Trenton Times, November 25 – December 15, 2022

TRENTON GOODFELLOWS

A

new

partner helps the Goodfellows carry out holiday mission

Use donation envelope inside paper to provide Christmas for local needy children

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

What’s old is new again. The Trenton Goodfellows kicks off its newspaper drive this week, raising funds to make sure no child is without Christmas.

Assisting the group is The Trenton Times, a new publication in town bearing the name of a newspaper that produced the Goodfellows special edition paper for decades.

Perhaps a short history lesson is needed here.

Trenton has been fortunate to be home to a truly local paper. The Trenton Times had the distinction of being the oldest continuously published paper in Michigan until it was purchased by The News Herald Newspapers in 1987. In 2010, The Trenton Trib filled the void until it ceased operations in December 2021.

The Goodfellows weren’t sure how they would get a newspaper and donation envelope into the hands of residents this year, but having navigated the drive through the coronavirus pandemic, they were confident the issue would resolve itself.

When organizers gathered in April to map out plans for this year’s drive, Will Evans, President of Go Big Multimedia Group was on hand to get involved. He and his wife, Sherry, purchased The Trenton Times name and added the paper to its portfolio of monthly local newspapers.

And so, the tradition continues!

The Trenton Goodfellows has been providing Christmas cheer since the 1920s, when newspapers

were sold on street corners and distributed for donations during the city’s Christmas parades.

Known in the early days as the Old Newsboys, volunteers were just that; men who had paper routes when they were boys. At one point in its history, residents of Trenton and Riverview partnered to spread holiday cheer in both communities. Now, each city supports its own efforts.

Many of the core people involved with the Goodfellows have a personal connection to the cause. In his letter to the community, William Jasman, president, recalls how the Goodfellows provided boots for family members back in the 1940s.

Retired from DTE, Jasman supported the company’s local involvement, even more so after marrying then-City Clerk Kyle Stack, who was a champion for the cause until her death in 2019.

For siblings Terry Teifer and Trish Gearhart, their involvement is generational. Their grandfather, Paul E. Teifer Sr., used to stage Tin Can shows in town. A vaudeville performer, the elder Teifer would entertain audiences for canned goods, which were used to fill the Goodfellows’ food baskets delivered each Christmas.

Gearhart said several annual donors share their good fortune because they were on the receiving end of the Goodfellows compassion as youth.

A donation envelope is included in the paper so that residents can help the Goodfellows provide Christmas to neighbors in need. The focus for

holiday assistance is children from birth to 17.

The Goodfellows will provide parents or guardians with gift cards to do the shopping for their children. The group estimates it will need $28,000 to cover the costs for this year, anticipating the economy may increase the number of children needing help.

Until Covid, students and staff from Trenton Public Schools canvassed the city, going door-todoor ‘selling’ the special edition paper for donations.

While including the donation envelope in the paper has proved to be lucrative, organizers are hopeful that the door-to-door distribution can be part of the 2023 drive. Those efforts really made the drive a community project because residents of all ages took part.

In the absence of door-to-door sales, the schools are lending their support with a gift card collection. Through their generosity last year, the Goodfellows were able to offer families additional cards for things like gas.

If residents would like to donate a toy, there are collection boxes at City Hall and the Kennedy Recreation Center.

The target date for donations is Dec. 6 so they can be organized for distribution later that week.

If you know of a family whose situation will make it difficult to provide Christmas for their children, use the registration form on Page 4 or call the City Clerk’s office, 734-675-8600.

Your kindness can make a child’s Christmas

WILLIAM JASMAN President Trenton Goodfellows

Dear Fellow Residents, We hope you have enjoyed a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the end of the year with all its celebrations.

As this year’s Goodfellows drive gets underway, I have a little story to share.

It was 1946. My grandmother worked as a barmaid, had two girls and had been divorced for three years. It is cold in my hometown of Alpena, Michigan. Back then, winter temperatures averaged 20 to -20 fahrenheit.

The only gift the girls received that Christmas was

a new pair of shoes so their feet would not freeze as they walked to school. The gift came from the Alpena Goodfellows.

The mission of the Goodfellows in each community, including Trenton, is “No Child Without a Christmas.”

Although the method of collection has changed in recent years as we adjusted to the coronavirus pandemic, our focus has not wavered. We still have disadvantaged children who need help in your neighborhood. Your help is essential to helping us make sure that every child receives a present for Christmas and their families receive provisions for a holiday meal.

In this edition of The Trenton Times, an addressed

envelope has been enclosed for you to provide a monetary donation to assist our efforts. Your help is essential to helping us make sure that every child receives a present on Christmas morning. New toys are being collected, too, at Trenton City Hall and the Kennedy Recreation Center.

Although we are a step or three toward normal, we are not completely able to return to delivering the newspaper door-to-door. We are hopeful that in the future we can return to a more community-based drive.

Thank you for your donations - we can’t do our work without your continued generosity.

Collection of new footwear will help the needy TRENTON GOODFELLOWS

St. Joseph Catholic Church is resuming its St. Nicholas Shoe Drive, and organizers encourage residents to be ‘giving souls by giving soles’ to protect the feet of local men, women and children this winter.

The collection for new footwear will be held Dec. 4 and 5 and organizers have set a goal of 100 pairs. Since its inception, the Christian Service project has collected more than 1,500 pairs of shoes. Boots are also being accepted, along with gift cards that can be used at stores that sell footwear.

The collection honors St. Nicholas, a man who lived during the third century in what is now Turkey and is remembered each December by many cultures

and faiths for his anonymous generosity, especially toward children.

In honor of the good deeds of Nicholas, it is customary on the eve of Dec. 6 for children to leave their shoes on the steps or hearth in hopes that they will be filled overnight with edible gifts such as gold-foiled chocolate coins, an orange and perhaps a candy cane.

Many attributes of the third century saint are recognized in modern day Santa Clause.

St. Joseph Catholic Church is located at 2565 Third and St. Joseph streets. Drop off donations to the church the weekend of Dec. 4 and 5.

For more information about the giving soles collection, call 734676-9082.

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

TRENTON GOODFELLOWS

‘The Forgotten’ is the inspiration for Goodfellows

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Every year, there will be children wondering whether they will be forgotten this Christmas, like the little girl in this drawing, which appeared as an early 1900s editorial cartoon in a local newspaper.

The drawing was accompanied by the story of a young girl whose family could not celebrate Christmas because of financial hardship. Here we are, more than 100 years later, and her situation sounds very familiar.

Though simple, the 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 cartoon generated donations the year after it appeared and marked the beginning of a service organization that would evolve to be known as “Old Newsboys” and “Goodfellows,” as we more commonly know them today.

One has to wonder if the men who started the holiday assistance a century ago ever imagined how much help would be requested as the years progressed. Or, that so many children might still find themselves “forgotten” on Christmas morning.

Each year, Goodfellows are reminded of how timeless is the tale of the poor young girl. As the story goes, it all started when a local illustrator heard the sad story of a little girl who missed 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 Christmas.

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 appears to be a cold attic apartment.

May is quoted as saying he drew the cartoon to “spoil Christmas for every man and woman in Detroit who had remembered only themselves.”

It is not known if any holidays were spoiled, but 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.

In Detroit, tax collector, James Brady, who experienced poverty as a child, 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 be used to provide holiday meals, toys and sweets for poor families with children. It is fitting, then, that the name of the group would first be known as “Old Newsboys.” Many Detroit-area groups still operate under this name.

The mission of Goodfellows nationwide remains the same: “No Child Without a Christmas.”

The illustrations of the little girl, and the man carrying the young boy, can be found at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Additionally, a marble and bronze monument dedicated to Brady, who died in 1925 at the age of 47, can be found along Central Avenue on Belle Isle, Detroit.

TRENTON GOODFELLOWS

SHEILA R. MCAFEE

Boosting community spirit was high on the list of those organizing holiday events this year. Celebrate the season and reconnect with friends, neighbors and businesses at the activities that have been planned!

Small Business Saturday

Support local shops throughout Trenton on what has become a national celebration of the small business owner. The Vintage Market Mercantile West Jefferson is sponsoring another Sip, Shop and Stroll in downtown Trenton from noon to 4 p.m., and don’t overlook businesses along West Road.

Light the Night

The city officially welcomes the holiday Dec. 3, expanding the program to include activities before the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. Hosted by the Trenton Civic Commission, the fun is scheduled between 3 and 8 p.m. There will be shopping and dining, train rides for children, entertainment at the

Showmobile, fire barrels to take the chill off – all before the 6 p.m. Christmas Parade on West Jefferson, which leads to the Tree Lighting with Santa at City Hall. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served there and photo opportunities with the jolly elf will be available. Train rides will be stationed at West Jefferson and St. Joseph streets from 3 to 5 p.m., and the featured entertainers on the Showmobile are Sarah & Joel at 3 p.m., followed by Keelan Starr at 5 p.m.

“White Christmas”

The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC) is staging Irving Berlin’s classic musical at 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Trenton Village Theatre, 2447 W. Jefferson. Tickets range in price from $10 to $18, and can be purchased online at www.dypac.com

Victorian Tea

Several seats were still available at press time for a “spot o’ tea” at the Cultural Center, being served Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 8 at various times. Registration

is required for tickets that are $15 resident/$20 non-resident, and can be ordered at trentonmi.org/parksandrec

Holiday Glow

The farmhouse and grounds of the Cultural Center capture the spirit and charm of bygone holiday seasons, and is a favorite stop for many each year. The former home of Emily Bridge, 2427 West at Edsel roads, is decorated inside and out, featuring trees sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Visitors can cast their votes for a favorite tree when they stop by after 4 p.m. Dec. 9, 12, 13, 14 and 15, or when they attend the Victorian Teas or Santa visits. Winners will be announced Dec. 19.

Party at the Library

Trenton Veterans Memorial Library, 2790 Westfield and West roads, is hosting a Holiday Party for all ages from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 10. The afternoon program is free and includes a workshop on writing letters to the North Pole, a scavenger hunt and a craft. Cocoa and cookies will be served and K9 Officer

Stack is scheduled to stop by at 3 p.m.

Winter at the Refuge

Get some fresh air at The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Upcoming programs include Wildlife in Winter at 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Winter Birding at 11 a.m. Jan. 21, Winter Trees at 11 a.m. Feb. 25 and Our Wonderful Water at 11 a.m. March 28. Programs are free; register online at Trentonmi.org/ parksandrec

Christmas Skating Exhibition and Santa Skate

The ever popular afternoon event is Dec. 17 at the Kennedy Recreation Center, 3101 West Road. Figure skaters from the Parks and Recreation program will be showcased from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the opportunity to skate with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for the Exhibition; $4 to $7 for Santa Skate. Skate rental is $3. Participants can save a dollar on admission or skating by bringing a canned food item to “Stuff the Sleigh” for local food pantries.

TRENTON PARKS & RECREATION

Young, old, in between the city of Trenton has a program for you

Trenton Parks & Recreation is excited to be in the Trenton Times, especially since the times in Trenton have been getting better every day!

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes and out in the community, revamping programs like the Halloween Walk and debuting new ones.

Park improvements are set to begin at Lexington Park in the spring of 2023 and new pickleball courts and nets have been installed at Affholter Park.

Trenton Transportation is available for senior Trenton residents during the week. Please call our office at 734675-7300 if you or someone you know may be interested in learning more about our transportation services.

In addition to the senior programs and card clubs that have resumed, the Loan Closet is back up and running weekdays from 1 – 4.p.m. at the Westfield Center. For a small deposit, Trenton residents can check out items such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes. The deposit is refunded when the item is returned to the Loan Closet.

The Trenton Community Gardeners have been busy growing to give produce to our residents while also

adding beauty to our parks and facilities.

Our Fitness and Wellness programs have been well-attended and continue to expand in offerings, with several fitness pop-ups like Full Moon Aqua Yoga and Halloween Glow-Ga seeing a great turn out.

We hosted a Blue & Gold Skate and Friday Night Lights at the Pool in support of the middle school and high school football teams and cheerleaders. And we’re also recognizing the students in our community who receive Student of the Month by offering free open skating to anyone who brings their award up to the Kennedy Recreation Center. The Open Skate schedule can be found online at trentonmi.org/parksandrec.

From our Best Summer Ever to the Hometown Harvest, we’ve seen a wonderful return to recreation. And our department is ready to Welcome Winter!

We’re particularly excited about a brand new celebration coming to town: Frosty Fest! Trenton will be kicking off the New Year with Frosty Fest on Jan. 14, 2023. Frosty Fest is a family event that will be held at the Trenton Cultural Center from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The festivities will include a hot chocolate truck, outdoor picnic lunch, s’mores station, crafts and games.

Frosty Fest is designed to encourage residents of all ages to get outside, even in January. ($15 Res / $20 NonRes – Register online at trentonmi.og/ parksandrec).

The Parks & Rec team has changed and grown over the past few years. You can meet all of us in person at an event or head over to trentonmi. org/1133/Our-Team.

We’re truly here for the right reasons and want to make things fun. We’re ready to listen to ideas, solutions and concepts – so if you’ve

got an idea for programming, are interested in running a program or want to learn how to drive a Zamboni, come visit us at the rink and pick up an application!

If you’ve missed us as much as we’ve missed you, we’d love to see you at some of our upcoming winter programs. Whether it’s Skating with Santa, sipping tea at the Cultural Center, crafting it up at Westfield or strolling the parade downtown (December 3rd at 6 pm) , we hope to see you out and about, welcoming winter & enjoying everything that Trenton has to offer!

TRENTON SCHOOLS

October was post-secondary planning month

ANGELA SIGGIA

The Trenton High School Counseling office celebrated post-secondary planning throughout the month of October. This is very important for our seniors to ensure they are exploring and planning for their future.

All seniors are encouraged to have a plan for life after high school and the Trenton High School counseling office is committed to helping seniors reach their post-secondary goals.

During the month of October many in class activities and discussions revolved around postsecondary options and helping students find the right fit.

At Trenton High School, every senior met with their assigned counselor and was encouraged to explore the plethora of post-secondary options such as applying for a college, university, military, trade school or beginning in a career pathway.

During post-secondary planning month, students were motivated to apply to Michigan colleges because most were free for the month of

TPS Administrative Mentorship Program

DOUG MENTZER

Starting in just a couple of weeks (November 21, 2022), Trenton High School will utilize an opportunity to help three aspiring administrators determine if their next career step is working in the capacity of an administrator.

Due to Ms. Michelle Enochs upcoming maternity leave, Ms. Amy Terry, Ms. Nicole Zimmerman and Mr. James DeRupa will each take a turn serving in the role of an assistant principal (they have already collectively completed the Aspiring Administrator’s Academy through the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency – RESA).

Their respective tenure will be under the guidance of Mr. Thomas Kell.

Mr. Kell is a retired administrator from Wyandotte (principal at both the high school and middle school) and has agreed to serve as the facilitator/mentor for this group.

His wife, Linda, an Educational Improvement Consultant, has also offered to provide the team with opportunities for professional reflection in a formal

seminar.

Of course, Principal Diroff and Assistant Principal Trush will also be working hand in hand with each mentee along the way.

The basic expectations/elements of this experience are listed below.

Each person will serve three weeks with Mr. Kell. The first week will result in a five-day partnership. The second week will be marked by three days with their mentor; the last week will result in three days of independence.

This experience will serve as a professional opportunity. There is no guarantee of future employment in any role related to administration.

Mr. Kell will shadow Ms. Enochs starting November 23 (11/21 -11/23).

November 28 - Mr. Kell will begin his tenure as assistant principal.

December 5, 2022 – the program will kick off with Ms. Nicole Zimmerman.

Each candidate will share a short report that reflects their learning experience with the Trenton Public Schools’ Board of Education.

James DeRupa (left), Nicole Zimmerman and Amy Terry.

The music classes have been busy this school year singing, chanting, playing instruments and dancing in the music classroom! Parents will be invited into the school for an “Informance” this year.

An Informance is an informational and informal performance allowing the parents

to see what a typical music class looks like and the chance to hear and see what the students have been learning in class.

During the performance parents will be encouraged to sit, watch, participate and enjoy music with the students. Informances will take place in the newly constructed GCM - Gym, Cafeteria, Music Room.

Stay tuned for when your student will be “informing” you and inviting you to the school to experience music class.

To learn more about the elementary music program, visit their website at https:// tpselemusic.weebly.com/.

KELLY MILLER

We have begun the second year of the Superintendent Student Leadership Council. The goal is to help students understand the underlying elements of the school organizational process and connect THS student concerns to potential resolutions.

Ultimately, it is an organization that will strengthen communication, provide a student perspective/voice, and aim to move TPS forward!

After their second meeting, they identified the following action items:

To improve outreach regarding individualized post-graduate guidance. 2) To help organize and implement more productive/career planning activities through Trojan Pride. 3) To create a K-12 New Student Introduction/Orientation. 4) To hold a THS Club Fair.

On Nov. 15, this group of leaders embraced a half day workshop to begin work on outlining their corresponding action plan.

Our 2022-23 membership is made up of students from grades 9-12 and includes: Sarah Champagne, Maya Vines, London Williams, Hannah Gilliand, Giana Qualls, Liberty Bennett, Carl Pate, Joi Boswell, Madison Eilers, Matthew Johnson, Connor Brendel, Brooklyn Taylor, Faith Seog, Delaney King, Marisa Chuey, Solomon Tucker, Evelyn Tucker, Jack Skinner, Elizabeth Bogema, Brennan Gulliver and Addison Fitzsimmons.

DOUG MENTZER

Superintendent Parent Council 2022-23: Ready to help improve TPS!

DOUG MENTZER

The goal of this group is to understand underlying elements of organizational process and the relation to the strategic plan and connect community concerns to potential resolutions.

After two challenging, but constructive meetings, the group has settled on the following action items/ goals:

1) Core Values for each of our building levelselementary, AMS, THS - and an overall district AIM that will then move onto our administrative and respective staffs for completion.

2) Review our TPS MISSION & VISION STATEMENTS. Review and consider changes.

A) Ideas for future BRANDING of Trenton Public Schools.

B) Council INPUT FOR CRISIS TEAM/ SAFETY TEAM - what are high priority/specific items that you want to see/know are being addressed?

3) Parent Podcasts - lots of topics, short and concise podcast shares.

Our 2022-23 membership is made up of parents from grades 9-12 and includes: Jessica Ross, Erin Westfall, Robin Wilson, Kristyn Skwiera, Richard Benedetti, Richard Nagy, Jodi Robbins, Jennifer Mast, Evan Roze, David Fisher, Katherine Nelson, Jennifer Ferris, Raul Luna, Esther Graves and Brett Bennett.

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 1,300 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.

We Provide Peace of Mind

At Hedke Elementary 5th-grade students expanding their horizons

VINCE PORRECA

Thanks to three groups that the Trenton Public Schools partner with, our 5th graders have been able to expand their learning outside of our classrooms and get engaged in “real world” learning.

A Field Trip to Lansing

On Nov. 1-2, the 5th graders from Anderson and Hedke Elementary traveled by charter coach buses to Lansing to visit both the State Capitol building and the Michigan History Museum. Hedke teachers responded that this was “one of the best field trip experiences they have been to and only wished they had more time to spend at the capitol.”

The trip to Lansing was funded by the Trenton Education Foundation based on a grant request from Mr. Stephen Kowalski.

Given the rising costs of gas etc. the actual cost was going to exceed the initial grant funding so our transportation company Dean Transportation kindly lowered their price to meet our funding level. They provided two full charter buses with onboard

restrooms for our roughly four-hour round trip visit to Lansing.

Downriver Career Technical Consortium provides Career Education to 5th graders

In October and November both Anderson and Hedke 5th graders were also visited by high school students from the Downriver Career Technical Consortium (DCTC). This is a multidistrict program sponsored by downriver schools to provide career education programs for high school aged students. The DCTC mission is to expand the educational opportunities for students to receive career education.

THS offers Horticulture, Auto, Criminal Justice, Graphic Design, Wood work, Marketing, Digital Media and Television Production classes. Students from all of the DCTC schools can attend Trenton High School for these classes and THS students spend part of their days at other DCTC high schools taking courses in any of the following areas: Aviation Technology, Avionics Technology, Business Administration & Management, CAD Drafting, Construction Trades, Cosmetology,

Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts & Hospitality, Cybersecurity, Dental Science, Digital Multimedia, Engineering Drafting, Education Careers, Graphic Communications, Health Science, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning – Refrigeration (HVAC-R), Horticulture, Information Technology, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Marketing, Manufacturing Engineering & CNC Technology, Mechatronics, Video Projection/Digital Media, Welding & Fabrication.

Our 5th graders were given a career interest survey and were able to meet with high school students from five of the programs including horticulture, Health, Culinary Arts, Education and Digital Media.

The DCTC students brought hands-on material for our students to investigate and their own experiences to share and discuss with our students.

We hope this is a way for our 5th graders to begin to explore the world of careers, work and education beyond their time in the Trenton Schools.

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Thanks to a grant, trail signage competed in Trenton

Trenton Trail Town was awarded a 2021 America Walks General Motors Change Grant and has completed installation of wayfinding signage throughout Downtown Trenton and the Iron Belle Trail along West Jefferson from Sibley Rd to Vreeland.

Signage allows cyclists and pedestrians safely marked directional routes for recreating along the trail system. The Downriver Linked Greenways provided a mapping

study to Trenton’s DPS staff and Russ Foster, Grounds and Forestry Supervisor that was used to place the signs in designated locations.

The Community Change Grant program supports the growing network of advocates, organizations, and agencies working to advance walkability. Grants are awarded to innovative, engaging, and inclusive programs and projects. These projects create a real, tangible opportunity

for walking and movement at the community level. Applications for these grants were received in 2021 and the awardees will work to complete their projects in 2022.

Trail Town partnered with the Trenton Rotary Club to promote the signage and trail usage in midOctober.

Almost 70 people participated in the Slow Roll which began and ended at a local restaurant, the Roundhouse,

where participants enjoyed food, beverage and lawn games.

Participants overwhelmingly supported having more events like this on a regular basis and with club shirts. The Committee will meet in November to discuss future Slow Rolls.

If you are interested in joining a mailing list for more information, please send a request to Wendy Pate at wendylynnpate@gmail.com.

Sayonara, Dad

Gilbert Rose of Chelsea Menswear passes away at 87

I find as I sit down to write this column that I am at a loss for words. Not like me, right?

But this is hard: My father, Gilbert E. Rose, died early Wednesday morning, the 26th of October, a month after my mother Arlene died. Our family has long been vocally grateful for the fact that we are all still here. In quite short order, that has changed, but the gratitude remains.

PETER ROSE

I think it’s remarkable that I got to work with and learn from my dad for 50 years. In a very real way, though, that makes it harder.

He was here every day of the year. He was the first one here nearly every day, too. So as I walked in, I saw the familiarity of my father at his desk, already on the phone dealing with something first thing in the morning.

The familiarity, routine and longevity of that morning greeting was absolutely taken for granted until he had a stroke in December of 2021. He arrived here in 1962 to lend a hand to a men’s and women’s business that was just poking along since its inception in 1943. By the time I joined the family business in 1972, we were a company of five stores, and Wyandotte had a new anchor store in the Willow Tree.

Chelsea got a new front in 1971 which remains today. Maybe it’s only in my own mind, but I see it as iconic. Whatever, it was and is unique. As was he.

When the phrase “never give up” is spoken, it is understood that it refers to Gilbert Rose.

It would be easy to delve into specific accomplishments over the course of his 60 year time in the business, but I don’t want to. What I want to do is paint the true picture of my father, who was, in a word, relentless.

He got so many things accomplished here in Wyandotte because he just never quit on the things he championed. He didn’t win ‘em all, but if he believed in a project,

he found the way, nearly every time. He didn’t do it for the credit. He just wanted improvements made in the world in which he did business.

People that appreciate his efforts over the decades see him as being civic minded, and of course, it’s true.

But the greater truth is so simple it disarms. My father simply felt that everywhere he went was his own front yard.

Indeed, people are lamenting now and remembering now his obsessiveness in doing his part in the parking lot behind Chelsea, which was littered every night by people that think their mess is for my father to pick up. He groused about it, you bet. But he never stopped. He didn’t just walk by litter, it irritated him, wrecked his view of his surroundings. I’m not kidding or over-exaggerating at all. He picked it up and disposed of it, every single time he saw it.

He was also intensely interested in goings on in and around the downtown that may or may not have an impact on the viability and vitality of Wyandotte and all of Downriver.

He was interested, period. Which made him very interesting to talk to, and a great source of information on any new project, big or small, that was in the works.

Like me, he was amazed by the extent of the investment in this city, through local people’s passions and obsessions and money, and with an understanding of what Wyandotte and Downriver are. Wyandotte finally reached a level that tips us into a growth mode, hopefully for a long time to come. And he got to see that happen.

And you know what? All it did was raise the bar. Because one of the driving forces of Gilbert Rose was being perpetually dissatisfied.

In his business and in his civic engagement, he saw things that were not as good as they could and should be, and went after fixing them, or directing the attention of the proper departments of the City to get things fixed and improved. That wish for betterment rubbed off on me.

I am both very much like him and very different, of course.

Over the course of the years together, there were countless things we disagreed on, and still kept going, getting it done. Over that same course of time, we both enjoyed the ability to share successes and figure it out when things went wrong, together. For a long time.

Since his stroke, he has not been in the store. I no longer got to see him in the surroundings he created, at his desk with an urgency, every day of the year. Get something done today! Not as a criticism, but as an exhortation to do more, and do it better.

It was Gilbert that gave me the book that ultimately opened my eyes to what became an obsession of mine (which I communicate all the time). He helped me and my brothers throughout our lives, and others, too.

I am grateful beyond anything these words can convey, and I miss him tremendously already, along with my mom.

I am proud to be their son.

And while all of this may seem a bit much, consider that more than anything else, I got to hang out with my parents for 68 years. Not all bad.

Gilbert Rose left an impression. He made a mark. He made things better. He did the best he could, as he said to me the day before he left.

Yes, you did, Dad. You were a very good man.

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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 Black Friday to Cyber Monday to Burgundy Tuesday

By Marohn Campena, GR Senior

As we celebrate during this season of giving and holiday cheer, Gabriel Richard Catholic High School wishes to ask for your help in raising money for our school. Thanks to the generosity of our families, friends, and alumni, Gabriel Richard has been able to provide several enhancements to the school in recent years. With donations from previous years, Gabriel Richard had been able to install air conditioners in all of its classrooms, renovate the chemistry lab, and create a weight room for all students and staff to use, as well as install a brand new athletic track. As we approach Tuesday, November 29, the National Day of Giving, Gabriel Richard is asking for your help in donating to the advancement of technology and school safety. Gabriel Richard has started the “Road to Burgundy Tuesday” campaign having raised over $22,000 less than 36 hours after launching said campaign. The school’s goal is to raise $50,000 by the conclusion of Giving (Burgundy) Tuesday. Any and all donations are tremendously appreciated. On behalf of the school and student body we thank all of our generous donors who have and continue to contribute to what is the best college-prep education downriver in a safe and faith-filled environment. If you would like to donate to Gabriel Richard this Giving Tuesday, you can visit www. gabrielrichard.org and click “Donate Now.” Gabriel Richard wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas!

October. In addition, THS had over 20 representatives from college, universities, military branches and trade schools visit with groups and meet with students individually for a more in depth discussion around their post-secondary plans.

We continue to have visits during the school day and they can be found at College Visit Sign-Up.

Our Financial Aid night was in October and it was information given to help all THS parents and students navigate the tedious financial aid process.

In addition, the meeting was followed by a Q & A session for parents and students to have the ability to ask questions about specific post-secondary options and financial solutions. If you parents or student were unable to make it, the following resource is helpful: Financial Aid Help

Toward the end of October, the THS Counseling office organized a post-secondary planning week for all THS students. During this week students were given teacher led

activities in Trojan Pride to explore and discuss post-secondary options, resources and direction.

Each day of the last week of October had a theme and students and THS staff were encouraged to support the theme of the day by dressing up and volunteering for activities. College workshops were offered for one on one help with a THS counselor.

These workshops were open to all seniors and created to help with post-secondary applications, common applications and Parchment.com.

These workshops are for seniors navigating the post-secondary process and as an opportunity to ask common senior questions about the next step.

Lastly, we finished the postsecondary planning week up with a cafeteria lawn tailgate party involving healthy rivalry between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. During both lunches students were invited to play lawn games, create friendships and share stories and food. Our THS cafeteria staff provided grilled tailgate food and it was fabulous weather! We are very thankful for all students and staff that participated!

Tree City Trenton gets a boost from ReLeaf Foundation

Trenton, a Tree City for more than three decades, recently had its tree stock supplemented by 20 new trees planted among new housing in the city.

ReLeaf MI, DTE Foundation, Kevin Sargent, Holly Krawczyk, Russell Foster, DPS staff, Sam Sawnick, Trenton NHS students, Trenton varsity hockey team, Trenton MI Gardners, City Beautiful Commission, neighbors and volunteers came out to plant 20 trees along the newer homes on Arthur’s court in Trenton.

Trees bring the benefits of cooler temps, cleaner air, higher property values, healthier residents, and provide a sense of place and home. Congrats to these homeowners!

Trenton has been a designated Tree City USA for over 32 years, one of roughly 3,600 in the country. There are 25,000-plus trees in Trenton!

The Tree City USA program provides communities with a fourstep framework to maintain and grow their tree cover. It also gives them an avenue to celebrate their work, showing residents, visitors, and the

entire country that they’re committed to the mission of environmental change.

Last year, Tree City USA invested $1.4 billion in urban forestry and planted almost 1 million trees.

ReLeaf MI is the only statewide tree planting nonprofit.

They planted 20 trees at Anderson Elementary back in 2000 and 18 at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge as well. Overall, they’ve planted 30,000 trees in 30 years.

ReLeaf Michigan works with communities and organizations throughout Michigan to protect and restore our urban tree canopies.

Founded by some of the most respected arborists in the state, ReLeaf Michigan plants the Right Tree in the Right Place at the Right Time to ensure each tree thrives for generations to come.

The group is active in more than 650 communities throughout the state and, through community workshops, increases awareness of the important benefits trees provide.

TREE

Continued from page 28

Our communities are stronger when they are greener. People are healthier, the air is cleaner, infrastructure is more efficient, and the economy is stronger with trees.

ReLeaf offers on-site workshops to community forums and school children on why trees are important, how to choose the right tree and proper care to grow healthy, long living trees. Every presentation is tailored to the needs of the community.

ReLeaf plants trees to rebuild Michigan’s urban and rural tree canopies. The plantings are done in partnership with cities, townships, villages, youth groups, neighborhoods, schools and other volunteer groups. All planting volunteers learn how to properly plant and care for trees.

Additionally, the Great Lakes account for approximately 94 percent of North America’s freshwater, and trees have a direct relationship with a region’s water quality. WReLeaf works with communities to ensure their water is clean and safe by planting trees which naturally filter and protect.

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Trenton falls in football regional finals

HANK MINCKIEWICZ

Trenton’s best high school football season in nearly 2 1/2 decades came to a close on Farrar Field on Nov. 11 when the Trojans lost a 24-21 halftime lead and fell to Mason 49-30.

The loss left the Trojans with a final record of 102, the best mark since the 1998 team posted an 11-1 mark.

This season the Trojans shared a Downriver League title and won a district championship by beating Carlson, the other co-champ and the only team to deal Trenton a loss during the regular season. With the win, undefeated Mason (12-0) advanced to the Division 3 state semifinals against Detroit Martin Luther King.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association regional championship game started well for the Trojans, who kept the Bulldogs backed up through most of the first quarter, thanks to the punting of Austin Toth, who played another great playoff game.

When the offenses did get moving, Trenton went toe-to-toe with the Capitol Area Activities Association - Red Division champions.

Mason scored first in the game and the rest of the half was a back-and-forth affair. Mason led 7-0. Trenton tied at 7-all. Mason led 14-7. Trenton tied it at 14-all. Mason led 21-14. Trenton tied it at 21-21 with just 21 seconds until halftime.

A Trenton onside kick then worked and the Trojans had one more possession.

Quarterback Ty Norgren completed a 12-yard pass and then a pass interference penalty gave the Trojans one untimed down and with that extra play, Gabe Push came on and boomed a 39-yard field goal through the southern uprights to give the Trjans their first – and only –lead of the night.

Trenton left the field with a 24-21 edge and all the momentum.

That momentum lasted only about as long as the 20 minute intermission as Mason came out and took control of the game early in the second half.

The Bulldogs took the second half kickoff and marched 58 yards in five plays to score and retake the lead. The drive lasted less than two minutes.

It was the start of a half that would see Mason score four second-half touchdowns. Mason punted just once in the second half and Toth stopped another Mason drive with a pass interception. It was Toth’s fourth interception in the past two games, as he had three of them in the win over Carlson.

Mason marched around the field at will in the second half and built a 49-24 lead before Toth scooped and scored with a 62-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the game’s closing minute.

Trenton had 257 yards in the game but only 53 in the second half.

Toth was the star of the night for the home team. In addition to his scoop-and-score touchdown, his pass interception and his punting, he caught three touchdown passes from Norgren and accounted for 24 of his team’s 30 points.

For the game, Toth caught eight balls for 185 yards and the three touchdowns.

He got the scoring started for his team in the first quarter when he caught a beautiful 44-yard bomb from Norgren. In the second quarter he split the seam in the middle of the Mason defense and Norgren delivered a 37-yard scoring pass. Finally, in the closing minute of the first half, Toth caught an eight-yard touchdown pass. That third touchdown was set up by catches of 40 and 18 yards by the senior.

Norgren was Trenton’s leading rusher in the game with 67 yards, which included three sacks. The Mason defense did a good job of halting Trenton’s usually potent rushing game and it forced Norgren to pass way more than at any time this season. Norgren passed for 210 yards, but was just 11-of-26 and had

one pass interception in his final high school game.

A week earlier, Trenton celebrated a revenge victory over Carlson, a team that had beaten them 27-6 in the fourth week of the season.

In the playoff match-up, Trenton turned the tables winning 17-7.

The playoff game was a defensive battle with neither offense gaining much traction in the first half. Trenton led 3-0 at halftime, thanks to a short field goal by Push. That kick was set up by a blocked punt that Toth returned to the Carlson 35-yard line.

Toth helped keep the Carlson offense off balance with his three pass interceptions and Norgren, who missed the first meeting with Carlson due to an injury, scored twice in the fourth quarter to seal the win. He finished the game with 115 rushing yards.

Trenton started its playoff run with a 34-27 victory over stubborn Southgate Anderson team.

Norgren and Nate Ariganello each went over 100 yards rushing in that game. Norgren had 151 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns and junior Ariganello had 118 yards on 15 carries and two scores. Toth chipped in with a 22-yard carry and a 36-yard pass reception.

Trenton’s defense had Mason bottled up pretty well in the early part of their playoff game on Nov. 11, but the Bulldogs later got loose and scored a 49-30 win over the Trojans, ending Trenton’s season with a 10-2 record.

Photo by Dave Chapman

History-makers

The 2022 high school football season will go down in history as a great one for the Trenton Trojans. The 2022 Trojans went 7-1 in Downriver League play and shared the league championship with Carlson. In the MHSAA state playoffs, the Trojans beat Southgate Anderson and then avenged their only regular-season loss by beating Carlson 17-7 to win the first district football championship in school history. The historic season came to a close on Nov. 11 when the Trojans were beaten by visiting Mason 49-30.

Photos by Dave Chapman

Rotary to bring fresh water to Africa

District

Trenton Rotary aids Salvation Army

Trenton Rotary Clubs led Southern Wayne County in fundraising for the Downriver Branch of the Salvation Army.

Last year’s drive held by the club raised over $38,000.

The Trenton Rotary also helps with Coats for kids served by the Salvation Army and also helps out in the Toy Shop.

Please support the Trenton Rotary when they are out manning several locations Dec. 9-10.

Each dollar goes into serving people in Downriver. Sometimes, there are matching donations for $20, ask the Rotarian if the match is going on. Each Rotarian uses a different method of raising funds.

A young girl gets her first taste of fresh water. Courtesy of Bill Jasman

Lou Ann McLlllwain of Grosse Ile and the Grosse Ile Rotary Club dances with other participants and villagers in the Ghana village of Subinso in Central Ghana.

Rotarians and guests traveled to Ghana to rebuild a school and deliver 300 schoolbags, 250 days for girls kits, open up seven new water wells and learn about the plight of the villagers around central Chana from Fosu to Cape coast Ghana.