Christmas Outreach include Goodfellows Howard Hammes (top row, left) and Brad Sassack, Anderson Elementary School principal; Goodfellows Mike Mace (second row, left), Chris Zboch and Bill Jasman; Ron Diroff (third row, left), Trenton High School principal, and Debbie Rhoades, Arthurs Middle School principal; and Goodfellows Trish Gearhart (front row, left), and Debbie Devitt, Erin Eaton, Hedke Elementary School principal, and Michel DeJulian, Goodfellows president.
Dear Trenton Community, Your dedication and commitment to supporting the Trenton Goodfellows Christmas Program continues to be an outstanding source of support for our Trenton Community. Because of your financial support we have been able to ensure that every Trenton family identified in need of help was provided for during the last holiday season. The Trenton Goodfellows are once again asking for your support in the form of a financial donation, no matter the amount, in order to help us continue the tradition of assisting our families this Christmas Season.
For over 90 years, the Goodfellows has provided meals, clothing and toys for our families so that they may have a memorable and joyous holiday season. We have worked together with Trenton Public Schools who assist us with the envelope drive each November. This year, the students from both the high school and middle school, along with some school staff and Goodfellows will deliver the envelopes to your home on Saturday, Nov. 23. You may mail your donation using the envelope provided either at your door or within this edition of the Trenton Times. If you prefer, you may bring your envelope to the City Clerk’s Office at Trenton City Hall, 2800 Third Street. If you would like to donate a new toy you may do so at City Hall prior to Dec. 10. Every donation helps and every toy is distributed to families in need.
Thank you again so much!
The Trenton Goodfellows wish you a joyful Holiday Season! MICHEL
BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE
The Trenton Historical Museum is part of holiday activities taking place throughout the city.
Located at the corner of Third and St. Joseph streets, the museum’s artifacts offer a snapshot of community and business life in Trenton through the ages.
Visitors are welcome from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 29. Additionally, the museum will be open at 5 p.m., just prior to the city’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 7.
The museum is the former home of John and Sarah Moore, who lived there in the late 1800s. It reopened earlier this year, having gone through extensive renovations, including new windows, structural repairs and the cataloging of the vast
number of items in its collection. Overseeing the work with diligence and determination are members of the Trenton Historical Commission, who will be walking in the parade. Looking ahead to 2025, the group is planning an exhibit of the Alvin Clark, a schooner that sailed the Great Lakes after being built in the 1840s at the Bates
and Davis Shipyard in Trenton. In June 1864, while heading through Lake Michigan to pick up lumber in Wisconsin, it capsized during a storm in Green Bay, off the coast of Wisconsin.
Pieces of the boat that were salvaged from the wreck are being loaned to the Trenton museum from the Detroit Historical Museum.
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~P Hull
Hedke Elementary School recently hosted its first Color Run, and it was a huge success! The event raised an incredible $16,670, thanks to the support of students, families, and the community.
To celebrate this amazing achievement, students had a blast
“sliming,” stickering, and even sillystringing Principal Mrs. Eaton! It was a fun-filled day full of excitement and school spirit.
A big thank you to everyone who participated and supported the event—your generosity made this unforgettable day possible.
BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE
The Trenton Goodfellows holiday outreach, which kicks off with the publication of this special edition of The Trenton Times, is a deep-seeded community tradition.
One of the city’s oldest service groups, the Goodfellows dates back to the mid1920s, when men across the country banded together to provide Christmas for struggling families in their respective communities.
Organized as the Old Newsboys at its inception, the concept was simple: Produce a newspaper to sell for donations toward the cause of ensuring Christmas gifts for local children.
The name reflected the fact that members had had newspaper routes or sold newspapers on street corners in their youth.
In Trenton, the group was founded by community and civic leaders – all male –and has evolved during its 96 years to be a priceless opportunity for all city residents to care for their less fortunate neighbors.
Local students have delivered the papers door-to-door, women became
active members, businesses welcomed Goodfellows to sell the paper at their doors, 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.
Trenton is fortunate to have had a community newspaper as a partner in publishing the paper. With the advent of gift cards, challenges shopping for ‘just the right toy’ for 100+ recipients, and most recently, the coronavirus pandemic, the Goodfellows have refined the collection and distribution process to best meet the needs of the families they serve.
When the pandemic altered the routine and the amount of community involvement in their efforts, the Goodfellows devised a non-contact drive, which proved to be very successful.
Since then, they are reviving the door-todoor delivery to stay true to their roots and demonstrate the importance of service to others.
The paper is now delivered two ways. Through the mail and door-to-door with the help of students in city schools. Instead of packing baskets of food and
toys, gift cards are given to parents so they can experience the joy of choosing the Christmas gifts their children want, and buy the food that make their holiday meals special.
Despite any necessary changes in the yearly routine, the common thread through the years is the need for assistance and the community’s generous response to help.
Last year, the Goodfellows provided Christmas for 154 children, birth to 18, in 70 families.
They also provided these families with assistance with back-to-school expenses.
The goal of this year’s drive is $30,000. Readers will find an envelope in the mailed edition of The Trenton Times or may get a visit on Saturday, Nov. 23, from local students who are delivering envelopes. Donations can be mailed to the address provided or hand delivered to the City Clerk’s office in City Hall, 2800 Third St. at West Road.
Goodfellows are accepting requests for assistance at 734-675-8600 or by submitting the coupon below to the clerk’s office. Recipients will be notified of how the process works.
If you know of a family with children in need of holiday assistance, please fill out this coupon and return it to The Trenton Old Newsboys Goodfellows Association at P.O. Box 370, Trenton MI 48183. You can also provide the information by calling 734-675-8600. Information must be submitted by December 6, 2024. Name: ________________________________________________
BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE
Responding to residents’ requests, the Goodfellows has placed a brightly wrapped box at City Hall for donations of toys or other special gifts for its annual holiday outreach program.
The Goodfellows motto is “No Child Without A Christmas”, and several years ago, residents dropped by the City Clerk’s Office with a toy or stocking stuffer they bought while Christmas shopping, simply to spread the joy of the holiday.
The kind gesture has been very much appreciated. When folks receive the Goodfellows care package, they are delighted to be able to choose an extra gift for their children from the donations of books, popular toys or beauty products, or fashionable mittens and scarves.
Donations are being accepted through Dec. 6 at City Hall, 2800 Third St. at West Road. The only guidelines are that donations should be for children birth through 17, new and in the original packing … no need to gift wrap.
Questions about these donations should be directed to the City Clerk’s Office at 734-675-8600.
BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE
Every year, there are children wondering whether they will be forgotten this Christmas, like the little girl in this drawing, which appeared as an early 1900s editorial cartoon.
The drawing was accompanied by the story of a young girl whose family was unable to celebrate Christmas due to financial hardship. Here we are, more than 100 years later, and her situation is very familiar for many who are struggling.
The simple drawing had a powerful impact on readers, who responded with donations to ensure children in their communities woke up Christmas morning to find presents beneath their trees, as well as all the fixings for a holiday feast later that day.
Titled, “The Forgotten,” the illustration marked the beginning of a service organization that would become known as “Old Newsboys” and “Goodfellows,” as they are more commonly known today.
mas.
She had received no presents, enjoyed no feast, and there seemed to be no spirit in her young life. The scrubwoman, a laundress for Detroit Journal illustrator Thomas May, shared the story with her boss, who the following year drew his depiction of the young girl’s forlorn situation: a child in tears, her face hidden in her arms as she rests her head on a table in what ap-
ty as a child growing up in Corktown, was impressed by another illustration that appeared in local papers in 1914. It featured a man, one arm filled with a basket of goodies, his other hand holding the hand of a young boy. It was titled, “The boy I used to be.”
Brady came up with another bright idea, to use former newsboys to sell newspapers, the proceeds of which would provide holiday meals, toys and
the Detroit Historical Museum. Additionally, Brady is honored with a marble and bronze monument along Central Avenue on Belle Isle, Detroit. It was dedicated in 1928, three years after his death, which was just nine years after he had founded the Old Newsboys’ Goodfellows Fund.
The monument, presented to the City of Detroit by Brady’s young daughter, depicts her father holding a
pears to be a cold attic apartment.
Each year as the holiday approaches, Goodfellows are reminded how timeless is the tale of poor young girl. As the story goes, it all started when a local illustrator heard her sad story about missing Christmas because her family was destitute.
It was Dec. 25, 1905, when the youngster was discovered on the outside stoop of her home by a neighbor scrubwoman, who heard the girl’s cries. When asked what was wrong, the youngster gave a tearful explanation about being forgotten on Christ-
May is quoted as saying he drew the cartoon to “spoil Christmas for every man and woman in Detroit who had remembered only themselves.”
Readers jumped into action to help the less fortunate - accounts of the time indicate that when the paper hit the newsstands, the response was overwhelming.
The cartoon was reprinted in newspapers across the country and sparked the birth of “The Forgotten Club,” which later became the Old Newsboys or Goodfellows. Detroit tax collector, James Brady, who experienced pover-
sweets for poor families with children.
Hence, the name “Old Newsboys,” a name many groups still use.
In Trenton, a special edition newspaper has been delivered to residents since the late 1920s.
Local school students now have the honor of collecting donations in exchange for the paper.
Despite how the group has evolved, the mission of Goodfellows throughout metro Detroit and nationwide remains the same: “No Child Without a Christmas.”
Trenton Times readers can see both illustrations described in this article at
newspaper while sheltering a young child who appears to be clinging to him for protection.
Journalists covering the lengthy dedication ceremony speculated that while Brady’s caring spirit for those in need was timeless, the monument would crumble with time.
Yet, 96 years later, the monument stands strong and Brady’s mission continues with the same determination and compassion. In fact, the monument was restored this summer, and Brady’s descendants were on hand to celebrate.
Fall is finally here in full force.
Our furnaces are (hopefully) running and we can finally watch TV again in peace without a barrage of political ads. The unofficial state mascot, the orange construction barrel, has just about headed in for hibernation this winter making all of our commutes much easier, and we are wrapping up a few of those projects close to home too!
Our City Council and our Downtown Development Authority approved a large sidewalk replacement project encompassing Northern Trenton and our Downtown area. As these projects wrap up, they will greatly improve the walkability and safety of our residents and visitors. Most of our major roadwork has also wrapped up for the season. Using our PASER study that assessed the quality and status of every road in Trenton as our guiding tool for prioritization, we will pick back up next spring repairing and replacing concrete and asphalt around town. We are a couple of weeks away (and may be complete by the time this goes to print) from completing the rebuild of the Elm Street and West Jefferson municipal parking lot, vastly improving the experience for visitors to our Downtown and Farmers Markets.
Last but certainly not least, we should have final contracts awarded in the coming weeks for construction at Rotary Park. A tremendous amount of time, resources, and planning has gone into this project, and we are excited for it to serve Trenton for generations to come.
For those that missed it, the “Witches Night Out” event ahead of Halloween was a huge hit, drawing thousands of people to town to get dressed up, support our local businesses, and even catch a showing of Hocus Pocus. We do have some bigger events coming up with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays all right on our doorstep now.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is always Small Business Saturday, and here in Trenton, we’re especially proud of the number of locally owned businesses that help keep our dollars circulating right here in our community. The Vintage Market will once again be hosting an event in our downtown that day from 10:00AM until 4:00PM with dozens of businesses participating in different ways. Come get some Christmas shopping done and help support our local economy (plus, I don’t think Michigan’s game against Ohio State that day is going to go the same as the last few).
Just the week after that, it will already be time to celebrate with our annual parade and tree lighting downtown! All About Grace will be hosting a cookie crawl on Friday, December 6th from 3-6:00PM and will provide another great chance to keep things local. Then, on Saturday the 7th at 6:00PM, Santa will lead our Christmas Parade down West Jefferson where we cap things off with a tree lighting, hot cocoa, and cookies.
We hope to see you around town at one of these fantastic events, and we can always be reached via phone or email if you have any questions or need any assistance!
BY SHEILA R. MCAFEE
Students from Trenton Public Schools will be out in the community on Nov. 23, going door-to-door as they did last year to help the Goodfellows raise $30,000 to make sure there is “No Child Without A Christmas” in Trenton. Across the district, administrators are organizing a collection of gift cards for the Goodfellows to offer the families they serve. Last year, 154 children from 70 families received the joy of the holidays through the generosity of Trenton residents.
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!
The Inflation Reduction Act and rising utilization of health care will mean big changes for Medicare beneficiaries:
• Increased copays and maximum-out-of-pocket
• New deductibles for prescription drug coverage
• Many plans dropped coverage for several medications
• Double-digit premium increases for Medigap plans
• Cuts to Supplemental Benefits (i.e. Dental, OTC)
Do not wait (or let mom or dad wait) until January to get a huge bill at the pharmacy or find out an important drug is no longer covered. It could be too late to fix it.
Many companies introduced exciting new plans for 2025. Our office is open weekdays from 10am -5pm. It is best to call ahead for an appointment during our busy season.
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Supporting your local independent agency helps us maintain this valuable resource in your community.
By HANK MINCKIEWICZ
By any measure, the recently concluded high school football season was a fine one for the Trenton Trojans.
Trenton won six games this season and qualified for the Division 3 state playoffs. Along the way, the Trojans scored 42 points in wins over both Wyandotte and Dearborn Edsel Ford and 52 in a shutout win over Taylor.
The Trojans were the only team to beat league champion Carlson during the regular season and they were one of only two teams (Carlson was the other) to beat league runner-up Allen Park.
On balance, it was a good season
that deserves a place of honor in the school trophy case. But, it does not take a lot of imagination to realize what an historic season 2024 could have been.
Incredibly, Trenton lost four games this season by a total of six points. Six points! And, the Trojans lost the first game of the season by one point and the last game of the season by one point. They also lost to non-league Chelsea by a point and to Woodhaven by a field goal.
Trenton drew neighboring Riverview in the first round of the state playoffs. The Bucs and Trojans met in the first round last year, too, with Riverview snaring a 27-25 victory.
This year’s game – if you can believe it – was even closer as
Riverview ventured down Fort Street to Walter Farrer Field and beat the homestanding Trojans 22-21 in a thriller that went down to the final seconds.
Trenton led 7-0, 7-6, and 21-14 but could not hold on against the relentless Pirates.
It was a bit of an unusual game as the teams raced up and down the field in the first quarter and scored a combined 28 points before settling down and scoring just 15 the rest of the way.
Trenton opened the scoring with a lightning bolt from their senior thoroughbred running back Ashton Rooney, who got loose on one of his electrifying runs, this one covering 47 yards to the end zone. The PAT made it 7-0.
The Bucs had an answer, and that answer was a long, determined drive and ended with a Nate Pinkava one-yard scoring run. The try for two failed and Trenton retained a one-point lead. The Riverview drive covered 75 yards.
The ping-pong style battle continued when Trenton took its next possession and turned it into a long drive of its own, one that was capped by a short run by Rooney. The pointafter extended Trenton’s lead to 14-6.
But before the first 15 minutes of the game could expire, Riverview was celebrating again.
This time, a 31-yard run by Ashton Robinson got the job done. And this time, Pinkava crashed into the end zone for the two-point conversion and a 14-14 game.
And then the offenses went to sleep.
There was no scoring in the second quarter.
There was no scoring in the third quarter.
Finally, in the fourth quarter with time becoming precious, the Trojans found their way to the end zone for the third time.
Trenton moved the ball deep into Riverview territory and Drew Carson carried it the final two yards into the end zone. With the kick, Trenton led 21-14 with less than five minutes remaining on the game clock.
With the Riverview offense slumbering through more than two full quarters and facing a Trenton defense riding new momentum, things did not look great for the visitors from Riverview.
“Watch us,” said the Bucs as they proceeded to put together their best drive since the first quarter. The Trenton defense could not hold up.
With the clock ticking down, senior Jorden Smiechowski smashed in from a yard out and it was a one-point game.
Riverview rarely kicks extra points, and this was no time to start trying one.
Riverview went for two and the victory.
On two-point conversions, Riverview is fairly predictable. They generally run the ball up the gut and crash their way into the end zone. It looked like the Bucs were following the program, but quarterback Lucas Thompson pulled the ball from the running back’s belly, kept it, and beat
everyone on a sprint to the pylon. He crossed the goal line with just 23 seconds left on the clock and Riverview had its first lead of the night. Just in time to celebrate a victory.
“We knew it was going to be a good game,” said Riverview coach Derek McLaughlin. “Trenton is a well coached team and it’s hard to simulate what they do. It comes down to making more plays and giving yourself a chance in the fourth quarter.”
With the victory, Riverview reached the nine-win plateau for the fourth consecutive season (including 12 wins in 2022).
The Bucs were halted the week
following the Trenton game as they hosted and lost to River Rouge High School 20-14. Rouge was eliminated a week later with a 34-0 loss to Detroit Martin Luther King High School.
For Trenton, the 6-3 regular season resulted in the team qualifying for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state football playoffs for the 11th consecutive year.
The team will lose several key figures to graduation, including the offensive backfield of Rooney, Carson, and quarterback Drew Haddad.
As the temperature drops and families begin turning on their heating systems, it’s important to keep fire safety top of mind. Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires, especially during the colder months. The TFD would like to remind residents of some key safety measures to help keep our community safe and warm. Here are essential tips for heating maintenance, fire prevention, and carbon monoxide (CO) awareness.
1. Schedule an Annual Heating System Inspection
Before you start using your heating system, schedule a professional inspection. Whether you rely on a furnace, wood stove, or fireplace, a thorough checkup helps prevent malfunction, reduces fire risk, and ensures efficiency. A professional will:
• Check for cracked heat exchangers, which could leak dangerous gasses.
• Clean any buildup in heating units that could ignite.
• Ensure all electrical connections are safe and secure.
2. Clean and Maintain Your Chimney
If you use a fireplace or wood stove, chimney maintenance is critical. The buildup of creosote—a black, tar-like substance—is a major cause of chimney
fires. It’s recommended to have chimneys inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Keep these tips in mind:
• Only burn dry, seasoned wood, which reduces creosote buildup.
• Install a chimney cap to keep debris, animals, and water out.
• Use a screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from igniting nearby items.
3. Space Heater Safety
Space heaters are convenient, but they can be risky if not used correctly. Follow these safety tips:
• Place space heaters on a level, non-flammable surface away from anything combustible (curtains, bedding, paper, etc.).
• Never leave a space heater unattended, and turn it off before sleeping.
• Avoid using extension cords with space heaters, as they can overheat and cause fires.
4. Check the Smoke and CO Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are your first line of defense. Smoke detectors provide early warnings of fire, while carbon monoxide detectors alert you to dangerous levels of this odorless, colorless gas. Remember to:
• Change batteries at least once a year.
• Test each alarm monthly.
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years and CO
detectors every 5-7 years, as they lose effectiveness over time.
If you need assistance or advice about smoke or CO detectors, call us, we can help!
5. Know the Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent killer” because it’s colorless and odorless. CO can accumulate in homes with malfunctioning heating systems, blocked vents, or during the use of certain appliances like gas stoves or generators. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. If multiple people in your home experience these symptoms, leave immediately and call 911.
6. Ventilation is Key
Ensure that your home has proper ventilation. Vent fans, range hoods, and open vents allow fresh air to circulate and reduce CO buildup. Avoid using generators, grills, or other fuel-burning appliances indoors or in enclosed spaces.
7. Have an Emergency Plan
Every household should have a fire escape plan. Make sure each family member knows two ways out of every room, and have a designated meeting spot outside. Practice your escape plan regularly, as it could save precious time in an emergency.
Stay safe, Trenton.
Every evening, Bubbles rings the bell for a treat. At 13 years old, she has her owners, the Clark Family of Southgate, trained very well!
Would you like to see your pet become “Downriver Famous” in our Go Big Multi-Media empire?
Send a photo and a blurb to Sherry@ gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest.
Join the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber’s Morning Spark Networking Series at X-Golf in Woodhaven. Connect with business owners and vendors from across the Downriver region and kickstart your year with new opportunities.
Discover the benefits of Chamber Membership and how it can help you grow your network. Learn more at swcrc.com/membership.
The TFD in partnership with the Exchange Club of Trenton, is pleased to announce the
Fire Prevention Poster
This year’s theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!™,” encouraged 4th and 5th graders to
The winners are:
• 1st Place: Carmella Danz, 5th Grade, Anderson School
• 2nd Place (tied): Jillian Longton, 5th Grade, St. Joseph
• 2nd Place (tied): Jack Gore, 4th Grade, St. Joseph
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all who participated!
On November 14th, Downriver Community Federal Credit Union hosted its 1st Annual “Distinctly Downriver: A Photo Exhibit” event, showcasing the top 24 photos submitted to the Downriver Community Photo Contest. The exhibit featured stunning images that highlighted the beauty and character of the Downriver area, including local landmarks, cityscapes, seasonal scenes, and nature from Wayne and Monroe counties.
The photo contest encouraged photographers to capture what makes Downriver unique, with categories including landmarks, “Welcome” signs, landscapes, and other distinctive scenes from the community. Participants were urged to explore beyond the usual riverfront images and capture a broader range of locations from the surrounding areas to stand out in the competition.
At the event, the winners of the photo contest were announced: Gerald Thomas took first place, Adam Blake earned second, and Christopher Stearns claimed third.
In addition to the exhibit, attendees were the first to receive the 2025 Downriver Community Calendar, which features the top 12 photos from the contest. The calendar is available for free, while supplies last, at the Southgate branch located at 15261 Trenton Rd.
The event was a great success, drawing attention to the region’s vibrant and diverse landscapes while giving local photographers the chance to share their work with the community. The 9th edition of the Downriver Community Calendar is a beautiful tribute to the area, and a wonderful keepsake for anyone who appreciates the local scenery.
BY KATHY KANE
It was a totally tubular evening at the Grecian Center on November 15, 2024 to raise funds for the Trenton Educational Foundation’s Educational grants and scholarships.
As TEF Chair and Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Signature Event, Linda Kell said, “We are proud to have contributed over $825,000 to our schools and students since 2008. A few of our many highlights: In the 2023-2024 school year, the TEF was able to award over $57,000 worth of grants and scholarships to our TPS Educational Community! 14 scholarships, totaling $21,000, were awarded to the THS Class of 2024. In August, we proudly welcomed 13 new educators to TPS with our New Teacher Grant program. Overall, we have provided over 65 New Teacher Grants of $250 each!”
The annual fundraiser of the Trenton Educational Foundation, the 501(c)3 organization created in 2008 to help fund supplemental school programs. There was also a Class Reunion Challenge this year and both the Class of 1974 and Class of 1984 earned “Braggin” rights for raising $1,600 each at their class reunions and by attending the 2024 80’s Party.
The group has inducted thirty-five people since creating Trenton’s Wall of Fame in 2011. Joining the esteemed group are the late Jean Pendell, along with Max Monas, and Dr. Noel and Debbie Jackson.
Pendell, who passed away last year, taught elementary art in the Trenton Public School (TPS) system for more than 25 years. She was a devoted and active member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Trenton for almost 50 years, and was a dedicated volunteer for the Community Garden at the Cultural Center, where she specifically focused on developing the Children’s Garden – efforts which led her to be recognized as “Trentonite of the Year” in 2016.
Monas, a longtime educator and swim coach, began his career with TPS in 1970. Admired and respected for his work both in and out of the classroom, he won a State Championship for girls swimming and diving in 1995. He also coached baseball, hockey, and soccer for the Trenton Parks and Recreation department, serving as a positive role model to all the student athletes he taught along the way. In 2000, he was inducted into the Trenton Sports Hall of Fame.
Dr. Noel and Debbie Jackson have been immersed in the Trenton community for decades. In 1998, they founded the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC) and along with other volunteers, have offered theatrical education and experiences to thousands of Downriver children while providing quality entertainment. Additionally, they have served in leadership positions with a wide range of community groups, including the Rotary Club of Trenton, Anderson PTO, TEF committees, TPS advisory boards, the Trenton Business Association, and Kiwanis Club just to name a few. Along the way they’ve been recognized for their dedication by numerous groups, both civic and professional.
Established in 2008 by a partnership of community leaders from various organizations, the TEF is now known as a source of “grants” that teachers can seek to help fund special projects and activities not within the budget and have added student scholarships.
All levels of Trenton public education are helped by the TEF. The Foundation funds six integral areas of education —scholastic enhancement, the arts, technolog health, and professional development. In the last grant cycle, all Trenton schools benefited with grants for flexible seating, playground equipment, podcast and tech equipment for the high school auditorium, books for language arts, mathematics and book clubs, as well as cooking items, therapy dog and sensory closet items.
The Trenton Educational Foundation (TEF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation created for the purpose of enhancing the educational opportunities for teachers and students within the Trenton Public Schools system.
For more information visit the website, trentonedfoundation.org, Facebook page, facebook.com/ TrentonEducationFoundation, or contact Executive Director, Peter Poulos 734-3650672.
On October 12th, Trenton welcomed 20 new trees to the city, thanks to the coordination of Trenton Rotarian Paul Frost, the City of Trenton, and a dedicated group of volunteers. This successful tree planting event is a great step toward
A big thank you to everyone involved in making this
There were no tricks, just treats. No hocus pocus. Oh, but there was a haunted hallway, and spooky decorations. Maybe the creepy guy on the dance floor yoked between two skeletons made you shiver. The only really scary thing was if you missed it.
But, whatever the case, Grosse Ile ghosties and ghoulies had more than a bump in the night at the “Monster Bash,” the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation’s annual fundraiser held October 12th at the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club.
Cutting through the fog and ominous music, partygoers were met at the door by one of those, ahem ... larger than life animatronic skeletons and an all too real scary hearse with which not many people seemed to want their picture taken. Once inside the club, revelers snaked their way through the dimly lit haunted
house to partake of specialty Halloween drinks, delectable dishes, and a wild night of dancing to the ever popular, Killer Flamingos. Partiers bid on more than a hundred upscale silent auction items, which included such exclusive prizes as Thanksgiving Day Lions tickets, a full service suite at a Pistons game, and a chance to climb the Mackinac Bridge tower. Talk about scary ...
There was even a best costume contest. Eric Flood won the best overall costume dressed as the Queen of Hearts. For couples, there were three winners-Tasja Sachs and Seth Klinger won for Silence of the Lamb, Wes and Dianne Paisley won for Beetlejuice, and Brian and Lori Pawlik for “The Outlet.” For best group costumes, it was the Bragadins and Vitales for the Addams Family. In addition to a monstrously good time, the overarching goal of the gala is that partygoers and sponsors helped raise funds for this year’s cycle of grants for our community and schools. Indeed, since its founding in 1995, the Educational Foundation has awarded more $1.8 million “committed to lifelong educational experiences for the students and families of Grosse Ile.”
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between children and caregivers.
In addition to imaginative play, the park incorporates important educational elements, particularly around fire safety. They can take the wheel at the First Station, enjoy slides that lead to new adventures, and engage in fun activities that teach them essential safety lessons through games.
The Tot Lot also boasts unique attractions to keep little ones entertained. The ReviWhirl Bouncer offers exciting jumping opportunities, while the butterfly rider and custom swing set decorated with giant flowers add to the whimsical charm of the playground.
Southgate Parks and Recreation is proud to announce its first official Tot Lot at McCann Park, a lively play area created just for children aged 2-5. This exciting addition seamlessly combines fun and learning in a safe, inviting environment, making it a perfect destination for families.
The Tot Lot features whimsical structures that promote imaginative play and language development. At the heart of the playground is the SmartPlay Centre, where children can immerse themselves in a mini village. Here, they can roleplay in a Farmer’s Market and Café, enhancing their social skills while learning to identify and name various fruits and vegetables. This interactive experience encourages language-rich conversations
COVER WPD’s first Trunk or Treat is a spooktacular success
On October 11th, the Wyandotte Police Department celebrated a successful inaugural Trunk or Treat event, drawing a remarkable
turnout from the community. Attendees expressed their enthusiasm as every trunk ran out of candy, highlighting the event’s popularity and community spirit.
A heartfelt acknowledgement was extended to the city departments, nonprofits, and businesses that played a vital role in making the evening a memorable occasion. Among the key contributors were Wyandotte Municipal Services (Electric, Water, and Telecommunications), Wyandotte DPS, Wyandotte Fire Department, Wyandotte Special Events Department, Wyandotte DDA, the 27th District Court, Groat Brothers Towing, Wyandotte FOP Lodge 111, Iron Bandogs LE/MC Riverside “Tribe,” Chilly’s Ice Cream Truck, Skinsational Aesthetics, DJ Tim Ames, Jake Conz Photography, Tequila 2, Sweet Arrangements, Elliott’s Coffee and Donuts, Alicia with Balloon Animals, Puroclean, Henry Ford Hospital, Advance Physical Therapy, A Serendipity Cakery and Ice Cream Shoppe, Community Choice Bank and Big Joe’s Junk Removal.
COVER
crucial time in a child’s educational journey, marking the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Mastering the use of a dictionary at this stage helps students become more independent learners, equipping them with the resources to explore language, expand their vocabulary, and better understand the world around them.
This year, the Kiwanis of Riverview continued their commitment to The Dictionary Project by distributing over 240 copies of A Student’s Dictionary & Gazetteer to third graders in the Riverview Community School District. This special edition, created exclusively for the project, contains 554 pages packed with valuable content—definitions, information on planets and animals, and even an American Sign Language chart. For many students, receiving their very own dictionary is a thrilling moment, and for some, it’s a tradition, following in the footsteps of older siblings who still cherish theirs.
Despite occasional claims that dictionaries are outdated, the positive impact they have on students is undeniable. As Kiwanis Director Andrew Swift notes, “Those who question the value of dictionaries should speak to one of the third graders who just received their very own educational resource—one that doesn’t rely on the internet or electricity.” The excitement and pride these students feel shows just how meaningful this gift is.
The Kiwanis of Riverview extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who made this year’s Dictionary Project a success, including the many generous sponsors who supported the initiative. By helping our students learn how to use this timeless tool, we are giving them the key to a lifetime of learning.
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Understanding how to use a dictionary is an essential skill for third graders, and it provides lifelong benefits that extend far beyond the classroom. The ability to look up words empowers students with the tools they need to build strong writing skills, engage in active reading, and think creatively. Third grade is a
