a world turned upside down.
Leo Stevenson’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. In a letter dated June 20, 2022, Mayor Paweł Kanclerz of Ożarów Mazowiecki expressed his deep appreciation for the project, recognizing it as a beacon of hope in a time of darkness. “Since the beginning of the outbreak of war in Ukraine, the Borough and Municipality of Ożarów Mazowiecki have been giving help to the refugees from the east of the country. […] I think that it is a very good and promising project,” the Mayor wrote. He went on to highlight the collaborative
“The war has to end at some point,” Leo says, his voice tinged with both sadness and hope. “But these women and children, they have nothing to go back to. Their houses are gone, their schools, their churches, their jobs— they’ve lost it all. And that’s what we’re trying to help them do: to start all over again.”
Leo Stevenson’s story is not just about one man’s determination to help those in need; it’s about the power of community, compassion, and the belief that even in the darkest times, we can all be instruments of life, helping others rebuild what has been lost. And while he doesn’t wish to be remembered for his work, the impact of his efforts will be felt for generations. All that is left to say is thank you Leo, for choosing to be a beam of light in the face of darkness.
For more information about the Ukrainian Refugee Housing Project and to follow updates on their progress, please visit the website set up by Leo’s daughter, Brooke, at ukrainianrefugeeproject.com, or scan the QR code.
Stevenson sits with a child at the center.
Downriver Federal Credit Union hosts Free Car Wash Fridays
By ASHLEI DANG
Since 2021, Downriver Federal Credit Union has been a pillar of support for the local community, particularly for its high schools. What started as an event for the Credit Union’s Grand Opening has now blossomed into a wonderful summer tradition: Free Car Wash Fridays.
Free Car Wash Fridays began as a simple idea from the President/CEO of DRFCU, Robert LaPalme, who wanted to give back to his community. “By supporting our local schools and organizations with their fundraising efforts, it demonstrates our commitment to helping people of all ages use money to accomplish great things,” LaPalme explains. “It is exciting to see how hard the students work toward their goals, and we want to be there for them when they become adults and need help reaching even bigger goals.”
Southgate Anderson High School was the first school to take the plunge, but thanks to the success of the event, other local schools got to be involved as well. The initiative has grown each year, now rotating among various high schools across the Downriver area.
This year’s Free Car Wash Fridays hosted nine car wash events, each run by a different school or group. From the Allen Park High School Band to
the Lincoln Park Swim Team, students spent their summer breaks balancing jobs, sports practices, and volunteering at the car washes. The best moment this year had to be students dressing as Patrick Star, the beloved character from “Spongebob Squarepants,” to attract cars to their fundraiser, exemplifying the creativity and enthusiasm that
makes these events special.
The credit union not only provides the space and resources for these car washes but also matches all donations up to $500! This summer’s events raised an impressive total of $8,000, with individual schools earning between $545 and over $1,100 each. The impact of these funds is significant, helping support various classes, teams, and extracurricular activities.
The success of Free Car Wash Fridays has generated a buzz among schools, with a waitlist now in place for those eager to participate in future events. The credit union’s website features information for any schools interested in joining in on the fun.
As Free Car Wash Fridays continue to grow, Downriver Federal Credit Union remains committed to fostering community engagement and supporting local schools. Their efforts are a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the differences they can make in the lives of students. For more information or to sign up for a future car wash, visit Downriver Credit Union’s website: downrivercu.com/carwash.
Megan Holly, Brooklyn Shuereb, and Madison Scully (Patrick Star)
Susie was impeccable from beginning to end and everywhere in between. You cannot find a more knowledgeable, hardworking, devoted realtor to help you buy or sell your home. And, to top everything off, she is one of the kindest human beings you’ll ever meet. I
step of the way and she is very supportive. ~ Randy T
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FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Educate, engage, and stay safe
The Trenton Fire Department (TFD) is proud to announce the launch of this year’s Fire Prevention Week, taking place from October 6th to October 12th. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness about fire safety and equip our community— especially children—with essential knowledge to prevent fires and respond safely in case of emergencies.
FIRE PREVENTION IN MICHIGAN: ALARMING STATISTICS
As part of the Fire Prevention Week efforts, TFD will be visiting local elementary schools to engage students in fire prevention education. Firefighters will provide hands-on demonstrations, share fire safety tips, and teach students how to create an escape plan with their families. This initiative is essential to ensure that our youngest community members understand how to stay safe and prevent the devastating consequences of fire. Fire prevention starts with awareness, and that awareness has to begin with our children. If we can instill these life-saving habits in them now, we can make a significant difference in keeping our community safe.
POSTER CONTEST FOR 4TH AND 5TH GRADERS
In collaboration with the Exchange Club of Trenton, TFD is excited to announce a Fire Prevention Poster Contest for 4th and 5th graders. Students are encouraged to create posters that highlight this year’s theme: “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! ™” This contest is a fantastic way for students to take what they’ve learned during Fire Prevention Week and express it artistically.
The Exchange Club of Trenton, a longtime supporter of community safety initiatives, is generously sponsoring the contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three posters in each grade:
1st Place: $100 cash
2nd Place: $50 cash
3rd Place: $50 cash
Winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Fire Station 1 on October 19th, where the top entries will be displayed for public viewing.
Fire safety is a critical issue across Michigan, and the statistics from last year serve as a sobering reminder of the dangers fires pose to our communities. In 2023, Michigan recorded 125 fatalities in 112 fires. Perhaps most concerning is that only 23% of those incidents had working smoke detectors. This startling statistic underscores the need for increased awareness about fire prevention and safety equipment. Working smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death. We can prevent tragedies by ensuring every home is equipped with working smoke alarms and that families know how to use them properly. Fire prevention starts at home, and it’s crucial that we all take action.
KEY FIRE SAFETY TIPS FROM TRENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
In light of these statistics, TFD is sharing the following fire prevention tips to help protect our community: Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: TFD has partnered with the State of Michigan to be able to offer free smoke detectors and installation for Trenton residents. Call us to find out how you can take advantage of this opportunity. 734-676-1314
Create a Home Fire Escape Plan: Identify at least two exits from every room in your home and set a designated meeting place outside. Practice your escape plan with the entire family at least twice a year. Be Careful with Open Flames: Never leave cooking, candles, or other open flames unattended. Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
Stay Fire-Smart with Electrical Devices: Ensure that electrical appliances and cords are in good condition, and avoid overloading outlets or using damaged cords. Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher: Learn how to use a fire extinguisher, and ensure it’s accessible in areas like the kitchen. Remember the PASS method: Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
Stay safe, Trenton!
TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION
Trojans finally find the winning path
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
After an opening two weeks of heartbreak, the Trenton football team cracked into the win column for the first time this year with a 21-7 victory at Lincoln Park on September 13th.
The victory followed a one-point, opening-day loss to Southgate at the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University and a three-point loss to Woodhaven a week later. The Trojans are 1-2 this season and all three of their games have been against Downriver League opponents.
In the road win over Lincoln Park, Trenton got two rushing touchdowns from Drew Carson and another from running back Ashton Rooney - that was all the points the Trojans needed for the victory.
Trenton racked up 283 total yards on the game, all of it on the ground.
Rooney was the offensive leader with 157 yards on 18 carries. The smooth-running senior averaged nearly nine yards a carry and broke one for 48 yards. Leading scorer Carson added 55 yards on 14 carries, junior Brennan Gulliver had 30 rushing yards and a two-point conversion, and Anthony Hawkins added 29 rushing yards.
The game was a close in the beginning, with each team scoring one touchdown in the first half. The score was 7-all at halftime, but Trenton pitched a second-half shutout against the Railsplitters and scored a TD in each of the third and fourth quarters to pull away.
The week before, the Trojans hosted their home opener and fell 24-21 to Woodhaven.
Woodhaven led 7-0 after the first period and the game was tied 14-all at
Photos by Dave Chapman
PATH
Continued from page 16
the half. Woodhaven then kicked its third-quarter field goal and the team traded touchdowns in the fourth.
Haddad and Carson were again a formidable rushing duo. Rooney had 134 yards on 16 carries and scored a touchdown, Carson had 106 yards on 19 carries and scored twice. Quarterback Drew Haddad added 30 rushing yards. Gulliver rushed for just 10 yards, but he caught a 31-yard pass – the longest of the night – from Hawkins.
The season opening game against Southgate in Detroit was a real barn burner.
Since 2022, Trenton and Southgate have met four times. Trenton won the first two meetings by just a touchdown each. Anderson has won the last two, each by a single point.
In the 2023 season-opener, Southgate scored a two-point conversion on its final play to score a 28-27 victory.
On August 29th at Wayne State University during the Xenith Prep Football Classic, three-year starting quarterback Jackson Sage found Isiah Daviston with a seven-yard scoring pass with just 12 seconds left to play to lift his team to a 27-26 Downriver League victory over Trenton.
It was a thrilling battle that featured star players on each side of the line of scrimmage.
Sage, who has been great for Southgate since he became the starter as a sophomore, played another brilliant game and virtually willed his team down the field on its final drive. On the day, Sage passed for three scores and ran for one. He accounted for 247 of Southgate’s 310 total yards. He passed for 162 yards and rushed for 85 more. Of Sage’s rushing yardage, 38 came on the game-winning final drive
In addition to Daviston’s TD pass, Sage also threw long scoring strikes of 78 and 30 yards to fellow senior Thomas Laskowski. Thomas caught a third touchdown pass on Southgate’s final drive of the game, but the referees were so caught up with calling pass interference on the Trenton defensive back that it looked like neither bothered to look at Laskowski, the ball, and his feet. No matter, Southgate scored from the seven-yard line two plays later. On the Trenton side of the ball, Rooney was the workhorse. The senior
running back, who has an upright, gliding style that is reminiscent of former NFL great and Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, opened 2024 with a bang, carrying the ball 21 times for 201 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a 50 yard-plus kickoff return. Rooney was nearly unstoppable on the ground, but the effort was diminished somewhat by the fact that he put the ball on the ground three times and lost two of the fumbles.
Trenton’s senior quarterback Haddad rushed for 62 yards and scored twice for the Trojans.
Southgate, which fell behind 20-7 in the first half of the game, hung tough and rallied at the end, but Trenton made the path considerably easier for the Titans. In addition to the two lost fumbles, Laskowski picked off a Haddad pass to end the game. Trenton ended the first half inside the Southgate five-yard-line, got no points, and another fruitless drive ended inside the Southgate 30.
Trenton also stopped Southgate on downs at the Southgate 39-yard line
with only about five minutes to play. Trenton ran four very conservative plays and gave the ball back to Southgate on the 32-yards line with lots of time remaining.
And Sage and the Titans took advantage.
The game opened with plenty of fireworks.
Southgate punted away its first possession and on the second play of the Trenton possession, Rooney took his first handoff of the game and sailed 42 yards for a score.
Southgate answered three plays later with a long Sage-to-Laskowski scoring bomb.
Rooney later scored on a smooth 21yard run and Haddad scored from five yards out as Trenton built its advantage. A missed point-after left Trenton leading 20-7.
Before halftime, Southgate found its offensive rhythm and set sail on a 14-play, 82-yard drive that ended when Sage dove into the end zone from eight yards out.
Despite a 48-yard run by Rooney to
the Southgate four-yard-line just before halftime, Trenton was unable to post any points and the score stood at 20-14 at the half.
The third quarter was scoreless, but early in the fourth, Sage lofted a strike to Laskowski, who caught the ball without breaking stride in the end zone for the third Anderson touchdown of the day.
Trenton answered quickly with a 65-yard scoring drive capped by an 11-yard run by Haddad. The big play on the drive was a 34-yard dash by Rooney. A missed two-point conversion left the score 26-20. Trenton stopped the next Southgate drive on downs and looked to be in control, but the Titans got it back and created a fantastic finish for themselves.
The Trojans were at Edsel Ford on September 20th and will host Roosevelt on Septrmbrt 27th. The schedule finishes with a road game at Carlson October 4th, and then home games against Allen Park (October 11th), Chelsea (October 18th) and Taylor (October 25th).
Join the Blue Ribbon Run
This year’s event introduces a non-competitive family 5K bike ride, alongside the popular competitive 5K run/walk and a relaxed noncompetitive 5K walk. The competitive 5K includes an optional hill challenge for those seeking a tougher course, while the non-competitive walk avoids the hill entirely.
Proceeds will support the Trenton Exchange Club Programs of Service in their efforts to combat child abuse.
The 5K bike ride begins at 8:00 AM, with the competitive run/walk and non-competitive walk starting at 8:45 AM.
The 5K bike ride, competitive 5K run/walk, and non-competitive walk are each $35, while registering for both the bike ride and the competitive 5K run/walk combo costs $45.
Participants can register online at runsignup.com/Race/MI/ Woodhaven/BlueRibonRun.
Transforming the Community Grown Gardens, Together
By JACKIE BROMLEY
A special thank you goes out to each and every member of the GIPC Youth Group for the hard work they performed at the Community Grown Gardens in Grosse Ile.
The Youth Group visited the Garden on four different days, completing a variety of jobs. Cyndi Jenkins, Elder Youth Nurturer and Leader, and Grace Morton, Associate Christian Nurturer and Leader, worked alongside the students to make our Garden shine.
Janet Lyons, Garden Manager, Ken Rygwelski, Retired Engineer and Master Gardener, and Bob Johnson, Retired Riverview Teacher and Horticulturist, demonstrated techniques for using tools effectively. The students from grades 4, 6, and 8 then went to work, transforming the Garden into a vibrant and welcoming space.
Ken instructed the students on how to harvest garlic from the front
garden, explaining the process and its importance. After the garlic was harvested, the students spread it out on tables in House 4 to dry. Following, they removed the hay that had been covering the garlic beds
planted broccoli and kale seedlings. The students also tackled weeds in all four hoop houses. The smaller, more agile students managed to remove weeds from the narrow spaces inside House 4, where it’s challenging for
and prepared those beds for new plantings.
In House 3, the students prepared the beds by removing the roots of previously harvested cabbage plants. They then weeded the beds and
adults to reach. Additionally, they weeded both the front and back gardens, making several trips to haul the dead, wilted produce and weeds to the compost bins located in the back garden.
John Repp, Retired Engineer, demonstrated when and how to pick and sort the various types of tomatoes. After the demonstration, the students harvested tomatoes and green beans, which were then distributed through the Garden’s CSA program.
The students filled wheelbarrows with compost, wood chips, and pea gravel. They transferred the compost into black containers, which were then planted with ground cherries. The wood chips were spread between Houses 1 and 2, as well as between the thyme and purple basil beds in front of House 1. The pea gravel was placed and spread in front of each doorway of the hoop houses.
The students’ incredible efforts made the Community Grown Gardens shine for the Grosse Ile Home and Garden Tour on Saturday, July 20th. We received numerous compliments on how fabulous the Garden looked.
Job well done!
2024 “Save the Girls” final motorcycle charity run
The day was cold, cloudy, and blustery, but sixty-three hardy bikers and their riders came out for The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists’ 20th and final “Save the Girls” motorcycle rally. Motown Harley-Davidson in Taylor welcomed everyone to begin and end their ride at their dealership. A Wishbone chicken lunch was ready for them after the outing.
The event concluded with several types of raffles: spin the prize wheel, 50/50, the grand prize, an outdoor fireplace donated by Linda Crisi, and a silent auction of several specialty items donated by local businesses and generous individuals.
The Soroptimists wish to extend gratitude to the volunteer reserve police and Motown H.O.G. Chapter who acted as escorts, as well as Motown Harley-Davidson for hosting this grand fundraiser. They would like to acknowledge their many sponsors: Sibley Gardens, Cathy Teifer, Michael Booth, Iron Bandogs LE/MC Central-The Roadhouse, Mercure Agency Insurance, Jackson, Snider, and Parker DDS, Arlene and
Tracy Turner, Marty Evans, Nancy and John Colina, Kallas Restaurant Accounting, Splasher’s Auto Wash, Sharon Kelly, Chris Speedie, Linda Crisi, and an anonymous donor. Sincere appreciation goes to all the bikers and riders who rode to support the Soroptimists’ many charitable foundations. All proceeds of the ride will benefit the worthy causes of donating to and raising awareness of women’s health issues, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
The Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimist organization meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Woodhaven Community Center. All women are welcome to attend. You may contribute to the foundation that the Soroptimists support at krogercommunityrewards.com. If you are interested in learning more about the Trenton and Downriver Area Soroptimists and our other activities, check out our page on Facebook
@ Soroptimist International Of Trenton And Downriver Area or sioftrentonanddownriverarea@gmail. com.
TIPSY FISH
Dine on the Waterfront In High Style
NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS
gobigmultimedia.com/grosse-ile-grand
Downriver Federal Credit Union hosts Free Car Wash Fridays
Since 2021, Downriver Federal Credit Union has been a pillar of support for the local community, particularly for its high schools. What started as an event for the Credit Union’s Grand Opening has now blossomed into a wonderful summer tradition: Free Car Wash Fridays.
Free Car Wash Fridays began as a simple idea from the President/CEO of DRFCU, Robert LaPalme, who wanted to give back to his community. “By supporting our local schools and organizations with their fundraising efforts, it demonstrates our commitment to helping people of all ages use money to accomplish great things,” LaPalme explains. “It is exciting to see how hard the students work toward their goals, and we want to be there for them when they become adults and need help reaching even bigger goals.”
Southgate Anderson High School was the first school to take the plunge, but thanks to the success of the event, other local schools got to be involved
as well. The initiative has grown each year, now rotating among various high schools across the Downriver area.
On page 11
Simsonian 5K continues success after more than 2 decades
After 22 years, even Yossarian would say it was great! And that was the general consensus of almost 200 runners and walkers at the 22nd Annual Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic, held Saturday, August 17th, 2024.
This year’s 5K winner was Brett Carlisle, a 23-year-old runner from Monroe, who bested his winning performance last year with an outstanding time of 16:11. The women’s overall winner in the 5K was 38-year-old racer Laura Pierce with a speedy time of 20:13.
The Simsonian 5K Kick-Off Classic, which began in 2003, has been held in honor of beloved teacher and coach, Steve Sims, who passed away unexpectedly of a dissecting aortic aneurysm at age 47. Sims was the winningest coach in Grosse Ile
history in both girls’ basketball and girls’ track and field. In the classroom he was noted for building strong, independent young women and young men. Upon his death, his family and friends established the Steve Sims Leadership Scholarship at Grosse Ile High School for an outstanding female scholar/ athlete, mainly because Steve coached young women athletes.
On page 13
gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register
Bucs open with a victory – again!
It’s safe to say that you do not want to play the Riverview Pirates in the first game of the year. Since the turn of the century, Riverview is 21-4 in seasonopening games.
The Bucs continued their historical winning ways with a dominant 38-0 victory over Detroit Renaissance on August 29th. The Bucs scored early and often and it was a 38-0 game at halftime before the Riverview team put away the swords.
Riverview’s mystifying Wing-T attack was in full flower against the Phoenix and the Bucs ran at will.
Ian Adams had two touchdowns on runs of 63 and 56 yards, Nathan Pinkava scored twice, once on a 49-yard run, and Jorden Smiechowski scored on a short run. The Bucs also added successful two-point conversions after four of their five touchdowns.
This is the second year in a row that Riverview has opened with a smashing victory over Renaissance. Last year, the Pirates routed the Phoenix 72-34. Prior to last year’s win over Renaissance, Riverview dominated Dearborn Divine Child in season-openers in 2022 and 2021.
On page 25
A decade of building community
On the evening of August 20th, Young Patriots Park was buzzing with excitement as Riverview residents of all ages gathered to celebrate the 10th Annual National Night Out. The park transformed into a center of activity, laughter, and community spirit. From inflatable water slides to face painting,
as well as celebrity guests like Bluey and her sister Bingo, this year’s event was all about fun, connection, and a shared commitment to keeping Riverview safe.
What started as a modest gathering at Forest Elementary School under the banner of the Riverview Forest Neighborhood Watch (RFNW) has blossomed into a citywide event that draws quite a large crowd. Brian Webb, President of Riverview Community Neighborhood Watch (RCNW), recalls the early days when the primary goal was to install neighborhood watch signs throughout the Forest subdivision. “Our first National Night Out was much smaller, but we were determined to grow,” Webb shared. And, grow it did. By 2018, the RFNW had evolved into the RCNW, expanding its mission to reduce property crime across the entire city. Their efforts paid off when Riverview was ranked the 20th safest community in Michigan in 2019.
For ten years, Riverview’s National Night Out has been more than just an evening of entertainment – it’s been a tradition that strengthens the bond between neighbors and first responders. For the RCNW, this event is more than just about having fun. The committee’s goal is to ensure that Riverview remains a place where everyone feels safe and connected, which is highlighted by the continued success of their National Night Out event.
On page 9
Senior QB Sage rallies Titans past Trenton in opener
So, I think we had all better keep an eye on this little Southgate-Trenton football rivalry that’s been brewing the past several seasons.
Since 2022, Trenton and Southgate have met four times. Trenton won the first two close meetings by a touchdown each. Anderson has won the last two,
each by a single point.
In the 2023 season-opener, Southgate scored a two-point conversion on its final play to score a 2827 victory.
On August, 29th at Wayne State University during the Xenith Prep Football Classic, three-year starting quarterback Jackson Sage found Isiah Daviston with a seven-yard scoring pass with just 12 seconds left in the game to lift his team to a 27-26 Downriver League victory over Trenton.
It was a thrilling battle that featured star players on each side of the line of scrimmage.
Sage, who has been great for Southgate since he became the starter as a sophomore, played another brilliant game and virtually willed his team down the field on its final drive. On the day, Sage passed for three and ran for one. He accounted for 247 of Southgate’s 310 total yards. He passed for 162 yards and rushed for 85 more. Of Sage’s rushing yardage, 38 came on the game-winning final drive.
On page 13
Little
feet, big move: Itsy Bitsy’s grand reopening celebration
Itsy Bitsy, the beloved consignment store specializing in baby and toddler essentials, has recently celebrated its successful move and grand re-opening. Originally opening in April of 2022 in the Galleria Plaza on Dix Toledo, Itsy Bitsy now occupies a larger, more accessible location at 19190 Eureka Road. The grand re-opening on September 5th marked an exciting new chapter for the store.
Founded by Stephanie Whitney, Itsy Bitsy was created to assist families in managing the rising costs of children’s clothing and accessories. The store quickly became a community favorite, earning the New Business Award in 2022 for its outstanding service and commitment to Southgate. The new location allows Itsy Bitsy to build on this success by significantly expanding its offerings.
The larger space at 19190 Eureka Road will feature an enhanced selection of cribs, changing tables, dressers, gliders, and rockers. This expansion enables the store to better meet the needs of families and provide a broader range of high-quality baby and toddler furniture.
In addition to furniture, Itsy Bitsy continues to offer clothing sizes from preemie to 6T, shoes from newborn to 12c, and toys suitable for infancy through kindergarten. The store also provides a variety of baby equipment, feeding and nursing supplies, linens, and bathing products.
On page 8
gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior
Bears furious rally falls short in Dearborn
In the end, the hole was just a little too deep.
The Edsel Ford Football team scored on four of its first five possessions against the Roosevelt Bears on Friday, September 13th and built a 28-0 first-half lead. The Bears scored just before halftime and then simply dominated the second half, but they fell one point short when an attempted game-winning two-point conversion fell short with only seconds left to play in the game.
Edsel made its big first half stand up for a 28-27 victory over the visiting Bears.
Edsel Ford was unstoppable in the first half.
The T-Birds marched 63 yards in nine plays to score on their first drive of the night and take a 7-0 lead. Ford then marched 90 yards for a score; 70 yards for a score; and, finally, 10 yards for a score following a Wyandotte pass interception.
The home team led 28-0 with 1:48 to play in the first half and things were looking bleak for the Bears. But a tricky kickoff return kickstarted things for the team in blue and gold.
A couple of fakes on the kickoff return confused the T-Birds and led to a long Roosevelt return. Starting at the Edsel 32-yard line, the Bears and quarterback Jack Halberstadt went to work.
Halberstadt ran the ball six times and – with the help of two offsides calls against Edsel – carried his team into the end zone. His three-yard run capped the march and it was 28-7 at halftime.
On page 12
White Furniture’s 78th Anniversary Sale
White Furniture has been serving Southeast Michigan since 1946. Our longevity is only because you and so many others who support us and refer friends and family. We’re known for high quality custom furniture at competitive prices and that tradition continues today. Please come celebrate with us during our 78th Anniversary Sale with sale prices throughout the store and free local delivery and 2 year interest free financing* or 2 year free lay-a-way. Our showroom is full of furniture & accessories. If we don’t have exactly what you’re looking for in stock, we’re happy to special order from any of over 100 brands.
9:00am - 5:30pm
9:00am - 5:30pm
9:00am - 5:30pm
9:00am - 5:30pm
